Faculty

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Faculty

Larry Kaplin - Guitar

Larry is an advanced guitarist who has been teaching guitar and playing in local bands for over thirty years. Larry works with students of all ages and levels from beginner to advanced. Techniques that Larry features in his lessons include flat and finger picking, and styles he is fluent in include Rock, Jazz, Latin, Blues, Classical, Country, and Chord-Melody Style and arrangement.

Elaina Grinwald - Violin

Elaina has been teaching at the Academy for 5 years. Her extensive performance background includes 6 years orchestra experience as well as solos, trios, quartets, and chamber orchestra. Elaina is passionate about violin and has completed course work at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She is well liked by her students.

Hillary Johns - Piano, Voice & Trumpet

Hillary has studied music for years with experience in choral, vocal jazz, a cappella, ensembles, musical theatre and sings professionally. She was a member of the 2000 Wisconsin School Music Assn State Honors vocal jazz group and has sang the national anthem at a 2001 Milwaukee Bucks game. She has performed in numerous jazz clubs in Europe and South America. Hillary has been teaching professionally for 5 years.

Charles Mayer - Drums & Guitar

Richard Ruchalski - Guitar

Richard received his Associates of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2006 and was awarded the Madalyn Rodney scholarship for excelling music majors. Following, he attended North Park University in Chicago where he studied music education. Richard has played with a college level guitar ensemble performing classical guitar. His styles include rock, blues, classical and country. He is popular with his students, and posesses a warm, patient soul.

Jan Snowden - Piano & Organ

Jan received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Milaukee. She has 35 years experience at West Granville Presbyterian Church. She has taught in the West Bend area for 19 years and is regarded as one of the finest teachers in the area. She is passionate about her students and has a very warm caring personality.

Laura Schulz - Piano & Voice

Laura earned a degree in Elementary Education. She has taught music in schools, directed adult and children’s choirs, and founded and directed handbell choirs. In addition to private lessons, Laura serves as church organist and choir accompanist. She has been with the Academy for 2 years. Laura is well liked by all of her students and is qualified to teach all levels and ages.

Michael Hecker - Guitar, 4 or 5 fretted or fretless Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukelele and Dulcimer

Michael has studied Guitar and Bass privately and under the tutelage of Nashville session musicians and various other seasoned professionals in a wide range of musical genres. He loves to play all types of music. He is proficient in Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Acoustic, Reggae, Pop, Punk and Metal, both on both Guitar and Bass.
Michael has been a private instructor for over 7 years... He has also played professionally for 11 years, in both live and studio performance and has 15 CD's to his name.
In teaching, he offers encouragement while challenging his students to progress with their instruments.

Jay Tamez - Guitar, Bass

Spanish Flamenco, Classical, Fingerstyle, Rock, Blues and R&B My writing reveals my feelings and emotions. Some of my songs are true accounts of the past. Others reflect the way I look at life or events

Dave Petty - Saxophone and Clarinet

Dave is a West Bend swing jazz musician delighting audiences most every weekend in clubs and restaurants. Dave is a superb player and understands the dynamics of playing and teaching these 2 instruments and what it takes to become an accomplished player.