Find Music Lessons

Mr. Griffin teaches drums to students of all ages and skill levels. He believes all drummers,
regardless of their experience, can enjoy connecting with music by building off a foundation of
simple drumming songs. In his approach to teaching the music theory aspects of drumming,
such as drum rudiments, he strives to instill that these concepts are simply tools to help us
understand music; which helps us unlock our own creativity! Mr. Griffin began studying music
at 6 years old, starting on piano and switching to drums at age 10. At Oberlin College and
Conservatory, he studied drums with Billy Hart and Ari Honeig, earning a BA in Jazz Drums and
Psychology. Mr Griffin has been playing live performances since beginning drumming and
looks forward to recording and releasing music with his bands Unto and Sweetbriar. He has
also recorded with artists The Surrealists, Sarah Krohn, and was a member of the Oberlin Jazz
Ensemble and School of Rock Allstars.

James (JD) graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2011, majoring in performance (drums/guitar) and music business. He is proficient in various guitar styles and genres, including blues, R&B, rock, funk, jazz, and jazz fusion, and considers himself a bluesman and performer. A talented improviser, JD frequently performs live with several local bands, playing original songs and covers.

JD’s teaching style is influenced by the Suzuki method, focusing on songs and techniques applicable to all music styles. His approach makes it easier for students to learn songs by ear and covers all essential guitar skills comprehensively, including reading, theory, improvisation, soloing, and rhythm. Most importantly, JD ensures enjoyable lessons, making students look forward to their next session!

Mr Morgan is a general percussionist from Atlanta, GA, and a graduate of the University of Georgia. His competitive background includes drum corps with Alliance Drum and Bugle Corps and indoor with Atlanta Quest, where he both obtained a PIO bronze and performed in PIW Finals.

Currently, Mr Morgan is the Percussion Director of Phoenixville Area High School. In the past, he served as a percussion instructor for multiple high schools across the country, mainly in GA and FL, all while teaching private lessons to those wanting to excel in drumming.

Outside of teaching and performing, Mr Morgan likes to spend his time near water with his two big dogs Jeffrey and Cooper.

Ms. Kenzie is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Music Education at the Wells School of Music in West Chester University. Ms. Kenzie has been playing the violin and viola for 12 years and was originally from West Chester. She loves all different composers and periods of violin repertoire, but her favorite composer is J.S. Bach. She is also in both the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra at West Chester University. Ms. Kenzie has thoroughly stayed active in the West Chester music community throughout her adolescence and current professional life. Aside from music, in her free time Ms. Kenzie enjoys baking, crocheting, and reading. Ms. Kenzie also loves to draw and do arts and craft. 

Leticia has been passionately teaching guitar to students of all ages for over 15 years. Her enthusiasm for music remains as vibrant today as it was when she first began her journey!

Leticia's musical path started at 14 when she joined the music conservatory in Brasília, Brazil. She later went to college for music education and moved to the U.S. to study Jazz Performance at the University of Louisville.

With experience across a diverse range of styles—including classical, jazz, Brazilian music, and pop/rock— Leticia feels at ease teaching various musical genres.

Known for her sensitivity to each student's unique learning style and goals, Leticia is dedicated to facilitating progress and meeting the individual needs of her students.

Ms Christina teaches Violin/Viola on WEDNESDAYS. Music FunTime on FRIDAYS. Piano on SATURDAYS.

Christina has been playing violin since age five and has explored her passion for music ever since. While Christina is trained in several different styles of music, she primarily focuses on her classical training. In addition, Christina studied with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Institute as a member of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra as a high school Sophomore and Junior, which performed at many well-known venues, such as Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center.  Christina also led the Cherry Hill West Pit Orchestra, where she played in productions such as Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, SpongeBob the Musical, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat. Also, she enjoys playing pit orchestra gigs at local high schools and performing at wedding ceremonies. 

Christina is majoring in Music Education at West Chester University and is a West Chester Symphonic Orchestra member at the Wells School of Music. She also enjoys playing flute as a secondary instrument, which she has played since she joined her high school's marching band in 2021. Christina is a proud West Chester Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band member and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, in December 2023.

Ms. Katie has been teaching piano, ukulele, and percussion for the last 10 years
throughout the Delaware Valley. Katie studied piano under Professor Ellen Youssefian of
Temple University in Philadelphia and holds a B.A in Music from The Sunderman Conservatory
at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Katie has had the privilege of teaching
students from the ages of 2-75 years old throughout her career!  One of her core teaching beliefs is that you are never too old to learn an instrument and whether your goal is to learn Beethoven or to play Happy Birthday at your next family gathering you will be able to get there!

For students that are new to their instrument Katie’s teaching focuses heavily on
developing proper technique and learning how to read music in the beginning stages of study so
students develop that core foundation that will be able to take them further into their piano
studies or help them transition to any other instrument they may want to try in the future! For
intermediate to advanced students lessons will focus on achieving individualized goals which
can include anything from music school audition prep to performance coaching. Along with
teaching Katie has enjoyed an active performing career working with local choirs, orchestras,
and bands throughout the area. She is thrilled to be able to offer lessons with West Chester
Music Academy!

Born and raised in South Asia, Afzal comes from a diverse background of not only music but also culture. After more than a decade in the U.S. and almost 15 years of playing the guitar, Afzal’s understanding of music spans across multiple genres and styles. He is currently studying Music Therapy with a concentration in Classical Guitar at West Chester University. Afzal uses a holistic approach in his teaching so that students not only enjoy learning the instrument, but also feel empowered and confident. 

Gus teaches guitar on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays;  And, piano ONLY on Mondays

Gus is a versatile guitar player who has spent his time exploring every genre and style he can get his hands on. From progressive rock to straight jazz he is a fan of it all. While guitar is his main instrument, he also thoroughly enjoys teaching Bass and Piano. He makes sure students are looking forward to their lessons by pushing them in the direction that fascinates them the most! He is a firm believer that lessons aren't just about passing on the knowledge of the instrument, but also the passion that will lead to a lifetime of joy surrounded by music.

When it comes to Piano, Gus has a focus on modern performance/rock. He wants his students to be able to sit down with a new group of people and play songs they've heard before and can sing along to!
 

Mr Jack has been playing guitar, bass, and drums for 10 years. He started studying rock music since elementary school and continued throughout his high school years. His passion for jazz led him to the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, where he dedicated a year to studying the genre, with improvisation being the main focus. He is now playing in jazz bands and dedicating all the time he has to the art. His teaching approach is comprehensive, covering everything from mastering essential guitar techniques to exploring the creative realms of music. Whether you're already passionate about a style of music, or eager to build a solid foundation in guitar, he is here to guide you every step of the way!

Mr. Jordan has a degree in Piano Performance and is studying for his master's degree in Piano Pedagogy, both from West Chester University. He has loved music all his life and has been playing piano since he was 9 years old. 

Debbi teaches Voice on Monday/Thursday and Piano on Wednesday

Debbi studied music and voice at Mansfield University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in music. In addition, she has a Master’s degree in education and specializes in early childhood. She currently sings with the Harrisburg Choral Society in Harrisburg, PA. Most recently, she performed with her college alumni choir at Carnegie Hall in NYC. She is very pleased to be offering voice lessons at West Chester Music Academy!

Hello! My name is Ileyanis but you can call me Ms. Iley, it's pronounced E-lay. I'm a music therapy major at West Chester University. I'm in my junior year and I'm a voice primary and I also play guitar and piano. I love music and I've been singing since I was 5 years old. I can't wait to help aid in anyone's music journey! I'm also fluent in Spanish. I am so excited to be part of WCMA's family and make your experience a great and fun one!

Olivia teaches Voice ONLY on Tuesdays & Piano ONLY on Fridays

Miss Olivia is an Early Grades Ed major at West Chester University and President of the award-winning competitive a cappella group, Under A Rest. A finalist in The Star Vocal Competition and a music enthusiast since age 9, she's delved into the realms of pop, classical, musical theater, and vocal pedagogy.

Her mission? Make music lessons a blast! Olivia wants students to gain confidence in their singing and belt out tunes that truly make them happy!

Ms Jackie teaches Piano on WEDNESDAYS and Violin on TUESDAYS/THURSDAYS.

Ms Jackie has been playing the piano since age 8 and the violin since age 12. She received a bachelors of science in music education while attending Penn State University, where she played in the symphony orchestra. She taught music in the public school system, and later, pursued a degree in elementary education from Saint Joseph's University. After teaching during the day, she gave private piano and violin lessons after school. She is ooking forward to returning to interacting with students again in Music. Music is everything to her and the best way to connect with others!

Mr Andrew teaches drums, bass guitar and guitar to students of all ages and skill levels, with the goal of establishing a sound foundation that will enable each of his students to progress toward their musical goals while enjoying the journey. He has been studying drums since the age of 8 and bass guitar since the age of 10. His playing experience includes live performances as well as album recordings with his bands THE NARROWS and Pajama Day. He also holds a BA in Audio Production from the American University.

Ms Natalya teaches piano and cannot wait to join your child’s musical journey. She is trained in classical European method. She started her studies at a Professional Music School at age of six and earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the College of Education in Russia and her Master’s degree in Psychology and Education from the Moscow Pedagogical State University. Upon graduation, she qualified as a Music teacher, piano instructor and psychologist in education. Her professional background has been quite diverse, from giving private piano lessons and group music classes to starting a Montessori school. She works with students of all ages and levels and loves incorporating fun games and activities into lessons. “The most important job I have as a teacher is to help students find their joy in musical expression through encouragement and celebration.”

Mr. Ricky graduated from West Chester University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a concentration in voice and a piano minor. His favorite genre of music to sing and play is jazz, and he was a part of the Criterion Jazz ensemble at West Chester University from 2018-2021. His teaching style includes lots of physical movement, because it helps with feeling the beat internally, and it gives him a chance to show off some dance moves!

Greetings Students and Families! After a year of providing substitute Voice and Piano Lessons at WCMA, I am honored and eager to give my own piano lessons. I personally began piano lessons at age 5 and ever since then, piano has been a significant part of my life. Not only is it my favorite source for endless musical and compositional creativity, but the skills I learned from it developed me into the successful musician I am today. Speaking of which, I currently am a Music Education Major with a Minor in Composition at West Chester University. I am graduating in December, but I am thrilled that my teaching career is already beginning. In lesson, students will learn foundational skills in music as well as material in piano method books, but most importantly they will have fun! I absolutely adore interacting with children, so as I introduce them to or guide them further in piano, we’ll chat, laugh, and play games! Learning Piano and Music is an adventure for everyone, but no ones experience is alike, what will yours be? I’m looking forward to finding out together!

Ms Skylar (she/her) is currently a student at West Chester University for music education, concentration voice. She has participated in choir since middle school and is currently being classically trained. She loves everything about music and is glad she can share it with others!

Jess is a first year music student at West Chester University. She is working on a double major in music education and music theory with her main instrument being piano. She also plays clarinet, viola, banjo, guitar, sings in choirs, and has experience playing percussion in pit orchestras for musicals. Jess is super passionate about teaching music and watching students grow in their own personal music journey. In her free time Jess loves to go outside, do crafts, and check out coffee shops!

Ms Nicole has had a love for music her whole life! She has been playing piano and taking voice lessons for over 10 years. She went to the Center for Performing and Fine Arts High School, graduating in 2017, where she studied acting, musical theater, music theory, and vocal technique/ performance. A WCU 2023 graduate, Ms Nicole spent her time in college in a competitive a capella group, Under A Rest, which won many awards over the years. Ms Nicole greatly values her relationships with her students and their families and loves to help each student grow not only musically, but as an individual too. 
Whether you're just beginning your musical journey, or have been musical for a while, Ms Nicole will be by your side to cheer you on! Her love for music, attention to detail, and engaging lesson plans are what make Ms Nicole a great instructor at WCMA. 

Angel is a pianist studying Music Education at West Chester University. He has performed at various events, including formal galas, honors piano recitals at both his high school and college, and the Wells School of Music Convocation Recital. He has also performed collaborative chamber works, including movements from Beethoven, Diabelli, Brahms, and Schubert. He has experience singing in choir and has sung with Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill, as well as the Grammy nominated Saint Tikhon Choir. Angel has always had a passion for music and is dedicated to perfecting his craft. He wants to be able to share the gift of music with others by teaching and performing. Outside of music, Angel also enjoys working out and playing basketball.
 

James teaches Voice on Wednesdays & Fridays and Piano on Saturdays.

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Mr. James is a dedicated music student at West Chester University’s Wells School of Music, specializing in Vocal Performance with minors in Theatre Arts and Piano. His passion for teaching and performing spans various styles, making him a versatile and accomplished musician. Mr. James has showcased his talent in numerous venues across Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. His performances range from operas and musical theatre productions to church music, where he serves as a section leader, and pop music with his a cappella group, Under a Rest. Believing that a love for music can drive anyone to succeed, Mr. James is committed to helping his students achieve their full potential. He aims to provide the guidance and inspiration needed to experience the magic of music. His teaching philosophy focuses on understanding the intricate details behind producing a beautiful and moving performance while ensuring lessons remain fun and engaging.

Nick is a graduate of WCU '11, with a dual bachelor’s degree in music education and performance, with a focus on classical guitar, as well as, a vocal minor.  Boasting 20+ years of guitar study and performance experience, he finished as a semi-finalist in the 2009 and a finalist in 2010 in the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society competition.  He is also the proud owner of West Chester Music Academy, a private music school located just outside the West Chester borough.  In addition to teaching, he also is a hired musical entertainer a few nights a week for weddings and private events. 

Ms. Abby is a dedicated student at West Chester University, pursuing a degree in Music Education. While her primary instrument is the viola, singing has always been a significant passion of hers, since she began vocal lessons at the age of seven. Her love for music has grown in multiple directions, giving her a strong foundation in both instrumental and vocal performance.

As a passionate music educator teacher, she is committed to helping each student develop their unique voice and creativity, no matter where they are on their musical journey. Her approach to teaching centers on making music fun and engaging, guiding students towards success, both technically and creatively. 
 

Miss Anita is a passionate violin/fiddle player and teacher whose classical foundation in music enabled her to quickly jump into fiddle styles that she enjoys most, some of which include Canadian, Celtic, and Country. She learned to develop her ear and became passionate about learning different fiddle styles while studying with some of Canada's top fiddle talent and other violin mentors. She has experience performing at events that range from private events to weddings to large-scale Celtic festivals. She incorporates the importance of a well-trained ear into her lessons and hopes to instill confidence and joy in students of all ages. She wants her students to be moved and inspired by the music they are playing so that they look forward to becoming the best players they can be. 

Ms Chloe is a senior at West Chester University, where she is studying Early Grades Preparation (PreK-4). In addition to teaching preschool, she offers voice lessons and has a rich background in music. With experience in over 25 musicals, she plays multiple instruments and currently serves as President of Under A Rest A Cappella at WCU. Chloe is thrilled to be joining the team at WCMA!
 

Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ms Kelly received her Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance at the University of British Columbia. She moved to Baltimore after graduating to pursue her master's degree in Flute Performance at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. 

Ms Kelly has been a flute and piano teacher for over 8 years. Outside of music, she loves to go on walks with her dog Mia and spend time with her family. Her goal is to create a fun and positive learning environment to bring out the best in every student. Ms Kelly is excited to be teaching at the West Chester Music Academy!