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About Us
Our faculty

Meet the people behind the music.

Our instructors aren't just talented musicians — they're passionate teachers who genuinely care about every student's journey. Every one of them brings their own story, expertise, and love of music to the classroom.

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Joshua "JMo" Morales
President & CEO · Founder
Joshua started playing music at age 6, performing in Mariachi, band, piano, and choir throughout school. By 16 he was already teaching at Mariachi Conferences. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Music Performance (2007 & 2009) and a second Master's in Education (2011) from NM Highlands University. After 14 years teaching guitar, piano, band, and choir — including being named District 7 Honor Guitar Director (2019) and Albuquerque's "Over and Above" Teacher of the Year (2020) — he launched Cadenza School of Music in 2021.
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Rebecca Morales
Co-President & CEO
Rebecca has carried a love for the arts her entire life — from ballet and hip hop dance through high school, to choir and musical theater where she met Joshua. She earned a Culinary Arts degree with highest honors (Phi Theta Kappa), built a successful cake decorating business, and spent 3 years with the Disney Company honing her business and community skills. She now brings her passion for the arts and community to running Cadenza alongside her husband.
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Mercadyz Morales
Teacher · Piano & Voice
A performing arts school graduate with training in piano, voice, gymnastics, and dance. She attended a performing arts middle and high school, performed with dance studios, and was a competitive gymnast. Now studying at CNM with plans for a music and education degree, she brings energy and talent to every class.
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Yolanda Morales
Teacher · Piano
A school teacher for over 30 years and Joshua's mother and very first piano teacher. Yolanda began playing piano at a young age and has continued throughout her life. She spent her career teaching bilingual education in elementary schools across Texas and New Mexico, and now brings that wealth of experience and warmth to Cadenza's piano program.
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Acalia Morales
Musical Theater Director
Acalia grew up immersed in music, dance, and drama, attending a performing arts middle and high school where she developed a deep love for theater. She has done various stage shows and background acting on TV. Currently a teacher at KinderCare and studying at CNM, she leads Cadenza's musical theater department with heart and creativity.
Teaching Interns — students who became instructors
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Lina Mancia
Teacher Intern · Piano
Lina began as a student at JMo's and showed natural talent from the start. She quickly rose to become one of Cadenza's top pianists and now passes that passion on to the next generation of students.
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Caleb Groff
Teacher Intern · Guitar
Caleb started as a complete beginner at JMo's and excelled at a remarkable pace. His incredible talent and passion for guitar have grown quickly, and he now gives back by working with the up-and-coming students in the program.
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Jade Nez
Teacher Intern · Drums
One of the original 6 students who helped launch Cadenza in 2021. Jade has been a strong presence across guitar, piano, and drums, but found her true calling behind the kit. She now shares that joy with the next wave of Cadenza drummers.

🎵  We are a family business — local to New Mexico, built on music, and genuinely invested in every student who walks through our doors. When you join Cadenza, you don't just get lessons. You become part of our family.