Our Teachers

Gene Otto is a multi-instrumentalist and educator specializing in guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Gene studied at Denison University, where he majored in American Roots Music Performance and minored in Composition, developing both strong technical skills and a deep understanding of musical structure. Gene’s college guitar instructor was acclaimed flat-picker Adam Schlenker, and he brings that experience and enthusiasm into his teaching to help students build solid technique, musicality, and confidence across styles.

Kathrine Underwood is a vocalist, pianist, composer, and educator specializing in contemporary performance and music-driven storytelling. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music from Utah Valley University and has performed, recorded, and premiered original work across a variety of projects, including symphonic arrangements featured in Utah Extravaganza’s Dancing with the Stars Champions concert. Alongside teaching and developing her own artistry, she is currently serving as Music Director for Hairspray with Ogden Musical Theatre.

Hugo is a musician, educator, and performer pursuing a Doctorate at the University of Utah. With a Master of Music from UMASS, he combines high-level performance and pedagogy expertise. Hugo teaches students of all ages, fostering engaging learning environments that promote curiosity and creativity. In early childhood settings, he integrates play, movement, and listening to help children explore music and build foundational skills. His diverse musical background and advanced training make lessons interactive and inspiring. Passionate about extending a love for music beyond the classroom, Hugo is dedicated to making each musical experience meaningful and enjoyable.

Madison Ware is a versatile educator, performing artist, and multi-instrumentalist specializing in voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele. A graduate of USU with a degree in Music Therapy, she leverages a deep understanding of music’s impact to create personalized, encouraging lessons for students of all ages—from toddlers to older adults. Madison’s teaching style is shaped by her rich performance background, including her time songwriting in Nashville and gigging with various bands. When she isn’t sharing her love of music at Musicologie, she enjoys running, playing Mario Kart with friends, and indulging in cookie dough ice cream. Madison is thrilled to help her students build confidence, skill, and a lifelong passion for music.

Music is a foundational part of Haylee's life. She grew up with parents who were wedding singers, and all her siblings and she sang and played piano. Haylee has been playing piano since she was four and started teaching when she was fourteen. She studied Piano Performance at Weber State University and Commercial Music at UVU. Haylee is passionate about musicians finding what lights them up—not just learning scales and going through the motions. When she’s not playing music or singing, she can be found spending time with her kids, friends, and family; attending or leading group meditations and sound healings; hiking; doing yoga; reading; cooking; and exercising. She loves any kind of adventure with good food and good company.

Kiersten is a dedicated piano teacher nearing completion of her Bachelor of Music with a Piano Principal and a Piano Pedagogy certificate at Bob Jones University, set to graduate in May. While her primary focus is piano, she has also played the violin since 2012 and participated in the university's symphony orchestra as a violist. Active in the music teaching community, Kiersten contributed to the Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Chapter at her university by organizing panels and connecting students with the broader community. Her diverse musical expertise and enthusiasm for teaching enable her to offer a comprehensive and enriching learning experience to her students.

Dr Jaeger is a Utah native and dedicated violinist who has been playing since the age of seven. He earned his Bachelor of Music from Utah Valley University and his Master’s degree from the University of Utah. He recently completed his doctoral studies at Indiana University, specializing in violin pedagogy and historical violin performance. An active scholar, Dr. Jaeger has spent many years researching the Leopold Auer school of violin playing and is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on this tradition in the West. A passionate educator, he enjoys teaching violin students of all levels—from beginners to advanced college musicians. He currently serves on the faculty at Utah Valley University, where he teaches both violin and vi...