SEAN EARLE

Studio Director & Instructor

Sean is often considered to be a musical renaissance man: singer, songwriter, producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist - not to mention being well versed in the business side of the music industry with a strong understanding of brand building and digital marketing - all while managing his independent record label and music publishing company Romeo Gold Entertainment. Sean embodies all that it means to be a successful independent artist in today's world, as his original music has been streamed on Spotify & Apple Music over one million times in over 60 countries around the world. This feat was achieved without the assistance of a major label; giving him the knowledge, experience, and optimism necessary to help others meet their musical goals. Sean hopes to build a community of musicians at RGS, who can help each other grow through new opportunities and experiences, whether you are a hobbyist, amateur, or aspiring professional.

MEGAN VANDEBERGHE

Assistant Director & Instructor

Megan began her musical journey playing guitar and singing at the age of 10. In 2018, Megan began working her way through college teaching private vocal, guitar, piano, ukulele, and musical theatre lessons to students aged 5 to 65 years old. More recently, Megan graduated from Rochester University in the class of 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre. In college, she received vocal instruction from highly trained classical, theatrical, and operatic coaches, giving her the necessary skills and experience for technique focused vocal training and musical theater/acting instruction. Megan has been on stage in nearly 25 large scale theatrical productions (community to professional), as well as countless smaller projects and is excited to guide younger artists through their musical journeys. In addition to teaching, Megan is our studio's Assistant Director and is responsible for managing a large portion of our performances throughout the year.

ZACK HAWES

Band Leader & Instructor

Zack knew that music was what he wanted to pursue from the moment he first started playing drums at age 16. Since earning his Bachelor's in Music from North Central University, Zack has diversified his skill set from musician to passionate teacher. Currently, he is playing drums in a Christian band called We Are One, formed at Gateway Assembly church in Imlay City. This band has played nationally to crowds as large as 13,000! As a teacher, he understands that some students want to learn an instrument in hopes of performing in front of people someday, while some just want to have the knowledge of that instrument for other musical endeavors. In Zack's words "My goal is to make your goal a reality." Zack is available to teach drums, beginning piano, beginning guitar and video production.

MELODIE MITCHELL

Instructor

Melodie found her passion for music at the age of 8, when she picked up the violin. Since then, she has picked up pretty much every instrument she can get her hands on, ranging from woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments, to piano and bass. She currently plays bass in an actively performing all girl rock band called “Dark Eyed Dreamers”. Clearly an old soul, some of her favorite musical prodigies are Elton John, Stevie Nicks, and the lead guitarist of Pink Floyd. In addition to the classics mentioned above, Melodie has experience with all styles of music from classical to modern. Whether you want to learn music theory and note reading or how to play by ear, Melodie can help you meet your musical goals!

ALEXA HANAFORD

Instructor

Alexa has been a performer since early childhood. She doesn't remember a time when she wasn't singing or performing for family and friends. Early on she learned to develop "perfect pitch" - a skill they say only 1% of musicians can master. Since then, she has received numerous awards and recognition for her talents, including earning highest ranks as a vocalist at Michigan Thespian Festival for multiple years in a row. In addition to singing, she also has a broad understanding of music in general as she has branched out to playing piano, guitar, and ukulele. Currently, Alexa attending Oakland University to study vocal performance and music business while frequently gigging a small coffee shops and other music venues in the area. Alexa would love to help you begin or continue your musical journey in vocal, guitar, piano, or ukulele - she believes there is a place in music for everybody.

CHRISTIAN WANNER

Audio Engineer & Instructor

Meet our audio engineer, Christian. You may recognize him running sound at our showcases. Christian was interested in music from a young age. He began playing guitar at 10 years old and was writing songs immediately. Since that time he has become a multi-instrumentalist, played in numerous bands, and has studied as a recording engineer. Most notably, Christian currently leads a band named "The Non-Professionals", a group of friends who are gaining traction in the metro Detroit area as they continue to promote their debut full length album (released 2020). It's no surprise that when he's not teaching or recording for someone else, he's recording music for himself or his band. Christian is excited to teach you guitar, ukulele, bass, or record your next hit song!

JADEN ROSS

Instructor

Jaden began his musical career when he was only 5 years old, playing the piano, and he hasn't stopped playing music since. In addition to piano, he plays acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, and he sings. Jaden regularly plays for the worship band at his church, and performs at local coffee shops every chance he gets. When he's not listening to his favorite artist Shakey Graves, you can find him snowboarding, playing hockey, and playing volleyball. Come on in and jam out with Jaden!

RICK ARNOLD

Instrument Technician & Instructor

Meet Rick! Rick's first gig was in 1966. He's been in several bands over the years that play genres like jazz, blues, country, and rock 'n' roll. He's even been on the road with Chuck Berry! Rick's instrument of choice is the bass guitar, and he dabbles in acoustic guitar, too. Before coming to teach at RGS, he was an engineer for over 30 years, and worked at NASA for a year. Rick is available to teach guitar and bass. Set up a trial today, and come chill with Rick!

JESSICA NICHOLS

Instructor

Jessica’s passion for music began as a little girl when she first discovered her love for singing. As a recent graduate from Rochester University’s Musical Theatre program, Jessica has completed four years of professional voice lessons with an emphasis on classical and musical theatre styles, in addition to her experience in major musical roles (such as Rapunzel in "Into The Woods"). Even before college, Jessica has performed in several choirs throughout middle and high school - even making it all the way to the state honors college when she was sixteen. Along with this experience, Jessica enjoys signing on her church worship team and performing in musicals and plays in the Metro Detroit area. As a member of the RGS teaching staff, she is available to teach voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele to students. Jessica believes that it is never to early (or late!) to begin pursuing your love for music. Whether your goals with music have you playing for audiences with hundreds of people or only in the comfort of your own home, Jessica is ready to meet you where you’re at and help you make those dreams become a reality.

JOIN OUR STAFF

Employment Application

RGS is a rapidly growing company. If you have a skill within the creative arts and would like to potentially join our family, click "Employment Application" above. We do not require college degrees, though we do require knowledge, passion, and drive with all new hires. If we are interested, we will reach out to you.