Our teachers
Meet the faculty who work with our students.
These are the instructors behind private lessons, elementary group music, theatre, dance, and music therapy in Pacific. Each profile lists what they teach; when you are ready, we can help match your child’s age, instrument, or goals with an open schedule.
Teaches
Jessica North
Elementary group music, private voice, and beginning piano
- Voice
- Piano
- Elementary groups
Jessica believes every student can learn to use their voice with patience and solid technique. She leads elementary small-group music as well as private voice and beginning piano, keeping lessons clear and encouraging.
Teaches
David North
Private voice
- Voice
David teaches private voice and enjoys walking students through real vocal challenges step by step. His style is relaxed and welcoming, and he adjusts to where each singer is starting from.
Teaches
Bernadette Baer
Music therapy and private piano
- Piano
- Music therapy
Bernadette has worked as a music therapist for many years, including a long hospital career before focusing on private practice with families in Pacific. She also teaches private piano. Profile details and credentials are on the Teachers page.
Teaches
Julia Smith
Private piano
- Piano
Julia has taught piano for more than twenty years, with training connected to the Moscow Conservatory tradition. She teaches beginners through advancing students and helps prepare those who want to perform.
Teaches
Tess Spiezio
Theatre
- Theatre
Tess teaches theatre for young people and stays active in local community theatre. She emphasizes confidence on stage, clear communication, and the teamwork habits that keep an ensemble safe and focused.
Teaches
Julia Dinkins
Strings, voice, beginning piano, and woodwinds
- Voice
- Piano
- Strings
- Woodwinds
Julia teaches across Franklin County on strings, voice, beginning piano, and woodwinds. Her broad background helps families pick a first instrument that fits the student and the schedule.
Teaches
Bill Gerdell
Private brass
- Brass
Bill has taught brass privately in the St. Louis area for decades and still performs regularly—including lead trumpet with regional big bands—so lessons stay tied to how music is played in the real world.
Teaches
Maggie Sikes
Private voice and piano
- Voice
- Piano
Maggie teaches voice and piano to students of different ages in Franklin County. She mixes steady encouragement with clear weekly goals so music stays enjoyable and progress feels steady.
Teaches
Sydney Smith
Dance classes
- Dance
Sydney is a dancer and choreographer with more than ten years of training, including years in competitive dance. She leads weekly group classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre styles, with levels that shift by season.
Teaches
Alan Singer
Private guitar
- Guitar
Alan has studied guitar for many years with respected teachers and completed conservatory training. He offers a structured path for beginners and for students who want to keep moving forward without gaps in the basics.
Not sure which teacher fits your child's age or instrument? Contact us—we answer questions about openings and pair families with the right person every week.