Alex Perides Columbia Piano, Voice, Improvisation, Song Writing.

Alex Perides grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. Throughout her schooling she participated in many ensembles and solo voice competitions. Alex learned basic percussion and piano while still in high school. During this time Alex also assisted with theater summer camps.

After graduating Alex attended University via a scholarship as a vocal music major. She continued learning percussion and dabbled in violin. While there she participated in honor choir, show choir, general choir and the percussion ensemble.

Alex has a background in basic music theory and vocal diction for English, Italian, and German.

Audrey Bush Columbia Violin, Improvisation, Song Writing.

Audrey was born into a family of musicians from the small river town of Washington, Missouri. She began learning violin—classical and folk/fiddle—at the age of five, taking private lessons and joining the Washington School District orchestras, where she eventually became concertmaster. In high school, Audrey also participated in four musical theatre productions, sang in the East Central College Community Choir and earned state festival recognition.

Audrey plays music for occasional church services and regularly performs for local weddings and events, including the annual Sounds of Starkenburg Holiday Concerts. Her musical influences include Dr. Susie Thierbach of the Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Alison Krauss and, of course, Lindsey Stirling. She loves all styles and teaches learners of all kinds!

Audrey completed her BA in English from the University of Missouri in the spring of 2023 and is now working toward her graduate degree. She believes that music, with all its psychological benefits, truly has the power to stop time and change lives for the best. Audrey has worked at A Major Music Lessons since 2020.

Chad Kateman Columbia Guitar, Bass, Voice, Drums, Ear Training, Music Theory, Improvisation, Song Writing.

Born in Columbia, Missouri, Chad Kateman started his musical journey 19 years ago with an Alvarez D-8 acoustic guitar. His interest quickly expanded to vocal performance and songwriting which led to earning an Associate of Arts Degree from Columbia College.

While at Columbia College, Chad performed as a lyric baritone for the Jane Froman Singers choral ensemble. During his college years, Chad also played lead electric guitar for several bands including The Daily Crime.

For 12 years, Chad volunteered as a guitarist for Remove The Silence at Woodcrest Chapel and had the privilege of backing many contemporary Christian music artists that led services at the chapel.

Currently, Chad performs original songs as a solo artist and handles vocal and guitar work for the 3-piece band Inchworm. He also volunteers as a worship singer at Arrow Rock Federated Church.

Chad’s musical specializations are guitar improvisation, songwriting, stage presence and performance preparation. He greatly enjoys helping students unlock their own creativity at any stage of their musical career and loves to support students as they prepare for on-stage gigs.

Kaitlin Arellano Columbia Piano, Voice, Ukulele, Ear Training, Music Theory, Improvisation, Song Writing, Conducting.

Kaitlin is a classically trained musician from rural southwest Kansas. Although it was a challenge to pursue music education in an agricultural environment, Kaitlin and her parents were determined to find opportunities for musical growth wherever they could. Weekly hour-long drives for piano lessons, trips across the state for weekend performances and collegiate music workshops, along with daily in-home musical immersion, have all shaped Kaitlin into the musician she is today.

Kaitlin received her degree in Music from Emporia State University, where she minored in Psychology, sparked by her interest in Music Therapy. She understands the intrinsic motivation required to continue pursuing music education and works hard to instill confidence in her students by fostering a positive, healthy learning environment.

With eight years of teaching experience, Kaitlin has positively impacted many students and is passionate about how music can shape us into better individuals. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and creating, traveling back to Kansas to visit family, learning Spanish, and advocating for causes like environmental sustainability within her local community.