Get to know us

Our mission

At BlackBox Music & Arts, we work with family, friends, and community to create a safe, welcoming space where students explore their passions and grow through music and art. We prioritize a fun, supportive, and non-competitive environment that nurtures individual talent, encourages collaboration, and removes unnecessary pressure. Guided by experienced instructors who teach with the methods they wish they had been taught while learning, we inspire creativity and help every student reach their full potential.

Our vision

Our vision is to be a cornerstone of the far west San Antonio community where creativity thrives, friendships grow, and every student discovers the confidence to share their art with the world. We aim to inspire lifelong engagement in the arts, shaping a future where music and creativity are accessible, joyful, and celebrated by all.

Our team

Our team is made up of a diverse group of performing and visual artists who are actively engaged in the arts and bring extensive industry experience. Each instructor brings their own unique teaching style, tailored to support every student’s individual strengths and needs. We believe every student is unique, with personal goals and a distinct creative path. Our unified mission is to help students achieve those goals while making the learning process fun, inspiring, and creatively fulfilling.

DWAYNE TOLER Partner . Music Director . Producer . Vocals . Writer . Keyboardist . Guitar

DWAYNE is a retired San Antonio Fire Department EMS Lieutenant with 33 years of service.

With over 45 years as a seasoned musician and vocalist, Dwayne boasts a rich resumé within the music industry. This includes more than 14 years serving as Minister of Music for a congregation exceeding 2,000 members. A remarkably self-taught pianist, keyboardist, guitarist, and songwriter, he possesses the unique ability to play by ear. His early career highlights feature co-founding and co-managing the groups “Friends” and “Master Jam,” performing as opening acts for iconic national artists such as Millie Jackson, James Brown, and Sybil, thus demonstrating significant stage presence and industry insight.

Dwayne possesses an intimate understanding of the dedication required for artistic success. In 2018 Dwayne released teh CD "Next Level" iand performed lead vocals for "When I Whisper" on the 2019 release RIZE ABOVE by local group Europa Jazz.

Beyond his personal artistic endeavors, Dwayne is a committed advocate for emerging talent, actively supporting youth musicians, community talent competitions, performances, and workshops.

SUSAN A. TOLER Managing Partner . Visual Artist

SUSAN is a visual artist and an award winning graphic artist and creative director. She began her career early having completed training in Commercial Art at San Antonio’s Texas Vocational School at the age of 19. She migrated to the Art Institute of Houston where she earned her associates degree and went on to earn her bachelors degree from the University of Arlington where she focused her studies in the major areas of communications and business.

Her graphic work has appeared locally in the form of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, SAWS and San Antonio Water Authority marketing materials, as well as in national print publications such as Cooks Magazine, Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine and Vibe Magazine. Susan’s AWARDS AND ACCOLADES include: APEX Award 1999 for Sensitivity in Advertising & Marketing in domestic destination print advertising; PRIMA Award1999 for Excellence in Marketing by the American Society of Association Executives; PRAME Award in 1998 and '99; Silver ADDY Award in 1997; 40 Under 40 Award in 1997 awarded by the San Antonio Business Journal; Voices Along the River San Antonio Poetry Fair 2002 Anthology Honorable Mention. She has served on a number of boards and committees during her career.

CHRISTIAN TOLER Vocalist . Pianist . Writer . Visual Artist . Theatre

Christian is a multi-talented artist, videographer, editor, and a dedicated lifetime musician and vocalist. Her extensive artistic journey began early with classical piano and vocal training at the Vivace Music Academy of San Antonio under Vida Scott. As an adult, Christian continued to hone her classical and contemporary piano and vocal skills through private instruction, studying vocals with renowned coaches Dwayne Toler, Anthony Modeste, Alisa Claridy, and Sonya Folrie, and guitar with Wayne Gray at BlackBox Music & Arts.

In 2018, Christian released two singles, "Toy Soldier" and "Story of My Life," and wrote and performed "The King" on Dwayne Toler's "The Next Level" EP. Her diverse talents extend to the performing arts, having taken courses in art and acting during high school and college, and performing in various stage plays for church, school, and Sea World's Howl-O-Scream. Her aptitude was recognized with multiple scholarships which fully funded her college education.

Committed to intellectual growth, Christian pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in English from Texas A&M San Antonio, graduating Cum Laude. Currently, Christian leverages her comprehensive skill set by instructing at BlackBox, continuing to write music, working as a freelance writer, and pursuing her Master's Degree in Music Production from Berklee College of Music.

ADRIAN TOLER Artist . Art instructor

Adrian's artistic journey began early as a lifetime student of his mother, BlackBox lead artist, Susan A. Toler. His natural talents were evident from childhood; he attended adult-level art classes alongside his mother, frequently outperforming his adult counterparts. Throughout his school years, Adrian earned numerous awards and recognitions for his artistic prowess.

Beyond his formal acknowledgments, Adrian operates as a freelance artist, specializing in commissions for paintings, character development, and logos. Committed to continuous growth, he actively pursues his educational journey through alternative means, showcasing a keen enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and sharing his experiences. As an independent thinker and a creative spirit, Adrian consciously chooses to learn outside of traditional university constraints, advancing his skills through ongoing workshops, community classes and self exploration.

Adrian’s ultimate goal as an instructor is to empower his students, guiding them to overcome creative inhibitions and pursue their artistic interests through personalized, effective means to achieve their objectives.

Adrian attends drum classes and explores the joys of cooking when he isn’t working on his art.

Brian Farley . instructor . Guitar . Bass . Vocalist . Songwriter

Brian Farley is a dedicated music professional with over 20 years of experience as a performer and instructor in the music and entertainment industry. Skilled in voice, guitar, bass, saxophone, percussion, and piano, he combines a strong foundation in music theory, classical and modern notation, and audio production with hands-on expertise in live performance and student development.

Brian has taught and managed students of all ages in one-on-one, group, and band settings, creating individualized curriculums to inspire growth and prepare musicians for the stage. His career includes directing performances at School of Rock and Soundcheck Rock Academy, as well as leading his own business, Brian Farley, LLC, where he organized live events, multimedia productions, and private instruction.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Brian is passionate about guiding students on their musical journey and continues to seek opportunities where he can apply his diverse skills, creativity, and leadership to meaningful music education and performance projects.

RENE FORD Saxophone . Composer . Ensemble Coordinator

RENE's work as a Composer and Performance Artist seeks the common truth that dwells in each of us through collaborative improvisation.

Collaborating Artist: Holy Ghost Dance, 1995 Walker Arts Gallery 8; Punic Wars, 1995 Walker Arts Center Auditorium; Monday Morning Body Count, 1996 Hennepin Center for the Arts; Porch Swing, 1997 Southern Theater; Theology, 1998 Southern Theater; Father, Sons and Brothers, 1999 African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Miami FL; An Isolated Incident, 1999 Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem, NC; An Isolated Incident, 1999 Lorraine Hansberry Theater, San Francisco CA; Memory Dances, 2000, Southern Theater; O Black and Unknown Bards, 2000, Buetow Music Auditorium; Stigmatism, 2001, Intermedia Arts; 2704, 2004 Capri Theater, Mpls. MN; Cactus in the Desert, 2005 Pillsbury Theater, Mpls. MN; Pork Chop Wars, 2006 Oscar Brockett Theatre, Austin Texas; Draptomania, 2007; Producer: Reunion 2001 Artist Quarter; The American Dream, 2002 Intermedia Arts; Composer: Unsentimental Released by the American Composers Forum on the Innova Label 2004.

MICHAEL MADISON Drummer . Percussionist instructor

Michael Madison is a life long musician. Drumming is his passion. He played and taught djembe for the Drum Café in San Antonio for over 24 years. He also played and performed in Tokyo, Japan in corporate, educational, and private party settings. Michael earned a Masters of Science in the Management of Technology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

BLAIR RAKER Ukulele instructor

Blair Raker sings, composes, plays the concert, tenor & baritone ukuleles, penny whistle. Originally a Trombone major who served 10 years in the Air Force Band program, Blair is currently an elementary Music teacher at Northside ISD’s Knowlton Elementary on the Far West Side. His original composition "BBQ Road Trippin'" was awarded the 2024 Gold Medal at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. His Traditional Irish Band "The Happy Out" performs at venues across South Texas, most often at The Cottage Irish Pub in downtown San Antonio.

LAUREN MCALISTER Textile Artist . Embroidery Instructor

Lauren McAlister's journey into the world of textiles began at just six years old, guided by her grandmother and step-grandmother. This early immersion in embroidery and hand-sewing, focused on mending and revitalizing fabrics, instilled a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and sustainability. Over the years, her practical skills evolved into a profound passion for textile history and the rich narratives woven into every thread. Today, Lauren expertly applies these lifelong abilities to identify, recreate, and celebrate exceptional garments, historical textiles, and intricate thread-based artistry, one meticulous stitch at a time.