Our Teachers

Nia Dewberry is an experienced violinist and music teacher with a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University. She began playing violin at age 11 and has won multiple scholarship competitions. Nia has performed in various pit orchestras and aims to enrich the lives of children in underserved areas through music. She teaches children and adults of all levels, teaching classical music as well as jazz, rock and roll, and country. Her goal is to help her students play the music they want to play, and to see the joy on their faces when they do.

Patrick began playing piano at four, violin at nine, and took voice lessons throughout high school and college. After graduating from Otterbein University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, he moved to NYC to pursue the big city dream. After three years, Patrick moved back to Columbus to lay roots in a more comfortable, but just as creatively accessible and inviting environment. He works as an accompanist, performs with several local theater companies, and teaches voice and piano lessons. As a teacher, Patrick approaches learning through the lens of storytelling and acting, and loves to work with students of all ages and abilities. Making lessons fun, engaging, and enjoyable even when music gets tough is Patrick’s core teaching philosophy.

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.

Rhea has been involved in music since she was a child. She started playing the piano in elementary school, and has spent over a decade playing classical music along with the occasional pop and rock music. She also took an interest in singing, and joined the Columbus Children's Choir. Here, she got the opportunity to perform in Austria, Hungary, Spain, France, Carnegie Hall, and numerous venues throughout central Ohio. Rhea expanded her musical abilities further by playing the cello. She joined her school orchestras and performed at community events. She is currently a member of the Ohio Chamber Musicians Orchestra located in central Ohio, and the Campus Orchestra at The Ohio State University where she is also pursuing music minor.

Rita has been a teacher at heart since childhood. She loves finding patterns and similarities in Western Music and other cultures’ musical forms. She has taught music for over 20 years. Inspired by Daris McCoun, her first piano/organ teacher, she learned theory and improvisation through gospel and classical styles. Rita has taught in the area and in Japan. She welcomes students of many cultures, and wants to learn from them! Rita brings skills in ear-training (Suzuki) and note-reading through several methods, including online resources. She believes every student can find their best way to learn, and tries to match her approach to the needs of any student, any age.

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.

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Jaryn Danz is a violist and teacher in the Columbus area. She believes that everyone can have fun learning an instrument, so she prioritizes positive reinforcement and humor in lessons. Jaryn holds bachelors and masters degrees in music performance from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and the University of Colorado Boulder respectively. She has recently performed with the Worthington Chamber Orchestra, the Newark-Granville Symphony, and the Columbus Children's Theater. In her free time, she does a lot of knitting.

Dr. John Watson is a passionate music educator and performer with over 10 years of teaching experience and 20 years of performing experience. He has received praise for his performances in opera, with a repertoire ranging from Mozart to Puccini. Dr. Watson has also showcased his talent on stages in Italy and has a diverse concert and oratorio repertoire. As an educator, he has helped students achieve their artistic goals and founded USC's Liederabend program. Dr. Watson holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Southern California. He is actively pursuing a career in higher education and currently resides in Dublin, Ohio.

Meet Djuana Ross, a passionate music teacher with a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Dayton. Her dedication to learn music was cultivated and grew exponentially at Stivers School for the Arts during her high school years in Dayton, Ohio. With over 14 years of teaching experience, Djuana has taught band, choir, group piano, and private piano to more than a thousand students. She specializes in teaching early learners, kids, teens, and adults in Gahanna. Her laid-back teaching style creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for students of all ages. Join Djuana's music classes to unlock your musical potential!

Patrick is a seasoned musician from Columbus, Ohio, with 17 years of experience in various music styles. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies/Guitar Performance from Capital University and has studied with renowned musicians like Stan Smith, Zakk Jones, and Tom Davis. His musical influences range widely, from Frank Zappa and King Crimson to Miles Davis or Joni Mitchell. Patrick has played in diverse ensembles and bands, including big bands, jazz combos, and his own bands such as Crabswithoutlegs, Silvia Mori, and Intercurrents. Patrick has won many awards for his performances and compositions. He values musical connections with students and colleagues, and has a strong passion for Jazz, Funk, Progressive Rock, and Metal music.

Kendall Baver is an alumni of Capital University, having studied Jazz Studies with an emphasis in guitar. Kendall has been playing guitar since he was 11, has been gigging around the Columbus scene since he was in high school, and has touring experience across the Midwest and Northeast US. Kendall’s main genres of expertise are rock, jazz, metal, reggae, and funk, while also having a lot of experience in classical style guitar. He has 5 years teaching experience in Columbus at several studios and to all age ranges in situations ranging from 1 on 1 to classroom settings.

David Esselburn, a music teacher from Ohio, has been immersed in music from a young age due to his musical family background. With a Bachelor's in Music from Muskingum University and graduate studies at Bowling Green State University, he has been involved in various musical groups such as jazz bands, rock bands, steel drums, choirs, orchestras, and wind ensembles. David's teaching experience spans across drum lines, percussion ensembles, and private lessons covering drum set, classical percussion, and marching percussion. He prioritizes a personalized approach to music education, recognizing the uniqueness of each student, with the aim of instilling a deep love for music and helping students to discover their own musical identity.

Rachel is a soprano and graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Economics, Music - Vocal Performance, and Spanish. Her studies were concentrated in Classical and Musical Theatre, although she enjoys all genres! She first began singing in children's choruses and started classical study at the age of 15. Due to having vocal cord surgery to remove a polyp at 20, Rachel places a strong emphasis on vocal health through technique to ensure her students develop strong vocal foundations for any type of singing. When not making music, she enjoys watching video essays and spending time in the city!

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.

Nicole Savastuk is a passionate and experienced music educator specializing in piano and voice. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and several years of teaching experience in both public schools and private settings, she brings a blend of structured technique and joyful creativity to every lesson. Nicole is trained as a classical pianist, with a special love for expressive repertoire like Clair de Lune and Chopin’s Ballade No. 1. As a former high school choir director, she’s well-versed in guiding students of all ages and experience levels, always aiming to build confidence, musicality, and personal connection to the music.

A Music Ed graduate of BGSU, Jennifer began her 33 year teaching career in northern Ohio. After marriage, she taught in Virginia, North Carolina, and central Ohio. Her students earned consistent Superior Ratings at Contest and have earned positions in state honor’s choirs. Many former students have pursued careers in music such as opera, church music, musical theater, sound design, talent management, composing, and teaching. She is a professional organist, pianist, and vocalist. She believes everyone has a musician inside of them and experiencing the beauty, community, and fun of music making is integral to the well-being of humanity.

Zechariah (he/him) grew up in the greater Lansing, Michigan area before attending Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. There he earned his Bachelors of Choral Music Education. Zechariah served as the Choral & Theatre Director at Plant City High School in Plant City, FL and as the Choral & Musical Theatre Director at Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus. Along with teaching, Zechariah is an active singer, performing and recording with central Ohio's vocal ensemble, ProArteOHIO and as part of the Schola ensemble at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown Columbus. In his free time, Zechariah enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time at home with their animal companions; A tabby cat, Laszlo and golden retriever, Dottie.

Spencer Morelock is a laid-back music teacher with 7 years of experience, specializing in drum set and world percussion. Holding a Psychology degree from Ohio University, Spencer brings a unique perspective to teaching. He enjoys exploring world percussion instruments and performs with his jazz-fusion/neosoul band crabswithoutlegs often. Spencer's teaching style is adaptable, catering to early learners, kids, and adults alike. You can find him sharing his passion for music in Lewis Center and Grandview, where he creates a welcoming environment for all ages to discover the joy of rhythm and groove.

Jerry Achtermann is a laid-back music teacher based in Lewis Center and Grandview, sharing his passion for music with students of all ages—from early learners to adults. With a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory, Jerry has honed his skills on the piano, drum set, and bass guitar. His teaching experience includes two fun-filled years at summer camps in northern Virginia and Maine. Jerry's performance background includes playing with jazz and folk ensembles in Oberlin. He’s a one-man band, recording and releasing full-band original songs and covers by playing every instrument himself. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, Jerry's easy-going approach makes learning music a joy.

I hold a Bachelor's in French Horn Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and have taught and performed in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Pennsylvania, New York, and Boston areas. I homeschooled my five children, three of whom went on to schools such as Berklee College of Music, The Hartt School of Music, and Eastman School of Music. I am excited to join the Musicologie community and continue exploring music together.