We are proud to present our highly qualified instructors to you. To ensure the safety of your children, all our instructors go through Fingerprinting through CBI. For specific questions about our instructors, instruments or available times, please contact us by calling, 303.699.7513, email to; admin@mymusicskool.com or using Contact form.

Individual Bio (alphabetical order)

- Dustin Arndt, Drum

Dustin began his love of percussion at an early age when his parents bought him a drumset and he began sitting-in with his Dad's band. From there it was on too performing in high school, the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble, college ensembles, and touring around the world performing for thousands of different people. Dustin currently holds a degree in percussion performance from the Metropolitan State College of Denver where he studied with Mark Foster. Equally at home playing with a Symphony as he is playing in a small club Dustin feels his greatest attribute is his versatility and ability to blend to any style.  As an educator Dustin's philosophy is that his primary goal is to teach his students how to succeed in life. Using music to teach such things as dedication and responsibility. During the past ten years teaching privately as well as high school percussion ensembles, Dustin's students have gained acceptance into top music programs around the country and his ensembles have consistently placed in the top three in the state.

- Roy Bailey, Drum/Piano/Saxophone

Roy was born into a musical family. He began his musical journey at age 10 when he started playing the clarinet and piano. Eventually, he pursued drum and percussion instruments. Roy has performed in percussion ensembles, swing choirs, jazz, marching, orchestra, and symphonic bands throughout his musical career. His love for music extended as he majored in music education at The University of Northern Iowa. He also majored in elementary education. This allowed him the opportunity to implement music in public/private schools. Roy has taught private and studio lessons for 10 years. Roy has performed and studied music with many bands and professional musicians. Some of the musicians are: Sal Sofia, Butch Haynes, B.J. Papa, Juan Escovedo, Mary Stallings, Rebecca Mauleon, and Louie Belson. Roy teaches an eclectic range of music (jazz, classical, pop, gospel, R-n-B, and afro/Cuban). In addition, Roy teaches music theory on all instruments. Roy’s musical journey has been both rewarding and successful. He is currently performing with bands throughout Denver. 

- Jennifer Bartee, Clarinet

Jennifer Bartee began playing the clarinet over twenty years ago, and has enjoyed passing on her love of the instrument to students of all ages for the past ten years.  Jennifer holds her Masters of Music Education from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelors of Music in clarinet performance as well as her Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.  Jennifer began teaching elementary music upon completion of her bachelors degrees.  During her time in the public schools, she discovered her passion for working with children.  She finds the greatest reward comes when a student accomplishes a goal they have struggled and strived to reach.  The birth of her son broadened Jennifer¡¦s interest in  music education to include teaching young children and infants.  At that time, Jennifer became involved with the early childhood music program of the Peabody Preparatory, where she trained as an early childhood music teacher and taught students aged six months through six years of age.  Her unique perspective as a teacher and as a parent to a preparatory student allowed Jennifer to observe the musical growth of her son and her students, and to understand the high standards parents hold their children¡¦s instructors.  Passion and love for music and teaching are clearly evident in all of Jennifer¡¦s lessons, whether she is teaching a student a private lesson or engaging a room full of children.  Jennifer¡¦s goal is for all of her students to walk away from lessons inspired with a love and understanding of music, and most importantly, to begin a life-long friendship with music and creativity.

- Allen Burki, Electric/String Bass

 I have culminated musical experience in every aspect of my life and this has been my goal since early childhood.  I am thankful for having a musical family that has been very supportive of me and my musical endeavors from a very early age.  My family still has a band that I currently perform with called jazzopmah. I have a strong background in musical performance and a relentless work ethic for perfection in my art. After graduating from the University of Denver with a degree in bass performance/composition in 2000; I have been teaching privately for eight years and have been a professional bass player that has worked in the music industry for fifteen years.  I currently perform around Colorado with the local hit funk band Funkiphino, and I also currently perform in the Music Ministry at Colorado Community Church.       I have also performed in off Broadway musical theatre with the Denver Civic Theatre here in Denver. As far as my teaching style goes, I cater each lesson to the student by incorporating the student’s favorite music.  I have found this makes learning more enjoyable.  I also sneak in theory, reading, technique, and musicality all in a fun easy to follow approach for all styles and levels.  I make learning fun through using real audio music and a performance practice; meaning most practicing to be done is with real musical accompaniment, making practicing more desirable.

- Kyle Coberly, Guitar

  Kyle Coberly is a rare combination of music expertise and mastery of children's instruction. Not only does he have experience as a performer, composer, and guitar instructor, but he's also a formally trained graduate of the Teaching Academy in Seattle, specializing in curriculum for children. Kyle got started studying music at the age of 10, and within a few years was concurrently studying guitar, woodwinds, drums, and voice. He played in countless rock bands in Seattle, played guitar on the Van's Warped Tour at the age of 14, opened for the Count Basie Big Band in New Orleans, and performed and arranged music for several large-scale musical theater productions. He eventually went on to get a degree in Sound Production at the Art Institute of Seattle on a scholarship for artistic achievement. During this same period of time, Kyle started studying music education for children. He underwent a rigorous training program for educators, and completed an internship as a school band director. During this study, he learned about what motivates children, and the unique approach to music education they require. When Kyle started teaching private guitar lessons in Las Vegas in 2005, he realized it was time to start sharing his wealth of knowledge about the guitar and music. "One of the things that's most frequently overlooked by people when they're learning or teaching music is that technique and memorization are only part of the greater music fabric. I like teaching people to become musicians, not just guitarists. That involves not only developing an understanding of core theory principles, but also how to unlock creativity and use music as an expressive medium." Today, Kyle has designed an approach that immerses the student in guitar discipline, music fundamentals, real-world context, and most importantly of all, fun and achievement.

- Sarah Dawson, Piano

I make learning piano fun and enjoyable.  Students individual interests come first in order to keep their enthusiasm for playing and practicing.  As they gain confidence and experience, they also gain interest in a wide variety of styles.  Technique (using fingers, hands and arms in a relaxed and efficient manner) and theory (how music is written and formed) are integrated into all that we do.  We also do alot of creating: most students enjoy making up their own music.  And we learn to play by ear as well as to read music.  Besides immensely enjoying what I do, I am highly qualified.  I have been teaching for over twenty years and have a Masters Degree in piano performance and composition from CU Boulder.  I have enjoyed considerable success as a pianist and composer in NYC, where I lived and worked for the past fourteen years.  Some of the highlights of my career as a pianist/composer include performances at the Korean Embassy in Washington DC, and Music in Chelsea and the Nicholas Roerich Museum in Manhattan.  My new choral work, "Anna's Poems," is being premiered by the Boulder Chorale in May, and a new song cycle set to the poetry of Boulder poet Eleanor De Woskin, is being premiered at the Nicholas Roerich Museum in Manhattan in the spring.  I seek to instill in my students the same love and joy of music which have guided me throughout my life.

- Emily Autumn Deppa, Violin/Viola

Emily Autumn Deppa is a violinist originally from Wisconsin. Emily holds an Undergraduate degree in violin performance from the University of Minnesota, a Masters degree in violin performance from Southern Methodist University, a Post-Masters Artist Certificate from the Harid Conservatory, and is currently working on an Orchestral Certificate from the University of Denver under Yumi Whang-Williams-Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony. An accomplished orchestral player, Emily currently serves as concertmaster of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra in Longmont Colorado and also plays with such orchestras as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, New World Symphony Orchestra, and Boulder Philharmonic. Emily has actively been teaching and coaching for the past ten years in ages ranging from two to adults. While completing her masters, Emily served for two years as teacher’s assistant to the renowned violin professor Jan Mark Sloman in Dallas Texas. She has also served as assistant chamber coach at the esteemed Summer Meadowmount Music Festival held in New York. Throughout her career, Emily has actively competed and performed throughout the country. She has placed in such competitions as the Virtu Foundation Instrument Competition where she received the one year loan of a 17^th century violin-held in Virginia, Schubert Club Competition-held in the Minnesota, and performed on “From the Top Radio Show.” Ever active, Emily has attended such noted summer music festivals as the Spoleto Music Festival, Chautauqua Festival, and Kent Blossom Music Festival. Emily has also worked with such noted professionals as William Preucil-Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, Jorja Fleezanis-Concertmaster of the Minnesota, the Miami String Quartet, and Brentano String Quartet.

- Joseph Eidel, Drum

Joseph Eidel was trained by a master instructor who studied under world recognized Freddie Gruber.  Joseph has over ten years of drumming experience and reads sheet music fluently.  His talent and understanding of music theory has allowed him to work with songwriters in Nashville as well as touring and opening for national recording artists such as Blake Shelton and Chris Ledoux.  Joseph is currently playing with the Kory Brunson Band who have charted on the national charts and done shows with national recording artists such as Gretchen Wilson and Brad Paisley.  He also teaches privately and works with various music schools, and churches.  He has a talent for making learning music and drumming challenging yet entertaining for both young and old.   His innovative teaching style gets the students off the practice pad and onto the drum kit, where they want to be from day one, quickly and smoothly thus eliminating the discouragement that leads to boredom and complacency.  Therefore his students are far more motivated and excited about their lesson, which leads to strong student retention, and more successful drummers.

- Deena Emaish, Piano / Voice

Music is completely apart of every aspect of my life.  It gives the soundtrack to my joy and sorrow in my dance of life.  Teaching music to children is a blessing.  Not only are notes, rests, and musical theory taught, but also discipline, passion, appreciation for music, as well as self confidence.  My main focus in teaching is to create a love of music.  Practice, no matter what the subject, is never anticipated.  I try to create interesting ways so that the student will enjoy learning his or her instrument.  Each student is different, so teaching methods may vary from student to student.  However, each student can grow and advance in his or her way.  For each student, there are different areas in music that are addressed: scales, theory, lessons, and technique.  Depending on the student, different method books are used. Examples are as follows:  Alfred, John Thompson, Hannon, Bastien, Faber, as well as additional extra materials. I took formal piano lessons for 11 years.  I have taught formal piano lessons for 5 years to students ranging in age from 5 to 70 years.  My experience is mostly in accompanying.  I have played for many various choirs, soloists, weddings, as well as a production of Peter Pan.

- Anna Gutierrez, Viola/Violin

  Ana got involved with music at the age of eight.  She was active in many youth symphony programs in Idaho and Florida from elementary through high school.  Her senior year in high school she won the concerto competition and had the honor to perform with the Florida West Coast Youth Symphony.           During the summer months of her undergraduate degree (at the University of Miami), she attended Margess International, a music festival held in eastern Switzerland.  That was where she met Mikhail Mouller, who would become her viola professor at the Conservatory for Music in Detmold, Germany. Living in Germany for almost four years was a fantastic opportunity, but she eventually wanted to return to the States to get her Master's Degree.  She attented Kent State University where she studied with Chauncey Patterson, who was at that time, the violist with the Miami String Quartet.

          She moved to Colorado in 2007 and within a year had become certified in Suzuki violin at Denver University.  She is currently a student at DU in the Artist Diploma program for Orchestral Studies under the tutelage of Basil Vendryes, as well as a member of the Denver String Quartet.

- Yumi Ha, Owner/Piano

Since her first piano lesson at the age of four, music has been a big part of her life.  She sang throughout high school and college, performed as a keyboardist at a college gospel band, Psalm 150 and played several churches’ Sunday services for 8 years.  While attending University of Colorado at Boulder, she found her calling of working with children.  She led several teams of youth choirs at local churches and found great joy in teaching music to children.  After having two girls, she quit her job at 3M and purchased a small daycare center in Denver to spend more time with the girls.  The once 24 children and 2 staff center grew to 128 children and 14 full time staffs.  This is where she learned the value of listening to customers and operating a successful business.  Now, as an owner of My Music Skool and its instructor, her vision is to provide structured and fun music education for children.  She plans to achieve this by listening to the true needs and wants of parents and their children.  She believes that proper music education can bring a life time of enjoyment and happiness.  She’s extremely excited to have found highly qualified instructors who share same vision as her.  She hopes to grow the studio to be the superior music institution that supports individual talents and wishes of each child.

- Mark Halberstadt, Saxophone

Mark Halberstadt began studying saxophone in 5th grade at the age of 11 and since then it has become his calling to develop his skills on the instrument and remain an active part of the musical community. Mark grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia. His family frequently attended concerts and recitals which instilled Mark with a love for music at a very young age. Through Middle and High School, Mark studied both jazz and classical woodwinds concentrating on saxophone while studying with David Blumberg and Dennis DiBlasio. Mark moved to Ohio for his first two years of college studying music education and classical saxophone at the Oberlin Conservatory in northeast Ohio. While there, he enjoyed taking lessons from renowned saxophonist Paul Cohen and being able to work with children of all ages in Oberlin's music education department. After two years in Ohio, he was given an opportunity to move to Denver, Colorado and study Audio Technology and Saxophone at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Mark took this opportunity and began developing a career as an audio engineer. As an Engineer, he has provided audio services for Dave Brubeck, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Holland, Gary Bartz, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Denver Brass, and the International Trumpet Guild. After Graduating from the Lamont School of Music in 2007, he was given an opportunity to work as a saxophonist and arranger for the Denver band, Funkiphino. After being with the band for a little over a year, Mark has played almost 150 concerts, done audio consulting work for Funkiphino's parent company, Hi-Fi Entertainment (some of which has earned the company magazine articles in Mix and Keyboard magazines), and written a good number of arrangements for the band including some music for television commercials. Mark also performs with the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, the Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra, the 9th and Lincoln Orchestra, the Denver Municipal Band, and the Lamont Saxophone Quartet. Also since graduating, Mark has lead saxophone sectionals at University Park Elementary School in Denver and has also maintained an active private teaching schedule. With his free time Mark enjoys reading, learning Hammond B3 Organ, and studying Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. In his teaching, Mark tries to show his students that there are infinite ways to be a musician, but they all have the same prerequisite: an enjoyment for music and a desire to participate in its creation.

- Abigail Hoffman,  Woodwind/ Brass/Strings 

My life begins with a view into my up-bringing. I was born in Scottbluff, Nebraska near a family-owned ranch and farm. We then moved to Aurora, Colorado where I spent most of my time growing into an adolescent, except those great summers spent at our ranch. During my pre-teen years, my family moved between California, and Arizona. It was there that I found a love for music and music instruction. On the tails of this, we moved back to great Colorado, and I finished my last year of high school in Aurora. In 1995 I was accepted into the music department of the University of Wyoming under the instruction of Professor Rod Garnett. There I studied music education, flute performance, and world’s music. My graduation in 2000 was a pinnacle in my life and has changed me forever. Since graduation, I have dedicated my life to teaching music and other subjects. As a teacher of English and Math for two years at an expelled program, I was truly was able to help make a difference in the life of my students as they made a difference in mine. From there, I taught band, orchestra, and jazz band to 6-8 grade, helping increase the overall participation in music to over 140% by the fourth year. In addition, I had a great time arranging, composing, and directing music for the school musicals, such as “Aladdin” and “Annie.” Needing a change, I moved to Alabama where I started four middle school band programs, and was an assistant director at the local high school. I just recently moved back to Colorado where I reside in Elizabeth. My largest accomplishment is being a mother of an eight-year-old boy and instilling great qualities in him. In addition to having my son, I have been very honored to be the first flute player in the University of Wyoming Lead Jazz Ensemble, performer with the Rocky Mountain Flute Choir, the Denver Concert Band Summer Ensembles, Western Academy of Music, and  private lesson teacher for over 15 years. I also have performed with private lesson students and solo at various cafés, weddings, and other events. As a teacher and conductor, it is my goal to create an atmosphere in which every student learns more than just the obvious visual aspects of life. I want to help them broaden their horizons aesthetically, academically, and emotionally and help them understand the universal language of music.

- Karen Kitterman, Piano/Voice

Karen is a concert pianist of 17 years trained under the finest professors from Juilliard.  She has worked extensively as a classical performer with the University of New Mexico and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.  Her repertoire is not solely limited to classical; she spent many of her younger years playing with the Little Rascals jazz band and as a pop strings artist with Hi-finated records. She has worked many years as an independent music instructor teaching students ranging from 5-65 piano technique, music theory, and composition.  She brings to her teaching a background in developmental psychology and is constantly seeking innovative methods to advance students’ learning capacity and desire for discovery in music.  Moreover, Karen began her foray into classical voice at the piano.  With hopes of expanding her musical repertoire, she auditioned with Bel Canto Studios where she received the basis of her vocal training.  She later joined the opera company Purvea Inc. as a mezzo soprano.  In her college years she received training from Czechoslovakian master Pavlina Slava.  She has also studied Italian and French diction in Paris and Milan.  In addition to her classical performing, she is also involved in musical theater, singing in university and local productions. 

- Tim Mendoza, Trumpet

- Reza Motallebi, Guitar

For the past 20 years, I have played the Guitar and the bass as a part time musician and played gigs with numerous bands and with different styles; from Classic Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, to Persian Pop music. I enjoy most music styles including classical music, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Disco and Heavy Metal.  However, most of my personal experience as performer has been around Blues and Heavy Metal. We are a family of four with two kids ages 4 years and 15 months.   We have lived in the Highlands Ranch area for the past 8 years.  Having 2 kids of my own, I truly enjoy being around children and involving them in artistic and sporty activities.   I find it very fulfilling to be part of an individual’s life as mentor and see them grow.  I am also a firm believer that music can help children excel in their academic life as well as give them confidence, balance and harmony in most of their social activities. 

- Jennifer Shin, Piano

Jennifer Shin has been studying piano since the age of 5 and was taught under the instruction of Ella Stang, who is a former student of Zolton Kolday. Jennifer was part of the International Guild Audition’s for 10 consecutive years, where she received Critic Circle Rating for those 10 years. She has participated in many various competitions throughout her life and played for private events at places such as Lions Club and Hyatt Hotel. She was on national television (channel 7 news) for her piano performance and technical abilities. She also has been playing piano at churches for 6 years and still currently does while attending the University of Colorado at Denver for a degree in piano performance.   Jennifer has worked with kids since she was 13, helping them in technique and helping them get ready for performances whether it be in front of a judge, or just a simple recital for their parents. She believes that if it’s not fun for the kids, they’ll never find joy in the wonderful world of music. She believes that music is a great part of learning and will help the kids with study skills and self discipline.

- Courtney Strauss, Cello/String Bass

Courtney Strauss was born into music. With both of her parents as avid music-lovers, she began accompanying them to concerts at age three. She began her musical studies on the piano, but before long, discovered her true love – the cello. She has played in youth orchestras all over the state of Colorado for many years including the Front Range Youth Symphony, Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Denver Young Artists Orchestra. In high school, Courtney played in the Colorado All State Orchestra, and the Western States Honors Orchestra. She is currently studies undergraduate cello performance major at the University of Denver, where she studies under Richard Slavich. Courtney currently plays with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Young Sinfonia, in both of which she holds Assistant Principal positions. On the side of her classical cello studies, Courtney has played in a rock band and a jazz combo within the last two years. At the tender age of nineteen, Courtney has been teaching for five years already. She loves working with students of all ages and skill levels, and tries to make lessons fun and exciting for all types of learners.

- Jonah Wisneski, Guitar

Jonah Wisneski, a 26 year old native from Maine, moved to Colorado in 2001 where he developed a strong affinity for performing and writing music. When growing up, Jonah was heavily influenced by rock music of earlier generations, which eventually led him to focus on perfecting his electric guitar technique and develop his rock improvisation skills. A fan of all musical styles, Jonah's love for music found him enrolled in the University of Colorado where he studied classical guitar for 1 year, and eventually a private study of composition and theory under one of CU's head professors. Jonah's goals from this, were to fully understand music from all angles, and be able to fully incorporate this knowledge into his own music. Highly influenced by music that strives to push the boundaries of its genre, his own music reflects a variety of styles, combining a fusion of ideas with a solid foundation in rock music that is both familiar and new. Since 2003, Jonah has been performing locally and has played several stages in the Boulder and Denver area, including the Fox Theatre. He is versed in blues and rock guitar, and has also studied jazz along with his earlier forays into classical guitar. He is currently the director of instruction at Dog House Music in Lafayette, where he runs rock and roll summer camps and weekend sessions, and enjoys sharing his love for music with the next generation of young musicians.