Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Ben has over 20 years of playing experience, and he has been with Ernie Williamson Music since 2007. Ben holds a degree in Contemporary Music, and loves playing Blues, Rock, Folk and Acoustic music. His Favorite bands/players are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Emmanuel and Joe Pass. A nicer guy you will not meet! And a GREAT teacher!

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Drums

Multi-instrumentalist and performer, Tavish Lawson, has been playing music since 2003. Tavish acquired his Certificate of Music Theory & Composition through Berklee College of Music. He has worked as a music instructorsince 2013. Tavish teaches guitar, bass, ukelele, and drums.

Instructor - Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium)

My name is Tyler Textor and I graduated from Willard High School in Willard, Missouri. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education through Missouri State University in hopes to continue to spread my passion for music to the next generation. I’ve played brass for many years now and can’t wait to teach more and more students!

Instructor - Flute

Mariah Alberty Mariah has been playing flute and piccolo for over 12 years, and during that time, she has marched with the Kickapoo High School Golden Arrow Band and Missouri State University’s PRIDE Marching Band, played in Missouri State’s Bearmania Pep Band, and has been a member of several Concert Bands. She is currently studying Elementary Education at Missouri State and plans on graduating in May of 2023. Music has been a big part of her life, and she is excited to share that passion with others.

Instructor - Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass)

Madison DeWeerd teaches Violin, Viola, Cello, AND Upright Bass. Madison is a recent Mizzou graduate with her degree in Instrumental Music Education and she has worked extensively with the Missouri State String Project in Springfield. Madison enjoys teaching beginning and intermediate string players of all ages.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Chris has been playing music for most of his life, beginning with his primary instrument — guitar — at age 4. Along the way he gained proficiency on bass, drums, piano, violin, and cello. Teaching seemed a logical profession, and seemingly in the blink of an eye, fifteen years have passed! Over the years Chris has recorded dozens of albums, and performed over 1,000 shows across the country, with countless bands/artists, tackling every genre of music, from blues to funk, jazz to outlaw country, and beyond. Chris has shared the stage with a number of diverse artists, including Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch), Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (The Misfits), pioneering British heavy metal legends Diamond Head, and more. While he enjoys nearly every genre of music, heavy metal (in its various forms) is his favourite. When he's not teaching, playing golf, or watching classic horror movies, he is practicing/writing/performing with his melodic/traditional metal band, Transylvania. Chris is thrilled to be part of the Ernie Williamson Music team, and intends to inspire in his students, the same enthusiasm he enjoys for music.

Instructor - Banjo, Mandolin

Deakin has always held a deep connection to music. As he grew up in the Ozarks in the 80's and 90's, his fascination with all things bluegrass grew as well. He started playing banjo under Roger Mathews in 2005. In 2009, he started a bluegrass band called Deep Fried Squirrel, which is now known as Drifter's Mile. Deakin is super excited to teach others his love for all things bluegrass, and is now accepting beginning or intermediate banjo students.

Instructor - Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Bass

Tyler VanVolkinburg has over 20 years of playing and performing experience ranging in multiple styles and instruments. Tyler started with his first guitar at age of 7 and went onto play trumpet, electric bass, upright bass, piano, and percussion at Ozark High School. He went on to study Jazz Studies at Missouri State University playing bass in multiple jazz bands, quads for the MSU PRIDE band drumline, and guitar/ bass for several of his own bands locally and across the country. Tyler comes from a family of professional musicians and has had a lifelong passion for creating, teaching, and performing music. He looks forward to guiding new students down their own musical journey!

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Phoenix Lietch started playing guitar in 2015. He later picked up the bass and ukulele in 2018. He's a part of the Missouri Air National Guard, a full time college student, and is starting his dream by pursuing his career in music. His favorite type of music is Classic/ Indie Rock; his favorite band is The Beatles. He is excited to teach the basics of playing guitar, bass, and ukulele; Phoenix is passionate about giving the gift of music.

Instructor - Piano, Voice

Kendra is 24 years old and is currently working towards her Masters in Music Education at MSU. She loves music and the smiles it brings to people's faces. She hopes to spread the love of music to the world. 

Instructor - Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium)

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Alex Ryan has been learning and performing on the trombone since 2011. Alex graduated from Lipscomb University in 2022 where he was a student of both Matt Jefferson and Jeffrey Scot Wills and received a Bachelor of Music degree in Trombone Performance. During his time at Lipscomb, Alex was part of the university’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Combo where he was able to perform with artists Colton Dixon, Cody Fry, Hollie Farris, Denny Jiosa, Chester Thompson, and Jeffrey Scot Wills. He was an active member of the Brass Band of Nashville, Vanderbilt University’s Spirit of Gold Marching Band, and the Nashville Trombone Academy; and he has performed with the Nashville Symphony. Alex gained experience teaching at several schools in the Nashville area including Middle Tennessee Christian School where he was the brass instructor for middle and high school students. Currently, Alex is pursuing a master’s degree in Trombone Pedagogy at Missouri State University as a Graduate Assistant and student of Jason Hausback.

Instructor - Guitar, Ukulele & Vocals

Music has always played a huge role in Hannah's life. When she picked up a ukulele at nine years old and a guitar at fourteen, they stuck. Hannah has had five cumulative years of guitar instruction, both private lessons and at a collegiate level. She grew up performing in band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. Hannah studied Music Therapy at Drury University for three semesters. While she has pivoted her life plan and has transferred to OTC, she is excited to bring her passion for guitar and what she learned at Drury to the classroom setting. Her biggest priority is making her studio a safe space for people to learn, grow, and fall in love with music.”

Instructor - Piano

Hello, my name is David Dilday. I have been playing piano since 2013. Music has always been a passion of mine. My family was very musical while I was growing up and I fell in love with it at a very young age. My parents started me in piano lessons when I was twelve and my love for music grew even more. Some of my inspirations have come from musicians such as Billy Joel, Josh Groban, and Jonathan Cain. I enjoy playing a variety of genres such as classical, jazz, rock, and blues. My goal with teaching piano is to help give my students the same type of love for music and to help them develop their skills on the instrument.

Instructor: Violin & Viola

Hello! My name is Madi and I’m a current senior at Glendale High School. I’ve always had a passion for music, and when I started playing violin in 2016 when I was 10, I immediately fell in love with it. I’m currently in many orchestras, including the Springfield Youth Symphony, Galloway Chamber Orchestra, and a chamber group called String Theory. In my future, I plan on attending college to earn a degree in music education.

I really look forward to helping students learn and have fun making music!

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Chance has been playing guitar for well over 10 years. He is proficient in Funk, Blues, Rock, and Jazz. Starting on Guitar, he later learned to play Bass, Piano, and Ukulele. He has performed in several venues across the Missouri area in bands as well as solo performances. He hopes to spread his passion for Music with students and looks forward to helping them find their musical path.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Nick first picked up an electric guitar at age 11, and for 3 decades he has enjoyed creating music, jamming with friends, and teaching others to play. Along the way he has taken up electric bass, drums, mandolin, piano, and ukulele. Nick also works as a hospital chaplain for Freeman Health System, and is the father of five awesome children

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Zane Grimes fell in love with the guitar at 6 years old and hasn't stopped playing since. Comfortable with all genres especially country and rock, his favorite thing to teach would be the blues! When Zane isn't teaching you can find him playing out around the Joplin area as much as possible with his band. His favorite thing about teaching is the "lightbulb moment" when everything just clicks for the student.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Isaac Baldridge is an artist from the Midwest Tri-State Area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. He was born in 1993 under the Cherokee Nation Capital - Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, he began his musical journey at the age of 12. Isaac is most well known for his outstanding guitar playing, but he is also a multi-talented producer with over a decade of experience; thus, he performs multiple instruments and sings.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele

Logan has been playing guitar and bass since 2014, and along the way, he has picked up some level of ability on several other instruments. He has a very strong music theory background due to completing all levels of college music theory courses from MSSU, this has led to his love of playing jazz. His other musical experiences have been playing in rock, punk, and folk/blues bands since high school, and he takes every opportunity to play with others and wants his students to feel that same draw towards music and performing. 

Instructor - Piano, Violin, Viola

Laurel has been playing piano for 13 years, and violin and viola for 11 years. She studied under Kylee VanHorn in the Joplin school district for 7 years and took private lessonsfor 7 years.  She is in school at Missouri Southern State University for middle school and high school education. She completed her junior internship at Carthage High School as a high school English co teacher. She also has almost 2 years of childcare experience via several childcare programs. She is really excited to share her passion for music with her students! 

Instructor: Drums

Mason Baldridge is an artist from the Midwest Tri-State Area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. He was born in 1997 under Cherokee Nation Capital - Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, he began his musical journey at the age of 8. Mason is most well known for his 10 years of show experience with playing heavy double bass style music and impeccable timing behind the Drumset, but has also spent the last 7 years learning single bass pedal rudimental style of play as well.

Instructor: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

I started playing acoustic guitar at 12 years old and was taught basics early on by other guitar players in my family, mainly my Dad. Music Theory became an obsession afterwards, being able to identify just what it was I was listening to and hearing. I always looked up to players like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malmsteen. I was intrigued by how they would move a huge crowd with their guitar playing. Having played in several bands in genres ranging from Country to Heavy Metal, my goal is to help you every step of the way to help you accomplish your guitar goals!

Instructor - Guitar,Flute & Alt Sax

• Kevin D Johnson is a multi-instrumentalist with a diverse musical background. He holds a Bachelor of
  Music from Keene State College and a Master of Music from Portland State University. He has been
  featured as a classical guitarist aboard Royal Carribeans? Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.
  Before relocating to the Midwest in 2022 he was an active performer on electric guitar and saxophone
  throughout the Northeast. Students of Kevin have gone on to careers in performance, recording and
  audio production.

Josiah has been playing music almost every day for the last 16 years, first starting on the drums and picking up the bass guitar a few years later. He loves understanding the theory behind why music works and the psychology of how the brain learns and experiences music. His teaching style is built on the belief that music should be a fun and exciting adventure that anyone can enjoy. Josiah is currently working on a degree in math education, and in his free time, he enjoys driving and working on his car, as well as competing in yoyo contests.

Instructor - Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone/Euphonium), Clarinet

A retired band director and former owner of Musician's Studio (a lesson studio located in Olathe that is now closed), Scot is a wealth of knowledge and is eager to share it to help further the next generation of musicians!

Instructor - Guitar

I've been playing guitar for 12 years and failed a music theory class my first semester of college. That failure sparked a curiosity and love for music and music theory that hasn't gone out since. I found my roots and first love for guitar in hard rock and metal music but have since grown to love and appreciate all other genres of music and styles of guitar playing such as latin and flamenco guitar, jazz, classical music and hip hop. My biggest musical inspirations are Polyphia, Manual Gardner Fernandez and Plini.

Instructor - Piano, Voice

Ashley is a Missouri State University graduate with her Masters to teach vocal and instrumental music. She has performed internationally with the resort company Club Med for five years as a singer, dancer, and aerialist. Ashley is excited to be back in the Kansas City area, as the last time she lived in the area was back in 2015. She looks forward to helping others grow in their passion and skills.

Matthew is 24 years old and has been playing guitar for 12 years! He got into guitar after hearing Kings of Leon and the Police as a kid. Matthew spent time in High School in band and started performing shows as much as possible. Some bands that are a major influence are Kings of leon, Pink Floyd, Rage against the Machine, John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix. My goal is to teach by learning songs that interest the students!

Steve Uffman has been teaching vocals, guitar, bass, ukulele, and piano lessons for the last 5 years. He grew up listening to his dad play guitar. He joined Men's Glee at K-State and then Central Standard, a local Kansas City Barber Shop group, winning a 3rd place medal at international competition. He currently plays in a band called Everybody's Sister. Coming from a vocal background he believes that if you can sing it you can play it. He provides a mix of classical instruction and learning music through songs you enjoy.

Instructor (Remote Only) - Guitar, Trumpet

Currently the only Suzuki guitar teacher in the St. Louis area. Certified in Books 1-3.

Post-graduate certification in the Advanced Studies Program: Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Master’s degree in Classic Guitar Performance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; honors included a Competitive Graduate Award.

Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish Literature, Music Theory and Composition and Guitar Performance at SIUE.

Ten years of study in Barcelona, Spain including: classic guitar, music theory, sight singing, Spanish language, printmaking, figure drawing, color theory, graphic design, and studio art. Private guitar study with Eduardo Sainz de la Maza and Maria Luisa Anido plus master classes with José Tomás and Emilio Pujol.

Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and English Literature at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Instructor - Guitar

Bill Davis is one of our long-standing instructors, passing his 15-year anniversary with us in 2021. A very versatile musician and teacher of all guitar styles, he studied music and jazz studies. When not teaching at Ernie Williamson Music, Bill can be seen tearing up the St. Louis music scene with his band Unifyah. A great guy!

Please Note: The monthly rate for lessons with Bill Davis is $109

Instructor (Remote Only) - Guitar, Ukulele

Ben DeClue has been playing guitar for over a decade, and he also plays bass guitar, ukulele, and piano. He is heavily influenced by progressive metal, jazz, punk, and ska. He graduated with an associate degree from St. Louis Community College in May of 2019. After having studied music theory at STLCC, he has spent much time exploring the topics of extended harmony and mode mixture on his own in efforts to completely understand what exactly makes jazz and R&B music so magical and dreamy.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Harmonica

Mario has been playing guitar since 1973. He plays a variety of styles. He studied classical form for two years with John Grimes. Music has always been an integral part of Mario ‘s life. Mandolin and harmonica are also on Mario‘s repertoire. He looks forward to interacting with students and helping them achieve their musical goals!

Instructor - Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Sax)

Music is such a big important part of Mia’s life. Mia has been playing the flute since 2015, and then moved on to play saxophone and baritone. She graduated from Eureka High School and is currently attending St. Louis Community College. When she's not practicing music or teaching others, you can often find Mia outside working color guard. Mia is looking forward to helping you get started or advancing on your instrument!

Instructor - Guitar, Piano, Voice, Clarinet, Ukulele

Brianna Bundy graduated from East Central College with an Associates of Arts degree in Music. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Science degree in Music Therapy. Brianna is proficient in clarinet, guitar, piano, and voice. Music is a great passion of her’s, as well as seeing progress in her students. Outside of teaching, you may find Brianna hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her family and fiancé.

Instructor - Drums

Patrick Downey was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and attended Parkway schools. He first played the drums when he was 7 years old, but didn’t begin playing in earnest until he was 13. He is largely self-taught, but studied with Brett Voelker and then later ErnieWilliamson’s own Rich Hensley. He has performed at several prominent St. Louis venues, playing with acts embarked on nationwide tours. 

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Piano

Hans Mohr is a graduate of Lindenwood University with a BA in Music Business. Born and raised in St. Louis he is a multi-instrumentalist with piano being his primary instrument. Hans also teaches guitar and bass. Jazz piano is his musical passion, but can play and teach multiple genres. He runs and coaches cross-country running, as well as records music.

Instructor - Guitar, Piano, Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Horn

Ashley McFarland is a Music Therapy student at Maryville University, and has her associates degree in music from Jefferson College. She plays a wide variety of instruments that she has learned in her last 12 years as a musician. These instruments include: flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, guitar, and piano!

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Mandolin,Ukulele

As a music instructor, Harrison specializes in electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and ukulele. Since 2015, Harrison has been teaching students in private and group environments, many of whom would go on to perform live. He has performed in numerous music groups in live venues and was a group leader for 3 years in his music student organization in college at SIU in Carbondale, IL. Harrison's core belief is in making music accessible and fun for all skill levels and all ages.

Instructor - Drums

Skye Terrell has spent 11 years studying drums and percussion, and has spent many years polishing his craft. Having studied at Webster University, he has experience in every area of percussion - not limited to the drumset, he plays concert percussion, mallet percussion, and hand percussion.  Though his primary instrument is the drumset, he has a passion and a love for every single musical instrument under the sun, and is willing to teach just about everything he knows to help you appreciate it just as much as he does.

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Voice

Empowering the next (& current) gen of Gourmet Musicians to cook the most delicious sounds anyone has ever tasted by mastering the mind, Alex engages with students to bring out their music from within.

Instructor - Guitar

Noah is a skilled and versatile guitarist with a passion for music. He has been recognized as one of the best young guitarists in the state of Missouri, having been named the Missouri high school all-state jazz guitarist twice and a Missouri high school all-district jazz guitarist four times. He has honed his craft from a very young age, playing gigs in a variety of styles ranging from blues, rock, pop, jazz and acoustic since he was around the age of 12. He plans on attending Webster University and pursuing a music degree to further his music career. 

Instructor - Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Piano

Merrick has 15 years worth of guitar, bass and piano experience in bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles. Since graduating with a B.M. in music composition and performance from UMSL in 2022, he’s taught in a wide variety of genres and styles, suited to each students’ needs.

Instructor - Guitar

Kyle Dean is a self taught multi-instrumentalist who is a passionate guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. He's been playing guitar since he was 13 years old, and has many musical accolades such as becoming an all state musician, the lead guitarist of Lafayette Highschool's top band, and a recipient of a music/academic scholarship to Webster University. Kyle is currently attending Webster to study audio engineering and music. 

Instructor - Piano, Guitar, Uke, Banjo, Clarinet, and Harmonica

Nathaniel started his professional career in 2006 when he passed and audition as a piano player in a local cover band. That led to other band gigs and solo gigs. He decided to seriously pursue music in 2013 when he enrolled at ECC. He graduated with an associate's in music in May of 2015. He moved to the East Coast where he supported himself giving music lessons, playing every weekend in either a very busy dance band or a regionally touring tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. He moved back to St Louis in the spring of 2017. He enrolled at Central Methodist that year and graduated in Dec 2019. He decided that the pandemic afforded him a chance to earn his master's in music, so he did. He graduated from Lindenwood in Dec 2022. He currently is part of a dueling pianos act that travels all over the country. When he's not playing, he's practicing.

Kevin has been playing guitar for over 50 years and bass for over 40 years. He has played professionally in the 1970s with the local classic rock group Kip Niven and currently performs with this same group who reunited in 2018. He has also participated in multiple sessions of Camp Jam, a rock ‘n roll fantasy camp featuring touring music legends. Kevin is also a long-time volunteer guitar instructor for the non-profit organization Six String Heroes providing music therapy to wounded military veterans.

Instructor - Guitar, Piano

Ben Stafford is a music enthusiast who's been playing music for as long as he can remember. His instruments are guitar and piano. He brings a relaxed and enjoyable vibe to teaching music, making it accessible for everyone. Beyond his musical passion, he is a proud father, who loves road trips, and spending time outdoors in the garden.

Instructor - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Robert loves teaching music even more than he loves playing it, which is to say, a lot!  With nearly 15 years experience in playing guitar and over 10 years experience playing bass, he has found himself in a wide variety of playing situations over the years, from cheesy cover bands to eccentric jazz fusion combos.  And in all of them, he strove for the best, and learned from every mistake.  He uses this experience along with a Bachelor's degree in education to help students build their music skills in the way that best suits them, all built on a solid foundation that will help them become great musicians of any discipline.

With experience in rock, metal, blues, country, jazz, and classical music, as well as in music theory and various notation and writing styles, Robert can offer instruction to nearly every kind of player, regardless of skill level.