Our Teachers

Travis Long comes from Northwest Ohio where he attended Terra State College for Jazz Studies and Music Performance. Travis has been playing guitar since a young age and quickly developed a fascination with extended range instruments. He has a deep appreciation for a wide variety of music with a particular affinity for metal and jazz. Travis enjoys performing live and has done so as part of a wide variety of musical projects over the past ten years. He regularly performs on bass with Columbus soul rock group Carole Walker and the Bittertones. Travis loves working with students of all ages and helping them explore music that speaks to them personally.

Elaine Mylius is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Trombone Performance. She has been playing violin since the age of 3 and trombone since the age of 10. Elaine has a diverse musical background and specializes in many genres ranging from classical to pop to jazz to hip hop. She encourages her students to express their musical interests (no matter the genre) so that they can learn how to play their favorite songs. She also emphasizes the importance of learning music theory and good technique so that her students may be able to express themselves on a high level with improvisation. Merging technique with the excitement of learning her students’ favorite songs is how she creates a fun yet challenging learning environment!

Jeanmarie Moon is an experienced pianist and teacher in Columbus, Ohio. She holds a BFA in Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as two Master's degrees from The Ohio State University in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. Jeanmarie has lectured on teaching and performing at MTNA and OMTA conferences, and she is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She has also served as a pianist for the Columbus Ballet and collaborated with members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Opera Columbus. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Jeanmarie hopes to foster a love for music, superior technique, a high musical aptitude, and a sense of achievement in each of her students.

Dr. Szu-Yu Chu is an internationally active classical vocal performer and music teacher. She started playing piano at age four and later attended music specialty schools in Taiwan. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from Taipei National University of the Arts and The Ohio State University, respectively. Dr. Chu has traveled extensively and her music has been shaped by different cultures. Over the last ten years, she has become fully experienced in teaching piano and voice students from age 5 to adults. In 2015, she joined the United States Army Reserve Command Band as a keyboard player, and continues to serve.

Joshua Hill is a guitarist from Lewisville, Ohio, who began playing at age 13. He was inspired by Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and blues masters such as B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Albert King. In 2001, he was awarded the first guitar performance scholarship at West Virginia University. He then pursued further studies at Ohio State University in 2003, where he was awarded two performance scholarships. Today, Joshua plays with multiple bands and artists in and around Columbus, Ohio, including Birdshack, Popgun, Sanctuary (Miles Davis tribute band), Tony Monaco, Hoodoo Soul Band, and Huntertones. Josh loves working with students of all ages and helping them connect with the guitar, just as he did growing up.

Dr. Elena Cruz-Lopez is a musicologist and violinist. She began playing violin at age 12 in Puerto Rico and continued while in high school in South Bend, IN. She graduated from Valparaiso University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music in violin performance. In 2024, Elena earned her Ph.D. in Musicology with a graduate minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from The Ohio State University. When she's not teaching lessons, Elena works at The Loft Violin Shop where she helps string players around central Ohio from beginners to professionals. Elena is also an organizer for TEMPO: Music & Arts Camp, a summer camp for girls, non-binary, and trans youth ages 12-18. At camp, she works as a keys instructor and band coach.

Cassie Howard is an experienced music teacher with a Bachelor's in Choral Music Education from The Ohio State University. She has played piano, voice, and violin for many years, and has 2 years of experience teaching and directing middle and high school choirs. During her time as director, her groups performed at Disney World and in Ohio, receiving Superior Ratings at OMEA District and State Contests. Cassie provides a safe and fun learning environment for her students, balancing aural training and written musical notation to ensure each student is well-rounded in their musical knowledge. She has experience teaching contemporary, pop, classical and musical theater styles.

Allison is a recent graduate of Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. There she studied saxophone performance and piano as a secondary instrument. As a lover of making music with others, she really enjoyed participating in both choral and instrumental ensembles. Allison believes that everyone has an innate musical ability. Fear of failure should never stop us from exploring our inner musicians, regardless of age. It is never too late to begin learning a new musical instrument! She strongly believes that with the right teacher, any student can learn to grow their musicianship and musical creativity. Allison looks forward to developing relationships with students of all ages and abilities to help them grow their musicality.

Matthew Zelnik is an engaging music teacher who specializes in trumpet and brass instruments. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has worked in schools and privately, helping students of all backgrounds and ability levels. Matthew holds a MM from Ball State University and aBME from The Ohio State University. He has performed in various settings, including both commercial and classical, and has had the opportunity to play with renowned musicians. Matthew's teaching approach focuses on guiding students to find their optimal physical and mental approach to playing. He also has extensive knowledge in overcoming playing injuries. Matthew is based in Columbus and is ready to share his passion for music with you.

Charles Austin Piper is a baritone from Johnstown, Ohio. He graduated from Otterbein University in 2017 with a BM in Vocal Performance, and he received his Masters of Music degree from Kent State University in 2019. Austin is an active performer and has sung for AIMS in Graz, Austria, the Ohio Light Opera Company and Cleveland Opera Theatre, and he also won 1st place in the advanced men category at the NATS Ohio Competition in 2018. Austin currently holds an adjunct voice faculty position at Otterbein and teaches voice and beginner piano to all ages at Musicologie Dublin.

Nico Linik has been performing in Columbus for years. Outside of his main projects Cellar Dwellar and Dairy Family, he seeks to play in as many styles, genres, and groups as he can. He has an intense passion for all things music, and he understands how important community and encouragement to learn are to someone's growth as a musician. Nico has played a part in putting together virtual festivals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting open jams that bring musicians together, and running a revered house venue and artist collective. He is always trying to improve and hopes to push himself and his students to be the best musicians they can be.

Rees Finley is a multi-instrumentalist and music teacher who graduated from the USC Thornton School of Music's popular music program in 2015. After working for many years as an educator, writer, and performer in Southern California, he decided to return to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio in 2022. Rees has been mentored by many leaders in the music industry, including Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter Glen Ballard and has gained diverse performance experience including his recent work as a dueling pianist and entertainment director for Howl At The Moon. Throughout his career, Rees has been dedicated and passionate about sharing his knowledge with students helping them achieve their musical goals and discover their own love for music.

Nic is a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist with experience in several different musical genres. He has performed professional and amateur operatic roles as well as for independent contemporary music projects, and he has years of experience working with students of all ages.

Kiffy Kokal is a music teacher with a passion for helping students explore their musical abilities. With a BA in Voice from OSU, Kiffy specializes in teaching voice, guitar, and drum set. Kiffy's extensive experience includes performing regularly as a tenor section leader in the choir at First Community Church and as the drummer in the contemporary band. Additionally, Kiffy plays percussion and drum set for various choirs and show choirs in the Columbus area. Kiffy is proud to be a multi-instrumentalist and enjoys the different nuances involved in making music in different ways. Kiffy happily teaches students of all ages, including kids, adults, and early learners. Lessons with Kiffy are available in Dublin and Lewis Center.

Elizabeth Allenbaugh has played the clarinet for 11 years and graduated from Capital University in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Music Industry. She has been a musician and multi-instrumentalist for her entire life, always looking for new ways to make music. She has participated in various bands, choirs, and community orchestras, and is known for being versatile. Elizabeth believes in the power of learning new things and loves experimenting with music through performance, arrangement and composition, and loves sharing this with her students.

Meet Jodie-Lee Hostetler, a Dublin-based music teacher with 8 years of experience. Armed with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and a passion for voice, she has performed as a piano soloist and piano ensemble at the the University of Montana. Jodie-Lee works with students of all ages, from early learners to adults, in both solo and group settings. Her goal is to nurture her students' love for music and build their confidence in playing for others. With Jodie-Lee, learning music is not just about hitting the right notes but also about enjoying the journey.

Meet Jenna Keller, a music educator hailing from Columbus, Ohio. Growing up, Jenna discovered her love for music through the Columbus Children's Choir and piano lessons. She further honed her skills in college, where she studied music and psychology at The Ohio State University. Jenna's passion for teaching led her to start offering private and group lessons upon graduation. With a deep appreciation for all music styles and a knack for music theory, Jenna welcomes students of all ages, from early learners to adults, in her Dublin studio. Join Jenna to explore the joy of music together!

Eric Paton’s first lesson: drum set in Tokyo. Has performed with Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente Jr., Sir Roland Hannah, Carmen Cavallaro, Mojoflo, Wande African Dance Co. of Liberia, Milano La Scala (Japan Tour), Eitetsu Hayashi, TINA- The Tina Turner Musical. Plays: conga djembe, samba percussion Directs: Hiuchi Taiko, Yumbambé Salsa. Degrees: Ohio University MM, currently on faculty (2013- ), Capital University Conservatory of Music - Jazz Studies Teaching: Ohio U faculty (2013- ) Capital U (1990-2024) founded World Music Lab. Presentations: International conferences for PASIC, MENC & Remo Inc, Kodaly Conf., IAJE. Eric presents school assemblies and taiko workshops where he is known as Eric “THE FISH.”

Gordon is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and moved to Columbus to work as a full-time performer and to find opportunities in the Columbus music scene. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in theatre, Gordon started teaching lessons in Charlotte, North Carolina, and joined his first band, WAGS, which started in Rock Hill, South Carolina. After moving to Columbus, he became a resident performer at Shadowbox Live for two years and continued teaching at School of Rock Columbus. His favorite styles of music are blues, rock, jazz, funk, folk, and bluegrass, although his appreciation and curiosity of all musical genres knows no bounds! Some of his musical influences include Jerry Garcia, Django Reinhardt, and BB King.

Abigail Cooper is a Trinidadian-born violinist and educator who began playing violin at age ten. She studied at Excelsior Music College and earned her bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. While in school, she discovered a passion for teaching, offering private lessons and working with students across western Trinidad. Abigail later joined the National Philharmonic Orchestra and worked as a freelance performer and educator. Committed to lifelong learning, she moved to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in violin performance and pedagogy at Ohio University. She remains devoted to sharing the joy and power of music, inspiring growth in both herself and her students.

Maggie Green has been a music performer and educator in the Columbus area for more than 20 years. She began her formative years as a classical pianist, but discovered her joy as a professional was in singing. Ms. Green graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and started working as a jazz vocalist. Her performance credits include the Columbus Arts Festival, Gahanna Jazz and Blues Fest, and Columbus Jazz and RibFest. Ms. Green welcomes students from all backgrounds! She taught many years with the Columbus Children's Theater, and has served on the faculties of Capital and Otterbein universities.