QueenBee, Francesca Valle

Voice Coach • Producer • Creative Strategist • Founder of BugByte Studios

Francesca Valle is the visionary behind BugByte Studios—an award-winning vocalist, voice coach, songwriter, producer, educator, and creative strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding artists from their first vocal warm-up to their first international tour. Her rare combination of skills—equal parts performer, technician, mentor, and business builder—has made her a trusted name in modern vocal pedagogy and a go-to collaborator for emerging and established artists alike.

As a producer and arranger, Francesca has shaped the sound of countless recordings, from solo albums to ensemble projects, working across genres with an ear for detail and a heart for storytelling. Her own career as a multi-instrumentalist and performer has taken her across four continents, onto major stages, into iconic studios, and in front of global audiences. She’s released solo albums, written and arranged for others, and helped artists translate their creative spark into finished, compelling work.

As an entrepreneur, Francesca built BugByte to serve the whole artist—from voice lessons and songwriting to remote recording, brand coaching, and performance mentorship. Every service offered at BugByte was either created by Francesca directly or guided under her mentorship. She also founded WiseJack, a business and marketing consultancy that helps creatives build ethical, sustainable businesses using clear systems and strategic tools—without selling out their values.

Kinnie Dye BubByte Studios

QueenBee, Kinnie Dye

Performer • Vocal Coach • Songwriter • BugByte Co-Founder

Kinnie Dye is a powerhouse performer, seasoned vocal coach, and foundational leader at BugByte Studios. Raised in Oklahoma and singing before she could read, Kinnie studied under the legendary Florence Birdwell at Oklahoma City University—an influence that shaped not only her vocal artistry, but her deep, intuitive teaching style.

After college, Kinnie toured nationally with Broadway productions, sharpening her skills in some of the most demanding performance environments in the country. She later moved into the indie music scene, touring coast to coast and building a diverse career as a solo artist, collaborator, and session vocalist. Her original music is available on all major platforms, and she’s written dozens of custom love songs for couples across the country—one of her favorite creative gigs.

Kinnie is also a passionate mentor and community builder. She was a founding member of Rock & Roll Camp for Girls San Diego, where she coached and empowered hundreds of young artists through their first experiences with instruments, bands, and original songwriting. Her boundless optimism and infectious energy make her a favorite among students and fellow teachers alike.

Now based in Washington, DC, Kinnie continues to write, perform, and teach with heart. She was one of BugByte’s very first collaborators and played a key role in shaping its inclusive, artist-forward model. She now shares the title of QueenBee with founder Francesca Valle—a testament to her creativity, wisdom, and the deep trust she inspires throughout the Hive.

Eulis Kay BugByte Studios

NurseBee, Eulis Kay

Vocalist • Multi-Instrumentalist • Performer • Arranger

Eulis Kay is a genre-crossing vocalist, instrumentalist, and performer with a rich career spanning opera, musical theatre, a cappella, jazz, and live stage productions across the globe. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eulis began his musical journey at age 10 with the clarinet, later expanding into vocal performance, which became his true calling. After initially majoring in Clarinet Performance at California State University, Los Angeles, he shifted focus in 2003 to vocal performance and never looked back.

His work as a singer and performer has taken him from intimate theatre productions (Little Shop of Horrors, The Fantasticks) to large-scale productions with Disney (both Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort). He has sung with ensembles like The Pacific Chorale and Five of Five A Cappella, appeared in operas such as The Medium and Hansel und Gretel, and built a parallel career as a session singer, arranger, church musician, and actor in both film and television.

Now based in Southern California, Eulis works throughout the Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego regions, performing, teaching, writing, and arranging. As a teacher, he is known for his intuitive ear, musical fluency, and a sincere dedication to student growth. His students describe him as “game-changing” and “transformational,” and it’s easy to see why: Eulis meets each artist with depth, insight, and the kind of encouragement that pushes creative work to the next level.

Kahlil Nash BugByte Studios

NurseBee, Kahlil Nash

Recording Artist • Multi-Instrumentalist • Producer • Mentor to Emerging Artists

Kahlil Nash is a San Diego-based recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose music career began before he could even write his own name. A graduate of SDSCPA and The Sound Academy, Kahlil started performing at age 3 and released his first self-written EP by 13. In 2021, he became one of the youngest artists ever nominated for a San Diego Music Award for his self-produced sophomore album.

Over the past decade, Kahlil has built a dynamic career as a performer and collaborator—recording or sharing stages with artists like Bootsy Collins, Andra Day, and Mike-N-Keys. He works for hire as a guitarist, pianist, drummer, and singer, and is currently producing multiple projects for SoCal-based artists. His music has brought him to stages including the Hard Rock Café (residency), House of Blues San Diego, the San Diego County Fair, and the Rise Up as One concert, where he performed backing vocals for Grammy-nominated Andra Day.

Kahlil is also the founder of The Garage, a nonprofit that supports local musicians and builds platforms for live performance and collaboration throughout the region.

A longtime student of BugByte founder Francesca Valle, Kahlil began studying with her at age 9. After more than a decade of artistic growth and hustle, he now shares his hard-earned experience with the next generation. He’s a natural mentor to young artists just breaking into the industry—relatable, real, and full of practical wisdom.

Felicia Johnson bugbyte studios

Master Vocalist • Touring Artist • Mentor • Specialist in R&B, Soul & Pop Technique

Felicia J is a powerhouse vocalist, nationally touring artist, and one of BugByte Studios’ founding coaches. With over two decades of experience onstage and in the studio, she’s a go-to mentor for singers seeking real-world vocal coaching that translates directly to performance. A student favorite from day one, she’s also a pillar of BugByte’s vocal pedagogy and community culture.

Felicia began performing at age 5 and was leading honor choirs by high school. In 2010, she won the City of San Francisco Vocal Competition, earning a coveted performance with R&B icons The Stylistics. Classically trained in music performance and theory, her style is shaped by legends like Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, and Prince—reflected in her dynamic range and signature vocal control.

She’s one of the most in-demand vocalists on the West Coast, performing with elite touring acts and as one half of the duo Fresh Play with her husband, Perry O’Neal. Felicia specializes in vocal power, stamina, and stage readiness—especially for artists balancing busy lives. A mother of two and fierce advocate for creative sustainability, she embodies BugByte’s core value: make room for mommies.

Her mentorship is heart-centered, high-level, and rooted in results. Whether you’re strengthening your mix or prepping for the spotlight, Felicia J brings clarity, care, and a coach’s ear that elevates every session.

Tess Posner Headshot

NurseBee, Tess Posner

Alt-Pop Artist • Songwriter • Creative Mentor • Social Impact Leader

Tess Posner is an award-winning alt-pop artist, songwriter, and creative mentor whose music blends cinematic production with emotionally resonant lyrics. Based in the Bay Area, her work explores themes of transformation, healing, and empowerment. Her single “Ocean” surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify, and her catalog has now reached over 4 million streams worldwide. She’s collaborated with producers including Trey Vittetoe (Selena Gomez) and Arthur Pingrey (Sia, Norah Jones), and her song “New Angels” was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.

Before pursuing music full-time, Tess built a remarkable career in the nonprofit world. She founded and ran Samsa School, helping low-income communities access digital work opportunities, and later served as managing director for TechHire at Opportunity@Work, a White House initiative focused on increasing diversity in tech. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Mathematics from St. John’s College and a Master’s in Social Enterprise Administration from Columbia University. She was also selected as a fellow at the Institute for the Future in 2016.

Tess began studying with Francesca in 2021 and quickly stood out for her depth, drive, and artistic clarity. Her transition from student to Maestra was inevitable. She now brings her unique lens—as a performer, thought leader, and educator—to her work at BugByte, guiding students through the creative process with precision, heart, and purpose.

Headshot of Gaby Belan, vocal coach at BugByte Studios

NurseBee, Gabriela Belan

Voice Coach • Bilingual Educator • Branding and Biz Development Mentor

Gabriela Belan is a classically trained vocalist, choral conductor, and bilingual voice coach who brings musical excellence, cultural insight, and business savvy to every lesson. A native of Costa Rica, Gaby specializes in working with Spanish-speaking students and multilingual singers. Her sharp ear and technical clarity make her especially effective with students navigating challenges like rhotacism and lisps—don’t be surprised if you end up rolling your R’s with pride.

A graduate of Cal State LA, Gaby has toured internationally with top choirs and led workshops at major festivals. She has taught and performed alongside her husband, renowned choral pedagogue Dr. William Wells Belan, and has been a close collaborator and mentor to BugByte’s founder for over two decades.

Beyond music, Gaby holds an MBA and brings marketing and branding expertise to students ready to build sustainable careers. Whether you’re prepping for auditions, launching music, or organizing your brand, she helps artists gain clarity and momentum.

She’s also a proud mom of two teen musicians, which keeps her tapped into Gen Z trends, Top 40 hits, and the ever-evolving world of modern pop. Gaby meets her students with warmth, humor, and a toolkit as broad as her heart.

Eboni Muse BugByte Studios

Eboni Muse

Stage Powerhouse • Vocal Coach • Youth Mentor

Eboni Muse is a celebrated performer and educator who has carved out a powerful presence in San Diego’s thriving musical theatre scene. Known for her extraordinary vocal range and electrifying stage presence, she has performed in acclaimed productions including The Color Purple, Beehive: The 60s Musical, Hairspray, Memphis, Dreamgirls, and Aida, lighting up venues like the Lyceum Theatre, San Diego Repertory, and Moonlight Amphitheatre. If you’ve seen a major musical in San Diego in the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Eboni bring down the house.

Eboni is also a dedicated youth mentor and Certified Nursing Assistant, with over a decade of experience supporting children through the YMCA. She brings warmth, intention, and a fierce belief in the power of the arts to every student she teaches.

At BugByte Studios, Eboni is a favorite among kids and teens—especially those navigating nerves or self-doubt. Her approach is both nurturing and no-nonsense, helping young artists claim their space, develop technique, and connect emotionally to their craft. Whether preparing for a school musical or simply learning to love their voice, Eboni helps students rise.

Andy Riggs

Vocal Technician • Conductor • Global Music Educator

Andy Riggs is a seasoned vocalist, pianist, conductor, and educator with over two decades of experience in performance and instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Performance) from Anderson University and a current Master of Music in Choral Conducting underway at Cal State LA, Andy’s foundation is as strong as his range is wide.

Since 2004, he has trained singers across genres and around the globe. His students have appeared on stages from local community theatres to Carnegie Hall, in operas, bands, musicals, and even the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent. As a teacher, he brings technical precision, deep musical knowledge, and a calm, confidence-building presence to every lesson.

Andy’s own performance career has taken him from Russia to Ireland and across the United States, with credits including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Opera Chorus, Sacra Profana, and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. He’s equally at home leading a choir, accompanying a vocalist, or stepping into the spotlight himself.

A respected music director and former Minister of Music, Andy has also revitalized arts programs in church and community spaces—blending music, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership. At BugByte, he offers a holistic and highly skilled approach to vocal development, helping singers of all backgrounds deepen their craft and sing with authenticity.

Athena Kennedy

Alt-Pop Artist • Vocal Coach • Creative Mentor

Athena Kennedy is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, pianist, and recording artist whose musical journey began at the age of five. Gifted a piano by her grandmother—a concert pianist—Athena’s early classical training laid the foundation for her diverse musical explorations. Her rich heritage and global upbringing have infused her music with a unique blend of sultry speakeasy vibes and contemporary R&B influences.

Performing under the moniker Athxna, she has captivated audiences with her distinctive sound, drawing inspiration from legends like Ella Fitzgerald and modern icons such as Lana Del Rey and SZA. Her releases, including tracks like “Messy,” “Alley Cat Man,” and “Eden,” showcase her ability to weave cinematic storytelling with modern edge.

Beyond her performance career, Athena is passionate about education and mentorship. At BugByte Studios, she specializes in guiding students through the intricacies of the music industry, from vocal technique to artist branding. Her teaching philosophy centers on igniting a lifelong symphony of creativity and passion, ensuring that each student not only hones their craft but also discovers their unique artistic voice.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore music or an experienced performer aiming to refine your skills, Athena offers a nurturing and insightful environment to help you achieve your musical aspirations.

BugByte Studios Instructor, Meg Baier

Meg Baier

Vocalist • Songwriter • Multi-Instrumentalist

Meg Baier is a vocalist, songwriter, and educator whose music is rooted in emotional honesty and artistic depth. A proficient pianist and guitarist, Meg’s creative voice extends far beyond singing—she’s a seasoned instrumentalist who crafts evocative, layered songs with both skill and soul. With over half a dozen solo albums to her name—and another, Unlovable, releasing in July—she’s spent decades using music to explore healing, vulnerability, and what it means to be human. Her 2024 collaboration Hang Fire earned praise for its raw tenderness and haunting delivery, cementing her voice as one that doesn’t just sing, but speaks truth to the soul.

Before joining BugByte, Meg spent more than ten years as a classroom music teacher in Portland, Oregon, where she worked with students of all ages and abilities. That background informs her teaching style: patient, structured, and deeply compassionate. Now based in Sedona, Arizona, she brings a grounding, intuitive energy to every lesson—especially for students navigating big feelings or creative blocks.

At BugByte Studios, Meg works with singers and songwriters who are ready to dig deeper. Her lessons offer space to breathe, reflect, and create with intention. Whether you’re a nervous beginner or a seasoned artist in need of realignment, Meg will meet you where you are—and help you transform your truth into song.

Anna Zinova holding a guitar on a porch in a red tulle skirt

Anna Zinova

Touring Artist • Multi-Instrumentalist • Songwriter

Anna Zinova is a full-time touring artist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter whose dedication to music runs deep—like build-your-own-tour-van-with-a-drill deep. A classically trained vocalist and pianist, Anna is also a skilled guitarist and fiddler, bringing versatility and grit to every performance and lesson she leads. Whether onstage with her indie-folk duo Shine Sweet Moon or punk project Pink Eye, she’s always creating, rehearsing, and chasing the next gig with fierce intention.

We first met Anna at Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls San Diego, where her calm confidence, collaborative spirit, and musical chops made an instant impression. That same grounded presence now defines her teaching at BugByte, where she works with students of all ages to develop not just their skills, but their artistic voice.

Anna’s lessons blend real-world experience with approachable, empowering instruction. She knows what it means to be a working artist—and she’s passionate about helping others grow into bold, expressive musicians who know how to show up for themselves and their craft.