Instructors

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

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

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

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.

Sarah Bauerle is a dedicated piano teacher with a rich educational background, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Music degree in Composition. Her musical journey began at the age of six and has spanned across multiple continents, including performances in America, Germany, and South Korea. With over ten years of experience in teaching piano to a diverse range of students in Southeast Michigan, Sarah is adept at crafting personalized lessons that cater to the unique needs of each student.

Sarah's teaching philosophy emphasizes the joy of music and the importance of tailoring lessons to individual interests and motivations. She views music education as a language for expression and communication, focusing on the liberating and healing aspects of music for both performers and listeners. While she values the fundamentals of theory and practice, Sarah always keeps sight of the reasons why her students are drawn to music.

Specializing in working with beginners and those returning to music after a break, Sarah delights in reintroducing them to the joys of musical expression. She does not confine herself to specific genres, enjoying a range of styles from new age and indie to classical and pop in both her teaching and personal compositions.

Sarah's teaching career is filled with memorable interactions, such as her experiences with a multicultural family whose engagement enriched the learning environment, underscoring the community aspect of her teaching style.

Above all, Sarah is driven by the universal nature of music and its power to transcend boundaries. She is passionate about equipping her students with the tools to express their own stories and emotions through music, aiming to instill a lifelong appreciation and enthusiasm for musical exploration.

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.

Bill Wandel is an accomplished composer, singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with twenty-five years of professional experience scoring film, television and multimedia. His principal instruments are piano, guitar and bass.

Bill’s original music kicks off every NCAA football game on ESPN (since 2017) and sets the mood for the critically acclaimed documentary film, “Intrepid: A Journey Through History,” screening daily at the USS Intrepid Museum, NYC. He has composed scores for over thirty-five films, including two New York Film & Video Festival ‘Best Feature’ winners; Pictures of Baby Jane Doe starring Calista Flockhart and After The Storm starring Benjamin Bratt.

Bill’s numerous television credits include Forensic Files, A&E Biography, and America’s Most Wanted. His advertising clients include Disney, Ford, Dodge, Hoover, Motorola, Sharp, Aetna, Budweiser, Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW, Suzuki, Samsung, Range Rover and The US Marines.

Wandel graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music where he majored in Film Scoring and earned the respected Quincy Jones Award in recognition of outstanding musicianship in the areas of arranging and composition. He participated in both the ASCAP Scoring workshop and the SCL scoring internship where he was mentored by the following world-class composers; Alf Clausen (The Simpsons), Jay Chattaway (Star Trek Voyager), Steve Bramson (J.A.G.) and Dan Foliart (Seventh Heaven).

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!

Scott Brown is a musician based in Howell, MI who has performed all over the world. He has been a featured soloist with groups from Bangkok, Thailand to New York City and countless places in between. With young children, Scott has settled here and performs several times each week all over SE Michigan.


Scott has a bachelors degree in trumpet from Kansas State University and a masters degree in trumpet from Oklahoma City University.


Scott has been teaching brass lessons for over 20 years, and more than 30 of his students have received scholarships to pursue music at universities all over the country.


Scott has a proven track record as a teacher and loves helping musicians find “their voice.”

Piper Meldrum-Roy has been teaching cello privately for 7 years. She originally started giving private lessons to younger students in her school district in 9th grade to gain teaching experience. Since then, she has continued to keep a studio of young musicians with diverse musical goals. While Piper's lessons focus on technique and musicality, they are flexible according to the student's musical goals, commitment, and schedule. She has taught students ages 4 to 19, incorporating repertoire from the Suzuki method, Middle Eastern music, standard concertos, and more.

Piper has experience playing and teaching violin, viola, double bass, and guitar through private lessons and group classes. During the Kalamazoo Kids in Tune summer program, she taught a music enrichment class and substituted for the orchestra director. She is in the final semester of her Music Education degree from Western Michigan University, completing her student-teaching at Skyline High School.

Elle Michaels is a passionate voice educator and sophomore Musical Theatre student at The University of Michigan. With a lifelong passion for music nurtured by her mother, who served as her voice teacher, Elle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students.

Recognized as the Michigan Musical Theatre Intensive Winner in 2022 and the Runner-Up at the prestigious Sutton Foster Awards, Elle has a deep understanding of various vocal styles, including Musical Theatre, Pop, Folk, and Classical. As a singer-songwriter pursing a minor in Musical Theatre Composition, she also shares her expertise in guitar and piano basics, offering a well-rounded approach to music education.

Elle believes in curating individualized vocal training systems tailored to each student's unique strengths. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment that encourages singers and beginning instrumentalists to expand their skills and express their artistry. With her passion and experience, Elle is excited to guide her students on their musical journeys.

Hengyi Ye is an accomplished pianist and a dedicated educator with a deep passion for teaching music. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Piano Performance at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, Hengyi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students. She holds a Master’s degree from the same institution and a Bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School, where she studied under some of the most renowned piano instructors.

With years of experience teaching students of all levels, Hengyi is committed to fostering a love for music in her students while helping them build a strong foundation in piano technique and music theory. Her personalized approach to teaching ensures that each student receives the guidance they need to reach their full potential. Whether you or your child is just beginning in music or seeking to advance your skills, Hengyi Ye is an excellent choice for piano instruction.

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 • 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

Guitar • Piano • Voice • Bass Guitar

Abby Carpenter is a singer and multi-instrumentalist with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from the University of Michigan. She began her musical journey with classical guitar, eventually falling in love with singing, songwriting, and music theory. She enjoys teaching voice, guitar, keyboard and bass across a wide range of genres including pop, rock, and classical. Outside of teaching, Abby loves to listen to 70s rock and record music of her own.

Alex Vershinin is a driven performer, teacher, and composer. He has studied violin with Kurt Sassmansshaus, Tatiana Hanna, and Alicia Hui. Currently, he studies with Fabiola Kim at the University of Michigan, where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. Alex has performed numerous solo repertoire by composers such as Bruch, Mendelssohn, and Bach. He has accumulated years of orchestral and chamber music experience through the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chamber Music Connection, and UofM’s University Symphony Orchestra. While at the University of Michigan, he has also premiered four of his own compositions. In 2017, Alex received the prize of first place winner of the Senior Division of the Hackman Competition. In his final year of high school, he completed a year of the Starling Program through the University of Cincinnati’s conservatory and took on an internship as a Strings teacher assistant, gaining experience in leading sectionals and small group lessons. Additionally, he has gained three years of private lesson teaching experience. In his free time, Alex enjoys reading, baking, and watching sitcoms.

Soprano Lilian Grusz is based in Ann Arbor and is pursuing her MM in Voice Performance at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Recent local performances include Mozart's Coronation Mass and Requiem. In November this past year, she performed scenes as Iphigénie from Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride and Contessa Almaviva from Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. In April, she also competed in the Sam Vitale & Aaron Caruso
Neapolitan Song Competition, where she received the Graduate Encouragement Award. Ms. Grusz received her Bachelor of Music from the University of North Florida, where she was part of the growing opera department. Some of her favorite roles from this time included
Laetitia from Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief and Belinda in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. In addition to her schooling, Lilian has spent summers at the Collaborative Piano Institute
at LSU and the CoOPERAtive Program at Westminster Choir College.
As a teacher, Ms. Grusz has been dedicated to bringing a holistic approach to technique. During her graduate and undergraduate studies, she taught privately and within the university setting. Her passion lies in vocal pedagogy and developing more efficient teaching practices for
the unique individual.

DIXBORO LOCATION


Violin • Viola • Cello



Rebekah Loescher (pronounced Less-sure) has been playing cello since she was six years old. Her entire family plays various musical instruments and it was through them that Rebekah’s interest in other instruments grew. She has branched out from just cello to add violin and viola professionally, and in her spare time she plays String Bass, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, French Horn, Ukulele, Guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, and sort of piano.
Since completing her Bachelors in Music Education at Pensacola Christian College, Rebekah has taught in many unique places such as private lessons, youth orchestras, string quartet coaching, elementary classroom music, high school beginning band, and even high school drama though that was for sure stretching her level of expertise.
Rebekah enjoys playing cello professionally with the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and hopes to provide her students with the knowledge and capability to one day play in an orchestra as well.
Everyone who does not play an instrument always says the same two things “Wow you play the cello? That’s so cool I wish I knew how to play.”
And “I love the cello it sounds so beautiful. I could never make it sound that good.”
With Rebekah as your teacher, you will love your cello and the music you play on it.

Dixboro

Piano

Samuel Jennings brings over a decade of piano expertise, honed through 10 years of lessons at Kellogg Community College and multiple stints at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. His comprehensive background includes a leadership role as tenor drum section leader during his seventh year in band, where he also mentored peers in both percussion and piano, earning top accolades for his contributions.

Samuel believes in teaching music in a way that fosters excellence and progress, while also embracing the pieces that first inspired his students to play piano. His approach integrates music theory with students' personal favorites, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable learning experience.

Specializing in classical piano, Samuel's repertoire spans from the intricate compositions of Baroque and Bach to the emotive works of Rachmaninoff. He is open to exploring all musical styles, reflecting his belief that music should be a versatile and enriching part of life. For Samuel, music is not just a discipline but a lifelong passion that has helped him manage ADHD and shape his identity. His goal as a teacher is to illuminate and enhance his students' lives through music, blending education with excitement and passion.

Dixboro Location



Nicholas Martin is a Michigan-based musician—guitarist, educator, arranger, —who performs solo and collaborative projects. Winner of the SFCM Guitar Concerto Competition, he is an active concert artist, appearing as a soloist, chamber musician, and freelance musician across the country in a myriad of styles. Martin has most recently appeared as a soloist with the SFCM Orchestra, Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society, and the University of Michigan Guitar Society.

Nicholas Martin holds a MM from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Martin loves the color blue, Mozart’s Symphony 29, bowling, college football, Bach circle progressions, skateboarding, and the sound of a pedal steel guitar.

Enoria Li is an active Ann Arbor based violin performer and instructor. As a performer, she made her remarks in various competitions in China such as CCTV violin and piano competition, American music Legacy open competition. Enoria is frequently featured as an artist/soloist in various conferences worldwide. She is also the guest artist in DeGamba school of music and arts in MN.

Enoria is an enthusiastic teacher who loves exploring violin and music in depth with her students. She uses violin to help her students think independently, while pursuing excellence in performance. The Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation awarded Enoria a full scholarship, enabling her to pursue and attain two master's degrees in Violin Performance and Chamber Music Performance at the University of Michigan.