Castle Rock Music

Eric started taking piano lessons from a traditional classical piano teacher when he was six. After four years, he began studying pop, rock, and jazz at Castle Rock Music. At 12, he began teaching lessons to kids in his neighborhood. 

Eric later attended Belmont University in Nashville TN, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in commercial piano and was immersed in the Nashville music scene for four years. At Belmont, Eric continued his studies in contemporary music styles while also studying classical piano repertoire for three years. 

After finishing his undergrad in Nashville, he moved back to Colorado, where he has returned to Castle Rock Music as an instructor and is working as a musician, playing piano, guitar, and bass. 

As a teacher, Eric emphasizes working toward the specific goals of each student, keeping lessons fun and engaging, tailoring lessons based on strengths and weaknesses, and developing well-rounded musicianship.

My name is Shanya Martinez, and my music journey began 16 years ago right here in this very music store. Today, I’m proud to serve as a middle school choir director and guitar teacher, helping young musicians discover their own love for music.

I enjoy playing a wide variety of guitar styles and have a special passion for musical theater and pop vocals. Over the years, I’ve committed myself to becoming a well-rounded musician—diving into everything from music theory to improvisation—and I truly love every part of the creative process.

I bring high energy, positivity, and a little silliness into every lesson. Teaching isn’t just what I do—it’s what I love. There’s nothing better than helping students grow in confidence, skill, and joy through music.

Chantil Dukart is an award-winning contemporary pianist and vocalist with roots in the Tsimshian and Sugpiaq tribes of Alaska. She has performed jazz and blues all over the country including at the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Chantil has released two studio albums and written hundreds of original compositions. Her forthcoming album, Chantil and the Dukes of Art comes out this summer. 

Landon has been in love with singing ever since he joined his first chorus in 2011. He studied voice with fantastic teachers such as Rochelle Gallup-Walter and Janinah Burnett. With over a decade of choral experience, Landon has honed his vocal talents in esteemed ensembles like UNCG's University Chorale and Chamber Singers and the Colorado All-State Choir .

Landon graduated in 2025 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro , with a degree in Vocal Music Performance and a concentration in Popular Music and Technology. He also served as a music director for the university's premier coed a cappella group, The Chariots. The UNCG Chariots have competed in the last 2 ICCA South quarterfinals .

Landon was also in the hip-hop band The Funkscribes, who performed several times at the Carolina Crown Theatre. Landon brought energy, versatility, and a great presence to the stage. His musical journey has even taken him abroad to the University of Plymouth in the U.K ., where he delved deeper into Live Sound Engineering and Music Psychology. He was also a member of the Plymouth Student Choir in his semester abroad.

Landon creates a fun, comfortable, and safe environment for students to gain more confidence not only in their voice, but also themselves. Landon ensures students will learn proper vocal technique and music theory while keeping the student's passion for music at the forefront of every lesson. Along with voice lessons, Landon loves working with beginning piano students; assisting them in building the techniques that keeps students wanting to make beautiful music!

David Musante is a seasoned professional guitarist renowned for his dynamic performances across diverse musical genres.

With over seventeen years of experience, David's mastery of the guitar has earned him acclaim both locally and alongside international touring acts such as, Gerry Gibbs , Nicholas Payton , Cocoa Sarai , Sheena Easton , and Del The Funky Homosapien .

After beginning his musical studies at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music , David earned a bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music graduating Summa Cum Laude. His academic background informs his deep understanding of harmony, improvisation, and ensemble performance.

As an educator, David's expertise extends beyond performance, encompassing music theory, jazz ensemble, improvisation, and jazz history. David brings a wealth of first hand experience and has mentored numerous students who have successfully pursued music in their postsecondary education.

Hi! I'm Grady, I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar and Music Recording and Production from the University of Denver.

Music has always been a huge part of my life and I'm really excited to share my knowledge and passion with students. My teaching experience varies widely from guitar and tuba lessons to snowboard instructing. Working with such a variety of people across disciplines has given me a unique perspective on the value and joy of improving your craft.

Music lessons should always be a part of your day that you look forward too and I believe that a personalized experience is the best way to achieve that. No matter your preferred genre, style, or ability level, I'll do everything I can to help you to achieve your musical goals.

Owen has dedicated much of his life to music, gaining experience with musical theatre, traditional and A capella choirs, jazz bands, bluegrass groups, solo-acoustic performing, songwriting, and music production.

He received a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance and Recording Arts from the University of Colorado at Denver in May 2024. He continues to pursue music playing in a band and writing songs. His primary instruments are voice and guitar, but he also enjoys playing the keys, banjo, and dobro.

When it comes to teaching, Owen is patient and attentive, focused on providing a positive experience for each student, catering to their individual personalities and goals. He strives to help students explore what inspires them while offering a well-rounded music education, ensuring students develop techniques that support longevity. He also aims to show students how to have a healthy relationship with practicing.

Kyle Cervantes (Denver, CO) is a robust and active saxophonist. A graduate of UNC's prestigious Jazz program , he is both a band leader and has collaborated with many notable groups in Colorado including: The Denver Jazz Orchestra , The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra , Sarah Mount & the Rushmores , Titonic , Little Trips .

Currently, Kyle tours with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra as their baritone saxophonist. He has also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with musicians such as Adam Nussbaum , Randy Brecker , Bob Shephard , and Dee Dee Bridgewater .

Kyle recently released his debut EP, Odyssey in August of this year. Before settling down in the front range, he worked as a cruise ship musician. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Adon Adonai Randall Biggs moved to Colorado in 2021 after serving with the 2d Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. He received a Master’s of Music with Dual Concentrations in Jazz Performance and Composition from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.

Throughout his career, Adon has performed and played with Kronos Quartet, the Charles Mingus Big Band, Alan Ferber, Stephen Anderson, and at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Boston’s St. Paddy’s Parade, and Denver’s Five Points Jazz Festival.

A student of music himself, Adon enjoys all types of genres and styles. As an educator, he has expertise in double bass, electric bass, composition, music theory, audio engineering/production, and live sound.

Lindsey has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old and is a natural teacher, which eventually led her to Butler University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.

In addition to teaching piano/voice lessons for the past several decades (including 10 years at Castle Rock Music), Lindsey has taught K-5 General Music, Middle School Choir, and also has her Master's Degree in School Counseling.

She loves getting to know people and helping them develop a lifelong love of music. She is open for weekend lessons with students of all ages and skill levels!

Emma was given the opportunity to play the violin at ten years old. She soon added the viola, cello, piano, and voice, and began composing classical music at eleven years old. She has been studying music theory and composition with Dr. Treibitz at the collegiate level since age twelve. Emma has been teaching music for almost a decade and loves to teach all subjects in a fun, uncomplicated format.

Students can expect critiques and positive affirmation with each aspect of their playing and singing. Propper technique is a musician's bread and butter. Encouraging students to look into the background and history of each piece they are playing is essential to understanding what type of technique to use and how to use it properly. Additionally, Emma believes a solid understanding of music theory is essential to strengthening one's musicianship.

Emma studied violin and viola with Basil Vendrys, Lydia Sviatslovskaya, and Dr Emily Ondracek-Peterson, voice with Laura Nolen, Rochelle Gallup-Walter, and Ginger Allen, cello with Olga Orgranovitch, and music theory and composition with Dr Howard Treibitz and Thomas Blomster. 

Regan is a Soprano from the Bay Area. She recently graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. She began performing first as a dancer, but quickly grew to love singing even more! She has taught voice and beginner piano for the past 5 years and started performing long before that. She also has an extensive choral singing background.

As a performer and teacher, she believes in proper and healthy technique that can be used for any genre. She has studied voice pedagogy for the last few years and strongly believes that a healthy voice is a happy voice. She has experience in both musical theatre and classical music.

Regan is so excited to teach at Castle Rock Music and can’t wait to meet new students. She teaches all age groups and styles of voice as well as beginner piano.

Celine has been singing and performing for the majority of her life, and has been in love with it since the beginning! She is currently earning her bachelor of music with a concentration in voice performance at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

She has gained experience by being involved in several choirs throughout middle school, high school, and college. A couple of these include the choir Versailles, where she accompanied the Colorado Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker, and the well known Metropolitan State University of Denver Chorale.

Having spent years studying proper singing technique, she has become very well rounded in many different genres of music. Celine has also been involved in many theatre productions such as Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, and many more.

In addition to teaching voice, Celine also teaches beginner piano! She works especially well with younger kids when it comes to learning the basics, while still keeping lessons lighthearted and fun.

Celine first discovered her love of teaching when she volunteered as the music director for Castle Rock Middle School's Rogue of the Railway musical. Since then she has been inspired to share her love for music with her students, while encouraging them to grow as knowledgeable musicians.

Mike Maurer began playing guitar at a very early age, studying with Jock Bartley of national hit sensation, Firefall. Receiving a degree from the University of Colorado Denver, Mike was a natural at guitar and infatuated with the blues. Not wasting much time, Mike received national merit winning a youth talent showcase in New Orleans. After his Debut release, Chasing Pearl, Mike toured extensively, sharing the stage with acts such as Johnny Winter, Tab Benoit, Earth Wind and Fire and many more.

Aside from endorsements and regional awards, Mike has been teaching classes and private music lessons for Guitar, piano, and bass in the Denver metro area and Los Angeles for 15 years, with a passion and dedication to the growth and progress of his students, His recent student achievements include scholarships to Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory among others.

Manuel Lopez is a Colorado native with a deep-seated passion for music. His musical journey began in his early teens with a natural affinity for Latin music, leading him to first explore the congas before embracing the drums.

Manuel's extensive career, spanning over 20 years, has seen him perform across various genres, including Latin styles, rock, jazz, funk, and hip hop. He is fluent in all Latin percussion instruments and is recognized as one of the most sought-after drummer/percussionists in the Denver area.

A dedicated music educator, Manuel balances his performing career with teaching, sharing his knowledge and passion for rhythm with others. He has studied music performance at the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Denver , further solidifying his musical foundation.

Manuel leads the Latin Jazz Project showcasing his versatility as a bandleader. He has also performed alongside renowned musicians such as Paquito D'Rivera , Dave Valentin , Marc Quiñones , Steve Turre , Jane Bunnett , Chuchito Valdez , Babbi Mason , and Rebecca Mauleon .

Known for his captivating performances, Manuel's drumming style is characterized by its energy, virtuosity, and interactive nature, particularly in smaller group settings. He leads his own groups and frequently collaborates with some of Denver's finest musicians.

Lessons will be structured according to each student and their interests, with a fundamental focus on reading, playing by ear (listening) technique, and improvisation. Manny also teaches Latin percussion (congas, timbales, bongo). All ability levels are welcome!