Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Joel was born in Sacramento, California. He is a professional woodwind musician, educator, and business owner. Joel attended San Diego State University and earned the following degrees: a BM in Jazz Studies, a BM in Music Education, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music, and an MM in Jazz Studies. Joel has been teaching professionally for the San Diego Unified School District since 2013 as a music director. His performance experience includes San Diego city musicals, jazz big band and combo concerts, studio work, national and international tours, and collaborations with world renowned musicians like Bob Mintzer and Barbara Morrison. Joel has served as the program coordinator for Mobile Music Institute Nonprofit and during the 2020 pandemic he founded Portraits of Music Nonprofit with the goal of supporting local artists. Joel films, interviews, edits, and markets the products for Portraits of Music.

Artistic Director, Interim CFO

Lauren has been a successful doodler since her youth. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, she grew up in an artistic household. Her Japanese culture and love for anime/manga has inspired her to draw and create her own characters. Lauren earned her Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science from San Diego State University and is currently pursuing her Master's in Public Health. Her future aspirations are to increase food accessibility in underserved communities by partnering with community resources and creating health programs.

Chief Technical Officer

Kevin is a Software Engineer and long time friend of Joel. In addition to attending middle and high school together, Joel and Kevin were also team mates on a competitive martial arts team. Kevin earned his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD, but found his passion in software just a couple short years after graduating. He currently works on the Apple Watch team and enjoys keeping an active lifestyle. He loves cars, cycling, fishing, and spending time with his son Henri.

Researcher, Videographer

Justin “J²” Joyce is a percussionist, composer, and educator who resides in San Diego, CA.  After enrolling at the San Diego State University School of Music and Dance in 2012, Justin began playing with the school’s top jazz ensembles and combos, where he had the opportunity to perform with many world-renowned musicians such as Ernie Watts, Jeff Hamilton, and Bill Watrous.  While at SDSU, Justin also began performing frequently with artists in the San Diego music scene including Tiffany Jane, Teagan Taylor, Michael Sanchez, and many others.  Justin is also featured on several studio releases as a performer, composer, and arranger, on albums like The Subject Of... (Teagan Taylor, 2015) and JAZZTECS: featuring Charles McPherson (SDSU, 2017).  After receiving his Bachelor’s of Music (Jazz Studies) in 2017, Justin returned to SDSU to pursue a Master of Music degree, and to serve as the Graduate Assistant of the Jazz Studies program.  Justin received his Master’s of Music in Jazz in 2020 and has studied with many notable musicians such as Mike Holguin, Anthony Smith, David Whitman, and others.  Justin continues to perform frequently in the San Diego music scene with various artists and instructs private lessons in the greater San Diego area.

Videographer

Jabari Hutchins is a musician and aspiring educator from San Diego, CA. Jabari’s journey in music began in his elementary school music program, where Jabari started learning alto saxophone and percussion. At Hoover High School in San Diego, Jabari held the position of first alto in various ensembles, and also served as the school’s Drum Major and Drum Captain. Performing in multiple ensembles at jazz festivals such as Point Loma, Coronado, Magic Mountain, Hoover’s return to the world of music competitions gave Jabari a desire to continue his journey in music. After graduating from high school, Jabari recently transitioned into San Diego State University where he is studying Music Education, with an emphasis in Jazz Studies. Jabari has continued his creative exploration and is a videographer for Portraits.

Financial Advisor

Nicholas, a San Diego native, started classical piano at the age of 4 but soon picked up the saxophone in the 4 th grade and hasn’t put it down since. He completed his Bachelor in Music Entrepreneurship and Business with a minor in finance at San Diego State University, where he participated in both the classical and jazz ensembles playing various saxophones and woodwinds while studying under some of San Diego’s finest saxophonist including Todd Rewoldt, John Rekevics, and Christopher Hollyday. Nicholas continues to teach private lessons to piano and saxophone students of all ages in San Diego. He is also a member of the Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine, and has worked with various non-profit and retail arts organizations such as the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the SDSU Downtown Gallery, the National Association of Music Merchants and Bertrand’s Music and Lessons. Nicholas hopes to continue his part to support music advocacy in the community.

Digital Marketing, Videographer

Coming soon