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.

Hannah Crouch is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with nearly a decade of live performance experience. She offers voice lessons for all ages and beginner piano for self-accompaniment.

Currently a senior at Berklee College of Music, Hannah is pursuing a B.A. in Songwriting and Music Production. She is an active member of the Recording Academy’s GrammyU program, a former Interlochen songwriting major (‘19), and releases indie-pop music under her artist name, Alexis Bleu. Hannah’s musical background is diverse: she grew up performing in Brighton High School’s choir, a cappella, and theater programs, and today she works across a variety of styles including pop, rock, country, choral, musical theater, and jazz.

As a teacher, Hannah is passionate about curating personalized lesson plans that highlight each student’s strengths. Her lessons focus on building confidence, strong technique, and self-expression in a supportive and fun environment.

Outside of music, Hannah enjoys reading, hiking, time with her dogs, and the occasional Netflix binge.

I've played guitar for 15+ years and drums for 10+ years. I've been playing guitar and doing vocals in a band called Cassette Tape Fiasco since 2023. I typically like to approach teaching in a student led fashion meaning they learn what they want to learn as I was taught that way. I feel like it's good for their creativity and keeps them involved because it's what they want to do.

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

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

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.

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).

Samantha is a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s of Music in Film Scoring and minors in Global Music Studies and History. During her time at Berklee, she discovered her passion for teaching and woodwind doubling. She served as a tutor, where she aimed to make learning all aspects of music accessible and rewarding for each of her students. In addition, she is an avid performer, playing in a variety of orchestras and chamber ensembles, as well as a recording session musician. In her lessons, Samantha aims to bring out the joy in creating music while also providing the tools to build a strong technical foundation to ensure her students are able to enjoyably achieve excellence in their craft

Aidan Frost is a versatile musician with a degree in Worship Arts from Grand Canyon University. Based in Michigan, he is a skilled vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, bass, piano, and harmonica. Aidan has received professional vocal training and brings a well-rounded musical background to his work, whether in performance, collaboration, or instruction. His passion for music is matched by a strong commitment to creativity, excellence, and connecting with others through the arts. In addition to his musical pursuits, Aidan enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and exploring new creative outlets.

Music has always been a part of my life. I began taking piano lesson and music theory when I was seven
years old at the Music School in USSR and continued there until I was 15 years old. I loved to play the
piano and sing for my family and close friends. I grew up studying with the classic music of Mozart, Bach,
Beethoven, Verdi, Schubert and Russian composers: Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Stravinsky. I will always
be grateful to them for showing me the beautiful language of music. I enjoyed learning music and
entering competitions were good motivation to keep practicing. When I was 23 years old I got my
Master’s Degree from Tashkent State Institute of Culture in Cultural Education; Primary study in piano
and choir direction with specialized skills and experience in teaching basic level piano lesson to children
and adults.

Fox Gibson is a multi-instrumentalist who's been teaching professionally since she was 16 years old. Her main instrument is the drumset, but she also teaches piano, guitar, drumline percussion, ukulele, and beginner voice (rock and contemporary styles only). She is currently studying jazz and contemporary improvisation at the University of Michigan, and will be pursuing an additional degree in performing arts technology.

Her teaching style incorporates integral theory and the expectation that each student will put in multiple hours of practice per week, as that is the only way to progress efficiently. She also encourages every student to build a personal "set list" of songs to practice and workshop during lessons.

Kait Bimer is a vocal jazz student at the University of Michigan with a strong foundation in contemporary vocal styles including jazz, musical theater, pop, and rock. In addition to her studies, Kait is an active gigging musician in the local music scene.

With a well-rounded musical background, Kait offers private lessons in voice, guitar, piano, and flute. Her personalized approach helps students grow in skill and confidence.

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.

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.”

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 LOCATION

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.

Allyson Cohen is a violinist currently studying with Professor Danielle Belen of the University of
Michigan. Allyson holds a bachelor's degree from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings of
Mercer University where she was a recipient of the presidential scholarship.
Allyson has given solo performances at Carnegie Hall as well as the Kimmel Center. She has
performed as a substitute violinist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and has played under the
baton of renowned conductors Marin Alsop, Simon Rattle, and Yannick Nezet Seguin, and
Stèphane Denéve among others.
Allyson has a position in Lansing Symphony Orchestra and has acted as one of the
concertmasters for the Macon-Mercer Symphony. She has attended Summer festivals such as
The National Repertory Orchestra, NYO-USA, Bowdoin International Music Festival, The
Manchester Music Festival, The Chautauqua Institute, and in 2021 was a young artist at Rome
Chamber Music Festival. Allyson has had the privilege of taking lessons and masterclasses with
James Ehnes, Miriam Fried, Catherine Cho, Donald Weilerstein, Cho Liang Lin, and Kathleen
Winkler, among others. Allyson has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Lisa
Batiashvili, Clive Greensmith, David Kim, and Robert McDuffie, Victoria Chiang, as well as with
members of the Borromeo, Emerson, Ehnes, and Tokyo string quartets. She has also appeared
in concerts alongside members of R.E.M, The Rolling Stones, and the Allman Brothers. Allyson
has appeared on NPR’s From the Top and has recorded for SiruisXm and PBS.
With her string quartet, the Mia Quartet, she has been a finalist at the Coltman Chamber Music
Competiton, the winner of the Audience Choice Award at the St. Paul String Quartet
Competiton, 3rd prize winner at the Briggs Chamber Music Competiton, and one of two quartets
to recieve a fellowship to study at the Encore Chamber Music Festival. They have worked
extensively with members of the Cavani, Calidore, Pacifica, Telegraph, and Verona quartets
among others.
Allyson is also the founder of Concert Music Outreach Collective (cmoutreachcollective.org), a
nonprofit dedicated to bringing high level chamber music performances to underserved
communities in the Southeastern Michigan area.

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.

Julian Stockton
Guitar

Julian Stockton is a contemporary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist specializing in jazz, gospel, funk, and soul. Starting at age 13, he has honed his skills in guitar, singing, bass, and piano, as well as recording, arranging, and production. His experience and focus on contemporary improvisation and performance make him a versatile educator and musician.

Julian has worked with students of all ages, teaching music fundamentals to young children and developing comprehensive lesson programs for a community center. His teaching emphasizes curiosity and exploration, building a strong foundation through enjoyable, engaging methods before incorporating more structured techniques as students progress.

Julian’s approach helps students develop their skills while finding personal expression and creativity in music, making it an accessible and meaningful pursuit for anyone.

Mezzo-soprano McKenna Jones recently graduated with an MM in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan, where she appeared in both of their mainstage operas this past academic year. She received her bachelors from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory where she performed a number of roles, including a leading role in the premiere of a Jake Heggie micro-opera, part of the Operas [in Place] project which won Opera America’s 2023 “Digital Excellence in Opera” award.

Based in mid-Michigan, for the past few years McKenna has run a private voice studio focused on helping young vocalists get a head start on healthy technique while maintaining their authentic voice. Singing from a very early age, she has observed the successes and pitfalls in the development of young voices and has discovered a passion for pedagogy; specifically the holistic nurturing of young voices musically, technically, and psychologically. McKenna has provided thoughtful instruction to singers with a variety of goals, such as elevating choral skills, learning classical and musical theater technique, audition preparation at the high school and college levels, or refining a favorite pop song.

T. Logan Rees is a pianist, harpsichordist, and organist who teaches piano with an approach that is both engaging and goal-oriented. He helps students build strong foundations in technique, sight-reading, ear training, and improvisation, tailoring lessons to fit each student’s interests and learning style. Logan brings extensive performance experience on piano, organ, and harpsichord to his teaching. Whether you are a beginner, a returning player, or preparing for college auditions or advanced study, he provides the tools and guidance to help you succeed at the keyboard.

Logan completed his Master of Music in Early Keyboards at the University of Michigan (2025), and his Bachelor of Music in Keyboard Performance at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory (2023).

John Harden is a freelance clarinetist from Atlanta, Georgia. Graduating from Columbus State University with his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, Harden is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Clarinet Performance from Arizona State University, where he also received his Masters Degree. Since his time during his undergraduate studies, Harden has been an advocate for new music and chamber music; A founding member of Arcane Reed Quintet. Harden has been invited to international chamber music competitions and international music seminars performing new music, such as Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition, Coltman Chamber Music Competition, The International Clarinet Association and International Double Reed Society all while leading commissioning projects. A passionate teacher, students in Hardens studio have placed in competitions such as AZMusicFest and as well as in All-State ensembles in their respective states. Harden strives to make his students the best artists they can be through passion, hard work and dedication.