Janet, one of our most tenured instructors, has taught at The Music Center since 1992. She finds value in practice, commitment, and working hard to achieve mutual respect between student and teacher. Janet feels each lesson should be stimulating and informational and encourages her student’s interest in music by applauding their efforts — while ensuring they have the belief to succeed.

Dennis has been teaching at The Music Center since 2011 and is passionate about making new connections while giving back to his community. He enjoys getting to know his students, sharing his musical talents and interests, and striving to provide students with challenges based on their skills and interests.

Glenn has taught at The Music Center since 2021 and embraces the diversity of his students and colleagues while enjoying a first-class learning environment. He believes in empowering his students and connecting his experiences and expertise with their interests, goals, and personalities. “I balance the student’s focus on technical and analytical skills with creative play and experimentation at the keyboard, aspiring for a holistic approach,” he adds.

Jeff has been an instructor with The Music Center since 2016. He specializes in drum set instruction with and without written music, classical and rudimental etudes, ensemble performances, double bass drum techniques, and correct technique to avoid injury. Jeff also focuses on encouraging a rewarding learning experience for his students.

Jon started playing guitar and writing music at the age of 11. While being a multi-instrumentalist, guitar and vocals have had his heart from the beginning. He's played and sung in numerous contexts over the years since including original rock bands, worship teams, a wedding band and even touring across the Midwest and Northeast for concerts of his own music as an acoustic singer-songwriter solo act. Through all of these experiences, the guitar has been a faithful companion and stage-worthy friend to lean on.

Ted Hogarth joined The Music Center’s Community Music School in 2025, bringing with him a lifetime of musical exploration and artistry. A dynamic performer, composer, educator, and recording artist, Ted specializes in saxophone, clarinet, and jazz improvisation—and thrives on helping students find their unique musical identity.

Dr. Dan Jonas joined The Music Center’s Community Music School in 2025 after relocating to Battle Creek, Michigan. A seasoned trumpeter, composer, and educator, Dan brings decades of experience as both a performer and teacher. He specializes in jazz and classical trumpet and thrives on helping students connect technical skill with expressive performance. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado, where he studied with Brad Goode and Dr. John Davis.

Bobby teaches the art of DJing and crafting new digital music through basic music production, song editing, remixing, and developing electronic press kits. His DJ curriculum is designed to equip aspiring DJs with essential skills for success. Bobby emphasizes the importance of gaining experienced in DJ technology, particularly Rekordbox, to efficiently manage music sets and enhance live performances with lighting and technical mixes.

Lindsey joined The Music Center in 2023, instructing our Music First Classes. She enjoys sharing her love of music with students of all ages and skill levels. She connects with students by encouraging them to try all forms of music and explore new ways of self-expression. “I especially love working with preschoolers and toddlers, seeing music ignite their imaginations and joy,” adds Lindsey. “There’s nothing purer than seeing a young child discover their love for music.”

Danae Mollenkamp is a passionate educator and music therapist who recently joined The Music Center (TMC) and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Originally from Watertown, Wisconsin, Danae brings 25 years of piano training and 16 years of vocal training to her students. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa, she teaches both beginner and advanced students, offering a diverse and enriching musical experience.

Teri is a former educator in the Battle Creek area and currently serves as Artistic Director for The Music Center. She has been with the center since 2014 as an instructor for Music First, a class designed to teach Early Childhood Music via Gordon Music Theory.

Cindy began teaching at The Music Center in 2012. Her teaching philosophy includes meeting students where they are skill-wise and strengthening their musical foundation. Cindy’s goal is to instill a passion for music in her students and encourage them to bring beauty into the world through their playing.

Nora joined The Music Center in 2021, teaching voice and piano to students of all skill levels. She was drawn to the center because of its dynamic approach to teaching while encouraging students to embrace all forms of music. Nora connects with her students by establishing goals and cultivating a plan of action.

Hannah joined The Music Center in 2022 to teach voice and is thrilled to share her abilities with students of all ages and levels. Her goal is to help students explore their unique voices’ beautiful colors and layers, learn to sing with ease, drop the tension, and pick songs that suit them perfectly while presenting a challenge. “Seeing a student discover that lightbulb moment when working on a challenging piece is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” she explains.

Craig has taught at The Music Center since 1996 (before it was even called The Music Center!). He enjoys the diverse music repertoire at the center but also the wide range of students he gets to meet and teach. Craig strives to develop a rapport with all students while embracing their unique personalities and needs. Once a connection is made, he works with each student to map their own woodwind learning journey.

Ed has taught at The Music Center since 2008 and offers specialized instruction on various string instruments, including guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. His greatest reward is making a breakthrough with a student, allowing their talents to shine, and enriching their life. He adds that learning to play and embracing musical techniques must be exciting and gratifying for everyone. “It has to be fun, or it’s not worth doing.”

Tahmoures has taught at The Music Center since 2019 and was the school’s first entirely virtual instructor. He has also been performing as a soloist and within chamber ensembles for 12 years and teaching privately. Tahmoures takes a flexible approach, basing his instruction on each student’s individual needs. He shares his passion for music with all his students and encourages them to develop their unique musical voices.

Elva has taught at The Music Center since 2021 while living in Michigan and attending Michigan State University. She now teaches virtually for the center from her home in Hartford, Connecticut. Since 2016, Elva has taught flute lessons in private and group settings to students from elementary through university ages with diverse backgrounds and music goals. Passionate about teaching and invested in her students, she fosters strong flute-playing fundamentals and creates a positive space for students to learn and express themselves.