MEET THE FACULTY

Music Teachers in Ahwatukee

Instructors

Instructors

Tina D.

Piano & Voice Master Instructor

Piano
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Voice
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Instructors

Ann C.

Brass & Piano Instructor

Piano
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Brass
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Maren R

Voice Instructor

Voice
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Instructors

Qi

Piano Instructor

Piano
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AZ Study Program
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Instructors

Allen M.

Guitar Instructor

Guitar
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Ukulele
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Bass
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ROCK BAND MENTOR
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Allison E.

Piano Instructor

Piano
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Instructors

An

Violin Instructor

Violin
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Andrea I.

Cello & Piano Instructor

Piano
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Cello
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Annie Q

Piano Instructor

Piano
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Instructors

Beverly Bigam

Founder/ Piano Instructor

Piano
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Bridget M.

Violin & Viola Instructor

Violin
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Viola
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Chelsea B.

Singer Songwriter, Instructor

Voice
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Piano
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Ukulele
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Guitar
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Chris T.

Guitar Instructor

Guitar
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Ukulele
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Songwriting
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Christian Rich

Christian

Guitar & Drum Instructor

Guitar
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Bass
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Ukulele
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Drum
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Rock Band Mentor
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Songwriting
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Recording
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Instructors

Christina M

Client Coordinator

administration
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Instructors

Chulyoung P.

Guitar Instructor

Guitar
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Instructors

Cindy W.

Faculty Coordinator & Multi-Instrumentalis/ Instructor

Songwriting
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Piano
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Guitar
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Instructors

Clare

Master Violin Instructor

Violin
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Instructors

Corbin W.

Percussion & Drum Instructor

Drum
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Instructors

Danielle P

Flute Instructor

flute
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Instructors

David L.

Drum Instructor

Drum
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Instructors

Devin B.

Drum & Guitar Instructor

Drum
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Guitar
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Ukulele
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Rock Band Mentor
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Instructors

Esther

Voice & Piano Instructor

Piano
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AZ Study Program
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Voice
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Instructors

Hui L.

Violin Instructor

violin
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Instructors

Huy L.

Voice & Guitar Instructor

Voice
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Guitar
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Instructors

Jennifer M.

Voice & Piano Instructor

Piano
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Voice
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Songwriting
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Instructors

Jenny T.

Voice & Piano Instructor

Voice
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Piano
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Songwriting
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Instructors

Jessica M.

Event & Marketing Coordinator

Administration
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Instructors

Joe B.

Guitar Instructor

Guitar
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Bass
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Mandolin
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Instructors

Justin C.

Drum Instructor

Drums
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Instructors

Kaili O

Voice Instructor

Voice Teacher
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Instructors

Kate B.

Master Violin Instructor

Violin
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Viola
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Guitar
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Mandolin
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Instructors

Dr. Kuo

Piano Instructor

Piano
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Composition
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Technology & Music
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Songwriting
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AZ Study Program
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Instructors

Alyssa H.

Front Desk Admin

Administration
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Music Camp Instructor
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Instructors

Alex Y.

Administration
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Instructors

Lane R.

Saxophone & Clarinet Instructor

Saxophone
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Clarinet
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Instructors

Mike H.

Rock Band Teacher

Guitar
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Ukulele
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Rock Band Mentor
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Mikey K

Mikey K.

Piano Instructor

Piano
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This is a picture of teacher Sean B performing

Sean B.

Drum & Guitar Instructor

Drums
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Guitar
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Instructors

Sofia P.

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele Instructor

Voice
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Music for Little Mozart Piano
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Songwriting
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Ukulele
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Instructors

Dr. Stephanie S.

Voice & Piano Instructor

Voice
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Piano
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Instructors

Dr. Steven K.

Guitar Instructor

Guitar
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Music Theory
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Composition
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Instructors

Tiantian L.

String Instructor

Viola
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Instructors

Todd O.

Brass Instructor

Instructors

Kim Steedman

Co-Director of MMW

Administration
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Instructors

Shelley Yakubow

MMW Co-Director

Administration
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Ann C.

Brass & Piano Instructor

Ann C. is a graduate student pursuing degrees in trumpet and musicology at Arizona State University. She has experience teaching private lessons in brass and piano, all levels of public school band and strings, and undergraduate courses in music. Ann is an active performer, arranger, and scholar of music history. Ann is currently a student of Joe Burgstaller of The Canadian Brass.
Piano
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Brass
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Tina D.

Piano & Voice Master Instructor

Tina Dong is a talented pianist and singer with over a decade of experience in teaching piano and voice of all ages. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education (piano major) from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a Master’s degree in music education from Arizona State University. She has a passion for nurturing a love for music in her students. She has been involved with early childhood music for over ten years and has led programs featuring Music Together and Kindermusik. She has also taught general and choral music in public school, and had led children’s choir club for three years. She was organizing and leading a group of piano students (over 100 piano students) in a memorable piano ensemble concert at Tempe Art Center in 2015 and 2016. And Christmas Holiday Concert/ Spring concert for her piano students (over 600 students) at Academe Math and Science School in 2021 and 2022. Tina believes that music is not only a form of expression but also plays a crucial role in cognitive and emotional development. Her teaching style focuses on creating a positive to flourish and reach their full musical potential.
Piano
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Voice
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Alex Y.

Alex Y serves as the front desk attendant at Music Maker Workshops. With a friendly demeanor and attentive service, he assists clients in booking lessons, locating classrooms, offering guided tours, and ensuring that every visitor enjoys a memorable experience.
Administration
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Christina M

Client Coordinator

Ms. Christina finds her musical passion through classical music and her own unclassical cello playing. She has been playing cello for 16 years and loves being in the Music Makers' environment where musical creativity is fostered and encouraged. When she's not at the studio, you can find Ms. Christina climbing up rock walls, hiking local mountains, painting or working with clay. Christina first started as admin staff with Music Makers in 2014-2018, and after being away for 6 years she can't wait to meet all the new staff and students!
administration
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Maren R

Voice Instructor

Maren has an Association in Performing Arts and is currently studying to get her Bachelors in Music Therapy. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, in Tokyo Japan, and for Kristen Chenoweth. Maren has taught voice for musical theater for over ten years and loves working with student to find their love for music.
Voice
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Qi

Piano Instructor

Ms. Qi began learning the piano and received classical training from the age of 5. During her school years, she won numerous local piano competitions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis on piano from Nanjing University of the Arts, where she was also a member of the university choir. She later pursued her musical education at Arizona State University and obtained her Master’s degree in Music Education under the guidance of Dr. Sandra Stauffer. Her studies at ASU included lessons in jazz music, African drum ensemble, and music production, which not only broadened her musical repertoire but also enriched her piano teaching lessons. Since 2008, she has been offering private piano lessons. She has a diverse taste in music genres, including classical, popular, jazz, blues, gospel music, film/animation/games background music, fusion music, and world music, among others. Her teaching style is classically focused, with an emphasis on piano techniques, piano performance, theory, and music appreciation. She also integrates various music styles into her teaching, incorporating piano adaptations of film and song music. She employs various methods to ensure her piano lessons are engaging and rewarding. Beyond music, she enjoys art and nature. She is bilingual in both English and Mandarin
Piano
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AZ Study Program
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Esther

Voice & Piano Instructor

I received organ lessons through my mom when I was 5 years old and learned piano from excellent teachers. As I participated in a women's choir, I developed a passion for vocal music. I pursued studies in vocal and piano performance. I earned a bachelor's degree at Pusan National University and worked in a music company arranging accompaniment music using MIDI. There, I studied jazz piano and theory under the guidance of jazz composer Panguen Lee in Korea. I further honed my jazz piano skills with Dr. Haydon in Georgia. For 15 years, I worked as a church choir director. I received a master's degree in art from Evangelia University. Many of my students have achieved outstanding results in the Arizona Study ProgramI received a master's degree in art from Evangelia University. Many of my students have achieved outstanding results in the Arizona Study Program. I have taught theory and piano from levels 1 to 12. I engage in chamber orchestra arrangement and songwriting, using the Finale program to arrange and compose various instrumental and vocal pieces. I taught general music, basic guitar, recorder, voice, and theory to students from elementary to 8th grade.  My greatest passion lies in helping children grow emotionally healthy and happy through learning music, and I hope to contribute to their bright future. I consider myself a passionate and caring teacher, tailoring my instruction to various genres like classical, jazz, CCM, film music, and Disney music to meet students' preferences.
Piano
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AZ Study Program
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Voice
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Chelsea B.

Singer Songwriter, Instructor

Chelsea is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and Board Certified Music Therapist. She enjoys teaching voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and songwriting for students of all ages and has been practicing Music Therapy since 2016. 

Outside of the studio you may find her performing in the community, doing yoga, painting, or hanging out with her cat! She looks forward to bringing the joy of music to your life and supporting you on your creative journey.

Voice
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Piano
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Ukulele
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Guitar
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Lane R.

Saxophone & Clarinet Instructor

Lane Rogers is a saxophonist, composer, producer, and instructor. She graduated
from Arizona State University (ASU) with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Performance
and a Bachelors of Art in Popular Music (emphasis on production). While at ASU,
Lane participated in several ensembles, including the ASU Jazz Reparatory Band,
Latin Jazz Band, and several Pop music ensembles and has also been part of jazz
ensembles through Scottsdale Community College and Paradise Valley Community
College. As an instructor, she has taught private saxophone and clarinet lessons,
music theory classes, as well as beat-making classes. Lane has since included a
focus on composition, moving into the realms of game scoring, film/tv scoring,
writing, and producing pop music. Moving forward, Lane looks to continue her
musical journey through learning, creating, and sharing while continuing to be part
of the music community.
Saxophone
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Clarinet
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Tiantian L.

String Instructor

Tiantian is the newly appointed Principal Viola of the Phoenix Symphony, and is also Principal Viola at Berkeley Symphony, Oakland Symphony, and also the Assistant Principal Viola at Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Born in Beijing, China, Tiantian began studying violin at age four and viola at age nine. He received his B.M. degree from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing studying under Wing Ho and then earning his M.M. degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music learning under Jodi Levitz in 2009.
Tiantian has performed with orchestras around the U.S. including Boston Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, and at music festivals including Tanglewood Music Festival and Lancaster Music Festival in Ohio.
Tiantian enjoys living in Phoenix and loves spending time with Hui, his wife, and Snowbear and Almond, their two cat babies.
Viola
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Hui L.

Violin Instructor

Hui performs frequently with the Phoenix Symphony and also performs as a tenured Violinist with the Las Vegas Philharmonic. She was formerly the tenured Associate Principal 2nd Violin of the Boise Philharmonic. Every summer, Hui serves as Assistant Principal 2nd Violin at the Lancaster Music Festival in Ohio.
Having taught for more than 15 years, Hui has produced multiple award-winning students and has served as a teaching assistant to Eliot Chapo, former Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music (Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance) and Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington (Master’s Degree in Violin Performance), Hui was a student of Ik Hwan Bae, Koichiro Harada, Oleh Krysa, and also studied chamber music with Mikhail Kopelman, Janos Starker, and Sharon Robinson, amongst others.
During her schooling days, she was selected after rigorous auditions to be part of the Asian Youth Orchestra, and also was the sole finalist and 2nd place winner (no 1st place awarded) at the National Piano and Violin Competition (Violin Artist Category) in Singapore.
She loves Phoenix and loves spending time with her husband, Tiantian, and their two magnificent cat babies, Snowbear and Almond.
violin
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Justin C.

Drum Instructor

Justin C is an established drum teacher and performer in Arizona.  His teaching philosophy for drums revolves around three key principles: foundational skills, creativity, and enjoyment.  Since he has been an active performer and educator through various performing groups including “Boom! Percussion Entertainment”. He understand just how fun performing can be!  Boom! creates custom percussion and marching band entertainment productions for a variety of events both private/corporate events along with nationally televised performances for clients such as Fox Television, NASCAR, the NHL, NBA and Disney.
As an educator, Justin has had the honor of instructing some amazing young musicians at local high schools such as Shadow Mountain High School, Mesquite High School, Mountain View High School, Coronado High School and (currently) Mesa High School; where his students were ranked 1st place in percussion and were named the 2022 fall AZ Marching Band Association State Champions.
As a performer he started his experience playing drums at church (right down the street from our studio!) and then high school marching band. Beyond high school, Justin also performed with the Momentum Indoor Percussion Open Line in Gilbert Arizona. He also served as center snare and section leader of Breakthrough Indoor Percussion and marched with Winterguard International World Championship Finalist Paragon Competitive Arts. In 2007, Justin won the title of Snare Drum Champion by the Rocky Mountain Percussion Association.
Justin continues to play drum set with various bands throughout the valley in between performing with Boom! and teaching.
Drums
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Todd O.

Brass Instructor

Todd Oehler is a Doctoral Candidate and Teaching Assistant for the Trumpet Studio at Arizona State University. Todd completed his undergraduate degree in May, 2020 at the Peabody
Conservatory in Baltimore, MD, majoring in trumpet performance and music education, and completed his masters degree in trumpet performance in May, 2022 at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. Todd was the principal trumpet with the Peabody Conductor’s Orchestra and is a member of the Old Bay Brass quintet. At Peabody, he has enjoyed working with Joseph Young and Marin Alsop in numerous orchestras. Todd’s career has prominently featured soloing at numerous venues throughout the east coast and Midwest,
including but not limited to Verizon Hall, the Baltimore Basilica, and the Wichita Cathedral. In addition to his performance career, Todd takes tremendous pride in his teaching, having worked with public schools in Maryland, Kansas, and Arizona, as well as Private Music Schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Arizona.

Danielle P

Flute Instructor

Danielle P. teaches flute at Music Maker Workshops.  She has received two Bachelor’s degrees in Flute Performance and Graphic Design from Northern Arizona University. She currently attends Arizona State University, where she is working towards a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Elizabeth Buck. She regularly performs for renowned flautists such as Dr. Lisa Garner Santa, Dr. Magda Schwerzmann, and Professor Richard Sherman. She also participates in Woodwind Area, Recitals, and plays in many of ASU’s ensembles, including orchestra, wind ensemble, and the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble.
flute
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Sofia P.

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele Instructor

Ms Sofia is a passionate music educator and performer. Her teaching style is imaginative, fun, educative, and encouraging. Her family encouraged her to follow her heart and at an early age she worked with many wonderful teachers, studying piano, guitar/ukulele, saxophone, and voice. She also lived in many places, including Mexico, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, she also visited her relatives in Phoenix almost every year of her childhood. Sofia has always loved sharing music with others, and gravitated towards any possible way to create music! She’s a band kid, a theatre kid, and a choir kid still, deep in her roots. She loves to sing her heart out, so she studied Vocal Performance at the University of Texas in Austin. While studying Vocal Technique, she had many performance experiences in Operas, Musicals, Chamber Choir, Show Choir, Jazz ensembles, and working as a Choir Section Leader. She also served tables and performed at a sweet ol’ southern comfort food restaurant. She later got to be a PreSchool teacher, an Early Childhood Music Teacher, and a Private Lesson Music Teacher. There was a change of plans in her life, her partner accepted a new job in Phoenix, so at the beginning of 2023 she found herself moving once again! Now she is starting new roots in the good soil at Music Maker Workshops and can’t wait to see the flowers.
Voice
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Music for Little Mozart Piano
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Songwriting
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Ukulele
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Jenny T.

Voice & Piano Instructor

Jenny is a vocal and beginner piano instructor from Chicago, IL.  She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with a concentration on vocal and choral teaching from California State University, Los Angeles.  

A classically trained Mezzo-soprano, Jenny can sing in various different styles including Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock and Musical Theater.

Upon graduation, Jenny landed her first private voice and piano teaching job at a music studio in San Gabriel, CA. Through the course of five years, she has privately taught 80+ clients of all ages, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. She has taught both in freelance and through three different music studios in California’s San Gabriel Valley and in Chicago.

Jenny loves teaching because it allows her to share the love she has for music with other people. She believes music has been proven to not only enhance the minds of people that study it, but enhance the quality of life. It is also incredibly fun. Helping students understand the power that music has in its role is her number one goal each time she teaches.

Voice
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Piano
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Bridget M.

Violin & Viola Instructor

Bridget is currently an undergraduate at Arizona State University. She is pursuing Bachelor degrees in both Violin Performance and Music Learning and Teaching. She currently studies with Dr. Katherine McLin. Bridget is also a member of the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Meyer.

Bridget grew up in Tucson, Arizona. At the age of five, Bridget began taking violin lessons with a local teacher, and began playing in a youth orchestra shortly after. Bridget's notable teachers and orchestral directors include  David Rife, Holly Schurr, Jane Hallett, Michael Geddes, and Dr. Suzette Battan. Throughout her schooling, Bridget participated in chamber orchestras, full symphonies, and quartets.

Since her Junior year of high school, Bridget has enjoyed teaching both violin and viola.  In her free time, Bridget enjoys backpacking, and searching for used vinyl.

Violin
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Viola
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Joe B.

Guitar Instructor

Joe B. teaches all levels of students from the basic fundamentals to advanced techniques on Electric Guitar, Acoustic guitar, bass guitar and mandolin. Joe started playing guitar at the age of twelve and formed his first band at the age of thirteen. After high school Joe moved to California to pursue his goals in playing, writing and recording music. By the age of twenty three Joe had recorded albums with three bands and played session guitar on various projects ranging from jazz to rock and metal. Joe recieved his musical performance degree for guitar while attending the Musicians Institute in Hollywood California where he learned from such artists as Paul Gilbert and Lenny Widegren. He now lives in the Phoenix area teaching and recording guitar as well as playing with his band.
Guitar
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Bass
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Mandolin
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Christian

Guitar & Drum Instructor

Christian is a multi-instrumentalist that teaches guitar, drums, bass, and ukulele. He has been teaching privately for 10+ years and has had students from ages 5 to 90. Christian adapts to each student's individual needs and has even worked with the visually impaired. He combines traditional and creative methods in his teaching philosophy to encourage the student to have fun while working hard. Outside of teaching, Christian continues to follow his own musical endeavors such as recording albums and playing live gigs. Teaching and helping students discover their own passion for music is something Christian has enjoyed doing for years and looks forward to continuing.
Guitar
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Bass
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Ukulele
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Drum
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Rock Band Mentor
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Songwriting
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Recording
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Huy L.

Voice & Guitar Instructor

Huy is tenor graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Voice Performance having studied under Dr. Amanda DeMaris. He came to the United States in December 2016 as an international student from Vietnam. While being mainly classically trained, he enjoyed listening to and performing many different types and styles of music such as musical theatre, pop, blues, etc. His hobbies beside music include Marvel movies, puzzles and magic tricks, which he thinks are a great help when it comes to children.
Voice
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Clare

Master Violin Instructor

Clare obtained a bachelor’s degree in Musicology at Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences. Also, she completed the courses for the Master’s in Musicology and Dancology at Southwest University. She has taught violin with the Suzuki method for 10 years at Yew Chung International School. She served as the school's concertmaster, orchestra teacher, and conductor. She centers her lessons around a strong curriculum. She encourages students to participate in the concerts and competitions, therefore giving them a reason to practice. Clare is personable and considerate of different cultures as well a students’ learning expectations. She is enthusiastic and loves to work towards motivating her students and guiding them to have a love of music.
Violin
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Corbin W.

Percussion & Drum Instructor

Corbin is studying Music Education a Arizona State University. At ASU, Corbin has performed in the Concert Band and Contemporary Percussion Ensemble. Corbin teaches Snare and Drumset. He is a patient and encouraging teacher that works with students of all ages. Corbin started playing percussion for his elementary school's band. School band fostered a love for music. Therefore Corbin believes drumming can be very fun and learning to drum for future school programs can help create a lifetime of memories. He will help prepare student for school programs. Corbin attended Campo Verde high school where he joined the Concert band, Jazz band, and Marching band all four years. He had the experience of being in a band that was undefeated in Regional A class. Corbin is an innovative, creative and motivated teacher. Students will gain a well-round musicianship that will prepare them for whatever they need in their music journey or career.
Drum
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Allison E.

Piano Instructor

Allison began studying piano at age 7 in Cleveland, Ohio. Trained in classical piano, she discovered her love of other styles when she joined her middle school jazz band and experienced improvisation for the first time. She went on to get a Bachelor of Music in piano performance, focusing on classical and continuing her jazz studies. She then earned a Masters in Ethnomusicology, continuing to study piano but also expanding her understanding of music around the world, including Japanese taiko drumming, African Dance/Drumming, and Balinese Gamelan. She ran a private piano studio in Ohio and loved teaching students of all ages and interests, always striving to help students find the musical styles and teaching tools that work best for them. At the same time, she also worked as a world music professor at Bowling Green State University. After she moved west to Arizona, she was honored to be selected to spend a year and half in a fellowship program studying taiko in Hawaii with world-renowned taiko artist Kenny Endo. She is excited to return to piano teaching and encourage her students to find their place in the world of music.
Piano
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Alyssa H.

Front Desk Admin

Alyssa was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She has been playing instruments such as the acoustic-electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, drums, piano, and vocals since 2016. She has been in multiple bands here at the studio and records/ produces music of her own. She continues to play music and perform in the Desert Vista choir and a band of her own.
Administration
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Music Camp Instructor
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Chris T.

Guitar Instructor

Chris is a singer/songwriter, guitar player, and music producer from Scottsdale, Arizona. Since young adulthood, he has been playing in bands, writing and recording songs, and performing all over the valley. During his time as an ASU undergrad, Chris started teaching guitar, ukulele, songwriting, and music production to students locally and over the internet on Zoom. He believes that the most important thing for students at any level is that they are having fun with their lessons. At the end of the day, there are a million things that we have to do, but music is something that we get to do! Chris’ pledge as a music teacher is to provide a fun, engaging atmosphere to learn how to play whatever kind of music you’d like. When Chris isn’t teaching, he’s at his home studio recording a new song. You’ll also find him making YouTube videos, riding his Onewheel, or playing chess or Fortnite. 
Guitar
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Ukulele
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Songwriting
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Annie Q

Piano Instructor

Annie loves working with children. She is a supportive teacher committed to connecting with each student individually to help them find their love for learning. In the past, Annie has designed animated Star Wars music demonstrations and rhythm-counting games for younger musicians. Annie is also the co-founder and co-president of Melodies for Communities where she established an orchestra tutoring partnership between high school musicians and middle school students.
Since moving to Arizona in 2019, she has won top prizes in several state music competitions including the MTNA Arizona Senior Piano Duet Competition, Distinguished Young Women Talent Competition, and the EVMTA Piano Competition. Prior to moving, she won first prize in the CSMTA Concerto Competition and performed with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she has been in demand as a collaborative pianist for the Lewis-Palmer School District Solo and Ensemble festivals and choir concerts.
Piano
100%

Chulyoung P.

Guitar Instructor

Mr. Chulyoung is a native of South Korea, is a classical guitarist. He played as a band guitarist when he was a teenage, but meeting with Chungjin Go, his first teacher, led him to the world of classical guitar. Chulyoung completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Kosin University. He was awarded a Master of Music degree in classical guitar performance from Lee University where he studied with Charlie Edholm. Currently, Park is based in Tempe, Arizona, and continues to study with Jiji Kim at Arizona State University. For his achievements in performing, Park was awarded a grand prize in the adult division at Korea Guitar Association International Guitar Competition, won the Student Concerto Competition at Lee University, and was a principal player of Busan Festival Guitar Ensemble. He has performed in masterclasses for Rene Izquierdo and Su Meng. He also founded El Mar Guitar Academy in Busan and contributed to local guitar music education. In his spare time, Chulyoung likes to swim and cook. To hear Chulyoung play click here For More Info on Chulyoung:
Guitar
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Kaili O

Voice Instructor

Kaili O. graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Music, where she studied vocal performance with an emphasis on opera technique and repertoire. During her time at Arizona State, she studied primarily under the well-loved mezzo-soprano, Stephanie Weiss. Outside of her education at Arizona State, Kaili is an alumnus of Scottsdale Community College. There, she worked with Dennis Rowland, focusing on jazz and popular music. Kaili has been involved in choral and vocal ensembles since grade school, and truly enjoys the unique inclusivity and camaraderie that involvement in a musical ensemble lends itself to. She enjoys both performing and teaching, and has experience working with students both privately and in class settings in various area of musical studies, including solo and ensemble performance, music theory, ear training and piano. When she isn’t making music, Kaili enjoys cooking and baking, and spending time with her pup, Donut.
Voice Teacher
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Dr. Stephanie S.

Voice & Piano Instructor

Mezzo-soprano, Dr. Stephanie S. (she/her),  versatile performer, and positive and warm teacher. Known for her charismatic and complex characterizations, she has graced stages across the Southwest and Los Angeles region and has been an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, PORTopera, and a three-time Opera Fellow awardee for the Aspen Opera CenterFor over a decade Dr. Sadownik has taught all styles and genres ranging from classical & musical theatre to pop and rock. As a teacher, she welcomes voices of all ages, genders, and experiences into her studio. She deeply believe everyone can sing and she fosters an open and safe learning environment of all voice types, abilities, and genders.  She encourages exploration of diverse repertoire for my students and promote 'stretching' oneself vocally and dramatically. All genres are embraced and taught through the lens of a classical vocal technique., She earned her doctorate degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University. She currently serves as a Faculty Associate for the ASU Voice Area and is a member of NATS.
Voice
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Piano
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An

Violin Instructor

Zhihuan AN is now a current Violin Doctoral student of the School of Music of Arizona State University.  He earned his Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University in 2020 and completed his Master's degree at Campbellsville University in 2016. Mr. An has rich private lesson teaching experience as well as string orchestra coaching to young violinists; He received full scholarships from schools during his studies. During his undergraduate, he won second prize in the university string competition. In addition, The Second Prize from The Macauley Chamber Music Competition in 2016.  Zhihuan is a responsible person, passionate, and also trilingual. Besides English, he is fluent in Korean and Mandarin.
Violin
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Dr. Steven K.

Guitar Instructor

Dr. Steve is a positive, motivating, and patient teacher that works well with all ages.  He can easily customize lessons to meet students' goals and provide music they would like to play.  Steve’s education as a guitarist includes studies with Jim Hall, George Benson, Ike Isaacs, and Harry Leahy. His formal education took place at the Manhattan school of Music where he earned his Bachelor degree, and Columbia University (upon recommendation by renowned composer Milton Babbitt) where he received his Master of Arts and his Doctorate. Among his composition teachers were Ursula Mamlok, David Rakowski, Mario Davidovsky, Giampaolo Bracali, and George Edwards.

 

While living in New York and going to school there, he earned his living performing as a substitute guitarist in the orchestras of several Broadway shows (“Grease”, “They’re Playing our Song”, “Shenandoah” etc.), as a studio guitarist for recordings and commercials, and teaching guitar privately.

In 2009, he began writing for Just Jazz Guitar magazine. This job led Steve to meet his life-long guitar idol, Mundell Lowe. Mundy and Steve formed a deep friendship and strong personal/musical bond. (Steve was chosen to write and deliver the eulogy at Mundy’s memorial in San Diego, in 2018). Mundy, himself, chose Steve to produce what was to be the final recording of his long and legendary career. This CD, “Poor Butterfly”, with Mundy headlining alongside his close friend guitarist Lloyd Wells and bassist Jim Ferguson, rose to #58 on the national jazz “Top 100” chart, and is still getting air-play in the USA and abroad.

Steve began teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1998 after a successful battle with cancer that nonetheless sidelined him for two years. While with LAUSD he was a band and orchestra director and served as chairman of instrumental music. He also created and designed the guitar course for the district. During that period of time (and for some years afterwards) Steve was a clinician on a national level, giving seminars that were designed to improve the effectiveness of guitar teachers who were working in the secondary level classroom. For these presentations, Steve received Citations of Excellence. 

February of 2020 saw Steve and his wife, Valmere, move to Mesa, Arizona so that they could take part in the life of their (then) two-year-old granddaughter. The restrictions that accompanied Covid-19 put a damper on live performance; but did not hinder composition in the least: Steve is working on a double concerto for Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, and Chamber Orchestra. He also is Mundell Lowe’s official biographer. This book, now finished, is in the process of being placed with publishers. Even with his heavy schedule, Steve manages to do Karate (at which he has been training since the 1980’s) three to four times a week. Moreover, Karate, like music, requires daily at-home practice. He practices both EVERY DAY.  

Steve loves teaching students at all levels, from rank beginner to highly advanced. He feels it is an enormously stimulating and creatively rewarding experience at any stage or age. 

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Music Theory
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Dr. Kuo

Piano Instructor

Dr. Kuo has a Doctorate in Music Composition from Texas Tech University. She has such a passion for teaching students of all ages and is very patient.  Fostering a love for music and developing musical creativity brings her incredible joy. She has been teaching for over a decade and has specialized in music theory, music analysis, piano, and composition. Plus, she occasionally puts a unique spin on lessons utilizing technology such as Logic ProAudacity, Reason, Premier, Max/MSP, Finale, and Encore. Dr. Kuo started playing the piano at age 5. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's degree in music composition with a minor in piano performance from the Tainan University of Technology in Taiwan. She performed her composition, "Rowing with Straggling Hair" at the National Taiwan Normal University and Soochow University. It was the winner of the 2006 International Society for Contemporary Music. Plus, she had an honorary mention at the 2005 Literary and Artistic Creation Award in the Ministry of Education and National Cultural Association. Her piece “Review” was performed at the National Taiwan Normal University when it is selected winner at 2006 International Workshop on Computer Music Audio Technology’s computer music collection. My composition, “Wave” is also honorary mention at 2004 Literary and Artistic Creation Award in Ministry of Education and National Cultural Association.
To learn more about Dr. Kuo
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Composition
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Technology & Music
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Songwriting
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AZ Study Program
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Sean B.

Drum & Guitar Instructor

Sean teaches a variety of instruments at Music Maker Workshops.  He graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s in Jazz Performance under the direction of Dom Moio. He has played drums professionally for over 12 years in Tempe, Arizona, performing rock, prog rock, jazz, contemporary jazz, and more.  He performed regularly in combos, big bands, and Latin groups with ASU Jazz faculty Michael Kocour, Dom Moio, Jeff Libman, and Bryon Ruth. He also performed with the original jazz group, Pictures of Cake, and Tempe prog rock group Sasquanaut. Currently, he plays with a professional classic rock cover band playing anything from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Pink Floyd, and much more. Sean is focused on piano, guitar, and vocals and performs weekly at different churches playing drums, acoustic guitar, and bass. Sean is very passionate about music and teaching and loves to pass on his enthusiasm to all his students.
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Guitar
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Allen M.

Guitar Instructor

Allen M. provides student-driven lessons, teaching practical music skills. He focuses on fundamentals and teaching songs.  He supports a relaxed environment and challenges students with specific goals. He received his Masters degree in jazz guitar performance from Northern Illinois University May of 2019, Allen studied with modern guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque. In 2014 he received a Bachelors degree in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in trumpet and trombone from Lincoln College. Since then, Allen plays professionally as a solo guitarist or in many different music ensembles of various genres. With deep influences in classical, jazz, blues, ska and latin music, an eclectic mix of opportunities in different areas  are given.
 
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Ukulele
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Bass
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ROCK BAND MENTOR
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Beverly Bigam

Founder/ Piano Instructor

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
Piano
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Jessica M.

Event & Marketing Coordinator

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 in the 4th grade. She had the luck to be taught privately by her grandpa, who was a professional jazz woodwind musician. 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 and recorded with blues band The Sugar Thieves and the Goldwax Revival Band around town. Jess has been at MMW since spring, 2010.
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Kim Steedman

Co-Director of MMW

Kim is the Co-Director of the studio and enjoys being a liaison between teachers, parents, students, and admin staff.  She also works within the community organizing events and serving on the Board with the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce.
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David L.

Drum Instructor

David "Creamy" has been playing drums and percussion over the past 15 years and teaching students for the last decade. He originally started his musical journey with the alto saxophone at the age of 10 through college.  However, he knew in his heart he had always had a love for the drums and eventually began learning the craft at 16 years of age.  In addition, he was part of the all-state band and played in the marching band at Dobson High.  High school band really helped him in honing his technique and rudiments. He also studied under Bruce Weitz. In college, along with playing and learning percussion, he received his Associates degree in Audio Engineering and studied music business as well. He has extensive experience playing and recording all styles of music.  David 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 gigs every week.  To see his events calendar please click here.   He teaches beginning through advanced and covers everything from basic rudiments, hand and foot technique, timing, 4-way independence, tuning, solo and improvisation, and reading music and charts.  David is a very patient teacher. David has been teaching at Music Makers since fall, 2015. To learn more about David  
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Devin B.

Drum & Guitar Instructor

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 10 years. Devin provides a combination of both fun activities and learning the fundamentals in lessons. He has a great sense of humor and works well with younger kids & teens. Devin's music philosophy is that there is no such thing as talent, only passion and time invested. He teaches drums, beginning guitar, beginning and intermediate bass guitar. 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.
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Guitar
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Ukulele
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Rock Band Mentor
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Mike H.

Rock Band Teacher

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.
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Ukulele
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Rock Band Mentor
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Shelley Yakubow

MMW Co-Director

Ms. Shelley has a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta.  She has been developing and implementing group piano lessons, camps & workshops at MMW  for the past 20 years.  All children learn differently therefore her lessons include visual, audio, and kinesthetic activities.  As Co-Director of the studio, she has a genuine love and concern for all programming at the studio.  She also serves on the Board for the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce to support other locally owned businesses
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Andrea I.

Cello & Piano Instructor

Ms. Andrea is a graduate of 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.  Ms. Andrea provides structured lessons and uses step-by-step instruction to break down information.  Lessons are customized specific for each student.  She provides transparent communication and encourages parents to attend lessons.  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.  To learn more about Ms. Andrea check out the blog feature: https://mmwaz.com/our-cello-teacher/
Piano
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Cello
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Jennifer M.

Voice & Piano Instructor

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.
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Voice
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Cindy W.

Faculty Coordinator & Multi-Instrumentalis/ Instructor

Meet Cindy W.  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 provides student direceted music lessons that are individualized and welcoming. She believes each student is a magical creature, able to explore the practice of making music. Ms. Cindy's classroom is a safe space to explore, create, and grow musical skills and knowledge. Her goal is to inspire each stduent on an individual basis to discover their own internal motivation for playing music. 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.
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Piano
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Guitar
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Kate B.

Master Violin Instructor

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.
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Viola
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Guitar
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Mandolin
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Mikey K.

Piano Instructor

Mr. Mikey is silly, relaxed, organic, and influential teacher.  He uses popular music and technology within his lessons to keep things fresh. He started piano lessons at a very young age.   He grew up playing keyboards in youth groups and bands all over the valley. He traveled and performed with recording artists such as Josh Groban, William Joseph, Lucia Micarelli, and Rebecca McGown (Local)- In summer 2012, he traveled on what was called the "Camplified Tour" with Rebecca McGown which was put together by Cartoon Network.  Currently he's been playing in his Jazz trio called What's The Big Idea. Mikey has been teaching at MMW since fall, 2012.
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