Our Teachers

A young man with dark hair playing a violin and holding a guitar against a black background.
A young man with dark hair playing a violin and holding a guitar against a black background.

Rian Holmes teaches guitar, violin, bass, music composition and theory, as well as beginning-intermediate drums and piano. He also runs the student band rehearsals.

Rian has more than 20 years of diverse professional experience as a performer, composer, and educator in music. He holds Bachelor's degrees in Music Composition & Performance and a Master’s Degree in Education. This background gave him a strong foundation for his professional teaching roles at colleges, K-12 pubic schools, and private music academies. Drawing on this extensive experience, Rian founded a music school where students develop exceptional musical skills and consistently strive to exceed expectations.

His performance experience spans many genres and styles across his 20+ years as a music professional. He has been a violinist and guitarist with many bands, orchestras, and combos over his career as a guest musician and studio player to this day.

David comes from a family of music lovers who encouraged him to learn to play the drums after he showed interest and asked for music lessons at age 14. He studied music through high school in Tallahassee, Florida, and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston from 2001 to 2005. In teaching, he draws on years of study, practice, and experience to help students work towards their goals.

He maintains a busy performance schedule as a studio drummer, guest musician, & performer with numerous artists in the NW.

David Kelsay is our resident drum and rhythm expert. He teaches drum kit, percussion, congas, and banjo.

A close-up selfie of a man with short, dark hair and a beard, smiling slightly, with a wooden wardrobe in the background.
A close-up selfie of a man with short, dark hair and a beard, smiling slightly, with a wooden wardrobe in the background.

References Upon Request