All DMI teachers are handpicked Denver working pros whose values and classroom culture aligns with DMI’s
Rachel Grindle
Voice and Piano Instructor
Rachel Grindle enjoys teaching all styles of music including Classical and Music Theater. She holds a Bachelor of Music concentrating in Voice from the University of Southern Maine. She has recently had the privilege of singing in Urbania, Italy. Rachel teaches methods that promote a dynamic and well-rounded voice that maintains good vocal health. Her passion is guiding students and inspiring their musical journey while nurturing their love for singing.
Steve Terry
Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele Instructor
Steve is a passionate musician, teacher, and music lover. As a teacher, he makes a point to follow the musical interests of his students, focusing on keeping them inspired and interested while developing a solid technical and theoretical foundation. He is experienced in teaching rock, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass and metal, and particularly loves teaching students how to improvise and express themselves musically. Steve spent six years touring the country as a professional guitarist and keyboard player and encourages his students to form bands and songwriting groups so that they may experience the magic of playing in a group. Outside of music, Steve is an avid runner, pizza lover, and roller coaster enthusiast.
Lauren Black
Voice and Piano Instructor
Having grown up in a musical household in Rockville, Maryland, Lauren began her musical career studying classical piano and voice. She has a degree in vocal performance from the University of Denver. With interest in all genres, Lauren is passionate about teaching fundamental techniques for the voice, including pedagogy, so that any student can reach their desired vocal sound without doing damage to their voice. She is currently performing with an indie rock band.
Molly Drewry
Voice and Piano Instructor
Molly recently moved to Denver from Charleston, South Carolina where she completed her BA in Music Theory and Composition at the College of Charleston. She teaches voice and piano with an emphasis on building a strong foundation in music theory. She also enjoys teaching the basics of songwriting and loves encouraging students to get creative. In addition, Molly teaches elementary music with Denver Public Schools.
Darren Ross
Drums and Percussion Instructor
Darren knows how to drive music. From the first beat to the last note, he’s the engine that propels the band. He’s a drummer and if you want to be a drummer, he can show you the way. Darren’s laid down the beat for hundreds of notable artist; Al Wilson, Otis Day, Spencer Davis, Sugar Loaf, Patrick Moraz, Bo Diddley and John Goodsall to name just a few. His own education included teachers such as Paul Wertico, Peter Erskine, Ralph Humphrey, Jeff Hamilton, Joe Porcaro, and Freddie Gruber. Oh, you should also know that he taught music at the acclaimed Musicians Institute in Los Angles.
Sarah Canzonetta
Piano, Flute and Piccolo Instructor
Sarah Canzonetta is a dedicated performer and educator with a wide range of experience teaching all ages and abilities. She was flautist with the Glasgow-based Nevis Ensemble as part of their Fellowship program from 2022 -2023 and joined the OAcademy as a fellow in 2024. In addition to flute, she also teaches piano and early childhood music classes throughout the Denver metro area. She is passionate about community engagement through music and strives to bring a lifelong love of music to any age level and ability. Sarah received her Postgraduate Diploma and Master's degrees in Performance from the Royal Northern College of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas. Outside of music, she enjoys all of the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer.
Jamie Beekman
Voice, Piano, Guitar and Ukulele Instructor - Limited Availability
Jamie is a talented musician and passionate music instructor. She likes to focus on a student’s goals and then create an environment that makes their musical journey enjoyable as well as educational. For voice and piano, she teaches all ages and skill levels, in all styles and genres. She also teaches beginners interested in ukulele and guitar. She has a degree in Vocal Performance and Recording Arts from UCD. Outside of music, Jamie loves animals and is an avid hiker and backpacker.
Lindsay Dvorak
Voice Instructor
Growing up in a household that valued music of all genres, Lindsay developed a love for performing at a very early age. In college she studied anatomy and physiology of the voice and had the privilege of touring across Europe in a choir. Lindsay is passionate about teaching vocal fundamentals to all ages and skill levels in ways that help them find confidence in their voice while still prioritizing good vocal health. In her free time, she sings with and volunteers as a board member with the Denver Chorale.
Alyssa Palladino
Voice, Piano, and Guitar Instructor
Alyssa Palladino is a musician from Medway, Massachusetts. She started taking guitar lessons at the age of eight, and was classically trained in voice from ages ten through eighteen. Alyssa graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2021. She loves performing as a vocalist live with a band. Alyssa has passions for playing piano, and writing and recording her original music. She loves working with students on a variety of musical genres and considers the unique needs and goals of each individual learner. She believes music class should be a fun, creative, expressive space for every student.
Anya Bradley
Voice and Piano Instructor
Anya has been singing and performing for most of her life in choral, musical theater, and opera settings. Anya holds a bachelor’s degree in Music with a Vocal Performance certificate from Colorado State University, studying performance and vocal pedagogy under Dr. John Seesholtz. She taught at Kent Denver in the summer program, doing individual vocal coaching for students and musical direction for multiple productions. Anya enjoys fostering the same passion for music and performance with students by creating a fun and supportive learning environment. She currently performs with Denver Chorale.
Sheila Melendez
Voice, Piano, and Guitar Instructor Virtual Lessons Only
Voice instructor Sheila Melendez has a dual bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance and Music Education from Towson University in Maryland and a Master of Music from the University of Denver in both Voice Performance and Choral Conducting. Sheila began her music career as a child studying voice, piano, guitar and violin. She has performed with Latin jazz groups, performed roles in operas, and she has been a soloist for major choral works. Currently, Sheila is working with several professional and community chamber groups in the Denver area. Sheila loves teaching Pop, R&B, Gospel, Jazz and Rock.
