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Collin W. has been a gigging musician since he was 13 and is now attending Lansing Community College for music therapy. He has played with live bands, done numerous studio recordings, and has won two state championships the Dewitt High School Marching Band. Collin is a big fan of the Grateful Dead, Goose, and 70s funk and wants to share the positivity that music creates. In his free time he loves to spend time with his cat, play video games with friends, and explore the world around him.

Matthew L.'s musical background began in middle school band, leading to a specialization in keyboard percussion with the Fruitport Marching Band. At Grand Valley State University, he performed with the marching band, Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum band, percussion ensembles, and New Music Ensemble, graduating with a music education degree in 2023. Now in his fourth year of teaching, he plays percussion, piano, saxophone, and guitar, with musical influences ranging from Mahler and Primus to The Beatles. Outside the classroom, Matthew enjoys video games, reading Stephen King, and spending time with his two cats.

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!

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.

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!”

Mary H., B.A., M.E., received her Bachelor’s Degree from Black Hills State
University, Spearfish S.D. Mary majored in Instrumental Music Education and minored
in Vocal Music Education. Mary taught in Platte County Schools in Wyoming, with a K-
12 Vocal/Instrumental/General Music instructor position for several years. After retiring,
Mary began teaching private lessons and brings her years of delight and triumph to
Okemos Music Academy! Mary also holds a Master’s Degree in Technology Education
as well as becoming a Certified Clinical Musician in 2019.
Mary studied classical guitar at BHSU, where she learned great technique and skills on
the guitar. She is passionate about helping students gain confidence and skills through
music. She enjoys, plays and teaches various genres of music: Classical, rock-n-roll, folk,
and whatever else catches her fancy! Mary works hard to shape music lessons for the
individual learner, capturing each individual’s learning style and ability. In taking lessons
with Mary, students will learn good technique, music theory, and how to play the songs
they already enjoy.
In her free time, Mary spends time with her 2 cats and 1 dog. (Let’s not forget the fish
tanks!) She also enjoys hiking, fishing, rock collecting, and leaf collecting with her
grandchildren.

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.

Jeremy B. grew up immersed in music, participating in band, choir, and private guitar lessons at 10 years old. He graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Professional Music and a focus on Guitar Performance/Music Production. Since graduating, he has toured the United States and Canada in various punk and metal bands. He teaches guitar and bass in any styles or techniques a student may be interested in. He believes there is no singular approach to learning and strives to curate lessons to assist the student's needs individually.

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.