REW Music has a long standing tradition with Music Education excellence. We take pride in the success our teachers have with teaching students the fine art of making music and being successful on their instrument. Our students perform with top marks are area and state festivals and competition because our teaching staff is the most qualified in the city! Our instructors are top rated in the Kansas City area! We offer lessons on site at either of our convenient locations in Lenexa, KS and Olathe, KS.
Meet our instructors below!
Click on your instrument family shortcut to jump to those instructors:
WOODWIND - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, English Horn
BRASS - Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba
ORCHESTRA - Violin, Viola, Cello
PERCUSSION
PIANO
GUITAR - Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Ukulele
EMILY BOSCHEN - Flute
Emily Boschen is currently a master's student at the UMKC Conservatory. She recently graduated from West Texas A&M University with her Bachelor of Music in Performance and Education. During her career, Emily has participated in multiple ensembles such as band, orchestra, marching band, woodwind quintets, and other various chamber ensembles. She has been a finalist in multiple concerto competitions and most recently won First Prize in the St. Louis Flute Society Young Artist Competition.
Emily has taught privately for over seven years to students ranging from beginners all the way up to college level. She believes the turning point in her flute playing was when she started taking lessons in the 7th grade. Learning a musical instrument is beneficial for anyone at any age and Emily believes in teaching her students strong fundamentals while also having fun with their craft.
REW Music is actively seeking qualified oboe & English horn instructors
Kaitlin McFadden: Clarinet
Kaitlin McFadden: Saxophone
Hi, I’m Kaitlin McFadden and I’ve been playing the clarinet for the past 15 years and the saxophone for 9. To say that music changed my life sounds dramatic, but it’s true! Being a musician for most of my life has helped me to form friendships and bonds that I know will last a lifetime. I graduated from Friends University of Wichita, KS in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and am returning to school for my Masters of Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. My whole life I’ve felt called to help those around me, and given my passion for music, I wanted to find a way to combine those two things. I am so excited to be teaching private lessons with REW music and look forward to sharing the joys of music with my students.
Tim Timmons: Saxophone
Tim Timmons: Clarinet
TIM TIMMONS is a professor emeritus at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance where he served as professor of saxophone, Division Chair, Associate Dean and an Olson Professor. He has performed many times with the Kansas City Symphony (including their Grammy Award winning recording of Benjamin Britten), Lyric Opera, and Kansas City Ballet. He has performed throughout Europe and the United States as a soloist and clinician. He has premiered and recorded works written especially for him by major composers. His students hold positions at universities and in top military service bands. I try to get to know the goals of each student and the family. I strive to give each student the embouchure and technical skills needed to meet goals and perform the music that is interesting to them. I find it important to challenge each student with goals that they will be able to obtain and create confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
Music is fun! When I started playing the saxophone at the age of 10, my instructor inspired me to learn many different styles of music and to learn in many different ways. 37 years later, I still have the passion that was instilled into me from my musical experiences. It is my ultimate goal to teach all of my students to love music and be as successful as they can be.
Hi! My name is Michael, and I recently graduated with my MM from the University of Wyoming. I love to share my passion for both jazz and classical music with my students, and strive to instill that passion through collaboration and interaction. I make a priority to learn my students personal goals, and find a clear path to help them achieve those goals through collaboration and individual practice.
Nick's video coming soon!
Nick Hmeljak is a trumpeter based in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, and was an active member of the Nashville, TN music scene. He also taught at Siegel High School serving as the visual caption head of their marching band, director of the jazz ensemble, and giving private lessons to brass students as needed. Though he specializes in jazz and improvisation, he has experience playing in a multitude of musical settings and genres including chamber groups, wedding bands, orchestras, salsa bands, marching bands, musicals, and wind ensembles. Nick believes in building a personal relationship with each student, and discovering what teaching methods best serve them to ensure sustainable and efficient musical and personal growth. He is currently on the visual design team for Shawnee Mission South's marching band, and gives clinics for high school jazz ensembles in the Kansas City area. Nick is also an active member of the Kansas City music scene as both a bandleader and sideman, and is an alum of the Blue Devils, Bluecoats, and Troopers drum and bugle corps.
Hello! My name is Tyler Fries. I proudly teach all things trumpet here at REW Music. I have been playing the trumpet for over 13 years. Thanks to those years of determination and practice, I just recently graduated (May 2023) with my bachelor's degree in music education from Pittsburg State University. Throughout my tenure I have played in a professional jazz band, competed in the national trumpet competition, and have won numerous awards for excellence in both performance and education. I can't wait to work with anyone who has a fascination with weird pieces of metal that make sound.
Emren Akdamar is a first year Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in trombone performance at the University of Kansas, where he studies under Dr. Michael Davidson and works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the KU School of Music. He has been playing trombone for 13 years. Originally from Arkansas, Emren holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Henderson State University, where he studied trombone with Dr. Jamie Lipton. He is also a McNair Scholar alumnus. Recently, Emren earned his Master of Arts degree in trombone performance from Washington State University, having studied under Dr. Sarah Miller. Emren has performed with numerous ensembles and had the unique distinction of being named to intercollegiate honors groups for both band and choir. In recent summers, Emren has worked as a counselor and unit director at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. Emren aims to create an environment that makes learning fun and rewarding for his students in lessons.
When not playing the trombone or in class, he enjoys science fiction, video games, Lego, and 3D printing.
Jessica Payne is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas where she studies tuba and euphonium with Professor Scott Watson. Ms. Payne is very involved in the tradition of brass banding in North America and plays with several bands across the country, including the esteemed Athena Brass Band. Previous to starting at the University of Kansas, Jessica attended the University of Central Arkansas where she earned her Masters Degree in Euphonium Performance and served as the Euphonium Graduate Assistant to Dr. Gail Robertson and studied conducting with the Head Director of Bands, Dr. Michael Hancock. Ms. Payne earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Euphonium Performance from The University of Akron.
In her teaching career, Ms. Payne has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to collegiate music majors. Jessica creates a studio environment with a foundation of growth, achievement, education, and trust. Lessons are a safe place for students to explore the craft of performing and grow, not only as musicians, but as people.
As a performing artist, Jessica has toured with several brass bands, euphonium quartets, and as a soloist. In 2022, Ms. Payne performed a solo euphonium tour that took her to several colleges across Arkansas and Texas. In 2023, Ms. Payne performed a tour at local high schools and colleges in her home state of Ohio. Jessica is an advocate for new music for the tuba and euphonium and makes efforts to expand the repertoire with new works from diverse composers. As a composer and arranger, Ms. Payne enjoys writing for the tuba and euphonium as solo instruments and in chamber settings. She wants to write music that is accessible to all players in any setting, and as such, she usually composes for unaccompanied solo instruments or for solo instruments with electronic accompaniment.
Adrian's video coming soon!
A native South Floridian, Adrian Gutierrez, Jr. is currently a Doctoral of Musical Arts student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Having begun his musical journey later than others with no formal instruction until the age of eighteen, Adrian understands the meaning of "hard work and dedication". Adrian received his bachelor's and master's degrees at Florida International University where he also was allotted the opportunity to freelance throughout Florida and the United States. Having appeared on stage with Miami Symphony Orchestra, Orchid City Brass Band, "Quintetto X" (a brass quintet comprised of former members of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra), Duo-Gutierrez, The Florida Metropolitan Orchestra and Brass Quintet, The Villages Philharmonic, The Miami Classical Music Festival Mahler and Wagner institute, and The NorCal Music Festival, Adrian supports a very diverse musical background.
"If there is one thing that I am most grateful for during my journey as a musician thus far is all of the instruction that I have received." As a "late-bloomer" I understand the importance of having a supportive instructor that will challenge the student but also provide the student with all the necessary tools to be successful musician and person. All these skills are applicable to all areas in life, and it goes hand in hand with my personal life statement "Be 1% better than yesterday, and you are already making progress." If you are in search of an instructor that will help provide the building blocks to a solid foundation, and have fun while doing so, then I am your instructor!
Gerren's video coming soon!
Gerren Vincent is a performing arts specialist with 14 years of brass performance experience. He is proficient in trombone, baritone, tuba, bass trombone, and trumpet. He played jazz trombone and classical brass on music scholarships throughout his university days.
He is also a childhood development expert who has taught music and drama to children ages 2 through 14. With advanced training on childhood cognitive and emotional growth, not only is he able to communicate his instrumental expertise to young and beginning students, but he is an expert at making music fun through a dynamic positive learning model. Children who study under him feel motivated to continue their musical development long after they graduate from their schools.
Polina received her Bachelors of Music Education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. She is currently a K-5 Music teacher and Choral director in the Olathe School District. Polina has been teaching privately since 2017 and her main goal is to take each student's ability and to guide them to new horizons in terms of technique and knowledge about the vast world of music that's available to them. Her favorite pastimes are traveling and drawing.
DMITRII TULUPOV - Violin
Hello! My name is Dmitrii Tulupov. I am a violin instructor at REW, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in violin performance at UMKC Conservatory. I am also a laureate of international competitions and festivals. I have five years of teaching experience, working with both professional musicians and beginners. I have been playing the violin since the age of six, and I have a deep passion for my profession.
My goal is to introduce you to the wonderful world of music and help you learn how to play the violin. Music is something you can start learning at any age, and my approach is to make this process as exciting as possible. There are no strict limits in my lessons; we progress at a pace that suits the student's abilities. My teaching style emphasizes creativity and improvisation over strict rules. I aim to make music lessons your favorite hobby or profession, one that uncovers your inner world and allows you to truly enjoy the learning process.
BRANDON LAY - Violin & Beginning Viola (virtual lessons only)
Brandon picked up violin at a small fiddle shop at the age of nine and has been loving playing ever since. While attending grad school, he achieved his childhood dream of playing with his teachers in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Each of his teachers and professors has been deeply impactful, both personally and professionally, and Brandon wants to be able to give back the same way to his students. At the end of the day, music can be challenging, but is fun and rockable, hence why he has Shostakovich and Lizzo on the same playlist.
REW Music is actively seeking qualified Cello instructors
Briley is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Percussion Performance at UMKC. Holding a Bachelor's in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Briley takes advantage of a multitude of teaching styles to better understand and educate his students on an individual basis. He has been playing percussion for over 12 years, slowly honing his skill in order to instruct students in a fun and interactive way. Making music enjoyable for his students is the heart of Briley's vision, cultivating a studio that strives to spread joy, confidence, and ambition into every student.
Jacob Wrobel is a professional percussionist and educator from the KC area. With a Bachelor's in music education from K-State and a Master's in percussion performance from UMKC, he actively performs professionally with local ensembles while teaching private lessons through REW. He has experience teaching K-12 music and band in the Wichita, KS area and teaching post-secondary music through UMKC. Mr. Wrobel has a great love for music education and always strives to help his students discover, develop, and engage in their own passions.
Kristopher Ross Magee has been teaching music for over a decade and has lifelong experience in instruments ranging from piano and trombone to drums and bass guitar. He is a Berklee College of Music Alumnus with focuses in percussion and writing. His lessons focus on three major areas within percussion: technique, reading, and improvisation. "I aim to serve as a catalyst for a lifelong relationship between the student and music. I encourage the creation of musicians in effective, creative, and encouraging ways. In this, I actively assist in the finding of individuals’ lifelong musical paths."
Robert's video coming soon!
Robert Miller has been teaching music since he was a teenager. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education in Keyboard/Vocal Education from Wichita State University, he taught vocal music in public schools while offering in home piano lessons in the greater KC area from 2016 – 2020. From 2020-2023, Robert relocated to Austin, TX where he taught PreK-5 elementary music in the Pflugerville Independent School District.
Robert has a successful record with students of all ages, learning types, and styles. In addition to over a decade of piano teaching, he is an accomplished vocal teacher with nearly a decade of vocal pedagogy experience in public schools. Through his career, Robert has performed with the Wichita State Concert Chorale, Madrigals, and Wichita Symphony Orchestra Chorus. From 2021-2023, Robert last performed with Panoramic Voices in Austin, TX.
As a Kodaly trained educator, he plans his lessons with the belief that “To teach a child music, is to teach a child joy.”
KaTrina has been playing the piano since she was 5 years old. She grew up with a passion for the piano that continued despite many setbacks. Music became such a part of her that she performed in her local community, and got a minor in music at BYU where she continued to perform in choirs, perform the organ for her church congregation, and accompany her local church choir. She firmly believes in the power music has to change lives and believes that all students have unlimited potential. Because music has been so fundamental to her life, she wants to build that passion in her students and encourage them to find joy in music.
Hi! My name is Michael, and I recently graduated with my MM from the University of Wyoming. I love to share my passion for both jazz and classical music with my students, and strive to instill that passion through collaboration and interaction. I make a priority to learn my students personal goals, and find a clear path to help them achieve those goals through collaboration and individual practice.
TOM NELSON - Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Ukulele
Thomas M. Nelson is a guitarist and composer of contemporary music, born in Kansas City Missouri in 1978. Beginning music lessons at an early age, his formal music education comes from the Paseo Academy of the Fine and Performing Arts and the Conservatory at UMKC. Part of his education included his compositions performed by the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and an educational exchange in Capetown, South Africa. Thomas has been a teacher and performer for over 12 years. In that time, he has performed and taught in a variety of musical genres including classical, jazz, folk, country and rock. Thomas teaches his own method which includes an education in note reading, chords, basic theory and composition. He strives to import a skill set which provides a student with access to music of all genres and an enjoyment of music which can last for the students’ entire lifetime.
Meet Aidan Murrow
Aidan's Improvisation Tips & KMEA Audition Advice
Aidan Murrow is a jazz and classical guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri who fell in love with the guitar at the age of 9 after receiving the popular video game, Guitar Hero, as a Christmas gift. In a matter of weeks, Aidan had been gifted his first guitar after showing a keen interest in the instrument as well as a hunger for becoming a part of the welcoming community of musicians in St. Louis. Shortly after picking up the guitar, Aidan began gigging with a classic rock cover band that he formed with his closest classmates in middle school. It was in this group that Aidan discovered that he was born to share the joys of music with as many people as possible through the means of performing and teaching. Aidan has performed in many ensemble settings including the 2022 Broadway production of Mean Girls, the 2018 Jazz Band of America, a performance at the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival through the Berklee Global Jazz Workshop, and multiple All-State Jazz Ensembles. Aidan received his B.M. in Jazz Guitar Performance at the Eastman School of Music, studying under Bob Sneider. Through his experiences working with Bob Sneider, Aidan nurtured and further grew a passion for teaching and has taught students of all ages and skill levels for several years.
Michael Suriano is a Jazz guitarist who has been studying music since age ten and is now taking on the mantle as an REW guitar instructor from his former guitar teacher, Jeff Shirley, whom he studied under for half a decade. Although he started as a trumpet player, Michael became friends with a middle-school classmate who played rock music on the guitar. Inspired by his friend, Michael taught himself to play guitar and devoted countless hours to practicing after receiving his first guitar at age thirteen. After about a year of teaching himself, Michael found a teacher and his favorite genre of music, jazz. Influenced by his teacher, Jeff, Michael pushed himself even more to become a notable jazz guitarist who now studies under Grammy nominee Rodney Fleeman at Kansas City Kansas Community College and plays all around Kansas City, from restaurants to private events at the Folly Theatre for the likes of Tia Fuller and miss Deborah Brown. Michael's primary goals as an educator are to have fun with his students and inspire them to chase their musical dreams regardless of age or skill level.