Two musicians, one mission
Joyful, rigorous music education for children and families—in our neighborhood and online.
Our academy
Govantes Music Academy was co-founded by Claudia Govantes and Yoan Yabor to bring high-quality, personal music instruction to Inwood, Washington Heights, Riverdale, and students online.
We believe lessons should be engaging first—built on respect for each student's background, age, and goals—while developing real technique, literacy, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
From early childhood programs to one-on-one lessons and community initiatives like our Children's Choir and Music, Movement & Language, we combine performance experience, classroom expertise, and production know-how under one roof.
Co-founders
Claudia Govantes
Co-founder · Voice, piano & early childhood
Claudia Govantes is an award-winning vocalist, pianist, and music educator with over 20 years of experience bringing the joy of music to life. Based in New York City, her career spans performance, choral direction, and early childhood through middle school education across Cuba, Florida, New Jersey, and New York.
In Cuba, she served as Professor of Vocal Performance at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory of Music, Professor of Music and Choral Conductor at the Havana Baptist Theological Seminary, and Associate Director of the Children's Choir at the Gran Teatro de la Habana.
She has served as Music Director for National Dance Institute (NDI) residency shows, continues as an NDI teaching artist and pianist, and has taught with Arturo O'Farrill's Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA), the American Children's Orchestra for Peace, Bold Arts, and schools across the New York area.
At Govantes Music Academy, Claudia leads voice and piano instruction and programs for young learners—including Music, Movement & Language and the Children's Choir—blending deep technical expertise with warmth, energy, and cultural expression.
Teaches at GMA
- Voice
- Piano
- Early childhood & group programs
Yoan Yabor
Co-founder · Guitar, bass & music production
Yoan Yabor is a Cuban-born music composer, producer, and educator based in New York City. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Music from the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana—the same institution where Claudia trained generations of vocalists.
For more than twenty years, his work spans composition, music production, and sonic branding for national and international campaigns. He is an interdisciplinary creator at the intersection of music, audio engineering, and digital media, with a long-standing focus on music that connects authentically with U.S. Latino audiences.
Today he continues to compose and produce while building tools and experiences that support musicians and creators. His approach pairs craft with curiosity—whether in the studio, on stage, or in the classroom.
At Govantes Music Academy, Yoan teaches guitar, electric bass, and music production—helping students develop groove, repertoire, songwriting, and practical production skills while keeping creativity and fun at the center.
Teaches at GMA
- Guitar
- Electric bass
- Music production
