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Our private music lesson program is open to both children and adult students. We welcome beginning students and more experienced players as well. Our instructors are all professional musicians with both the education and experience to help students attain their musical goals, and perhaps even guide them to a level higher than they thought possible. Lessons are low-pressure, and our instructors try to customize the lesson programs to suit the individual student based upon their interests and abilities. We're here 7 days a week so stop in or give us a call and we can help you choose an instructor that is perfect for you or your child.

Music Plus' Instructors



Jeffrey Ball

Jeff Ball

Playing guitar since junior high school, Jeff studied formally first with George Korniek of Detroit's Wilson Mower Pursuit, and then later with George's father Al Korinek. He played in bands all through high school and then in 1974, began his study of classical guitar with Chuck Postlewate at Eastern Michigan University. A music major, Jeff studies music theory, counterpoint, ear training, voice and piano all at Eastern. Later instruction in Jazz piano came from lessons with Detroit Jazz Pianist Matt Michaels. Further education in jazz with the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops continues off and on to the present. Jeff has worked in many bands over the years, most recently in 'Back in Town,' a 9 piece horn band for which Jeff contributed many arrangements.

Jeff teaches many styles, including rock, jazz, blues, R & B, and classical. He's comfortable with beginner, intermediate and advanced players. He has 30+ years experience as a music teacher and instructor and is Music Plus' longest serving teacher, beginning with us in 1987. Many of Jeff's students have themselves become accomplished players, performers and teachers.

Jeff Ball teaches at our Livonia store Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


Tim Kessel
Tim Kessel

Tim Kessel

Tim studied Music Technology at Wayne State University. He also graduated with honors from the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA in 1994. His first professional gig was at age 16 and he has been performing live and in the studio ever since. Though his primary instrument is guitar, he also teaches other stringed instruments such as bass guitar and mandolin, as well as drums. Rock, classical and jazz are his primary playing styles and he also works with students on harmony & theory, arranging, ear training, improvisation, music reading, transcription and recording techniques. Tim has 18 years of teaching experience and his students appreciate the flexibility in his teaching methods as well as his patience.

Tim Kessel teaches at our Plymouth store Monday and at our Livonia Store Tuesday and Thursday.


JT Monroe
JT Monroe

JT Monroe

  • Guitar and Bass Instructor with 30 years of experience
  • Rock, Metal, Blues, Country styles
  • Graduate of Musician's Institute Hollywood, CA
  • Studied Jazz at Wayne State
  • Studied Privately with Steve Trovato (West Coast Super Picker/USC Studio Program)
  • Studied Blues with Robert Kroll (Rhythm Guitarist for Albert Collins 2 yrs)
  • Performed With Kid Rock on VH1 "All Access"
  • Opened for Kenny Rodgers, Glen Campbell, Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar, Warrant, Grand Funk, Jason Alden, Neil McCoy, Great White, Sammy Kershaw, Luke Bryan, etc...
  • Played 125-150 shows every year since the cows came home.
JT Monroe teaches at our Livonia store Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.


Adrian Robles

Adrian Robles

Adrian Robles is a multi-instrumental teacher with over ten years experience teaching private lessons. He offers training in technique and musicianship with an emphasis on developing a thorough and practical understanding of music theory. Lessons are offered on guitar, bass guitar, drum set, snare drum, mallet percussion, hand drums, and piano.

Adrian studied jazz and percussion performance at the University of Michigan. He has also played extensively as both a performing and studio musician.

Adrian Robles teaches at our Plymouth store Monday and Thursday and our Livonia Store Tuesday and Wednesday.


Armand Angeloni
Armand Angeloni

Armand Angeloni

Instruments: All Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute/Piccolo and Keyboard

Education: Wayne State, U.S. Army Band, Berklee College of Music (Arranging)

Playing Experience: U.S. Army Band, Fort Knox and Germany, Livonia, Dearborn and Allen Park Symphonies, Detroit Orchestra Hall, Detroit Opera House, Ringling Bros. Circus, Gem Theater, Ultimate Doo Wop Shows, The Supremes, The Spinners, the Contours, Michigan Jazz Festival, Was Not Was and Lou Wilson

Jingle and Recordings: McDonalds, Pepsi, GM, AAA, Was Not Was, Motown, etc…

Composer of a book Entitled “Dance Style Melodies For Improvisation.”

Composed and Arranged all music as well as preordered on “Blue”, an original CD.

Teaching Experience: Over 25 years of private instruction. Woodwind specialist at area Middle and High Schools working with woodwind sections. (Symphonic, Marching Band, Stage Band and Improvisation.) Solo clinician.

Armand Angeloni teaches at our Plymouth Store Wednesday and Friday.


Nick Jastrzembski
Nick Jastrzembski

Nick Jastrzembski

“Learning should always be fun- never a chore.” – Nicholas Jastrzembski

Nicholas Jastrzembski, professional guitar instructor, is a local singer-songwriter from Livonia, Michigan. With over twenty years of guitar experience, and ten years of professional guitar instruction, he has the knowledge and expertise to musically instruct people from all ages and backgrounds. Since the late 1990’s, Nicholas has performed professionally in rock bands, acoustic duos, and solo classical guitar performances at venues such as private weddings, parties, charity events, bars, restaurants, and even an outdoor music festival. Nicholas is skillful in a wide array of musical genres and styles including rock, blues, classical and folk. He also offers lessons in music theory, technique, and composition. Each music lesson is individually tailored to meet the student’s musical goals. Nicholas provides a relaxed atmosphere and fun environment that promotes learning and enjoyment during every session.

For some examples of Nicholas’ creative talent, please visit him on Youtube channel NJsCorner.

Nick Jastrzembski teaches at our Plymouth store Monday and Tuesday and at our Livonia store Saturday.



Wally Piotrowski

Wally Piotrowski

Ever since he found himself listening to his parents’ rock ‘n’ roll records on the old HiFi at the age of four, Wally knew he wanted to play guitar. From his earliest school years to his graduation from the University of Michigan and beyond, he acquired every album he could afford from rock and jazz artists spanning the alphabet. Wally’s fascination with vintage guitars led him to discover the warm, “old school” tone that he had heard on so many of the recordings he had listened to, and he worked hard to define and refine his own sound. Two tours of Europe in the early 1980’s with a local orchestra helped him to broaden his horizons and lent a classical touch to his performance. With this experience, among others, Wally expanded on his knowledge as a rock performer, adding classical and jazz to his stylistic capabilities with the guitar. In his 25+ years of teaching, Wally has been proud to see many of his students go on to become professional musicians, and has lately taken up the hobby of crafting premium instrument cables. With an undying enthusiasm for education and entertainment, as well as an ear for music from every generation, Wally welcomes students of all ages and musical ability. Electric and Acoustic guitar, Bass, and Music Theory.

Wally Piotrowski teaches at our Plymouth store Monday and Wednesday.



Nick Behnan

Nick Behnan

I'm a full time musician, session player and songwriter living in the Detroit area. I have a degree from MSU and have been teaching guitar privately for over 10 years. I'm the lead guitar player/songwriter for the Detroit based soul & alt rock band JIVA. Our music is featured on various shows and movies including Mob Wives on VH1, Flipping out on Bravo, What not To Wear, and an EA Madden 12 commercial. I also play lead guitar for the Motown funk band and 2011 Vitamin Water Peoples Choice Award winner The Infatuations and Nashville based artists Dannielle Bloom.

My Teaching Philosophy
I teach the fundamental concepts and techniques of music in a clear and concise manor. I teach all styles of guitar playing (Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, Folk, Classical). I also play by ear, so I'm able to teach my students the songs THEY want to learn (just bring a CD or your ipod with you to lessons). I teach a balanced mix of music theory, technique, songs, and most importantly I make sure its fun for my students.

Nick Behnan teaches at our Livonia store on Monday.


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Dan Frame

Dan Frame

Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Piano, Sax, Banjo, Mandolin, Violin & Drums

I am a graduate of Wayne State University jazz studied program. I have played professionally for 35 years in various ensembles from classical to roc to jazz. Teaching someone to learn an instrument and to enjoy music is one of my greatest rewards. My musical tastes are very eclectic and I respect and enjoy all types of music.

Dan Frame teaches at our Livonia store Monday and Thursday and at our Plymouth Store on Tuesday.


Julie Seadin
Julie Seadin
Julie Seadin

My philosophy is "
Music lessons should be fun, inspirational, motivating, and exciting! Every person learns differently. Each one of us has our own unique learning style.  My teaching technique and methods are highly successful because I teach my students according to their unique learning style and how they learn - Not how I want them to learn or how I think they should learn. " 
 Julie studied Flute at Eastern Michigan University and has studied with DSO flutists Erv Monroe, Shaul Ben-Meir and others.   Studied Jazz Improvisation with Al Ayoub (Alexander Zonjic & Friends).  Has performed with groups such as the Westminster Consort Flute Choir, Oakland University Flute Choir and the Michigan Flute Choir and has played at venues such as The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit Opera House, Orchestra Hall, to name a few. Julie is active as, and earns her living as a free lance performer, soloist, private flute instructor and orchestral musician for over 17 years. She has performed with many of the Tri-County area orchestras.  She maintains a private teaching studio and is active as a clinician in southeast Michigan, and is a member of the National Flute Association.   
Julie enjoys her role working with Band Directors all over Wayne, Washtenaw and Lenawee Counties doing Sectionals for bands and marching bands and providing Master Classes.  She has also worked as Conductor for the Canton New Horizons Band.  "Whether you want to just play for fun, want to audition for the top band at your school, and/or want to prepare for a career as an orchestral musician, I can help you reach any goal. I teach all genres and styles of music, including Classical, Extended Techniques and Beat Box Flute.

"I place a strong emphasis on encouraging students to face challenges with a positive attitude.  I strive to help students develop a strong sense of self-esteem and confidence while developing a love for all types of music."
 
 Julie is a Licensed KinderMusik Educator, and is well studied and experienced in the developmental needs of young children and how music effects early childhood development, motor and cognitive skills. 

"I believe in teaching the whole person, addressing individual fears and problem areas while building on strengths. I teach the efficient use of breath, tongue, embouchure and body position to promote increased enjoyment, comfort, and musical expression in performance, as well as tone and technique.  Proper body, head and hand position eliminates injuries common to flutists.  My approach is highly individualized, encouraging development of creative thinking and self-expression in each student, with emphasis on self-exploration and humor."

To hear some of my recordings please visit my website.   www.julieseadinflute.com

Julie Seadin Teaches at our Livonia Location Tuesdays and Wednesday.


Danielle Foley

Danielle Foley

Danielle has been studying and playing music for over 14 years. She teaches piano, has played the clarinet for years, and has recently extended her instrumental experience into the Afro-Brazilian berimbau and pandeiro, which are used in the marital art of capoeira. She plays mostly solo jazz and classical music, though she has participated in several ensembles over the years.

Danielle earned degrees in English Language and Literature and Philosophy in 2010, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her years of engagement as a YMCA Youth Volunteer Corps leader, an America Reads tutor, and a camp counselor have given her insight and comfort with kids ages 5-18, working in various intellectual and creative capacities. She kept up with her passion for music and began teaching music lessons, where she is able to apply her communication skills, awareness, and compassion to meet each student where he or she is at. She has come to appreciate and analyze the student-teacher relationship as something very special and complex. This motivates her to be mindful and fresh with her students.

As a writer, philosopher, yogini (she is also a regular yoga practitioner and a newly certified instructor) and musician, Danielle swirls many perspectives together—both creative and logical—to practice a comprehensive approach to interacting with her students. She emphasizes fun and curiosity in lessons, but also enforces good practicing habits and technical musical development.

Danielle believes that music offers people a new lens through which to view the world, one that colors the universe with beauty and power, challenges the mind, and enriches daily life. Those who learn music are able to express themselves uniquely, relieve stress, and let ideas flow much more easily than if music were not a part their lives. This is why Danielle teaches, and it’s why she hopes to expand her reach to new students all the time!

Danielle Foley Teaches at our Plymouth Location.


Mike List
Mike List

Mike List

Mike List is a globalized percussionist based out of Detroit, MI playing both western and non-western instruments from around the globe. Mike holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Central Michigan University. He has also studied tabla, mbira, and frame drum privately.

Mike has performed in a variety of musical settings including rock, jazz, classical, contemporary art music, percussion solo, and world music fusion ensembles. He has collaborated with fusion artists such as Chris Freeman, the Northwoods Improvisers and currently works with the Arab Fusion Ensemble "Wisaal” and the marimba / world percussion duet, "To Hit." He has also performed in regional symphonies throughout Michigan. Along with performing, Mike teaches privately, instructs marching percussion, guest lectures on non-western music and is on staff at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.

Mike is available for lessons in drumset, concert percussion, marching percussion, tabla and middle eastern frame drums and tambourine.

Mike List teaches at our Plymouth store on Tuesdays.

mikelistpercussionist.com

tohitthings.com
wisaalmusic.com
www.facebook.com/mike.list.percussionist


Ron Smolka
Ron Smolka

Ron Smolka

I have been teaching 5 string banjo for the last 12 years. I teach the Scruggs style 3 finger along with the old time clawhammer and 2 finger. I have been playing 5 string banjo for 30 years. I also play guitar, mandolin, autoharp, keyboard and mountian dulcimer. I have a Bluegrass group called the "Lonesome Mountian Boys" and we play all over the state. I formed this group about 25 years ago. I have studied, collected and have been involved in this music for about 50 years, which make me 72 years old. For 16 years I helped cohost a TV show out of Wyandotte called "Moutain Echoes" along with Roy and Wade McGinnis. I was personal friend of legendary banjo player Wade Mainer. If you are interested in learning the 5 string banjo from me, you can contact Music Plus

Webmaster@musicplusmi.com