Meet the Music Teachers at Swallow Hill Music

Roy Willey

Voice, Audio Production

Denver native Roy Willey is a musician, teacher, and song leader specializing in Circle Singing and Vocal Improvisation. He’s studied intensively with some of the top names in the improv world, including Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Meredith Monk, as well as learning the art of community building through song in the Ubuntu Choir tradition. He performs regularly with the live-looping duo Loop2Loop, as well as with Ameya Vocal Improv Ensemble.

At Swallow Hill, his offerings include introductory singing, improv singing, and live looping, and he leads Circle Singing and the Swallow Hill Community Chorus. When he’s not teaching or performing, you can find him hiking or gardening at home in the Lakewood neighborhood where he grew up.

First Concert? Van Halen — 1979, Balch Fieldhouse in Boulder

What song could you listen to all day long? “Sweet in the Mornin’ ” by Bobby McFerrin (or really anything off his Medicine Music album.)

Favorite Denver hangout? Denver Botanic Gardens

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill? It’s the very definition of a music community. I love that any time I walk into the building, I find people of every age group and skill level, learning everything from Ukulele, to Tabla, to Blues Harp.

Virginia Lynn Anderson

See Virginia’s classes here.

Voice, Piano (Simply Music Method)

Virginia was born in Colorado and grew up on a dairy farm near Fort Lupton. Virginia was a music educator in the public school system when music and arts programs were being reduced – she then started teaching for Swallow Hill in 2000. For 21 years she has taught guitar to adults and children 7 and up. More recently her focus has been on teaching piano and voice – she also plays and teaches the recorder and the modern lyre.

Outside work, Virginia can be found traveling the world by rail and ship with her retired railroad engineer and dockworker husband. She likes to be outdoors – gardening, hiking, biking, swimming, or horseback riding – whenever possible.

First concert? An orchestral concert conducted by Antonia Brico

What’s a song you could listen to all day long? Down By the Riverside

Favorite Colorado hangout? My home!

What’s your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is sitting in a circle with people and sharing songs together. So many memories of great song moments have been had this way.

Elyse Midgyett

See Elyse’s current group class here, or sign up for private lessons with Elyse here.

Voice

Elyse was born and raised in Denver, and has worked in marketing and at the front desk at Swallow Hill. Now, in a teaching role and with some experience under her belt, it has brought her to this next step, as a private instructor at Swallow Hill. She has also been involved in the Denver music scene since 2017 as a regular performer in many different groups. She teaches versatile singing within a multitude of genres, and can teach basic music theory. When she isn’t working, you can find her caring for plants, enjoying the outdoors, or trying to plan a good vacation.

What song could you listen to all day long? Be OK by Samoht

Favorite hangout? Lowry Beer Garden

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite things about Swallow Hill is it’s dedication to delivering high quality music to the masses and live music opportunities it shares with it’s employees. When I was on the marketing team I was able to attend every show in the botanic garden series and one beautiful evening, Judy Collins washed over the entire garden with her stunning folk voice in a rendition of Danny Boy and I couldn’t help but shed tears. It was so quiet as everyone around was in pure awe of the beauty. I was so glad to be apart of that.

Barry Brown

See Barry’s classes and private lessons here.

Voice, Piano

A native son, Barry has been singing, playing piano, and performing since elementary school in Erie, Colorado. He studied piano and voice performance as well as acting at the University of Northern Colorado. He has performed across the U.S., and in Canada and Europe, including on stages across the Front Range like the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. He also performed for 14 years with “Denver’s Premiere Vocal Group,” the 17th Avenue All-Stars. His group was the Official Anthem Singers of the Denver Broncos for 2 seasons, singing every home game. When he’s not performing or teaching, you can see his work at the Denver Paper Fashion Show (4-time consecutive winner), and at Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri as their (National Award Winning) “Master Pumpkin Carver.”

First Concert: Andre Crouch and the Disciples

What song could you listen to all day long? Anything by the crooners from the big band era, as well as “newcomers” Harry and Michael.

Favorite hangout? Wherever there is good food and great friends!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? One of my favorite Swallow Hill things is to give accompaniment and back up singing for my students who dare to perform in public. Also for those who perform in musical theater shows or with their band/vocal group on stage. It’s so great to see them grow their confidence and power up their belief in what they want to do with their music. Then, to support them while they are on stage, in front of an audience, giving what they have to give! Exhilarating for both themselves and myself! It’s THE BEST!

Danielle Bella

Music Therapy

Danielle Bella is a Board Certified Music Therapist, practicing since 2024. Danielle received her Music Therapy degree from Loyola University New Orleans and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Louisiana State University. Danielle specializes in music therapy and adaptive music with children-adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities (ASD, ID, ect.). Danielle’s primary instruments include: guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice.

First concert?Drake Bell at a water park

What’s a song you could listen to all day long? “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman

Favorite Colorado hangout? Anything outside in the sun – love a good Farmers’ Market

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill? The people.

Want to hear about new classes, workshops, and jams?

Miguel Espinoza

Guitar

While devoting much of his life to traditional flamenco, Maestro Miguel Espinoza fell in love with world fusion and has toured and recorded with many artists such as banjoist Bela Fleck, Kia Eckhardt or John McLaughlin Trio, David Balakrishnan of Turtle Island Quartet, and Howard Levy to name a few. Maestro Miguel Espinoza has an interest in sharing and passing down his many years of experience and knowledge of not only Flamenco, but the art of improvisation, chord harmony, melodic and exotic scales, and many other techniques. Miguel is excited to come aboard to be a part of Swallow Hill, and to work with people of all ages and abilities.

First concert?Flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya

What song could you listen to all day long? Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Being a native Coloradan, it’s up in the mountains

Eman Alexander

See Eman’s classes here.

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Drum Set, Percussion, Theory, Audio Production

Eman was born in New York, but grew up in Aurora, CO. He has been performing for 8 years, began officially teaching lessons in 2020, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music (B.M.) from MSU Denver the same year. Outside of work, Eman loves playing golf and softball, playing video games, and tinkering with electronics.

First concert? Marcus Roberts when I was 7 or 8 – but I went to see Odd Future on my own at 17.

What’s a song you could listen to all day long? “Aguas De Marco” by Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim, or “Back to the Future (Part 1)” by D’Angelo

Favorite Colorado hangout? Meadowlark Bar

Caleb Schwing

Guitar, Piano, Songwriting (he/him/his)

Caleb spent his childhood in Evergreen before his rotten parents uprooted him for the metropolis of Denver at the ripe age of 13. After graduating Denver School of the Arts and frequenting Swallow Hill, he moved to the Desert City of Los Angeles where he spent four years as a working songwriter and producer. He is now back in his home state and Excited to share what he’s learned along the way.

Caleb Specializes in songwriting, production and guitar yet struggles in the fields of diet, spelling and knowing why his wife is mad at him. Outside of the studio you’ll find him fishing with his brother, watching the Nuggets with his Shar-Pei Kingsley or alone in a stranger’s house buying cowboy boots off of facebook marketplace.

If you like to laugh, cry and play Willie Nelson, consider Caleb as your next instructor and best friend.

First concert? 30 Seconds to Mars at Boulder Theater

What song could you listen to all day long? “Here, There and Everywhere” by The Beatles

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Thin Man

Suzanne Slade

Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Bass, Audio Production

Suzanne was born in Liverpool, England and raised in Philly and New York City. She grew up listening to punk, reggae, and new wave which has influenced her greatly in her own music.

Since 2005, Suzanne has been teaching voice in the theatre communities of New York City and Philadelphia. She started teaching instruments shortly thereafter. Suzanne loves to learn new instruments and grew up playing the piano and violin. Now, she picks up anything that makes noise and tries to learn it. Being around fellow explorers of music is a dream for Suzanne for inspiration, community, and just a love a music.

Suzanne teaches voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and bass. She also loves to teach music production classes so that musicians can create their own songs and empower musicians to learn the technology to make their own album. Suzanne is also teaching Women of Rock, which is an ensemble for all adult ages who identify as female to come with whatever instrument and learn some killer rock songs through the ages. Nothing is more powerful than plugging in!

When Suzanne is not working, she is rehearsing with her all female political punk band, Battle Pussy, working as a professional photographer, and working in the theatre arts.

First concert? Deee-Lite! I was obsessed with them!

What song could you listen to all day long? “My Pictures of You”-The Cure

Favorite Colorado hangout? Currently Sloan’s Lake to soak up the sun and look at the foothills.

What’s your favorite thing about Swallow Hill? I love the kids that attend Swallow Hill. It’s always nice to meet little versions of you and then help inspire them to keep doing what they love and to stay creative.

Caleb James Hall

See Caleb’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Fiddle, Clawhammer Banjo

Originally from Denver, Caleb started out at Swallow Hill in the Quinlan Café as the Bar Manager. Then a mixture of luck and the right timing led him to teaching beginner fiddle and taking over the core clawhammer banjo classes. While he currently lives outside of Colorado, you can catch him virtually teaching students across the country through his role with Swallow Hill. When he is not working, he can be found around a table of friends playing Dungeons and Dragons.

First Concert: Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots at Fiddler’s Green

What song could you listen to all day long? “Love and Chains” by Vivian Leva and RIley Calcagno

Favorite hangout? St Mark’s Coffee shop/Thin Man

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the community!

Mike Jagel

See Mike’s classes here.

Scruggs Style (3-finger), bluegrass, folk, and Clawhammer Banjo

Teaching style: The objective is for students to have skills and tools to play music with others. Mike focuses on building repertoire of songs, playing/singing both lead and back-up, using tablature, basic chord theory, and ear training. Genres for Mike’s lessons include bluegrass, folk, country, western, blues, and rock.

Miriam Rosenblum

Recorder, Irish Tin Whistle, Klezmer Clarinet

Miriam has been teaching recorder and Irish tin whistle in Denver since the late 1980s, both at Swallow Hill and in her home studio. In 2015 she started Colorado’s first Suzuki recorder studio. Miriam loves teaching and seeing the joy that playing music brings to her students’ lives. Her students have called her patient, encouraging, knowledgeable and fun! She has degrees in music (oboe performance) from Yale and from the University of New York at Stonybrook. Miriam currently plays klezmer clarinet in local bands The Lost Tribe and The Klez Dispensers, as well as recorder with the baroque quartet Semplice. You’ll also find her playing tin whistle in various Irish sessions around town. When she’s not playing music, Miriam loves to hang out with her grandkids and backpack in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

First concert? My uncle took me to hear Andrés Segovia when I was six.

Favorite Colorado hangout? Any park in Denver with interesting birds!

What’s your favorite thing about Swallow Hill? I love that someone who has never played music with other people can take a class at Swallow Hill and instantly find friends to play with.

Melissa Ivey

Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, Audio Production, Bass Guitar

Melissa is a self-taught artist and an award-winning Singer/Songwriter and educator from Denver. Her musical journey began in the Bay Area punk scene, grew in Colorado’s songwriting circles, and continues in performances worldwide as well as in the classroom. Melissa works with musicians and artists of any level and welcomes femme students searching for support in singing, songwriting, guitar, bass, and production.

Nabin Shrestha

Tabla

Nabin Shrestha stands as a prominent figure within Colorado’s artistic community, renowned for his mastery of the classical tabla. Through his consistently captivating and dynamic performances, he has etched his name as a preeminent percussionist, captivating audiences both in Nepal and the United States. Nabin possesses a profound grasp of diverse traditional tabla styles and tonal nuances, endowing him with a unique ability to seamlessly unite his artistry with musicians and dancers spanning various musical genres.

Nabin’s voyage into the realm of music and rhythm commenced at a tender age of eight, kindled by his introduction to the tabla. His meticulous guidance under the tutelage of Guru Shree Rabin Lal Shrestha and the inspiration drawn from his brother, Rajendra Shrestha, shaped his musical journey. Even now, he perceives himself as an eternal apprentice in an ever-evolving exploration of the intricacies within musical interpretation. Notably, Nabin’s pursuit of excellence earned him an ICCR scholarship, leading to the attainment of a Master’s degree in Music from Gandharva Music University, where he secured the prestigious Shri Hari Om Trust Award for his exceptional achievements. His training in India brought him under the guidance of luminaries like Ustaad Shri Faiyaaz Khan and Shri Tansen Shrivastav. Further, Nabin honed his craft under the unparalleled tutelage of the legendary tabla maestro, Taalmani Pandit Sureshji Talwalkar, in Mumbai.

Following his return to Nepal, Nabin flourished as both a performing and recording artist. His discography boasts original albums such as “Raaganubhuti” (Hindustani Classical), “Murchchhana” (Jazz Fusion), and “Re-drums” (Traditional Nepali Drums and Tabla). An architect of the jazz-classical fusion ensemble “Murchchhana,” Nabin’s creative endeavors expanded. Concurrently, he dedicated himself to educating others, imparting musical wisdom at Tribhuvan University.

Presently based in Colorado, Nabin remains deeply entrenched in music’s embrace, imparting his knowledge through teaching and enthralling audiences with his performances. He has enriched the academic landscape by conducting workshops, lectures, and demonstrations at esteemed institutions including Colorado College, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado Boulder, Naropa University, and the University of New Mexico. As a driving force behind “Jam Key Jam,” a classical fusion ensemble, Nabin’s artistry transcends boundaries, embracing Hindustani and traditional Nepali music alongside fusion elements. Continuously, Nabin nurtures artistic alliances with exceptional talents across the globe, fueling an enduring legacy of musical collaboration.

Jason McIntyre

See Jason’s classes here and private lessons here.

Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Mandolin, Dobro

Jason McIntyre is a singer-songwriter whose musical journey is as diverse and rich as the landscapes he traverses. Inspired by the timeless sounds of the great rock and roll bands of the 60s and 70s, the famed Texas Troubadours, and the legendary blues artists, Jason’s music resonates with a deep understanding of human complexities.

Hailing from the backroads of central Pennsylvania, Jason’s roots run deep, but his music has taken him far and wide. From the mountains of Colorado to his current home in Austin, Texas, his songs carry the echoes of the places he’s been and the people he’s met along the way.

Through his music and his outreach efforts, Jason seeks to create connections and inspire healing in the lives of others.

What was the first concert you attended? Dion opening for The Beach Boys in Ocean City, Maryland

What song could you listen to all day long? “Canola Fields” by James McMurtry

Where is your favorite hangout?
In Denver, I love and miss my old Whittier neighborhood!
In Austin, Tuesday nights at the Continental Club for James McMurtry are a weekly schooling in songwriting and Rock and Roll!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory?
I’ve been afforded the opportunity to offer classes and workshops centric to my interests in songwriting and blues music to which I am grateful. I’ve met and worked with some great folks that share these interests. The Texas Songwriters Ensemble we had was a class that really took on a life of its own. It was cool to see that crew gel and come together.
Additionally, this will be the third year in a row of Michael O’Connor and I returning to perform at Swallow Hill in October. We hope to keep that a yearly thing that we can continue to build and share our songs, new and old.

Nic Clark

See Nic’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Harmonica

Nic Clark is a Harmonicist born and raised in Colorado. Growing up Nic wasn’t as interested in hanging with his friends as much as he was with his family’s music collection. Whether it was listening to Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye with his Mom, or Hound dog Taylor with his dad, Nic always had a love for older American music. Nic got his first set of harmonicas on his 12th birthday, and soon began going to local jams and sitting in with some of Colorado’s most prominent Blues acts including The Delta Sonics, Johnny Long, Lionel Young, and Dan Trenor and Afrosippi. In 2010, he became one of the youngest musicians ever to be endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas.

Some of Nic’s accomplishments include “Favorite Harmonica” at the Colorado Blues Society Member’s Choice Awards (2017, 2015, and 2014), And a finalist at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN (2012, and 2014).

Nic has been fortunate enough to share the stage with many great roots musicians including John Nemeth, Jason Ricci, Lonnie Brooks, Billy Branch, Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, And Big Head Todd and The Monsters.

Kristen McSorley

See Kristen’s classes and program offerings here.

Music Therapist

Originally from Pittsburgh, Kristen received her Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University, and moved around the country before settling in Denver in 2022. She’s practiced music therapy since 2014, and has worked with clients of all ages and abilities, from infants in neonatal intensive care to elders in hospice. Her clinical specialties include: mental health, neurodivergent children and adults, medical, survivors of trauma, and wellness. As a clinician, she strives to cultivate an affirming space where clients can be and express however they need to in the moment — building upon their unique interests and strengths to support their health through music. Kristen offers individual music therapy sessions through the school, and also hosts First Friday’s free music therapy drop-in groups. In addition to her work with the school, she’s a Little Swallows early childhood music instructor and offers music therapy and therapeutic music lessons as part of Swallow Hill’s outreach team at the VA Hospital, The Gathering Place, senior communities, and more. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys hiking, songwriting, and spending time with her cat and golden retriever.

First Concert: Fountains of Wayne

What song could you listen to all day long? Night Shift – Lucy Dacus

Favorite hangout? Mt. Falcon park for an easy hike near Denver!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the supportive community at Swallow Hill. I always feel like my coworkers and the administrative staff care about my wellbeing and success at work. Swallow Hill feels like an organization that is truly committed to their mission and puts energy towards improving the health of our Colorado community through access to the arts.

Christy Wessler

See Christy’s current classes here.

Voice

Christy is originally from Hyde Park, New York, where she began her professional singing career as a folk singer. She studied classical voice for six years and began teaching voice in 2000, which brought her to Swallow Hill. She teaches voice, harmony and performance. When she is not working, she spends time hiking, traveling, and attending her grandkids games.

First Concert: Judy Collins

What song could you listen to all day long? Carl Orff‘s Carmina Burana – O Fortuna

Favorite hangout? Swallow Hill of course!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is the music relationships I have formed. Learning, performing, sharing, teaching with people who love music.

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Matt Skellenger

See Matt’s classes here.

Electric Bass, Drum Set, Guitar, Music Theory, Percussion, Piano/Keyboard

Born and raised in Denver, Matt has been composing, performing, recording, and teaching in Colorado for 30 years. He earned a B.A. in Music from Metro State University in 2002 where he studied with the great Ron Miles. Matt has also studied with world renowned bassist and educator, Victor Wooten. Wanting to share his musical experiences with more people, Matt began teaching at Swallow Hill in 2008. He teaches Electric Bass, Guitar, Jazz Ensembles, Music Theory, Little Swallows, Kids Guitar, Piano and Drums. He customizes lessons to each students’ interests, goals, and skill level. Matt focuses on playing by ear, music theory, chord charts, tablature, and standard notation. When Matt is not teaching, he is playing his bass, watching sports, and enjoying time with his family.

First Concert: The Warlock Pinchers at The Gothic Theater (before the remodel) circa 91-92

What song could you listen to all day long? “Unconditional” – Ron Miles

Favorite hangout? Local 46

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the community at Swallow Hill, and I love the flexibility we have as instructors to teach a wide variety of ages, subjects, and classes.

Michael Stanwood

See Michael’s classes here.

Autoharp, Didjeridu, Guitar

Lover of world music | Swallow Hill outreach instructor | folk-fusion inspiration | toured Southeast Asia | autoharp master

Teaching style: With a relaxed style, Michael believes teaching is about empowering students through their own creativity. He believes real leaps happen when the students love the sound of their chosen instrument and are learning songs or music they love.

Marcus Quintero

See Marcus’ group classes here and his private lessons here.

Percussion

Marcus was born and raised in the Denver area. He began taking hand drum lessons at age 9 at Swallow Hill Music and now teaches djembe, congas, cajon, bongos, and various support / backup percussion. He always loved drumming and especially playing for worship services since that time. This being the case, drumming has not just been a hobby but has great spiritual significance in his life. He also works with repairing and rebuilding hand drums. Outside of work, Marcus loves working with animals and plants at home as well as volunteering for his church. He breeds various reptiles as well as other animals, and especially loves gardening cacti.

What was your first concert? Tony Melendez (a guitarist with no arms who plays with his feet!)

What song could you listen to all day? “Ride on to Die” by Michael Card

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? The dog park

Favorite Swallow Hill memory? When I was about 10, my Swallow Hill drum teacher (now long time friend), brought me to meet his wife and introduce me to his son who his wife was pregnant with at the time. This is one of my favorite memories because I am still close with them to this day and they have been a major part of my life growing up, and I would not have been blessed to come to know such wonderful people if it was not for Swallow Hill!

Martin Gilmore

See Martin’s classes here.

Martin is a bluegrass musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music educator based in Denver, Colorado. He is a founding member of the bluegrass band Long Road Home, an acclaimed solo performer, and band leader for The Martin Gilmore Trio.

He has performed all over the United States, as well as in Europe and Africa. He is also a highly respected music educator, teaching at the University of Denver Enrichment Program, his own private studio, and right here at Swallow Hill Music. In 2017, he joined the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado teaching folk and bluegrass guitar.

Josiah Contreras

Bass Guitar, Guitar, Ukulele

Josiah hails from right here in beautiful Denver. With musicians for parents (who have both taught at Swallow Hill), the musician’s path was laid out for Josiah at an early age. After picking up the bass guitar and playing at church, Josiah went off to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music, where he learned from such heavy hitters as Victor Wooten, James Genus and Livingston Taylor. After returning home, Josiah has built up his playing career as a freelance musician, along with his own band, Elk Song. Josiah eventually found his way back home to Swallow Hill, and is excited to take on a new generation of students. Outside the world of music, Josiah loves kicking back to enjoy a good movie, or hiking or rock climbing like a true Coloradan.

First concert? NSYNC, Mile High Stadium!

What song could you listen to all day long? “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore

Favorite Colorado hangout? Anywhere there’s family or friends!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory?One of my favorite memories in Swallow Hill was putting on a concert in Daniel’s Hall to celebrate my mom’s life. So thankful that it took place in a space she loved so much.

Paul Trunko

See Paul’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Guitar, Electric Bass, Harmonica

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, longtime Swallow Hill teacher Paul Trunko started here as a staff member and then moved to teaching while performing in the area music scene. He’s a past and sometimes member of bands like Papa Juke, Shakedown Street, One Kind Favor, The Keepers, Quickdraw, and currently performs with Stef Kull in a piano/guitar duo. Paul teaches Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Beginning Harmonica and Electric Bass in a variety of genres including rock, blues, bluegrass, and folk. When not teaching you can find Paul working in his home studio, managing cartoon band Jammy Man, or riding his e-bike up and down the hills in Golden.

First Concert: Natural Gas, Gary Wright, Peter Frampton – 1976?

What song could you listen to all day long? With A Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker

Favorite hangout? Any Mexican Restaurant

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Teachers Concerts

Jarett Mason

See Jarett’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Mandolin, Fiddle/Violin, Guitar, Ukulele

Teaching style: Jarett plays and offers theory-based instruction on several instruments including mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and ukulele.

Ernie Martinez

See Ernie’s private lessons here.

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel

In the classroom, Ernie Martinez inspires a multitude of generations learning bluegrass and country, from beginners to advanced pickers and singers.

A Swallow Hill Faculty Member for 40 years, he is an extremely versatile musician who plays just about any instrument that has strings, and more. Ernie started playing piano in elementary school but got his start playing guitars and drums in late 60s garage bands. In 1971, while he was in junior high, upon hearing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Dueling Banjos”, Ernie took to the banjo, followed by the mandolin, resonator, and Dobro. In 1974 Ernie started his first bluegrass band, the Off the Wall Gang, and picked up the fiddle, piano, bass, and pedal steel a couple years later, becoming the leading go-to utility performer in Colorado, both live and in the studio. With over four decades on the live scene, Ernie has played with Tom Paxton, John McEuen, Jimmy Ibbotson, and countless others.. In 2013 he took third place in the RockyGrass Band contest with Camptown.

In the studio, Ernie has been on over 150 albums in Colorado and in Nashville, and is in demand as an album producer, songwriter, and arranger. He’s also released three albums of his own original work.

Ernie plays regularly with Runaway Express, Jon Chandler, Dakota Blonde, Timothy P. Irvin and the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers, Reckless Abandon, Dustin Devine and the Real Deal, and Junction 5-12. Heis a member of the International Western Music Association having won instrumentalist of the year in 2018. In April 2019, Ernie made the cover of the Spring issue of Western Way.

Thomas Jennings

See Thomas’s classes here.

Guitar

Thomas Jennings is originally from Ipswich, Massachusetts, with a B.M. in jazz guitar performance from Lamont School of Music. While gigging and touring are wonderful, teaching is a special part of his career. Sharing in the joy of accomplishment with students is something he can’t get enough of. He teaches guitar in various genres and styles, music theory, and technology classes. He specializes in the creative and spontaneous relationship we have with our instruments. Other activities he loves include coffee, photography, and tinkering with computers.

First Concert: B.B. King! at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA. That theater is in the round and the stage slowly rotates for the entire performance.

What song could you listen to all day? “Love U Like The Sun In June” by Ryan Scott

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Queen City Coffee Collective on 1st and Cherokee in Baker neighborhood

Casey Hrdlicka

See Casey’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Electric Bass, Guitar, Music Theory, Piano/Keyboard, Ukulele, Mandolin

Originally from Arvada, Casey began playing guitar at age 11. As he dove deeper into music, he realized his calling was teaching other people what he had learned along the way. Casey teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, mandolin, music theory, and various ensemble classes. As a teacher, he likes to focus on developing a firm understanding of rhythm, harmony, and how the instrument itself works. He is open to teaching any musical style/technique that the student is interested in. Outside of work, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being outdoors, and playing chess.

First Concert: The first concert Casey remembers attending was the Guess Who in 1994.

What song could you listen to all day long? “Into The Fire” by Deep Purple

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? His favorite hangout would probably be a vacant trail deep in the mountains.

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is that everyone who comes here all share a love for music.

Melissa Ivey

See Melissa’s private lessons here.

Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, Audio Production, Bass Guitar

Melissa is a self-taught artist and an award-winning Singer/Songwriter and educator from Denver. Her musical journey began in the Bay Area punk scene, grew in Colorado’s songwriting circles, and continues in performances worldwide as well as in the classroom. Melissa works with musicians and artists of any level and welcomes femme students searching for support in singing, songwriting, guitar, bass and production.

Spencer Crawford

See Spencer’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Accordion, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele

Spencer Erik Crawford is from Northeast Kansas. He started teaching music in 2006 back in his hometown of Topeka, while attending Washburn University. In 2014, while he was teaching lessons at music stores and schools in Denver he was recruited by other teachers to join Swallow Hill. He teaches strings, keys/piano, and accordion, and tailors lesson plans to each student based on their skill level and musical interests. When Spencer is not teaching music, he enjoys performing solo or with his bands, That Damn Sasquatch, and the Spencer Erik Crawford Band. He also enjoys listening to music and hanging out with his family and friends.

First concert? B.B. King

What song could you listen to all day long? “A Love Supreme” – the whole album

Favorite Colorado hangout? Most bars and clubs, I’m not picky!

What’s your favorite Swallow Hill memory? When Buckwheat Zydeco played at Swallow Hill in 2014

Deborah Collins

See Deborah’s classes here and private lessons here.

Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Songwriting

As a teen growing up in rural Michigan, Deborah wrote music, played in a rock band, and sang in choirs. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from MSU Denver, and has taught at Swallow Hill since 2014. She specializes in teaching voice (any level in any genre) and guitar (especially beginner-intermediate rhythm guitar). Deborah also teaches songwriting, music theory, and beginner ukulele. Deborah is great for tentative learners because she is friendly and positive. She strives to make each lesson fun, stress-free, and customized to your personal goals. Deborah works with all ages. She is currently a member of the indie band, The Deborah Solo Trio, and is the parent of two young kids.

First Concert: The first concert Deborah attended was Guster in 1999, when she was a freshman in high school. Her older sister drove her and her friends all the way to Detroit to see Guster open for a much bigger band. They made posters and T-shirts and the people working there let them run down to the front since hardly anyone else had arrived early enough to see the first opening band.

What song could you listen to all day long? “In a River” by Rostam; Deborah even learned some chords on the mandolin just to play along with it.

Favorite hangout? Deborah loves to take a yearly trip to Lake Michigan to visit her family at the cottage her grandparents built in the 1950s. It’s awesome to take her kids there because that’s where she spent her summers as a kid, too.

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Deborah’s favorite Swallow Hill memories are when her students have had those great breakthrough moments. She also loves participating in the annual Teacher Feature concert, and getting to share the stage with all the amazing musicians who teach at Swallow Hill.

David Thomas Bailey

See David’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Colorado | M.M. in Jazz Studies | member of Man vs. Village | performed with Howard Alden and Joe Giglio | workshops for Jefferson County Public Schools

Teachings style: David’s specialty is teaching formal composition and improvisation to children and teens.

Liat Arochas

See Liat’s classes here, and her private lessons here.

Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Voice

Liat is originally from South Jersey, right outside of Philadelphia. While teaching preschool after moving to Denver, she was approached to become an outreach instructor at Swallow Hill, where she had always wanted to work. Although she now lives in Palisade, she teaches virtual classes in voice, guitar, ukulele, beginner piano, and songwriting/production. When she is not working, you can find her doing sound healings and running her business, Wake the Voice, where she blends her background in speech therapy, yoga, singing, and songwriting. You can also find her performing solo as Liat and the Sirens or with her band DARKARTS (based in Denver).

First concert? Sarah Brightman. I was obsessed with her album DIVE. A true siren.

Favorite hangout? Fruita, CO

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I used to do Instrument Petting zoos and Ukulele strum alongs. I taught outreach for a while before COVID hit. My heart always felt so warm after the family ukulele strum alongs at the Children’s Museum in Denver. Everyone was always in a great mood because they were trying something new with their families! Talk about bonding time!

Ed Contreras

See Ed’s classes here.

Percussion

A Denver native, Ed has been playing World drums, drum kit, and percussion for over 50 years in various bands and ensembles. His music covers everything from folk, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, African, Flamenco, Brazilian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern styles. He enjoys teaching and found Swallow Hill to be the perfect place to educate folks about the power and spirituality of music. He teaches World hand drums, such as congas, djembe, cajon, drum kit, and various percussion instruments from many ethnic musics. He loves the outdoors, especially the Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah wilderness. He also is a student of spirituality, and loves reading and watching movies.

First Concert: His first major concert was the progressive rock band Yes at the Denver Coliseum, performing their Tales from Topographic Oceans tour.

What song could you listen to all day long? “You Are” by Pat Metheny

Favorite hangout? Mom & Pop breakfast places, and lots of places outdoors

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite memories are performing at the Teacher Feature Concerts, watching my son Josiah teach elementary school kids at the summer camps, and working with the Swallow Hill Choir when my wife was the director.

Casey Cormier

See Casey’s classes here.

Casey grew up in Colorado but moved to New Jersey for middle and high school. He received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Hartford in Connecticut, performing in jazz and rock groups on the east coast in the years following until moving back to Colorado in 2012. He teaches ukulele for Swallow Hill but also plays guitar as well as electric and upright bass. When not teaching or performing, he can be found hiking, skiing, or jamming.

First concert? The Who, Quadrophenia Tour, 1997

What song could you listen to all day long? “Zebra” by Beach House

Favorite Colorado hangout? Mission Ballroom for great live shows in Denver!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Swallow Hill is the best music community in Denver. From classes to concerts, festivals to jam sessions, there’s always something fun happening. My favorite is the annual Denver Ukefest, where touring artists, teachers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the mighty ukulele each year!

Star Edwards

See Star’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Celtic Harp, Songwriting

Originally from New York, Star grew up on Florida’s west coast, where sand, surf, and a handy guitar playing Joan Baez and Bob Dylan tunes helped her wait out the hot summers. She started playing harp in 1983, and now teaches beginner to intermediate Celtic harp, Celtic Harp Ensemble, songwriting, and more. She likes to teach improvisation alongside note reading for playing harp. Her style is a progressive, one step at a time process, building confidence with each song and technique. When not playing music, Star leads an international dream work group.

First Concert: Paul Revere & The Raiders!

What song could you listen to all day? Rock and Roll Girls by John Fogerty

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg

Julia Hays

See Julia’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Fiddle/Violin

Julia Hays is from a family of musicians in the Boston area. She first learned to play in a couple of music festivals. While in Colorado, she fell in love with the mountains and decided to stay. Her professional playing has included everything from symphony and opera orchestras to western trios, a few Celtic bands, and her own jazz combos. In folk ensembles, she has played in the Denver area, at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, the Old Town School in Chicago, and in Kerrville, Texas. She spends most of her time teaching these days and loves it, but still keeps her hand in playing with a number of contra dance bands that perform in Denver and along the Front Range.

First Concert: The first Colorado concert: Red Rocks. The bill included Dr. John and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band along with a host of others

What song could you listen to all day long? Joao Bosco: Incompatibilidade de Genios, 2006 live dvd

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? The people I meet.

Jen Hitt

See Jen’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Recording Software, Songwriting, Voice

Jen grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has been singing in choirs since they could talk. They have studied opera, composition and studio recording in college, and learned to play some campfire guitar along the way. Jen leads the Women of Folk and Fireside Folk ensembles, and offers private lessons in voice, songwriting, or recording. With one foot in the classical world and the other in the folk world, Jen emphasizes technique as well as emotion while teaching so that students can learn more about formal music theory while also learning to rely on their ear to create a great performance. Jen loves hiking, eggs, yoga, in-season tomatoes, community, dreams, and cheese. Currently, they sing with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir and various churches and synagogues, and produce radio for Colorado Public Radio. Amphibious Heart is Jen’s most recent release, a full length studio album of original songs.

First Concert: The truth is Michael W. Smith with my Jr. High Youth Group, but can I just say The Meat Puppets & Blind Melon show I went to in High School?

What song could you listen to all day long? One song is hard, but I could loop Bjork’s album Homogenic all day long.

Favorite hangout? Long Table Brewhouse, Pablo’s on E Colfax

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? It’s really fun to come together with people in the community to make music. Seeing groups bond and grow as musicians and friends is so rewarding. By the end of the session things are sounding great, there’s so much joy in the music!

Willie Jaeger

See Willie’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Mountain Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer

Mountain dulcimer wizard and vocalist Willie Jaeger takes what is often thought of as a “simple” folk instrument and discovers its complexity. He strums, he fingerpicks, he flatpicks, he plays lead, and recently he’s been experimenting with electric dulcimer. His unique style of playing, and his popularity as a teacher at the renowned Swallow Hill School of Music, inspired Westword, Denver’s alternative weekly, to vote him Denver’s “Best Local Folkie.” He was a finalist (Silver) in the national mountain dulcimer championship at Winfield, Kansas, and in 2009 he won a Gold Medal for Best Original Instrumental Composition at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. An engaging singer with a lyrical baritone, he also plays hammered dulcimer and guitar, and composes instrumentals and the occasional song.

Chad “Chadzilla” Johnson

See Chad’s classes here.

Drum Set, Percussion, House of Rock

Teaching style: Chad focuses on reading, ear training, ensemble playing, and improvisation. Teaching genres include soul, R&B, rock, jazz, folk, funk, and punk.

Daniella Katzir

See Daniella’s classes here.

Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Songwriting, Ukulele

Born in Israel and raised in New Jersey, Daniella is a musician teaching her 25+ years of skills to ukulele enthusiast students at Swallow Hill, as well as Little Swallows. She has a B.A. in music from Naropa University. Playing music led her to Swallow Hill, where she fell in love with the community and decided she wanted to start teaching in 2012. She believes learning should be fun, so she chooses material relatable to her students. When she isn’t at Swallow Hill, she’s playing shows with her band, hiking in the mountains, playing fetch with her dog, or cooking up a feast for friends in the kitchen!

First Concert: It was either The Manhattan Transfer or Buster Poindexter. She was so young she can’t remember! But she remembers these were the two.

What song could you listen to all day long? O-o-h Child by The Five Stairsteps

Favorite hangout? Any beautiful beach!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I have many great memories to look back on over the years but hosting and performing at Swallow Hill’s Ukulele Festival is up there along with bringing my band into the building!

Clay Kirkland

See Clay’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Harmonica

Clay Kirkland hails from Macon, Georgia. He got into teaching music to help people live their dreams of making music. When he is not at Swallow Hill, you can find him on the Kirkland Brothers Farm, walking through “Clay’s Eighty Acres” of wooded acreage, lake, and a creek. Wherever he may be, he is working on making plans for a harmonica and music school and meditation retreat. When he is not teaching or performing, you can find him developing a community garden behind the apartment building where he lives, or in the vegetable gardens and fruit orchards at the farm.

First Concert: The Animals, 1966

What song could you listen to all day long? “El Parana”, Gato Barbieri, on his “Under Fire” album, with a young, amazing Stanley Clarke, et.al.; “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady”, Charles Mingus; “Wintertime”, Richard Reed and Clay Kirkland

Favorite hangout? Clay’s Eighty Acres

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Spending a year and more than a hundred hours planning the annual “Beat the Reaper Concert” to celebrate his birthday, playing the show, and listening to the recording.

Stef Kull

See Stef’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Teaching Style: Stef combines traditional music education concepts and theory with a lot of improvisation, especially in rock, folk, and blues styles.

Anna Leavitt

See Anna’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Cello

Originally from Baton Rouge, Anna Leavitt has a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance from Louisiana State University, a Masters from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. She’s also done post graduate work in Suzuki Pedagogy books 1-5, and is currently a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and teaches cello here at Swallow Hill. When not at work, Anna can be found hiking or cooking. She likes reading histories about ancient Egypt, the Reformation, and Medieval archaeology.

First Concert: The Waverly Consort, an ensemble of period (Renaissance and pre-Renaissance) instruments.

What song could you listen to all day long? My grandson singing “Happy Birthday.”

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Logan Coffee at Stanley Marketplace

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I remember when one of our cello classes played “Radioactive” and for three minutes, our cello players were rock stars!

LaDamion Massey

See LaDamion’s classes here and private lessons here.

University of Northern Colorado | B.M.E from Metropolitan State University | Opera Performance | Vocal Jazz I Et Cetera | Groovesociety: “Best Vocal Group of the Year”, “Best A Cappella Album” and “Best A Cappella Song” by the JPF International Music Awards | Director of SolPhase and Spirituals Project Community Choir | Sung with gospel legends such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, Dorinda Clark, and more

As a performer, LaDamion has a passion for singing gospel, jazz and funk. He can be seen performing occasionally with the Atomic Brass Project and The Motet.

Josie Quick

See Josie’s classes here.

Teaching style: Having fun is a big priority, along with exposing students to different genres of fiddle music, with an overarching goal to fit fiddle into an ensemble.

Todd Strandberg

Drum Set, Percussion

See Todd’s private lessons here.

Amy Sweetin

Music Therapy, Instructor of Guitar, Voice

Board Certified Music Therapist | professional certificate in Neurologic Music Therapy | vocalist, guitarist, pianist

Teaching style: Amy strongly believes in the power of music to provide healing and growth to all people in all stages of life.

Meet Our Music Teachers

Eman Alexander

Virginia Lynn Anderson

Liat Arochas

Danielle Bella

Barry Brown

Nic Clark

Deborah Collins

Ed Contreras

Josiah Contreras

Casey Cormier

Spencer Erik Crawford

Star Edwards

Miguel Espinoza

Martin Gilmore

Caleb James Hall

Julia Hays

Jen Hitt

Casey Hrdlicka

Melissa Ivey

Willie Jaeger

Mike Jagel

Thomas Jennings

Chad “Chadzilla” Johnson

Daniella Katzir

Clay Kirkland

Stef Kull

Anna Leavitt

Ernie Martinez

Jarett Mason

LaDamion Massey

Jason McIntyre

Kristen McSorley

Elyse Midgyett

Josie Quick

Marcus Quintero

Miriam Rosenblum

Caleb Schwing

Nabin Shrestha

Matt Skellenger

Suzanne Slade

Michael Stanwood

Todd Strandberg

Paul Trunko

Christy Wessler

Roy Willey