Our Instructors

Mike has been playing music for 41 years and performing since he was 15. He has over 25 years experience as a music instructor for drums, bass, and guitar. Mike is a graduate of M.I.T., Musician Institute of Technology, Hollywood, CA. and he began his career in Santa Rosa, CA. before moving to Tucson 20 years ago and becoming an integral part of the music scene here. He is looking forward to helping students reach their full potential with Drums, Bass, and Guitar lessons.

Sean is a working musician in the Tucson area. He is an accomplished performer and teacher of guitar, bass and banjo. Sean can help students at all levels from beginners to advanced players in genres like country, slide, acoustic, blues, rock, alternative, emo, indie rock, soul, and jazz.

Tim has over 2 decades experience as a professional musician. He is a certified music teacher at a local High School. Tim is also a classically trained vocalist with extensive performance experience in blues, rock, jazz, pop, opera, and more. Tim is here to help students become better musicians with tailored lessons plans designed to fit individual wants and needs.

Known for his amazing stick twirling and unmatched snare drum techniques, Clifford Wesley is a highly respected drummer and educator. He has conducted over 100 drum workshops in the United States and abroad and has worked and toured as Drum Technician for major artists including John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Chaka Khan, Sheila E, Bell-Biv-Devoe, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Vince Neil, and Brett Michaels. In addition, Clifford has worked in Drum Corps International with the Concord Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Cadets. He can help with all skill levels from aspiring drummers to seasoned pros.

John studied Music Composition and Music Theory at Ball State University. He has over 25 years of experience as a music educator including 8 years as a Montessori music teacher for Pre-K through 6th grade. John is adept at developing both budding musicians and players of all levels with guitar, violin, and banjo.

Heather has been a music educator and provided private lessons at the beginner, middle school, and high school level for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music Education. Her goal for students is be able to have fun with their instrument while learning a new skill set. Since Heather is new to the Tucson area, her hobbies outside of teaching include exploring everything Arizona has to offer!

Greg Morton has been playing guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin since 1969. He has recorded and/or performed with artists Sam Bush, The Doobie Brothers, Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe, The Carter Family, The Dillard's, Marty Stuart and Doc Watson. Greg Morton's awards include Midsouth Championship Guitar & Mandolin 1972-1974, Alabama Champion Guitar 1975, Louisiana State Champion Guitar 1975, Alabama State Champion Guitar 1984, 1995 Arizona & Four Corners State Champion Guitar 1995, Voted Best Acoustic Guitarist The TAMMIES ``Tucson Area Musicians Awards`` 2001, 2002, & 2004 and Best Bluegrass Band 2003 & 2004.

Mike is a jazz guitarist with a distinctive harmonic approach to improvisation. He cites Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Emily Remler among his influences. Mike studied music theory at Frostburg State University and privately with guitarists Sid Jacobs, Bill Bitner and Larry Wooldridge. Before moving to Tucson, Mike was a performer in the DC area at venues like Blues Alley. Mike is skilled at assessing students and tailoring lessons to their specific goals. He looks forward to helping aspiring jazz and blues guitarists.

Taylor is an experienced Tucson guitarist who comes from a long line of musicians leading back to Hall of Fame inductee Lefty Frizzell. Taylor specializes in rock and metal techniques like tapping, legato, fast playing, and sweeping. Taylor can help players at all levels achieve their musical goals and fuel their passion for guitar.

Janice worked extensively as performer and composer in NYC and LA before moving to Tucson. Janice holds a B.A. in Music, Composition and Voice from Antioch College, and a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University. Janice has been an educator with Thomas Jefferson College, Grand Valley State Colleges, University of New Haven, University of Arizona, Antioch College, and Tucson Jazz Institute. She has been teaching privately at her Vocal Technique Studio for over 15 years. Janice is available for all levels of study.

Stuart is a multi-instrumentalist and professional songwriter who transplanted from Georgia in 2006. He is the founder of Old Bisbee Records and co-founder of The Dusty Buskers who were honored 6 times as TAMMIE Winners of Best Bluegrass 2007-2012. He tours nationally and internationally in multiple genres on multiple instruments and also works as a studio musician. Stuart has over 20 years experience as a music teacher and he uses his broad range of experience to help students reach their personal goals. Stuart can help students with lessons for guitar, mandolin, bass, ukulele, piano, banjo, production, and artist development.

Michael landed his first recording contract at the age of 14 with the a cappella group The Holidays. Michael went on to become a solo artist, recording five albums for Buddha Records and Ariola America. As a studio musician in NYC he worked with top recording artists like Lou Reed. Michael has worked as a songwriter for most of his career and his credits include a song recorded by the legendary Ray Charles. Michael believes songs have a life of their own and he is here to help you manifest them.

Paul is a graduate of the Musicians’ Institute in Hollywood, CA. and is currently a working musician in Tucson who has performed at multiple venues including the Pima County Fair and Monterey Court. Paul is adept at stringed instruments and has a vast music theory knowledge. Paul can help guitar and bass students at all skill levels to become better players and musicians.

Mike studied piano until age 13 when his parents finally gave in and gifted him with his first drum kit. Mike progressed from playing with Cholla High School marching band to the USN Drum Corps and eventually playing drums professionally for over 30 years for multiple bands and projects. Mike’s main influences are Steve Gadd, Stewart Copeland, Joe Morello and Jimmy Cobb. Mike is here to help all levels of students whether they are just beginning with percussion or hoping to reach the next level.

Jeff grew up in Washington D.C. where he was inspired watching groups of Go-Go drummers on improvised kits on street corners and in parks. His influences include Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Tito Puente, and Keith Moon (as well as Animal the Muppet). Jeff is trained in many styles from Classic and Hard Rock to Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, Swing, Bebop, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Reggae, Reggaeton, Brazilian Samba, Blues, Country, and of course Go-Go. Jeff offers individual lessons for all skill levels and genres.