Lorina has been singing her entire life, and performing on stage for most of it. She loves Broadway, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Gospel, Classical, and everything in between.

She was in the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale for five years, the Fine Arts Center Youth Repertory Ensemble for two, and dozens of church choirs and shows throughout middle school, high school, and college. She has directed 6 VBS dramas with elementary and middle school actors, and loves working with young performers especially.

Lorina recently graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a major in Music Performance. Her dream is to teach private lessons and direct community theatre and choirs.

She is excited to help students grow their confidence on stage and off, and find joy in using their voices.

Kayla McGuff is a recent graduate from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Music Education. She has experience teaching private music lessons on various instruments, from beginner to intermediate students. During the pursuit of her bachelors degree, Kayla spent five years studying trumpet performance under Dr. Christopher Probst; while also participating in a number of choral and brass ensembles. As well as performing and instructing with the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps.

At JSU Kayla specialized in the study of trumpet performance and teaching, along with instrumental education in many others instruments, including French Horn, Voice, and Piano. Kayla has experience teaching beginner ukulele classes, beginner band classes, as well as marching band techniques for marching bands and drum corps.

She believes that music is an expressive outlet that gives people the opportunity to channel their emotions in a constructive way. Her goal as a teacher is to give students the tools and skills needed to become not only a successful player but also a passionate musician.

Lucas Leigh graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a degree in Recording Arts. He has a practical working knowledge of music theory and will be teaching the Stoltzman method for keyboard which was written by his instructor Peter Stoltzman at CU Denver. He believes music should be approached in a way that makes it personal for each individual student, while using classic piano technique. But the skills that are retained best are those that fit inside a student's interests and enjoyment.

Lucas has composed music for short films, video games, and podcast production. Keyboard is his primary instrument for the digital composition process. Some of his original work can be found on SoundCloud or Spotify. Because he is well versed in many styles, students can expect a wide range of exposure to keyboard both for performance and for composition.

John Murray, tenor, is a native of Orlando, FL Most recently, John has appeared as the Tenor soloist for Imperial Symphony Orchestra's performance of Handel's Messiah and Mad Cow Theatre's Productions of Light in the Piazza and James Joyce's The Dead. John holds degrees in music from both Shenandoah Conservatory and University of Central Florida.

He has appeared as a soloist on an internationally broadcast performance of Handel's Messiah with the choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. John also appeared as a soloist for a performance of Mozart's Requiem with the choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Kissimmee, FL. John has sung for many sacred choirs in the United States, and, in multiple major cathedrals around the word, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Le Cathedrale de Notre Dame in Paris, and Westminster Abbey in London. John is a proud member of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe choir, and also serves as outreach artist for Opera Orlando.

John's experience teaching includes five years at the Sexton School of Music in Manassas, VA and five years teaching at the Orlando School of Music in Orlando, FL. He specializes in classical/operatic style music, but also teaches Music theater, Contemporary/Pop, and is well versed in sacred literature.

John is proud to join on with the Castle Rock school of music, and is looking forward to teaching and shaping the musical minds of Castle Rock.

April received her Master of Music Degree from the Longy School of Music of Bard College and Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Northern Arizona University, and has spent the last 4 years teaching piano and flute privately. She believes in the importance of a mind and body connection through training in yoga, Alexander Technique, body mapping, and long arduous hikes. She also believes in the importance of social justice and equal opportunity, spending time volunteering for El Sistema Colorado and teaching flute sectionals at Adams City High School through the educational outreach program of Colorado Wind Ensemble.

Having spent years trained classically in ear training, theory, technique, and music history, she now turns her attention to playing music from the heart. She spent the last year mostly improvising music, tuning into the moment as a conduit for inspiration, and blurring the lines between audience and performer. She also started a project, Nothing is Everything, featuring ambient meditative music to play for meditations, yoga classes, and performance art events. The goal for herself and students is to find the balance between discipline and creativity!

Luke is a recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver, with a degree in Piano Performance and Music Business (Magna Cum Laude). Having studied the piano for over 20 years, he is well-versed in all styles, with an emphasis on Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul, and Funk music. Luke performs regularly in one of his several bands, as well as weekly church gigs in the Denver/Lakewood area.

By creating a relaxed and safe lesson space, Luke encourages students to find the music that inspires them, while addressing basic fundamentals and applicable technique along the way. Since music can be a life-long journey for many, he will help students gain the tools and skills necessary to achieve whatever musical goals they may have. Luke also aims to supplement the repertoire with a healthy dose of theory and ear training to show students that music is more than just what happens on the page.

Anne graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver in May 2012 majoring in vocal performance. She began vocal training at 8 and piano lessons at 10. Anne has a heavy background in pop, rock, original compositions, blues, and jazz. Before attending CU Denver she studied at Cal Poly Pomona getting a grasp on classical and theater as well. Music theory, ear training, improvisation, healthy practice, performance, and stage presence are all elements she teaches. Anne aims to share her enthusiasm and passion for music while keeping lessons lighthearted and fun.

Marguerite Juenemann has an on-going performance career of over 30 years, nominated twice for a Grammy, toured in Benny Goodman's band in the 80's playing prestigious stages nationally and internationally. Her solo career experience covers R & B, Folk, Gospel, Bluegrass, Blues, and Jazz on stage and in the studio. She teaches singing, acoustic guitar and classical piano. She also encourages young composers to bring their original compositions to use as lesson material, teaching them how to protect their originals by transcribing them to staff paper for copyright and other purposes.

Academically, she was a piano/woodwinds major at CU Boulder, having studied both instruments since childhood. Teaching experience covers 18 years at State Universities on the East coast and in Denver, Conservatories in Europe, the UK as well as New England Conservatory in Boston, teaching not only Jazz and Improvisation but popular styles of music mentioned above.

Marguerite loves teaching budding musicians from age 7 to 77. As some have attested, she can be the same age as her student which makes them comfortable taking instruction from her. She is passionate about bringing out a students' talent with classic instruction, making it possible for the student to play any music they choose rather than only teaching how to play "that song".

James has been playing guitar in bands for close to 10 years. He has toured the country, including playing 2 sold out shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater, opening for Sting (Bass player of legendary rock band The Police) and Big Sam's Funky Nation + Dragon Smoke (feat. members of Galactic and Dumpstaphunk).

He's also headlined sold out shows at The Bluebird Theater and The Gothic Theater, and played at Summer Camp Music Festival 2021 with: Billy Strings, Ween, Moe, Umphrey's Mcgee, Lettuce, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Steady Flow.

He currently plays in the funk rock band Float Like A Buffalo (F.L.A.B) from Denver, CO, who won Denver Westword's Best Funk Band of 2019.

James is very patient and can go at whatever pace fits your needs. He'll take you from the most basic chord patterns right through to the essential elements of lead guitar. Not only can he show you how to play, but also give you the musical knowledge to write your own songs and create your own style. You'll learn to play step-by-step via a straightforward beginner's guide to playing guitar, using hit songs to help you develop into a stylish and fluent guitar player.

Mike Maurer began playing guitar at a very early age, studying with Jock Bartley of national hit sensation, Firefall. Mike was a natural at guitar and infatuated with the blues. Not wasting much time, Mike received national merit winning a youth talent show case 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.

Meet Josh Greene, lover of all things guitar! Josh has been playing all sorts of guitar; different styles, genres, and settings, for over 15 years. Josh has been a Denver local for a little over a decade and in that time he's gigged with Jazz, Neo-soul, Metal, Country, Blues, and Bluegrass bands alike. Specializing in fast, technical Bluegrass and Gospel flatpicking, he's very excited to bring a little Country twang to the shop!

If you're not a quick picker, fret not! Josh is meticulous and places huge value on reinforcing fundamentals and foundations. He believes in establishing a comfort zone to grow the player in the trajectory that will fit them the best. Studying under Paul Musso at the University of Colorado Denver taught him the value of a ground up approach with no real limits to the endgame. He's very comfortable teaching beginners everything they need: from scales and chords, playing techniques, to beginner/advanced music theory and songwriting if it's something you're interested in.

Whether beginner or advanced, electric or acoustic, or anything in between; Josh looks forward to helping you connect the dots musically so you can start playing your favorite songs or writing your own!

Will received his Bachelor in the Arts in Music from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He has been playing guitar for 17 years, and piano for 10 years. In the past 3 years, he has been giving music lessons to students in Colorado. He has experience playing classical, acoustic, and electric guitar and is well-versed in classical, folk, rock, jazz, and blues. He teaches the ukalele and the piano at a beginner/intermediate level.

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.

Alex graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver, with a degree in Guitar Performance and Recording Arts. Prior to coming to Colorado, Alex was able to study under notable musicians such as G.E Smith, Jorma Kaukonen, and Alex DeGrassi. He also attended the Berklee College of Music twice, for their five week summer courses in high school. Having studied guitar for nearly 20 years, Alex is well-versed in all styles, with an emphasis in jazz, R&B, soul, funk and the blues. Alex regularly performs with groups around the Denver area, and is often recording with many musicians from across the state.

Alex has spent the last 8 years in Colorado actively teaching and performing. Alex's goal is to cultivate a safe and encouraging space to learn music. He believes that regardless of musical ability or goals, there is a space for music in every person’s life. Through music, we can learn a lot about the world and ourselves. Alex’s goal is to provide his students with the encouragement and knowledge to find where that fits into their lives.

Doug obtained a Master's of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, studying under the world renowned performer and educator Ricardo Iznaola. He holds a Bachelor's of Music degree from Towson University. He has also studied jazz guitar with Dr. Sean McGowan. Doug is a Suzuki teacher, a method developed to teach music to young children ages 3 and up, studying at Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico in San Juan. He holds several certifications in the method. He currently studies modern metal and rock with session guitarist Maurice Arenas.

In addition to operating a successful private studio for the past 18 years, Doug has lectured at the University of Colorado Denver, where he has taught private lessons and beginner guitar courses. He is invited annually to teach at CU Denver's partnership program in Beijing, China to teach courses such as American popular music and music appreciation at China Agricultural University. As a lifelong learner, Doug has been inspired by this experience, studying Mandarin since 2016.

Proficient in pop, rock, metal, country, blues, and fingerstyle, Doug is well versed in current musical trends. He teaches across a broad range of topics including travis and sweep picking, improvisation and soloing, music theory, and fretboard harmony.

Doug has performed in classical and jazz ensembles, rock bands, and solo guitar. His students are encouraged to perform in showcases, recitals and music camps, and those participants are consistently rewarded with success and self confidence. Believing everyone can, he accepts students of all ages, skill level, and ambition.

For guitar tips, instructional videos, student performances, and announcements, follow Doug's studio on social media at:

Dylan is a senior in the Guitar Performance Program at The University of Colorado, Denver. He enjoys performing and teaching a variety of genres including Jazz, Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Blues, and Pop. Finding joy in listening and playing music is important to Dylan's teaching methods; he strives to help students enjoy learning and pursuing their musical passion.

Dylan teaches both electric and acoustic guitar to beginners through advanced players of all ages. He also teaches the dobro and ukulele.

Bill started teaching in 2004 and teaches electric and acoustic guitar. He is very patient and instructs all levels, but especially enjoys beginners. Bill has a passion for the guitar and making sure his students get started off correctly.

Jeffrey ("J.R.") Ranck Jr. began his pursuit of music and rhythm as a toddler banging on household items and dancing/singing along to Michael Jackson tunes. Soon he began learning to read and play music through piano lessons, and shortly thereafter began formal training on snare drum and drum set through school programs and private lessons. His education continued at the college level with private lessons, participation in school ensembles, and various student bands in the greater Baltimore area.

Upon moving to Colorado in early 2011, J.R. quickly began integrating himself into the local scene playing with the Mike Maurer Band, Jonah Wisneski, the Whales, and national touring stints with the Sublime tribute band, 40oz. To Freedom.

More recently, J.R. has played with local Denver singer-songwriters Andy Palmer, Pete Pidgeon, Megan Burtt, Venus Cruz, is a full-time member of Denver-based Bob Marley tribute band Wake Up and Live, and is also the drummer for Denver-based original Afrobeat/Funk band ATOMGA. In addition to teaching at Castle Rock Music, J.R. also keeps a studio in Golden, as well as his private home studio in SW Denver.

Joe has been playing drums for 20 years. He started teaching and organizing band camps 10 years ago, and teaches all styles and genres. He studied privately under a master drummer, then studied in Nashville for a short time. He has played with local bands, opening for recording artists such as Keith Urban and Blake Shelton. He has enjoyed playing with worship teams in several churches and enjoys making lessons fun and structuring each student's lessons to their interests and desires.

Ryan has been teaching private lessons for over twenty years. His enthusiastic approach and positive reinforcement endears himself to students. Ryan received his Bachelor of Science degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Music Industry Studies from the University of Colorado – Denver majoring in Music Performance (Drum Set) with a minor in Music Business. Ryan is a very active performing and recording artist in the Colorado music scene having performed thousands of times over a twenty-five year career.

While learning an instrument takes many hours of practice, Ryan believes that music should ALWAYS be fun. Whether you are beginner, a student in school band, an aspiring professional musician, or a part-time hobbyist, Ryan strives to make playing music an enjoyable experience.

Manny has over 10 years of professional experience. His career has placed him in almost every musical situation possible and has led him to perform abroad in places like Mexico, Africa, and Peru while maintaining a consistent working schedule in Colorado. He currently leads two bands (Latin Jazz Project & Orquesta La Salsa) and is one of the most in demand drummer/percussionists in the area. Having studied at the University of Denver he is fluent in all styles of music from Latin styles, rock, jazz, funk & hip hop. 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!

A degreed professional instructing all levels of Trumpet. Specializing in jazz trumpet.

Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts degree of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., and a Master of Music from the University of Colorado, in Boulder, Colo. He has been repeatedly called upon to play with some of the most legendary and revolutionary musicians in the world. Some of those performances include working with: Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Peaches and Herb, Bobby Vinton, Maria Schneider, The Delfonics, The Manhattans, The Bob Montgomery-Pete Olsted Big Band, and The Creative Music Works Orchestra. Jeff maintains a heavy performance and teaching schedule through out the Denver metro area.

Amy has been teaching and performing professionally for over a decade. She has held positions such as Woodwind Technician, Woodwind Section Coach, and Private Instructor at several public schools around the Denver area and was previously a band teacher for Springboard After School. Amy teaches a variety of woodwind instruments such as oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon.

Students in her studio have auditioned for and been accepted in to the Denver Young Artist Orchestra, Colorado Honor Band, Colorado All-State Band, Continental League Honor Band, and CU Middle School Honor Band. Amy believes that music should be an enjoyable experience; the more knowledge a student has of music and their instrument, the more fun music will be for them. Amy studied at the Metropolitan State University of Denver as a double major in Music Performance and Music Education, studying under the eminent Gregory Dufford, and prestigious Dr. David Kish.

Over the last two years, Amy has turned her attention specifically to her woodwind studio located in Castle Rock, Colorado, working with students of all ages. She has also been given the wonderful opportunity to couch the woodwind section for the prodigious Castle Rock Youth Symphony. Amy enjoys spending time with her stupendous husband and son and feels very blessed to have such an amazing life where she gets to share her love of music with others.

All ages and abilities accepted.

Meaghan Salton is an experienced performer and music educator, specializing in the Suzuki method. Meaghan has taught extensively throughout the Denver and Cleveland Metro Areas. She currently maintains an active private studio in Denver and is a faculty member of Denver Talent Education, a local Suzuki group class program. Meaghan holds a Bachelor of Music in cello performance from Cleveland State University, studying with members of the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. In 2013, she completed her Master of Music degree with a concentration in Suzuki cello pedagogy at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, studying under the prominent Suzuki pedagogue, Carol Tarr.

Meaghan is a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Lessons are tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals with a combination of traditional and Suzuki methods. All ages and ability levels are welcome!

Daniela Popa came to Colorado from Bucharest, Romania, in 2021. She graduated from the National University of Music in Bucharest in 2005 with a degree in Musicology, Composition and Music Pedagogy. For the last 17 years she has been teaching violin and piano at one of the best music schools in Bucharest, achieving the highest teaching certification for a Romanian teacher; during this time, she also taught private lessons. As her main instrument, she focused on violin in the school and piano for private lessons.

Her students regularly performed and excelled in nation and international festivals, contests, and concerts, including the “Merci Maestro” piano contest in Brussels, Belgium.

She is an experienced, passionate, and results-oriented music teacher, willing to bring the best of her knowledge, technique, method, and energy to students in Castle Rock. Music education in Europe has differences with the United States. Daniela believes this will be an enriching experience for students as well as for her, since she is always willing to broaden her horizons and searching for new challenges and achievements.

Daniela is also a choir professional. For 20+ years she was a member of one of the best mixed ensembles in Romania. They won several prizes in contests and festivals in Romania and across Europe.

Daniela is happy to become a part of the Castle Rock School of Music. She's looking forward to meeting and teaching you, and discovering together the amazing language of music, here in this nice Colorado town.

Music Production & Technology

Jess is a graduate of the Recording Arts program at the University of Colorado Denver. She specializes in live sound, sound design for theatre, mixing, and mastering. In 2019, Jess was awarded BroadwayWorld Denver's award for Best Sound Design of a Musical for her work on Sweeney Todd with Equinox Theatre Company. While at CU Denver, Jess ran sound for nearly every event for the music department, while mixing for theatre on the weekends. She currently runs a home studio where she works on vocal production, podcasts, and her own string music. Jess is well versed in ProTools, Ableton, Garageband, Audacity, and Logic, as well as digital and analog consoles. Her instruments include electric and acoustic violin, viola, guitar, piano, and digital synthesizers.

Jess's goal as an audio instructor is to teach people the industry standards of producing music so that they can create the best projects possible using whatever tools they have. She also wants to share a love of electronic music techniques with anyone looking to compose digitally. Jess strives to foster an inclusive learning environment where everyone is valued for their passion and skills over anything else.

Violin & Viola

Jess has played violin and viola for 12 years and has a Bachelor's of Science in Music from CU Denver. While in grade school, she was always first chair viola and had an intense passion for the instrument. In college, her focus shifted towards more pop styles of viola and violin. She studied jazz and improvisational styles for the instruments, as well as ear training and sight reading. She also focuses on composing for string instruments. Using an electric 5 string, Jess writes and plays music in pop, rock, blues, bluegrass, and Americana styles.

Jess's goals as a violin and viola instructor are to foster a deep seated appreciation and interest in the instrument, and to be able to play virtually any style. She incorporates music theory, ear training, and improvisation into her teaching and wants to share a love for all styles of playing with passionate violinists and violists who are just starting out or who want to expand their playing into new genres.