Our Teachers

Reyna began her musical journey at the age of 9 with the violin. She is classically trained and enjoys playing classical and jazz. Not getting enough of music, Reyna found a love for guitar and picking it up to play any song she hears. Growing a passion for learning more instruments she picked up piano, ukulele, and singing along with them. Reyna doesn’t just want her students to learn the material, but understand it and take pride in what they accomplish along the way. If you want to grow your music reading skills and technique, have some fun and learn some of your favorite songs, or write your own, Reyna can help guide you through.

Julia is a professionally trained classical and contemporary violinist. She is from Philadelphia and started playing the violin at 8 years old. Her passion for the instrument led her to a path of songwriting and sound design. And by the time she was enrolled at Berklee College of music, Julia was writing, producing, and releasing her own original music, as well as playing her electric fiddle around town. Now in Austin TX, Julia is in love with music as she always has been and also teaches Music Production, Voice, Ukulele, Mandolin, Piano, beginner Guitar, and band classes. Her students will have the opportunity to play in any genre they choose, such as classical, jazz, folk, country, and pop/rock.

Drew Griffith is a professional musician and educator based in Austin, Texas, with experience ranging from touring internationally with The Oh Hellos to composing music for film. He's worked across a variety of musical projects, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the many paths a musical journey can take. Drew believes in creating a warm and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable exploring music and helping them discover their own musical voice, whether they're just starting out or looking to take their skills to the next level. When he's not doing music, you can find him exploring all of the best BBQ restaurants in Central Texas.

Ryan Hirokawa is an oboist currently based in Austin, TX. Ryan has performed in a variety of settings, ranging from principal oboe in orchestras to chamber music outreach. He has performed with ensembles such as the Victoria Symphony, Central Texas Philharmonic, Austin Unconducted, and the contemporary music group Sound Map Ensemble to name a few. Ryan currently has a growing private teaching studio, working with students primarily in the Austin area. When not playing the oboe Ryan enjoys working out, catching up on the NBA, cheering for Michigan Football, and reminiscing about surfing back home in Hawai'i.

Hi there! I’m Blaize Oswald, a guitarist, bassist, pianist, engineer, and music producer based in Austin, TX. I’ve been playing music since I was four years old. I started out on classical guitar but fell in love with jazz, and I always enjoy playing country and pop tunes. I am a Berklee College of Music graduate, with my degree in Music Production and Engineering. From playing shows, jam sessions, and producing for artists, I’ve learned that my favorite part of music is making it with other people. I’m here to inspire and support that same joy in my students!

Jake is a classical guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri who has enjoyed teaching and performing across the country. With bachelor's and master's degrees in guitar performance from the University of Louisville, he is currently pursuing a DMA at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin.

My musical career started off with studying classical piano at the Royal conservatory of Music in Canada. However, over the years I have taught many genres of music and absolutely love teaching both kids and adults. Music theory and technical work are core components of my lessons as well. My piano lessons are structured but there always needs to be an element of fun to create a passion for music and to venture off to allow for creativity. My passion I always hope, is passed on to my students. Hope you choose Musicologie as your school of choice and I hope to meet you soon 😊🎹

Jewels Greenhalgh is thrilled to bring music, movement, and giggles to Musicologie Juniors! With a background in early childhood education and a lifelong love of music, her journey began exploring violin and piano in her early years and singing with the Los Angeles Valley Children's Chorale. She fell in love with guitar at age 17, which became her joyful companion in musical adventures. Jewels believes music is essential to who we are and keeps it at the heart of her teaching, creativity, and connection. She brings a holistic touch to class, nurturing musical discovery and each child's confidence and self-expression while guiding little ones as they explore rhythm and music through playful musical discovery.

Michael Arizmendi is a versatile Austin-based musician from Brownsville, TX, skilled in trumpet, bass, drums, piano, singing, and rapping. His style blends hip-hop, jazz-fusion, and funk, influenced by a wide range of genres including rock, classical, EDM, jazz, pop, and Latin. Arizmendi has performed with the International Trumpet Guild, Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra, and the Global Jazz Workshop. Mentored by renowned artists like Terri Lynne Carrington and Nicholas Payton, he's also shared stages with Kris Davis and Marquis Hill. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Arizmendi is dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and fostering connection through his music.

Jill is a flutist and educator currently based in Austin, TX. She enjoys a dynamic career performing across the United States in solo, orchestral, and chamber music settings. Jill has performed with ensembles such as the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Albireo New Music Collective, and the Libertalia Virtual Philharmonic. As a soloist, Jill has performed at Carnegie Hall and placed in many competitions. She currently teaches privately in the Austin area and creates a welcoming environment for students centered on curious, non-judgmental learning. In her free time, Jill enjoys running, reading, and working as an EMT. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin

Jordon Nickerson is a classically trained violinist from Austin, Texas. Jordon began his musical journey at age 11, and is experienced in violin, viola, mandolin, and music production. He has performed with the University of Texas at San Antonio Symphony Orchestra as well as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. In 2024 Jordon was commissioned to write music for the interactive art museum Meow Wolf, and his work is now a part of their permanent collection.

Javier Vasquez is a third-generation musician from Austin, Texas, with experience in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Classically trained and largely self-taught in jazz, he earned a place at the University of North Texas, where he performed with classical bands, jazz lab bands, and contemporary ensembles, and received a DownBeat Student Award for his work with the Latin Jazz Ensemble. He is currently completing his Master’s in Jazz Performance at Texas State University under Joel Frahm and performs regularly around Austin with his own group, Lower 99, and several indie and contemporary bands. Teaching since 2021, Javier is passionate about helping students explore any genre and develop into well-rounded, confident musicians.

Olivia Gronenthal is a mezzo-soprano, teaching artist, and voice teacher who helps singers build confident, healthy voices while discovering what makes their sound unique. She holds graduate degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and has performed with OPERA San Antonio, Austin Opera, and other regional arts organizations — most recently in the title role of Pinocchio with Opera San Antonio and The Magik Theatre. She also brings live music into schools and community settings as a teaching artist. She teaches piano as well, bringing the same fundamentals-first approach to the keyboard. In the studio, her approach is encouraging and technique-based: breath support, vocal freedom, musicianship, and expressive storytelling....