My name is James Leone, and I have been a musician for 30 years. I am born and raised here in AZ, and music is my passion. I began playing piano as a young child, and received formal training on violin and guitar starting at ages 8 and 12. I have my Bachelor’s in Music Education K-12, and am the music director for a school in Queen Creek. I oversee the bands, orchestras, and choirs for the campus, as well as the general music classes. Currently I am attending ASU for my Masters in Educational Leadership (Principal). I am also a performing musician, in which I play multiple instruments along with lead vocals for a rock/pop band. I am proficient in string instruments, but I can also teach beginning level for percussion, brass, and woodwinds. I have a beautiful wife and three kids who support me as a musician and teacher, and have a genuine love for life and educating others in music.

Ray has played guitar professionally for over twelve years, performing jazz, rock, pop, classical, and flamenco at venues across the valley. He has performed with various local and international jazz legends such as Lewis Nash, Michael Kocour, Jeff Libman, Benny Golson, and others. In 2015, Ray graduated from ASU with a Bachelor's in jazz guitar performance, and is currently pursuing an MA in ethnomusicology at ASU, focusing on jazz in culture, jazz pedagogy, music philosophy, Irish traditional music, and Javanese Gamelan. He is featured regularly in combos and big bands throughout the area as a performer and arranger, including the band Dratini of the Rocks. When he is not playing guitar, Ray enjoys playing and performing on the tin whistle, bodhrán, banjo, and Javanese gendèr. He uses his diverse musical studies and skills to provide a unique and enjoyable experience to music learners of all ages and skill levels.

Dr. Olga Kim, a native of Tashkent (Uzbekistan), made her New York City debut with the Tashkent Piano Trio in 2013. She arrived in the United States in Fall 2012 to begin work on Professional Performance Certificate with Lisa Leonard at Lynn University Conservatory of Music. At home with baroque, classical and romantic repertoire she is newly interested in contemporary and modern music. While completing her Bachelor Diploma at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan she presented many solo and chamber recitals at the Uspensky School for Gifted Children in addition to appearances at the most important cultural cities in her homeland. Sought after as a collaborative pianist, Dr. Kim was hired as a staff collaborative pianist at both the State Conservatory and Uspensky School in the year of her graduation. Additionally, Dr. Kim served on the piano faculty of one of the State music school for two years. Dr. Kim participated in masterclasses of Timothy Cobb, Jon Mannasse, Anne Epperson, Rita Sloan, Elmar Oliveira, Guillermo Figueroa etc. She graduated from the Arizona State University with her Doctorate degree in May 2019.

I became a teacher because of an amazing music teacher, Dr. Kennedy, who inspired a love of music in me. I knew I wanted to be a music teacher and pass on my passion of music to my students. In addition to teaching here at MMW I currently teach for Kyrene school district as a music teacher and I taught music through the Teacher for America program which brought me to Arizona. I received my doctorate in music from State University of New York at Stony Brook. I also hold degrees in music performance from California State University, Sacramento. I am married to the music teacher at Estrella, where my two children attended, I have one at Akimel a-Al and one at Desert Vista. On the weekends you might run into me and my family running errands around town or hiking a trail, I love working and living in the same community. My music lessons are always informative and the specialized music programs I plan are especially fun filled with excitement. I employ an active music curriculum where children learn music by doing music. This summer in June we'll be providing an Preschool Summer Camps Around the World Kindermusik program for kids 3-6.

Dr. Miriam S.received her Doctorate in Voice Performance from Arizona State University in May 2017. She received her Master's degree in Opera Performance from ASU in 2014, and she graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. Schildkret has been actively teaching and working behind the scenes during her studies. She was an Adjunct Faculty member at Central Arizona College for two and a half years, where she taught private voice and Music Appreciation. She has also taught general music courses at the Summer Festival for the Arts in Bar Harbor, ME, and she worked as a teaching assistant in a second-grade classroom for two years during her time in Ithaca. Although Dr. Schildkret comes from a classical background, she enjoys teaching voice to students with a wide variety of musical interests. In addition to her passion for teaching, Dr. Schildkret enjoys performing in operatic and oratorio performances across the valley. She has performed many roles with ASU’s Lyric Opera Theatre, including “Lumee” in excerpts from Prism, “Third Lady” in The Magic Flute, “Kate” in Benjamin Britten’s Owen Wingrave, the title role in Dido and Aeneas, "Dorabella" in Così fan tutte, “Estrella” in La Périchole, and “Prince Orlofsky” in Lyric Opera Theatre’s ariZoni award-winning production of Die Fledermaus. Other roles include “Mrs. Nolan” in The Medium, “First Shepherd” in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, and “Kate Pinkerton” in Madame Butterfly. She was the study cover for “Cherubino” in Arizona Opera’s production of Le nozze di Figaro in 2013, and she joined the Arizona Opera Chorus that same year in The Flying Dutchman and La Bohème. In the winter of 2017, Dr. Schildkret was a Teaching Artist in Arizona Opera’s outreach troupe OperaTunity, where she sang the role of “The Sea Witch” in their abridged version of Rusalka.

Mrs. B is the founder of Music Maker Workshops. Music Maker's began in 1997 as a small mobile teaching facility that taught music workshops. Soon she found herself dreaming of having a music studio. Absolutely loving to teach and wanting to share with even more people she began hiring talented teachers to help. Eventually the studio was born full of talent, excitement and lots of love. Mrs. B feels as if the studio is really an extension of her family. As of May 2016, Mrs. B has officially retired. You occasionally see her at the studio to teach a lesson upon request. However, her schedule is flexible allowing her to travel back to Canada to see family. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream." Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy

Angela was born and raised in Dickinson, North Dakota. She moved to Arizona after college in 2004, where she has raised her family with her husband of 14 years. She grew up playing piano and flute, and traveled around Germany and Austria with her band in High School performing for several weeks. Her love of music continues today with several of her children playing instruments and performing in High School Marching Band.

Mr. Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist in the Phoenix Area. He is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Arizona State University and studies tuba with Dr. Deanna Swoboda. In addition to studying tuba for over 8 years, he has also been spent the last 12 years playing guitar in many different bands and ensembles. Past mentors include Chris Forenz, Pete Pancrazi, and Brian Moss of the band Spafford. He currently plays around town with his band, Benja. Andrew excels in a range of skills and is proficient instruments on many instruments including tuba, baritone/euphonium, trombone, trumpet, guitar, electric and upright bass, ukulele, banjo, and drum set. Andrew has been teaching at MMW since spring, 2017.

Rushika G. has degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Arizona State University.   She is a classically trained oboist, pianist and music educator. In addition to teaching private lessons, she has been involved in the ASU String Project, the Leading Tone Project using digital media and technology, and teaching students with disabilities at United Sounds.  Currently, Ruchy is collaborating with artists from the Herberger Institute for Design for the Arts with the goal to unite the different art forms. Throughout her life, Ruchy has had an exciting musical journey!  She has competed in several competitions and festivals that has allowed her to travel to many unique places. In Bangkok, Thailand she won the Steinway Young Artist Competition.  She has also attended and performed at prestigious institutions including the Curtis Institute of Music, Oslo Philharmonic and Opera house. She attended the Round Top Institute music festival in Texas, Sarasota Music Festival, Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy, being one of the youngest participants accepted.  At the ASU Bosendorfer Competition she was the semi-finalist in the Yamaha Young Artist Competition.  As a pianist, she has attended piano masterclasses with highly respected artists such as Emmanuel Ax, Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich. When she isn't making music, Ruchy enjoys cooking, baking, reading books and spending time outdoor hiking, camping, exploring and most of all Traveling Around the World.

Kaija was born and raised in San Diego, California. As a child she’d write poems and songs. Growing up she sang in several church and school choirs. Today, Kaija is an active songwriter collaborating with some local artist as well as some up incoming artists in LA, and she has been a proud member of the Music Maker family since fall 2018.

Ms. Jess grew up in a family full of musicians. She has always had a deep love for music, and started by playing the clarinet for over 10 years. In high school, she began pursuing voice and was a member of the Arizona Jazz and Classical All-State choirs. She was also invited to be an Ambassador of Music, and performed solos for audiences all throughout Europe. Jess earned a BA in Music from Northern Arizona University under the instruction of Margaret Gunderson, where she was a member of the Shrine of the Ages Chorale as well as several jazz ensembles. Today, she is a very proud member of the Music Makers family, a member of the Sonoran Desert Chorale, and guest performs with blues band The Sugar Thieves around town. Jess has been at MMW since spring, 2010.

Kim S. ~ Kindermusik & Piano for Preschoolers:  Ms. Kim is our certified Kindermusik Instructor.  She teaches Village,  Our Time & Imagine That classes for babies & toddlers.  Kim, the mother of three young children is proud that Kindermusik welcomes the youngest of children to develop innate musical abilities.   She also provides further musical instruction with the Music for Little Mozart piano program. She is a member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. Kim is the daughter of Bev Bigam and is a Co-Owner of Music Maker Workshops.

Ted Zimnicki received his Master of Music in Opera and Music Theatre Performance degree from Arizona State University in May 2017.  He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College magna cum laude in 2012 in Vocal Performance. Ted continues to be very active in the music, theater, and opera stages, as he has since high school. Ted has studied and performed in venues across the world, including America, Canada, Luxemburg, and Italy. While classical music took most of Ted’s formal education, he also loves music theatre, jazz, and contemporary styles. Some of Ted’s favorite productions he’s been a part of in Arizona include “Acis” from Acis and Galatea, “The Ghost of Christmas Present” from A Christmas Carol (Menkin), and “Phoebus de Martin” in Hunchback of Notre Dame”. ​ ​Ted has a deep passion for coaching and finding what makes a student work on increasing their own skills. In addition to teaching at music makers, he continues to work a health, fitness, and nutrition coach to singers and non-singers alike, as he has for many years.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE  I am an Orff-Schulwerk trained instructor and serve on the board of the Arizona Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. I hold a Ph.D. in music composition from Stony Brook University and degrees in music theory/composition from California State University, Sacramento. Prior to working in Kyrene, I taught private music lessons for ten years, specializing in percussion and composition instruction, and I held an assistantship at Stony Brook University for three years, where I co-taught classical, rock, and world music classes. I have worked as a free-lance percussionist, performing with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and rock and jazz groups and am a composer of artsy music for large and small ensembles, soloists, and in the electronic medium. I have received awards and recognitions for my music and music-making from organizations such as Meet the Composer, the Davis Arts Council, the Evelyn Day Foundation, and the Festival of New American Music. I live in Ahwatukee with my wife, Jessica (who also teaches music in the Kyrene School District), our two kids, three cats and Golden Retriever. If I'm not in my classroom, you might find me outside hiking, biking, swimming or grilling with my family.

Hi! My name is Cameron. I have played drums all my life. I started playing drums in 1996 when I was only 3 years old! I was a professional touring and recording drummer for 2 years with an Arizona based Jam Band called, Spafford. Currently, I work with Wade Cota, who made top 4 on American Idol this year of 2019. I am his recording drummer currently and play some shows with his band, Sugarwater. I enjoy teaching all styles of music and include the opportunity for students to Jam and Improvise around the kit!

David "Creamy" has been playing drums and percussion over the past 15 years and teaching students for the last decade. Originally starting his musical journey with the alto saxophone at the age of 10 through college, he knew in his heart he had always had a love for the drums and eventually began learning the craft at 16. He was part of the allstate band and played in the marching band at Dobson High after having played for only 1 year which helped him immensley in honing his technique and rudiments. He also studied under the tutalege of Bruce Weitz. In college, along with playing and learning percussion, he recieved his Associates degree in Audio Engineering and studied music business as well. He has extensive experience playing and recording all styles of music, and has toured across the U.S. and overseas and was part of one of the top 10 unsigned blues bands in the nation in 2010 and the best in Arizona 3 years in a row. David currently plays with the band, Blaine Long & Rosas Del Ray from The Voice, along with Korbe Canada. He teaches beginning through advance levels and covers everything from basic rudiments, hand and foot technique, timing, 4 way independence, tuning, solo and improvisation, and reading music and charts. David has been teaching at Music Makers since fall, 2015.

Devin was in a touring band for a year and a half on the east coast and spent several years as a roadie. He has taught privately for the last 5 years. Devin's music philosophy is that there is no such thing as talent, only passion and time invested. He will be teaching drums, beginning guitar, beginning and intermediate bass guitar, drum corp, and rock band. He studied under David Hopson, a competitive jazz drummer who won many competitions throughout the 80s. Devin is incredibly passionate about teaching music in any form, and is hoping to one day teach music at the high school and university level. In addition to the Rock Band and Saturday Drum Corps Devin also teaches the Bucket Brigade class at St. John Bosco Catholic School on Friday afternoons.

Mr. Jacob graduated from Arizona State University in 2011 under the direction of Michael Kocour and Jeff Libman (guitar) as a jazz performance major. Prior to college he was a part of the city­wide Tucson Jazz Institute's Ellington Band, during which he was a part of shows around Arizona and California and their jazz festivals as well as a summer tour during which TJI Ellington performed in Montreux, Vienne, Vitoria and Segovia (Spain). While at ASU he performed in numerous combo and big band ensembles and had the opportunity to travel in 2011 as a part of the ASU Jazz Allstars, who opened four nights of performances at the legendary Jazz Showcase jazz club in Chicago for Mike Kocour and jazz legend Benny Golson. Since graduating Jacob continues to perform regularly at various public and private engagements around the valley as a leader of his own groups as well as a sideman in a variety of styles of music and his original rock band Twin Ponies. In addition to teaching jazz/pop/rock guitar privately, in schools, and various rock’n’roll full­ band workshops around the valley he has also given group masterclasses with his graduated jazz peers of ASU at several of the local high schools' jazz programs. Jacob has been teaching at MMW since summer, 2016.

Growing up, my parents had me take piano lessons.  I was decent, but I didn't love it.  Then one day I heard Soundgarden's Rusty Cage on the radio.  I heard Green Day's Basketcase on a classmate's walkman.  That was 25 years ago, and I've been playing guitar religiously ever since. In addition to teaching guitar, bass, and ukulele, I helped create and run our awesome Rock Band program.  I've also written, recorded, and performed music for TV shows such as Sprinkler's Clubhouse, a local kids morning show.  Getting good takes hard work, but it should also be fun.  I encourage my students to bring in music that they like and that they want to learn how to play.  Scales, chord progressions, and arpeggios make a lot more sense when you can hear them in a song you enjoy. Mike has been an educator at Music Makers since fall  2009.

Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist from the Phoenix area. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Arizona State University in 2016 where he gained experience working in orchestral, concert band, big band, Latin jazz, and traditional jazz settings. Since graduating, he spent three years teaching orchestra, band, and guitar at the elementary and middle school level in the Queen Creek Unified School District. It was during this tenure that Tyler explored innovative teaching practices, incorporating concepts like songwriting, music technology, storytelling, improvisation, arranging, and popular music into his curriculum. He also used this time to collaborate extensively with marching band, jazz, and theater programs throughout his district. A lifelong guitarist and bassist, Tyler currently performs rock music around the valley and has developed a keen interest in songwriting and recording.

Justine D. received her Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance at Northern Arizona University in 2015, and a Master's in Violin Performance form the same institution in 2017.  During her undergraduate studies, Justine registered to work in the Suzuki violin method for books one through four, and taught private and group lessons using this method.  Justine has also taught an undergraduate Ear Training course and served as a teaching assistant fro music history and theory courses during her graduate studies. ​Justine has performed with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra since the fall of 2012, and recently became a member of the Verde Valley Sinfonietta's first violin section in the fall of 2017. Justine has been a member of the MMW family since spring, 2018.

Chandra graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Utah State University in 2017. She was born and raised in Hyde Park, Utah in a home filled with music and began studying violin at 8 years old. Over the years she has participated in a variety of orchestras, chamber groups, competitions, string camps, and productions ranging from playing Mozart’s opera La Finta Giardiniera to participating in Le Via Dei Concerti International Summer Festival in Italy. ​     Chandra has a great love for music and teaching. At a young age she helped assist with group classes and private lessons in her mother’s violin studio before opening her own. She has taught private lessons for the past six years as well as elementary orchestra classes with Mountain West String Academy for the past year. In addition to music, Chandra has a love of reading, writing, and exploring the great outdoors.  Chandra has been a member of the MMW family since spring, 2018.

Austen has a BMus in Jazz Performance from ASU, as well as 18 years of experience as a live performer and 10 years experience as a private educator. Austen’s range of experience makes him a versatile teacher; as a 9-year member of the Music Makers teaching staff, Austen has given instruction for drums, piano, guitar, music theory and composition, improvisation, as well as coaching the majority of the Music Maker rock bands. He regularly provides his students with customized curriculum, sheet music and recordings, and as a nationally-active artist is able to provide guidance for students seeking to push their pursuit of music further. Austen’s current focus is on music technology, electronic music and synthesizers. His favorite part of teaching is helping people find their love for music, so come in and hang out with Austen soon!

Ms. Shelley teaches ​beginner Piano Lessons.   Shelley has her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.  She has been developing and implementing group piano lessons, camps & workshops for young children for the past 17 years.   She believes that all children learn differently.  Therefore her lessons include visual, audio and kinesthetic activities.  Also Shelley has developed her own successful method to help teach the youngest of students to read music using animal associations, and color coding.  She is a member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association.  Shelley is a high-energy teacher who always looks forward to seeing her students each week.  She is the mother of three children and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, going to movies, working and socializing at the studio. Shelley is the daughter of Bev Bigam and is a Co-Director of Music Maker Workshops.

Abby began her studies on the flute at age 12 in the small, rural community of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After only a year of playing the flute, Abby was invited to begin private studies at Southeast Missouri State University with Paul Thompson. While studying with Mr. Thompson, Abby’s technical and lyrical skills developed and allowed her to become competitive during her four years in high school. After increasing her proficiency on the flute, Abby also included piccolo in her studies. She competed at both the district and state levels for flute and piccolo, winning awards and positions in select ensembles with both instruments. Since her acceptance into Belmont University’s School of Music, where she began her private studies with Dr. Carolyn Treybig, Abby has continued to excel at the flute. In the fall of 2012, as a freshman, Abby auditioned and obtained the principal position of the Belmont University Wind Ensemble and Assistant Principal/Piccolo position in the university’s premiere ensemble, the Belmont University Symphony Orchestra. Abby continued to hold the Principal position in the Wind Ensemble and then held the Principal position in the Symphony Orchestra for two years. Abby has also been a performer in the first and second annual Instrumental Honor Recitals at Belmont, was one of the first two Belmont students to be selected to perform a duet arrangement of Borne’s Carmen Fantasie with the Wind Ensemble, and the Vivaldi Concerto in C major for two flutes with the Belmont University Chamber Orchestra, in addition to being a finalist in the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2015 and 2016 concerto competitions. Abby had several private flute students in the Nashville area, in addition to the children’s choir she taught weekly. She resides in Chandler, Arizona with her husband and cat. Abby is a May 2018 graduate of ASU with a Master of Music in Flute Performance. Abby was the National Flute Association's 1st Place Winner in August of 2019.

Ms. Andrea is a graduate from Boise State University.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music (Cello) and Graduated Magna Cum Laude. She earned a Master's Degree in Music in December of 2017 from ASU School of Music.  She served as principle Cellist in the Boise State Symphony Orchestra from 2006-2010 and is currently a proud member of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra.   She provides exceptional private cello instruction for children and adults—beginner to advanced level as well as beginning piano. Andrea has been teaching  at MMW since summer, 2012.

With a passion for musical diversity and integrity, saxophonist Emilio V. strives to adapt to the vast world of musical environments. As an educator and performer, Mr. Vargas has found himself in a wide range of musical settings including a performance with Catfood Records blues recording artist Johnny Rawles, a set of record collaborations with local AZ hip-hop and neo-soul artists, and a beat workshop instructor for girl scouts in Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum.  While attending ASU School of Music, Mr. Vargas had the great pleasure of working in latin and big band settings with ASU Jazz faculty Bryon Ruth, Michael Kocour, Dom Moio and Jeff Libman. Having completed his MM in Jazz Studies from ASU, Emilio now seeks to expand his performance experience and take his musical talents further to teach and advocate for music education at all levels.

Alex Price is a jazz musician and composer from the Los Angeles area, currently living in Tempe, Arizona. Alex has performed with numerous artists as a trumpet player, including Michelle Coltrane, Lewis Nash, Michael Kocour, Gordon Goodwin, Wayne Bergeron, Conrad Herwig, Joel Frahm and Harold Maybern. He currently performs in the Arizona State University Concert Jazz Band under the direction of Michael Kocour, as well as an ASU jazz small group under the direction of drummer Lewis Nash. In the past, he has performed with the Young Sounds of Arizona as the solo trumpet chair, been a member of the Canyon Jazz Band, and was a member of the AMEA All-State Jazz Band from 2012-2015. In addition, Alex had the privilege to play the main stage at the 2017 Chandler Jazz Festival, and has played at the Highland Jazz Festival from 2016-2018. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in jazz studies and English. He has been teaching trumpet, trombone, french horn and piano at Music Maker since January 2017.

Jenn M. was singing probably before she could talk, and banging on the piano before she even got to preschool. However, she didn't have her first piano lesson until the age of 12, and didn’t start voice lessons until she got to college. It was at the University of Michigan where Jenn received her Bachelors in Vocal Performance, and where Jenn started to find her voice not only as a singer, but as a songwriter as well. At the U of M, Jenn studied classical voice, along with some classical piano. She took composition classes, musical theater classes, and was required to go through a few opera workshops. Outside of school, Jenn was writing and performing her own music, which she now describes as being a mix of what she learned at school, and what she loves listening to the most (pop, rock, indie, etc.). After college, Jenn started teaching private voice and piano lessons at the School of Rock in Rochester Hills, Michigan and became a show director shortly after. It was at SOR that Jenn really started to find her groove as a teacher. She incorporates all of the classical technique she learned in school in all of her lessons, whether the student is learning Led Zeppelin or Beyonce. Since classical technique is the base of all singing and playing, once a student has learned it they can go off and play or sing any genre they like, confidently and correctly. Music is Jenn’s passion. Through teaching she’s learned even more about her own voice and artistry and loves to pass this knowledge back to her students. Jenn has been a part of the MMW team since Spring, 2019.

Katelyn started playing flute at age 10 in her Chandler school.  She began taking private lessons in eighth grade and fell in love with music and flute, inspiring her to pursue a career in music.  In high school, Katelyn was principal flute if her symphonic band in addition to participating in both Regional/All-State events as well as camps, competitions, and masterclasses through the Arizona Flute Society. She is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Flute Performance under Dr. Elizabeth Buck at Arizona State University, and is scheduled to graduate in 2020  as a Barrett Honors College student.  At ASU, Katelyn has been principal flute of both the Philharmonia and Wind Ensemble and now plays both flute and piccolo with the Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.  In the past she has taken lessons with Dr. Conor Nelson, Rena Urso, Dr. Madga Schwerzmann, Dr. Michele Stanley, Vivian Cumplido Wilson, and Brian Gordon.  Katelyn loves sharing music with others and has been a member of the Music Maker Workshops team since fall of 2018.

Meet Cindy Weir, She holds a Master of Arts, in Humanities from New York University and has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She has also completed a Specialist Certification in Voice and Musicianship, and Master Certifications in Music Theory Harmony and Ear Training, and Songwriting, at Berklee College of Music. She is married, has two daughters, and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
 Cindy is an introspective songwriter and musician, who practices creating and performing live, original music, expressing themes of mindfulness, self-awareness, transformation and compassion. Her unique, organic style infuses creative acoustic guitar harmonies, authentically inspired vocal melodies and poetic lyric imagery, and engaging grooves. Truly a collaborative artist, she conceives and creates music, as a vehicle for healing, transformation, growth and social change, in a variety of settings, with a range of diverse audiences. Cindy has had the opportunity to create & perform her original music in a variety of settings, including: for the C-12 Arts Collective, for the Shemer Center Exhibit w/ Casa of Arizona -The Art & Science of Emotional Intelligence (2015); The Arizona State Fair (2016); The Arizona Songwriter’s Association Annual Gatherings; 40th Annual Prescott Folk Music Festival (2018); Sharlot Hall Museum Holiday (2018) Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival (2019);  Flagstaff Folk Festival (2019). She is a creator & performing artist for “Musicians On Call” since 2016, a national organization that brings the healing power of live music to patients, and their families in a hospital setting. See her interviews on the Healing Power of Music at these links: https://imagesarizona.com/the-power-of-music/ In addition, Cindy plays throughout the state of Arizona . . . and at local events and historic venues, including the South West Behavioral & Health Services Cultural Diversity & Wellness Event, the Listening Room, Arizona State Fair, Pomegranate Café, Blooming Beets Kitchen, Willo Historic Home Tour, and will be featured at the Willcox Historic Theater in November 2020.  The Arizona Commission on the Arts has awarded Cindy a Teaching Artist Opportunity Grant for 2020 and she received a Professional Development Grant in 2016, which allowed her to participate in the “I Create Music” convention presented by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.  Cindy is a Kindermusik certified music educator at the studio, as well as a member of The Children’s Music Network. She was also a featured presenter at the ASU TRIO Upward Bound Program ~ Summer 2017 Arts & Culture Symposium.  ​ Cindy also contributes her time to Girls Rock-Phoenix, teaching songwriting workshops and coaching bands of developing young female musicians.  She received the Glenn Ballard Scholarship from the Berklee College of Music to complete her Master Certification in Songwriting. She’s participated in the Durango Songwriters Expo, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and the Arizona Songwriters Annual Gatherings. 

Kate B. received her Bachelor’s in Music from Arizona State University in 2011 under the direction of Dr. Katie McLin and her Master’s in Music from the University of Texas in 2013 where she studied with Brian Lewis.  She won the Arizona state division of the Music Teacher’s National Association Competition in 2008, was a finalist in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition in 2010, and was a finalist in the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition in 2012. Kate was a soloist with the National Repertory Orchestra in the summer of 2012 where she also held a principal position and has attended other such festivals including Aspen Summer Music Festival, Meadowmount School of Music, and Indiana Summer Music Festival.  She served as concertmaster of the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra in 2012 and performed alongside the concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, David Kim, in 2013 at UT.  Ms. B. studied extensively with the members of the Miro Quartet during her Master’s degree at UT and has received coachings and masterclasses from other professional quartets such as the Julliard String Quartet, Tokyo String Quartet, Brentano String Quartet, and the St. Lawrence String Quartet.  Inspired by the vibrant live music scene in Austin, Kate began learning guitar, singing, and playing alternative styles in bands.  She is now a singer/songwriter and plays in two projects in the Phoenix scene: the Foster Family Band and the Max Knouse solo project. Kate has been a member of the MMW family since spring, 2018.

Michael is pursuing a doctorate in violin performance at Arizona State University. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he completed his Bachelor of Music in Violin at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and obtained a Master of Music from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. ​With a passion for education, Michael has been teaching private violin lessons for ten years, working with students of all ages. In addition to classical performance, he completed a minor in Music Theory and regularly incorporates foundational musicianship skills into his private lessons. In addition to music, Michael is fluent in French and Italian and is passionate about cooking.

I started piano lessons at a very young age- and am still at it 25 years later. I grew up playing keyboards in youth groups and bands all over the valley. I have traveled and performed with recording artists such as Josh Groban, William Joseph, Lucia Micarelli, and Rebecca McGown (Local)- In summer 2012, I traveled on what was called the "Camplified Tour" with Rebecca McGown which was put together by Cartoon Network - Currently I have been teaching privately around town, and playing in both a Jazz trio called What's The Big Idea, and a Prog Rock band. I have also worked sound for a Russian cartoon called "GoGoRiki"- and work digital foley for a few short films. I enjoy making music of any kind... I hope to pass this enjoyment on to youngsters by any methods necessary. Mikey has been teaching at MMW since fall, 2012.