Hi there! I'm Nick Kashka, a musician from Overland Park, KS. I teach trumpet and music theory in the Kansas City area in addition to my work of playing trumpet around the area and substitute teaching for music programs. I teach both beginners and advanced musicians and specialize in classical playing. I received my Bachelor's degree in music from the University of North Texas where I studied under Caleb Hudson and Jason Bergman. In 2023, I received my Master's degree in music at UMKC where I studied with Keith Benjamin and Kurt Dupuis.

I have played piano ever since I can remember and have a deep love for music and sharing with others.

I feel I'm good at working with an individual's strengths and weaknesses to bring out their personal best. I strive for optimal technical training, balanced with the recognition that violin playing should also be rewarding & fun musically. I've taught in the KC area since 1978. My undergrad degree is MusEd. I have a MMus and DMA coursework in violin performance. Viola students accepted as well. Every student is unique!

Hi, and welcome to Songbird Studios! My name is Bethany Wray, and I am a graduate of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Illinois. I graduated in May of 2023 with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, having studied piano, voice, music theory, aural skills, music history, and various other classes which have shaped my musical education and have nourished my love for music. With my studies before Wheaton, I have had a total of 8 years of vocal lessons. I have also studied piano and guitar, and did musical theater/opera for a combination of 11 years. Another one of my passions and developed skills is worship team leadership and me

I was brought up in a long tradition of music education in Kansas City where a students music education and personal development are combined. Unlike the Fast Food "drive through" Model approach to Percussion lessons, each lesson is tailored to every different student, and I like to relate how what the student learns in my class relates to algebra, history, philosophy and literature. I also use music to teach students solid communication skills, and creative problem solving. Culminating in a bi-annual solo performance to build resistance to anxiety, and stress, and cultivating a level of comfort-ability while in the public spotlight. More tha...

Current music faculty member: Baker University and Johnson County Community College Former music faculty member: Avila University, Friends University, Hillsdale College National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through MTNA. Multiple Top Virtuoso winners, MidAmerica Music Association Competition. Nearly forty years of teaching and judging experience.