Music Center Inc.
Lesson Biographies

Guitar, Percussion, Piano & Vocal Lessons

Benjamin Holt (Upright Bass/ Bass Guitar)

Benjamin Holt graduated with a music degree from UW-Parkside in 2018 after first picking up the bass in middle school. He has experience in several ensemble settings including small jazz combos and big bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles, pit bands and musicals, rock and pop bands, and accompanied and unaccompanied solo settings. While primarily focused on playing the double bass in a jazz context, he has years of experience playing the bass guitar as a secondary instrument. Benjamin regularly performs his own compositions with select groups and is currently active in the Milwaukee-Chicago jazz scene. Benjamin’s teaching style focuses on applied music theory, ear training, reading skills, memorization, and developing versatility for different performance settings.

Gene Morris (Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar)

Gene has been playing guitar and performing since 1983. After studying music in college where he majored in theory and performance, he began to teach professionally in 1987. He has over 30 years of experience in most styles of music, which he brings to his lessons. Teaching disciplines that include: Reading, Theory, Composition, Ear training, Improvisation, Slide and Lead Guitar. Besides many live band and solo performances, he has performed on an internationally released album and is currently recording his own debut album.

Andy Singer (Guitar, Bass, Ukulele)

Andrew has been studying and performing music since 1999.  He uses his passion of the acoustic guitar to sing cover songs from the 50's - today and also his originals with undenied finesse & smooth/energetic vibes.  He has played birthdays, corporate events, family reunions, festivals, gatherings, graduations, work/holiday events, weddings and fundraisers for charity events.  With over 20 years performing as a live musical artist Andrew Singer has achieved a knack for bringing an excitingly unique experience filled with cheerful moments, uninhibited memories and a musical joyride of fun with your absolute favorite classic chart-topping hits for everyone to sing and dance to.

Percussion

We give percussion drum lessons!  Please inquire at bottom of form

Piano Lessons

Alexander Poyner

I have been playing the piano since 2005 and it has developed into one of my life long passions. In 2015 I earned my Bachelors in Piano Performance from UW Parkside, and after that I attended University of Michigan for harpsichord and fortepiano performance. Besides degrees in music, I also have performed both piano and classical organ for many churches since 2008. In Fall of 2016 I will be the regular musician and Music Director at Wesley United Methodist in Kenosha. On several occasions I have played the piano for assistant and nursing homes over the Kenosha area and shared the joy of music with many people. Also over the years I have entered to musical competitions and festivals including Oberlin Baroque Music Festival, in summer of 2015. Since I started playing the piano I have developed an interesting in playing many musical styles: classical, ragtime, blues, early jazz, old popular music from the 1920s to the 1960s, and even some classic country music. And YES I even teach these musical styles too! I believe the piano and music overall is a fun and fascinating experience and I encourage all my students to be creative and find their musical taste and cultivate it. If the student does not mind I will teach music history and music theory to both give perspective about a musical piece and to give you the tools to improvise and become a composer. I teach pretty much everyone from children to adults, whether you want to learn a few small pieces, or if you want to become a virtuoso pianist, I have the training and skill to have you accomplish whatever your musical goals may be. If anything can be said about the piano, it’s a beautiful, fun and wonderful art form that enhances the enjoyment of life.

Piano & Vocal

Carmen Risi

My name is Carmen Risi and I spent 10 years in the K-12 music classroom before I transitioned into performing full time. I have appeared on professional theatrical stages in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Door County. I have prepared my students for Solo and Ensemble Festivals, Theatrical and College Auditions, leading many to State and competitive programs.

Band & Orchestra

Paul Anthony (Bass, Saxophone, Piano, Clarinet, Beginner Flute, Trumpet, Trombone)

Paul Anthony has been teaching people to play multiple instruments since 1997. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. VanderCook is the only college in the country dedicated exclusively to music education. Paul has played bass in and directed various corporate and cover bands over the years as well..

Lessons range from $23 - 26 per 1/2 hour session.  Lessons run independently of the Store and are based on teachers schedule.

Give us a phone call during normal business hours of Monday - Friday, 11 a.m .to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. if we can help with any additional question you may have @ 888-697-9393, otherwise click the button below and we will have our staff follow up with you shortly!