Teachers
Rebecca James
Studio Owner/Director;
Instructor of Piano, Trumpet, Ukulele, Junior Jamboree
Rebecca James is a music educator and freelance musician who is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she earned a BM in Music Education and Trumpet Performance and Interlochen Arts Academy.
Rebecca has taught and performed throughout the country. She has taught both privately and in the schools and has experience working with students ages 1 to adult. Rebecca has also been music director and accompanist for musical theater productions, youth/adult choir, youth band and has performed in a variety of groups including band, orchestra, brass quintet and pit orchestra as well as various solo performances.
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Rebecca is a member of Songworks Educators Association and was given the honor of being a Fleurette Sweeney Emerging Pioneer in Education (2012). Rebecca teaches utilizing SongWorks principles and has presented in Vancouver, B.C. about the use of SongWorks in ensemble settings.
Rebecca is a military wife teaching in the Dayton, OH area. She resides there with her husband, 2 sons and dog. Rebecca is the owner of Gem City Music Studio.
Kathy Cooney is an exceptional teacher with over 30 years experience. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire (MS in Music Ed) and Keene State College (BM).
Originally a flautist, she has taught a variety of subjects in addition to flute including group keyboard, guitar, general music, chorus, band, math and 5th grade. Kathy is a fun and engaging teacher who custom fits any curriculum to each individual student. At each lesson, you can expect to be challenged and encouraged. Although Kathy is a stickler for details, she has an unexpected way of making learning playful and fun.
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Kathy was raised in a military family and has traveled all over the world. She spent time teaching at an American school in Germany, but spent most of her career teaching elementary and middle school music in New Hampshire. Kathy has led many award winning groups over her extensive career.
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Kathy is an avid baseball and football fan. She most enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Kathy Cooney
Studio Assistant Director;
Instructor of Guitar, Beginning Piano, Flute, Saxophone, and Director of the Junior Singers
Sarah Castillo
Instructor of Piano, Violin and Viola
Sarah Castillo is a recent resident of the Dayton area, previously having lived and taught music in Texas and Minnesota. She earned a BM in viola performance at Baylor University, where she studied with faculty on piano, violin, and viola. Her primary teachers include Dr. Kae Hosoda-Ayer and Professor Jane Abbott-Kirk (piano), Dr. Bruce Berg (violin), and Dr. Kathryn Steely (viola).
Sarah has taught both privately and in group settings and has experience teaching students from ages 4 to 80+. She grew up with the Suzuki method, and utilizes some of the philosophy in her teaching.
Sarah has performed on viola, violin, and piano in a variety of ensembles, including symphony orchestra, pit orchestra, string chamber ensembles, and choir. She has been a repeat guest soloist with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra on viola, and was a finalist at the American Viola Society Collegiate Solo Competition in 2018. She has also worked as a collaborative pianist, primarily with string players, though has also accompanied vocalists and choirs.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys going hiking, tending to her plants, reading, and painting.
Luke de Villiers is a Baritone from Hamilton, Ohio pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at The University of Dayton. He studies voice with Dr. David Sievers and has studied piano with John Benjamin. At UD Luke has been a member of Opera Workshop and University Chorale. He portrayed the role of “Aeneas” in the highly praised production of Dido and Aeneas in Spring of 2023. Previously, Luke attended Miami University and was a member of the Miami University Men’s Glee Club under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Jones. He performed with The Glee Club at multiple conferences including ACDA and NCCO, and also performed internationally in Italy. He served as the group’s Choral Librarian during this time. Luke was also a member of the acapella group “The Cheezies” and served as Vice President and President.
In his free time Luke loves fishing and spending time outdoors.
Luke DeVilliers
Instructor of Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Saxophone, and Voice.
Kathryn Ullery
Instructor of Voice
Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Ullery has enjoyed a varied career while a student at Miami University. She has been seen as Maid in The Light in the Piazza, as Cherubino in a scene from Le nozze di Figaro, as Lexie in A Beginners Guide to High School Dances, and as Hippie Fairy in Philip Glass’ Hydrogen Jukebox, which won First place from the National Opera Association for best collegiate production. As a freshman, Kathryn worked behind the scenes as the Light Board Operator for The Marriage of Figaro production, which also won an award from the NOA. Kathryn is a member of the student organization New Wave, who produced her original musical Rumormates. She has served as the vocal director for Miami Stage Left’s production of Percy Jackson:The Lightning Thief Musical. She served as music director of A Beginners Guide to High School Dances and as Assistant Music Director for Miami University Theater’s production of Head Over Heels. As a singer, Kathryn has performed in numerous voice concerts including Songs of Mikhail Glinka, Freedom is a Constant Struggle recital of spirituals, and Hear Our Voices, songs of female composers. She has been a member of the Miami University Chamber Singers and served on its executive board as Secretary. Kathryn graduated in May of 2023 with a degree in Choral/General Music Education and a minor in Music Theater.
In her free time she loves to bake, spend time with her boyfriend and watch cat videos online.
Antowoine Winters is a long-time resident of the Dayton area but is originally from
Mississippi. He earned two business degrees from Wright State University and is currently
a student in their Masters in Humanities with Emphasis in Music program studying the more
esoteric side of music as an art form. His primary teachers have been Bill Jobert, John
DeGruchy, and Dan Duncan.
Antowoine’s teaching philosophy is that every student can play and perform at a level that
shows their personal accomplishment and meaningful expression. He enjoys working with
students who share his passion for music but need that extra bit of encouragement to
support their connection and to put forward their best work in the pieces they perform.
Antowoine has performed on clarinet and bassoon in a variety of ensembles, including
symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, and woodwind quintets. He has performed on
stage at the Benjamin & Marian Performing Arts Center with the Wright State Chamber
Orchestra and in greater southwestern Ohio with the West Chester Symphony Orchestra,
the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Yellow Springs Symphony Orchestra at a
variety of fantastic venues across the Miami Valley. He recently premiered a new chamber
group, The Stillwater Winds, with some of his fellow musicians from the Sinclair Community
Concert Band. He can currently be found performing with the Wright State Chamber
Orchestra on bassoon and contra and with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra on
contrabassoon.
In his free time, Antowoine seeks out opportunities to collaborate with other musicians on a
variety of projects, including a new area music festival and a new music commission for a
relatively young chamber ensemble format – reed quintet (alto saxophone, oboe, clarinet,
bassoon, and bass clarinet). Antowoine is also an alumni member of the fraternity Phi Mu
Alpha Sinfonia and lives the fraternity’s values in all his endeavors, musical and otherwise.
Antowoine Winters
Instructor of Bassoon, Clarinet, and Saxophone
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Connor Fuhrmann
Instructor of Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba
Connor is a trombonist originally from the Dayton area. He currently teaches low brass at several schools including Spring Valley Academy, Coy and Ankeney Middle Schools, Piqua Junior High and High School, and Springboro High School as the marching band’s brass caption head. In 2021, Connor became the Instructor of Lower Brass at Central State University. He also maintains active studios at McCutcheon Music and That Music Place.
In addition to teaching, Connor enjoys performing throughout the Dayton-Cincinnati region. He is principal trombonist of the Kettering Praise Orchestra as well as the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra and performs with many other ensembles including the Dayton Salsa Project. Other groups Connor performed with include the Jeremy Winston Chorale, Hauer Swing Band, Oakwood Brass, Tom Daugherty Orchestra, Beavercreek Brass Quintet, Generations Big Band, Springboro Wind Symphony, Jazz Central Big Band, and the North Park Brass Quartet. He has also performed in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia Gulf Coast and in masterclasses for John Marcellus and Pete Ellefson.
Connor has an MM from Florida State University and a BM from the University of Dayton. His mentors are Rich Begel, Chad Arnow, and John Drew.
Connor enjoys working out at the gym, spending time with friends and family, and watching movies in his spare time. Fun fact: He taught himself to juggle in 8th grade!
Margarita Ronayne is a Wright State University graduate with Bachelor's of Science degrees in Biology and Psychology. She also holds a degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Mainz, Germany. Margarita studied piano at the National Conservatory of Greece, Annex of Kallipolis under Ms. Evie Dretta and has 10 years piano experience.
Margarita is an active member of the Dayton Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where she has been a teacher of the Greek School for 12 years. She is the co-director for the Dayton Annunciation Catechism School Christmas Program. During this time, Margarita has also been the piano accompanist for their youth seasonal programs. She is also a member of the Annunciation's Choir. Margarita assists with the GCMS Junior Singers Youth Chorus and has been a substitute piano teacher. She is part of the new teacher-in-training program at GCMS. Margarita was a featured 2022 graduate in the Wright State University Newsroom.
Margarita is a native of Greece and a military wife. She met her husband in Germany and they now reside in Springboro with their 4 children. Margarita enjoys gardening, baking and traveling.
Margartia ronayne
Instructor of Piano
Seamus dunphy
Instructor of Voice
Seamus Dunphy is a dedicated vocal instructor, performer, and choral leader with a strong passion for music education. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Wittenberg University, where he honed his skills in vocal technique, pedagogy, and ensemble leadership.
With years of experience in both solo and choral performance, Seamus has worked professionally with local chamber ensembles in Dayton, Ohio, and has led private vocal ensembles, helping singers refine their artistry and stage presence. His background includes classical, musical theatre, and contemporary vocal styles, making him a versatile and adaptable instructor.
Seamus’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel free to explore their voices, take risks, and be vulnerable. He believes that growth in music comes from a place of trust, where singers can build confidence, develop strong technical foundations, and express themselves authentically. His goal is to foster a sense of community within his studio, where students support one another and strive for excellence together.
In addition to private instruction, Seamus is an experienced mentor, having worked extensively with young musicians at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where he served in various leadership roles, including Camp Bernstein Director. His approach ensures that each student, whether a beginner or an advanced vocalist, receives the guidance and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
He is excited to bring his passion for vocal performance, technique, and music education to Gem City Music Studio, helping students of all levels find their unique voice and love for singing.
Alex Kehler, while new to fully living in the Dayton area, went to the University of Dayton for
his undergraduate studies, obtaining a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. He then went
to Georgia Tech to get his master’s in aerospace engineering.
While Alex is an engineer by trade, he has always been passionate about music, picking up
trumpet in elementary school and continuing to play to this day. During his time at UD, he was a
member of multiple ensembles, including Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dayton Jazz Ensemble,
Pep Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and took lessons with Dr. Eric Knorr. At Georgia Tech, he was
lead trumpet in Jazz 1, performed with jazz combo, and studied under Dr. Chip Crotts.
In addition to giving trumpet lessons in his spare time, Alex enjoys running, weightlifting,
hiking, flying, and playing soccer.
alex kehler
Instructor of Trumpet
Jack issler
Instructor of Piano and Voice
Jack Issler is a Dayton, OH native who works as a freelance singer, actor, and private voice/piano instructor. Jack is a graduate of New York University, Steinhardt School of Music, where he earned a BM in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Music Theatre.
Since graduating, Jack has had the privilege to work across the country in professional theatre in states such as New York, New Hampshire, Florida, Indiana, and right here in Ohio! Some of Jack's favorite shows include Jersey Boys, Cats, The Secret Garden, & Saturday Night Fever! With real world experience, I have a strong interest in teaching singing along with the foundations of music theory and acting!
Jack was also raised in a military family growing up so is used to the nomadic lifestyle as a freelance performer and musician. When Jack is not teaching, he performs in many shows with LaComedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio!
Madeline Smith is a composer, violist, and teacher from Kettering, Ohio with 15+ years of musical experience. She is a veteran of both the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings and Youth Orchestra. After she received her Associate’s degree in Music at Sinclair Community College at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, she transferred to the University of Dayton. There, she regularly performed in the University Orchestra and became a founding member of UD's first electronic music ensemble, DIGIT. She earned her Bachelor's in Music Composition in 2022.
Throughout her musical studies, she has enjoyed exploring different genres, techniques and styles. She loves performing in pit orchestras for musicals and ballets. She has also fostered her interests in electronic music, jazz improvisation, the avant-garde, film music, video game music, and multimedia performance.
Madeline developed her teaching style in her five years of volunteering with Q the Music, which is a tuition-free program that brings string orchestra instruction to children in downtown Dayton. There, she mentored and gave private lessons to a wide variety of young people. She believes that the key to designing a successful lesson is to thoroughly understand her students' goals. Every student wants to get something different out of their lessons, so she works with each individual to craft an engaging lesson plan for them.
Madeline is a member of the Dayton Music Club, the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and frequently submits her original pieces to the Composers of Ohio Collaborative Organization for Acoustic Music (COCOA). She also works as a freelance musician for Viva La Strings. She has been commissioned for original music by the University of Dayton marketing department and Dayton Dance Initiative.
Outside of music, she likes to knit, draw, and play video games. She is a maker at heart, so she can always be found crafting things for herself and for others. Her home is full of DIY projects and handmade art pieces.
Madeline smith
Instructor of Strings and Piano
Brianna Morgan
Instructor of Piano
Brianna Morgan learned her deep love for music at a very young age. She began piano lessons at five years old, and has continually been blessed, moved and inspired by music since. Brianna has over 15 years of piano experience- including general performance, guild and festival, auditions, accompaniment, composing, improvising, and teaching. While she has a true appreciation and experience with a variety of styles, Brianna's heart lies with the classics. Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and Debussy's Claire de Lune, are just a few of her favorite pieces. Brianna is also a published composer and adamantly passionate that students see music as a beautiful gift to not only express themselves, but to share with others. Brianna’s vision as a teacher is to meet students where they are, igniting their passions with creativity, ultimately to create music they love.
In her spare time, Brianna enjoys time with her loved ones, walks, painting, and reading.