Folk Instruments Teachers
Stephen Irwin
Banjo/Guitar
Steve holds a Bachelors degree in Recording Industry Management. He has performed in several area bands and as a solo artist. Steve has over 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and enjoys sharing his knowledge of music with others.
Michael Lairson
Guitar/Mandolin/Ukulele
Mike holds a Bachelor of Business degree. He has been teaching students of all ages for over 17 years. He served as director of the rock band program at That MUSIC PLACE from 2006 through 2014. He has performed in Community Theater Orchestras and in several local bands. Mike enjoys sharing his passion for music with others and with seeing students succeed.
Garry Ball
Guitar/Ukulele
Garry has been teaching guitar for over 30 years to kids and adults alike. He teaches Blues, Country, Folk, Rock, and Jazz on both acoustic guitar and electric guitar. He has also taught and led song writing workshops since 2012. A singer, songwriter, and performer at heart, he plays local coffee houses, wineries, and private parties. Garry is a BMI song writing member (since 2012) and released his first CD in 2013 with more on the way. Garry is passionate about sharing his love of music with students of all ages.
TESTIMONIAL: “Gary is an awesome teacher! He always helps me when I am stuck and when I mess up he doesn’t make me feel stupid” Melanie age 10
Joe Hochadel, U.S. Army Retired
Alto Saxophone/Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone/Bass Guitar/Ukulele
Joe studied woodwinds, voice, and bass guitar in college. He has played professionally in a military band, as well as in pit orchestras for productions of several musicals. He currently has his own professional band that performs around the tri-state area. Joe has taught private lessons for several years, and his students have maintained high seating positions in their school bands, (including several first chair students). Joe teaches alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet, bass guitar, and ukulele.