If you are interested in scheduling lessons with one of our
teachers, please use the email link at the end of the teacher's biography, or call The Music Store at
(480) 831-9691 and speak to a member of our staff.
Kyle Barentine
Kyle teaches percussion and drumming techniques at The Music Store. He specializes in beginning to intermediate instruction with an emphasis on band and orchestra students. Kyle has been teaching privately for 12 years and has extensive playing experience in marching, orchestral, and popular music. Kyle worked with and taught at the University of South Carolina, and worked with Garfield and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in the late 1980's. He is the recipient of the Most Outstanding Percussionist in the state of South Carolina. Kyle continues to play professionally with the nationally recognized group, The Swingtips.
Rates: $25/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
Instruments Taught: Drums
Contact: kylebarentine@the-music-store.com
Kurt Finchum
Kurt is a 1990 graduate of Purdue University, and also studied at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College. One of the busiest trumpet players in the Valley, Kurt has performed with Linda Ronstadt, Lou Rawls, Wayne Newton, Esteban, the Harry James and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras, Steve & Eydie, Billy Preston, Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave), Deniece Williams, and many others. Local acts include Straight from the Heart (in Hong Kong), as well as Azz Izz, Robert Street, Shining Star and The Hamptons. He is the leader of the Arizona Brass and the Santan Swing Band.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Monday/Wednesday
Instruments Taught: Trumpet
Contact: kurtfinchum@the-music-store.com
Cory Fournier
Cory has been playing and teaching Acoustic and Electric Guitar for over 25 years. He has played a wide variety of styles with emphasis on Rock, Pop, and Praise and Worship music. Cory's musicianship is largely the result of practical experience, having left music school to tour with a Top 40 group. He does, however, employ his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology on a daily basis, "using immediate gratification (songs) to motivate students into learning what they need to know (theory)." While Cory is capable of providing in-depth study, his philosophy of music leans toward the "less talk, more play!" approach. Cory currently plays in his own acoustic duo and with his church band. His love of music and positive attitude provide a welcome learning environment for students of all ages.
Rates: $25/30-minutes ($22.50/30-minutes on weekdays before 2pm)
Lesson Days: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday
Instruments Taught: Guitar, Mandolin
Contact: coryfournier@the-music-store.com
Stefanie Harger Gardner
Stefanie Harger Gardner completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Clarinet Performance at Arizona State University in May 2011. Gardner has studied with and performed in master classes for Robert Spring, Eddy Vanoosthuyse, Jorge Montilla, William O. Smith, Larry Combs, Robert Riseling, Ronald Van Spaendonck, Maurita Mead, Nathan Williams, and Marie Picard. She has performed in a wide variety of ensembles including ASU’s Chamber Players, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Clarinet Choir, and several chamber ensembles. Gardner won the 2007 Concerto Competition at ASU and was a finalist in 2006, and has been featured as soloist with many community bands in the Southern United States. She is a member of Trio de Café and has performed with several Phoenix area organizations including Arizona Opera, Symphony of the Southwest, Mill Avenue Chamber Players, and the Fountain Hills Chamber Players.
Gardner maintains a large private studio in the Phoenix area. Many of her students have participated in Regional and All-State honor ensembles, won chamber and concerto competitions, and received music scholarships at prestigious music schools. Gardner was awarded a teaching assistantship by the Music History and Literature area in the ASU School of Music during the academic years 2008-2010 and also was Manager of lnstrumental Ensembles.
In addition to performing and teaching, Gardner has a strong interest in woodwind pedagogy. Her doctoral dissertation, “An Investigation of Finger Motion and Hand Posture during Clarinet Performance,” applies scientific research to pedagogy in an effort to improve performance. Gardner has guest lectured for Hadassah (the Women's Zionist Organization of America) and ASU’s CUbiC department.
Gardner currently resides in Ahwatukee, AZ, with her husband, Josh, who is also an accomplished clarinetist.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Monday/Saturday
Instruments Taught: Clarinet
Contact: stefaniegardner@the-music-store.com
Bill Humbert
Bill Humbert received his Bachelor and Master of Music in Education degrees from Arizona State University and is currently the Director of Bands at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona. Prior to his appointment at the college, Mr. Humbert was the Director of Bands at Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Monday
Instruments Taught: Trumpet
Contact: billhumbert@the-music-store.com
Tracy Kimbrell
Tracy has been playing and performing for 20 years and has been teaching since the age of 18. He teaches all styles of guitar, bass and banjo. Tracy is currently working on his Masters degree in Music Education. He is noted for his ability to explain difficult concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Tracy will show you the right way to develop your musical knowledge and proper technique. "If you learn the musical side first, then any style you learn will come much more easily."
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
Instruments Taught: Bass Guitar, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele
Contact: tracykimbrell@the-music-store.com
Erin Lanus
Erin has been studying music for over 22 years, including 10 years of classical violin and 6 years performing Traditional Irish Fiddle and Irish Step Dance. She has performed with numerous local bands and at many festivals and venues in both Arizona and California. In addition to her music background, Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and also has experience working with very young children and children with special needs. She has been teaching since 2004 and specializes in young beginners, adult beginners, and Irish fiddling.
Rates: $20/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Monday/Tuesday
Instruments Taught: Violin (Classical & Fiddling)
Contact: erinlanus@the-music-store.com
Jeff Lauffer
Jeff studied Jazz & Classical music at ASU where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Music. He has been teaching and performing for over 10 years and teaches all styles of music at any level. Jeff tailors his lessons to fit each students interests and level of experience, and is very attentative to keeping things challenging, yet fun and easy to understand. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis.
Rates: $22/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Wednesday
Instruments Taught: Guitar
Contact: jefflauffer@the-music-store.com
Byron Lipkins
Lessons at Maricopa Location Only (map)
Byron earned his B.S. Degree in Music Performance/Education from Ball State University. An elementary and middle school band director in Mesa for over two decades, Byron is a sought after percussion instructor and band clinician throughout the southwest. He has performed with many of the valley's orchestras, played musicals at Gammage, the Sundome, and the Mesa Arts Center as well as a variety of other musical settings. Byron just finished a tour of duty as Timpanist/Percussionist for the Salt River Brass, and is currently performing with the Greg Morton Band. Byron can be spotted on Sundays holding down the bass chair for the World's Most Dangerous Praise Band.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Tuesday, other days by appointment
Instruments Taught: Band instruments (Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion), Bass Guitar, Drums
Contact: byronlipkins@the-music-store.com
Mercedes Murrieta
Mercedes teaches violin and viola lessons in the East Valley. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Ottawa University and is currently pursuing a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Mercedes is also a member of the Mesa Community College Orchestra and the Arizona String Quartet. Along with performance instruction in any style of music, Mercedes also tutors in music theory. Her emphasis is on creating a well rounded musician that is skillful on their instrument, but that will also get the most out of whatever avenue the student wants to take, be it composing, performing or teaching. Her instructional style is structured and positive, and she has experience teaching all ages from 5 to 50.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Instruments Taught: Viola, Violin
Contact: mercedesmurrieta@the-music-store.com
Kelly Pearson
Kelly graduated Cum Laude from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a degree in Piano Performance. Her awards include the prestigious Meistersinger Piano Scholarship, various district and statewide Teacher's Association awards, and she was named as Regent Scholar at Wartburg College. In 2000, Kelly moved to Arizona and began teaching at The Music Store. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Arizona State Music Teachers Association, as well as treasurer of the East Valley Music Teachers Association. She has served in various positions in the local associations and her students regularly participate in sponsored performing opportunities. Currently, she is in the process of becoming a National Certified Teacher through MTNA. Kelly's love of music and positive attitude provides a welcome learning environment for students of all ages.
Rates: $95/month (One 30-minute lesson each week)
Lesson Days: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
Instruments Taught: Piano
Contact: kellypearson@the-music-store.com
Scott Pearson
Scott graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Performance. He prides himself on being versatile in any style of music or playing situation and has a method of teaching that provides his students with a complete knowledge of the guitar. After more than 20 years of playing professionally, Scott can still be found performing throughout the week with his cover band "Chris Parker Project", at Chalice Christian Church, doing tribute shows at Sky Supper Club in Peoria, or as a side man with numerous groups throughout the Valley. Scott is currently accepting new students, and regardless of age or ability, his students are encouraged to have fun, learn, and share their music.
Rates: $22.50/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Tuesday
Instruments Taught: Bass Guitar, Guitar
Contact: scottpearson@the-music-store.com
Lawrence Petross
Lawrence teaches acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass guitar. He holds a degree from Musicians Institute's Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. Lawrence has been a professional musician for more than 25 years and has performed a number of different music styles. He has been teaching at The Music Store for 15 years and teaches Rock, Blues, Jazz, Fusion, Country, Funk, Pop, and Classical music styles. Lawrence offers customized, individual lessons for beginning to advanced students aimed at accelerated progress in a fun learning environment.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday
Instruments Taught: Bass Guitar, Guitar
Contact: lawrencepetross@the-music-store.com
Alden Powers
Alden has been teaching guitar in a private and class setting for over a decade. Alden is on faculty at Mesa Community College and has also taught at the National Guitar Workshop. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Miami (FL), where he studied with members of the Bee Gees and the Miami Sound Machine. Alden has toured all throughout the United States and has opened for national artists. Alden enjoys teaching all levels and styles of guitar and bass. He tailors his lessons to best fit the goals of his students, employing a fun method that will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
Rates: $25/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Monday
Instruments Taught: Bass Guitar, Guitar
Contact: aldenpowers@the-music-store.com
Jamilyn Richardson
Jamilyn Richardson received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Arizona State University in December 2007 and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Music History and Literature. As a graduate teaching assistant for ASU's music history department, Richardson is also active as a performing artist and has performed in a wide variety of ensembles, including: ASU's Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Flagstaff and Tempe Symphonies, and the MusicNova Orchestra of Scottsdale. Richardson currently studies with Katie McLin, Professor of Violin at Arizona State University. Her former teachers include Frank Spinosa, Louise Scott, and Erich A. Eichhorn of the Cleveland Orchestra. Teaching private violin lessons since 2000, Richardson maintains a large private studio in the Greater Phoenix area. Many of her students have participated in Regional and All-state honor ensembles, and she teaches students of all ages and levels.
Rates: $20/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Saturday
Instruments Taught: Violin
Contact: jamilynrichardson@the-music-store.com
Christina Rivera
Christina Rivera is originally from New Jersey and has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with emphases on Vocal Performance & Choral Conducting, and a Master of Music degree in Musical Theatre Performance with an emphasis on Opera. Since beginning her musical studies 10 years ago, she has competed and garnered awards in national vocal competitions, and performed leading roles in opera, operetta, and musical theatre productions around the US and Canada. She currently resides in Tempe, and sings professionally with Arizona Opera. Her greatest hope as a teacher is to help students discover their own unique voices, talents, and freedom in musical expression.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Tuesday/Saturday, other days by appointment
Instruments Taught: Voice
Contact: christinarivera@the-music-store.com
Ashley Stahl
Ashley Stahl a doctoral flute student at Arizona State University. She earned her master's degree in flute performance from ASU (studying with Dr. Elizabeth Buck) and her bachelor's degree in flute performance from Florida State University (studying with Eva Amsler). Ashley has been the recipient of the FSU's coveted Brautlecht music award (2008), and she has been the winner of the Arizona Flute Society's college competition as well as the Florida Flute Association's college young artist competition. As an enthusiastic advocate of the flute, Ashley is a member of many flute associations nationwide and has performed in masterclasses with some of the world's best flute players. She can often be seen performing in Arizona State's music ensembles as well as in instrumental groups throughout the Phoenix area. In her teaching, Ashley strives to create an open and positive atmosphere, and she welcomes students of all ages and musical backgrounds.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Tuesday/Wednesday
Instruments Taught: Flute
Contact: ashleystahl@the-music-store.com
Martin Van Klompenberg
Martin J. Van Klompenberg is a currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona, where he studies with Dr. William Dietz. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Western Michigan University, where he studied with Dr. Wendy Rose, and his Master of Music degree from Arizona State University, where he studied with Dr. Albie Micklich. His other primary teachers include Phil Pandolfi of the Pittsburgh Symphony and John Clapp of the Grand Rapids (MI) Symphony. Prior to moving to Arizona, Martin was an active performer in the Great Lakes region, playing with orchestras such as the West Shore Symphony (now West Michigan Symphony), Southwest Michigan Symphony, Holland Symphony Orchestra and La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, and again in 2010, he attended the Domaine Forget International Music Academy in St. Irenee, Quebec, Canada.
Rates: $20/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Saturday
Instruments Taught: Bassoon
Contact: martinvanklompenberg@the-music-store.com
Ruth Wenger
A Phoenix native, Ruth Wenger has been fascinated with learning musical instruments since age 3. Since starting her cello studies 15 years ago, she has played in recitals and concerts across the valley including performances with the ASU Symphony, West Valley Symphony, Flagstaff Symphony, Musica Nova, Symphony of the Southwest, and Scottsdale Arts Orchestra. She has been teaching privately for over 7 years, and has also run sectionals with the Phoenix Youth Symphony and local Tempe and Phoenix middle schools. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Cello Performance at ASU, where she studies under Thomas Landschoot and sits as the cellist of the ASU Herberger String Quartet.
Lessons with Ruth include learning the general technique of the instrument, musical theory and notation, and above all evoking a genuine enthusiasm for this wonderful gift of music! Using her ongoing experiences of practicing and teaching yoga as a reference, she makes sure that body awareness and efficiency of movement are also addressed in lessons.
Rates: $25/45 minutes, $34/60 minutes
Lesson Days: Thursday
Instruments Taught: Cello
Contact: ruthwenger@the-music-store.com
Tom Young
Tom is a graduate of the renowned Berklee School of Music. For the past 20 years, he has enjoyed a diverse career as a soloist, band leader, theater conductor, studio musician, music teacher, and composer. Tom teaches Jazz, Classical, and Popular styles. He uses the TEY music method for instruction "Blending Tradition with Innovation."
Rates: $23/30-minutes
Lesson Days: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Instruments Taught: Flute, Piano, Saxophone
Contact: tomyoung@the-music-store.com
Susan Yuen
Susie graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, WI. She has been playing oboe for 13 years. Susie has performed with the Maranatha Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Maranatha Orchestra, and the Maranatha Chamber Singers during her four years of college. While touring with the Maranatha Chamber Singers, she had an opportunity to sing as well as accompany the choir on piano and oboe. She also traveled throughout the West for tour summer as a school representative with an ensemble. Susie is Director of Bands at Tri-City Christian Academy, where she also teaches oboe and piano privately. She has studied oboe extensively and enjoys passing her knowledge onto the next generation of oboists.
Rates: Contact for rates
Lesson Days: Tuesday
Instruments Taught: Oboe
Contact: susanyuen@the-music-store.com