Bethany joined The Music Center in 2022 and was actually a student here many years ago. She embraces the diversity of the center’s staff and student body because everyone can learn from one another — both as musicians and people. Today, she continues this welcoming tradition with her students.

Teaching piano for The Music Center since 2017, Melissa shares her passion for music with students of all levels. She stresses the fundamentals using method books but often supplements lessons with games and technology. Melissa also teaches ear training (aural skills) using lead sheets. “I’ve met many special students — such as a four-year-old with an amazing ear, a doctor and a lawyer who were fulfilling their dream to play piano, and countless others who impressed me with their stamina and work ethic,” she says.

Holly has taught piano at The Music Center since it opened in 2000 and is skilled at motivating young children through her practical yet engaging teaching style. Her technique includes learning through note reading and aurally taught pieces while rewarding students for goal achievement.

Timothy began teaching at The Music Center in 2021. Committed to his students’ development, he stays flexible to their goals while establishing a foundation for growth as violinists. His ability to connect with a variety of students, from adults to young kids, with different goals and musical aspirations is key to his success.

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.

GeDeane joined The Music Center in 2021, teaching all levels of voice and beginning levels of piano. She was drawn to the center because of its mission of reaching underserved communities with music. GeDeane connects with her students by giving them a safe place to express themselves while encouraging them to try different techniques. “I make the language of music accessible no matter their skill level,” she adds. “Instilling confidence in my students is another priority because the fear of failing was a personal challenge I had to overcome.”

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 joined The Music Center in 2022. While a multi-instrumentalist, guitar and vocals captured his heart at an early age. He began playing guitar and writing music at age 11 and shares his talents with students of all levels today. His goal is to pass along his love of guitar so that students can develop their own musical relationships — and find their ‘voice’ with this beautiful, classic instrument.

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.

Zollie began teaching percussion at The Music Center in 2022. He enjoys focusing on his students and seeing them reach for their dreams through their passion for music.

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.

Anna Joy joined The Music Center in 2022, teaching voice and piano to students of all skill levels. Drawn to the center because of its diverse cultural offerings, she embraces all forms of music. While the piano is her primary instrument, she also plays guitar, ukulele, and several instruments based on the piano’s layout, such as the accordion, glockenspiel, chimes, and melodica.