Lessons

Lane Butler

Lane Butler has been playing upright and electric bass, as well as guitar, for the better part of a decade now. He is currently attending Central Michigan University studying bass performance.

He has played in many orchestras and bands, such as the Central Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the Jazz Central Jazz Band. He also plays in many different styles ranging from jazz and orchestral to punk and extreme metal.

Lane has also played professionally for many different musicals, including "RENT" and "Something Rotten."

Outside of gigging, teaching, and school, Lane is pursuing his own musical style by merging all of his influences into his own music.

Lane's focus in teaching is to help create a strong relationship with music by encouraging students to learn their favorite songs and diving into the technique and theory behind them.

Jordan Cuneo

Jordan Cuneo has been involved with music for just about his entire life. He grew up taking lessons on various instruments such as piano, violin, and clarinet, but found his true passion in music upon receiving his first guitar. Since then, Jordan has mastered other fretted instruments and is always trying out other instruments. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music from CMU with an emphasis in viola.

Having played in a multitude of different ensembles, Jordan is well-practiced and has experience in various genres including rock, blues, jazz, classical, and many more styles, along with the music theory behind them. Outside of teaching and school, Jordan enjoys writing and recording musical ideas along with helping friends and family hone their own musical skills.

Jordan teaches all levels of guitar, bass, ukulele, and mandolin along with other fretted instruments and is knowledgeable with music theory. Jordan also has basic experience in keyboard, clarinet, and viola and is excited to expand his teaching repertoire in the future. As a teacher, Jordan aims to share his passion for music with others by patiently accommodating each individual student's learning style to fit their own needs, helping them achieve those "aha" moments that are just so satisfying for both teacher and student.

Emma Haller

Emma has been playing oboe and saxophone for eight years now, and is studying at Central Michigan University to perform on her oboe professionally. She has played in ensembles at Central, including oboe ensembles and full bands, as well as in a symphony at Michigan State. On saxophone, she has played in jazz bands and for the Central Michigan Marching Chips. Emma’s passion is for teaching the workings of oboe reeds and spreading expression through music to everyone willing to listen.

JoLee Hurren

JoLee Hurren is in her second decade of playing the violin. Currently, she is studying Instrumental Music Education and Violin under the instruction of Dr. Matheus Souza at Central Michigan University.

She is involved in the Central Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and is President of the school’s MASTA (Michigan American String Teachers Association) chapter. She currently volunteers in a String Explorer program at McGuire Elementary School and recently began volunteering in a string mentorship program at Mount Pleasant Middle School and Mount Pleasant High School.

JoLee strives to create a positive learning environment while simultaneously pushing students to access their full musical ability and potential. She is currently accepting violin students and beginner viola students.

Chris McNicol

Chris McNicol is a musician and educator in Mount Pleasant, MI.

He has played both 6 and 12-string acoustic and electric guitars for over 35 years, and has taught himself bass, harmonica, banjo, vocal, and some piano as well. He has continuously been active in writing original compositions and learning covers. He has played in bands from many musical genres, including classic rock, alternative-indie, country, blues, folk, punk, and 60’s. Chris has played professionally in many bands, and is currently the guitarist for the Mount Pleasant band “Cloudstrider” and local legends “The Burning Bushes.”

Chris has experience teaching beginning to intermediate guitar, ranging from chords, rhythm, scales, and root theory, to finger picking, slide, and alternate tunings. He is very passionate and enthusiastic about sharing the gift of music and looks forward to helping others learn how to play guitar from the very beginning or improve their current playing. Chris is also available to get you started with learning to play banjo, bass, or harmonica.

David Miller

Dave Miller has been teaching music since 1994. He's been playing guitar and bass for almost 30 years. He's played professionally as both a guitarist and bassist in a wide variety of bands, over multiple genres - metal, jazz, funk, blues, Motown, pop, and country. Also, Dave has performed as a guitarist in the pit of several local musicals, including "School of Rock" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". Currently, he is the lead guitarist/vocalist for two dance/variety bands in the area. He also performs in a jazz duet featuring guitar and saxophone.

Dave has taught many different musical styles. He is always striving to educate himself and others in music, and share the wonderful experience that music can create. From beginner to advanced, Dave can help guide you on your musical journey to becoming a better musician.

Tim Mocny

With 20+ years of varied teaching and performance experience, Tim has successfully coached hundreds of students! He is currently accepting students of all ages and ability levels. In addition to teaching at B’s, Tim plays for many professional groups across the state, teaches a few music courses at CMU, and coaches a number of area drumlines. He even writes the beats for Central’s Chippewa Marching Band! When he’s not busy with music, Tim loves tackling projects at home and spending time with his wife and four kids.

Tim works hard to help each student maximize their musical growth and enjoyment. He is equally comfortable teaching piano, drum set and classical percussion.

Linda Parker

Linda gives private piano, guitar, and voice instruction with attention to enjoying music along with learning theory and technique for adults and children. She provides patient instruction for beginning and intermediate students. She has sung and played with many ensembles, choirs and bands, in various musical styles. Linda has written many original songs and currently plays guitar and keys with a worship band.

Noah Shambarger

Noah Shambarger has been singing in choral and contemporary settings for 12 years and is currently a Choral Music Education Major and a Centralis Honors Student at Central Michigan University, where he is an active member of the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and multiple other singing groups. Previously he has performed in numerous church choirs, the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Choir, multiple musical theater and opera performances including shows such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Guys and Dolls, and multiple chamber and composition premier groups.

Noah has also been playing the trumpet and French Horn for 10 years, participating in Marching, Concert, and Jazz bands, including the Chippewa Marching Band, the East Shore Wind Symphony, and other small ensembles.

Noah currently instructs in multiple band and leadership camps and has been giving private lessons for 4 years. When doing so, he is focused on the student's constant step-by-step improvement, and making music a fun and lifelong involvement for all.

Pierce Slominis

Pierce Slominis is a Michigan State University music education graduate and was previously the trumpet section leader in the Spartan Marching Band. He has extensive playing experience in many different genres of music, from rock to jazz to classical. Pierce even has experience teaching handpan. Pierce has performed in numerous church quintets, was a member of the Michigan State Symphonic Band, and has performed for multiple musical theater shows.

Pierce has extensive musical knowledge and experience with brass instruments and has been playing trumpet for over 14 years. He also can get new pianists started on their musical journey. He has years of experience teaching private lessons and has taught dozens of band camps. Pierce’s main commitment for lessons is keeping music fun and engaging. Pierce keeps his feedback positive and specific and encourages students to listen to music as much as they play.

Cassidy Velthouse

Cassidy has been immersed in the enchanting world of piano for nearly 18 years. Her journey began with classical training and over the years, she has delved into all different genres, from the serene ambiance of churches to the lively energy of dueling piano bars.

When Cassidy is not teaching or preparing for her next dueling piano gig, you'll find her immersed in the captivating world of horror novels or playing volleyball. She also listens to all types of music, because any type of request can come up at a piano bar! She is prepared to help teach students music that they are passionate about.

Cassidy believes that music is a universal language that transcends age. She has witnessed the power of music in her previous jobs working with the elderly and pediatric patients. She is eager to guide you on your music journey, and her teaching approach is tailored to individual preferences and goals, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience for all ages.