Seth Ahnert (Piano, Drums & Percussion) A true lover of both jazz and classical piano, Seth Ahnert has spent many years performing and teaching on drums as well. His experience in a Big Band era group, Jazz Orchestra, Theater Orchestra, and church worship ensembles has enabled him to equip students well in their performance skills. Definitely a teacher at heart, Mr. Ahnert holds a B.A. in Music and Piano Pedagogy (the art and science of teaching piano) from Whitworth College in Spokane and is an adjunct faculty member at Whitworth.

 Kathi Broughton (Children’s Programs) Thirteen years of teaching experience in addition to raising a large family means that Kathy Broughton loves kids! Many years of being involved in church worship teams in voice, piano, and guitar, conducting worship services at women’s retreats, and directing adult and children’s choirs have made her a pro at teaching young children’s classes with an energy and love of life matched only by the students she serves. Mrs. Broughton is currently a vocalist and keyboardist in the band Shepherd’s Heart.

Chuck Borris (Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar) Previously president of the Musicians' Union in Spokane, Chuck Borris has run the gamut in the professional music world over the last 35 years. He has done a great deal of performing as bandleader of his own group and with artists such as Ray Stevens, Frankie Vallee and The Four Seasons, and The Drifters, to name a few. He has composed and arranged numerous jingles for television, produced his own television variety show, and done both on and off camera voice work. His original songs have been recorded by B. J. Thomas and other artists, and he was Charter Band Coach for the Yamaha Rock School in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Borris has a B.A. from the University of South Florida.

 Chanda Branson (Vocal) An inspirational singer and performer, Chanda Branson has excellent rapport with young vocalists. She often uses her strong voice and stage presence in directing church worship teams and private school music programs. She holds a B.A. in Humanities with an emphasis in Music and Vocal Performance from Washington State University.

 Jessica Bruner (Violin, Viola) Sharing the joy of solo and ensemble performance with students is what Jessica Bruner loves to do. A North Idaho native, she was an active member in local youth symphonies as a young person. She taught at numerous public schools in Texas as both an individual and group orchestral instructor. She also has instructed students at summer string camps in addition to running her own private studio. Jessica Bruner enjoys being involved with the music at her church and holds a B.A. in Music from Abilene Christian University.

  Zach Cooper (Drums & Percussion) As an accomplished drummer and touring professional, Zach Cooper has opened for the likes of Maroon 5, Steppenwolf, The Doobie Brothers, and Robbie Kreiger of the Doors. He was awarded “Best Drummer” by the Inland Empire Blues Society in 2001 and 2005. His most recent studio recording with Too Slim and the Taildraggers reached number 9 on the national Billboard Blues Chart. Mr. Cooper pursued his academic music studies at North Idaho College and has inspired a love of drumming in many area students both young and old.

 
Scott Grunsted (Violin, Viola) A master at coaching artistic expression within his students, Scott Grunsted has inspired many students to new heights at the Northwest Academy of Music. 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.

 
 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.

 Jenese Lewellyn (Piano) An enthusiastic approach and excitement for learning is characteristic of Jenese Lewellyn’s teaching style. As a student her pursuit of excellence enabled her to receive high marks in regional piano competitions. In addition to playing with her church worship team, Jenese Lewellyn has done  great deal of volunteer work with  various agencies both locally and abroad. Her love for teaching led her to acquire a B.A. in Music and Piano Pedagogy (the art and science of teaching piano) from Whitworth College in Spokane.

 
Phyllis Kobaly ( Piano Based Children's Programs) Piano, Singing, and Music Fundamentals are the thrust of Phyllis Kobaly's instruction with children from toddler through elementary grades. Mrs. Kobaly was instructor of choral and general music for many years for school districts in Pennsylvania and California. She has done a great deal of volunteer work in various schools and churches as well. Her fun and creative approach to music education continually delights children and their teachers throughout area preschools and daycares. She is certified in both the Yamaha Music for Kids and Harmony Road Music Education Systems.  Mrs. Kobaly has a B.S. in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.E. in Music Education from Duquesne University.

 
 David Moyer (Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Trumpet, Voice, Band and Choral Programs) A performer in his own right, David Moyer has been a member of a number of musical acts, including Pages of Harmony, and has directed the internationally acclaimed New Christy Minstrels. As a young man he won the Top Male Vocalist award at Musicfest Northwest and went on to play the lead in “Westside Story” with the Spokane Civic Theatre. He has shared the stage with Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Jonathan Winters, The Lettermen, Inkspots, Platters and Kingston Trio, and others. He has produced numerous albums  and taught private lessons for many years in addition to conducting various private school music programs and church worship teams. Mr. Moyer has a B.A Degree in Music Education /Applied Voice and Drama from Whitworth College.

 
 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.

 
Nancy Strom (Vocal) Nancy Strom acquired her B.A. in voice at the University of Michigan and holds the Vocal Teaching Certificate from the University of Idaho. She has performed opera and sacred music in the Midwest. She often coaches students working their way into theatrical performance and currently teaches music in the Post Falls School District. Mrs. Strom is also a soloist at her local church. Her many years of teaching experience have made her an expert at coaching voices of all ages to produce a beautiful and well controlled sound. Her gentle and careful instructional style is ideal for voices of all ages.