Our Guitar & Percussion Instructors

Thomas Nelson has an extensive background in music, including four years at Paseo Academy of the Fine and Performing Arts and four years at the Conservatory of Music at UMKC. He has composed for many ensembles including the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and currently performs with many groups including his own ensemble, Prometheus Unbound, as well as groups such as the ERV Bolivian ensemble and Jus Marley. He has been teaching at REW Music since 2008.

Timothy Wilcox started playing rock guitar when he was 14 years old. His passion for the instrument led him to Drake University in Des Moines, where he majored in Music and studied classical guitar. This will be his 5th year teaching at REW Music, and he looks forward to helping other people bring out their musical side.

Lauren Anderson teaches voice, piano, guitar and mandolin at R.E.W. Music. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice, a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy and is currently working at The University of Kansas Hospital on the Pediatric Unit in addition to teaching at R.E.W. Music. In her free time she also runs an Open Mic Night at a local coffee shop and is in a band that plays at local venues.

Scott Conner earned a Master's degree in Horn Performance from UMKC in 2009, and a Bachelor's degree in Horn Performance from Pittsburg State University in 2005. His training in brass and years of experience on the instrument allow him to teach trumpet as well as horn. Also among instruments Scott teaches are electric bass and upright bass. He is proficient in various styles on bass including jazz and classical music.

Eric Steck has been a drummer percussionist for over 25 years and studied in the field of Film Composition/Performance while attending the prestigious Henry Mancini Institute hosted at UCLA. He moved back to KC three years ago and is currently producing a film documentary on the tragedy in Joplin, Mo. while teaching and has currently begun performing with the KU concert band.

Jeff Shirley is originally from Liberty, MO. Jeff has been playing guitar for 20 years. He started out playing finger-style/classical, then rock and then discovering jazz/fusion. He was in the Kansas City All-District Jazz Band in high school. He attended the prestigious University Of North Texas, where he received a Jazz Studies degree in jazz guitar performance. He plays around town with various groups at places like the historic Mutual Musicians Foundation and the Blue Room. He also produces computer-based music, combining jazz guitar sounds with electronic drums and keyboards.