Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Drums

Multi-instrumentalist and performer, Tavish Lawson, has been playing music since 2003. Tavish acquired his Certificate of Music Theory & Composition through Berklee College of Music. He has worked as a music instructorsince 2013. Tavish teaches guitar, bass, ukelele, and drums.

Instructor - Flute

Mariah Alberty Mariah has been playing flute and piccolo for over 12 years, and during that time, she has marched with the Kickapoo High School Golden Arrow Band and Missouri State University’s PRIDE Marching Band, played in Missouri State’s Bearmania Pep Band, and has been a member of several Concert Bands. She is currently studying Elementary Education at Missouri State and plans on graduating in May of 2023. Music has been a big part of her life, and she is excited to share that passion with others.

Instructor - Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass)

Madison DeWeerd teaches Violin, Viola, Cello, AND Upright Bass. Madison is a recent Mizzou graduate with her degree in Instrumental Music Education and she has worked extensively with the Missouri State String Project in Springfield. Madison enjoys teaching beginning and intermediate string players of all ages.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Chris has been playing music for most of his life, beginning with his primary instrument — guitar — at age 4. Along the way he gained proficiency on bass, drums, piano, violin, and cello. Teaching seemed a logical profession, and seemingly in the blink of an eye, fifteen years have passed! Over the years Chris has recorded dozens of albums, and performed over 1,000 shows across the country, with countless bands/artists, tackling every genre of music, from blues to funk, jazz to outlaw country, and beyond. Chris has shared the stage with a number of diverse artists, including Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch), Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (The Misfits), pioneering British heavy metal legends Diamond Head, and more. While he enjoys nearly every genre of music, heavy metal (in its various forms) is his favourite. When he's not teaching, playing golf, or watching classic horror movies, he is practicing/writing/performing with his melodic/traditional metal band, Transylvania. Chris is thrilled to be part of the Ernie Williamson Music team, and intends to inspire in his students, the same enthusiasm he enjoys for music.

Instructor - Banjo, Mandolin

Deakin has always held a deep connection to music. As he grew up in the Ozarks in the 80's and 90's, his fascination with all things bluegrass grew as well. He started playing banjo under Roger Mathews in 2005. In 2009, he started a bluegrass band called Deep Fried Squirrel, which is now known as Drifter's Mile. Deakin is super excited to teach others his love for all things bluegrass, and is now accepting beginning or intermediate banjo students.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Phoenix Lietch started playing guitar in 2015. He later picked up the bass and ukulele in 2018. He's a part of the Missouri Air National Guard, a full time college student, and is starting his dream by pursuing his career in music. His favorite type of music is Classic/ Indie Rock; his favorite band is The Beatles. He is excited to teach the basics of playing guitar, bass, and ukulele; Phoenix is passionate about giving the gift of music.

Instructor - Piano, Voice

Kendra is 24 years old and is currently working towards her Masters in Music Education at MSU. She loves music and the smiles it brings to people's faces. She hopes to spread the love of music to the world. 

Instructor - Guitar, Ukulele & Vocals

Music has always played a huge role in Hannah's life. When she picked up a ukulele at nine years old and a guitar at fourteen, they stuck. Hannah has had five cumulative years of guitar instruction, both private lessons and at a collegiate level. She grew up performing in band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. Hannah studied Music Therapy at Drury University for three semesters. While she has pivoted her life plan and has transferred to OTC, she is excited to bring her passion for guitar and what she learned at Drury to the classroom setting. Her biggest priority is making her studio a safe space for people to learn, grow, and fall in love with music.”

Instructor - Piano

Hello, my name is David Dilday. I have been playing piano since 2013. Music has always been a passion of mine. My family was very musical while I was growing up and I fell in love with it at a very young age. My parents started me in piano lessons when I was twelve and my love for music grew even more. Some of my inspirations have come from musicians such as Billy Joel, Josh Groban, and Jonathan Cain. I enjoy playing a variety of genres such as classical, jazz, rock, and blues. My goal with teaching piano is to help give my students the same type of love for music and to help them develop their skills on the instrument.

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Chance has been playing guitar for well over 10 years. He is proficient in Funk, Blues, Rock, and Jazz. Starting on Guitar, he later learned to play Bass, Piano, and Ukulele. He has performed in several venues across the Missouri area in bands as well as solo performances. He hopes to spread his passion for Music with students and looks forward to helping them find their musical path.

Instructor - Drums

Alex has had a passion for drumming from a young age, picking up the instrument at just 9 years old. Now with over 15 years of being a musician, he has gained a wealth of live playing experience ranging from playing services for his church, to gigs at local venues as a member of metal and alternative rock bands. Alex is excited to teach the next generation of drummers, and hopes to inspire his students to have just as much fun on the kit as he does!

Instructor - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Katherine has been playing clarinet and bass clarinet for over 13 years. During her high school years, she also learned flute, piccolo, contra clarinet, alto saxophone, and tenor saxophone. She has participated in numerous ensembles throughout the years including the Missouri State University Pride Marching Band, University Community Band, and Missouri State University Wind Symphony. Katherine obtained a degree in Music Business from Missouri State University. Since graduation, Katherine has married and started a family of her own. Music is such a big part of her life and she hopes to use her skills and knowledge to help developing musicians learn and thrive!

Instructor - French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone 

Jerry has been playing brass instruments for a decade now and is currently majoring in French horn performance at Missouri State University. In addition to his multiple accomplishments with the French horn including 1st chair in the Missouri All-State Band and playing in Missouri State's top ensembles, he has also made several accomplishments with trumpet and performed as lead trombone with the Kickapoo Jazz Band. Jerry not only hopes to share his passion for music with his students, but also inspire them to continue their musical journey beyond lessons. 

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Nick first picked up an electric guitar at age 11, and for 3 decades he has enjoyed creating music, jamming with friends, and teaching others to play. Along the way he has taken up electric bass, drums, mandolin, piano, and ukulele. Nick also works as a hospital chaplain for Freeman Health System, and is the father of five awesome children

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Zane Grimes fell in love with the guitar at 6 years old and hasn't stopped playing since. Comfortable with all genres especially country and rock, his favorite thing to teach would be the blues! When Zane isn't teaching you can find him playing out around the Joplin area as much as possible with his band. His favorite thing about teaching is the "lightbulb moment" when everything just clicks for the student.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Logan has been playing guitar and bass since 2014, and along the way, he has picked up some level of ability on several other instruments. He has a very strong music theory background due to completing all levels of college music theory courses from MSSU, this has led to his love of playing jazz. His other musical experiences have been playing in rock, punk, and folk/blues bands since high school, and he takes every opportunity to play with others and wants his students to feel that same draw towards music and performing. 

Instructor: Drums

Mason Baldridge is an artist from the Midwest Tri-State Area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. He was born in 1997 under Cherokee Nation Capital - Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, he began his musical journey at the age of 8. Mason is most well known for his 10 years of show experience with playing heavy double bass style music and impeccable timing behind the Drumset, but has also spent the last 7 years learning single bass pedal rudimental style of play as well.

Instructor - Guitar,Flute & Alt Sax

• Kevin D Johnson is a multi-instrumentalist with a diverse musical background. He holds a Bachelor of
  Music from Keene State College and a Master of Music from Portland State University. He has been
  featured as a classical guitarist aboard Royal Carribeans? Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.
  Before relocating to the Midwest in 2022 he was an active performer on electric guitar and saxophone
  throughout the Northeast. Students of Kevin have gone on to careers in performance, recording and
  audio production.

Instructor - Piano

William Schultz has been playing classical piano for 12 years and trumpet for 6 years, taking lessons throughout all his years of playing. With a focus on the technical aspects of playing and effective practice strategies, he aims to help students achieve a well-rounded mastery of their instruments. His objectives as a teacher are to give students the necessary tools to perform and understand music with confidence, precision, expressive depth, and freedom, so they can explore their musical interests and develop their skills.

Instructor - Piano

Ever since Kelsey could remember she loved music. But playing the piano was her favorite. She's been playing for 10 years, and has taken lessons for 9. She's very devoted to music, even singing in the choir at a college she attended. In addition to that, Kelsey loves spending time with her friends and family. And her new fiance ;) Kelsey is so excited to share her love for music with her new students. And as she says it "Anyone can be a musician!"

Instructor - Violin, Viola, Cello

Samuel began his music training right here in Joplin. He's thrilled to join the team that provided him with my first ever music books. He is even happier to continue the music legacy in Joplin. From the pit orchestra to the stage, Samuel has performed my viola at MSSU, PSU, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, and Joplin Little Theatre. 

In his free time, you can catch him singing choir at First Presbyterian Church just off Downtown.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Christian has had a love for music since he was born, and it shows. He has been writing, playing, and performing music since he was in junior high school and wants nothing more than to light the fire of music and passion in the soul of each of his students. He has been a mentor to the senior class of his alma matter's music program to prepare them for their annual modern band performance. His favorite thing about music is that there are no language barriers. 

Instructor - Guitar

I've been playing guitar for 12 years and failed a music theory class my first semester of college. That failure sparked a curiosity and love for music and music theory that hasn't gone out since. I found my roots and first love for guitar in hard rock and metal music but have since grown to love and appreciate all other genres of music and styles of guitar playing such as latin and flamenco guitar, jazz, classical music and hip hop. My biggest musical inspirations are Polyphia, Manual Gardner Fernandez and Plini.

Instructor - Piano, Voice

Ashley is a Missouri State University graduate with her Masters to teach vocal and instrumental music. She has performed internationally with the resort company Club Med for five years as a singer, dancer, and aerialist. Ashley is excited to be back in the Kansas City area, as the last time she lived in the area was back in 2015. She looks forward to helping others grow in their passion and skills.

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Matthew is 24 years old and has been playing guitar for 12 years! He got into guitar after hearing Kings of Leon and the Police as a kid. Matthew spent time in High School in band and started performing shows as much as possible. Some bands that are a major influence are Kings of leon, Pink Floyd, Rage against the Machine, John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix. My goal is to teach by learning songs that interest the students!

Instructor - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano

Steve Uffman has been teaching vocals, guitar, bass, ukulele, and piano lessons for the last 5 years. He grew up listening to his dad play guitar. He joined Men's Glee at K-State and then Central Standard, a local Kansas City Barber Shop group, winning a 3rd place medal at international competition. He currently plays in a band called Everybody's Sister. Coming from a vocal background he believes that if you can sing it you can play it. He provides a mix of classical instruction and learning music through songs you enjoy.

Instructor - Piano Voice

Carson Schmutzler has been playing piano for 14 years and professionally performing in jazz and classical gigs around the Kansas City metro area for the last 4 years. He graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in music with an emphasis in piano performance. He enjoys all genres of music and teaches and plays Worship, Jazz, Metal, Classical, and many more. He has taught students ranging from 5 to 65 and has a heart for people who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn music.

Instructor (Remote Only) - Guitar, Trumpet

Currently the only Suzuki guitar teacher in the St. Louis area. Certified in Books 1-3.

Post-graduate certification in the Advanced Studies Program: Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Master’s degree in Classic Guitar Performance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; honors included a Competitive Graduate Award.

Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish Literature, Music Theory and Composition and Guitar Performance at SIUE.

Ten years of study in Barcelona, Spain including: classic guitar, music theory, sight singing, Spanish language, printmaking, figure drawing, color theory, graphic design, and studio art. Private guitar study with Eduardo Sainz de la Maza and Maria Luisa Anido plus master classes with José Tomás and Emilio Pujol.

Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and English Literature at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Instructor - Guitar

Bill Davis is one of our long-standing instructors, passing his 15-year anniversary with us in 2021. A very versatile musician and teacher of all guitar styles, he studied music and jazz studies. When not teaching at Ernie Williamson Music, Bill can be seen tearing up the St. Louis music scene with his band Unifyah. A great guy!

Please Note: The monthly rate for lessons with Bill Davis is $109

Instructor - Guitar, Ukulele

Ben DeClue has been playing guitar for over a decade, and he also plays bass guitar, ukulele, and piano. He is heavily influenced by progressive metal, jazz, punk, and ska. He graduated with an associate degree from St. Louis Community College in May of 2019. After having studied music theory at STLCC, he has spent much time exploring the topics of extended harmony and mode mixture on his own in efforts to completely understand what exactly makes jazz and R&B music so magical and dreamy.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Harmonica

Mario has been playing guitar since 1973. He plays a variety of styles. He studied classical form for two years with John Grimes. Music has always been an integral part of Mario ‘s life. Mandolin and harmonica are also on Mario‘s repertoire. He looks forward to interacting with students and helping them achieve their musical goals!

Instructor - Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Sax)

Music is such a big important part of Mia’s life. Mia has been playing the flute since 2015, and then moved on to play saxophone and baritone. She graduated from Eureka High School and is currently attending St. Louis Community College. When she's not practicing music or teaching others, you can often find Mia outside working color guard. Mia is looking forward to helping you get started or advancing on your instrument!

Instructor - Guitar, Piano, Voice, Clarinet, Ukulele

Brianna Bundy graduated from East Central College with an Associates of Arts degree in Music. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Science degree in Music Therapy. Brianna is proficient in clarinet, guitar, piano, and voice. Music is a great passion of her’s, as well as seeing progress in her students. Outside of teaching, you may find Brianna hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Piano

Hans Mohr is a graduate of Lindenwood University with a BA in Music Business. Born and raised in St. Louis he is a multi-instrumentalist with piano being his primary instrument. Hans also teaches guitar and bass. Jazz piano is his musical passion, but can play and teach multiple genres. He runs and coaches cross-country running, as well as records music.

Instructor - Guitar, Piano, Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Horn

Ashley McFarland is a Music Therapy student at Maryville University, and has her associates degree in music from Jefferson College. She plays a wide variety of instruments that she has learned in her last 12 years as a musician. These instruments include: flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, guitar, and piano!

Instructor - Drums

Skye Terrell has spent 11 years studying drums and percussion, and has spent many years polishing his craft. Having studied at Webster University, he has experience in every area of percussion - not limited to the drumset, he plays concert percussion, mallet percussion, and hand percussion.  Though his primary instrument is the drumset, he has a passion and a love for every single musical instrument under the sun, and is willing to teach just about everything he knows to help you appreciate it just as much as he does.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Voice

Empowering the next (& current) gen of Gourmet Musicians to cook the most delicious sounds anyone has ever tasted by mastering the mind, Alex engages with students to bring out their music from within.

Instructor - Guitar

Noah is a skilled and versatile guitarist with a passion for music. He has been recognized as one of the best young guitarists in the state of Missouri, having been named the Missouri high school all-state jazz guitarist twice and a Missouri high school all-district jazz guitarist four times. He has honed his craft from a very young age, playing gigs in a variety of styles ranging from blues, rock, pop, jazz and acoustic since he was around the age of 12. He plans on attending Webster University and pursuing a music degree to further his music career. 

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Piano

Merrick has 15 years worth of guitar, bass and piano experience in bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles. Since graduating with a B.M. in music composition and performance from UMSL in 2022, he’s taught in a wide variety of genres and styles, suited to each students’ needs.

Instructor - Guitar

Kyle Dean is a self taught multi-instrumentalist who is a passionate guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. He's been playing guitar since he was 13 years old, and has many musical accolades such as becoming an all state musician, the lead guitarist of Lafayette Highschool's top band, and a recipient of a music/academic scholarship to Webster University. Kyle is currently attending Webster to study audio engineering and music. 

Instructor - Guitar, Piano

Ben Stafford is a music enthusiast who's been playing music for as long as he can remember. His instruments are guitar and piano. He brings a relaxed and enjoyable vibe to teaching music, making it accessible for everyone. Beyond his musical passion, he is a proud father, who loves road trips, and spending time outdoors in the garden.

Instructor - Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
 

Caitlyn Morgan is a Music Therapy student at Maryville University. She has been playing the piano for over 10 years, and also has skills in guitar and ukulele. She was raised from a musically inclined family, which led her to pursue her passion in music, and she's looking forward to sharing that passion with you!

Instructor - Violin

Elizabeth (Liz) Zenk grew up in St. Louis and comes from a musical family. A graduate 
of the St. Louis Conservatory of Music (now part of Webster University) with a Bachelor 
of Music in Violin Performance, she has continued to perform throughout St. Louis and 
Illinois as a freelance orchestral and quartet musician for classical concerts, wedding, and 
touring professional pop musicians. Liz recently retired from working almost 20 years in 
the Rockwood School District in several capacities, which included working with 
students in libraries, supporting the Fine Arts Coordinator and even as a substitute strings 
teacher for K-12. She is excited to begin sharing her love of violin with students who are 
wanting to explore and expand their talents!

Instructor - Guitar, Piano 

Alex Shine is a dedicated and passionate music teacher with a lifelong love for music. Alex's musical journey began at the young age of 5, when he first started playing the 
piano. By the age of 10, he had picked up the guitar, and since then, his love for music has only grown.
 
He specializes in a diverse range of genres, including blues, rock, singer/songwriter music, and much more. Throughout Alex's career, he has played in various 
ensembles such as jazz bands, orchestras, and numerous other bands, each experience enriching my musical expertise and versatility.  In addition to piano and guitar, he have also played several other instruments, including the violin, trumpet, and mandolin. This broad skill set allows him to bring a unique and comprehensive approach to his teaching. 

Every day, Alex is grateful for the opportunity to share the joy of music with his students, inspiring them to discover their own musical paths. I believe that music has the power to transform lives, and he is committed to nurturing each student's love for music in a fun and engaging way.

Instructor - Drums

Pat is very excited to bring his six decades of ?real world? drumming experience to Ernie Williamson Music! His experience includes garage band rock, country, praise and worship, a stint with the Southeast Missouri State University Jazz band, and blues with his current band The Blue Moon Blues Band! Pat is well versed to mentor and inspire drummers of all ages. Let's have some fun!!!