NICK ELKEVIZTH | Guitar, Bass, Ukelele, Mandolin, Banjo, Lap Steel Guitar, Piano, Beginning Flute/Strings/Percussion
Nick has been teaching music in homes, stores and studios for the past 19 years. He has mentored hundreds of aspiring musicians of all ages, backgrounds and interests on over a dozen different instruments. While the majority of his students have been for guitar and piano, he also offers lessons for bass guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer, lap steel, dobro and harmonica. For band/orchestra students, he offers beginner lessons for flute, strings and percussion. Nick’s philosophy of teaching music is one that allows for a great deal of flexibility. It is his belief that each student has their own reason for getting into music lessons in the first place and therefore will have their own unique path to accomplishing their goals. He takes great pride in his ability to tailor a lesson plan to the specific needs of the individual.
Nick’s music education began formally with private lessons on guitar when he was 10 years old. Throughout the nearly 30 years that have followed, he has been dedicated to the study of music from almost every possible angle. He is well versed in classical music theory, as well as many experimental methods and speculative texts. His fringe interests in music therapy and esoteric music as well as his interest in combining musical styles from different cultures around the world have led him to a further study of subjects such as: music history, acoustics, musical instrument design and ethnomusicology. He plays over a dozen instruments, spanning across the instrument families. He also has 15 years of experience working with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), MIDI technology and other electronic resources for the modern musician. In addition to teaching, Nick has been writing music since his early childhood and continues to spend much of his free time working at this craft. He has also worked as a performing artist since his early teens; as a soloist and as a member of bands such as Fallen Fortune and Whirling Black Diamonds.
DIRK GARMEN | Guitar
Dirk Garman first picked up the guitar at age 15 in 1976 and has yet to put it down. Beginning by learning pop Rock songs by ear, Dirk furthered his craft studying General Music at Bluffton University, Classical Guitar at Baldwin Wallace University, and Jazz Guitar at Cleveland State University. Dirk has had up to 60 students a week and has performed Finger-style, Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Motown, Country, Southern Rock, All Occasion, Ethnic, and Tribute band music.
GEORGE HALEY | Drums
A drummer/percussionist from the start, George began playing at age nine. George studied percussion at the University of Akron with Joe Adato (principal percussionist of the Cleveland Orchestra). He also studied jazz percussion with Bob McKee and Harry Damus. Having played rock jazz and dance music on the road for 28 years, George has performed in several genres of music. George is an experienced teacher on everything from drum set to beginning band to college level percussion.
MICHELLE KUHAR | Trombone, Trumpet, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba
Previously a band director for the Brunswick City Schools, Michelle Kuhar has been a music educator and trombonist since 1979. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Muskingum College and her Masters in Library Science from Kent State University. She also earned a Master’s degree from Northwestern University where she studied with legendary Frank Crisafulli (former Chicago Symphony principal trombonist). Michelle actively performs in numerous ensembles throughout Northeast Ohio, including Freedom Brass Band and Fall River Brass Quintet. She has been a private trombone instructor for 6 years and has prepared her students for honor bands, solo competitions, and concerts.
MICHAEL SEEHOLZER | Piano, Guitar
Michael Seeholzer first studied piano privately with Theresa Newman and then at Cleveland State University with Andreas Kaprevicus. Michael also studied guitar with various instructors for many years. Having performed professionally with different groups for over 40 years, Mike has acquired a great amount of experience. For more than 27 years, Mike has shared his knowledge for both the guitar and piano with many students. Mike Seeholzer would be an excellent teacher for any student who is genuinely interested in learning about the theory, history, and art of piano or guitar.
