Instructors

BRIGHTON

Drums

Garrett, who has Native American heritage, developed a passion for percussion at a young age, as he was often exposed to the sounds of drumbeats at Pow Wow gatherings. At the age of 10, he received his first complete drum kit and started formal lessons with Ryan Edwards, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Throughout middle and high school, Garrett excelled in playing various percussion instruments, such as full drum set, snare drum, bass drum, and others, in marching, concert, and jazz bands. He also consistently received the highest ratings at all Solo and Ensemble competitions.

During his college years at Adrian College, where he studied Communication Arts & Sciences, Garrett remained active in music, playing snare drum in the marching band and various instruments in the concert band for all four years. He also played tennis at the collegiate level. Garrett's love for music has driven him to produce and perform his own music, both as a DJ and as a drummer in his own band.

Aside from teaching percussion, Garrett has also served as an assistant coach for the Beach Middle School tennis team and has provided tennis lessons at a local tennis club. It appears that teaching comes naturally to him.

BRIGHTON

Piano

Hi there! I'm Susan Gardner, a seasoned piano teacher with over three decades of experience. I cater to students of all ages, from young beginners to mature adults. My lessons are a perfect blend of solid technique building, music reading strategies, and theory that promotes understanding, memorization, and a deep love for music.

BRIGHTON

Guitar • Piano • Bass Guitar • Voice • Ukulele

Shane Burton is a highly skilled musician who has been playing music since he was a young child. With a family background steeped in musical traditions, Shane has a natural talent and deep understanding of various instruments. His primary instrument is the acoustic and electric guitar, but he is also proficient in piano, bass guitar, ukulele, and mandolin.

As a teacher at Brighton Music Academy, Shane brings his expertise and passion for music to his students. He provides customized lessons tailored to each student's individual goals and needs, ensuring that they receive the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential. Whether you're a beginner looking to pick up a new instrument or an experienced musician seeking to improve your skills, Shane is dedicated to helping you achieve your musical aspirations.

BRIGHTON

Upright Bass • Piano • Cello • Violin

Sean is a highly qualified musician who has earned a Bachelor of Applied Music in Double Bass from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. With over eight years of teaching experience, Sean is a dedicated educator who has a passion for passing on his knowledge to his students. In addition to his expertise on the double bass, Sean is also well-versed in teaching beginners on violin, cello, and piano. He has a unique ability to connect with his students and guide them towards their musical goals, making him a sought-after teacher in his community. Sean's comprehensive approach to music education, combined with his passion and dedication, make him a valuable asset to any aspiring musician.

BRIGHTON LOCATION

Trumpet • Trombone • Piano

For 25 years John Douglas has thrived professionally as he performs in venues around the world. Douglas' dynamic range of sound and space is documented on a variety of television, news magazine, and radio programs, and witnessed at renowned venues across the globe. John performed with Carl Craig (Planet-E), Francisco Mora, and Marshall Allen (Sun Ra Arkestra), at the 2003 North Sea Jazz Festival. In 2004, he toured with Theo Parrish and the Rotating Assembly for the Import Music Festival and a ParaDisco appearance in Amsterdam. Also in 2004, he played the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland with celebrated Blues Diva Bettye LaVette. Television and commercial appearances include the Ground Zero Blues Divas Festival with host Morgan Freeman, Greektown Casino, Adidas, and Pepsi Cola. He has performed with legends like the Machito Orchestra, Los Munequitos De Matanzas, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Night, Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, The Velvelettes, and Dramatics. John hosts a weekly jam session at Bert's Market Place, where musicians are encouraged to showcase their talents from 1994- to the present. In 2022, John Douglas continues to explore new dimensions and provides an energy that both lights up the stage and minds of audiences everywhere.

BRIGHTON

Voice • Violin • Piano • Cello • Viola

Leah Tribble is a talented music instructor at Brighton Music Academy, offering lessons in voice, violin, viola, cello, and piano. She has a strong background in music education, having studied at Adrian College after graduating from Milford High School. Her passion for music and teaching is evident in her approach to lessons, which are designed to inspire and encourage her students.

With her broad range of musical skills and experience, Leah is able to adapt her teaching style to meet the needs of each individual student. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, she will help you develop a solid foundation in technique, music theory, and performance skills. Leah's approach is focused on helping her students develop a love for music and a lifelong appreciation for their instrument. Her supportive and patient teaching style creates a positive learning environment where students can grow and flourish. If you're looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated music instructor, Leah Tribble is the perfect choice for your musical journey.

BRIGHTON LOCATION

Piano



Rebecca Belliston is a talented musician and teacher with a passion for music that has been a constant in her life since she was a child. From a young age, she demonstrated a gift for composing and has been writing songs since she was six years old. This love for music has only grown stronger with time and she now has a song playing in her head at all times.

With her years of experience, she has become an accomplished pianist and has been teaching the instrument since she was sixteen. She has a strong commitment to sharing her love for music with others and has made it her mission to inspire and educate those who want to learn. Whether you're a beginner just starting out, an advanced player, young or old, Rebecca has the expertise to help you achieve your musical goals.

Rebecca teaches piano in both classical and contemporary styles, catering to the needs and preferences of her students. Her goal is to help you play your favorite music and bring your musical dreams to life. In addition to teaching, she also composes and arranges pieces for piano and voice, demonstrating her versatility and creativity as a musician. With her passion for music and dedication to teaching, Rebecca is the perfect instructor to help you develop your skills and unleash your musical potential.

BRIGHTON LOCATION

Piano Lessons

Andrew Glynn is a seasoned musician with a deep passion for piano and a rich history of musical involvement that has left a significant impact on the world of music. He embarked on his musical journey as a pit musician for Saginaw's renowned Pit & Balcony Theater, where his exceptional piano skills enriched live theatrical productions, setting the stage for his remarkable musical career.

Andrew's musical versatility extended to accompanying choirs and serving as a rehearsal pianist for various youth choirs and musicals at the Midland Center For The Arts. His adeptness as a pianist and accompanist became evident through his ability to bring out the best in performers and contribute to the success of numerous musical productions. His dedication to the piano as both a solo instrument and a collaborative tool is a testament to his deep love for music. Andrew's passion for piano and his ability to elevate musical performances make him a sought-after figure in the world of music.

Brighton Location

With a foundation in piano spanning from the tender age of 7, Kathleen has devoted over 40 years to the art of the keys. Her journey, rich with annual recitals during her foundational years, has blossomed into a lifelong dedication to music. For over three decades, she has not only graced stages from intimate wedding ceremonies to the bustling bands of downtown Brighton, Michigan but also played a pivotal role in nurturing budding talents at a local church, offering weekly piano and keyboard lessons. Whether teaching scales to novices or challenging advanced students with intricate compositions, Kathleen finds immense joy in assisting others to unlock and excel in their musical potential.

BRIGHTON AND DIXBORO LOCATION

Guitar • Voice • Ukulele • Bass Guitar

Lucas Hardy is a talented musician who writes music, sings, and plays the guitar and piano. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Music Composition in 2022 and has since combined his passion for music and teaching by serving as the assistant director of the Livingston County Youth Choir.

Lucas approaches music with energy and enthusiasm, and is not afraid to explain both the technical and artistic aspects of the craft. He is dedicated to inspiring and educating his students, and is well equipped to guide them on their musical journeys. With his strong musical background, excellent teaching skills, and love for music, Lucas is the ideal instructor for anyone who wants to develop their musical abilities.

BRIGHTON • DIXBORO

Saxophone • Clarinet • Flute • Drums • Piano

Are you in search of an experienced and dedicated music teacher to assist you in reaching your musical goals? Look no further than Tyler Gillon! With over a decade of performing experience, Tyler's skills have been refined under the guidance of industry-leading musicians, including Elaine Zajac, Marlin Baker, and Gene Parker.

Tyler is a versatile and dynamic performer, well-versed in a variety of musical styles such as classical, jazz, and gospel music. He has had the opportunity to showcase his talent at esteemed venues like The Cube at Orchestra Hall, The Eleanor and Edsel Ford House, and The Soundboard at MotorCity Casino.

But Tyler's passion doesn't stop at performing; he also possesses a deep love for teaching. With experience in both public and private settings, Tyler has a proven track record of helping students reach their full potential. Beginning his musical journey at Wayne State University before transferring to Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as an educator.

Tyler offers instruction in various instruments, including saxophone (alto, tenor, and baritone), flute, clarinet, piano, and drums. Whether you have a specific instrument in mind or are eager to explore multiple options, Tyler is the perfect teacher for you. Don't hesitate any longer—start your musical journey with Tyler Gillon today!

DIXBORO

Guitar

Meet Austin, an accomplished guitar teacher with a passion for helping students reach their musical goals. With a background in classical guitar from Concordia University and a master's degree in music composition from Michigan State University, Austin has the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your goals on the guitar.

What sets Austin apart is his dedication to connecting with each student and helping them realize their full potential. He knows that every student is different and takes the time to explore different techniques, note reading, improvisation, and composition to make the learning experience fun, collaborative, and creative. This approach not only provides students with the knowledge and skills to continue improving outside of lessons, but it also fosters a love for music that they can carry with them forever.

Whether you are just starting out on the acoustic, electric, or classical guitar, or you are looking to take your playing to the next level, Austin is the perfect teacher for you. With his expertise, passion, and dedication to his students, Austin will help you reach your musical goals and cultivate a lifelong love for music.

DIXBORO

Piano

A native of Ann Arbor and graduate of Huron High School, Kevin feels right at home teaching for the Dixboro Music Academy. Since obtaining his master's degree in piano performance from Eastern Michigan University in 2014 where he was a competition winner and frequent performer and presenter, Kevin has worked as a freelance pianist and accompanist in the southeast Michigan area, specializing in collaborative work with other instrumentalists and vocalists. While Kevin's first love will always be the ivories, he is a wearer of many musical hats, including playing the viola in orchestras, playing keys/synth, bass, percussion, and drums in worship groups, and most recently, being employed as the Marketing and Media Manager for Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Concert House. He is also an avid dabbler and lover of music production, composition, and all things music. As a teacher, Kevin often recalls how inspiring and supportive his own mentors have been to him, so he strives to have that same type of lasting positive influence on his students.

DIXBORO

Violin

Mary Lou Auchus is a highly skilled and experienced violin teacher, offering lessons at both Canton Music Academy and Dixboro Music Academy. With a deep passion for music and a strong background in both performance and education, she provides students with the guidance and instruction they need to grow as musicians. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Mary Lou is dedicated to helping you achieve your musical goals. With her passion for teaching and her expertise in violin playing, she is the perfect choice for anyone looking to learn the beautiful art of playing the violin.

DIXBORO

Violin • Viola

Megan Fisher is a violin and viola teacher from Bowling Green, Ohio. She received her Master's in Viola Performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), studying with Scott Rawls. At UNCG, Megan served as the violist for the graduate string quartet. During her time with the quartet, Megan performed numerous outreach concerts- including a grant funded tour across the state. Megan completed her Bachelor’s in Viola Performance and Biology at the University of Kentucky in 2020. Megan currently serves as the Assistant Performance Librarian at U of M, where she helps prepare music for all of the university ensembles.

Megan has a passion for teaching, working with students from age 6 up through adults. Beginning her teaching career in 2015, Megan has taught at the University of Kentucky String Project, the Central Music Academy in Lexington, and Moore Music in Greensboro. Megan has served as the instructional assistant to the UNCG viola studio, teaching college undergraduate violists. When she isn’t teaching or performing, Megan enjoys watching television with one of her lizards.

DIXBORO

Cello

Meet Milan Anderson, a talented cellist and music instructor at Dixboro Music Academy. Milan's musical journey began at the young age of 8, when she first picked up the cello and discovered a deep love and joy for the instrument. Growing up, she would accompany her dad at Church concerts during the holidays, and as a teen, she joined the Detroit Civic Orchestra and took private cello lessons with Nadine Deleurey, Principal Cellist of the Detroit Michigan Opera Orchestra.

Milan continued her musical development at the University of Michigan, where she received her Bachelor of Science and played cello in the Residential College's Chamber Orchestra group. During this time, she also explored different styles of playing, such as improvisational jazz and folk, as a member of bands like Rabbit Folk and Sysster, and started learning guitar and writing songs.

After earning her Master of Arts in Secondary Education at National Louis University, Milan taught in the classroom for a few years before returning to Michigan. Today, she continues to write music and perform in a folk ensemble at different venues across the state.

At Dixboro Music Academy, Milan is passionate about inspiring her students to develop both skillfully and creatively with their instrument. She believes in the importance of expression and wants to help her students find their unique voice through music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Milan is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential as a musician.

DIXBORO

Violin • Voice • Piano

Meet Zoe Spencer, a versatile and talented music instructor at Dixboro Music Academy. Zoe is currently a vocal performance student at Eastern Michigan University, where she is actively involved in the EMU Choir, directs an ensemble, and regularly competes in music competitions.

With a passion for music that extends back to her childhood, Zoe has been giving lessons since 2018 and has a wealth of experience to draw from. She offers voice, piano, and violin lessons, and is dedicated to helping her students reach their full potential as musicians.

Zoe is known for her patient, supportive teaching style and her ability to adapt to the needs of each student. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, she will work closely with you to develop a customized lesson plan that meets your individual needs and goals.

With a strong background in performance and a passion for teaching, Zoe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their vocal, piano, or violin skills. So why wait? Contact Dixboro Music Academy today to schedule a lesson with Zoe and start your musical journey!

DIXBORO

Piano • Flute

Meet Rebecca Eller, a highly skilled and experienced piano and flute teacher at Dixboro Music Academy. With over 30 years of private teaching and performance experience, Rebecca is a classically trained musician specializing in classical music.

Rebecca holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Music Performance from Eastern Michigan University, where she also served as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Music. She has extensive solo repertoire and competition experience, and has been a concert performer and chamber musician.

In addition to her private teaching, Rebecca has also been a collaborative pianist and staff accompanist at Eastern Michigan University, as well as a long-time staff member at the First Pentecostal School of Music of Jesus Christ. She has also performed as a soloist with Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, and has been a section flutist and pianist with Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and Blue Lake International Orchestra.

Aside from her musical career, Rebecca is also a proud wife, mother, and grandmother who homeschooled her four grown sons. Her passion for music and dedication to her students makes her a valuable asset to the Dixboro Music Academy community.

DIXBORO

Piano • Voice

Nicole Knorr is an active composer, pianist, and poet currently pursuing an M.M. in Composition at the University of Michigan. Nicole received her Bachelor's degrees from the University of North Florida in Vocal Performance and Piano Performance as a proud recipient of the Presser Scholar Award. She has spent the last two summers teaching piano at the Interlochen Center for the Arts summer program. As she studies composition, Nicole continues to perform on both piano and voice. She played piano with the UNF Wind Symphony from 2019 - 2021, accompanying them on their tour to WASBE in Buñol, Spain. She also participated in the University's Beaujolais Chamber Music workshop, performing chamber music and teaching music theory in France.

DIXBORO

Drums • Piano

David Warnke is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator specializing in drums and music production. With seven years of teaching experience, he graduated from the Musician's Institute, where he studied music performance, theory, composition, and audio engineering. David's versatility spans various genres, from rock to jazz to Latin. He is recognized for his exceptional drumming skills, as well as his ability to produce captivating music. As a dedicated teacher, he inspires students and equips them with the skills to pursue their musical passions.

DIXBORO

Trumpet • Trombone • Piano • Vocals

Benjamin Green is a Detroit-based musician known for his versatile talents as a trumpet player, teacher, composer, and jazz musician. With an impressive musical journey spanning over a decade, Benjamin has honed his craft with 12 years of expertise on the trumpet, 10 years in classical voice, and 7 years in jazz voice. His proficiency extends to the piano with 8 years of experience, as well as musical machine programming, including synthesizers and drum machines, for 7 years. With 6 years of professional touring experience and an additional 6 years in audio engineering, Benjamin brings a rich blend of skills to the world of music. His dedication to academic excellence is evident through the prestigious Jean Fairfax Award for Academic Excellence received during his tenure at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with Honors Cum Laude with a BFA in Jazz Studies and a Minor in Art History in 2020. Benjamin's passion for music led him to the School of Improvised Music at the Brooklyn Conservatory, where he was a selected attendee in 2018, and he has had formal music instruction spanning an impressive 16 years.

DIXBORO LOCATION

DIXBORO

Violin • Piano • Viola

Lucas Martins is a distinguished violinist and educator with a comprehensive academic and professional background in music. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Nevada between 2019 and 2023, preceded by a Master of Music (MM) at the University of Tennessee from 2017 to 2019, and a Bachelor of Music at the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, from 2012 to 2016. Lucas's teaching experience is extensive and varied, including his current role as a Violin Teacher with Trala in Chicago, where he has been instrumental in preparing students for prestigious auditions and music festivals since 2022. His teaching tenure also includes significant contributions as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he was involved in teaching, coordinating masterclasses, and managing community events. Additionally, Lucas has taught at the Nevada Music Academy and the Universidade Adventista São Paulo, enhancing his reputation as a versatile educator. His orchestral experience is equally impressive, with participation in several esteemed orchestras across the United States and internationally, such as the Helena Symphony Orchestra, Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Symphonic Orchestra of the Milan Conservatory. Lucas is trilingual, fluently speaking Portuguese, English, and possessing advanced skills in Spanish, which complements his global professional and academic engagements.

DIXBORO LOCATION


Trumpet



Michael Block is a professional trumpet player from Whitmore Lake, Michigan who holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s degree from Michigan State University. He primarily performs as the principal trumpet of both the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Livonia Symphony Orchestra. Michael also performs as a freelance musician in various different orchestras, jazz ensembles, and pit orchestras, as well as churches for ceremonies and weddings.
As a teacher, Michael has taught privately for 17 years and has over 15 years of public teaching experience. During his collegiate studies, he student-taught college level trumpet players as a part of his degree program. From 2019 - 2024 he was the Maltby Intermediate School High Brass specialist, teaching beginner and second-year Trumpet and French Horn as a staff member of the school.
When it comes to teaching private lessons, Michael’s teaching style is a very straight-forward, relaxed, and well organized approach to each lesson. Each student is given short and long term goals, and is expected to meet them at various rates. One of his own personal goals is to always seek out opportunities for students to perform and showcase their hard work outside of their school band/orchestra classes and lessons.
Michael has had many different memorable teaching experiences. One of his first students ended up being a music-major colleague of his during his final year at Eastern Michigan University. Another is now a professional New York musician who is about to earn his Doctorate in Musical Arts. Another student of his just finished his nursing degree and is about to pursue a jazz performance degree at MSU.
One of his most recent students, a Holt High School student who fought through many different struggles and adversities with the trumpet, is about to finish her Bachelors degree in Music Education at Western Michigan University, with the soon-to-be-met goal of achieving her dream of becoming a band director. It’s these experiences that make being a music teacher as fulfilling as it can be. Each student is different in Michael’s eyes, and every approach is a whole new learning opportunity for both him and his students.