Gavin has his Master’s of Music in Trumpet Performance from The Ohio State University and Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education from Muskingum University. He is a performer and trumpet instructor around central and south-eastern Ohio; where he can be found performing with a variety of ensembles. Being versatile in many genres such as jazz, classical, classic rock, brass band, and musical theater. As an active performer, Gavin enjoys playing in the orchestra for musicals where he has played over 30 different shows and has premiered 2 new musicals. As an instructor, Gavin believes that every person deserves the chance to make music as an outlet to express themselves, take part in camaraderie, and in a human experience of making music.
Ryan Jewell
Ryan is a versatile music educator and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience helping students of all ages grow as musicians. He has taught private lessons, led workshops and camps, and mentored students at all levels, including the college level at the New School in Manhattan. His primary instrument is drums, though he regularly teaches guitar, bass, piano, composition and more.
As a professional musician, Ryan has been featured on over 200 recordings as a session drummer, composer, and producer. He works across a wide range of genres, from jazz, folk, and indie rock to experimental, hip hop and classical, and has performed in 25 countries across four continents. His touring and recording work has taken him to major venues and festivals such as Glastonbury Festival, The Fillmore, Beacon Theatre , NPR Tiny Desk, and SXSW. He also composes music for film and video, often collaborating with visual artists and directors.
With a background that combines formal conservatory training and hands-on experience in the studio and on stage, Ryan brings a creative, kind, and highly personalized approach to every lesson. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level, he meets students where they are and supports their unique musical goals with patience, curiosity, and encouragement.
Justin Doe
Justin Doe is a guitarist, cellist, and educator based in Columbus, OH, with over 10 years of teaching experience in guitar, bass guitar, and cello. He began studying cello at age 9 and guitar at 12, later earning a Bachelor of Music Performance in Jazz Guitar Studies from the University of Colorado Denver in 2016. Justin has taught students of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing strong musical foundations while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Alongside teaching, he is an active performer as a member of Gooseboys Country Band, the acoustic duo Madi & Justin, the Sarah Cowan project, and formerly a resident musician at Shadowbox Live.
Sara Johnston
With lessons centered around each student’s goals, Sara wants her students to look forward to lessons and leave excited to practice and grow. In voice lessons, her specializations are musical theatre, pop, and contemporary Christian music. In piano lessons, Sara especially loves teaching beginners of all ages!
Sara moved to Columbus after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in music education, and fell in love with being an Ohioan. Sara continues to perform in local theatre productions, leads worship at her church, and writes and records music with her worship team.
Outside of music, you can find Sara playing Overcooked with her husband, losing countless games of Pickleball, and taking videos of her cat.
Aaron Pearson
Aaron Pearson is a teaching artist based in Columbus, Ohio. Aaron has worked with students at various levels as a graduate teaching associate at The Ohio State University. He also serves as a viola instructor with the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, where students perform music from a variety of musical genres. Aaron has performed in numerous ensembles in the Midwest and southern regions of the United States and is an active freelance performer in the Columbus area. He earned his Bachelor of Music in viola performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
