Meet Our Instructors

Northwest Academy of Music

Make Music a Priority-the Rewards Last a Lifetime!
(208) 667-6200

Private and Class Instructors

LeeAnn Aerlyn

(Piano and Children's Programs) An infectious personality who infuses students with the joy of music is LeeAnn Aerlyn’s hallmark. As a young child, solo performance and accompaniment experiences gave her a love for music-making as a team. She has directed, arranged, written, and accompanied music for theatrical performances, traditional and jazz choirs, collegiate recitals, and Opera Plus! in addition to regular involvement in her local church. Ms. Aerlyn received her music degree at the Mozarteum School of Music in Salzburg, Austria. She holds a Masters in Piano from the University of Idaho where she was a member of the honor music society and is a certified Harmony Road Music instructor.

Scott Grunsted

(Violin, Viola) A master at coaching artistic expression within his students, Scott Grunsted has inspired many students to new heights. He has created and directed numerous choral programs, instrumental and orchestral groups, and Broadway style musicals in schools. He has traveled abroad as a performer and has been an active member of the music ministry in his church. Mr. Grunsted has a B.A. in strings from San Jose State University and has a Graduate Certificate from Multnomah School of the Bible. He is currently a member of the North Idaho Symphony.

Michael Harrison

(Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Percussion) An accomplished music educator and performer, Michael Harrison currently serves as Director of Instrumental Music at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy. He has played trumpet in numerous musical settings including Disney College All-Star Band, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Jazz Orchestra, Arizona Theatre Company, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Broadway productions of Chicago, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, The Rat Pack and Full Monty. He has performed across the United States, Europe, and Japan and was featured on the 2009 and 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA National Telethon. Michael has performed on-stage with such musical legends as Jerry Lewis, Linda Rondstadt, Art Garfunkel, Wayne Newton, Bernadette Peters, Doc Severinson, Marvin Hamlisch, The Smothers Brothers, The Lettermen, and The Temptations. Mr. Harrison has a Bachelor of Music Education and Trumpet Performance from the University of Arizona.

Bruce Hume

(Woodwinds Expert) Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet are the instruments of choice for Bruce Hume. A founding member of the Spokane Jazz Society and Spokane Jazz Orchestra (including sixteen years as featured soloist and lead), Mr. Hume has also performed at the Opera House, Coliseum shows, Civic Theater, Spokane Symphony, and with numerous bands and chamber groups. He taught music at Gonzaga University and has also taught at Spokane Falls Community College. He has done professional recording work on numerous instruments and holds a B.A. in a music From Eastern Washington University.

Noree Dolphay

(Vocal) A fresh and revolutionary approach to vocal study is the earmark of Noree Dolphay’s teaching style. Beginning with strengthening the voice while keeping it flexible, she works to achieve the most expressive, powerful, and creative sounds possible. Having studied extensively in the Bel Canto operatic style, she can coach any student into producing a fine classical sound. Her studies in Contemporary Commercial Music enable her to use amazing new techniques in teaching students how to sing pop, rock, country, jazz, and other popular music in a healthy manner. Noree Dolphay is a vocalist for Opera Coeur d’Alene and a class voice instructor at Eastern Washington University. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Whitworth University and a Master of Arts in Music and Voice from EWU.

Robert Leedy

(Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo) A varied instructor of bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock, and classical repertoire makes Robert Leedy an ideal instructor for those beginning lessons as well as those more advanced . His emphasis on classical guitar technique gives students the tools to play any style well. He has gained notoriety as a finalist in the Northwest Guitar Festival Competition, a member of the Quattro Amigos Quartet, and a concerto performer with the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. He taught private and ensemble guitar at North Idaho College and was vice president of the Idaho Guitar Society. He obtained bachelor’s degrees in both Music Performance and Archaeology from Boise State University.

Jim Turner

(Guitar, Bass Guitar) Over 32 years of band performance experience throughout the Midwest and Northwestern U.S. has given Jim Turner a great deal of versatility in both his playing and teaching abilities. As an instructor of folk, rock, big band, and jazz music for 25 years, Jim has taught up to 70 students per week at music stores in Michigan. His associations with musical groups include everything from rock bands to large, orchestrated ensembles. His love of the learning process and of imparting his musical knowledge to students makes him an ideal instructor for both the beginner and more accomplished player.

John Wheeler

(Cello) A lifetime of experience in musical pursuits combined with a commitment to excellence enables John Wheeler to impart a wonderful perspective to his students. The son of a flautist and pianist for the St. Louis Symphony, his grandfather was a concert pianist and founder of the Washington Conservatory of Music. At age 14 he was the youngest cellist accepted into the Phoenix Symphony. Over the years he has performed in numerous symphonies in Arizona, California, Montana, and North Idaho, including the Coeur d’Alene Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre and Opera Coeur d’Alene. He has taught master classes at summer youth orchestra camps and worked with Coeur d’Alene youth orchestras. His expert coaching draws students into a new world of beauty and expression. Mr. Wheeler holds a Masters in Physics from American University in Washington, D.C. and a Masters in Business from USC.