In-Person and Online Lessons
Meet Our Instructors
At MiMusic, we provide unparalleled quality private music lessons in Traverse City Michigan. Our program includes lessons in a variety of instruments such as piano, voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, cello, mandolin, and violin. We offer amazing introductory private music lessons for all ages and welcome all members of the family to join our program.
Our heart for helping others succeed is what drives us to continually improve and implement an innovative and enriching music program. As soon as new students step through our doors, they can sense that we are different. Our gorgeous and comfortable lobby and lesson rooms, friendly front desk staff, and remarkably talented team of professional instructors create a welcoming and energizing environment that brings the learning experience to life from day one.
At MiMusic, we believe that music is a magical language that inspires growth and achievement, and our contagious energy and motivation are sure to ignite your passion for music. Join us today and discover the joy of learning and creating music with our exceptional program.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Violin | Mandolin
LOCATION: Traverse City
My name is Karine Pierson, owner and educational director of MiMusic Studio and scholarship program. Born in Michigan, I’m a music educator, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and recording artist. I began learning violin from my Suzuki method teacher, Shu, as a toddler. Supported by my parents, I immersed myself in music programs.
At thirteen, I toured Europe with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Choir. With scholarships, I attended Interlochen Arts Camp. After earning my bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, teaching in Detroit, I pursued a full-time career in music, forming bands and performing nationwide.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice
LOCATION: Traverse City
My name is Rose Coe, I am the former owner of Vokey Music Studio where I teach voice and piano lessons. I was born and raised in beautiful Traverse City. I learned how to read and play music as a young girl and sang in public regularly starting at age eight. I joined Northwestern Michigan’s Children’s Choir at age ten. In my later years I participated in various local choirs and ensembles. I studied classical vocal music and Opera at Butte College and Chico State University in California. I sang in numerous Operas at Chico State University while studying with Dallas Opera Star Marilyn Curtis and China’s most praised soprano, Dr. Ying Yeh.
I was a music teacher in California before relocating to my home town of Traverse City. I’m pleased to offer you a variety of lessons in a fun and stimulating atmosphere at my studio. Vokey is about learning to make beautiful music, I teach my students the fundamentals and most importantly to enjoy the music they make. Music is my greatest passion, it’s my goal to share that passion with others. Watching my students learn to love music and be excited about performing well is the most fulfilling reward. I have students ranging in ages from 6-60, so if you’re an adult considering taking lessons for the first time or continuing lessons you’ve had in the past I assure you, it’s never too late to learn. I customize each student’s lessons based on their goals, as well as follow up assessments confirming student progress satisfaction.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar
LOCATION: Traverse City
Drew has twenty years of experience in the music industry. He’s taught musicians in churches, schools, and master classes at all ages and experience levels. He is a seasoned veteran of the stage and studio, performing in venues all over the country with 2 full length albums, 3 EP’s, and a handful of singles released under his name.
As a teacher, Drew takes an eclectic approach to guitar, both acoustic and electric, focusing on solid rhythm, playing in the context of a band, and being fluent in chord voicing and alternate tunings allowing you to paint with a vivid musical spectrum. His major expertise is in the genres of Rock, Country, and Blues with a minor in Jazz guitar and Latin Jazz styles (Bossa, Rhumba, and Brazilian finger style).
LESSONS: Violin
LOCATION: Traverse City
Hello! My name is Eden Knee. I am a student and a front desk assistant here at MiMusic, and I have been playing violin and viola for about a year and a half. I started taking lessons with Karine Pierson in December of 2023, and from just my first lesson, I knew that playing music was my passion! I play in an adult string ensemble, the Traverse City Philharmonic Orchestra, and occasionally in other events such as the MiMusic recital. Violin is my main instrument, but I also play viola, guitar, bass, and piano. I am thrilled to be a student teacher in such an amazing and inspirational music studio, and I look forward to helping others shine with their musical and artistic talents!
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Ukulele
LOCATION: Traverse City
Jess achieved bachelor’s degrees in Voice performance and Psychology from the University of Michigan, studying under world-renowned George Shirley, the first African American tenor to perform a leading role at the NYC Metropolitan Opera. Her career post-college spans advertising roles at publishers like Hearst & AutoTrader as well as software testing and web development, but her passion in life surrounds work with children of all ages, most recently in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as family support at Child & Family Services of NW Michigan. While happily teaching guitar, piano, voice, and ukulele at MiMusic, she is working toward a Master’s degree in Social Work with a goal to incorporate music in a clinical setting with children.
Earlier in life, Jess grew up in Manistee, MI, where she started singing into perfume bottles as a toddler, watching Star Search & listening to groups like The Cars, The Human League, and The Pointer Sisters. She started guitar lessons at the age of 7 and piano lessons at the age of 10, giving concerts at local venues, leading music for church services and jamming with local bands. In high school, she performed at weddings & community events, learned choral directing, participated in voice competitions & traveled statewide performing with various musical groups, most notably using music at schools to teach resiliency skills through self esteem, healthy coping mechanisms & positive peer networks. She’s excited to bring her background & experience to kiddos & adults at MiMusic!
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Ukulele
LOCATION: Traverse City
My name is SkyeLea, and I bring a blend of passion and expertise to my teaching. With 6 years of teaching experience, and having grown up in the performance world, I have developed a deep understanding of how to effectively engage and educate my students. Alongside my teaching career, I have pursued my own musical journey studying Piano, Guitar, and Audio Technology at NMC, and refining my vocal abilities to sing professionally. My dedication to music and teaching is evident in my enthusiastic approach and commitment to helping my students reach their full potential!
LESSONS: Piano | Bass | Brass (tuba & trombone)
LOCATION: Traverse City
Kevin LaRose first came to northern Michigan as a student at Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduation, he majored in tuba performance and music education at Michigan State University and completed a Master’s in performance at The Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut. His primary teachers include Phil Sinder, Scott Mendoker, and Tom Riccobono. Since then he has taught privately and performed/toured with multiple ensembles up and down the East Coast.
Kevin moved back to Interlochen in 2018 and is actively freelancing on low brass and bass. In addition to NMBB, he also plays with the Northwest Michigan College jazz ensembles, the Encore Winds, and StoneFolk is a band based in Traverse City.
Kevin LaRose is an active freelance musician and teacher based in Traverse City. A native of Marshall, he first came to northern Michigan to study at Interlochen Arts Academy. Following graduation, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from Michigan State University and a Master’s in tuba performance from the Hartt School. His primary teachers include Phil Sinder, Scott Mendoker, and Tom Riccobono.
Kevin performs frequently throughout Michigan, largely on tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, bass/tenor trombones, and electric/upright bass. He regularly participates in jazz ensembles at Northwestern Michigan College, the Northern Michigan Brass Band, the Northern LOWER Brass Quartet, the Encore Winds, Song of the Lakes, and StoneFolk, as well as musical theater work for area schools and Old Town Playhouse.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar
LOCATION: Traverse City
Christopher Stefanciw has been performing and teaching finger style guitar for the past 25 years. He attended the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in the early 2000’s, and his areas of expertise include creative and technical instruction for finger style playing on steel string acoustic, classical, and electric guitars. His passion is in assisting others with unlocking their creative potential as composers, songwriters, and improvisers.
He is able to teach creative approaches with guitar, voice, and piano. Allowing for spontaneity within these processes helps to lighten the experience of learning challenging concepts, and it improves confidence and trust in one’s own musical inspirations. These tools also are relevant to managing the unexpected occurrences in life.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Mandolin
LOCATION: Traverse City | Online
Nick Veine is a singer-songwriter and composer born and raised in Manistee, MI. He grew up playing rock and blues before he started singing, pivoting to acoustic music without losing that electric flair.
His passion encouraged him to attend Berklee College of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Writing and production and eventually pursued and completed a Master of Music in Classical Composition at Belmont University.
He performs an eclectic mix of his own music and traditional blues/folk as a solo act and with other phenomenal musicians across the state.
Nick is very comfortable teaching guitar and music theory, with a heavy emphasis on composition and arranging. Music production and composing are other passions of his, along with beginner piano and voice. He’s well-versed in blues, jazz, Western swing, samba/bossa nova, bluegrass, country, folk, Celtic, acapella music, and classic and progressive rock.
If you’re interested in a creative approach to music theory, harmony, composition, and performing—especially in rootsy styles—Nick is your guy 🙂
LESSONS: Piano | Banjo | Violin | Cello
LOCATIONS: Traverse City | Cadillac
Steve ‘Steev’ Potov of Interlochen began learning the violin around age ten, his mother and grandfather were both violinists. Chris Williams was his teacher for nearly a decade, exposing him to Cajun, Irish, French-Canadian, bluegrass, and old-time music. After watching an old rerun of Hee-Haw in 2009, Steev suddenly wanted to play old-time music with an unquenchable passion. After attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and watching the movie, “Music of the Heart,” Steev was also inspired to teach and pass on the rich tradition of old-time fiddle music to others. Steev also studied with Bob Saddler, a well-known fiddle contest judge, as well as many other teachers and musicians of note including Dr. Jeff Cobb, Dr. Scott Sorensen and John Thompson of Lester Flatts and Earl Scruggs fame. Steev plays lead fiddle at many old-time fiddle shows, barn dances and square dances. Steev teaches traditional Suzuki violin as well as old-time fiddle. Steev is also our banjo teacher and he teaches and plays other instruments including piano and cello.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Cello
LOCATION: Traverse City
My name is Christine Williams, many of my students call me “Miss Chris.” I have been teaching string instruments for over thirty years. The ‘Cello is my main instrument and playing Fiddle Tunes is a second passion. I also teach beginning violin and beginning piano.
I have a Bachelors in Music Education from WMU and a Masters in Gifted and Talented Education from GVSU. I have also taken Suzuki teacher training in both ‘Cello and Violin.
I toured Europe with The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, played in the Battle Creek Symphony, the Benzie Symphonette and the WMU orchestra. I’ve attended the Chamber Music Camp at Interlochen, The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend WA and Algomatrad on St Joseph Island in Canada. I taught Fiddle at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Ear Full of Fiddle Camp and Algomatrad.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice
LOCATIONS: Traverse City | Cadillac
Kaylah started playing the violin at 7 years old in the small town of Wheatland, Wyoming. She kept playing and pursued a degree in Music Education from the University of Wyoming, graduating in 2011. Kaylah has been teaching private lessons since 2010 and has taught hundreds of students from 3 to 75 years old how to play since then. In addition to teaching private lessons, Kaylah also founded the Eastern Wyoming Youth Orchestra and managed a studio with 9 other teachers, 3 locations, and over 120 students for almost 6 years before moving to Michigan for a fresh start. Now Kaylah has been in Michigan since 2022 and is loving filling up her teaching schedule with new students! Kaylah performs regularly with the Gaylord Community Orchestra, the Alpena Symphony Orchestra, and the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra. She also plays on worship teams each week at the Grand Traverse House of Prayer and her church, Resurrection Life. She is also available to play for weddings and other events throughout the year.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Ukulele
LOCATION: Traverse City
My name is Alyssa. I started singing with the NMC Children’s Choir when I was in 3rd grade and have been hooked on music ever since. I am a soprano vocalist and have earned several scholarships and high festival ratings for my solo and choral ensemble performances through middle school and now in high school. I study voice with a private instructor, sing in BelCanto and Vocal Majority choirs at CHS, and have been cast in the CHS musicals both my freshman and sophomore years. I’ve attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for vocal arts for the past 3 summers and hope to continue through high school.
Voice is my main instrument but I also play guitar, electric bass, ukulele, and piano. I take guitar/songwriting lessons and I am also a member of Xenith rock band, both at MiMusic. I really enjoy also being a student at MiMusic because I get to continually improve and learn new skills in a fun, relaxed studio where I have met so many talented musicians.
I am really excited about being a student teacher at MiMusic and what I am most excited about is helping other young, aspiring musicians get started making music. Music is energy, it’s therapy, it’s peace, it’s emotional, it’s anything you need it to be at any given moment and having the ability and passion to create it yourself is empowering. I really love that I can help others find their spark through music like I did.
LESSONS: Voice
LOCATION: Traverse City
Hi! My name is Lauren Nichols. I have trained privately with Rose Coe here at MI Music for around 7 years. In that time I’ve grown to become an incredibly passionate and versatile vocalist. I’m a part of 2 choirs as a student at Central High School in Traverse City. I was cast in the musical, and am participating in their Disney & Desserts fundraiser this year. Along with my performance experience, I have been cast in a large number of shows at the Old Town Playhouse community theater throughout the last 7 years. I have sang the National Anthem countless times at local events such as the Pit Spitters baseball games, CHS hockey and soccer games, etc. I’ve earned many scholarships, been a member of some higher level choirs, and received an excellent score/rank in my first district Solo & Ensemble festival this year.
I am very devoted to music and voice, and have been forever. While singing is what I know best, I am also experienced in some piano/music theory basics, and have a passion for songwriting. I am eager to teach vocal technique in all types of singing, from classical arias to belty musical theater. Voice lessons have truly been so beneficial to my singing career, and I hope to give my students the same kind of fun and educational experiences that I’ve had.
LESSONS: Piano | Guitar | Drums
LOCATION: Traverse City
Aaron Rossan is a skilled multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, and sound engineer based in Traverse City, Michigan. With a diverse musical background, Aaron has been an active contributor to the Northern Michigan arts scene since 2013, showcasing his talents across professional band, orchestral, jazz, musical theater, and choral settings. His versatility and dedication to has established him as a dynamic presence in both live performance and studio environments.
In 2023, Aaron graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Audio Technology from Northwestern Michigan College, where he developed a strong foundation in sound engineering, recording techniques, and music production. Since then, he has been performing alongside a variety of accomplished bands and musicians throughout Northern Michigan. His performances are marked by a deep understanding of musical expression, honed through years of experience across multiple genres.
As a sound engineer, Aaron brings technical precision and creativity to his work at AV Studios, a respected local recording studio. There, he specializes in mixing and recording, collaborating with artists to capture and refine their sound with exceptional clarity and artistry.
In addition to his performance and engineering pursuits, Aaron is a passionate educator committed to advancing the next generation of musicians. As an instructor, he emphasizes proper technique, music theory, and the development of solid rhythm, approaching all genres and styles. His teaching centers on both technical proficiency and creative confidence, empowering students to explore their musical potential.
LESSONS: Piano | Voice
LOCATION: Traverse City | Cadillac | Online
Sarah Bauerle is an enthusiastic musician and teacher who is excited to bring her expertise to Mi Music and Traverse City! A native of southeastern Michigan, she is an avid traveler and has visited and performed music in Germany, Austria, England, Japan, and South Korea. She graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor with a BA in music, followed by earning an MM in composition from Eastern Michigan University. Aside from taking 20 years of piano lessons, Sarah also enjoys trying new instruments of all types, and has taken lessons in harp, flute, voice, organ, and bagpipes! During her time living in Korea she also learned how to play several traditional instruments such as the gayageum zither, danso and sogeum flutes, and janggu drums, as well as learning how to sing traditional folk songs and a bit of pansori opera!
Sarah has worked extensively as a choir accompanist and church musician, and was also the rehearsal and pit pianist for the Howell Community Theater for many years, playing such favorites as “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” She has also taught private piano lessons for over a decade, and is known by her students to be a friendly, adaptable, and understanding teacher, who makes learning both achievable and enjoyable. Her teaching philosophy is that music is ultimately a means of communication, a way to express our emotions and develop the creative voice within all of us. Along with learning songs, her lessons provide a mix of music theory, technique, composition, and history, as well as musical activities and games that help to increase student engagement and make lessons more fun!
Sarah offers piano lessons for students of all ages and levels, as well as beginning voice lessons. While she is comfortable teaching almost all styles of music, some of her special focus areas include: music theory, classical music, pop music, choral music and accompanying, sightreading skills, improvisation, and composition. Let her help you achieve your musical dreams!
Some of Sarah’s compositions can be found on her YouTube channel: Sarah Bauerle Music
LESSONS: Violin
LOCATION: Online
My musical journey has taken many unexpected turns, shaping me into the musician and teacher I am today.
I began playing the Hammond organ at age 5 and later explored clarinet, violin, and viola through Grand Rapids Public Schools. Viola became my primary instrument, leading me to perform with school orchestras, the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, and on scholarship at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Interlochen. In 1982, I toured Europe as a violist with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Orchestra.
After earning two nursing degrees on academic scholarship from Ferris State University, I paused my musical studies for two decades while serving as a U.S. Navy officer and later working as a pediatric nurse at the University of Arizona Hospital. I retired from nursing in 2011 and ran a construction company for eight years.
In 2020, an autoimmune disease severely affected my left arm, but after intensive medical care through the VA, I regained function and returned to playing in 2022. Since then, I have immersed myself in the Desert Bluegrass Association and pursued further studies through Camp Bluegrass, Wheatland Music Camp, Chamber Music for Fun, and private lessons with esteemed musicians including Karine Pierson, Don Julin, Sav Buist, Katie Larson, and more.
Today, I’m in one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, and I believe that anyone—at any age—can experience the joy of making music.
Teaching Philosophy:
1. Reading and Ear Training Go Hand in Hand – To be a well-rounded musician, both skills are essential. I learned to play by ear at 54—proving it’s never too late!
2. Consistent Practice is Key – Practicing 10 minutes a day, six days a week, is far more effective than cramming all at once. Steady progress leads to long-term success and enjoyment.
Let’s make music together!
LESSONS: Sax | Guitar | Bass
LOCATION: Online
Jarad Selner – AKA The Saxsquatch – is a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, arranger, composer, and producer from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Having been a touring musician for the better part of 2 decades, The Saxsquatch has played hundreds of stages and dozens of studios with a myriad of bands, giving him a great deal of experience with what it means to be a working player.
Jarad has contributed to records as a producer, arranger, and performer in a range of styles including hip hop, jazz, R&B, funk, blues, country & western, American folk, Classical, rock, fusion, pop, and experimental & soundscape music. As such, he boasts a long list of musical partners, bandmates, and collaborators.
Jarad is also a guitar and bass technician, and has a great deal of experience with setting up and maintaining drums, as well as some experience with woodwind setup and repair. These skill sets give Jarad special insight into issues such as fitment and playability, which can help reduce unnecessary challenges for musicians that are just beginning their musical journey.
The Saxsquatch has been a music educator for over 15 years and teaches saxophones, clarinet, guitar, electric bass, and drum kit. His lessons are specifically tailored to the wants and needs of each student, with a focus on practical theory, body mechanics, contextual history, and, most importantly, having fun.
A List of links to some of his recent contributions, collaborations and works can be found at http://linktr.ee/saxsquatch
LESSONS: Voice
LOCATION: Traverse City
Mezzo-soprano Anna Grace Roth sings regularly throughout Europe and the United States, and is currently based in northern Michigan. Her recent performances include Jo March in the Italian premiere of Little Women by Mark Adamo (2025), Mustardseed in the Walla Walla Washington Shakespeare Festival’s production of A Midsummer Nights Dream (2025), Fairy (alto) in Ein Sommernachtstraum by Mendelssohn at the Brandenburger Theater (2025), Hänsel in a program of scenes from Hänsel und Gretel by E. Humperdinck in Weimar, Germany (2025), Cherubino from Le nozze di Figaro by W.A. Mozart at the Theater Rudolstadt, Germany (2024), Prinz Orlofsky from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss in Weimar (2023), and Die Nachbarin from Mavra by Igor Stravinsky in Weimar (2023).
In addition to opera, Anna also enjoys singing concert repertoire. She has sung in a variety of opera galas and Liederabenden throughout Thüringen, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and northern Italy. A highlight of her concert experiences includes touring as a soloist with the Hunterdon Symphony Orchestra during their 2022 Austrian performances in the Baden Congress Center, the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, and in the Beethoven Orchestra Festival at the Musikverein goldener Saal in Vienna.
Anna completed her Master’s degree in opera at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar under the instruction of Professor Anne Schwanewilms in March of 2025. She has participated in many artist programs, including the Trentino Music Festival (2025), the Berlin Opera Academy (2021), the AIMS Lieder Studio in Graz (2019), the IES Abroad Vienna Music Program (2019), the Bayview Music Festival in Petoskey, Michigan (2017), and others. She received a Bachelor degree in Vocal Performance from the DePauw School of Music in 2020, as well as a minor in German language.
While singing is Anna’s passion, she grew up playing violin under the instruction of Peggy Johnson, Carolyn Collins, and her grandmother Nancy Hanawalt Roth. She also passed a piano proficiency at DePauw University. She is so excited to meet you, and help you to connect with your musical confidence!
LESSONS: Voice
LOCATION: Traverse City
Sierra is a northern Michigan native and is back home after living and working in Nashville and NYC for the past several years. After graduating from the singer-songwriter program at Interlochen Arts Academy, Sierra went on to further pursue songwriting at Berklee College of Music and was a student at both their Boston and Valencia, Spain campuses. In 2017 she moved to Nashville, TN and began releasing music and touring under the moniker i.am.james. She has brought her music to venues and festivals across the US with some of her favorite stops being in her home state of Michigan, these include- Bliss Festival, Wheatland Music Festival, 20 Front Street, Alluvion, and more. Sierra is now based out of the Traverse City/Leelanau county area as a touring and recording artist.
FAQ’S
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Learn music the fun way.
Traverse City Location Address:
3003 Garfield Road N, Traverse City MI 49686
Cadillac Location Address:
1020 E Division St, Cadillac MI 49601
Phone:
Email:
Store Hours:
Contact Us
Learn music the fun way.
Traverse City Location Address:
3003 Garfield Road N, Traverse City MI 49686
Cadillac Location Address:
1020 E Division St, Cadillac MI 49601
