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LILY HIGHT
Sound Beginnings | Let's Play Music | Presto | Bridge | Ukulele
Lily is the owner of Best In Music and the Best In Music Education Center. She enjoys operating the business with her husband, Marcus, and they have 5 children. She has taught piano for over 20 years, has been the president of the Utah Music Teacher's Association Provo/Orem chapter, and is the creator of the Let's Play Music Bridge program. She is also part of the curriculum development team and the teacher training team for the Sound Beginnings program and enjoys this collaborative work in the professional music industry. Lily LOVES teaching and is passionate about helping students become the musician they want to be.
Sound Beginnings | Let's Play Music | Presto | Bridge | Ukulele
Lily is the owner of Best In Music and the Best In Music Education Center. She enjoys operating the business with her husband, Marcus, and they have 5 children. She has taught piano for over 20 years, has been the president of the Utah Music Teacher's Association Provo/Orem chapter, and is the creator of the Let's Play Music Bridge program. She is also part of the curriculum development team and the teacher training team for the Sound Beginnings program and enjoys this collaborative work in the professional music industry. Lily LOVES teaching and is passionate about helping students become the musician they want to be.
ALICIA FALCONBURY
Woodwinds | Bassoon
Alicia is the Director of Education at BIMEC. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree from BYU-Idaho with an emphasis in composition. She has played the bassoon for over a decade and most recently held the position of assistant principal bassoon in the Idaho Falls Symphony.
Following graduation, she worked for two years as an adjunct faculty member at BYU-I teaching music theory.
She believes strongly in the power of music to make better people, better hearts, and better communities.
Woodwinds | Bassoon
Alicia is the Director of Education at BIMEC. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree from BYU-Idaho with an emphasis in composition. She has played the bassoon for over a decade and most recently held the position of assistant principal bassoon in the Idaho Falls Symphony.
Following graduation, she worked for two years as an adjunct faculty member at BYU-I teaching music theory.
She believes strongly in the power of music to make better people, better hearts, and better communities.
ANGELA ROMNEY
Flute | Voice
Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in voice from Utah Valley University with honors. She has played the flute since elementary school and was part of the first flute choir at UVU, where she was awarded a Dean’s grant for a music research project, founded the UVU Opera Club, and served in various positions with NAFME.
Angela was trained classically but encourages her students to explore a variety of music genres and focuses on healthy vocal technique. Her goal is to teach each student to read music fluently and understand it aurally, visually, and emotionally.
Flute | Voice
Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in voice from Utah Valley University with honors. She has played the flute since elementary school and was part of the first flute choir at UVU, where she was awarded a Dean’s grant for a music research project, founded the UVU Opera Club, and served in various positions with NAFME.
Angela was trained classically but encourages her students to explore a variety of music genres and focuses on healthy vocal technique. Her goal is to teach each student to read music fluently and understand it aurally, visually, and emotionally.
STEVEN RAMOS
Woodwinds ❘ Saxophone ❘ Clarinet ❘ Bass Clarinet ❘ Guitar ❘ Ukulele ❘ Jazz Improv
Steven is a professional saxophonist who graduated from Utah Valley University. Steven has played with Grammy winning artists such as Jeff Coffin from the Dave Matthews band, and Victor Wooten. Specializing in contemporary styles, Steven also plays guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, clarinet, and flute.
Woodwinds ❘ Saxophone ❘ Clarinet ❘ Bass Clarinet ❘ Guitar ❘ Ukulele ❘ Jazz Improv
Steven is a professional saxophonist who graduated from Utah Valley University. Steven has played with Grammy winning artists such as Jeff Coffin from the Dave Matthews band, and Victor Wooten. Specializing in contemporary styles, Steven also plays guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, clarinet, and flute.
ASHLEY RANDS
Brass | Trombone
Currently studying trombone performance at BYU, Ashley is from Tennessee where she was a part of the pre-college scholarship program at Vanderbilt for two years. She has played in various groups at BYU including the Wind Symphony, Philharmonic, and Synthesis Jazz Band. Ashley loves listening to and playing lots of genres of music and hopes to show more people how beautiful the trombone can be.
Brass | Trombone
Currently studying trombone performance at BYU, Ashley is from Tennessee where she was a part of the pre-college scholarship program at Vanderbilt for two years. She has played in various groups at BYU including the Wind Symphony, Philharmonic, and Synthesis Jazz Band. Ashley loves listening to and playing lots of genres of music and hopes to show more people how beautiful the trombone can be.
EJ MIRANDA
Brass | Trumpet
EJ grew up in Southern California where he began playing the trumpet in the 5th grade. Since then he has gained recognition as an outstanding musician at the local, state, and national levels. At the state level, he was selected to be a member of the All-Southern California Honor Band/Orchestra from 2014 through 2017 and was principal trumpet in the Orchestra during his 11th grade year. He was also a member of the All State Honor Band/Orchestra from 2013-2018 and was the principal trumpet in the Orchestra for his 11th and 12th grade years. Nationally, he was selected through an audition process to be a member of the Honors Orchestra of America and to be a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.
While in the NYO-USA, under the direction of Marin Alsop, he toured Guadalajara, Mexica, Quito, Ecuador and Colombia as a Music Ambassador for the United States. EJ is currently on a half scholarship as a Trumpet Performance Major at BYU and studies with Dr. Jason Bergman. At BYU he is principal trumpet in the Philharmonic, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and the Brass Quintet. EJ enjoys teaching trumpet and sharing his love of music with others.
Brass | Trumpet
EJ grew up in Southern California where he began playing the trumpet in the 5th grade. Since then he has gained recognition as an outstanding musician at the local, state, and national levels. At the state level, he was selected to be a member of the All-Southern California Honor Band/Orchestra from 2014 through 2017 and was principal trumpet in the Orchestra during his 11th grade year. He was also a member of the All State Honor Band/Orchestra from 2013-2018 and was the principal trumpet in the Orchestra for his 11th and 12th grade years. Nationally, he was selected through an audition process to be a member of the Honors Orchestra of America and to be a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.
While in the NYO-USA, under the direction of Marin Alsop, he toured Guadalajara, Mexica, Quito, Ecuador and Colombia as a Music Ambassador for the United States. EJ is currently on a half scholarship as a Trumpet Performance Major at BYU and studies with Dr. Jason Bergman. At BYU he is principal trumpet in the Philharmonic, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and the Brass Quintet. EJ enjoys teaching trumpet and sharing his love of music with others.
KATHRYN TABLER
Viola | Violin | Cello | Bass | Piano | Suzuki | Orff | Kodály strings
Kathryn Tabler received her Master of Arts degree (specializing in String Education) from California State University Los Angeles, and her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music from Brigham Young University. She is a certified Suzuki Violin and Viola teacher and has additional training in Dalcroze, Kodály, and Orff. Kathryn's teaching credentials include: California Music K-12, Utah Music 6-12, and Montessori Primary (UMTEP) 3-6 diploma. She also currently holds her Utah Art 6-12 Endorsement as well.
Kathryn holds membership in numerous professional organizations, including; American String Teachers Association, National and Utah Suzuki String Teachers Association, American Montessori Society, North American Montessori Teachers Association, Utah Montessori Council, Utah Arts Educators, Watercolor Society of Utah.
Viola | Violin | Cello | Bass | Piano | Suzuki | Orff | Kodály strings
Kathryn Tabler received her Master of Arts degree (specializing in String Education) from California State University Los Angeles, and her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music from Brigham Young University. She is a certified Suzuki Violin and Viola teacher and has additional training in Dalcroze, Kodály, and Orff. Kathryn's teaching credentials include: California Music K-12, Utah Music 6-12, and Montessori Primary (UMTEP) 3-6 diploma. She also currently holds her Utah Art 6-12 Endorsement as well.
Kathryn holds membership in numerous professional organizations, including; American String Teachers Association, National and Utah Suzuki String Teachers Association, American Montessori Society, North American Montessori Teachers Association, Utah Montessori Council, Utah Arts Educators, Watercolor Society of Utah.
MADDIE CHRISTENSEN
Violin | Viola
Maddie Christensen has taught violin and viola lessons for 10 years and hopes to help her students feel confident and happy while learning to play strings. She began her college career studying Music Education at Utah State University and has performed with numerous ensembles in her hometown of Saint George, Utah, including as a soloist with the Southwest Symphony. In her free time, she loves running, writing stories, and drinking lemonade.
Violin | Viola
Maddie Christensen has taught violin and viola lessons for 10 years and hopes to help her students feel confident and happy while learning to play strings. She began her college career studying Music Education at Utah State University and has performed with numerous ensembles in her hometown of Saint George, Utah, including as a soloist with the Southwest Symphony. In her free time, she loves running, writing stories, and drinking lemonade.
MEGAN GRAVES
Strings | Violin | Viola
Megan Graves graduated in Music Education (Emphasis in String Teaching) from BYU and has taught children and teens in orchestra, singing, or general music and theater since 2004. She's produced and directed multiple community musical theater performances accompanied by a live orchestra, organized fundraising concerts and shows, and just loves teaching and performing in the fine arts in general!
Megan has played with the BYU philharmonic, and was concertmistress of the BYU Symphony orchestra during her time as a music major there. She has also been principal violist with the Nebo Philharmonic and played viola with the Draper Philharmonic as well. She learned violin starting at the age of 4 years old with the Suzuki Method and utilizes concepts from that method as well as Kodaly in her teaching. She specializes in violin and viola, but can also teach beginning bass and cello and guitar, or music theory/reading. Her most recent fun musical adventures are performing fiddle for a new short film soundtrack, "Rustlers," playing violin as a “street musician” on a Hallmark Christmas movie, and entertaining guests as a traveling minstrel/fiddle player at Evermore Park. When she’s not teaching or performing she works with her friends running a small local carpentry business “Nature Built Designs,” designing and building wooden toys & garden furniture, etc.
Strings | Violin | Viola
Megan Graves graduated in Music Education (Emphasis in String Teaching) from BYU and has taught children and teens in orchestra, singing, or general music and theater since 2004. She's produced and directed multiple community musical theater performances accompanied by a live orchestra, organized fundraising concerts and shows, and just loves teaching and performing in the fine arts in general!
Megan has played with the BYU philharmonic, and was concertmistress of the BYU Symphony orchestra during her time as a music major there. She has also been principal violist with the Nebo Philharmonic and played viola with the Draper Philharmonic as well. She learned violin starting at the age of 4 years old with the Suzuki Method and utilizes concepts from that method as well as Kodaly in her teaching. She specializes in violin and viola, but can also teach beginning bass and cello and guitar, or music theory/reading. Her most recent fun musical adventures are performing fiddle for a new short film soundtrack, "Rustlers," playing violin as a “street musician” on a Hallmark Christmas movie, and entertaining guests as a traveling minstrel/fiddle player at Evermore Park. When she’s not teaching or performing she works with her friends running a small local carpentry business “Nature Built Designs,” designing and building wooden toys & garden furniture, etc.
SARAH WISCOMBE
Strings | Violin
Sarah Wiscombe has played violin for 20 year and has a Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from Brigham Young University - Idaho. She has played in orchestras and various ensembles for over 15 years.
Sarah teaches through the Suzuki method but loves to implement other pieces as well to help her students have the best experience. She is passionate about sharing her love for the violin through teaching and is excited to join the ranks at the Best in Music Education Center!
Strings | Violin
Sarah Wiscombe has played violin for 20 year and has a Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from Brigham Young University - Idaho. She has played in orchestras and various ensembles for over 15 years.
Sarah teaches through the Suzuki method but loves to implement other pieces as well to help her students have the best experience. She is passionate about sharing her love for the violin through teaching and is excited to join the ranks at the Best in Music Education Center!
ANTHONY RUIZ
Guitar | Voice
Guitar | Voice
Anthony Ruiz has performed in various settings and with varying disciplines including chamber choir, jazz, musical theatre, band, opera, and more! His passion for music has driven him to explore many genres that have ultimately led him to where he is now.
He performs in the operas at UVU and with Utah Lyrical Opera theatre taking on roles in operas by Puccini, Mozart, and Donizetti. He has also taken roles like Jekyll and Hyde in musical theatre. Apart from singing, he has played guitar since he was 8 years old and has never been able to put it down. Having arranged and written his own music, he is well qualified for teaching guitar and songwriting.
His love for music is incomplete without his desire to teach. He has always had a drive to help others learn music and how to help themselves become independent as musicians. Even more than music, he loves watching the steady progress of a student that works hard. Talent is good, but skills make the difference between a person that likes music and a person that loves performance.
GARY ARGYLE
Guitar | Ukulele
Gary has been teaching guitar for ten years and has taught all ages, levels and styles. He received his education from Utah Valley University, where he received the Exceptional Performance Scholarship for guitar and played for the UVU Jazz Band and Classical Guitar Ensemble.
Gary has also written his own book for beginning guitar with more to come.
Guitar | Ukulele
Gary has been teaching guitar for ten years and has taught all ages, levels and styles. He received his education from Utah Valley University, where he received the Exceptional Performance Scholarship for guitar and played for the UVU Jazz Band and Classical Guitar Ensemble.
Gary has also written his own book for beginning guitar with more to come.
GEORGE WILKES
Guitar
While George is an accountant by profession, he is a musician by choice. He brings over 40 years of playing and teaching experience, including being the lead guitarist in local bands for more than 35 years. His teaching proficiency includes both electric and acoustic guitar, and Rock and Roll, Country, Blues, Folk, and Jazz music. His favorite aspect of teaching is the relationship he builds with his students.
MAC WRIGHT
Guitar | Ukulele | Banjo
Mac hails from Los Angeles, CA and has been playing music in various professional settings since he was 14. He plays around 10 instruments and has been teaching for 10 years. His teaching style is based around understanding Theory and the language of music, and applying it in practical and performance settings. And at the end of the day, he just wants his students to have a good time and feel motivated to continue pursuing their passions.
MIKE ROSS
Guitar | Ukulele | Banjo | Mandolin
Mike has inspired and taught beginner through advanced students in banjo, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bass guitar, violin, and piano for over 15 years. Mike teaches youth and adults in a theory based methodology and pedagogy with string instruments. Mike has played professional in several bands and orchestras, including Battle Creek, Blue Grass Thunder, The Founding Father’s Blue Grass Band, and a variety of theatrical performances.
STEVEN RAMOS
Woodwinds ❘ Saxophone ❘ Clarinet ❘ Bass Clarinet ❘ Guitar ❘ Ukulele ❘ Jazz Improv
Steven is a professional saxophonist who graduated from Utah Valley University. Steven has played with Grammy winning artists such as Jeff Coffin from the Dave Matthews band, and Victor Wooten. Specializing in contemporary styles, Steven also plays guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, clarinet, and flute.
SYDNEY BURNHAM
Guitar ❘ Ukulele ❘ Piano
Sydney has played the piano for 12 years and along the way has picked up guitar, ukulele, flute, bass, cello, and voice. She has played in several bands including Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse groups. Sydney has been teaching guitar for 3 years as well as piano and absolutely loves it. Sydney plans to study music therapy at Utah State University. She hopes all of her students can find a true love for music and that she will be able to show them how much music can impact their lives.
CAROLINE ARONI
Piano
Caroline grew up in Salt Lake City and started taking piano lessons when she was about 8 years old. She began teaching her own piano students at 17. She participated in numerous choirs, musicals and dance groups, and furthered her musical knowledge with advanced music theory classes, more music lessons, and singing in auditioned choirs at BYU.
Her enthusiasm and love for music is what she wishes to pass on to her students. She believes music lessons should be more than a weekly checkbox, but a fun experience and tool for expression, growth, and delight.
Her goal is to help her students achieve the connection to music that leads to fulfilling, lifelong skill that enriches their lives as well as the lives of those around them. She has now been teaching piano to all ages for 10 years and
she loves it more than anything!
Piano
Caroline grew up in Salt Lake City and started taking piano lessons when she was about 8 years old. She began teaching her own piano students at 17. She participated in numerous choirs, musicals and dance groups, and furthered her musical knowledge with advanced music theory classes, more music lessons, and singing in auditioned choirs at BYU.
Her enthusiasm and love for music is what she wishes to pass on to her students. She believes music lessons should be more than a weekly checkbox, but a fun experience and tool for expression, growth, and delight.
Her goal is to help her students achieve the connection to music that leads to fulfilling, lifelong skill that enriches their lives as well as the lives of those around them. She has now been teaching piano to all ages for 10 years and
she loves it more than anything!
CYNTHIA HANSEN-MCKEE
Piano and Harp
Cynthia Hansen-McKee found her passion for music at a very young age. She has studied piano, performance, and music theory her entire life and also studied music while attending Brigham Young University.
Cynthia has taught piano lessons for over 30 years. It is through her experience that she is able to teach students through a variety of methods and tailors each lesson to the student. Additionally, Cynthia began her study of the harp in 2004. She loves to help passionate new harpists get a great foundation for lifelong learning.
It is Cynthia's goal to instill an excitement for music and love for piano or harp within each student, just as she received throughout her education. Along with teaching in our piano area, Cynthia is also our Assistant Director! She is thrilled to join the Best in Music team!
Piano and Harp
Cynthia Hansen-McKee found her passion for music at a very young age. She has studied piano, performance, and music theory her entire life and also studied music while attending Brigham Young University.
Cynthia has taught piano lessons for over 30 years. It is through her experience that she is able to teach students through a variety of methods and tailors each lesson to the student. Additionally, Cynthia began her study of the harp in 2004. She loves to help passionate new harpists get a great foundation for lifelong learning.
It is Cynthia's goal to instill an excitement for music and love for piano or harp within each student, just as she received throughout her education. Along with teaching in our piano area, Cynthia is also our Assistant Director! She is thrilled to join the Best in Music team!
SAMUEL HERRERA
Jazz Piano
Sam Herrera is a keyboardist, songwriter, and producer from Provo, UT. He holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with an emphasis in Commercial Music from BYU. He has played keyboards for BYU's premier jazz ensemble, Synthesis, as well as for artists such as David Archuleta, Colbie Caillat, and Alex Boyé. He has been studying jazz performance and jazz keyboard harmony for over 10 years. He has 6 years of experience playing trumpet in big bands and jazz ensembles. He has also studied the French horn privately for 6 years under Kathy Colton and Laurence Lowe.
Sam strongly believes in the power of good music education to inspire and expand one's passion for music. He sees music as a language that will enhance and deepen your ability to communicate with others and to learn about yourself. He is passionate about sharing his vision of music with others. He loves discovering what others are seeking in music and helping them to find it.
ANGELA ROMNEY
Flute | Voice
Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in voice from Utah Valley University with honors. She has played the flute since elementary school and was part of the first flute choir at UVU, where she was awarded a Dean’s grant for a music research project, founded the UVU Opera Club, and served in various positions with NAFME.
Angela was trained classically but encourages her students to explore a variety of music genres and focuses on healthy vocal technique. Her goal is to teach each student to read music fluently and understand it aurally, visually, and emotionally.
Flute | Voice
Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in voice from Utah Valley University with honors. She has played the flute since elementary school and was part of the first flute choir at UVU, where she was awarded a Dean’s grant for a music research project, founded the UVU Opera Club, and served in various positions with NAFME.
Angela was trained classically but encourages her students to explore a variety of music genres and focuses on healthy vocal technique. Her goal is to teach each student to read music fluently and understand it aurally, visually, and emotionally.
ANTHONY RUIZ
Guitar | Voice
Guitar | Voice
Anthony Ruiz has performed in various settings and with varying disciplines including chamber choir, jazz, musical theatre, band, opera, and more! His passion for music has driven him to explore many genres that have ultimately led him to where he is now.
He performs in the operas at UVU and with Utah Lyrical Opera theatre taking on roles in operas by Puccini, Mozart, and Donizetti. He has also taken roles like Jekyll and Hyde in musical theatre. Apart from singing, he has played guitar since he was 8 years old and has never been able to put it down. Having arranged and written his own music, he is well qualified for teaching guitar and songwriting.
His love for music is incomplete without his desire to teach. He has always had a drive to help others learn music and how to help themselves become independent as musicians. Even more than music, he loves watching the steady progress of a student that works hard. Talent is good, but skills make the difference between a person that likes music and a person that loves performance.
PATRICE GARRIGUES
Voice
Voice
Patrice grew up in a music-loving family who spent a lot of time together singing and playing instruments. Patrice started playing piano at a young age and participated in many piano festivals and recitals throughout middle school and high school. As a teenager she decided to study voice more seriously by taking lessons and participating in singing competitions, many choirs including All-State Choir, and high school and community musicals.
Patrice is now a Senior at Utah Valley University pursuing a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. She has been focusing on Opera and Art Song for several years, and has been a student of voice for 10 years. While in college she has participated in several opera productions, many concerts, and classical recitals. She has a passion for learning and teaching people about the human voice, and with a focus on healthy singing she helps people tap into their natural potential.
GRACE JOHNSON
Percussion | Drums | Guitar | Piano
Grace Johnson is currently pursuing a degree in Commercial Music at UVU and is a member of the percussion studio. She has taught piano, percussion, and guitar for eight years. She was a recipient of a musical scholarship, as well as a grant for the 2019 "Percussion Arts Society International Convention" and has performed at conferences in Idaho, California, Oregon, and St. George, UT. She has taught a wide range of skill levels and ages and loves connecting with and inspiring students.
Percussion | Drums | Guitar | Piano
Grace Johnson is currently pursuing a degree in Commercial Music at UVU and is a member of the percussion studio. She has taught piano, percussion, and guitar for eight years. She was a recipient of a musical scholarship, as well as a grant for the 2019 "Percussion Arts Society International Convention" and has performed at conferences in Idaho, California, Oregon, and St. George, UT. She has taught a wide range of skill levels and ages and loves connecting with and inspiring students.
JAKE LIVES
Percussion | Drums
Percussion | Drums
Jake has been playing drums and percussion for over 10 years. As a performer, he numerous experiences playing rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. As a composer, his works have been heard in Abravanel Hall, television, video games, and several other locations. These and other skills have placed Jake in high demand as a musician.
Jake will graduate from Utah Valley University in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in commercial music. He looks forward to helping others to learn how to play the healing art of music.
Come join our Best in Music Education Center team!
BIMEC is always accepting resumes for music teachers of all kinds! We also maintain a list of qualified substitutes, so if you are interested in teaching for us, please fill out our application here and send your resume to the Director of Education, Alicia, at bimecdirector@gmail.com, or you can contact her at 801-802-0625.
BIMEC is always accepting resumes for music teachers of all kinds! We also maintain a list of qualified substitutes, so if you are interested in teaching for us, please fill out our application here and send your resume to the Director of Education, Alicia, at bimecdirector@gmail.com, or you can contact her at 801-802-0625.