Audrey was born into a family of musicians from the small river town of Washington, Missouri. She began learning violin—classical and folk/fiddle—at the age of five, taking private lessons and joining the Washington School District orchestras, where she eventually became concertmaster. In high school, Audrey also participated in four musical theatre productions, sang in the East Central College Community Choir and earned state festival recognition.

Audrey plays music for occasional church services and regularly performs for local weddings and events, including the annual Sounds of Starkenburg Holiday Concerts. Her musical influences include Dr. Susie Thierbach of the Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Alison Krauss and, of course, Lindsey Stirling. She loves all styles and teaches learners of all kinds!

Audrey completed her BA in English from the University of Missouri in the spring of 2023 and is now working toward her graduate degree. She believes that music, with all its psychological benefits, truly has the power to stop time and change lives for the best. Audrey has worked at A Major Music Lessons since 2020.

Audrey's favorite style of music to play is folk-bluegrass to medieval to gypsy Romani music. Her favorite style of music to listen to is everything under the sun.

Josh is a guitar player from O’Fallon, Missouri. He currently resides in Columbia and is working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at Mizzou. He has been playing guitar, drums, and bass for over 8 years. After starting his musical journey in 6th grade, Josh fell deeper into his love for music and played in bands throughout high school. This experience gave him what he needed to expand his taste and musical abilities.

Josh enjoys playing, writing, and listening to as many genres of music as possible. He's an expert finger picker! These genres range from Bluegrass, to Indie, to Metal, and everything in between. Josh is experienced in playing rhythm and lead guitars, as well as writing original pieces. He is always looking to refine his musical skills and knowledge. No matter the taste in music, Josh is sure to be able to assist students on their musical journey.

In addition to guitar, drums, and bass, Josh has taught himself to play banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and piano.

Outside of music, he also enjoys backpacking, snow skiing, traveling, and reading to keep himself busy.

Kaitlin is a classically trained musician from rural southwest Kansas. Although it was a challenge to pursue music education in an agricultural environment, Kaitlin and her parents were determined to find opportunities for musical growth wherever they could. Weekly hour-long drives for piano lessons, trips across the state for weekend performances and collegiate music workshops, along with daily in-home musical immersion, have all shaped Kaitlin into the musician she is today.

Kaitlin received her degree in Music from Emporia State University, where she minored in Psychology, sparked by her interest in Music Therapy. She understands the intrinsic motivation required to continue pursuing music education and works hard to instill confidence in her students by fostering a positive, healthy learning environment.

With eight years of teaching experience, Kaitlin has positively impacted many students and is passionate about how music can shape us into better individuals. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and creating, traveling back to Kansas to visit family, learning Spanish, and advocating for causes like environmental sustainability within her local community.

Kaitlin shares her daily life with her amazing boyfriend, her cat, and her bunny. She can never get enough authentic Mexican food and loves to chat about anything and everything!

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dominick is a composer, musician, and music educator. As a composer, he has written works for a wide variety of ensembles, including wind ensemble, big band, brass ensemble, and various chamber ensembles. His works have been recorded and performed by numerous groups including the West Chester University Wind Symphony, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Network for New Music, and Constellation Men’s Ensemble.

In addition to his work as a composer, Dominick performs regularly as a bassoonist and is an active educator. Dominick holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from West Chester University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Missouri.

He enjoys sharing his passion for music and helping students grow as musicians.

In his free time, Dominick enjoys the outdoors, biking, and hiking.

Scott is a guitarist and singer born and raised in Eureka, MO, just outside of St. Louis. He first found his love for playing music in 8th grade after joining a band with his friends. This band gave Scott much experience in playing, performing, and especially songwriting throughout high school.

He's been playing guitar and singing night and day since he was a kid. He enjoys all kinds of genres ranging from rock, jazz, country, etc.

Scott is currently attending Mizzou and seeking a degree in Secondary Education. He has a passion for teaching and sharing his love of music with others.

Scott is an avid collector of unusual instruments. He also enjoys playing video games, reading poetry, and watching football.

Alex Perides grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. Throughout her schooling she participated in many ensembles and solo voice competitions. Alex learned basic percussion and piano while still in high school. During this time Alex also assisted with theater summer camps.

After graduating Alex attended University via a scholarship as a vocal music major. She continued learning percussion and dabbled in violin. While there she participated in honor choir, show choir, general choir and the percussion ensemble.

Alex has a background in basic music theory and vocal diction for English, Italian, and German.

Since Alex has moved to Columbia, Missouri, she has been working as an assistant teacher and paraprofessional. She is in her fourth year of teaching. Currently, she is working towards her degree in elementary special education.

Lyla, a guitar player and composer, was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. She has been surrounded by music her whole life and began playing guitar at age 9.  She is the lead guitar player in Dusk N Dawn and performs with her band around Columbia, Ashland and Moberly.  Lyla will be studying Music Education at the University of Missouri.

In addition to guitar, Lyla has played the trombone and baritone for seven years.  She was the section leader in her high school marching band.  She enjoys learning any and all instruments such as the drums, bass guitar, and saxophone.

Lyla has worked with children as a teacher’s assistant at her Taekwondo school, volunteering through Earth’s Workshop, and developing and implementing lessons for students at a local Montessori school.

Lyla loves playing many genres of music on her guitar, including Rock, Country, Folk, Metal, Punk, and Indie. 

Born in Columbia, Missouri, Chad Kateman started his musical journey 19 years ago with an Alvarez D-8 acoustic guitar. His interest quickly expanded to vocal performance and songwriting which led to earning an Associate of Arts Degree from Columbia College.

While at Columbia College, Chad performed as a lyric baritone for the Jane Froman Singers choral ensemble. During his college years, Chad also played lead electric guitar for several bands including The Daily Crime.

For 12 years, Chad volunteered as a guitarist for Remove The Silence at Woodcrest Chapel and had the privilege of backing many contemporary Christian music artists that led services at the chapel.

Currently, Chad performs original songs as a solo artist and handles vocal and guitar work for the 3-piece band Inchworm. He also volunteers as a worship singer at Arrow Rock Federated Church.

Chad’s musical specializations are guitar improvisation, songwriting, stage presence and performance preparation. He greatly enjoys helping students unlock their own creativity at any stage of their musical career and loves to support students as they prepare for on-stage gigs.

Away from music, Chad enjoys exercise, training horses and spending time with family. He has been known to play horseback guitar and delights in hearing birdsongs accompany his music when strumming or singing outdoors.