Faculty Bio's

Teaches: Music First

Teri is a former educator in the Battle Creek area and currently serves as Artistic Director for The Music Center. She has been with the center since 2014 as an instructor for Music First, a class designed to teach Early Childhood Music via Gordon Music Theory. In her position as Artistic Director, she oversees the structure and organization of one-on-one instruction and faculty. Teri also collaborates and networks in the community to provide musical programming to public schools and local organizations. One of her favorite musical memories was the first time she stepped foot on the field as a member of the Bronco Marching Band. Bronco Band holds many special memories for Teri. She met her husband and many lifelong friends through the bond of music dedication and performing in Bronco Band. Teri is also the Executive Director for What A Do Theatre Company and a Teaching Artist for Disney Musicals in Schools through the Wharton Institute of Arts and Creativity. She is passionate and active about bringing the arts alive in her community while continually seeking opportunities for professional growth. Teri is a graduate of Western Michigan University. In her personal life, she enjoys making family memories while spending time with her husband, Adam, and daughters, Annabelle, Skyler, and Zoe.

Teaches: Piano

Cindy began teaching at The Music Center in 2012. Her teaching philosophy includes meeting students where they are skill-wise and strengthening their musical foundation. Cindy’s goal is to instill a passion for music in her students and encourage them to bring beauty into the world through their playing. Preparing students for performances — and helping them put it all together for the victory of a good performance is extremely satisfying for her. Cindy began playing the piano at age five with her grandmother as her first teacher. This initial spark ignited her lifelong love of the piano, for which Cindy is forever grateful. She has continued to share her talents through the years with the community as a church pianist at Cornerstone Community Church in Battle Creek — and previously as an accompanist for the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus Treble Choir. Like many other professional musicians, nerves were a hurdle Cindy worked to overcome. Today, she conquers feelings of performance anxiety by remembering Teddy Roosevelt’s quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” Similarly, she reminds her students that doing their best is beautiful and helps them grow and bring joy to others. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and has done graduate work in linguistics at the University of Texas. She has also studied piano with Winnifred Sherburn at Michigan State University and Dr. William Phemister at Wheaton College. One of her most memorable experiences was living and working in China for eight years. Here, she had the opportunity to absorb an entirely different culture and gain new musical perspectives. Cindy is married to her husband of 31 years, and together they have three children. Her “other” career is working as a professional engineer.

Teaches: Clarinet and Saxophone

Craig has taught at The Music Center since 1996 (before it was even called The Music Center!). He enjoys the diverse music repertoire at the center but also the wide range of students he gets to meet and teach. Craig strives to develop a rapport with all students while embracing their unique personalities and needs. Once a connection is made, he works with each student to map their own woodwind learning journey. While Craig has mastered the clarinet and saxophone, he has studied all band instruments and the piano. He credits his love for performing to his childhood band director, Steven Working, whom he played for from fourth grade through high school, leaving an indelible imprint of what music is meant to be. Craig is a familiar face in the Southwest Michigan musical community, performing with chamber groups, pit orchestras, and symphony orchestras. He has also been a clarinetist for the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra since 1980. He is an adjunct faculty member at Olivet College, teaching private clarinet lessons, chamber music, and single-read music classes for band directors. In addition to his successful musical career, Craig has served as a Band Director in public schools. A favorite musical memory of Craig’s is achieving a solo nomination for the Youth Arts Festival in Michigan, one of ten soloists and the only clarinet player in the group of finalists. Craig holds a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, majoring in Music Education, and a Master of Music from Michigan State University, majoring in Clarinet Performance. He also has a Michigan Secondary Provision Teaching Certificate and is a judge for solo and ensemble festivals. Craig enjoys walking, biking, and getting lost in a good book or movie.

Teaches: Percussion

Dennis has been teaching at The Music Center since 2011 and is passionate about making new connections while giving back to his community. He enjoys getting to know his students, sharing his musical talents and interests, and striving to provide students with challenges based on their skills and interests. Dennis has trained in percussion with the Lansing Community College Percussion Ensemble, the Kellogg Community College music program, and the famed Phantom Regiment Training Camp. He currently performs with the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra. Along with music, health is a critical passion for Dennis, and he seeks to enhance the lives of both his students and patients. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Teaches: Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Ukulele

Ed has taught at The Music Center since 2008 and offers specialized instruction on various string instruments, including guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. His greatest reward is making a breakthrough with a student, allowing their talents to shine, and enriching their life. He adds that learning to play and embracing musical techniques must be exciting and gratifying for everyone. “It has to be fun, or it’s not worth doing.” Picking up the guitar early, Ed credits his love for music to his mother and father, who encouraged him to form his first band at age 12. His first time performing came shortly after that, in 7th grade, at his junior high dance. His parents’ support continued into high school, allowing Ed’s rock band to practice daily in their basement. To this day, Ed’s first love is classic rock, whether it’s the Beatles, Doors, or Rolling Stones, and his favorite guitarists include Jack Bruce, Leslie West, and Ritchie Blackmore. Ed studied at the Hannibal School of Music and the State University of New York at New Paltz. He co-founded the band Reflection in Syracuse, New York, and played on the East Coast for ten years. Later, Ed expanded his musical repertoire and toured nationally with the Chet Atkins Band. His musical journey continues, and today, Ed plays bass guitar with the Pirates and Wenches, a Renaissance folk-rock band where he is the founder and songwriter. Ed owned a gem-cutting (lapidary) business serving the high-end jewelry business for more than 20 years and enjoys cooking, canoeing, and hiking. He and he and his wife own two corgis, six cats, and two rabbits.

Teaches: French Horn

Janet, one of our most tenured instructors, has taught at The Music Center since 1992. She finds value in practice, commitment, and working hard to achieve mutual respect between student and teacher. Janet feels each lesson should be stimulating and informational and encourages her student’s interest in music by applauding their efforts — while ensuring they have the belief to succeed. “I love instilling confidence in my students,” adds Janet. “When they finally conquer something difficult to play, I am just as excited as they are about their accomplishment. There’s nothing more exciting than sitting in the middle of an orchestra and absorbing the beauty of the music.” As a small child, Janet’s mother, a band director, introduced her to the horn, believing it would be the perfect fit. She’s been formally playing since 5th grade and hasn’t looked back. Janet currently plays for the Battle Creek Symphony and Kalamazoo Concert Band. In addition to the horn, she plays piano, trumpet, baritone, and the mellophone — a brass instrument typically pitched in the key of F. She’s an avid fan of all music and loves listening to just about everything, from classical to modern. Janet attended Western Michigan University and studied under renowned horn player Neill Saunders. She has also played with many famous artists, including Glen Campbell, Rita Moreno, Vanessa Williams, and Tony Bennett. One of her favorite musical memories is performing for Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2005 at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. With her love of teaching, Janet believes she may have been a schoolteacher if she weren’t a musician. She also worked as a travel agent for 20 years and was able to explore many wonderful destinations. In her personal life, Janet enjoys spending time with family and friends and her fur babies, one dog, and three cats. She also is an avid gardener and a voracious reader and works as a bookkeeper for her family’s landscaping business.

Teaches: Percussion

Jeff has been an instructor with The Music Center since 2016. He specializes in drum set instruction with and without written music, classical and rudimental etudes, ensemble performances, double bass drum techniques, and correct technique to avoid injury. Jeff also focuses on encouraging a rewarding learning experience for his students. Jeff’s love for the drum kit started in 1998 at a concert where he watched a rock band perform cool tricks on their kits. A year later, he became a student at The Music Center, attending from 1999 to 2007. Today, Jeff carries on the tradition of teaching in the same room (and on the same drum kit!), where he learned years earlier from his instructor, Mr. Bill Dowdy, the drummer from the Three Sounds, a jazz trio famous in the 50’s and 60’s. He’s had many opportunities to showcase his talents in the community and throughout his career. Jeff has played on the big stages with his band, opening for performers of different genres — Norah Jones, Yngwie Malmsteen, Sepultura, and others. He is currently a professional drummer, composer, and arranger, and he believes in helping his students overcome their challenges and build upon success. He also believes that music is both formative and collaborative — and some of Jeff’s most treasured memories include working with other talented musicians. “I have loved recording many albums of great music with excellent players who I’m proud to call good friends of mine,” adds Jeff. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Writing and Production from Berklee College of Music with a Minor in Conducting. In his personal life, he enjoys motorcycling and adventuring.

Teaches: Piano (Virtual Option Only)

Tahmoures has taught at The Music Center since 2019 and was the school’s first entirely virtual instructor. He has also been performing as a soloist and within chamber ensembles for 12 years and teaching privately. Tahmoures takes a flexible approach, basing his instruction on each student’s individual needs. He shares his passion for music with all his students and encourages them to develop their unique musical voices. He has also given numerous national and international recitals and received first prize in The Ninth Youth Music Festival in Tehran, Iran. Tahmoures’ repertoire spans early baroque to contemporary, but he has a particular passion for German Romantic Repertoire, especially Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann. Tahmoures is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at The University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where he studies with Dr. Andrew Willis. The latter also guides his cognate of historical keyboard performance on appropriate period instruments. Tahmoures is a graduate assistant in UNC’s Department of Music, teaching all group piano levels. He has also collaborated with solo instrumentalists and participated with the University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. Tahmoures received his Master of Music Degree from Western Michigan University, where he studied with Lori Sims and received specialized lessons on classical era music with Phyllis Rappaport. He also served as a graduate teaching assistant for group piano and was highly sought after as a collaborator for both vocalists and instrumentalists. His studies also include earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance at The University of Tehran in Iran. Tahmoures has participated in music festivals and master classes with pianists such as Dr. Stijn De Cock, Gottlieb Wallisch, Doris Lindner (Kitzmantel), and Dr. Robert Satterlee.

Teaches: Voice and Piano

GeDeane joined The Music Center in 2021, teaching all levels of voice and beginning levels of piano. She was drawn to the center because of its mission of reaching underserved communities with music. GeDeane connects with her students by giving them a safe place to express themselves while encouraging them to try different techniques. “I make the language of music accessible no matter their skill level,” she adds. “Instilling confidence in my students is another priority because the fear of failing was a personal challenge I had to overcome.” Her love for music goes back to her 5th-grade band class, where GeDeane played the baritone horn and later taught herself to play the trombone. One of her most memorable musical experiences, which would further cement her passion for music, was seeing soprano Renée Fleming in concert, inspiring her to become a professional opera singer. Recently, GeDeane made her debut with Christine Goerke in Wagner’s Die Walküre with the Detroit Opera. She also toured Indonesia singing a Premiere of Verdi’s Requiem. While the classics are at the heart of her musical career, GeDeane enjoys listening to all genres of music, including artists such as Whitney Houston, Jazmin Sullivan, Chrisette Michele, and Beyonce. If she weren’t professionally singing or playing, she would be an actor or makeup artist — or simply relaxing with her Goldendoodle, Dexter. GeDeane received a Master’s Degree in Music from Michigan State University and will soon complete her Music Doctorate. She also has her Performance Diploma from Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music. GeDeane is married to Dr. Byron Gipson, a Professor of Neuroscience at MSU, and she is developing a new opera company, Opera Unique.

Teaches: Piano and Organ

Glenn has taught at The Music Center since 2021 and embraces the diversity of his students and colleagues while enjoying a first-class learning environment. He believes in empowering his students and connecting his experiences and expertise with their interests, goals, and personalities. “I balance the student’s focus on technical and analytical skills with creative play and experimentation at the keyboard, aspiring for a holistic approach,” he adds. Glenn’s musical interests range from ancient to modern repertoire, composing and songwriting, and building and playing instruments. This includes a fascinating electronic instrument, the theremin. Of his many musical experiences, performing his compositions with others is always a privilege. Composing began early, and at age 13, he won the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Composition Contest. Being in the audience is an equal pleasure. In 2008, Glenn witnessed unforgettable performances of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem in Grand Rapids — and its more recent counterpart, Siegfried Mathos’ Te Deum. Glenn studied piano performance with Professors Lori Sims, Sylvia Roederer, and Yu-Lien, and organ performance with Dr. Karl Schrock at Western Michigan University. In addition to piano and organ, Glenn has studied and performed on the carillon, flute, and mallet percussion. He has also sung in various choirs, including the Battle Creek Boychoir, Collegiate Singers, and Grand Chorus at Western Michigan University. While studying art and design at the University of Michigan, Glenn performed on the two carillons in the Burton and Lurie Towers.

Teaches: Voice and Piano

Nora joined The Music Center in 2021, teaching voice and piano to students of all skill levels. She was drawn to the center because of its dynamic approach to teaching while encouraging students to embrace all forms of music. Nora connects with her students by establishing goals and cultivating a plan of action. “I love seeing my students blossom,” shares Nora. “I also try to instill confidence in each of my student’s abilities — because having the courage to believe in oneself is a personal challenge I overcame early in my musical development.” She is adamant that each student has unique talents, and her goal is to reveal these hidden talents. Nora’s love for music goes back to her 9th grade Choir Class, where she realized she could capture an audience. Later, singing during a jazz festival as part of the choir cemented her passion for music. One of her most memorable musical experiences was singing in the Michigan State University Choir and performing for the Holocaust Remembrance Concert in front of multiple survivors. “It was truly a beautiful and inspiring moment,” she adds. Recently, Nora performed for Hastings Presbyterian Church — and continues to bond with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. While the classics are her favorite, Nora enjoys listening to all types of music, including rhythm and blues and various Disney hits. If she weren’t professionally singing, playing, or teaching, she would be an interior designer. She loves anything Disney and relaxing with her three cats, Theodore Titus, Penelope Piper, and Lorelei Quinn. Nora received a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Michigan State University.

Teaches: Violin/Viola

Timothy began teaching at The Music Center in 2021. Committed to his students’ development, he stays flexible to their goals while establishing a foundation for growth as violinists. His ability to connect with a variety of students, from adults to young kids, with different goals and musical aspirations is key to his success. Timothy’s love for violin began at age four when he was inspired to play after attending a family concert at the Cleveland Orchestra. Early musical experiences and playing in various orchestras with an array of talented musicians left a lasting impact. “In high school, I was lucky enough to play big pieces with the Ohio All-State Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, which were extremely formative concerts for me,” he adds. Musical education has always been part of Timothy’s DNA. He has taught in schools across the U.S., including the Crescendo Fine Arts Academy in Longmont, Colorado. Today, he is an elementary music teacher for the Vicksburg Community Schools. He also performs in several local orchestras, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and South Bend Symphony Orchestra. He recently won an audition to become a member of the Battle Creek Symphony. Timothy earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance and Pedagogy with a Secondary Area in Viola from the University of Iowa. He also holds Master of Music Degrees in Violin Performance and Upper String Pedagogy from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Akron. As an Ohio native, Timothy follows Cleveland’s sports teams and enjoys reading, running, and meditation.

Teaches: Music First

Brittany began teaching at the Music Center in 2023 and loves working with children of all ages, developing their skills, and building a lifelong passion for music. “I love the community aspect of The Music Center,” offers Brittany. “You see all walks of life coming together for a common and beautiful purpose.” She plays the flute, guitar, and piano and loves singing. “I appreciate a wide variety of music,” adds Brittany. “For example, I love everything about Taylor Swift. I also listen to worship music, alternative rock, country, and classical and pop genres.” She also reflects on a musical foundation that began early in life. “I started singing shortly after I could talk; it was a natural for me, and I’ve always loved it!” Brittany was introduced to the flute in 6th grade Band Class and began playing the guitar a bit later, sparked by her love of Taylor Swift’s music. “I wanted to be just like her, so I begged for a guitar for my 15th birthday and proceeded to take lessons,” says Brittany. At age 22, Brittany was introduced to the piano while interning at the Radiant Church Worship Department. She began playing just a little — and fell in love with it! These experiences inspired her love of music, resulting in many memorable musical encounters. These include playing flute in the Lakeview Spartan Marching Band, seeing Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and writing her own songs. Like many musicians, Brittany had to overcome stage fright and the fear of failure, but she persevered and today shares techniques to assist and bolster her students. A preschool teacher, Brittany shares that being a teacher is all she ever wanted to do, but Kids Ministry is another endeavor she hopes to try. She also loves to write, whether journaling, songwriting, or creative writing.

Teaches: Voice and Music First (Studio Full)

Hannah joined The Music Center in 2022 to teach voice and is thrilled to share her abilities with students of all ages and levels. Her goal is to help students explore their unique voices’ beautiful colors and layers, learn to sing with ease, drop the tension, and pick songs that suit them perfectly while presenting a challenge. “Seeing a student discover that lightbulb moment when working on a challenging piece is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” she explains. Hannah is also passionate about the importance of teaching vocal health to her students. To become a knowledgeable singer, she shares with her students how the vocal cords function and how to protect them for a long-lasting vocal career. Hannah’s first introduction to music was after seeing the musical Annie at the tender age of three. Soon after, she began singing lessons and eventually chose Oakland University to continue her musical studies. She has performed in many professional and regional productions and received training from Broadway professionals in voice, theatre, and dance, specializing in the styles of musical theatre, classical, pop, and rock. A favorite musical moment for Hannah was playing Elle Woods on the opening night of Legally Blonde The Musical at The Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. Singing the powerful pop score and taking on the role of a fantastic character was a dream come true. Hannah graduated from Oakland University, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.

Teaches: Music First, Piano, and Voice (Piano/Voice studio full)

Lindsey joined The Music Center in 2023, teaching beginning to intermediate piano and beginning to advanced voice. She enjoys sharing her love of music with students of all ages and skill levels. She connects with students by encouraging them to try all forms of music and explore new ways of self-expression. “I especially love working with preschoolers and toddlers, seeing music ignite their imaginations and joy,” adds Lindsey. “There’s nothing purer than seeing a young child discover their love for music.” In addition to singing and playing the piano, Lindsey enjoys listening to jazz, classical piano, and music influenced by the 1980s pop era. While there is no one style she prefers, Lindsey attributes her love for music to her early childhood. “Growing up in a musical family, some of my favorite memories involve singing with my parents and grandparents and learning to sing in harmony with them as a young child,” she reflects. “My father is also a pianist, and my mother is a talented vocalist. I began singing with them and playing piano as a toddler, laying the groundwork for my musical passion.” Like many musicians, Lindsey believes that insecurity and ego can be roadblocks to success — today, she enjoys working with her students so that they can embrace their skills without regret. Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from Lee University and is a certified Enneagram coach, teacher, and Music Director for What A Do Theatre. She also loves to read, dance, and perform with her musician husband. When Lindsey is not busy with music, she devotes time to her family and pup, Nellie.

Teaches: Music First

Miranda joined The Music Center in 2023 and enjoys introducing music to children of all ages — and being part of the learning options offered to the entire music community. She was drawn to the center because of its inclusivity and variety of opportunities for everyone in the community. One of her goals is to share her love of music with her young pupils, teaching them to express themselves in unique ways only music can provide. “Since this is my first year, I am most excited to offer a warm environment for little ones to explore and learn to love music within the Music First program,” adds Miranda. A well-rounded musician, Miranda sings and plays piano, French horn, and alto horn. She also enjoys listening to contemporary worship, pop, country, and musical theater genres. Her love for music goes back to her early childhood. “I have loved singing since I was a little girl; I was fortunate to be part of a church with a Brass Band and a Choir. So from a young age, I was exposed to and started learning about music, and it’s where my passion stems.” Further cementing her enthusiasm for music was being part of the Concordia University Ann Arbor Wind Ensemble and performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC, which remains one of her favorite musical memories. Like many musicians, Miranda had to focus on her confidence in her own development. “A personal challenge was learning to be confident in my skills and allowing myself to use them,” she adds. “Now I can pass this confidence to my students.” Miranda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Eastern Michigan University. She is also a proponent of early childhood education, and if she weren’t teaching music, she would be a preschool teacher. At home, Miranda enjoys caring for her young son and two hound dogs.

Teaches: Percussion

Zollie began teaching percussion at The Music Center in 2022. He enjoys focusing on his students and seeing them reach for their dreams through their passion for music. Zollie’s first musical aspirations came from his father, watching him play bass guitar in local rock bands while growing up. At age 14, he learned to play drums with his dad as part of his band, Adonijah, a Christian alternative rock band. They played gigs around the Midwest and eventually recorded an EP (extended play) album. Today, rock remains one of Zollie’s favorite genres, along with jazz and rhythm and blues. Zollie supported himself through music and graduate school by working in a local restaurant. He believes this experience strengthened his resolve to succeed in music, and today, he transfers this resolve to his students. “I make it a point to explain to all my students that their only limits are how much effort they want to put into learning music,” Zollie explains. “A student’s background or home circumstances — or lack of natural talent — is meaningless compared to passion and consistent hard work.” He has also played in the Millennium Orchestra as part of Celebrity Cruises, Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Show, and the Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club — and for various churches and musicals and with jazz artists in Michigan and Indiana. While grateful for many different musical experiences, Zollie shares one of his favorites: “On a cruise ship I worked on, we were playing our biweekly jazz set a little looser and wilder than normal. For some reason, the audience loved it — so we played faster and faster. Everyone walking by stopped to listen, blocking the hallways. By the end of the set, the room was packed with people, emitting an aura of excitement. We played like we weren’t ‘supposed to,’ but something was in the air that night.” Zollie holds a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Oakland University and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Indiana University. He enjoys the gym (his meditative zone), playing video games (like Pokémon), building computers, and home cooking.

Welcome new Battle Creek Community Chorus Music Director, Greg Black. Greg has been involved in The Music Center in one form or another since 1995 as he and his wife Kara Black started the early childhood program, Music First. “I was her assistant for 3 or 4 years in that role. Since then, I have worked “alongside” The Music Center in collaboration as the director of The Chamber Choir and Spartanaires at Lakeview High School, and as a parent of two boys in the Battle Creek Boychoir,” he shares. “In 2012, I served as the guest conductor of the Battle Creek Boychoir for their tour of St. Louis that June.”

Greg has a bachelor’s degree in vocal/general music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting, both from Michigan State University. “I have been teaching music in the Lakeview School District since 1996, grades K-12. I worked with the Lakeview Marching Band for 20 years and the Spartanaires show choir for 26 years.” When asked how he first decided on music as a career, he shares, “In the Summer of 1988, I was attending the National Music Camp’s All-State Choir program at Interlochen. One of the pieces we learned and performed was “Nänie” by Johannes Brahms. That piece changed my life. It was what made me want to become a choir director.”

Greg adds, “I am excited to be a part of a community group that performs at a high level. Also, not many community choruses have the opportunity to perform with an established symphony orchestra like the Battle Creek Symphony. This is always an amazing experience.”