Daniel Lemes was born in Brazil. He began his music lessons at the age of 7, when he started to   play the piano. Since then he has played many other instruments, including the violin, cello, guitar and clarinet. Currently, cello is his main instrument.

Daniel moved to the United States in 1996, where he studied at the Music Magnet at Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. During his high school years, Daniel studied cello and violin at the renowned Colburn School of Performing Arts in downtown Los Angeles. In addition, he has performed with the Alexander Hamilton's Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic Orchestra, Southwest Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. He has also participated in music festivals where his high school's string ensemble received first place. In 1998, Daniel had the privilege to meet Yo Yo Ma, one the greatest cello players in the world. Daniel even had the chance to play Yo Yo Ma’s 270 year-old cello (a.k.a “Petunia”) during their meeting. From 1999 to 2004, Daniel attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he received a B.A. in Spanish. During the course of his studies, Daniel kept a busy and rigorous performing schedule with the UCSB Symphony Orchestra, in addition to playing chamber music.

In 2006, Daniel received his multiple subjects teaching credential from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. Since then, his passion for teaching and for the children has increased tremendously. The following year, Daniel received his Master’s degree in Education from Antioch University as well, and his thesis was on parents’ viewpoints on music education in the Santa Barbara area. Daniel is very thrilled to be the music teacher of César Chávez Charter School to pass on his knowledge to all César Chávez students who one day, may find their passion to specialize in a musical instrument and   influence others with their music.

During his spare time, Daniel enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction books, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, relaxing under the sun and learning how to play and sing new songs on his guitar.