Every teacher on staff is a professional.  Not only experienced, motivated teachers; they are all seasoned stage performers.  Studying with a pro is difference you will notice!

Voice & Piano

Jamie Jurado – Voice, Piano, Music Theory, Sight-Singing.

Jamie Jurado did her undergraduate studies at Madonna University, Livonia, MI, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Music concentration, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

In addition to private teaching, she has her Michigan Teacher Certification for Music Education K-12; she is currently teaching K-12 Music at schools in Oak Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and in Southgate, MI.

Jamie has experience creating lesson plans integrating technology for virtual learning and hands-on music activities to engage students in meaningful learning and organizing and preparing students to perform for schoolwide Concerts (vocal and instrumental).

She has been a private music instructor for many years, and is a member of the Michigan Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Educators.

Jamie has extensive chorale and solo performing experience.

Bill Boley – Acoustic, Electric, Classical Guitar, and Ukulele

Bill Boley has been teaching all styles of Guitar and electric Bass in the Plymouth/ Northville/Ann Arbor/ Farmington area for over 20 years.  Skilled in all Electric, Acoustic, and Classical guitar styles and genres, Bill has been a very enthusiastic teacher of students of all ages and skill levels including second graders on the ukulele and 80-year-old retired rocket scientists.

Bill has been a performing musician all his life with countless gigs as a Solo/Singer/songwriter, in Rock groups, and as a pit orchestra member in dozens of Musical theatre productions.

Bill recently traveled to Boston to receive his bachelor’s degree in music performance from Berklee College of Music!

Beginners are especially welcome as well as more advanced players who may need coaching in songwriting, vocal harmony, and improvisation.  Bill is fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine.

Bill hosts a truly enjoyable adult guitar group class on Thursday evenings; please call for details!

Bass Guitar

Dan Jones – Electric Bass (4, 5, and 6 string), Acoustic and Electric Guitar

Dan Jones is a scholarship recipient and honors graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, prior to which he studied for several years with renowned Detroit-area bassist and educator Rich Kowalewski.

He has performed and recorded with several regional and Michigan-based rock, blues, jazz and world music groups before joining The Ragbirds in 2014.  He has since been touring nationally with the group in support of their most recent release, “The Threshold & the Hearth” (Rock Ridge Music, 2016).

As the Ragbirds are currently on hiatus, Dan is available for lessons at HCOM.  In addition to his esteemed bass skill, Dan is an experienced guitarist.

Guitar

Nick Jastrzembski – Guitar, Ukulele

“Learning should always be fun- never a chore.” – Nicholas Jastrzembski

Nicholas Jastrzembski, professional guitar instructor, is a local singer-songwriter from Livonia, Michigan. With over twenty years of guitar experience, and ten years of professional guitar instruction, he has the knowledge and expertise to musically instruct people from all ages and backgrounds. Since the late 1990’s, Nicholas has performed professionally in rock bands, acoustic duos, and solo classical guitar performances at venues such as private weddings, parties, charity events, bars, restaurants, and even an outdoor music festival. Nicholas is skillful in a wide array of musical genres and styles including rock, blues, classical and folk. He also offers lessons in music theory, technique, and composition. Each music lesson is individually tailored to meet the student’s musical goals. Nicholas provides a relaxed atmosphere and fun environment that promotes learning and enjoyment during every session.

For some examples of Nicholas’ creative talent, please visit him on Youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/NJsCorner

Wally Piotrowski – Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Jazz & Big Band specialist

Walter Piotrowski – Professional musician and guitarist for over 30 years. “In that time, I have enjoyed teaching hundreds of students of all ages and ability levels. I was attracted to music at an early age while listening to records that my parents had. It didn’t take long to realize that I wanted to study the guitar. I am a graduate of the University of Michigan and have performed in many situations from solo to full Orchestra. I have toured throughout the United States and also parts of Europe. I am very happy to be at The Harris Conservatory of Music and I look forward to continue the many rewarding experiences of teaching music and the guitar.”

Banjo

David Russell – Banjo

      

David Russell began his journey into the world of bluegrass banjo (aka, Scruggs Style) when he was 15 years old. It all started in 1975 when he went to see a bluegrass band perform live at the Motor Lodge Inn in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The banjo caught his ear that night and it’s been pedal-to-the-metal ever since.

His family comes from East Tennessee and Western North Carolina which gave him a direct connection in those early years to the world of bluegrass music and relatives who played guitar, banjo and fiddle.

His banjo teaching experience goes back to the late 1970s when he began teaching at the Gitfiddler Music Shop in Northville, Michigan. He continued to teach there until 1995. He lived in Atlanta, Georgia from 2009 until 2014 where he had over 40 banjo students and filled in for a number of Atlanta area bluegrass bands.

Since the late 1970s, David has toured with a number of local, Detroit area bands that include, The Sunnysiders, Blue Velvet, Timberline, Bluegrass Generation, John Hunley and the Kentuckians, The Mike Adams Band, Fox River, Lare Williams and New Direction, and Hardline Drive. He has played on venues with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley, The Country Gentlemen, The Country Gazette, Doyle Lawson, IIIrd Tyme Out, The Lonesome River band, Rhonda Vincent, Mountain Heart, Cadillac Sky, and many others. David also had the honor of playing banjo with legendary mandolin player, Frank Wakefield, in a multi-state tour in 2000.

In addition to teaching banjo and playing gigs, David is also a published author of the very first biography on the life of banjo master, Earl Scruggs. He co-authored Earl Scruggs: Banjo Icon (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017) with his friend and former banjo student, Gordon Castelnero. He is currently working on his second book, Banjo Visionaries, which studies the evolution of the five-string banjo since Earl Scruggs.

David teaches Scruggs Style banjo, melodic style, and single string (aka Reno Style). Banjo influences include Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, J. D. Crowe, Sonny Osborne, Allen Shelton, Bill Emerson, Alan Munde, Bill Keith, Bobby Thompson, Terry Baucom, Sammy Shelor, Ron Block, Jim Mills, and too many more to list. He also loves Classical, Baroque, Ancient Choral, Jazz, Blues, and anything with feel and solid timing.

He has an MA in philosophy from the University of Detroit (Mercy) and a PhD in history and religion from Michigan State University. He occasionally teaches college level course in philosophy, religion and history.

Drums

Brian Harris – Drum Set, Marching Snare, Marimba, Hand Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Spoons

Brian Harris started playing drums in 1981 at the age of 11.  And it just never stopped.

He did his undergraduate studies at Wayne State University under Sam Tundo, majoring in Percussion Performance, and performing with the WSU symphony, WSU orchestra, and WSU percussion ensemble. His drum set studies were primarily with Tom Starr, initially from 1981 – 1985, then again 1993-1997 focusing on Jazz, Latin, and Afro-Cuban applications for drum set.

For the last 30 years Brian has been an active performer in concert venues across the Midwest, and a studio session player.  He has extensive experience performing and teaching Rock, Jazz, Blues, Rudimental Snare & Drumline, Musical Theater Pit Orchestra, Classical Percussion, Afro-Cuban, Traditional Irish, New Age, Metal, Funk, and Pop.  Lessons are available on Snare, Drum Set, Marimba, Congas, Bongos, Djembe, Dombek, auxiliary percussion, and spoons.

Brian works closely with band programs at Plymouth-Canton HS, Northville HS, and Novi HS, and runs The Harris Conservatory of Music in Plymouth. He has been an active member of the Percussive Arts Society since 1989, attending eight of their international conventions.  He is a contributing member of the Vic Firth PDT program.

Brian began teaching privately in 1989 at The Gitfiddler Music Store in Northville, MI.  Since that time, he has taught hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to have careers as touring musicians.

Violin

New Instructor Coming Soon!! – Violin

Cello

Ana Andrade – Cello

Ana Karen Andrade Chavez was born in Mexico and began studying cello with Liparit Terzian, former student of the outstanding performer Mislav Rostropovich.  She came to the United States at age of 14 and started taking lessons with Suzanne Smith.  “That helped me a lot with fine points of technique that were passed on from master classes with Janos Starker” says Ana.  Her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University, majoring in Cello Performance, have seen her blossom as a performer.  Her private studies are with Marcy Chanteaux, former 1st chair cellist at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

“I love music and teaching! Surrounding myself with people who share in the same passions is extremely fulfilling!”  – Ana Andrade

Double Bass

Marlo Williams – Double Bass

Marlo Williams is an active performer, and experienced educator.  Marlo has extensive orchestral experience, having performed with groups including the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Flint Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and the Fort Smith Symphony.  She is a current member of the Jackson Symphony, the Dearborn Symphony, and an active chamber music and recording performer.

An experienced educator, Marlo has been teaching privately for 17 years. She completed her Bachelor of Music at Duquesne University in 2004, majoring in Double Bass Performance.  Marlo came to Michigan in 2013 to do her Master’s degree in Double Bass Performance at The University of Michigan, and we’re delighted she stayed to share her talent with our community!

Trumpet and Cornet

Dr. Randy Regal

Dr. Regal began serious pursuit of the trumpet as a sophomore at Redford Union High School. He took lessons from Irving Sarin, former first trumpet in the Pittsburgh Symphony under Fritz Reiner, throughout high school. Afterwards, he attended Boston Conservatory of Music (BCM), where he was first trumpet in the BCM Wind Ensemble his freshman year. Then, life took a turn, and he eventually decided to leave BCM and pursue a career in pharmacy and enrolled at the University of Michigan. He is currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy in Adult Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology at that institution’s hospital and college of pharmacy.

His bio from his early years includes two years in the Livonia Youth Symphony, 2 years with the Stevenson High School Jazz Band, one year as assistant first trumpet in the Detroit Metropolitan Orchestra, and a featured co-soloist with the Michigan State Fair Honors Band under William D. Revelli. He currently plays with the Plymouth Community Band and gigs with a piano player named Emmon Scott as the A-dynamic Duo. The duo plays its own arrangements of popular music from the 50’s through today, as well as their own brand of rock, classical, and traditional pieces for cocktail hours and other events. “Eclectic tunes with forks and spoons”, as he puts it.

Dr. Regal loves teaching in both his profession of pharmacy and as a private trumpet instructor. “I have had the fortune of having great experiences and training in music early in my life, but then I spent many years away from music before I got back. I have always had many other commitments and responsibilities, so I think I’ve made more comebacks than Mike Tyson.”

“I feel that an extremely important component of any person’s education should include something in the arts, whether it be literature, language, dance, vocal, or instrumental music. That said, I understand the need for balance and perspective about life’s priorities. First and foremost, I want my students to have fun practicing and performing, and I individualize my approach to teaching based on each unique personality.”

French Horn

Justin Zak

Justin has studied under Mr. Adam Unsworth and Mr. Bryan Kennedy at The University of Michigan, majoring in French horn performance.  He has performed in the University of Michigan Symphony Band, University Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Lab Ensemble, as well as being active in multiple chamber groups.  He has also attended the Kinhaven Young Artist Seminar, where he studied with Professor Daniel Grabois.

Justin is an active performer in the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor area, as 3rd horn in the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, a section musician for the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, and has played with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.

Trombone

Bruce Sole

Bruce Sole, trombone/euphonium, is an active musician who performs regularly with the Livonia Symphony Orchestra (principal trombone), the OCC Jazz Band (lead trombone), and the Plymouth Concert Band (euphonium).  In addition, Mr. Sole plays trombone in the L.S.O. brass quintet/quartet, has performed with several church orchestra’s and in community/high school theater productions locally.  He also teaches privately and has taught with HEMA (Home Education Music Association) for many years.

A product of the Detroit and Livonia school systems, Mr. Sole started playing trombone in the 5th grade and has continued to this day.  While working on his teaching degree at E.M.U. he was introduced to the euphonium (due to a broken arm) and never stopped playing it.  Mr. Sole enjoys performing in Adult Band Camps and has been fortunate enough to play with Lucas Spiros (U.S. Marine Band “The President’s Own” Euphonium Soloist, retired) and under the baton of Col. Timothy Foley (U.S. Marine Band “The President’s Own”, retired), Col. Timothy Holton (U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, retired) and Thomas Riccobono, Professor of Low Brass, Interlochen Center for the Arts. For 25 years, Mr. Sole has had the pleasure to play under the baton of Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk, Music Director and Conductor of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra and former Conductor – In – Residence of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia.

Low Brass

Scott Hawkins

Scott Hawkins has been performing on low brass for well over a decade. He has been an active part of top-notch ensembles, including the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Marching Band, nationally competing Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, Shadow Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as performing with local ensembles such as the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, and the Plymouth Community Band. An experienced educator, Scott is a real pleasure to work with for students of all ages!

Clarinet

Larry Rife

Larry was drawn towards the clarinet at a young age after watching Pete Fountain perform on the Tonight Show. After a couple early teachers, he was taken on by the esteemed Mr. Emil Moro at the highly publicized Detroit-Wayne Music Studio, regarded as the best ensemble of teachers in the city.

His performance resume includes the Detroit Metro Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Martin Stella, Wayne State University Concert Band under Dr. Harold Arnoldi and the Midwest Music Conference under Dr. William Revelli. While in high school Larry played with both the concert and jazz band doubling on tenor sax with participation at both Blue Lake and Interlochen.

Mr. Rife is an accomplished classical clarinetist, attaining first chair from eighth through twelfth grade and gaining twelve continuous ‘First Ratings’ while scoring a 98 out of 100 at his final State Solo and Ensemble.

Larry has been performing with the clarinet for well over forty years and has gained experience working with young students, finding solutions in areas that require more attention and preparation for both ensemble and solo performance. He is very motivated to help students play to the best of their abilities. Most importantly, Larry wants his students to be proud of their accomplishments and to ‘Have Fun!’

His tone and musicality are remarkable; you have to hear him play!

Saxophone

Nate Glitman

Nate Glitman is a saxophonist and educator who has recently moved into the Plymouth community. He holds a Master of Music Performance from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) where he studied with Frederick L. Hemke with a focus on classical saxophone chamber music. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Alma College (Alma, MI) where he studied with Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert and Dr. Jonathan Nichol. During college, he worked at the Interlochen Arts Camp and studied with Timothy McAllister. During college and graduate school, Nate participated in a wide variety of ensembles including saxophone quartets and ensembles, jazz bands, marching band, wind ensembles, orchestras, and contemporary music ensembles.

Nate has a wide experience teaching both beginners and advanced students in the fundamentals of saxophone music and literature, ranging from classical to jazz to contemporary and experimental music. He has a strong passion for teaching beginning students of all ages and helping them figure out how music can enrich their lives both in school and beyond.

When not playing saxophone, Nate is an avid amateur curler at the Detroit Curling Club and is a coffee enthusiast.

Tom Bankes – Piano

Tom Bankes began his studies on piano and composition, eventually expanding to incorporate organ and voice.  He graduated from Walled Lake Northern in 2009 and went on to study at Oakland Community College before committing to music full time.  He has studied with various instructors over the years, and currently is a long-time student and apprentice of Maestro Gerald Goslin.  His studies with Maestro Goslin make him part of a chain of teacher to student that goes directly back to Ludwig van Beethoven; Beethoven taught Carl Czerny, who taught Franz Liszt, who taught Emil von Sauer, who taught Mischa Kottler, who taught Gerald Goslin, who passes that legacy on to Tom Bankes.  Come study with Tom and you will become part of that legacy!

Tom serves as Apprentice Music Director at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Livonia and preforms regularly during their Sunday morning services. He has also participated in fundraising recitals for the Livonia Symphony Orchestra and St. Andrew’s Church.