BOCO IS short for family
A family owned business
BOCO is a family operated music school here in Oak Cliff. We pride ourselves in being grassroots, connected to our community with a sincere interest in providing music lessons to this eclectic and cultured neighborhood.
Michael & his wife Lauren launched BOCO in January of 2022. Michael was born and raised in Oak Cliff and is currently living and raising his family in the Kings Highway Conservation District. BOCO is happy to provide music lessons to a community of friends, family, neighbors and beyond.
The Director of BOCO—Michael Boss— grew up in Winnetka Heights, attending Rosemont & Greiner. He received his first music scholarship at the age of 13 through the Stevie Ray Vaughn Scholarship Foundation. As music major, Michael was accepted and attended BTWHSPVA. In 2004, Michael received another scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music. Michael then finished his bachelors at Berklee in 2008.
In 2021, Michael was awarded a composer’s residency with the Irving Symphony Orchestra, then completed his master’s degree at SMU the same year. During his tenure and residency through graduate school, Michael was a regular performer at Revelers Hall, taught lessons, and directed student ensembles to over 500 students in the DFW area.
We are happy to be here in Oak Cliff can’t wait to meet you!!
Instructors @ Boco
Michael Boss/ Exec Direct
With a bachelors from the Berklee college of Music & a master’s in composition, Michael has vast training in classical & contemporary music, providing lessons on Piano, Upright Bass, Cello & Guitar. He specializes in improv, ensemble directing, composition & music theory. He also brought Oak Cliff’s its first music festival—Bochella.
Michael is also directs the Modern Band with TKMS and works as the PT Orchestra Director at Bishop Dunne.
Wendy Walker/Little Oaks Director
As a former elementary, middle and high school educator, Wendy is stepping into the role of preschool music teacher using Musikgarten curriculum. Musikgarten curriculum uses traditional children’s songs, instruments, movement and listening to enhance neurological development and awaken the musician in every child. Wendy is so excited to introduce children ages 1-4 and their parents to songs and games that facilitate learning and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Trenton Mead/BOCO Stage CO Director
Meet Trenton Mead, Director of BOCO Stage Co. Trenton leads BOCO Stage Co. with a passion for helping young performers grow in confidence. Whether directing ensemble showcases or leading performance labs, Trenton emphasizes strong technique, collaboration, and meaningful stage experience while helping BOCO Stage Co. grow into a vibrant musical theater community for students and families.
Kelsey Jones/Vocals, Piano, Production
Kelsey Jones is a Dallas-based singer, songwriter, vocal coach, music producer, and educator originally from New Orleans. She holds a degree in Music Recording Technology from Bethune-Cookman University and has experience teaching elementary music and private vocal lessons.
Kelsey helps students of all ages build healthy vocal technique, confidence, musicianship, and creativity in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Josh Willis/Drums & DJ and Production
Josh Willis is a Dallas-based drummer, percussionist, producer, and DJ known for his dynamic rhythm and soulful groove. Performing as Lloyd Have Mercy and collaborating with the LowBrow Collective and Willis Duo, he blends live instrumentation with electronic production. His experience includes resident performances at Revelers Hall and international cultural exchanges such as Ethno USA.
Daven Martinez/Guitar & Bass
Daven Martinez has more than 25 years of musical experience and has taught guitar and bass since age 18. With a background in classical upright bass, he has performed with cover, wedding, and original bands, toured throughout the United States and Canada, played festivals such as SXSW, and recorded several albums. His lessons emphasize strong fundamentals, creativity, and confidence.
Melanie Silva/Vocals & Piano
Melanie Silva is a voice/beginning piano teacher with over 10 years of experience. Ranging in genres from country music to jazz to opera, Melanie considers herself a well-rounded vocalist with a heart made for teaching. She is currently a member of Inspirata Music, a local semi-professional chamber choir, and the Dallas Symphony Chorus.
Adam Cole/Guitar & Piano
Adam is a pianist, composer, and educator with 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages and over 30 years of performing. As the creative director at Monster Agency, he brings humor and creativity to his work, making learning engaging and fun. Adam specializes in multiple styles, helping students find joy in practicing, playing, and performing.
Josh Casey/Piano
Josh is a pianist, composer, and music producer with over a decade of teaching experience. Trained by a Moscow Conservatory graduate, he specializes in classical music but teaches all styles. He composed for the Perot Museum in Dallas and, with a background in psychology, excels at teaching students of all ages.
Kirby Welch/Drums & Guitar
A graduate of the University of North Texas, Kirby spent five years as a Percussion Coordinator in public schools. Now he spends his time teaching privately and performing as a professional guitarist. Kirby has performed in a variety of musical settings: churches, jazz ensembles, musical pits, cover bands, and more. He’s fluent in a wide variety of styles from Jazz to R&B/Soul and Rock/Pop
Sage Vecchio/Violin, Piano, Guitar
Sage is a trained musician and musical instructor with years of teaching and playing experience. As a multi-instrumental musician, Sage specializes in violin and piano, with additional experience in professional recordings, performance singing and guitar.
Tanner Linn-Scot/Piano, Guitar & Drums
Tanner grew up right down the road in Arlington, TX and is a proud Berklee College of Music grad, Class of 2020. He holds a degree in Guitar Performance and Jazz Composition and has been teaching guitar, piano, bass, and drums for the past four years.