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Christina M. loves to play the guitar, sing, write songs, and play piano. She has been writing music since she was five, and she has led worship and sung in the choir at her church since she was 8. She is well-versed in music theory due to over 7 years of teaching at The School of Music at Wayne State. Christina desires to pass on the gift of music to others. Christina is a self-taught producer and recording artist who releases her music under her artist name "Steena". Christina graduated with her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology in December 2024 and is currently a Master's Student at Moody Theological Seminary. getting her degree in Christian Counseling to eventually be a therapist. Christina loves boba and trying out new restaurants with her friends.

Jake M. is a professional and versatile drummer known for his technical skill and engaging stage presence. Starting at age 10, Jake's passion for drumming quickly developed, leading him to a career performing professionally since he was 16. In 2017, he earned a BA in Music from Wayne State University, concentrating in music business and jazz drum set. Jake has performed with a variety of artists and explored diverse genres, from the high energy of rock and metal to the delicate complexities of jazz and classical music. He has also been a featured guest on the Detroit Drummer's Podcast and was a finalist in the 2025 The Loving Touch “Beat Off” Drum Contest.

Jake performs regularly with bands throughout the Metro-Detroit area and works as a touring and session musician, recording for artists on albums associated with labels like Mack Avenue Records. As an entrepreneur, he owns and operates Jake Matthews Drums, a business specializing in custom cymbal repair and modification. In addition to his busy performance and business schedule, Jake is a dedicated music educator who provides private lessons. He draws influence from legendary drummers like Travis Barker, John Bonham, Luke Holland, and Brian Blade.

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.

Kevin S. brings a wealth of experience and passion to Berkley Arts Academy, holding a Master of Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor's from Michigan State University, where he received the Ellis Family Endowment. With extensive teaching experience in Farmington and Wayne-Westland Public Schools (grades 6-12 band, orchestra, choir, and drama), and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at EMU, Kevin has nurtured countless young musicians. Beyond the classroom, he's an active freelance trumpet musician, published arranger, and guest clinician, having performed with numerous prominent brass bands and ensembles across Metro Detroit. At Berkley Arts Academy, Kevin is excited to teach beginning through advanced brass, beginning woodwinds and strings, as well as guitar, bass, piano, and voice, eager to share his comprehensive musical background and inspire students.

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.

Neal L. has been teaching music since 2013 and has guided over 100 students throughout his career. His students have gone on to pursue successful careers in music, attend top music schools, or develop a lifelong passion for playing, bringing joy and creativity into their everyday lives. In his early playing days, Neal earned four AGM All-Around Guitarist Awards and spent many years performing as a sideman. Today, he plays full-time with a successful Americana band and remains deeply committed to his own musical growth. He currently studies guitar with renowned Nashville session player Guthrie Trapp and continues vocal training with Detroit blues legend Tosha Owens. Neal brings a wide range of influences to his teaching — from rock, blues, and country to folk, bluegrass, Americana, and even metal. His well-rounded, real-world experience gives students a practical and inspiring foundation in both technique and expression. Above all, Neal believes in the power of music to connect generations and enrich lives. Whether you're looking to pursue music professionally or just want to enjoy playing for fun, he’s passionate about helping you or your student reach your goals.

Nicole K. brings with her 16 years of musical experience including 16 years of cello, 6 years of violin, and 4 years of piano, occasionally playing for gigs and events. She recently moved to the Detroit Metro area after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. She specializes in teaching classical music as well as contemporary pop, her favorite being contemporary worship music. Outside of teaching, Nicole loves being outdoors, traveling, and exploring the Metro area. Her teaching philosophy is to instill a lifelong love and appreciation of music in all her students, whether it blooms into grade-school orchestra, professional playing, or a fun hobby to carry with them.

Niko M. is a music teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in a mix of one-on-one, group, and classroom settings. He holds a BA in Music Education and an MM in Percussion Performance. He began his teaching career in Michigan, then spent 2 years teaching in Alabama before returning to his native state. Currently he teaches middle school band and orchestra in Westland, MI.

Niko has studied many styles of percussion including drumset, classical/orchestral, Afro-Cuban, East & West African, Caribbean, marching, and contemporary. He is excited to help students find their unique percussive voice and grow as musicians and citizens.

Savannah M. is a dedicated music educator, vocalist, and pianist who has been immersed in music since childhood, beginning as a singer in church, a competitive vocalist and pianist, and later as a performer in musical theatre productions. She is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Music Education with a minor in Musical Theatre at Wayne State University, where she also serves as Vice President of the NAfME Collegiate chapter and holds multiple leadership roles within the music department. Savannah brings much experience from teaching in classrooms and camps, leading choirs, and performing as a hired vocalist. Outside of teaching, Savannah is a passionate visual artist and painter, advocate for fitness and self care, and a big sports fan—especially of the WNBA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Kiyah M. began playing piano at age nine, taking private lessons. Even as a child, music was a big part of her life; she was in her middle school choir and glee club and grew up in a musical family. The piano came naturally to her, and she is an expert at sight-reading.

After switching her major to music in college, Kiyah deepened her passion by learning more about ear-training techniques, music theory, and vocal exercises. During this time, she also explored voice and joined her college choir, the Farmington Chorus.

Piano and voice have been a significant part of Kiyah's life, and three years ago, when she started teaching, she realized that sharing the joy of music with others was what she wanted to do. She has participated in showcase performances and music camps and plans to eventually start her own private lesson business.

After earning her associate's degree in music from Oakland Community College in May 2025, Kiyah is now equipped to teach others how to properly learn piano and voice. Outside of music, she is the oldest of two sisters and enjoys spending her free time with them, whether it’s playing board games or going to the park.