At BCC Music Houston, our team is more than instructors and staff — we're passionate musicians, educators, and mentors dedicated to inspiring the next generation. As part of our “Meet Our Staff” blog series, we invited each team member to share their musical journey, personality, and what makes teaching at BCC so special.
Want to read the full interviews and see how our staff answered fun questions from our students? Head over to our blog to explore each feature!

Our Team

  • David Burbano, Co-Founder and Instructor

    At BCC Music Houston, we’re proud to introduce the heart and co-founder of our school, Mr. David Burbano. With over 30 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students reach their goals, Mr. David brings a lifetime of musical knowledge, talent, and heart to every lesson.

    A Musical Journey That Started with the Flute

    Mr. David began his musical training as a child in Colombia, taking private lessons at the local conservatory. He originally wanted to play the flute, but life had other plans! Over time, his musical path expanded to include cello, piano and other instruments — all of which he now teaches at BCC.

    He studied at a conservatory and then at the university level, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in piano performance and accompaniment in Colombia and a master's degree in film orchestration in Brazil.

    A Career that Spans Continents

    Mr. David’s musical career goes beyond the classroom. He has performed with symphonies, played in touring jazz bands, latin artists, composed music and orchestration for films in Latin America. One of his proudest accomplishments? Creating the music and orchestration for a documentary produced across three different countries. He also worked with Universal Studios (music post-production).

    His Teaching Style: Interactive and Student-Focused

    If you ask Mr. David what he loves most about teaching, his answer is simple: “To see when my students accomplish their goals.” His teaching style is very interactive, and he tailors each lesson to the student’s level, blending his own teaching method with well-known approaches like Suzuki, John Thompson, and ABRSM.

    He hopes that every student leaves class feeling confident, encouraged, and like they’re making progress.

    Words of Encouragement

    Mr. David always reminds his students:

    “The more you advance in music, the more questions you are going to have. This is a wonderful thing, because it means you're making progress and moving forward.”

    We are incredibly lucky to have such a passionate, experienced, and dedicated teacher like Mr. David leading our BCC Music Houston family.

  • Vivian Burbano, Co-Founder and Instructor

    If you've ever walked into BCC Music Houston and been greeted by a warm smile and the sounds of little voices singing Disney songs, chances are you’ve met Ms. Vivian Burbano! She's been with BCC since the very beginning — in fact, she co-founded the school with her husband — and has been teaching piano and voice for over 13 years.

    Born in Colombia and fluent in both Spanish and English, Ms. Vivian brings joy, structure, and a deep love of music to every lesson. She studied music at the University of St. Thomas and holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance. Inspired by her choir teacher and the voice of Luciano Pavarotti, she followed her passion with heart and determination.

    Teaching Little Ones with Big Joy

    Ms. Vivian truly lights up when she’s teaching young beginners — especially when they perform their very first Christmas song or sing their favorite Disney tune. Her teaching style is interactive, playful, and full of creativity. Whether she’s using games to help students learn or guiding them through the John Thompson method or ABRSM material, she’s always focused on keeping music both educational and fun.

    “Music is fun and we can express our feelings through it,” she says — a philosophy she brings into every class.

    Musical Memories & Favorite Things

    When she’s not teaching, you might catch Ms. Vivian listening to jazz greats like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, or revisiting the sacred choral music and opera she loves. One of her most treasured memories? Performing in her graduation recitals at the University of St. Thomas.

    A Message from Ms. Vivian

    “You are the most amazing person that God has created! You are capable, smart, loved, talented, courageous, friendly, and confident. Don’t ever stop believing in your dreams and goals. Keep doing and working on what you love. When you least expect it, you’ll be walking into your dreams becoming reality.”

    – Love and blessings,
    Ms. Vivian Burbano

  • Diana Jimenez, Instructor

    If you’ve ever passed by one of our classrooms and heard someone singing with passion, guiding a student with confidence, or encouraging a shy performer to shine — chances are, you’ve met Ms. Diana.

    Though she tends to keep to herself, Ms. Diana’s heart speaks volumes through her music. She’s the youngest of the BCC sister trio (yes, she’s Ms. Vivian and Ms. Johanna’s sister!), and while she may be more private than her siblings, her presence is full of warmth, creativity, and a deep love for teaching.

    A Musical Journey from Home

    Diana grew up in a highly musical family in Colombia, singing a cappella with her parents and her sisters and joining church choirs at a young age. Her dad directed the choir, and her home was constantly filled with music. She started formal vocal training at 14 and studied under the guidance of classical vocal coach Frances Fenton, later studied classical music in college to further grow her career and strengthen her musical foundation. She now teaches voice, piano (using the John Thompson method), and violin (Suzuki), and tailors her approach to each student’s needs.

    Teaching With Heart

    She’s been teaching for 13 years and has been with BCC since day one — 10 years and counting! Her favorite part? Witnessing the “click” — the moment something finally makes sense to a student. Whether it’s understanding how to read music or nailing a tricky passage, she lives for that breakthrough.

    Her teaching style? “I’m calm, patient, but I also like to make the most of the time we have.” She encourages students to read music well — not just to play to pieces, but because “it frees them to communicate with other musicians effectively.”

    Musical Moments & Mischief

    Ms. Diana loves classical music, Disney songs, and anything from musicals. She’ll never forget the days she used to drive her sister Johanna crazy by singing and humming nonstop all day long (yes, all day). Her first performance? “Are You Sleeping Brother John” on piano — a moment she still remembers.

    Words of Wisdom from Ms. Diana

    “When you get to a difficult moment in your playing journey, like a piece that’s very difficult for you, keep at it and don’t give up. Be kind to yourself in the process. Weeks or months later you’ll think back… “Oh, this used to be very hard for me.” Now this piece will become the stepping stone for a bigger piece as you continue to grow.”

    Whether she’s teaching voice, piano, or violin, Ms. Diana brings a calm, thoughtful presence that helps her students feel seen, heard, and capable. Her gentle nature, combined with her musical depth and high standards, make her a beloved teacher across all ages.

  • Javier Perez, Instructor

    Mr. Javier Pérez Rey, one of our warm and dedicated guitar and ukulele instructors here at BCC Music Houston! With over 30 years of teaching experience and nearly a year as part of the BCC family, Mr. Javier brings both passion and depth to every lesson.

    A Musical Journey from Cuba to Houston

    Mr. Javier’s musical story began at a young age in Cuba, inspired by his parents’ love for music. His formal training spans many years at the conservatory in his city, followed by advanced studies at the university. He is a proud graduate of the Higher Institute of Art in Havana and has performed professionally for many years as part of the acclaimed Savarez Guitar Duo—a group that gained international recognition for their work.

    He specializes in classical guitar, following the Tarrega school method, and has a deep love for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the Baroque era and Glenn Gould (Canadian classical pianist). His favorite pieces to play? Forbidden Games and Romance, two timeless classics by an unknown composer.

    Teaching with Heart and Clarity

    Mr. Javier’s teaching style is grounded in patience, clarity, and encouragement. “I always try to clarify students' doubts,” he says. “I love seeing the growth of students' skills.” He hopes that every student walks away from his class with more than just musical knowledge—he hopes they carry a deep love and respect for music, something he believes makes us all better people.

  • Leyanis Perez, Instructor

    Instrument(s) taught at BCC: Piano, Flute (Transverse)
    Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, English
    From: Cuba
    Years teaching: 15 years (joined BCC 2 months ago)

    Musical Journey

    From a very young age, Leyanis knew music was her calling.
    “I have always loved music,” she shares. “When I was nine years old, I auditioned for a specialized arts program, passed the aptitude test, and was accepted.”

    Her training began at a vocational art school where she studied for five years before being selected for advanced studies at the Conservatorio de Música Esteban Salas. After four years there, she completed her degree at the University of the Arts (ISA) in Havana, graduating with a Bachelors in Music.

    Her specialties include Flute, Piano, Keyboard, Music Theory, Music History, Musical Analysis, and Harmony.

    Professional Experience

    Leyanis has taught in conservatories, music schools, and privately in both Cuba and Brazil. She has also performed extensively — as part of flute quintets, symphonies, symphonic bands, and quartets, and as a soloist.
    “These experiences have given me some of my most treasured musical memories,” she says.

    Teaching Philosophy

    What she loves most about teaching is sharing her passion for piano, flute, music theory, and music history. Her teaching style is grounded in patience and encouragement.

    She hopes every student leaves her class knowing:
    "Even if something seems difficult at first, with perseverance and consistency, we can achieve our dreams."

  • Johanna Jimenez, Administrator

    If you've ever called, emailed, or walked into BCC Music Houston, chances are you've spoken to or been helped by the always-smiling Ms. Johanna Jimenez, our incredible School Administrator. She's the one juggling recital plans, instructor updates, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

    Though she’s officially been in the role for a year and a half, Johanna has been part of the BCC family since the very beginning, helping her sister Ms. Vivian and brother-in-law Mr. David bring their dream of a music school to life. Raised in a classically inclined family in Colombia, her childhood home was filled with the sounds of classical and sacred music. Some of her fondest memories include singing with her sisters and parents, and blissfully napping during symphony concerts her parents would take them to. At school, Johanna was always the first to volunteer as a dancer and the one making everyone laugh — a trait she proudly still carries with her today. She moved to the U.S. 30 years ago and brings creativity, joy, and structure to everything she does.

    A Day in the Life at BCC

    Johanna’s favorite part of the job?

    “I get to talk to people!”

    But there’s way more going on behind the scenes. She starts planning recitals four months in advance, drafts performance orders, and keeps the lines of communication open with instructors and families. One of her proudest moments?

    “Watching the students perform and seeing the joy on their families' faces!”

    Music, a Touch of Holiday Cheer, and Royalty?

    Ms. Johanna plays the cello (she named her cello, Cellia Cruz), and when it comes to musical idols, she looks up to the legendary cellists Jacqueline du Pré, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mischa Maisky. She secretly hopes that just by listening to their music often enough, she might absorb their incredible musical knowledge by osmosis.

    Her music taste depends on her mood:

    Studying a new piece? She listens to the piece on repeat.

    Cleaning? Cue the Colombian music.

    Feeling down? It’s time for Christmas tunes.

    Reading? Instrumentals only.

    She’s a fan of musicals (especially Mamma Mia and White Christmas), a big fan of singer Andrea Bocelli, and of the late Queen Elizabeth (she found out there was an actual queen when she was five years old — and the rest is history).

    Oh — and she loves red pandas, collects gnomes, and owns way too many coffee mugs.

    A Life Full of Story & Spirit

    Beyond BCC, Ms. Johanna is an Army veteran and a gifted artisan — not just by skill, but by heart. Her love for creating started early; at just seven years old, she handmade a table runner for her mother for Mother's Day, designing and needlepointing tiny vegetables around the border. She studied art, dressmaking, and design, and is still the go-to person when her sisters need something mended or creatively fixed. She loves to recreate things she sees in stores, always has two books in her backpack (one for entertainment and one for learning), journals daily (and carries her journal everywhere she goes), and pours her heart into everything she does.

    We’re blessed that she’s part of the BCC family.