About Me

Leslie D. Shelton Jr., born in San Francisco CA. Graduated from Galileo High School in 1973 with the intentions of Music Studies at Laney College from 1974 to 1976. Years into the program I was fortunately picked up by a major touring band from San Francisco, “H.P. Riot.” During my days on the road I studied quite of bit from Rufus Ried, Evolving bassist, who contributed a major foundation for my music studies.

Most of my musical experience & studies came from the various artists I performed and studied with while traveling on the road: Musical Director of San Jose Baptist Church, Dewayne Sweet, who I contribute a lot of my thanks and appreciation for sticking by my side and believing in me. In my own opinion and from others who know me, my road life allowed me to grow 5 times quicker than sitting at home on a school desk, due to the fact that I was thrown into an artist execution mode. What I learned I was able to put into practice almost immediately.

I’d like to thank the following artist for allowing me to perform and study with while on the road: Thelonious Monk’s horn section while touring with Freda Payne; Eddy Kendricks, former Temptations lead vocalist; Bo Diddley’s guitarist Peggy Malone (Lady Bo); Canadian rock band Hammersmith, jazz pianist Ron Simpson from Chehalis, and Rick White, Olympic College Music Director.

I believe music studies, once established, should be paired up with music execution. Start applying what you learn in the real world by playing with others, sharing your skills and experience. This will allow you to grow much faster and build self esteem and confidence in your music abilities. But please remember, no matter how good you become, always stay humble and encourage others to grow and enjoy music as I have and as you will in the years to come. Music will help you through all areas of your life. So jump on board, don’t be afraid, and just enjoy the ride.

About Me

For over 4 years, Eric has taught private and group lessons to students of all ages, levels, and styles in Silverdale. Whether you are a touring professional, hobbyist, or anything in between, a lesson plan can be designed that is both unique and enjoyable. Students can expect to learn more than just songs. Emphasis will be placed on learning the proper techniques and musical theory needed to perform any piece of music. Lessons will always be conducted with the student in mind, at a pace that matches their needs.

Eric has played extensively with groups and artists from Washington to Nashville. He has accompanied solo artists, and full bands as well. He has produced and recorded numerous albums, as well as owning and operating a local recording studio. Currently Eric is playing with the Silverdale-based jam-band, Faith Alive.

Influences include the likes of Pat Metheny, Eric Johnson, Hillsong United, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, and Marcus Miller.

About Me

Dave is one of the most well renowned saxophonists in the Northwest. He has played with many greats, Mel Torme and Smokey Robinson just to name a few. His credentials include being a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music (Berklee College of Music Subsidiary), performing for four years with the Navy Jazz Band, and he is leader of the “Dave Carson Band” and Olympic Peninsula’s premier rock band, “Soul Siren.”

Dave Carson develops young and adult musicians who understand all types of music. Student achievements include top chair placement in local music programs, soloist awards at jazz festivals, and top honors at state and regional WMEA solo and ensemble competitions. Dave’s students are a “shoe-in” for any college music program and are usually a recipient of scholarship money.

Whether it be classical, jazz, rock, or improvisation Dave gives students the tools that they need to be successful and also enjoy all that music has to offer. Just listen to what his students say:

“I can’t thank Dave Carson enough for the gift of music that he gives!”

“As a new musician it is difficult to learn new methods and skills, but Dave’s patience and experience has brought me to a level of playing that is both rewarding and enjoyable.”

“As a teacher, I find Dave very motivating and as a talented musician, very inspiring.”

“I look forward to every lesson and plan to study with him for years to come.”

“Taking lessons from Dave was the major turning point in my life as a musician!”

About Me

Stephanie Dupuis has a Bachelor of Music and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has served on faculty at the acclaimed Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. An established professional saxophonist, clarinet and woodwind doubler, Stephanie is a freelance musician the Seattle area. Stephanie has maintained many established lead positions throughout her career, locally with the internationally broadcast jazz orchestra SWOJO on lead alto saxophone. Stephanie has also performed with many notable jazz musicians such as Lionel Hampton, Claudio Roditti, Pauqito D’Rivera, Elvin Jones, and Doc Severinsen, plus many others.

Stephanie had been recognized by the nationally established Dean’s List (R) in the top 5% of teachers nationally and maintains an active, full teaching studio with students of all ability levels that progress according to their needs. She has extensive experience working with students grades 4-adult.

About Me

Brian Lilly is a professional drummer and instructor. Playing since age 5, he played his first gig at the early age of 10 and began teaching at the young age of 16. A man of many hats, Brian is a highly sought after studio and freelance drummer/musician as well as an educator.

Lilly’s schooling includes 8 years of concert band/choir and 6 years of marching/jazz bands. Brian completed 2 years of music theory and has a solid background with vocals, piano, and guitar. As a graduate of Central Kitsap High School (1986) he was voted outstanding musician of the year. Upon graduation was accepted at the highest level to the Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. He later went on to further his education at Seattle Drum School. Brian’s experience includes extensive recording studio work and stage/concert appearances with countless artists, covering many numerous styles and genres.

Brian has performed at world famous venues, such as Hollywood’s Troubadour, House of Blues, Whiskey-A-Go-Go and (Johnny Depp’s) Viper Room. He has appeared at New York City’s Mercury Lounge, Texas’s Granbury Opera House, Galveston’s Moody Gardens, South Dakota’s #10 Saloon (Wild Bill Hickok), The Mangy Moose in Montana, Mexico’s Hard Rock Cafe, Seattle’s Mural Amphitheater, Showbox, and Graceland. Brian has toured the countryside, from California’s West Coast, to Nashville, Tennessee, from the South of Texas to the Arctic Circle.

Brian comes from a very musical family and thanks his Parents Buddy & Mary Lilly for giving him a drum set for Christmas at age 5. His Dad started playing at age 16. He is still a professional drummer/singer today, and plays in a band called (Retro). A highlight for Brian and his Dad was playing in a band together (Driven Country), featuring Brian’s Dad Buddy Lilly on lead vocals.

Brian’s younger brother Brandon is an accomplished saxophone player and is currently playing for O.C.Jazz. Brandon just recently made a trip to play in New Orleans. And just like when Brian played the Headwaters Jam in Montana and his parents made a surprise visit, they to went to see Brandon play in New Orleans. Too cool! Supportive parents! That’s where it’s at!

About Me

Shelly received her Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and Education from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Washington. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Shelly expanded her private brass studio and currently teaches 54 trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba students per week. Shelly’s students have seen successful performances at recitals and statewide music festivals, and several have gone on toward acceptance into All State, local youth symphonies, and college music programs.

Shelly has served as brass coach and clinician to Northwest Washington area schools, adjudicated Solo and Ensemble Festival for the Washington Music Educators Association, taught High Brass Techniques to undergraduate music majors at the University of Washington, and conducted Brass Camps throughout the Puget Sound.

An active performer, Shelly currently serves as trumpeter in the Tacoma Concert Band and the SBC Horns. She has been invited to perform as trumpet soloist on Doctoral Chamber Recitals, been sponsored on solo tours to the Midwest, and regularly performs throughout the region. Shelly has served as trumpeter with Navy Band Northwest and can be heard on two released recordings, Dreamcatcher by SWOJO and In the Deep by the Hope.

About Me

Ken has enjoyed great success as a music educator since he began teaching guitar nearly 25 years ago. His students number in the thousands and are of all ages, levels and styles and are scattered across the globe.

Ken “cut his teeth” over 35 years ago, playing “boom chicka” rhythms in a bluegrass vein while the adults in the group took turns soloing. Ken’s musical appetite grew over the years to encompass blues, rock, funk, R&B and jazz. While his own playing favors straddling the line between “bluesier” styles and the more technique-oriented hard rock and “shred” guitar styles, his vocabulary is informed by a healthy respect for all styles and genres, including country and classical.

An insatiable appetite for “all things guitar” led Ken to the “School of Things that Ken Wanted to Learn About,” as well as to study the curriculums of Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and Berklee College of Music in Boston. Over the years, Ken’s playing has led him to become a veteran of countless blues and rock bands throughout the Northwest, where the invaluable performance skills and experience he has acquired he openly shares with his students. Ken is very serious and passionate about his teaching and takes great pleasure in watching students have fun while learning, growing and honing their musical skills.

About Me

Guitarist Nick Murphy has been studying and playing music since 1995. He has a Bachelors in Music from Central Washington University with a specialization in Classical Guitar. Some of the styles he’s played or researched are Flamenco, Jazz, Classical, Brazillian, Fingerstyle, Malian, Punk, Irish, Metal, Hard Rock, Bluegrass, Celtic, Funk, and Blues. He also studied for some time with Jazz Guitarist Giulio Straciatti at the Siena Jazz Conservatory in Siena, Italy. In his teaching method, he emphasizes good efficient technique with a an ability to create music in the style of the students choice.

About Me

Talman Welle began his piano study with his mother, the late Martha Thatcher of Bremerton. He graduated magna cum laude from Central Washington University where he received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance. His principal teachers were Tim Strong, Dr. John Salmon, and Dr. Bonalyn Bricker-Smith. Welle has been teaching piano and classical piano for 22 years at Olympic College, Bremerton. He has also taught both elementary and high school students. He maintains a large successful studio of private students in Seattle, Bremerton and Poulsbo. An active member of the Eastside, Kitsap and Seattle chapters of the Washington State Music Teachers Association, he has also chaired for the National Guild of Piano Teachers for Kitsap County and was a judge for them as well. Many of his students have gone on to major in music at college or become professional musicians.

As a professional pianist, Welle’s past performances have included Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4 in G Major, with the Bainbridge Orchestra, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Bremerton Symphony and Olympic College orchestras, solo recitals of Liszt and Debussy, and two-piano concerts with Martha Thatcher. He has also recorded two CDs, in association with Dave Schafer Studios Bremerton. In the fall of 2001, Welle gave a well-received concert tour of the state, which included concerts at Central Washington University, Washington State University, and the Seattle Art Museum. Last November Welle performed in concert with his colleague at Olympic College, composer and bassist Rick White. The pair performed original compositions by White, which also featured a solo performance by Welle of Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No. 1, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, and Chopin’s 4th Ballade in F minor, op. 52. In April 2010, Welle performed a solo concert at Sherman Clay Pianos in Seattle featuring Moussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

About Me

Megan teaches piano lessons to beginning and intermediate students of all ages. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a Business Administration minor. She also holds an Associate of Arts & Sciences (President’s Scholar) from Olympic College, Bremerton. Her students can expect a curriculum tailored to their particular interests and abilities. Music is a life-long obsession of Megan, and she wishes to continue that tradition by inspiring individual creativity while covering all the essentials of musicianship such as ear-training, rhythm, sight-reading, theory, etc. Megan is very interested in technique that employs economy of motion, relaxation, suppleness and power. She wishes all her students to have a happy, healthy, successful playing experience.

In addition to private tutelage, Megan has experience in chamber or small ensemble performance and accompaniment of a wide variety of solo instruments and voices, both sacred and classical. She loves playing at special events and at various retirement/convalescent/assisted living homes. Nor does she limit herself to the piano. In her final year at CWU she was privileged to be accepted into the school’s premier classical choral ensemble, The Chamber Choir, performed with them at Benaroya Hall in Seattle and recorded with them for publication on YouTube. She also enjoys community theatre, having last been seen on stage as the Nightingale of Samarkand. Megan is currently learning to ring Choirchimes with several amateur Choirchime ensembles.

About Me

Education
Bachelor of Music in Trumpet from The University of Washington
Master of Music in Trumpet from Western Washington University.

Teaching Credentials
University of Washington – Taught Jazz ensemble “Big Band” as T.A.
Western Washington University – Taught Jazz studies, Class Brass for music Ed majors , Trumpet Lessons, and Contemporary Group
Olympic College – Interim Director of Instrumental Music including Band, Jazz Band, ensembles and private instruction

I currently Teach at the Silverdale Store. I currently have 3 students on trumpet scholarships to PLU, Eastern Washington, and WSU.

I have adjudicated
* The Columbia Basin Jazz Festival at Tri-Cities
* North Kitsap Jazz Festival
* Vancouver B.C. Jazz Festival
* WA Music Educators Solo and Ensemble Contests

I currently perform with the Bremerton Symphony and The Bremerton Symphony Brass Quintet. I also direct and perform with Seattle Based Big Band, “Roadside Attraction.” I have done musical back for several artists, including Ray Charles, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, The O.J.s, Linda Ronstadt, Diane Schuur, Michael Feinstein, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, and Bernadette Peters.

About Me

Miles Urbano is director of Bremerton Ukulele Music Society, teacher for Hawaiian Ukulele Group Silverdale, band leader guitarist for PLANTED band (classic Christian rock), music director for Bond Servants for the homeless (Kitsap Rescue Mission), guest guitarist bass player (Calvary Chapel Poulsbo), worship leader and music instructor (Calvary Fellowship Raymond), and performing artist representative (Gospel for Asia).

Miles’ formal training originated in classical music playing the double bass instrument. As a high school sophomore Miles received the University of Hawaii solo ensemble medal award and performed 4 years with the State of Hawaii select youth symphony, and studied commercial music Long Beach City College in Los Angeles.

About Me

Bachelor of Music, Viola Performance; University of Washington

K-12 Music Certification, University of Washington

Leah Irby is an active teacher, dancer, musician, and composer. She is a compassionate and understanding teacher with a heart for people and a talent for helping students find the music within. Coming from a background of classical training on violin and viola, she also teaches a variety of musical styles including fiddle music and jazz. She is an experienced orchestra teacher of students from elementary to high school and private students from ages 5 to adult, since 1996.

She teaches elementary orchestra for Central Kitsap Schools, Smart Strings beginning orchestra on Bainbridge Island, private lessons on violin, viola and cello, coaches chamber music, and adjudicates at solo and ensemble events. Under her direction, private and chamber music students have participated in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest and All-State and All-Northwest Orchestras.

Leah’s two main instruments are viola and violin, and she graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Viola Performance and K-12 Music certification. She has performed with Everett Symphony, Bremerton Symphony, Bainbridge Orchestra and Sound View String Quartet. She loves music, dance and living life and hopes to share this enthusiasm with others.