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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. |
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GEORGE GECIK | Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass, Banjo George has over fifty years of experience as a guitar instructor, performer, and music entrepreneur. He currently holds teaching positions at John Carroll University, Baldwin Wallace University Community Arts School, and Willoughby School of Fine Arts. He has previously taught students at Lakeland Community College, the Cuyahoga Community College Performing Arts Academy, Youngstown State University, and Cleveland State University. His education includes study with Aaron Shearer, Narciso Yepes, Carlos Barbosa, and Sophocles Pappas. He has studied music at both Kent State University and Youngstown State University. George loves watching his students learn and being a part of it. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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KATHERINE CALVEY | Flute, Piccolo, Recorder, Chamber Music, Music Theory Katherine Calvey has previously performed as principal flutist in London’s Royal Albert Hall. As a college music professor, recitalist, concerto soloist, recording artist, orchestral flutist/piccoloist, and music competition winner; Ms. Calvey’s career has extended to 20 countries in 4 continents. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Music is from Peabody – Johns Hopkins & her Masters of Music Degree is from The University of Michigan. She also completed musical studies at B.W. Conservatory of Music and has taught flute in their music preparatory. |
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ALEX YONEK | Brass and Woodwinds Alex Yonek is a graduate of Capital University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Education (Instrumental Focus). He has taught brass and woodwind students from all over northeast Ohio. Alex also plays regularly in the Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio. |
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JOE RONDON-COSME | Violin, Viola, Cello Mr. Rondon-Cosme has previously performed in both orchestra and chamber music organizations, including the Washington Symphony Orchestra, The Georgetown Symphony Orchestra, and the Toccata Chamber Players, among others. His studies include at the Escuela Libre de Musica in Puerto Rico, the Tel Aviv Music Conservatory String Summer Program in Israel, and at the Baldwin-Wallace College Music Conservatory. |
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MEGAN HERMAN | Piano Megan has 35 years of piano playing experience and holds a Bachelors degree in theatre and music from Kent State University. In addition to performing, Megan has taught new piano students for several years. |
