REW Music has a long standing tradition with Music Education excellence. We take pride in the success our teachers have with teaching students the fine art of making music and being successful on their instrument. Our students perform with top marks are area and state festivals and competition because our teaching staff is the most qualified in the city! Our instructors are top rated in the Kansas City area! We offer lessons on site at either of our convenient locations in Lenexa, KS and Olathe, KS.
Meet our instructors below!
Click on your instrument family shortcut to jump to those instructors:
WOODWIND - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, English Horn
BRASS - Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba
ORCHESTRA - Violin, Viola, Cello
PERCUSSION
PIANO
GUITAR - Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Ukulele
SYDNEY HORNER - Flute
Sydney Horner is a Kansas City based flutist and performer. In the spring of 2021, Sydney graduated with her Bachelor of Music in flute performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied with Erika Boysen. During her time at UNCG, Sydney was a member of the university wind ensemble, symphonic band and flute choir. Sydney spent many consecutive semesters as principal in the symphonic band. She was also part of the flute choir that traveled to Virginia in 2020 to perform at the Mid Atlantic Flute Fair. Sydney attended the Aria International Academy in the summer of 2019 where she studied with Judith Mendenhall and Donna Shin. Sydney was also a finalist in the UNCSA woodwind competition in 2019. In the fall of 2020, Sydney was selected to present her research paper on Women in the Musical Canon at the university honors symposium.
Passionate about education, Sydney has worked with the Maiden High School band flute sections. She has also given private lessons to the students, some of which have participated in the all - district band. In addition to teaching lessons, Sydney has also been a counselor for the UNCG summer music camp where she was responsible for coaching flute sectionals. Sydney is also a member of the professional music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She remains involved as an alumnus and was head of the alumni committee during her time in the chapter. In spring of 2023, Sydney graduated with her Master of Music in performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying with Tadeo Coelho. Currently, Sydney is pursuing her Doctor of Music from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
TATIANA SMITH - Flute
Tatiana's Video Coming Soon!
Music has been a main part of my life. From beginning piano lessons in first grade to band classes starting 6th, I have always found myself enamored with the different aspects of music. When I began band and orchestra in middle school, my eyes were opened to all these new and interesting instruments. I soon found that the flute was my favorite, and 12 years later it is still my primary instrument. Along with being a flute instructor, I am also a music teacher/ band director in the Shawnee area. I graduated from Benedictine College in 2023 with a degree in Music Education, so I know how to tie in structure with enjoyment for each of my lessons. Every student is different with individual needs; my goal is to push them to their fullest potential while still bolstering their love of music.
PAOLA CUBILLOS - Flute
Paola's Video Coming Soon!
Paola Cubillos is a proficient flutist and educator with a Doctor of Arts in Music from Ball State University (2024). She holds an Artist Diploma and a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Ball State and Missouri State University, respectively, with top academic honors. Her diverse teaching experiences include positions at the Ministry of Culture in Bogotá, Ball State University, and Greenwood Laboratory School, among others. As a performer, Paola has played with various orchestras such as the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Symphony Orchestra. She has won the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) Graduate Woodwinds Competition and Collegiate Woodwinds Ensemble Competition in 2017.
Paola’s commitment to music education and performance is evident through her extensive work in revising flute pedagogy materials and her passion for fostering musical growth in students. She has participated in numerous festivals, offered masterclasses internationally, and has been a featured guest artist and adjudicator at significant events such as the Colombia International Flute Festival.
REW Music is actively seeking qualified oboe & English horn instructors
Kaitlin McFadden: Clarinet
Kaitlin McFadden: Saxophone
Hi, I’m Kaitlin McFadden and I’ve been playing the clarinet for the past 15 years and the saxophone for 9. To say that music changed my life sounds dramatic, but it’s true! Being a musician for most of my life has helped me to form friendships and bonds that I know will last a lifetime. I graduated from Friends University of Wichita, KS in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and am returning to school for my Masters of Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. My whole life I’ve felt called to help those around me, and given my passion for music, I wanted to find a way to combine those two things. I am so excited to be teaching private lessons with REW music and look forward to sharing the joys of music with my students.
Tim Timmons: Saxophone
Tim Timmons: Clarinet
TIM TIMMONS is a professor emeritus at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance where he served as professor of saxophone, Division Chair, Associate Dean and an Olson Professor. He has performed many times with the Kansas City Symphony (including their Grammy Award winning recording of Benjamin Britten), Lyric Opera, and Kansas City Ballet. He has performed throughout Europe and the United States as a soloist and clinician. He has premiered and recorded works written especially for him by major composers. His students hold positions at universities and in top military service bands. I try to get to know the goals of each student and the family. I strive to give each student the embouchure and technical skills needed to meet goals and perform the music that is interesting to them. I find it important to challenge each student with goals that they will be able to obtain and create confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
Music is fun! When I started playing the saxophone at the age of 10, my instructor inspired me to learn many different styles of music and to learn in many different ways. 37 years later, I still have the passion that was instilled into me from my musical experiences. It is my ultimate goal to teach all of my students to love music and be as successful as they can be.
Hi! My name is Zoie Rowe, and I am a master's student at the UMKC Conservatory. I recently graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Performer's Certificate. While clarinet is my primary instrument, I played bass clarinet in high school and a mixture of alto/tenor saxophone throughout college in both concert and jazz band settings.
The one thing I know after being a musician for 13 years is that I am still learning every day. As someone who loves to laugh, I believe that lessons should always have a light atmosphere of collaboration between student and teacher. It is important to me to include all aspects of music education, such as theory and history, for a well-rounded experience. I cannot wait to set up my instrument and play alongside these future musicians.
NUVEE THAMMIKASAKUL - Clarinet
Nuvee's Video Coming Soon!
A native of Thailand, Nuvee Thammikasakul is currently completing a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Clarinet Performance at the University of Missouri Kansas-City where he was a recipient of the Graduate Woodwind Quintet Fellowship. Prior attending the University of Missouri Kansas-City, He earned his Artist Diploma from Montclair State University where he was awarded an “Excellent in Orchestra Award” and “John J. Cali Music Scholarship.” He received his Master of Music from Illinois State University and Bachelor of Music from Silpakorn University where he was granted “Young Talent Scholarships.”
Nuvee has worked with musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to university students, during his teaching career. His aim is to help students understand the deeper meaning of music. He believes that teaching and learning should involve exploration, curiosity, and experimentation. In each lesson, he seeks to spark creativity and musical understanding in his students. The most rewarding part of his job is witnessing the growth of his students' ideas and supporting them on their musical paths. His focus extends beyond just clarinet instruction; he encourages students to become self-sufficient learners and problem solvers, guiding them to find their own artistic voices. By encouraging questions, he empowers them to make their own musical decisions and take ownership of their interpretations.
Nick Hmeljak is a trumpeter based in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, and was an active member of the Nashville, TN music scene. He also taught at Siegel High School serving as the visual caption head of their marching band, director of the jazz ensemble, and giving private lessons to brass students as needed. Though he specializes in jazz and improvisation, he has experience playing in a multitude of musical settings and genres including chamber groups, wedding bands, orchestras, salsa bands, marching bands, musicals, and wind ensembles. Nick believes in building a personal relationship with each student, and discovering what teaching methods best serve them to ensure sustainable and efficient musical and personal growth. He is currently on the visual design team for Shawnee Mission South's marching band, and gives clinics for high school jazz ensembles in the Kansas City area. Nick is also an active member of the Kansas City music scene as both a bandleader and sideman, and is an alum of the Blue Devils, Bluecoats, and Troopers drum and bugle corps.
Emren Akdamar is a first year Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in trombone performance at the University of Kansas, where he studies under Dr. Michael Davidson and works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the KU School of Music. He has been playing trombone for 13 years. Originally from Arkansas, Emren holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Henderson State University, where he studied trombone with Dr. Jamie Lipton. He is also a McNair Scholar alumnus. Recently, Emren earned his Master of Arts degree in trombone performance from Washington State University, having studied under Dr. Sarah Miller. Emren has performed with numerous ensembles and had the unique distinction of being named to intercollegiate honors groups for both band and choir. In recent summers, Emren has worked as a counselor and unit director at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. Emren aims to create an environment that makes learning fun and rewarding for his students in lessons.
When not playing the trombone or in class, he enjoys science fiction, video games, Lego, and 3D printing.
Jessica Payne is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas where she studies tuba and euphonium with Professor Scott Watson. Ms. Payne is very involved in the tradition of brass banding in North America and plays with several bands across the country, including the esteemed Athena Brass Band. Previous to starting at the University of Kansas, Jessica attended the University of Central Arkansas where she earned her Masters Degree in Euphonium Performance and served as the Euphonium Graduate Assistant to Dr. Gail Robertson and studied conducting with the Head Director of Bands, Dr. Michael Hancock. Ms. Payne earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Euphonium Performance from The University of Akron.
In her teaching career, Ms. Payne has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to collegiate music majors. Jessica creates a studio environment with a foundation of growth, achievement, education, and trust. Lessons are a safe place for students to explore the craft of performing and grow, not only as musicians, but as people.
As a performing artist, Jessica has toured with several brass bands, euphonium quartets, and as a soloist. In 2022, Ms. Payne performed a solo euphonium tour that took her to several colleges across Arkansas and Texas. In 2023, Ms. Payne performed a tour at local high schools and colleges in her home state of Ohio. Jessica is an advocate for new music for the tuba and euphonium and makes efforts to expand the repertoire with new works from diverse composers. As a composer and arranger, Ms. Payne enjoys writing for the tuba and euphonium as solo instruments and in chamber settings. She wants to write music that is accessible to all players in any setting, and as such, she usually composes for unaccompanied solo instruments or for solo instruments with electronic accompaniment.
A native South Floridian, Adrian Gutierrez, Jr. is currently a Doctoral of Musical Arts student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Having begun his musical journey later than others with no formal instruction until the age of eighteen, Adrian understands the meaning of "hard work and dedication". Adrian received his bachelor's and master's degrees at Florida International University where he also was allotted the opportunity to freelance throughout Florida and the United States. Having appeared on stage with Miami Symphony Orchestra, Orchid City Brass Band, "Quintetto X" (a brass quintet comprised of former members of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra), Duo-Gutierrez, The Florida Metropolitan Orchestra and Brass Quintet, The Villages Philharmonic, The Miami Classical Music Festival Mahler and Wagner institute, and The NorCal Music Festival, Adrian supports a very diverse musical background.
"If there is one thing that I am most grateful for during my journey as a musician thus far is all of the instruction that I have received." As a "late-bloomer" I understand the importance of having a supportive instructor that will challenge the student but also provide the student with all the necessary tools to be successful musician and person. All these skills are applicable to all areas in life, and it goes hand in hand with my personal life statement "Be 1% better than yesterday, and you are already making progress." If you are in search of an instructor that will help provide the building blocks to a solid foundation, and have fun while doing so, then I am your instructor!
Chris Hovis: Tuba
Chris Hovis: Trombone
If you love low brass and great music, I am the instructor for you! I am a low brass specialist who loves to play it all! Whether you are into classical, jazz, Latin, orchestra, brass band, or country, there is a place for you to have fun and grow as a musician! Through my teaching education at Kansas State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, I have gotten to learn from a lot of great brass players. My main goal for all my students to be able to play their instruments or participate in the world of music for the rest of their lives! You don't have to become a professional musician, but you will be a professional lover of music!
Mimi is dedicated to guiding individuals in discovering their musical passion and excels as a teacher, performer, and lifelong learner in the realm of high string instruments. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Performing Arts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she has deepened her passion through her role as concertmaster in the orchestra.
Mimi believes that music is a profound medium with a myriad of meanings, and she acknowledges that the journey to mastery an instrument can be both rewarding and challenging. Through her personalized approach to teaching, Mimi aims to make each lesson an opportunity for growth and discovery, helping students develop their unique musical voices and achieve their goals.
Hui Jin is a doctoral student at UMKC conservatory and she is also a recipient of Concertmaster Fellowship at UMKC. In April, 2019, Hui Jin accepted a president scholarship to pursue her master degree in violin performance with Professor Wen Qian who is the assistant concertmaster at Metropolitan Opera teaches in the Mannes School of Music in New York. Shortly afterwards, she attended the Mannes Sound Festival and made her American debut at the Steinway Hall in New York. Her performance was well received by the audience.
I believe that music education should be an inspiring and enjoyable experience. I am dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to explore, take risks, and express themselves. Whether you're interested in classical, pop or contemporary music, I am committed to helping you discover your unique musical voice and achieve your personal best. we'll have a blast hitting the right notes and laughing at the wrong ones!
Polina received her Bachelors of Music Education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. She is currently a K-5 Music teacher and Choral director in the Olathe School District. Polina has been teaching privately since 2017 and her main goal is to take each student's ability and to guide them to new horizons in terms of technique and knowledge about the vast world of music that's available to them. Her favorite pastimes are traveling and drawing.
DMITRII TULUPOV - Violin
Hello! My name is Dmitrii Tulupov. I am a violin instructor at REW, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in violin performance at UMKC Conservatory. I am also a laureate of international competitions and festivals. I have five years of teaching experience, working with both professional musicians and beginners. I have been playing the violin since the age of six, and I have a deep passion for my profession.
My goal is to introduce you to the wonderful world of music and help you learn how to play the violin. Music is something you can start learning at any age, and my approach is to make this process as exciting as possible. There are no strict limits in my lessons; we progress at a pace that suits the student's abilities. My teaching style emphasizes creativity and improvisation over strict rules. I aim to make music lessons your favorite hobby or profession, one that uncovers your inner world and allows you to truly enjoy the learning process.
BRANDON LAY - Violin & Beginning Viola (virtual lessons only)
Brandon picked up violin at a small fiddle shop at the age of nine and has been loving playing ever since. While attending grad school, he achieved his childhood dream of playing with his teachers in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Each of his teachers and professors has been deeply impactful, both personally and professionally, and Brandon wants to be able to give back the same way to his students. At the end of the day, music can be challenging, but is fun and rockable, hence why he has Shostakovich and Lizzo on the same playlist.
REW Music is actively seeking qualified Cello instructors
Alex Karst is a professional percussionist, educator, and composer based in the KC area. With a Bachelor's in Music Performance from Truman State University, Alex regularly performs with the KC Chiefs Drumline, rock bands, and jazz groups around the city. Growing up with parents that are teachers, education has always been at the forefront of his life. You can find Alex teaching many marching bands throughout the state to a diverse range of students. He strives to create a warm atmosphere for students while also helping them reach their full potential.
Kristopher Ross Magee has been teaching music for over a decade and has lifelong experience in instruments ranging from piano and trombone to drums and bass guitar. He is a Berklee College of Music Alumnus with focuses in percussion and writing. His lessons focus on three major areas within percussion: technique, reading, and improvisation. "I aim to serve as a catalyst for a lifelong relationship between the student and music. I encourage the creation of musicians in effective, creative, and encouraging ways. In this, I actively assist in the finding of individuals’ lifelong musical paths."
Robert Miller has been teaching music since he was a teenager. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education in Keyboard/Vocal Education from Wichita State University, he taught vocal music in public schools while offering in home piano lessons in the greater KC area from 2016 – 2020. From 2020-2023, Robert relocated to Austin, TX where he taught PreK-5 elementary music in the Pflugerville Independent School District.
Robert has a successful record with students of all ages, learning types, and styles. In addition to over a decade of piano teaching, he is an accomplished vocal teacher with nearly a decade of vocal pedagogy experience in public schools. Through his career, Robert has performed with the Wichita State Concert Chorale, Madrigals, and Wichita Symphony Orchestra Chorus. From 2021-2023, Robert last performed with Panoramic Voices in Austin, TX.
As a Kodaly trained educator, he plans his lessons with the belief that “To teach a child music, is to teach a child joy.”
KaTrina has been playing the piano since she was 5 years old. She grew up with a passion for the piano that continued despite many setbacks. Music became such a part of her that she performed in her local community, and got a minor in music at BYU where she continued to perform in choirs, perform the organ for her church congregation, and accompany her local church choir. She firmly believes in the power music has to change lives and believes that all students have unlimited potential. Because music has been so fundamental to her life, she wants to build that passion in her students and encourage them to find joy in music.
Melissa's video coming soon!
MELISSA HOUGHTON here. Good to be with you :) Made in South Korea, raised in South Dakota, and happily rooted in Kansas City—I’m a multi-instrumentalist who trained in piano for 18 years and French horn for 7 years. A “jill-of-many trades” who embraces the arts, I’ve marched to the beat of my drum through a multitude of artistic callings. After claiming a major in English Literature, a minor in music from the University of South Dakota in 2004, and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing (poetry), another captivating form of music, from Oregon State University in 2008, I have journeyed far and wide, having lived and worked in Europe and Asia. With a 20+ teaching career under my belt, I’ve supported many walks of life, students ages 2-62, both formally and informally in primary, secondary, and higher education. Mentor, cheerleader, confidante, and friend—I am here to spread the word: you are the real instrument, and the music you make is the consequence of a beautiful inner life. Curious to inquire into, develop, and engage with yours!
TOM NELSON - Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Ukulele
Thomas M. Nelson is a guitarist and composer of contemporary music, born in Kansas City Missouri in 1978. Beginning music lessons at an early age, his formal music education comes from the Paseo Academy of the Fine and Performing Arts and the Conservatory at UMKC. Part of his education included his compositions performed by the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and an educational exchange in Capetown, South Africa. Thomas has been a teacher and performer for over 12 years. In that time, he has performed and taught in a variety of musical genres including classical, jazz, folk, country and rock. Thomas teaches his own method which includes an education in note reading, chords, basic theory and composition. He strives to import a skill set which provides a student with access to music of all genres and an enjoyment of music which can last for the students’ entire lifetime.
Meet Aidan Murrow
Aidan's Improvisation Tips & KMEA Audition Advice
Aidan Murrow is a jazz and classical guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri who fell in love with the guitar at the age of 9 after receiving the popular video game, Guitar Hero, as a Christmas gift. In a matter of weeks, Aidan had been gifted his first guitar after showing a keen interest in the instrument as well as a hunger for becoming a part of the welcoming community of musicians in St. Louis. Shortly after picking up the guitar, Aidan began gigging with a classic rock cover band that he formed with his closest classmates in middle school. It was in this group that Aidan discovered that he was born to share the joys of music with as many people as possible through the means of performing and teaching. Aidan has performed in many ensemble settings including the 2022 Broadway production of Mean Girls, the 2018 Jazz Band of America, a performance at the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival through the Berklee Global Jazz Workshop, and multiple All-State Jazz Ensembles. Aidan received his B.M. in Jazz Guitar Performance at the Eastman School of Music, studying under Bob Sneider. Through his experiences working with Bob Sneider, Aidan nurtured and further grew a passion for teaching and has taught students of all ages and skill levels for several years.
Michael Suriano is a Jazz guitarist who has been studying music since age ten and is now taking on the mantle as an REW guitar instructor from his former guitar teacher, Jeff Shirley, whom he studied under for half a decade. Although he started as a trumpet player, Michael became friends with a middle-school classmate who played rock music on the guitar. Inspired by his friend, Michael taught himself to play guitar and devoted countless hours to practicing after receiving his first guitar at age thirteen. After about a year of teaching himself, Michael found a teacher and his favorite genre of music, jazz. Influenced by his teacher, Jeff, Michael pushed himself even more to become a notable jazz guitarist who now studies under Grammy nominee Rodney Fleeman at Kansas City Kansas Community College and plays all around Kansas City, from restaurants to private events at the Folly Theatre for the likes of Tia Fuller and miss Deborah Brown. Michael's primary goals as an educator are to have fun with his students and inspire them to chase their musical dreams regardless of age or skill level.