Alex Anest is a professional guitarist who has been teaching other people to play since he was fifteen years old. While Alex holds degrees in Jazz and Improvisation from The University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University, he is comfortable teaching and playing all styles of music, especially American Musical Genres such as Rock, Blues, Folk, Jazz, Country, etcetera. Alex prefers to concentrate on the common threads running through diverse musical styles, so that students can take what they learns and apply it to any style of music, and sometimes even to areas outside of music altogether.  Alex takes students of all ages and enjoys teaching reading, theory, and improvisation.

Dave Boutette has been active in the Michigan acoustic music scene for nearly thirty years. As a performing songwriter he’s played everywhere from the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, all the way down to Oberlin, Ohio. Along the way he's taught guitar, ukulele, and songwriting to wide range of students younger and older.

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Before stepping into the acoustic world, Boutette spent ten years playing guitar with the rock band he started while in high school. The band toured the nation supporting such acts as The Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and the Blowfish.

Benjamin Cicotte is a dedicated musician and instructor at Musician’s Edge, specializing in guitar and drums. His musical journey began in third grade with the acoustic guitar before transitioning to electric in sixth grade—a move that sparked a lifelong passion. In addition to guitar, he has been a percussionist since fifth grade, making rhythm and music an integral part of his life. Whether working with beginners or experienced players looking to refine their skills, Benjamin strives to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding for every student.

Hailing from Irvine, California, Samuel Dishon is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan, where he is studying under internationally-acclaimed saxophonist, Dr. Timothy McAllister. Samuel has earned musical recognition both locally and nationally, including being recognized as a national finalist and two time California winner of the Music Teachers National Association Competition. Samuel has been featured as a concerto soloist with the Euclid Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as the baritone saxophonist in the nationally recognized Cerus Quartet. 

Matilda Hoagland is a recent graduate of Oakland University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With a special interest in choreography, she choreographed for many Oakland shows such as their MainStage production of Pippin and the summer children’s show, How I Became a Pirate. She was also offered the opportunity to study theatre abroad on the Greek island of Hydra. There, she was immersed in her work for more than a month and very literally ate, slept, and breathed Greek theatre. This instilled in her a sound understanding of what it means to make art. Art is in everything we do and something we should never take for granted. Matilda hopes to help cultivate, nurture, and grow the love of dance and music within each person she collaborates with.

Bio to come.

Kalliopi Katsiris is a double major Master's Student at the University of Michigan, studying Flute Performance and Chamber Music. She graduated in the spring of 2024 with her Bachelor's in Flute Performance from Iowa State University. Her main teachers include Professor Amy Porter and Dr. Sonja Giles. Kalliopi has been a featured soloist with the Iowa State Wind Ensemble, the JazzONE ensemble, the Iowa State Symphony Orchestra, and the Ames Municipal Band. Throughout her undergraduate career, Kalliopi has performed alongside international soloist Gareth McLearnon and played in Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Outside of playing, her work as an undergraduate research assistant was acknowledged with the Dean’s High Impact Award.

LaKedria Lozano is a dedicated music and voice teacher with over 15 years of experience. She holds a master's degree in vocal performance, specializing in pedagogy and performance, as well as a master's degree in education, focusing on curriculum and learning and elementary education. LaKedria has had the honor of performing at prestigious venues such as the Vatican and Carnegie Hall. Currently, she serves as a music teacher and choir director. Her expertise lies in helping singers discover and develop their unique voices in a healthy manner. Outside of her professional commitments, LaKedria enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, four children, and five beloved pets.

Bio to come.

Mayumi Sole majored in music education at Pacific University and has been teaching piano for more than 15 years. She moved to Michigan in 2000 and  studied music therapy at Michigan State University. Her teaching philosophy is patience and slow practice. She encourages students not to give up even if their progress is slow. To Mayumi, music is not just notes, but is something more meaningful. She loves music and wants to teach children to appreciate music too! 

Ian Stripling Jenson graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance and Political Science in May 2023 and is currently pursuing Master of Music degrees in Violin Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan. During his undergraduate years, he pursued secondary studies in viola and historical performance. Ian has studied and performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Encore Chamber Music Festival, Sounding Point Academy, Center Stage Strings Festival, and the Chautauqua Institution. Ian regularly performs across Michigan with ensembles including the Lansing Symphony, Jackson Symphony, and Adrian Symphony, and he has built a varied teaching career in the Ann Arbor area.

A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Ben Thauland has been an active teacher and performer in Southeast Michigan for more than a decade. He has been a frequent guest with the Flint Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, and has taught trumpet lessons in the Dexter area since 2015. Ben is an Oregon native, and prior to moving to Michigan enjoyed a playing career that included appearances with the Vancouver (BC) Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and the Oregon Ballet Theatre.