Viola and Violin: Owner of Crescendo Music Studio, Karla Nichols is a self-motivated and proactive music educator with a solid experience in music performance and hands-on experience in developing and implementing music programs. Guiding, developing, and challenging students to achieve their highest levels has been a successful and passionate experience for her.

Karla obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2004, with an emphasis on Viola. She was a Viola performer with the Conservatory Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra, Bach Cantatas, and a string quartet. Her viola teachers have been Dr. Steven Kruse, concert virtuosos Paul Coletti and Scott Lee, and composer Robert Hagenbuch. At the Conservatory she pursued the violin and took lessons from Paul Hatton of the Kansas City Symphony.

She also received her Music Educators license in Instrumental Music from William Jewell College in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher.

After completing her student teaching at the Liberty Public School District, she pursued her field experience and prepared for her career as an educator at numerous schools ranging from grades 4 - 12 and college students.

Currently, Karla performs on the viola with Crescendo Trio.  In the past she has performed with the KC Civic Orchestra and subbed for the St. Joseph Symphony. She also keeps an in-home studio offering music lessons for children and adults of all ages from beginners to advanced students. 

Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and Voice: Hi! My name is Kaia - I'm passionate about teaching students in the way that makes the most sense to them & working to help them reach their potential. My biggest focus is trying to help you learn how YOU learn.

I am a singer-songwriter from Denver with a diverse musical background and years of teaching experience. I studied Classical Voice / Opera at CU Boulder 2008-2010, and Contemporary Voice, Songwriting & Commercial Music Business at CU Denver 2010-2013. During this time, I was fortunate to perform locally and nationally in all sorts of settings including county fairs, music festivals, churches, restaurants, country clubs, and music venues in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Kansas City, and more. Because I am still actively pursuing performing and composing, I can offer insight into both the musical side as well as music business, recording or any other questions you might have!

Teaching full-time since 2013, I LOVE helping students find their best natural voice and how to use their instrument. My strength is teaching fundamental basics in a way anyone can understand, using a variety of ways of thinking and learning. In addition to helping work towards specific goals, I try to encourage students to try new things such as playing while singing if they are interested or try composing their own songs. 

I was fortunate to have teachers that helped me to love music. I hope I can do the same for you! I've played classical piano 23 years, various guitar styles for 16 years, and taken voice lessons for 15 years (plus a degree). I also love arranging and composing and translating this to Ableton and electronic music! So please let me know how I can help you on your musical journey!

Piano and Voice (English and Spanish): Manuel is currently an Artist Certificate student at The University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he is studying piano with Sean Chen. He has received two Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at The Florida State University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at The University of West Georgia. Previous teachers include Read Gainsford, Ian Hobson, Diana Dumlavwalla, George Mann, and Carol Gingerich.

Manuel has taught piano for 10 years, where he worked in private studios, community music schools, and summer camps with students of all levels and ages. Several of his students have won awards at many competitions and have gotten accepted in to programs at prestigious Colleges and Universities around the USA.

Throughout his studies, Manuel has developed a passion for singing and is bilingual and incorporates that skill set into his teachings. He has taken voice lessons with faculty at his respective undergraduate and graduate schools, where he was involved in singing with choirs, recitals, and opera productions. He also enjoys sharing that passion for singing with students.

Manuel enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels, and enjoys learning about each student’s background and interest in music. Being a fluent Spanish speaker, he also provides voice lessons in that language.