Music Lessons

Get Started or Take Your Playing to the Next Level!

Mid Rivers Music is pleased to offer private music lessons with experienced and accomplished instructors. Mid Rivers Music Studios provide an educational atmosphere for higher learning and tutoring for people of all ages and musical backgrounds. Our teachers offer guitar, piano, string, percussion, woodwind, brass, and vocal lessons for aspiring students, whether you are a beginner or just want to brush up on an old hobby. Our teachers will train you to become a well-rounded musician with their knowledge and skills. When you begin lessons, your teacher will lead you through the recommended curriculum and help you to apply it successfully. Our private lessons make music education available at a personal and affordable level. Private lessons also enable our instructors to tailor material to each student so everyone can learn at their own speed. There are not the interruptions that one can experience in a classroom at school. Each lesson is one, half-hour session per week, focusing the student on achievement in the performing arts.

Lessons are $17.00 each week 30 minute private session.

Register for Classes ASAP while we still have openings!

Lessons are available for the following instruments:

Guitar/Fretted Instruments

Electric - Acoustic - Classical - Bass - Dobro - Banjo - Mandolin

Piano / Keyboard

Performance - Sight Reading - Theory - Technique

Drums / Percussion

Performance - Theory - Technique - Rhythm - Style

Strings

Violin - Viola - Cello

Woodwinds

Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Baritone) - Clarinet - Bass Clarinet - Flute/Piccolo - Oboe - Bassoon

Brass

Trumpet/Cornet - French Horn - Trombone - Baritone - Tuba/Sousaphone

Vocal

Technique - Theory - Voice Training - Performance - Style

Harmonica

General technique and Blues/Cross Style playing

 

Biography of Teachers

Guitar & Other Fretted Instruments

Kris Shewmake - Banjo

Mr. Shewmate plays and teaches various styles and techniques on the banjo. If your looking for a professional playe capable of teaching all levels you need look no further. Kris first learned the banjo at age 16 from a family friend and started playing the "Earl Scruggs" style. Moving around the country after high school Kris was introduced to many stlyes of the banjo from artists like Tony Furtado, Chris Cash and his greatest influence Bela Fleck. Kris plays in the St Louis area and records his music - aspiring to "make it" as a professional player, but like he said in his interview "one has to be patient and if the time comes I'll be ready." After listening to Kris play we immediately hired him and MRMI is very happy to have a quality musicican such as he on the staff.

Greg Dunn–Guitar & Bass Guitar

Greg has been playing the guitar for 15 years - since the age of 12. He is knowledgable in the areas of guitar theory and performance. Mr Dunn has experience in the following bands: Day of Deliverance, the Orbz, Elements Of, as well as solo acoustic projects. Mr. Dunn is now playing with the contemporary band "Sonic Candy" playing in the club scene and festivals through out the St Louis area. Greg writes music and has made cd's with his current band. Greg can play many styles of music and he especially likes the modern sound you hear on the air now. Greg can teach beginning and advanced levels of guitar and beginning bass guitar. Give MRMI a call and ask to take lessons with Greg Dunn. 636 970-3385

Eddie Frillman–Guitar {Electric/Acoustic/Classical/Bass}

Eddie is a fifth-generation musician who has eighteen years of experience in playing and performing all styles of the guitar and bass guitar.   A graduate of Drury University in 2001, he is an excellent guitarist with good communication skills and has very proficient knowledge in the fields of music theory, music history, guitar technique, guitar sound, and sound reinforcement.   His experience enables him not only to cultivate an understanding of these areas in the student, but to also show the "tricks of the trade" that aren't in the book. Mr Frillman is a professional musician playing in bands and teaching music students of all levels. Give the store a call and ask to take lessons with Eddie. 

Dave Mulford–Guitar & Bass Guitar-Banjo-Mandolin

Dave has been playing music a total of 40 + years and professionally for 30 +years. A person of many talents, but the one strong point is his ability to "pass on" his knowledge of skills to people musically. Dave has been playing the guitar for 30 +years professionally. Mid Rivers Music is pleased to have the expertise Dave has brought us to continue our tradition of music education. Dave is also very versatile at introducing the novice to beginning harmonica and moving him/her onto the technique of the popular "blues" "blues/rock" style. give Mid Rivers Music a call and we can set you up with a time to start playing the harmonica!

John Schomburg–Guitar & Bass Guitar

John has been playing the guitar for 9 years and has developed into a very good player and is now ready to pass on his skills as a teacher. Playing since 6th grade John learned the basics of guitar playing and continued to take lessons through high school and into college. His roots are in rock, but he can also teach classical guitar, theory of guitar, and bass guitar. We are glad to have John teaching, call us and set up a time with him and you too will see how good our teachers can be in music training.

Ryan Groeller- Guitar and Bass Guitar

Ryan is 20 years old and has been playing the guitar since the age of 14. A graduate of Fort Zumwalt South High School, Mr Groeller has studied with Brian Vaccaro and Randy Bahr. Ryan is now enrolled at UM ST Louis and plans on majoring in music. Mr Groeller main interest lies in jazz music, but has his roots in Blues and rock 'n roll as well. Ryan loves to teach and pass on his passion of the guitar to students. To register with Ryan call the store at 636 970-3385 today.

Sam Naumann- Guitar and Bass Guitar

Mr Naumann is a very profecient guitar player and wants to pass on his knowledge of the guitar to each and every student he teaches. Mr Naumann has taken lessons from Joel Kern and is now studying music at Webster University with Tom Byrne and others. Sam has playing experience with rock, jazz, blues, and country styles in music. He can also teach the theory of guitar and how it relates to the music in general. Give MRMI a call and set up a time with Sam you will be glad you did! 636 970-3385.

Piano & Voice

Angela Hall–Piano & Voice

Angela comes highly recomended to us from the faculty at Lindenwood University. Angela is very experienced with piano and theory and is an excellent teacher. Angela has played since 2nd grade and is very knowlegeable on the piano whether it is performing or accompanying. She has been singing in her school choirs and is doing a double major in college at this time majoring in voice and piano. Angela's understanding of music and voice technique will keep the voice students challenged and singing with proper technique to benefit the student in voice. Give MRMI a call and we can get you started with Angela on your music experience.

Pam Roussin–Piano

Pam Roussin is a seasoned musician and teacher. Her experience includes solo and chamber recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and England. In addition Pam held positions as Pianist, Musical Assistant, Piano Faculty, and Artist-in-Residence for the Portland Opera Association and Portland State University of Oregon respectively . In Missouri, Pam worked as Piano Faculty andStaff Accompanist at St. Louis University and St. Charles Community College. At Marvin Park United Methodist Church, Pam currently is the Music Director and Organist. Pam's formal schooling has earned her a Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana, and a Master of Music from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Upon graduating, Pam displayed high honors in Piano Performance and Outstanding Graduate Performance Award.

Victoria Hood–Piano & Voice

Victoria is currently enrolled at U. of Missouri at St. Louis. She is working on her degree in music education with a emphasis on piano and voice. Ms. Hood has performed with her show choirs in high school and college. We are happy to have such an amazing teacher as Victoria to help your student with their music. Give her a try you will see the benefits very quickly how she can make music fun.

Robert Carpenter - Piano

Mr. Carpenter isa new member on staff at MRMI. Robert is currently studying at UM St. Louis majoring in music. In addition to numerous awards and acheivements Robert has earned in his playing he also has the ability to teach all levels of piano and give his students a thorough approach to theory, technique, and general music knowledge for each student. Call MRMI and get started with Mr. Carpenter now.

Lynn Bradley - Piano & Voice

Lynn Bradley is a seasoned pianist and teacher. Her experience includes  working with children, teen, and adult piano and voice soloists. She incorporates theory, technique, scales and sight-reading into her teaching approach. As a high school choir teacher in the Springfield, Missouri area, she consistently achieved honors “1” ratings at district/state contests for her high school choirs, ensembles, and soloists.  Ms. Bradley has taught private piano lessons since 1993. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education  (K-12) from Missouri State University with an emphasis on piano performance. She also holds a Masters Degree as a School Psychological Examiner and Counselor (K-12). Give MRMI a call and Ms. Bradley would love to work with you!

Drums and Percussion

Joe Layton–Drums and Percussion

Joe has played drums for 12 years. His playing experience includes drumline at Francis Howell High School as well as performing in many area rock bands. Joe is working towards a degree in either Music Education or Jazz Studies at Webster University.

Andrew Ketts-Drums and Percussion

Andrew got his first drum set when he was eight and has been playing ever since.  He played drums/percussion in grade school, middle school and all through high school. He was in the Timberland Marching Wolves at Timberland High School as well as in the jazz band.  He was awarded the Patrick S. Gilmore Bank award for outstanding contributions to a band his senior year.  He is presently attending St. Charles Community College.  He is an Eagle Scout and works as a lifeguard for the Wentzville parks and recreation department.

John Wolffer - Drums and Percussion

Mr. Wolffer is a new addition to our staff and can teach all levels of drums. John has the experience of reading music also. John is currently playing in bands in the St Louis area and wants to pass on his abilities he has developed. Beginning in junior high school band John played the the concert bands and marching band in high school. And now we are glad to have John as a teacher -  call and get started with Mr Wolffer and play music live.

Terry Schott - Drums and Percussion

Terry has been playing drums for 40 + years and would like to teach you/your child. Starting at the age of 10 Terry has played in the school bands including jazz and marching band, the St Louis rock, country, and blues scene and Compton Heights Concert band. Join up with Terry and start your druming with a vey sought after teacher in St Louis.

Stringed Instruments

David Lanphere–Violin/Viola/Cello

Mr. Lanphere has a Bachelor's degree in music education from Missouri State University. Mr Lanphere earned the concertmaster chair while attending Missouri State. David went on to study his love of music and earned his masters degree from Southern Illinois University. Mr Lanpheree brings many years of music knowledge to Mid Rivers Music string department. Give us a call at 636 970-3385 and we can set up a time for you to start learning the universal language of music!

Kristina Speraneo - Violin &

beginning viola and cello

Kristina has been playing the violin for 15 years. "Kristy" holds a bachelor of arts degree in music from Truman State University and is currently enrolled in the masters program at Truman. We are happy to have Kristy on board to teach our students on Monday and Saturday. In addition to her teaching skills Kristy also plays with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra and freelances weddings and private funcions.

Concert Band Instruments

Jason Pierson–Woodwinds (Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone/Bassoon/Oboe)

Jason has over 20 years playing experience with woodwinds. Mr Pierson started in 1984 with clarinet andsoon moved to his prinicpal instrument - the bassoon. In the time since Mr. Pierson has qualified to teach the flute, oboe, and saxophone drawing from his background for the love of music and born talent. Whether you need help with beginning school, or even college level aptitude Jason can help with your specific instrument.

 Zachary Hall -Trumpet - Trombone -

Baritone and French horn - Tuba

 Mr. Hall is currently attending Lindenwood University studying the trumpet and education. Zachary is well versed with brass instruments playing for over 10 years now.    Call the store to set up a time with "Zach" for that personal instruction in band playing. (636) 970-3385.

Talitha Ortiz- Oboe

Ms. Ortiz is a graduate of Oboe performance from University of Illinois - Champaign.  Talitha

can teach all levels of oboe from the beginner to the students wanting to excel in state

competition. Talitha has a very strong desire to teach and can help with oboe performance. Mid Rivers Music is happy to have Ms. Ortiz on our staff. Call 636- 970-3385 for an appointment with Talitha to teach upi oboe.

Harmonica

Dave Mulford–Harmonica (see above)

More About Lessons

Currently, Mid Rivers Music Studios offers lessons Monday through Saturday. There are no lessons on Sundays! We are closed on Sundays until the holiday season. Lessons can be any time on Saturday (10:00 am-4:30 pm), and generally evenings on the weekdays (2:00-7:30 pm). However, all lessons must be finished at 8:00 when we close on weekdays. Lessons run from 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1 hour depending upon your schedule, the teacher's schedule, and available openings.

Music Lesson Policies

When a new student signs up to start lessons, there are some agreements that the student and the responsible party must approve of.

1. There is no registration fee @ Mid Rivers Music. There is no number of lessons you have to take, but we do like you to pay by the month for lessons.
2. All lessons must be paid in full at the beginning of the month to ensure the students time slot. If a beginning student starts in mid-month, only the remaining lessons of the month are due for the first month payment.
3. If a student is to miss a lesson, it is his/her best interest to call the store AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We will relay the message to the teacher as soon as you call us. If you know you must miss a lesson due to vacation, etc., please let your teacher know in advance or call the store. Two (2) excused abscences are allowed each calendar year. Thereafter, when you have used your two abscences you must pay for the number of lessons given each month. LESSONS OR MAKE UP SESSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IF YOU DO GIVE THE TEACHER NOTICE IN ADVANCE. This is to benefit both the student and the teacher.
4. Proper etiquette must be displayed at each lesson by the students and patrons in the waiting area. There is no eating, drinking, smoking, or pets allowed in the studio facilities.
5. Mid Rivers Music sponsors two annual recitals every year. There is one spring recital and a winter recital. All students are encouraged to perform and attend each recital to experience the pragmatic trueness of the performing arts. Each recital is geared for the perfomer to experience playing his/her instrument in a live setting. This is an option to the lessons, but it is especially recommended for the more serious students. If the teacher believes that the student is capable of performing in a recital, than it is decidedly important that the parents make arrangements for the student to attend.