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

DR. SYDNEY HORNER - Flute

Sydney Horner is a Kansas City based flutist and performer. In the spring of 2021, Sydney graduated with her Bachelor of Music in flute performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied with Erika Boysen. During her time at UNCG, Sydney was a member of the university wind ensemble, symphonic band and flute choir. Sydney spent many consecutive semesters as principal in the symphonic band. She was also part of the flute choir that traveled to Virginia in 2020 to perform at the Mid Atlantic Flute Fair. Sydney attended the Aria International Academy in the summer of 2019 where she studied with Judith Mendenhall and Donna Shin. Sydney was also a finalist in the UNCSA woodwind competition in 2019. In the fall of 2020, Sydney was selected to present her research paper on Women in the Musical Canon at the university honors symposium.

Passionate about education, Sydney has worked with the Maiden High School band flute sections. She has also given private lessons to the students, some of which have participated in the all - district band. In addition to teaching lessons, Sydney has also been a counselor for the UNCG summer music camp where she was responsible for coaching flute sectionals. Sydney is also a member of the professional music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She remains involved as an alumnus and was head of the alumni committee during her time in the chapter. In spring of 2023, Sydney graduated with her Master of Music in performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying with Tadeo Coelho. Currently, Sydney is pursuing her Doctor of Music from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

ELENA STRAUS - Flute

Elena Straus is a Kansas City based flutist, performer, and educator. In the spring of 2026, Elena graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Music Performance, and studied with Dr. Daniel Velasco. Elena began teaching students privately in the fall of 2019, and has continued to do so to the present. Elena prides herself on emphasizing the importance of creative learning. She ensures that her students fulfill their own personal goals, by any means necessary. She also makes sure to always keep the storytelling aspect of music alive in what her students are playing, at any level. Our job as musicians is to tell the story on the page through music!

In the summer of 2021, she participated in the MAMA Solo Virtuoso competition, and won superior performance. She has also participated in summer programs like Rocky Ridge, in Estes, Colorado. This program is designed for musicians to learn how to work together in chamber settings, and assisted her greatly in practicing creative learning, and trying things outside of the traditional “box”.

Elena Straus believes greatly that every student is different, and brings their own sets of unique talents, abilities, and challenges. She always strives to keep that uniqueness in every student, and to always end lessons in a way that leaves students feeling inspired and uplifted.

PAUL BORCHERDING - Flute & Clarinet

Paul Borcherding is a Kansas City-based band director, flutist, and music educator. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Washburn University in 2022, where he performed in the university band, orchestra, marching band, and wind ensemble, most notably at the 2022 CBDNA Southwestern Division Conference in Waco, Texas.

Paul offers flute lessons for students from beginning to advanced levels, and clarinet lessons from beginning to intermediate levels. He currently teaches 4th, 5th, & 6th grade band in the Kansas City Public Schools, where he is known for his energetic, student-centered approach and ability to make music both fun and meaningful for young musicians.

Paul believes that every student brings their unique strengths, challenges, and goals to the lesson space. He tailors his instruction to each individual, with the goal of not only developing strong musicianship but also encouraging creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.

In addition to flute and clarinet, Paul has experience with a wide range of instruments and enjoys helping students explore their full musical potential. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, Paul is excited to guide you on your musical journey.

DARIAN ANGEL - Clarinet

Darian's video coming soon!

Darian Angel is a rising Clarinetist dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Darian is in pursuit of his Master's degree and studies Clarinet Performance at UMKC with esteemed professor Jane Carl. Three years ago, he taught his first student and quickly began to fall in love with teaching. “Seeing students grow each week, with the smiles and radiant energy they portray when they've gotten something right, is what music-making is all about.” Darian likes to keep lessons engaging and focused in the studio while advocating for activities outside of music to promote a good balance. He believes life outside of the practice room is just as important for learning music effectively. Most notably, Darian won the Sidney Forrest Clarinet Competition and was a national finalist for MTNA in 2024.

JEFF ACHESON - Saxophone & Clarinet

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.

KAITLIN MCFADDEN - Clarinet & Saxophone

ZOIE ROWE - Clarinet & Beginning Saxophone

Hi! My name is Zoie Rowe, and I am a master's student at the UMKC Conservatory. I recently graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Performer's Certificate. While clarinet is my primary instrument, I played bass clarinet in high school and a mixture of alto/tenor saxophone throughout college in both concert and jazz band settings.

The one thing I know after being a musician for 13 years is that I am still learning every day. As someone who loves to laugh, I believe that lessons should always have a light atmosphere of collaboration between student and teacher. It is important to me to include all aspects of music education, such as theory and history, for a well-rounded experience. I cannot wait to set up my instrument and play alongside these future musicians.

MITCHELL SIDDEN - Clarinet

Mitchell Sidden is a musician from Liberty, Missouri with degrees in clarinet performance from the University of Missouri Columbia (BM) and the University of North Texas (MM). As a teacher, their aim is to guide students to their personal musical goals, particularly with a focus of thinking and conversing deeply about music, focusing on theory and tasteful embellishment. Mitchell has been recognized in two concerto competitions, winning the 2018 Northland Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition performing Crusell's clarinet concerto no.2, as well as the 2023 Mizzou Concerto Competition performing Stamitz' third Concerto for Clarinet. Mitchell is heavily invested in historical music, and the ways that recreated instruments and historically informed performance can guide and enhance theirs and their students’ performances.

CJ STRATHMAN - Trumpet

CJ Strathman is a trumpet performer and educator from Higginsville, Missouri. She recently graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor's of Music in Trumpet Performance. While at UCM, she performed in the university's top ensembles. She also co-founded the UCM Brass Quintet and Salsa Band. CJ plans to pursue a Masters of Trumpet Performance at UMKC.

JACKSON BROADWATER - Trumpet

Jackson Broadwater is a student and performer of a diverse variety of music. Though he holds a degree in jazz performance from UMKC, he has spent the last 8 years studying and performing Mexican folk music. As an educator, Jackson believes in fostering the love of music already present within a student. Through pedagogy then the student can then be given the tools, resources and guidance to make their relationship with their instrument and music into whatever they might want it to be.

CRISTAN STEWART - Violin & Viola

I am Cristan Stewart, and I am a violinist and violist. I have played violin for 16 years and viola for 7 years with a Bachelors of Music from Belhaven University in violin performance and music composition. I have performed with South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, as well as some community symphonies in the Mississippi area.

Music has really brought me out of my shell over the years, and it has given me life long friends that I cherish dearly! I have taught private lessons for 8 years, and across that time, I have found I enjoy to watch the excitement of music develop in students as they explore their interests, talents, and strengths. As I instruct, I hope to teach not only the technics to learning the instrument, but the ways in which we can express ourselves through that gift. I believe that music is a wonderful means for self expression, growth in relationships, and also growth in confidence as an individual. I believe we were all meant to create, and I hope to inspire my students to explore the possibilities!

HUI JIN - Violin & Viola

Hui Jin is a doctoral student at UMKC conservatory and she is also a recipient of Concertmaster Fellowship at UMKC. In April, 2019, Hui Jin accepted a president scholarship to pursue her master degree in violin performance with Professor Wen Qian who is the assistant concertmaster at Metropolitan Opera teaches in the Mannes School of Music in New York. Shortly afterwards, she attended the Mannes Sound Festival and made her American debut at the Steinway Hall in New York. Her performance was well received by the audience.

I believe that music education should be an inspiring and enjoyable experience. I am dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to explore, take risks, and express themselves. Whether you're interested in classical, pop or contemporary music, I am committed to helping you discover your unique musical voice and achieve your personal best. we'll have a blast hitting the right notes and laughing at the wrong ones!

LIORA MCCOY - Violin

Liora's video coming soon!

A native Kansan, Liora has always been captivated and inspired by the beauty of music. Since she first began in 5th grade through her school’s music program, Liora knew she wanted violin to be a life-long devotion, leading her to many KMEA accolades in high school, as well as pursuing a degree in violin performance from KU. From her experience in leading local orchestras as concertmistress to guiding family members and students on their musical journeys, Liora is always looking for ways to give back to the community that’s given her so much.

Liora adopts a unique approach to every student, constantly evolving her pedagogy to support every musical goal, including classical, pop, jazz, and more. By blending many methods and working on a student-by-student basis, Liora ensures that each student finds joy in progress, and motivation in their musical journeys.

CARLOS IBARRA - Percussion

Carlos Ibarra has been teaching and performing a wide range of percussion instruments for over ten years, with experience across Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Kansas. He earned his Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Oklahoma, and ever since he could remember, he's been passionate about sharing what he's learned with others.

Carlos's approach to teaching goes beyond just playing notes — he believes music is a powerful tool for teaching life lessons. Whether it's learning discipline, building confidence, or developing creativity, his goal is to help students grow not just as musicians, but as people. He works hard to create a fun, supportive environment where students feel encouraged to express themselves, enjoy their instrument, and keep striving to become the best version of themselves, both on and off the stage.

ALEX KARST - Percussion

Alex Karst is a professional percussionist, educator, and composer based in the KC area. With a Bachelor's in Music Performance from Truman State University, Alex regularly performs with the KC Chiefs Drumline, rock bands, and jazz groups around the city. Growing up with parents that are teachers, education has always been at the forefront of his life. You can find Alex teaching many marching bands throughout the state to a diverse range of students. He strives to create a warm atmosphere for students while also helping them reach their full potential.

KATRINA JACKSON - Piano

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.

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.

AIDAN MURROW - Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin

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.

BRIAN FRANTZ - Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele

Brian’s musical journey began before birth, listening to his mother practice Bach and Mozart on piano. Growing up around her teaching studio, he absorbed music naturally, later starting on trumpet before discovering his passion for guitar in 6th grade.

After graduating high school early, Brian studied classical guitar at the UMKC Conservatory and explored North Indian classical music through the Ali Akbar Khan School of Music.

An experienced performer across rock, blues, and fusion, Brian also plays sitar and other Indian instruments. He specializes in helping students—from beginners to advanced—develop strong musical foundations, creativity, and a confident, personal voice through improvisation.