A Quiet Spirit. A Powerful Sound.
Guitar & Crazy Crew Rock Band · Student Since 2014
Devin Kozakis studied guitar at Little School of Music with his teacher, Frank Browne, growing into a thoughtful, expressive musician with a quiet but unmistakable presence. Through guitar, bass, clarinet, and years of performing in bands and ensembles, Devin discovered a musical voice all his own. His story reminds us that presence is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in kindness, humility, and quiet confidence.
Some musicians command attention the moment they step on stage. Others earn it quietly. That is Devin Kozakis.
When Devin first walked through the doors of Little School of Music, he wasn’t alone. He and his older brother began taking guitar lessons together, sharing those first musical experiences side by side. One of Miss Mindy’s favorite photographs from those early years captures the two brothers standing proudly with their guitars after a recital, a sweet reminder of where Devin’s journey began.
But every musician eventually discovers their own path. As the years passed, Devin stepped into lessons of his own, growing from a young guitarist into a thoughtful, expressive musician with a style all his own. What began on acoustic guitar gradually expanded into electric guitar, where jazz-inspired licks, colorful effects pedals, and a growing love for tone and improvisation opened an entirely new world of musical possibilities.
He didn’t become the loudest musician. He became unmistakably himself.
Under the guidance of his teacher, Frank Browne, Devin flourished. Week after week, the two explored new styles, challenged one another, and shared a genuine love of music. Frank often speaks about Devin with admiration and looks forward to his lesson each week, not only because of the music they create together, but because of the kind, thoughtful young man who walks through the door.
As his confidence grew, so did his musical world. Devin became equally at home on guitar, bass, and clarinet, performing in concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, marching band, jazz band, winter drumline, and Little School of Music’s rock band, Crazy Crew. Whether performing on stage, marching across a football field, or rehearsing with friends, music became a constant thread woven throughout his life.
Along the way, his dedication was recognized with numerous honors, including selection to the 2026 Hart District Honor Band on clarinet, the Louis Armstrong Award as Valencia High School’s outstanding jazz band student, and the Pride of the Vikings Award, recognizing both his musical excellence and the character he demonstrated every day.
Yet some of Devin’s greatest accomplishments can’t be measured by medals or awards.
Music gave him something just as valuable. It gave him a community.
Through Little School of Music and Valencia High School, Devin found lifelong friendships among fellow musicians, people who encouraged one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and shared a love of making music together. Whether performing with Crazy Crew or serving as Drum Major for the Valencia High School marching band, he became part of communities where everyone belonged.
There’s something special about band families. They welcome people from every background, every personality, and every walk of life. Devin found his place there.
This fall, Devin will attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he plans to study Civil Engineering. Even as he begins this exciting new chapter, music will continue to be part of his life through the university’s symphonic band, and perhaps even jazz band. His journey as a musician is far from over.
For Miss Mindy, however, Devin’s story will always begin with that old recital photograph.
“I can still picture one of Devin’s very first recitals. I remember taking a photo of him standing beside his older brother with their guitars, and when I was looking through old pictures for this article, I searched until I found it. It reminded me just how much he has grown.
Watching Devin discover his own path as a musician has been such a joy. He’s thoughtful, kind, and one of those students who quietly leaves an impression on everyone around him. Frank absolutely loves working with him, and it’s easy to see why. Devin has found his place in music, not by trying to be someone else, but by becoming exactly who he is.”
Some students leave an impression with the loudest solo.
Others leave one with their kindness, humility, and quiet strength.
Devin reminds us that music has a way of helping each of us discover our own voice, in our own time, and in our own way.
Congratulations, Devin. May your love of music, your quiet determination, and the friendships you’ve built along the way continue to accompany you wherever life leads.
Keep making music.
The world is better with your voice in it. ♥️
