Francesca’s commitment to empowering individuals through music education and her altruistic endeavors underscore her impactful presence in the industry.
FRANCESCA VALLE
FOUNDER, QUEEN BEE
Francesca’s journey from a young musician in Los Angeles to a seasoned performer and educator spans a diverse range of experiences. Trained in classical voice and guitar at CSULA’s music department, her expertise effortlessly bridges genres from opera to rock. Notably, she excels both on stage with orchestras and alongside rock bands, showcasing her adaptability and skill across musical spectrums.
Her impact as an educator is profound, starting her teaching career at 16 and nurturing students in both private and academic settings. Francesca’s global performances as a solo artist and collaborator, alongside her contributions to recordings and publications, highlight her multifaceted talents. Moreover, her dedication extends beyond music, exemplified by her volunteer work leading the education department for Voices of Our City Choir, offering support to San Diego’s unsheltered populations. Emphasizing inclusivity, she actively uplifts marginalized communities within BugByte Studios, where she fosters a collaborative space for artists and instructors while championing equity and representation.
Kinnie DYE
QUEENBEE
Kinnie, deeply rooted in Oklahoma’s musical heritage and mentored by Florence Birdwell at Oklahoma City University, possesses a profound musical legacy reflected in her voice and teaching. After honing her skills in Broadway National Tours in NYC, she expanded her musical horizons, engaging in songwriting and solo production in collaboration with a San Diego producer. Beyond her dynamic solo career, Kinnie co-founded Rock and Roll Camp San Diego, mentoring aspiring musicians. Renowned for her infectious energy, she is affectionately known as “QueenBee” at BugByte Studios, where she has been a pivotal leader. Kinnie’s enduring impact as a versatile musician, educator, and mentor underscores her vibrant presence in the musical community.
Gabriela Belan
NurseBee
Gabriela, a native Costa Rican and Spanish expert, has been singing since birth and excels in addressing speech issues like lisps and rhotacism for clients due to her sharp ear. A graduate from CSULA with a background in Choral Music, she’s married to Dr. William Wells Belan, a prominent figure in the choral world. Together, they’ve toured globally and mentored the company’s founder for over 20 years. Besides her musical talents, Gabriela, a skilled sight singer, also possesses expertise in business, marketing, and branding. With two musical teenage daughters, she stays updated on modern pop music despite her affinity for classical tunes, holding a vast library of Top 40 hits in her brain.
Tess Posner
NURSEBEE
Tess Posner, an alternative pop artist from California’s Bay Area, blends powerful vocals, haunting melodies, and impactful lyrics in her music. Starting in coffee shops as a teen, she released her first EP in 2018. Her politically-aware songs like “New Angels” garnered attention, reaching the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition. With tracks like “Ocean” surpassing 1 million Spotify streams, Tess collaborated with renowned producers like Trey Vittetoe and Arthur Pingrey, amassing over 2.9 million streams. Transitioning from a mentored student to a mentor at BugByte Studios, Tess brings non-profit expertise, holding degrees from Saint John’s College and Columbia University. After leaving the non-profit world in 2022, she’s focusing full-time on her music career, currently recording an album set for a late 2022 release.
Felicia Johnson
NurseBee
Felicia Johnson, a dynamic vocalist and entertainer from California, began her music journey at 5. Excelling in school choirs, she became lead vocalist of her high school’s honor choir and won the City of San Francisco vocal competition in 2010, leading to a performance opportunity with The Stylistics. Studying music performance and theory in college, her influences span from Teena Marie to Prince. Today, Felicia performs nationwide with top cover acts, infusing high energy into every show and teaching her vocal students to find their own voice with love and honesty. As a devoted mother to Promise and Perry Jr., Felicia’s nurturing and familial approach in lessons earns her students’ affection, extending her connections beyond the classroom. Collaborating with her talented musician husband, Perry O’Neal, in projects like their duo Fresh Play, Felicia navigates the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, embodying BugByte’s value of supporting working mothers.
Athena Kennedy
NurseBee
Athena Kennedy, a singer, songwriter, pianist, and recording artist based in Nashville for the past three years, offers extensive classical training in music since childhood. Passionate about teaching the intricacies of the music industry and nurturing performing artists, Athena hails from a lineage of classically trained pianists, possessing a sharp ear for pitch and a profound love for all things musical. Her lifelong ambition isn’t solely to cultivate stage confidence but to spark enduring creativity and passion in her students, whether beginners or those returning to singing. Athena’s mission is to share the enchantment of music and make the learning journey enjoyable and fulfilling for all involved.
Eulis Kay
NURSEBEE
Eulis Kay, born in Los Angeles, embarked on a musical journey at age 10 with the clarinet, exploring diverse styles from classical to jazz. Transitioning to vocal performance after initially majoring in Clarinet Performance at California State University, Los Angeles, Eulis embraced a full-time music career in 2003. His versatile background spans operas, musicals, choral groups, and stage shows, including performances at Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort. With a multifaceted career in opera, musical theatre, television, and film, Eulis, now based in Southern California, passionately divides his time among Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, engaging in performing, teaching, and leveraging his expertise at BugByte Studios, where his dedication to student growth is highly acclaimed.
Kahlil Nash
NURSEBEE
Kahlil Nash, a prodigious musician, made waves as one of San Diego’s youngest nominees for a 2021 San Diego Music Award with his self-produced sophomore album. With a decade-long career collaborating with artists like Bootsy Collins and Andra Day, he’s a versatile singer, guitarist, pianist, and drummer for hire. Founding “The Garage” non-profit for local musicians, Kahlil hosts regular performances in San Diego. Beginning his stage journey at 3, he started creating music at 13, releasing his EP ‘Elation’ in 2016. His dynamic performances have graced venues like Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues, including backing Grammy-nominated artist Andra Day. Starting studies with BugByte’s founder at 9, Kahlil now shares his insights, particularly connecting with emerging artists venturing into the industry.
Andy Riggs
NurseBee
Andy Riggs is a multifaceted musician, singer, pianist, vocal coach, and conductor who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Performance from Anderson University in Indiana and is pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at California State University, Los Angeles. Teaching voice since 2004, Andy’s students have achieved significant milestones, with many reaching the Semi-Finals of America’s Got Talent and performing on various prestigious platforms, including Carnegie Hall, TV, musicals, operas, and bands. Andy’s performance career spans across several countries and venues like Carnegie Hall, singing with orchestras, choruses, and acclaimed groups like Sacra Profana. With a diverse portfolio including musicals, conducting choirs for significant events like Carnegie Hall performances, and collaborations with Grammy, Dove, and Oscar-nominated artists, Andy has built a strong network in the music industry in Southern California, dedicated to assisting clients in reaching their aspirations.
Meg Baier
NurseBee
At 18, I set out on a music-filled journey filled with dreams of recording and touring. However, life took unexpected turns, weaving battles, joy, and isolation into my story while music remained my constant companion. Settled in Sedona, Arizona, I’ve crafted my latest album, “Unlovable,” drawing inspiration from the healing surroundings. This concept album dives into mental health experiences, meticulously crafted to resonate with fellow warriors navigating similar struggles. I hope it touches the hearts of those seeking connection to their own or a loved one’s mental health journey, conveying emotional landscapes through compelling songs and soundscapes. For more, I invite listeners to explore the music, where every detail reveals this inner world.
Eboni Muse
NurseBee
Eboni, a prominent figure in San Diego’s arts scene, is celebrated for her exceptional stage performances in various musicals across Southern California. Despite her success in the performing arts, she spent years balancing her passion with a day job at the YMCA, showcasing her patience and suitability for working with BugByte’s younger clients. Leading by example, Eboni founded Artists 4 Black Lives San Diego and holds a Vice President position at the San Diego Black Artist Collective, dedicating extensive time to empower her community. Her talents have earned her prestigious awards like the Craig Noel Award and recognition from Broadway World San Diego Awards and Black San Diego Magazine as Vocalist of the Decade and Best Singer, respectively. A graduate of Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Eboni boasts a remarkable repertoire as a seasoned stage performer.