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Kayden S. has experience performing percussion since sixth grade band, which only grew from there. They have performed in jazz bands, rock bands, marching bands, and WGI competitive indoor percussion groups. Their musical interests include a wide range of genres, from punk to blues to dance pop. Kayden is excited to teach drum set and marching percussion while maintaining a fun and productive atmosphere dedicated to each person. Outside of studying music, they also enjoy podcasts, skating trails, and playing video games with friends. 

Gahyung K. is a composer born and raised in South Korea. Kim earned a DMA degree in Composition at Michigan State University, MM at Temple University, BA at Sahmyook University, Korea. Also, she studied and taught music theory during her doctorate and got a Music Theory Certificate at Michigan State University as well. She also has experience teaching piano from a young age to adults. The most important thing for her teaching philosophy is students should feel comfortable when they take lesson. 

Jacob H. has been playing guitar for over 20 years including the bass guitar, acoustic, and electric, as well as dabbling in other instruments. In 2017, he graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in special education and completed an applied music minor. Part of that minor was founded in music education to help teach others. Jacob is looking to spread the same joy and wonder that music has brought to him!

Joe S. has been a brass instructor for Okemos Music Academy since 2017 and teaches Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, and Euphonium. He is an experienced teacher with over twenty-five years of musical experience, starting with his primary instrument of trombone. In college, he expanded his talents to include all brass instruments. In 2007, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Illinois Wesleyan University and then went to Michigan State University, completing his master’s degree in 2010. In addition to teaching for Okemos Music Academy, Joe has a wife and two boys and is a purchaser for a Michigan-based food distribution hub.

Sebastian Q. is a composer and guitarist and teaches Guitar and Electric Bass at Okemos Music Academy. He holds degrees in composition from Michigan State University (D.M.A.), Truman State University (M.M.), and University of Costa Rica (B.A.), as well as an M.M. in Music Theory from Michigan State University. Sebastian has been part of different ensembles and groups performing music of different genres. He has taught guitar, electric bass, music theory, and composition classes for over fifteen years, both in public and private institutions.

Amanda L. has over 15 years of vocal performance and piano experience. She has performed in several Opera and Choir performances in Grand Rapids, including Carmina Burana and Brahms German Requiem. She has also performed in several naturalization ceremonies to induce new American citizenship. Amanda has a life-long passion for music and loves to share that passion with her students.

Matt P. is a multi-instrumentalist who has played with multiple groups and ensembles as a freelance musician for ten years. He teaches Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele at Okemos Music Academy. He has experience with various genres, and is currently in college, finishing a few degrees and working with a few bands on original music.

Fred I.’s professional career began when he was just sixteen, and he teaches Piano and Drums at Okemos Music Academy. He spent more than two decades producing music for musical theater, church choirs, cocktail bars, jazz ensembles, salsa bands, and ballet companies, both as a pianist/drummer and director. These experiences included stints working for Rock legend Ben E. King and the Joffrey Ballet of New York. He is currently a college professor by day and has established his own music label.

Cat H. has been a professional musician for forty years and teaches Piano, Voice, Guitar, and Ukulele at Okemos Music Academy. Cat has performed a variety of types of music. In addition, she has been a teacher for twenty-two years and has taught privately in Lansing and Ann Arbor.  She holds several degrees in Music Education, Secondary English, Montessori education, and Curriculum and Instruction. Cat grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and lives in Lansing, Michigan.

Farangiz T. is an educator currently based in Michigan. With more than 16 years of experience with the violin, she has experience teaching violin, viola, and piano. In her teaching, she seeks to bring out the individual creativity of her students while also developing solid fundamentals so that her students can feel confident in their music-making capabilities. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance at Michigan State University.

Gary C. has decades of playing and teaching experience in Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute. He has been teaching at Okemos Music Academy for over eighteen years. In addition, he has studied music at Michigan State University, The Berklee School of Music, and many other places taking lessons from masters. Gary's greatest wish is to bring the joy of learning music to everyone.

Gerardo de la Torre is a Mexican operatic baritone and vocal instructor and teaches Piano and Voice at Okemos Music Academy. He’s currently a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan State University and pursuing his doctorate in vocal performance (D.M.A.). He received his Master of Music Degree at the Manhattan School of Music. The “Brooklyn Discovery” acclaimed him as "A Rolls Royce among Fords" in 2018. The baritone has won top-prize awards in numerous international voice competitions across the United States and Mexico. As an instructor, he has specialized in vocal rehabilitation, analysis of music scores and diction coaching of European languages (Spanish, Italian, French, and German).

Peter K. has been playing violin since 2001 and has a bachelor's degree from Oakland University and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He teaches Piano, Violin, and Viola at Okemos Music Academy. Peter has performed with many orchestras around Michigan, including the Saginaw, Midland, Oakland, Warren, and Alma Symphonies. He has led large classes in middle and elementary schools for fifteen years. In addition, he teaches throughout Michigan as a private instructor. Peter also frequently performs with a bluegrass band based out of Flint.

Shelby H. has over 15 years of experience in musical performance. She started taking private music lessons at the age of 7 and went on to pursue music production in college. She earned her degree in Arts and Humanities from Michigan State University, with a focus on music. When she isn't performing or writing, she can be found drawing, playing board/video games, and caring for her houseplants. 

Jim P. has over fifty years of experience on Acoustic and Electric guitar, Electric bass guitar, Ukulele, and Banjo. He has performed in bands in rock, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and gospel genres. In addition, Jim has also developed mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica experience. He also specializes in fingerstyle and classical guitar. Jim’s motto is “I’d rather play with you than for you. So come grab an instrument or drum, and let’s have some fun!”

Lily Yi-Hui C. is a Taiwanese pianist who recently finished the Doctoral of Musical Arts in piano performance from MSU. She received her master's degree in piano performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2019 and her bachelor's degree from National Taiwan Normal University in 2017. She enjoys teaching different ages and abilities of students and helping them find the joy of learning music.

Shelly G. teaches Piano and Voice at Okemos Music Academy. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in piano. She has been teaching voice and piano for many years, and it is a true passion of hers. Shelly teaches all ages, from children to adults, helping each student reach their potential and goals.

Adam M. has taught at Okemos Music Academy since 2016 and teaches Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Bass. In addition, he is an in-demand bassist and multi-instrumentalist throughout the Midwest. In 2008 he attended Bowling Green State University under talent and academic scholarships, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Music Performance in 2012. Adam’s three favorite artists are Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, and Miles Davis, and his current guilty pleasures are Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, and Frank Sinatra.

Geoff L. has over twenty years of experience with Piano and Drum performance and education. He studied under Dallas symphony percussionist Jeff Prosperie and the University of Akron’s Director of Bands, Galen Karriker. His career has led him to many ensembles, including The MSU Marching Band, Chicago Bears Drumline, and more. Although drums are his primary instrument, Geoff is an accomplished singer and pianist.

John K. is a current Michigan State University College of Music student who teaches clarinet,
saxophone, piano, ukulele, and voice. Mr. K. started his music career at 6 years old and has spent a
lifetime immersed in music by performing on multiple instruments. He regularly performs
in libraries, nursing homes, local venues, and benefit concerts. In his free time, John enjoys arranging music, learning new instruments, being a professional DJ, cooking, playing basketball, and playing billiards.

Steve P. has been a professional musician and music instructor since he fell in love with The Beatles at a young age. He teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Ukulele and Banjo at Okemos Music Academy. Steve has played with musical icons including Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, and The Comets, and many blues, country, and folk bands. In addition, he teaches guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and harmonica. He believes that learning music should be fun and customizes each lesson to each student, teaching them the songs they want to learn!