What are the benefits to working with different teachers?
-Fresh ears and eyes to give new perspective
-An opportunity to set new goals and practice differently
-A different set of skills that might ignite a different passion or skill in your student
-It’s fun to change it up every once in a while!
Matthew Miersch – Traveling Teacher – Piano, Guitar and Ukulele
Born and raised in the Denver area, Matthew Miersch found his calling for music the moment he picked up his first horn in the fourth grade. Unable to fulfill an insatiable appetite, he eagerly learned several instruments throughout middle and high school. Matt completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in Trumpet Performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2014, studying Classical with Professor Terry Sawchuk and Jazz with internationally renowned Professor Brad Goode. While attending CU Boulder, Matt performed with numerous ensembles, including the CU Symphony Orchestra, CU Boulder Wind Symphony, CU Concert Jazz Ensemble, and several of the CU Jazz Combos.
Along with teaching, and of course, enjoying plenty of time in the mountains, Matt has spent the past decade composing, songwriting, performing, and recording with various groups and projects, primarily with his own band, Perceptual Present. An emerging force in the local Denver music scene, they draw-in audiences with their highly compelling, intricate, and entirely unique brand of Progressive/Experimental/Indie Rock. Matt composes all of the music and plays bass guitar and trumpet/flügelhorn for the group. He has also been playing and performing for the past ten years with the Arapahoe Community College Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, Matt has been directing and running their Jazz Combo for the past five years, which consists of a few select members from the Jazz Ensemble.
Matt has taught all ages and levels of students. His varied background with several instruments and many different styles and genres of music (Classical, Jazz, Rock/Pop, Blues, Funk, etc.) enables him to be highly versatile and creative in his lessons. He often incorporates bits of singing into different lessons, along with music theory concepts. Students are highly encouraged to learn and practice many different styles in pursuit of becoming well-rounded musicians. They may guide their own lessons at times and may even choose to learn multiple instruments at once, if desired. Music is so extremely powerful, yet still so extremely fun, and there is a musical voice in everyone!
David McDevitt – BFA – Traveling Teacher – Piano
David’s musical journey began during his undergraduate studies at James Madison University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance. It was during this time that he discovered his love for teaching and started sharing his expertise with aspiring pianists.
Over the past decade, David has honed his teaching skills, guiding numerous students on their own musical paths. David is dedicated to his students growth and tailors his instruction to each students individual needs.
In addition to his teaching, David has also achieved notable academic milestones. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from James Madison University. Seeking to enhance his understanding of piano technique, he further pursued a diploma in Injury Preventative Piano Technique from Salem College.
He has made significant contributions to the field through his performances, and advocacy, showcasing the rich and diverse musical heritage of Latin American and Caribbean composers.
William Faber – Piano, Guitar and Ukulele
Will received his Bachelor in the Arts in Music from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He has been playing guitar for 18 years, and piano for 10 years. In the past 4 years, he has been giving music lessons to students in Colorado. He has experience playing classical, acoustic, and electric guitar, along with piano and ukulele. He is well-versed in classical, folk, rock, jazz, and blues.
Will’s goal is to have his students succeed and thrive playing the music they’ve always wanted to play, or to create the music they’ve always wanted to create. Will believes it’s better to learn in simple steps, and always aims to make the lesson engaging and fun.
Hillary Denham – BFA Substitute – Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Voice
Hillary started her college journey by attending University of Arizona as a ballet major, but ended up graduating from Colorado Christian University with a minor in classical piano performance and a major in Theology. Throughout her childhood, she enjoyed participating in choir, musical theatre, and a few different bands. Hillary is the founder + creative director of Wunderkin Co., a children’s fashion accessory company, but on the side, she enjoys teaching and volunteering opportunities in the arts, including teaching classical ballet at Colorado Conservatory and helping Jaime Johnson with the BFA choir and elementary musical. She has three children that attend BFA, and they enjoy playing covers of songs together at their home.
Jaime Johnson – Summer Substitute BFA – Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Voice
Ms. Jaime Johnson is the K-8 music director at Ben Franklin Academy. She is responsible for directing all performances and after school classes as well as teaching elementary general music and middle school music and theatre electives.
Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from University of Redlands and a Masters in Music Education from University of Colorado Boulder. She is certified in New York Vocal Coaching’s voice teacher training. Outside of Ben Franklin, Ms. Johnson is the music director for the theatre group Audience of One. Prior to BFA, she taught band and orchestra at three Douglas County schools and K-8 general music at a charter school in Denver.