JAS Local Education Initiative:
Pays to Play
Private Lesson Fund
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jazz Aspen Snowmass has coordinated with musicians in the Roaring Fork Valley to create this booklet containing
private lesson information for all levels of student musicians from the ages of 7-18. If you are a local musician with
previous experience teaching music lessons and want to be included in future versions of this booklet, please contact
Corree Isley in the JAS Office: 970.920.4996, or Chris Bank, JAS-In-Schools Coordinator and Instructor: 970.704.0252.
JAS Pays to Play Program Overview
The Jazz Aspen Snowmass “Pays to Play” Private Lesson fund was established to provide initiative for Roaring Fork
Valley youth (ages 7 –18) to take private lessons in any instrumental discipline. JAS will pay for the first three lessons
(@ $50/per hour) to support & promote furthering music education, simultaneously supporting the economy of the
local music instructors. JAS encourages parents to attend their child’s lessons, especially younger students, so
that they can meet the instructor and get a feel for the instructor’s teaching style to decide if the teacher is a
good fit for the child.
Contents
Local Music Stores………………………………………………………………………………………………… …pg. 2
School Music Teachers…………………………………………………………………………… …………… …..pgs 2-3
Instruments and Instructors
Bass………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….…….…..………....pg. 4
Clarinet……………………………………………………………………………………..……………….……………..…..pg. 5
Cello…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..….. pg. 5
Drums/Percussion…………………………………………………………………………...…………………….….….pg. 5
Flute… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….……..pg. 5
French Horn………………………….…...…………………………………………………………………….…….……..pg. 6
Guitar/Bass/Banjo/Mandolin /Fiddle…………………………………………………………….….………...pgs 6-8
Harmonica……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..pg. 8
Oboe …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 8
Piano…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....…….…….pgs 9-11
Saxophone………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……….....pg. 11
Trombone………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….pgs 11-12
Trumpet……………………………………………………………………………………………………...…..…………….pg. 12
Woodwinds and Brass…………………………………………………………………………………….……………..pg. 11
Violin/Viola………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..pgs 12-13
Voice……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….……………pgs 13-15
Private Lesson Instructors Listing………………………………………………………………………………pgs 15-16
Local Music Stores
Glenwood Music
715 Cooper Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 928-8628
Larry Gruber
Roaring Fork Music
912 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 928-9192
Eddie Wilson
Steve’s Guitars
19 N 4th St.
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-3304
School Music Programs – Contacts
Aspen Schools
Aspen High School
Steve Heldt – Instrumental Music
970.925.3760 ext. 1019
Aspen Middle School
Jeff Loda – Music Teacher
970.925.3760 ext. 2158
Aspen Elementary School
Marnie White– Music
970.925.3760 ext. 3104
Jonathan Gorst–Choir
Nick Lenio - Band
Jonathan Gorst – Choir
Nick Lenio - Band
Maureen Hinkle
970.384.6185
Roaring Fork High School
Mark Gray-Band/Guitar
Shanti Gruber - Choir
970.384.5763
Carbondale Middle School
Mark Gray–Band
970.384.5729
Ross Montessori
Jennetta Howell
970.963.7199
Crystal River Elementary
Amber Bate
970.384.5637
Tami Suby – Band Director
Shanti Gruber - Music Director/Choir
Chane Smith – Instrumental Music
Shanti Gruber – Choir
Katey Barnes
970.384.5521
970.384.5584
970.384.5521
Sue Pehrson
970.384.5418
Basalt Schools
Basalt High School
Basalt Middle School
Basalt Elementary School
970.384.5879
970.384.5866
970.384.5835
Carbondale Schools
Glenwood Springs
Schools
Glenwood Springs High
School
Glenwood Springs Middle
School
Glenwood Springs
Elementary
Sopris Elementary
2
970.384.5482
School Music Programs - Contacts Cont.
New Castle/Silt Schools
Coal Ridge High School
Jay Dulco-Band
Anna Stech—Choir
970.665.6730
970.665.6732
Riverside Middle School
Elk Creek Middle School
Keith Bushman
Anna Stech
Nathan Wubbena
970.665.7828
970.665.6732
970.665.6947
Highland Elementary
Adam Thompson
970.665.6815
Wamsley Elementary
Adam Solomon
970.665.7950
Eagle Valley High School
Pat Sheehy – Band & Choir
970.328.8960
Eagle Valley Middle School
Tommy Dodge
970.328.6224
Gypsum Creek Middle School
Annette Frizsche
970.328.4791
Eagle Valley Elementary
Bridgette Baker
970.328.6981
Gypsum Elementary
Janie Bionaz
970.328.8940
Rifle High School
Patrick Scheirer-Band
Daryl Gingrich-Choir
970.625.7742
970.625.7746
Rifle Middle School
Adam Soloman-Band
Laura Oysti-Choir
970.665.7663
970.665.7935
Eagle Valley Schools
Rifle Schools
3
Instruments and Instructors
Bass
Chris Bank has been part of the valley music scene for 20 years. He has been involved on many
levels with local music programs and has taught music at CRMS, Basalt HS, Glenwood MS & HS,
Carbondale HS, St. Stephen’s, and the Waldorf School. In addition, he has done after-school jazz
programs with schools from Aspen to Rifle. Chris coordinates the LEI programs and summer jazz
camps (three per summer) for beginning to advanced high school and middle school students. For
lesson information please call 970.704.0252 or e-mail [email protected]
Mike Facey has been playing and teaching music professionally for 10 years. He graduated from CU
Boulder with a degree in Jazz Performance and is equally at home teaching guitar, electric, and
upright bass. Lessons can also include music theory, improvisation, and ear training. Mike is fluent in
all styles and is available to teach lessons after school or in students' homes. For more info, please
call (802)779-2778 or email [email protected]
Mark Gray is the band director at Carbondale Middle School. Teaching specialties are Double Bass,
Electric Bass and Music Theory. Also lessons in Guitar, Brass and General Music. Lessons are
scheduled after school hours, generally in Carbondale or Glenwood Springs. Bassist with Walt Smith,
Symphony in the Valley. Music teacher at Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School.
Music degree from Northern Illinois University. For lesson information please contact him at
970.945.1023.
Tom Paxton has been a professional musician in Aspen since the late 70’s, working as a freelance
bass player, guitar instrumentalist, campfire singer and children’s entertainer. His CD, “Smore
Songs” won the 2007 Children’s Music Web Award for ages 5-7. He is the Entertainment Coordinator
for Blazing Adventures and during the summer and winter seasons he performs weekly at kid’s
campfires on the Snowmass Mall and in the Treehouse ski school. He has acted as musical director at
the Theatre in the Park and for productions at the Aspen Country Day School. With a B.A. in
Education, Tom has also been teaching music and math to students throughout the Roaring Fork
Valley for over two decades. He teaches beginner through advanced students on acoustic and electric
bass and guitar, and beginning students on piano and drums. He generally teaches a combination of
reading music and playing by ear. Over the years he has coached several rock bands; three of them
went on to win Best Middle School Garage Band in the Battle of the Bands. For lesson info please
contact him at 970.309.1502.
Ashton Taufer participated in the Glenwood Springs Middle and High School band programs before
attending Colorado State University. After two years majoring in music he attended Berkley School of
Jazz in Boston and graduated with a Bachelor degree in music. He is now living in Glenwood Springs
and teaching Bass. 970.379.5704 or [email protected]
Clarinet
Chris Bank has been part of the valley music scene for 20 years. He has been involved on many
levels with local music programs and has taught music at CRMS, Basalt HS, Glenwood MS & HS,
Carbondale HS, St. Stephen’s, and the Waldorf School. In addition, he has done after-school jazz
programs with schools from Aspen to Rifle. Chris coordinates the LEI programs and summer jazz
camps (three per summer) for beginning to advanced high school and middle school students. For
lesson information please call 970.704.0252 or e-mail [email protected]
Erin Cushner has been playing clarinet in a variety of ensembles including orchestras, bands, and
chamber groups for the past 14 years. She won second place in the 2006 Washington State Clarinet
Solo competition. She was a concerto winner and soloed with the Tacoma Youth Symphony in 2006.
Erin has studied with a variety of teachers including Jennifer Nelson (principle clarinetists of the
Pacific Northwest Ballet) and Dr. Jun Qian. Erin has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from St. Olaf
College. She is currently an environmental educator for Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.
970.927.6760 or 253.678.2027; [email protected]
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Cello
Sarah Graf-Saito has taught cello for more than ten years in both the Roaring Fork Valley and in her
home state of Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance and
Performer's Certificate honors from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. She also has
registered Suzuki cello teacher training through the Ithaca Suzuki Institute. Sarah is the cellistmentor for the Roaring Fork Music Society, a new orchestra for young string musicians, in which she
works with students to help develop their skills as ensemble players. As a performer, she has been
part of the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, the National Orchestral Institute, and the Freiburg
Baroque Orchestra Institute. She continues to perform in the Aspen area as both a soloist and
chamber musician. Her personalized teaching style integrates her Suzuki teacher training with her
own background in traditional teaching methods. She can be reached at 970.306.1235, [email protected]
Drums, Percussion
Chris Goplerud has been involved with Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ In-Schools program for 9 years. He
teaches all levels and styles of drum. 970.948.0799
John Michel is a longtime local musician who plays drums with John Oates. He is an excellent
instructor teaching all levels and styles and has been involved with JAS Summer Camps.
970.309.4801.
Flute
Shelley Warren has over 34 years of experience as a Professional Flutist, teaching and performing in
the United States and Europe. She has a BM in Flute Performance from Northwestern University, a
MM in Flute Performance from Baylor University, and has been Professor of Flute at Barry University
in Miami, Florida, Broward Community College in Ft. Lauderdale, and Colorado Mesa University in
Grand Junction, CO, compiling more than 26 years teaching at the University level. She has performed
in music festivals in Greece, Spain, England, Italy, and on Cape Cod. Shelley was a member of the
Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida, Sinfonia Virtuosi, Greater Palm Beach Symphony, Miami Beach
Symphony, Waco Symphony, more than 15 chamber music groups, and performed with the Miami
Opera, Miami City Ballet, Ft. Pierce Opera, Gold Coast Opera, Houston Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet,
National Ballet of Canada, Dance Theater of Harlem, and in over 90 musicals (8 for ACT, 3 for Aspen
High School, 3 for Basalt High School). Her teachers include Geoffrey Gilbert, Walfrid Kujala, Charles
Delaney, Martha Rearick and Helen Ann Shanley, and she has taken Master Classes with James
Galway, Jean Pierre Rampal, Julius Baker, and William Bennett. Shelley is currently Principal Piccolo
in the Grand Junction Symphony, playing in 5 chamber ensembles that bring live music to all the
elementary schools in Grand Junction each year through the Symphony’s Music in the Classroom
Program, and she teaches and performs throughout the Western Slope. Please contact Shelley at
970.596.8447 or [email protected]
Susan Wasienko was the band and choral director at Aspen High School. She will be available to
teach beginner to advanced flute. Please contact her for information: 970.925.3760.
French Horn
Jerry Gasau is a professional musician and music educator teaching at CMC, Basalt HS, Aspen,
Carbondale, Spring Valley, and privately with Glenwood Music. Jerry has performed with the Kansas
City Philharmonic. St. Joseph Symphony, and is principal French horn/guitar soloist with Symphony
in the Valley. He can teach all levels of French Horn to all ages of students. For more information,
contact Jerry at 970.309.3898 or 970.963-1312.
5
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
French Horn Cont.
Karl Oliver works with most brass instruments with exception to Trombone. His main instruments
are Trumpet and French Horn. His background is in classical, some jazz but mostly concert
bands. He has taught beginners to intermediate players of all ages. His background includes High
School through College performance including selected to State honors bands in Ohio. He played for
a B-Class Drum and Bugle Corp in High School. Lessons are conducted at his house in Missouri
Heights but he is willing to work at other locations if needed. 970.379.8991 or [email protected]
Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo
Deborah Barnekow teaches classical guitar. Deb is the Director of Educational Outreach at the
Aspen Music Festival and School. She has her BA in oboe performance; MM in composition, minor in
oboe performance. She is dedicated to music education and giving children enrichment/help to
express them selves. Contact Deb at 970.205.5027, 970.618.2659, or
[email protected]
Jimmy Byrne has been teaching piano to children and adults since 2000. He also is an instructor of
guitar. As a performer of a variety of styles of music on piano, voice and guitar, and as a music
teacher for all ages, Jimmy endeavors to give all his students the tools to make music a fun, rewarding
activity both in the present and throughout their lives. He and his students are creating a future in
which playing music for and with friends is one of the most popular activities in our culture. Jimmy's
beginner and intermediate students develop their musical ear, intuition, creativity, passion, and a
practical knowledge of harmonic theory. They also learn to read music when it is a readily attainable
and pertinent skill. He teaches full time at his studio in Carbondale. To contact Jimmy, please call
970.274.3666.
Jackson Emmer is a songwriter, performer, and teacher, based in Aspen. He plays the mandolin,
guitar, banjo, and sings with a voice sweet and ragged. Jackson has shared a bill with hundreds of
performers, most notably: Shawn Colvin, John Hammond, Sam Bush, Allen Toussaint, The Devil
Makes Three, and Bill Kirchen. Jackson has been a guest music instructor at Skidmore College,
Bennington College, Putney School and the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. His work in community
arts education has garnered grants and honors from the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, among others.
Mike Facey has been playing and teaching music professionally for 10 years. He graduated from CU
Boulder with a degree in Jazz Performance and is equally at home teaching guitar, electric, and
upright bass. Lessons can also include music theory, improvisation, and ear training. Mike is fluent in
all styles and is available to teach lessons after school or in students' homes. For more info, please
call (802)779-2778 or email [email protected]
Jerry Gasau is a professional musician and music educator — teaching at CMC, Basalt HS, Aspen,
Carbondale, Spring Valley, and privately with Glenwood Music. Jerry has performed with the Kansas
City Philharmonic. St. Joseph Symphony, and is principal French horn/guitar soloist with Symphony
in the Valley. He can teach all levels of Guitar and 5-string banjo to all ages of students. Lessons are
usually held in Basalt or at Glenwood Music. For more information, contact Jerry at 970.309.3898
or at 970.963.1312.
Mark Gray is the band director at Carbondale Middle School. Teaching specialties are Double Bass,
Electric Bass and Music Theory. Also lessons in Guitar, Brass and General Music. Lessons are
scheduled after school hours, generally in Carbondale or Glenwood Springs. Bassist with Walt Smith,
Symphony in the Valley. Music teacher at Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School.
Music degree from Northern Illinois University. For lesson information please contact him at
970.945.1023.
6
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo cont.
Shanti Gruber is a native musician of the Roaring Fork Valley. After graduation from the Glenwood
Springs High School in 2000, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. There she
received her Bachelors of Music Education with an emphasis in: piano, voice, and k-12 general music.
Recently, Shanti is working as the Glenwood Springs High School Music Director. She teaches private
piano, voice and guitar at her father Larry Gruber’s store, Glenwood Music. Shanti also plays in a local
band called The Tippetts. They perform throughout the valley and around the state. Her experience,
joy of teaching and love for the arts surround her life and daily practice. Please call 970.366.2889 or
[email protected]
Smokin’ Joe Kelly began playing guitar at age 4 and studied classical guitar at Hart Conservatory of
music from age 8-12. Joe was lead guitar for “Ike and Tina Turner” from 1974-1976. Recording and
performance credits include Bill Withers (Greatest Hits album), Chaka Khan, Vickie Sue Robinson,
Lauren Wood, Jesse martin (“Law and Order”, “Rent”), Cheryl Ladd, Vince Gill and Amy Grant to name
a few. Smokin’ Joe has performed all over the world from the “Superdome” in New Orleans, to
“Carnegie Hall” in New York City. Most recently played guitar on Ike Turner’s Grammy winning
record for Best Traditional Blues Album, “Risin' with the Blues” in 2007. Contact at 970.927.6758
(h) 970.618.6640 (c) or [email protected]
Sandy Munro teaches guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo. His Bluegrass, Old-Time, Celtic Music
class has been offered, on and off for the past 20 years at Colorado Mountain College. Sandy has been
running the shop and teaching guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle as well as performing in Bluegrass,
Swing, and Celtic bands since the mid-sixties. He sings and plays mandolin/guitar with The Flying
Dog Bluegrass Band. Sandy taught physics, math, aviation, and bluegrass at Aspen High School and
was a Navy pilot before that. For lesson information call 970.923.3384.
Traci Wilson teaches at Glenwood Middle School. She is available after school to teach guitar to
interested students. She may be contacted at 970.319.2272.
Tom Paxton has been a professional musician in Aspen since the late 70s, working as a freelance
bass player, guitar instrumentalist, campfire singer and children’s entertainer. His CD, “Smore
Songs” won the 2007 Children’s Music Web Award for ages 5-7. He is the Entertainment Coordinator
for Blazing Adventures and during the summer and winter seasons he performs weekly at kid’s
campfires on the Snowmass Mall and in the Treehouse ski school. He has acted as musical director at
the Theatre in the Park and for productions at the Aspen Country Day School. With a B.A. in
Education, Tom has also been teaching music and math to students throughout the Roaring Fork
Valley for over two decades. He teaches beginner through advanced students on acoustic and electric
bass and guitar, and beginning students on piano and drums. He generally teaches a combination of
reading music and playing by ear. Over the years he has coached several rock bands; three of them
went on to win Best Middle School Garage Band in the Battle of the Bands. For lesson info please
contact him at 970.309.1502.
Eric Schaudies has been playing guitar for over a quarter of a century. Out of high school, where he
picked up popular and rock styles and influences, he majored in jazz guitar performance on
scholarship at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. After that program, he moved to Denver, CO,
where he continued his education at the University of Colorado Denver, where this time he majored in
scoring and arranging. He taught full time in Denver for 13 years while playing in various bands and
doing work in recording studios. Since moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2008, he has done
numerous solo performances, musical theater productions, band work, and kept a teaching base
privately, through the Aspen Recreation Center, and in local schools. 720.299.0586, or
[email protected]
7
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Harmonica
Rob Tepper teaches blues harmonica at CMC and privately. He is open to all levels and ages of
students. Call 970.927.2611 for lesson information.
Oboe
Deborah Barnekow teaches oboe, as well. Deb is the Director of Educational Outreach at the Aspen
Music Festival and School. She has her BA in oboe performance; MM in composition, minor in oboe
performance. She is dedicated to music education and giving children enrichment/help to express
them selves. Deb may be contacted at (w) 970.205.5027 (c) 970.618.2659 or email:
[email protected] .
Piano
Jimmy Byrne has been teaching piano to children and adults since 2000. As a performer of a variety
of styles of music on piano, voice and guitar, and as a music teacher for all ages, Jimmy endeavors to
give all his students the tools to make music a fun, rewarding activity both in the present and
throughout their lives. He and his students are creating a future in which playing music for and with
friends is one of the most popular activities in our culture. Jimmy's beginner and intermediate
students develop their musical ear, intuition, creativity, passion, and a practical knowledge of
harmonic theory. They also learn to read music when it is a readily attainable and pertinent skill. He
teaches full time at his studio in Carbondale. To contact Jimmy, please call 970.274.3666.
Doug Gelpi grew up in New Orleans and has been playing piano since the age of 4. He was classically
trained throughout his childhood and high school years and then studied Music – Jazz Piano
Performance in college at Loyola University New Orleans. He was a piano and music theory
instructor at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts from 1998 to 2002. He served as keyboardist
for multiple bands in the New Orleans area during this time and has performed at venues such as
Tipitina’s, Storyville, The Red Room, The Old Opera House, The Fairmont Hotel, and The New Orleans
Superdome. He also served as the music director for St. Matthew the Apostle elementary school in
New Orleans before moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2002. His immersion in the New Orleans
music scene laid the foundation for a culturally rich and diverse musical background. He is currently
the pianist for the Derek Brown Band based out of Aspen and has performed at various venues and
locations such as the Wheeler Opera House, The Belly Up, The Ritz Carlton, Ajax Tavern, and the
Farmer’s Market. His many musical influences include Professor Longhair, James Booker, Allen
Toussaint, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Henry Butler, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Clark, Duke Ellington, Bill
Evans, The Meters and The Subdudes to name a few. Doug incorporates performance & listening
skills, ear training, current computer software & technology and advanced music theory concepts
into the piano lesson format. He is currently accepting new students and can be reached at
970.404.4555 or [email protected].
Shanti Gruber is a native musician of the Roaring Fork Valley. After graduation from the Glenwood
Springs High School in 2000, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. There she
received her Bachelor’s of Music Education with an emphasis in: piano, voice, and k-12 general
music. Recently, Shanti is working as the Glenwood Springs High School Music Director. She teaches
private piano, voice and guitar at her father Larry Gruber’s store, Glenwood Music. Shanti also plays
in a local band called The Tippetts. They perform throughout the valley and around the state. Her
experience, joy of teaching and love for the arts surround her life and daily practice. Please call
970.366.0339 or [email protected]
8
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Piano cont.
Susan Nicholson received her Bachelors and Masters of Music in Piano and Organ from Juilliard and
a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley since 1986. She is the music director at the Aspen Chapel and
has an active music program and performs weekly. As an organist and pianist, she teaches both up
valley and down valley. She specializes in advanced studies but takes beginning and intermediate
students that show a passion and determined attitude. Susan's background is in the Western
European tradition, and does not teach any Suzuki. A strong emphasis on style, expression,
technique and theory is paramount in her approach. To contact Susan please call 970.963.1754 or
970.925.7184 x13.
Kathryn (Katie) Hone Wiltgen, mezzo-soprano, is the Director of Bands and Choirs at Basalt High
School and Middle School. Originally from Celina, Ohio, Katie holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Performance and Music Education from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and a Master of Music in
Conducting from Colorado State University. A highly sought-after vocalist and teacher, Katie
performs frequently in the Aspen area and maintains a private voice and piano studio. Please contact
Katie at 970.309.4530 (cell) for more information.
Annig Agemian-Raley studied piano and music literature at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA
where she received her Bachelors of Music degree with a minor in Education. She was the
Chairperson for the National Guild Auditions for more than ten years and has prepared over 100
pianists, who were audited and have successfully completed the requirements necessary for
membership in the Guild. She teaches beginner to advanced students of all ages and has been
teaching of more than 35 years. Many of her students have also become teachers, adjudicators and
performers and just recently two have made their own CD. Please contact Annig at 970.945.2920 or
[email protected] for lesson information.
Chris Rose most recently served as Assistant Principal Trumpet in the Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra. He holds a performance degree from Carnegie Mellon University and studied additionally
at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, Sweden and the Lucy Moses School in New York
City. Having performed aboard Cunard, Crystal, and Royal Caribbean ocean liners, Chris now resides
in Glenwood Springs. He is the choir director at Glenwood Springs Middle School. He can be found on
youtube by searching "chrisroseandhismusic". [email protected] or 570.239.5553
Karen Tafejian has been teaching piano for over 40 years, instructing students of all ages and
levels. Originally from Chicago, she studied privately with Franz Pfau. Karen lives in
Carbondale, where she teaches at her home. She is currently a substitute teacher for the Roaring
Fork School District RE-1, and serves as Music Director/Choirmaster at St. Barnabas Episcopal
Church in Glenwood Springs. She is a rehearsal pianist for the Aspen Choral Society and the Maroon
Bel Canto Children's Chorus. She plays in Symphony in the Valley, and is keyboardist for local classic
rock band The Sirens. Karen teaches private lessons, including music theory and traditional classical
technique, emphasizing a well-rounded musical repertoire. Please call 970-963-3930 or email
[email protected]
Stacey Weiss teaches piano and voice at her home studio in Aspen. She earned a Bachelor of
Music/Music Education degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre
from New York University. A public school music educator since 1977, Stacey has taught vocal and
choral music in grades k-12 and is currently music teacher and choir director at Aspen Elementary
School. She also performs with the Aspen Choral Society as both a soloist and vocal coach. For lesson
information please contact her at 970.925.3760 ext. 3103.
9
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Woodwinds and Brass
Chris Harrison moved to Colorado in 1996 just after graduating with honors with a Bachelor’s in
Music Education degree from Illinois State University. Chris is a very active performer in the valley
being a member of several local bands including a local’s favorite, Jes Grew, and Carbondale
Mountain Fair 2012 local pick Sector 7G. Chris is a “Winds Specialist”, offering instruction on all
Woodwind and Brass instruments, as well as Guitar, Bass, Voice, and Music Theory. Chris may be
reached at 970.379.9685 or [email protected] for more information.
Saxophone
Chris Bank has been part of the valley music scene for 20 years. He has been involved on many
levels with local music programs and has taught music at CRMS, Basalt HS, Glenwood MS & HS,
Carbondale HS, St. Stephen’s, and the Waldorf School. In addition, he has done after-school jazz
programs with schools from Aspen to Rifle. Chris coordinates the LEI programs and summer jazz
camps (three per summer) for beginning to advanced high school and middle school students. For
lesson information please call 970.704.0252 or e-mail [email protected]
Trombone
Craig Heydenberk has played the trombone since he was 10 years old and locally for the past 25
years. He studied privately under Dr. Rivard at Central Michigan, University and currently is a
member of the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra. For lessons, contact him at 970.963.8556
Nick Lenio moved to the valley in August of 2012. He is the Director of Bands at Basalt Middle
School and High School. Prior to his position at Basalt, he was the Director of Bands at Lebanon High
School in Lebanon, PA for three years. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and will graduate from Messiah College in December 2012 with a
Masters of Music in Wind Conducting. Nick teaches trombone and baritone to students of all levels.
He can be contacted at 970-384-5866 (office) or 570-772-4626 (cell) and [email protected]
Trumpet
Keith Bushman is currently in his 6th year teaching band at Riverside Middle School in New Castle,
CO. He graduated from Colorado State University in 2004 where he participated in the University
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching/Pep Band. Mr. Bushman is an experienced
trumpet player and has performed in several community functions in the valley. He is well versed in
all valved brass instruments and is also very comfortable in getting beginners of all ages started on
any instrument. His enthusiasm for instrumental music has helped to grow the band program at
Riverside M.S. He can be contacted at 970.984.3984 or [email protected]
Rob Merritt is a 30 year valley resident, band director and trumpet performer. As band director in
Basalt, in addition to his award winning Concert bands, he started an exemplary jazz program and
established the annual Roaring Fork Valley Honor Jazz Bands which were supported and sponsored
by Jazz Aspen Snowmass. Rob directed an outstanding band program at an American school in Santo
Domingo, Dominican Republic during the 2004/2005 school years. Rob lives at his home in Aspen,
and is recently retired from public school teaching. He is available as a private instructor for
students on all instruments. He can be reached at 970.925.9018.
Chris Rose most recently served as Assistant Principal Trumpet in the Fairbanks Symphony
Orchestra. He holds a performance degree from Carnegie Mellon University and studied additionally
at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, Sweden and the Lucy Moses School in New York
City. Having performed aboard Cunard, Crystal, and Royal Caribbean ocean liners, Chris now resides
in Glenwood Springs. He is the choir director at Glenwood Springs Middle School. He can be found on
youtube by searching "chrisroseandhismusic". [email protected] or 570.239.5553
10
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Violin/Viola
Heidi Curatolo received her Bachelor of Music degree from Brooklyn College, City University of New
York. As a violinist, she is trained in the Suzuki Method and is a member of the Suzuki Association.
She teaches kids ages 3 and up and prepares kids for competitions and those interested in
participating in the Suzuki Festival at Snowmass each June. For more information, contact her by
phone: 970.948.0887 or by e-mail: [email protected]
Janie Bionaz has been playing the violin from the age of 10. She has been teaching private violin and
viola lessons for ten years in Eagle County, Flagstaff, AZ & Whitefish, MT. Janie holds a degree in
music education from Northern Arizona University and is working on a Masters in Music Education.
She teaches all ages and levels, from 5 through adult. She has long-term and short-term training in
the Suzuki method, and has training and experience in teaching other methods as well. She plays
for Symphony in the Valley and teaches music in Eagle County. For lesson information please contact
her at 970.309.2888 (cell) or 970.945.5470 (home).
Voice
Rebekah Bushman has lived in the valley for 6 years and teaching private lessons for the past 4
years. She is currently teaching general music at Wamsley Elementary in Rifle, CO and has recently
been elected as the General Music Representative for the National Association for Music Education.
She graduated from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN where she participated in the college choir
and the chamber choir, which performed throughout 7 European countries, all across the U.S. and in
Canada. Over the past 6 years she has shared her love of music and singing in several community
events including Handel's Messiah with the Aspen Choral Society, community plays in Rifle, and
volunteering her singing talent for various fundraising event. Contact her at 970.984.3984 or
[email protected]
Jimmy Byrne has been teaching piano to children and adults since 2000. As a performer of a variety
of styles of music on piano, voice and guitar, and as a music teacher for all ages, Jimmy endeavors to
give all his students the tools to make music a fun, rewarding activity both in the present and
throughout their lives. He and his students are creating a future in which playing music for and with
friends is one of the most popular activities in our culture. Jimmy's beginner and intermediate
students develop their musical ear, intuition, creativity, passion, and a contact Jimmy, please call
970.274.3666
Maureen Hinkle has made her home in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2004 and has been the music
teacher at Basalt Elementary School since 2009. She received her Bachelor’s of Music from the
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her Master’s in voice from the University of
Colorado, Boulder. She performs regularly throughout the valley. She has appeared with The Crystal
Palace, Theatre Aspen, Thunder River Theater Company, Snowmass Chapel, A.C.T, Symphony in the
Valley, and Aspen Choral Society. Maureen enjoys working with private vocal students ages 12 and
up. [email protected] , 970.384.5835 (work); 970.319.1033 (cell)
Kathryn (Katie) Hone-Wiltgen, mezzo-soprano, is the Director of Bands and Choirs at Basalt High
School and Middle School. Originally from Celina, Ohio, Katie holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Performance and Music Education from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and a Master of Music in
Conducting from Colorado State University. A highly sought-after vocalist and teacher, Katie
performs frequently in the Aspen area and maintains a private voice and piano studio. Please contact
Katie at 970.309.4530 (cell) or 970.384.5866 (work) for more information.
Shanti Gruber is a native musician of the Roaring Fork Valley. After graduation from the Glenwood
Springs High School in 2000, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. There she
received her Bachelor’s of Music Education with an emphasis in: piano, voice, and k-12 general
music. Recently, Shanti is working as the Glenwood Springs High School Music Director. She teaches
private piano, voice and guitar at her father Larry Gruber’s store, Glenwood Music. Please call
970.366.0339
11
Instruments and Instructors Cont.
Voice Cont.
Julie Paxton received her Bachelor’s of Music from New England Conservatory in voice and music
education and an MFA from Cal Arts in Voice. She taught music at Aspen Public Schools for six years
and has taught voice and piano privately for over 15 years. She’s been the vocal coach for Aspen
Community Theatre for many productions, and has directed the Dickens Carolers for 24 years. She
teaches beginner to advanced voice students and beginner to intermediate piano. Her studio is
in her home and lessons are taught Monday – Thursday afternoons and evenings. Her students
perform regularly at the Pitkin County Senior Center and other local venues. For more information,
please contact her at 970.920.1716.
Susan Wasienko is the band and choral director at Aspen High School. New to the area, she will be
available to teach beginner to advanced flute and possibly voice. Please contact her for
information: 970.925.3760.
Stacey Weiss teaches piano and voice at her home studio in Aspen. She earned a Bachelor of
Music/Music Education degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre
from New York University. A public school music educator since 1977, Stacey has taught vocal and
choral music in grades k-12 and is currently music teacher and choir director at Aspen Elementary
School. She also performs with the Aspen Choral Society as both a soloist and vocal coach. For lesson
information please contact her at 970.925.3760 ext 3103. Stacey does not generally accept vocal
students under the age of 11 as the voice is yet not developed enough to pursue classical training.
Marnie White is a native of Aspen and received her degree in music education from CU in 2000. She
has been the soprano soloist in various Aspen Choral Society productions and performed in Aspen
Community Theatre’s productions of My Fair Lady, Mame, & Pippin. She has worked as vocal coach
for Aspen High School’s theatre productions for the past five years. Marnie currently teaches music
and theatre for the Aspen School District. Marnie can be reached at 970.963.5722 (home)
970.379.9454 (cell)
12
Private Lesson Instructors - Alphabetical
Listing
Agemain – Raley
Annig
Piano
970.945.2920
Bank
Chris
970.704.0252
Barnekow
Deborah
Bass, Clarinet,
Guitar, Saxaphone
Oboe
Bionaz
Janie
Violin
Bushman
Keith
970.984.3984
Bushman
Rebekah
Trumpet, Brass,
Woodwind
Voice
Byrne
Jimmy
970.274.3666
Curatolo
Heidi
Piano, Voice,
Guitar
Violin
Cushner
Erin
Clarinet
970.927.6760
Facey
Mike
Bass, Guitar
Gasau
Jerry
970.309.3898
Gelpi
Doug
French Horn,
Guitar
Piano
Gray
Mark
970.945.1023
Gruber
Shanti
Heldt
Steve
Bass, Brass,
Theory
Guitar, Piano,
Voice
All
Heydenberk
Craig
Trombone
970.963.8556
Hinkle
Maureen
Voice
Johnson
Mark
Lenio
Nick
Sax, Clarinet,
Flute, Drums
Trombone
970.384.5835
970.319.1033 (c)
386.868.7767
Kelly
Joe
Guitar
970.618.6640
Harrison
Chris
970.379.9685
Merritt
Rob
Brass,
Woodwinds,
Music Theory
All Band
Michel
John
Percussion
970.309.4801
(w) 970.205.5027
(c) 970.618.2659
970.945.5470
970.984.3984
970.948.0887
802.779.2778
970.404.4555
970.366.2889
630.673.4347
570.722.4626
970.925.9018
Miller
Matt
Munro
Sandy
Bass, Guitar,
Piano, Voice
Banjo, Fiddle,
Mandolin
970.923.3384
Private Lesson Instructors - Alphabetical
Listing continued
Nicholson
Susan
Piano, Organ
970.963.1754
Oliver
Karl
970.379.8991
Paxton
Tom
Paxton
Julie
French Horn,
Trumpet
Bass, Guitar,
Music Theory
Voice
Schaudies
Eric
720.299.0586
Tafejian
Karen
Guitar, Bass,
Drums
Piano
Taufer
Ashton
Bass
970.379.5704
Tepper
Rob
Harmonica
Thomas
Nancy
Warren
Shelley
Piano, Violin,
Viola
Flute
970.927.2611 or
970.309.9571
970.920.5516
Wasienko
Susan
Flute, Piano
Weiss
Stacey
Piano, Voice
White
Marnie
Voice
970.925.3760
ext. 1019
970.925.3760
ext.3103
970.963.5722
Hone -Wiltgen
Katie
Piano, Voice
970.309.4530
970.309.1502
970.920.1716
970.963.3930
970.596.8447