Private Lessons
Aliyah S.

Aliyah S. is a proud Michigan native, music educator, and multi-disciplinary performer with
deep roots in Detroit’s vibrant music scene. She has graced the stage with the Detroit
Symphony Orchestra at the DSO and headlined iconic venues like the Music Hall and St.
Andrew’s Hall. Aliyah holds a B.M. in Voice and Music Technology from the University of
Michigan - Ann Arbor School of Music, Theater and Dance, where she studied under Dr.
Eugene Rogers, a GRAMMY-nominated and Emmy-winning conductor.
As a teacher, Aliyah’s mission is to build confident, expressive singers through a healthy,
sustainable vocal technique. She believes in balancing discipline with creativity, helping
students develop both technical skill and authentic artistry. Lessons are engaging and tailored to
each student's interests, blending classical foundation with contemporary styles like R&B, jazz,
pop and musical theatre.
Outside the studio, Aliyah is an active performer, choreographer, and creative producer. She
also enjoys playing in volleyball leagues and taking dance classes, constantly exploring new
ways to stay connected to rhythm, movement, and community.
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Ashley B.

Ashley B. is a young, energetic and passionate teacher of voice. She graduated with her degree in Vocal Performance (an opera concentration) in 2023 and has been making music since! She is a firm believer in teaching as a learner, knowing that making music is always a learning experience. She loves to make music and is excited to explore and learn with future students!
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Friday at Berkley Arts Academy
Saturday at Berkley Arts Academy
Austin O.

Austin's musical journey began at eight with a bass guitar, launching a multi-decade exploration across numerous instruments, styles, and techniques. By fourteen, he was playing paid gigs, from local bars to Ford Field. While rooted in rock and metal guitar, his current playing incorporates jazz, country, R&B, fusion, and more, though he remains a "shredder" at heart. For the past few years, Austin has also been teaching privately and with the Detroit public school system. Beyond music, Austin is a visual artist, having studied Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design and having his artwork published. He believes creative expression fosters innovation and adaptability in all aspects of life.
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Wednesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Thursday at Berkley Arts Academy
Friday at Berkley Arts Academy
James D

James D. began playing at age three, and tours nationally and internationally with various artists. A graduate of Oakland University (Music Performance) and current Master's student (Music Education/World Percussion), he performs in diverse styles and teaches drum set and marching percussion. When he's not immersed in music, James enjoys golfing, watching professional sports, playing video games, binge-watching Netflix, and indulging in his favorite meal from Chipotle.
Monday at Berkley Arts Academy
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Mike T.

Mike T. is a graduate of McNally Smith College of Music with a bachelor's degree in guitar performance. He has been teaching students of all ages and skill levels for 15 years and loves helping people reach their musical goals. He has performed a variety of styles of music while playing on cruise ships and in Detroit area cover bands. His favorite types of music are rock, jazz, blues, and funk. When he isn't playing music or teaching, Mike enjoys bicycling, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with his wife, Katy, and their dog, Willie.
Monday at Berkley Arts Academy
Sean C.
Wednesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Sean M.

Sean M is a passionate and versatile music educator who brings over a decade of live performance experience and three years of dedicated teaching to students of all ages. He has worked with young beginners as well as adults, teaching guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele in a fun, approachable way designed to build confidence and creativity.
In addition to his teaching career, Sean has performed as a solo looping artist throughout Metro Detroit for over 10 years, blending guitar, bass, synthesizers, drums, and vocals into dynamic one-man-band performances. He has been a resident musician at the Village of Rochester Hills for the past five years, entertaining diverse audiences with both original songs and pop covers from the 1980s to today.
Sean holds degrees from Oakland Community College, where he excelled in music theory and piano, and from Oakland University, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design while studying guitar under Professor Bret Hoag. His well-rounded background fuels his passion for helping students grow both musically and creatively.
Sean’s teaching is also informed by his experience working for over five years in early childhood education, giving him a patient and nurturing approach with younger students. Additionally, his personal commitment to self-development includes training through Tony Robbins’ programs, where he cultivated strong leadership and communication skills. He brings this positive mindset into his lessons, helping students of all backgrounds discover and fulfill their musical potential.
Sean believes in meeting students where they are and encouraging progress through supportive and personalized instruction. As Tony Robbins says, “Progress equals happiness.” Sean’s mission is to make learning music an exciting and fulfilling journey for every student.
Monday at Berkley Arts Academy
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Taylen A.

Taylen A. is a passionate violinist with 13 years of playing experience, known for blending classical training with a love for modern genres. She has performed with several ensembles, most notably the University of Toledo Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Sylvania Community Orchestra and the Parkland Community Orchestra. With a deep appreciation for classical music, pop punk, video game soundtracks, and film scores, she brings a unique and inspiring energy to every lesson. Her student-centered approach encourages players to explore the music they love while building solid technical foundations. Above all, Taylen believes music is a powerful way to connect people and create lasting joy. Through personalized, engaging instruction, she strives to help each student develop not just skill, but a lifelong love of music just as it has been for her.
Monday at Berkley Arts Academy
Friday at Berkley Arts Academy
Jeff M.

Jeff M. has been a guitar, electric bass, upright bass, and ukulele instructor since 2003.
Jeff has a BM from the Berklee College of Music and a MA from New York University. Jeff has
been involved in the music business for over 30 years and has had a variety of experiences that
include: recording, performing, touring the U.S. and Europe, jingle writing, music editing, film
scoring and composing. He composed music jingles for advertising and was a music editor for
the animated series "Pokemon".
As a teacher Jeff’s goal is to help his students reach their full potential as musicians and help
them find their own musical identity while having fun in a relaxed positive environment.
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Sean D

Sean D. has grown a love for teaching and performing music. He has taught music for 4 years at several academies including Grosse Pointe Music Academy and Guitar Center, and before that was a lead mentor at School of Rock for 6 years. He has been playing the guitar and bass for 11 years and the piano for 7 years. He will give insight on how to make playing your instrument easier, and tries to make sure every student walks out comfortable with what they learned. He hopes to bring more new people into playing music!
Monday at Berkley Arts Academy
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Wednesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Sunday at Berkley Arts Academy
Daniel B.

Daniel B. is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, has performed in touring bands and as a classical soloist. With degrees in Guitar Performance and Music Education from Oakland University, he has over 20 years of playing and 15 years of teaching experience. He offers customized lessons on a wide range of instruments and music production, emphasizing a holistic, student-centered approach.
Tuesday at Berkley Arts Academy
Thane H.

Thane H. has nine years of experience playing piano, producing music, and DJing. He studied music production/audio engineering at Soundscape Recording Studio and Wayne State University, and piano with DSO pianist Robert Conway. He's taught music privately for three years (longer informally), including two years at the Center for Performance Arts and Learning. As Thane of Earth, he produces electronic dance music, has released music on the WiddFam label, and recently performed at two festivals. He also produces hip hop for Detroit artists. Outside of music, Thane enjoys history, gardening, gaming, and nature. He plans to continue teaching, releasing music, and performing.
No timeslots available at the moment.
Lily H

Lily H. has been surrounded by music her whole life, and would love to share what she's learned through her own musical journey with you! She knows that music is a lifelong passion for so many, and she is excited to nurture that passion for her students. Lily is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education and Performance at Oakland University; teaching since 2018 and performing in various orchestras since 2013. In violin and viola lessons, Lily utilizes various materials such as Suzuki, Essential Elements, and more, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education focusing on fundamentals and technique. Along with these methods, she gives her students the choice to select pieces that they are interested in learning. She motivates students by providing encouragement, feedback, and celebrating when they reach their goals! If you're looking for an instructor with contagious enthusiasm, and a love for all things music, look no further than Lily Holifield! With her as your guide, you will go far!