Our Instructors

Stephen has performed with the Cleveland Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic, and Youngstown Scoring Stage

He has held many organist/music director positions in Northeast Ohio

20 years experience teaching private lessons

M.M. in Music Performance, Youngstown State University

B.A. in Music Performance, Youngstown State University

Studied at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music

Founder of Open Ears – Open Minds, a society for music appreciation

Especially trained in classical and jazz

Teaches all styles

Believes an appreciation of music inspires students and provides the foundation for success on their instrument

Master’s degree in Music Education from The University of Akron

Named “Outstanding Undergraduate Guitarist” at The University of Akron

Teaches classical, rock, jazz, and fingerstyle for guitar, and rock and jazz for bass

Emphasizes reading music, music theory, and fundamentals

Over 20 years performing professionally

Current music director of Brecksville-Broadview Heights Community Chorus

Extensive music director experience in multiple area churches

C.J. is a prolific performer in area theaters, bands, and churches

Emphasizes reading music, music theory, and fundamentals

B.M. in Theory and Composition, College of Wooster

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Illustration and Fine Arts from University of Colorado

Performs and records professionally as a singer-songwriter

Music archivist with a knowledge of history for all styles of music

Incorporates current music to teach fundamentals

Bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance and Music Education at Youngstown State University

Has taught private guitar and drum lessons in schools and studios since 2005

Served as Percussion Pit Instructor for The Warren Junior Military Band

Focuses on fundamentals and music theory as it applies to the student’s musical interests

Studied Music Education at Youngstown State University

Professional freelance percussionist for rock, orchestral, and musical theater pit ensembles

Co-founder of newYopercussion, a percussion quartet from Youngstown, Ohio

Has taught private lessons for 12 years

Focuses on fundamental understanding of rhythm, feel, and technique as it applies to all percussion instruments

Studied guitar at the Berklee College of Music and The University of Akron

Toured the United States as the music director for Dennis Edwards, the former lead singer of The Temptations

Currently sings and plays guitar, bass, and keyboards for various local music groups

Teaches all styles of music on guitar, bass, or ukulele

Focuses on sight reading, music theory, and improvisation during lessons

Bachelor of Music from The University of Akron

20 years of experience as a teacher of guitar and bass guitar

Played with a wide variety of bands

Focuses on the fundamentals and technical abilities that allow students to play their favorite styles of music

M.M. in Voice Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music

Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Kent State University

9 years as a pianist and cantor church service professional

7 years experience as an instructor of voice and piano

Focuses on creating well-rounded musicians with strong theory skills and healthy, sustainable techniques that can last a lifetime

B.A. in Flute Performance, Kent State University

Currently performs with several area symphonies including Mansfield, Canton, Erie, and Akron

Performed with Civic Orchestra of Chicago and New World Symphony of Miami

Certified teacher and clinician for the Alexander Technique

B. A. in Performance, Boston Conservatory

Chris has studied with both Rick Stout and Massimo La Rosa of the Cleveland Orchestra

Performed with the Akron, Youngstown, Canton, Erie, and Firelands Symphonies

7 years teaching experience in public and private settings

B. M. in Trombone Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music