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For People Who Love Music
Music is the soundtrack of our lives. Start your journey today at Cincinnati’s premier school for music lessons.
THE MUSIC IS IN YOU
Since 1997, Cincinnati Music Academy has provided personalized, high quality music lessons taught by the regions most experienced and professional instructors.
Private and Group Lessons
Private lessons are tailored to the needs and goals of each individual. Group lessons include bands, ensembles, and adult piano students.
All ages
Lessons for children, teenagers, and adults
Any experience level
We welcome all students with the desire to learn
How we work
At Cincinnati Music Academy, we offer a wide range of instruments and areas for students to learn. Our instructors operate independent studios and work directly with students and families to establish personalized goals and lesson plans. All instructors have advanced degrees in music and years of professional experience teaching private music lessons.
Piano
Our piano program is designed to nurture students' musical talents and foster a deep appreciation for the instrument. Through personalized lessons, students will explore various styles and techniques, enhancing their skills and musical expression.
Voice
Our voice program is crafted to help students find their unique voice and develop their vocal skills. Through personalized lessons, students will explore various genres and techniques, enhancing their range and confidence.
Guitar
Our guitar program is tailored to help students master the art of playing the guitar. With personalized lessons, students will learn various styles and techniques, from classical to contemporary, enhancing their skills and musical expression.
Drums
Our drum program is designed to unleash the rhythm within you. Through personalized lessons, students will explore various drumming styles and techniques, enhancing their skills and musical expression.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the talented individuals behind our success.
Joel Greenberg has been teaching professionally since 2002. He has developed a unique studio at the Cincinnati Music Academy which includes a large collection of instruments and music production equipment. Students have the opportunity do explore music beyond the traditional private lesson. As a performer Joel has toured nationally and works frequently as a freelance multi-instrumentalist for regional productions and performances. He is a graduate of the CCM Jazz Studies program, has taught at the college level, and is a co-owner of the Cincinnati Music Academy.
Natasha Pence is an active teacher and pianist in the Greater Cincinnati area. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Eastern Kentucky University and the Certificate in Piano Pedagogy from Northern Kentucky University. Natasha is a co-owner of the Cincinnati Music Academy and director of the piano department.
Amy Immerman is one of Cincinnati’s most active and well-known piano teachers, specializing in traditional and recreational lessons. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Ohio University. She is a Permanent National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). Amy was Founder and Co-owner of Cincinnati Music Academy from 1997-2022.
Paul McCready has had the pleasure of instructing many of our area’s talented singers for over 30 years. He has become known as an excellent communicator of vocal technique.
Austin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he spent his time developing his pedagogy skills with Dr. Ann Porter, as well as focusing on technical ability in classical repertoire with Dr. James Bunte and improvising in jazz big bands with veteran jazz legend Craig Bailey. He has worked extensively with woodwind students in Southern Ohio districts such as Milford and Sycamore, where his students are regularly accepted into (and featured in performances of) local competitive ensembles like Ohio All State Bands, Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble, and Cincinnati Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Brian Batchelor-Glader enjoys teaching traditional piano lessons to children and adults from beginning to intermediate classical piano and advanced jazz piano. He is a professional gigging musician in the tri-state area and has performed all around the world, including the U.S., Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He really loves teaching improvisation to all ages of students. His students range in age from 6 to 83.
Being a Suzuki parent, Gustavo Carpinteyro-Lara knows that patience, love and dedication to his own son, are the best way to nurture him. As a teacher, he believes that any student has a high level of learning potential; however it is the responsibility of a teacher to guide and help every student to pursue and achieve his/her goals no matter how small or big they are. His teaching focus on making student the best cellist can be, and guide the student to the most comfortable, intelligent and balanced way to master skills. Teacher and student should work together and the teacher will help the student understand how cello playing works through a combination of cello technique, the student’s physical abilities, the laws of physics and gravity; and music itself.
Gina Cerimele-Mechley began acting at eight, dancing at nine, singing at eleven, choreographing at thirteen, performing professionally at thirteen, teaching at eighteen, professional fight direction at nineteen, directing at twenty-two, became one of the few female Certified Teachers in the country with the Society of American Fight Directors in 2001, and was a founding member of several professional theatre companies in Cincinnati including the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Clear Stage Cincinnati.
Larry Feldner holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Don Gauck has been teaching guitar lessons since 1992. He works with students in middle school and older and in most common music styles. In his studio, Don primarily offers private lessons with occasional group sessions throughout the year. His students are given the opportunity to learn the songs and styles they love while developing fundamental skills necessary to long term learning. The curriculum is never “one size fits all” and is tailored to the needs of the individual.
Originally from Oklahoma, Max Gise has made his home in Cincinnati since 2004. Currently, Max is an adjunct professor at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a guitar instructor at Cincinnati Music Academy and a guitar instructor at The School for Creative and Performing Arts in downtown Cincinnati. In 2005-2006, he was a graduate assistant at CCM, where he completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies in June, 2006. He began his collegiate career at University of Oklahoma in 1997 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor degree in Classical Guitar Performance in 2002. While there, he was granted the Outstanding Classical Guitar Award as well as the Outstanding Jazz Student Award.
Cincinnati native Teresa Glenn began her official music study at the age of six. Years of experience in teaching piano has enhanced her own indelible love of music.
Samuel Happeny has been teaching cello since 2016. His students range in age from four to adults, but he has particular experience in teaching beginner level children. In order to bring out the maximum potential of the student, Samuel believes that it is the duty of the instructor to tailor their teaching method to the needs of each individual. Samuel graduated from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music with his bachelor’s in Cello Performance. Other than teaching, Samuel is a very active cellist, recording for Cincinnati hip hop groups and award winning movie scores. Most recently Samuel toured with the Eagles in Florida for their 2022 tour, and has performed with and is on the sub list for the Venice Symphony. Samuel is Suzuki Certified in books 1 and 2.
William Harrison is a lifelong musician who has been learning about music his whole life. From early childhood lessons in piano, voice, and trumpet, to studying music education at Ohio University, to currently taking jazz guitar lessons at the Cincinnati Music Academy, William believes its never too early or late to start learning and having fun with music.
Melinda Hickman has a passion for helping people work toward their musical goals. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to very advanced. She believes that every person who wants to learn music can do so, no matter their age, ability, or disability. Her teaching style is to offer encouragement and respect to her students, while working together toward high standards.
Loretta Graner enjoys helping people of all ages and ability find joy in reaching their musical potential. Lessons focus on acquisition of the technical, cognitive, and artistic skills required for independent learning and realization of students’ goals and aspirations. Performance and evaluation opportunities are offered and a spirit of collaboration is encouraged. Dr. Graner has been teaching piano, serving as a piano and harp adjudicator, and developing music programs for area churches since coming here to pursue the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.
Danielle Hundley believes that flute lessons should develop each student as total musician. In addition to the important fundamentals of flute playing, Danielle emphasizes composing, chamber music participation and music appreciation in her studio. Ms. Hundley works hard to develop a learning plan, adapted to meet the needs of each student as an individual. She creates a nurturing environment, with the right balance of challenge and encouragement for beginning students (youth and adult) through advanced, pre-conservatory flutists.
Nick Kelliher is a voice teacher based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Nick’s teaching style is a holistic one, where finding technical efficiency is key, so that artistry and expression may be easily accessed. In Nick’s studio, students will learn about concepts that are necessary for healthy vocal production that can be used across all styles, including classical, musical theater, jazz, and pop. Nick studies voice with internationally recognized baritone, William McGraw. Nick has also volunteered as a member of the UC Voice and Swallowing Lab. He is currently earning his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he also earned his Master’s Degree.
Christina holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Susquehanna University, and completed her Master of Music degree in voice at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 2014 under the tutelage of Kenneth Shaw.
Niko works with students of all skill levels. He is great at making the guitar fun for kids and enjoys working with teenagers and adults as well. He specializes in teaching rock, pop, jazz, and other common styles. In his studio, beginners and casual students can count on a patient teacher who will deconstruct difficult elements into simple lessons. More adventurous and advanced learners will be challenged to excel by learning new techniques, musical genres, improvising, and more. Niko stresses the development formal music skills through learning theory and how to read music, but also loves teaching students how to “make music on the fly” and learn the songs they have always wanted to play.
Michael Kotur has been a career musician for over 35 years. He was born into an extremely musical family. His mother began accompanying her church at age 12, and all 3 children received music scholarships. Michael studied piano from ages 6 to 13, and got his first guitar at age 15. After high school Michael went on the road with American Entertainment Productions, performing up to 10 shows a week and touring across the country for nearly 3 years.
Dr. Lang has been teaching voice for over 30 years with the past 29 years as a faculty member at Cincinnati Christian University where she was the lead voice instructor. She also taught beginning music theory, voice class, voice studio, vocal pedagogy, advanced choral conducting, and directed their 40 voice Concert Choir and 25 voice acapella group, Resonate. As part of her teaching responsibilities, she also produced the annual sold-out Christmas Dinner Theater and other theater productions including Fiddler on the Roof and Music Man. Dr. Lang travelled throughout the United States with Concert Choir and twice to Brazil where they performed over 15 concerts during each tour. Although the majority of Dr. Lang’s students have been college-age, she has taught all age groups from middle school through senior adults in her private studio. The vocal styles she teaches range from classical to musical theater, gospel to Contemporary Christian Music, and popular music. Dr. Lang completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music where she studied voice with Mary Henderson-Stucky.
Lauren, like so many of us, started with a love of music and singing, especially the sounds and stylings of everything musical theater. With a degree in theater and a minor in vocal performance from Miami University, she aims to find the perfect balance of vocal function and expression.
Devon Leigh has been teaching drums and percussion since 2007, and has been playing the drums professionally since the age of sixteen. With many years of private teaching and professional playing experience in a wide array of musical settings, he is well equipped to provide students of all ages and skill levels with the necessary tools they need to thrive on their musical journey, whichever direction that might take.
As a composer, jazz and classical pianist, and freelance arranger, James has a diverse musical background which inspires his teaching of classical and jazz piano, improvisation and composition. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Indianapolis and a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), he offers a creative approach to learning aimed at creating strong technique and encouraging personal expression. With a vast repertory spanning many styles, and including personal arrangements for students, James has resounding success with adults and beginners alike, guiding each student on their personal musical path to success.
Hannah MacNeal is a multi-instrumentalist who has been professionally teaching violin and viola since 2016. In the past, she has worked worked with MYCincinnati and Cincinnati Strings, leading group classes and teaching violin, viola, guitar, and piano. She has experience teaching students from the age of three to retired folks, and she works under the belief that music is truly meant for everyone. Hannah has a bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Mary Nerren is a Cincinnati-based pianist specializing in collaborative piano and private music lessons. She promotes a classical music foundation that provides technical skills transferable to many genres and styles. Her teaching philosophy is to provide effective, sustainable, and fun practice habits to facilitate life-long learning. An emphasis on proper technique enables her students to reach their musical goals free from discomfort or injury. She believes knowledge of music theory and music history are essential in rounding out a music education and enjoys incorporating these subjects in creative ways. Her additional skills in violin, chamber music, and vocal coaching enable her to offer a variety of lessons and a broad perspective to her students.
Ally Oakes has been teaching violin and viola professionally since 2018. Ally has also worked with the New Horizons Orchestra since 2020 and has experience teaching general music and orchestra as a public school teacher. Ally teaches beginning to advanced level students and has experience teaching from age 5 all the way through students in their 90s. She has a bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Jennifer approaches every student as an individual, and finds enjoyment in learning more every day how to make music accessible and fun for each student. Teaching both violin and viola in both Suzuki and traditional teaching styles, Jennifer has 14 years of teaching experience. The feeling of having an instrument placed on your shoulder for the first time is something Jennifer hopes every child has the chance to experience. Jennifer nurtures the idea that music should always be fun, and loves to teach her students songs they want to play from movies or songs they know.
Irene Reising, a coloratura soprano from Cincinnati, OH, has been performing with multiple opera companies and has also been teaching private voice and piano since 2017. As a voice and piano instructor, Ms. Reising deeply believes in a healthy technique being the most important skill developed in lessons. Ms. Reising will work with her students to find appropriate repertoire to fit each student’s instrument. In her studio, the students will work on growing their confidence in performing and expressing themselves as a musician through appropriately deemed repertoire. The students will also cultivate an appreciation of music and gain a basic understanding of the fundamentals of music.
Dan Qiao has enjoyed a vibrant career as a concert violinist and chamber musician performing in concerts around the world, including in China, Germany, France, Poland, Netherland and the USA. Ms. Qiao has performed as a solo and chamber musician at such prestigious festivals as the Beijing Modern Music Festival( Beijing, China), Baroque Summer Festival (Cincinnati, OH), Mostly Modern music festival (Saratoga Springs, NY), Euro Music Festival (Halle, Germany), Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves (Bordeaux, France), and the Jubilee International Music Course (Opole, Poland), Lunigiana International Music Festival (Italy), Brevard Music Festival (NC, USA) and Splendor Summer Academy(Amsterdam, Netherland). She played chamber music recital with legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov at Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves in 2019. She also played in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (NYC).
“As your piano instructor, my goal is to provide an atmosphere for musical, emotional, and intellectual stimulation. To reach this, I will take the necessary steps to teach basic or advance skills of piano and musicianship in private or group settings. My personal goal is to motivate, educate and encourage my students to reach their individual potential.” “I prepare my students based in five principles that through practice produce a good interpretation and performance of the pieces. Those principles are: Analysis, Aural, Technique, History, and Imagination.”
Laura Sabo is a classically trained musician who has crossed to the dark side of improvised music and never wants to go back, except occasionally when she gets to perform with wonderful ensembles such as the West Virginia Symhony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and Concert:Nova. She fell in love with music as a child when she would sneak into the basement after dinner to spend hours listening to old records. Her impatience chose saxophone as her first instrument in fourth grade simply because the line for flute was too long. Although she was reduced to tears when her private lesson teacher forced her to switch to clarinet, it has proven a fateful match.
Richard Van Dyke specializes in taking students to their highest potential. With the studio motto, “Practice to Prosper,” his highly motivated students work diligently to successfully perform repertoire from beginning through virtuoso levels by incorporating technique, music theory, music history, ear-training and collaborative music into regularly scheduled lessons.
Matt has been teaching professionally since 2008. Specializing in bass guitar, upright bass, and music theory, Matt teaches students of all levels from beginner to professional. Matt’s curriculum emphasizes the development of a diverse knowledge of musical styles (jazz, rock, pop, and beyond) and concepts (music reading, theory, improvisation, etc.) while tailoring to the individual goals of any student. At the CMA, Matt’s students will also have the opportunity to perform recitals in a live band setting with both their peers and professional players.
Xiaoming Zhu (Shao-ming Choo, aka “Mr. Z”) started his piano journey at the tender age of 3-1/2 in his native country of China. At age 12, he was accepted into the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China, the biggest music conservatory worldwide. At age 18, he moved to Cincinnati with a full scholarship to study piano performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. CCM is ranked as one of the top five music schools nationwide. At CCM, Mr. Zhu earned two Bachelor degrees (Piano Performance and Music Education) and a Masters degree in Piano Performance.
Ms. Dieterlen teaches students of all ages and abilities. Lessons encompass theory, technique, ear training, and sight reading all focused toward increasing the ability to speak a musical language and deepen the student’s relationship with sound.
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