Ryan Wurtz
Owner
Electric and Acoustic Guitar - Ukulele
Ryan Wurtz, owner and instructor, completed a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music where he studied Jazz Guitar with Rod Fleeman and Danny Embrey. Ryan also studied Improvisation with Bobby Watson and Classical Guitar with Douglas Neidt. As part of the thriving Kansas City Music Scene since 2001, you can regularly catch Ryan performing locally and nationally, with Kansas City's own Grand Marquis in addition to other collaborations, projects and film scoring. Ryan also performs at a variety of theaters in Kansas City, including Starlight Theatre, Musical Theater Heritage, and the Kansas City Rep Theatre. Ryan has been playing the guitar for 26 years and has been teaching for the last 16. His adaptive and engaging teaching style has kept him in high demand for the last decade.
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Eli Meisner
Electric and Acoustic Guitar - Ukulele
Eli Meisner began playing the guitar at the age of twelve in his hometown of Seattle, Washington. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Louis Armstrong Award as well as winning the award for Outstanding Guitar Soloist at the acclaimed Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York City. In 2013, Eli graduated from New York University with a jazz studies degree where he studied with many of the leading figures in jazz guitar. Upon his return to Seattle in 2014, Eli quickly gained a reputation as one of the city's first call jazz guitarists and also developed a passion for teaching the instrument he loves. As a teacher, he enjoys imparting his affinity for the guitar as well as the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of students from different backgrounds. In 2023, Eli moved to Kansas City where he is continuing his teaching work and participating as an active member in the region's jazz scene. Eli has openings available immediately on Saturdays and Mondays!
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Estarah Berciunas
Piano - Guitar - Ukulele - Voice
Estarah Berciunas is a native of Kansas City and has been singing and making music from a very young age. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied Music therapy, sang in classical and jazz choral groups, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Voice. After KU, she came back to Kansas City to attend UMKC and received her Masters of Music in Voice. In May of 2022, she graduated from UMKC with a Doctorate of Musical Arts. Her focus is classical technique and opera, but she loves teaching all genres including jazz, pop, rock, and more! Estarah enjoys working with students of all ages and tailors her approach to meet each student's specific needs and interests. She believes that music should always bring joy and encourages students to always stay positive and find enjoyment while learning!
In her free time, Estarah enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, baking, watercoloring, and relaxing with her husband, kitties and dogs. Estarah will have openings available beginning in April!
In her free time, Estarah enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, baking, watercoloring, and relaxing with her husband, kitties and dogs. Estarah will have openings available beginning in April!
Adam Schlozman
Electric and Acoustic Guitar - Ukulele
Adam has been a musician the majority of his life and has taught music professionally for over 10 years. Growing up, he was fascinated by the guitar, making it his main instrument and playing in a family trio with two older brothers. Along with regular study in lessons, Adam gained experience playing gigs through high school, connecting him with a valuable music community and jazz scene which he would be a part of throughout his college years studying jazz and classical music at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. After attending university, Adam became a staple guitarist in the live music scene playing jazz, soul/R&B, funk, hip hop and electronic music as well as working regularly as a session guitarist and self produced artist.
Pete Marten
Acoustic and Electric Guitar - Bass Guitar - Ukulele
Acoustic and Electric Guitar - Bass Guitar - Ukulele
From the early age of nine years old, Pete knew he wanted to make guitar his life. He started taking lessons and went on to earn a Guitar Performance degree from Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles. He then came home to Kansas to earn a Jazz Studies degree from the University of Kansas. Pete has been teaching for 12 years, working with students of all ages and musical interests. Pete’s approach puts the students' goals first. Students learn songs they like while still learning essential skills, techniques, and music theory.