Our History
Jose Gabriel Fonseca, a virtuoso born in Cuba, embarked on his mastery of the violin at the tender age of 8. He honed his craft at the Provincial Art School in Granma, Cuba, until he turned 14. His time there was marked by notable performances with the school’s chamber orchestra, numerous cultural celebrations, and a standout performance as a violin soloist at the MUSIMAR Festival of Cuba.
His thirst for knowledge led him to the National School of Art in Havana, where he furthered his studies until he was 17. In Havana, he held the esteemed position of First Violin with the National School of Art Symphony and later the Superior Institute of Art Symphony. In 2010, he distinguished himself by attending the prestigious summer course for brilliant violin students at the Paulita Concepción Conservatory. His expertise earned him a teaching position at the Manuel Saumell Conservatory.
In 2013, he embarked on a transformative journey to Ecuador for a student cultural exchange, where he spent three enriching years. He shared his knowledge at the National Conservatory of Ecuador and the Franz Liszt Conservatory, played violin with the National Symphony of Ecuador, and brought the joy of music to children with special needs at the SINAMUNE Foundation in Quito. His influence was far-reaching, with appearances on several Ecuadorian television channels and involvement in various other projects.
In 2016, Jose took a bold step and relocated to Irving, Texas, in the United States. His musical journey continued as he played with various church orchestras, serving the Lord with his instrument. His hard work and talent were recognized when he earned a full scholarship for a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance at the University of North Texas (UNT) in February 2020.
At the same time, he launched “United Eventus”, a company providing live music for all types of events. His company quickly gained a positive reputation, leading numerous parents to seek out Jose Gabriel’s expertise for private violin lessons for their children.
Yanet Fonseca is the co-CEO and General Manager of Riverland Music Academy in Irving, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and served as a judge in her native Cuba. Alongside her husband, the accomplished violinist Jose Gabriel Fonseca, she co-founded the live music company United Eventus, where she also performs as the lead singer. Her administrative abilities and bilingual skills greatly contribute to the success of both companies. She has a passion for working with children and families.
VISION
Riverland Music Academy serves as a beacon of excellence. Our virtuoso teachers and state-of-the-art infrastructure provide a platform for musical dreams to take flight. Here, every student is acknowledged and respected; each accomplishment is celebrated, and every challenge is seen as an opportunity for growth.
Our vision is to be the platform where every aspiring musician wishes to shine. Riverland is more than an academy; it’s a movement, a legacy, a growing family with each melody created within its walls.