Ukulele
Christian Nicely
guitar - ukulele - Piano
Christian is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist and music educator from the town of Truckee, California. He developed an early love for blues music and the guitar which sparked a lifelong journey in music. At the early age of 4, Christian immersed himself in the world of music, guided by the influences of blues legends introduced by his father. Later on, he had opportunities to take guitar lessons from many great local musicians and guitarists in the Reno/Tahoe area, which expanded his musical world. High School band proved to be a pivotal period of growth for his musicianship, where he participated in many honor jazz bands on guitar, including the California All-State Jazz Band.
Venturing beyond the local scene, Christian enriched his musical knowledge through participation in jazz workshops in New York City with some of the guitar greats. His educational journey continued with an associate's degree from Santa Barbara City College, complemented by a proud stint in the University of Nevada, Reno jazz band.
Christian's musical endeavors extend beyond the classroom; he has been a dynamic force in various groups, gracing stages with mentors and friends, and contributing to the recording of numerous albums. His passion, however, lies in the creation and recording of music in his home studio, with select pieces available for online listening.
With a music education career beginning at the age of 16, Christian finds joy in guiding aspiring musicians on their musical journeys. Specializing in guitar, piano, songwriting, theory, music production, and ukulele lessons, he hopes to help people experience the joy of making music and realizing their potential as musicians. Christian’s experience as a music instructor at the Tahoe Truckee School of Music (prior to landing in Bend) allowed him to help a variety of students and musical interests in this way.
Beyond the notes and chords, Christian finds solace in outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and skiing. His love for card games complements his enjoyment of spending quality time with friends and family.
With Christian, students find not just an educator but a passionate mentor committed to fostering musical creativity, growth, and the sheer joy of making music.
Julianne Hansen
piano - voice - guitar - ukulele
Julianne grew up in a musical home in Cupertino California, where singing around the piano with her family was a central form of pleasure and bonding. She was greatly influenced by her grandfather who performed as a tenor in the Metropolitan opera and various theaters. Classical piano and voice studies commenced at an early age, as Julianne went on to perform in over eight ten-grand-piano productions at San Jose State University, under the direction of the Judy Wely Suzuki piano school. She also held many lead roles in middle and high school theater productions. Her favorite role was that of the scarecrow in “the Wiz,” revealing her more soulful voice to herself. Julianne also sang in a touring bay area choir in high school, serving as an accompanist both senior years and featured as a soloist in many productions. Her entrepreneurial spirit budded at age 14 when she opened her own Suzuki-method based piano school of 20 students during high school, to pay for her university studies.
Julianne attended Brigham Young University where she studied medicine and music. She was part of the first co-ed A cappella group, performing in various events as well as the BYU singers and the jazz clubs. She moved to Germany after college and performed classical piano in various concert halls for religious groups and clubs. Julianne wrote her first album while in Germany and recorded it with the San Jose State University jazz club, turning to music as a vital part of self expression. When it comes to learning voice, her belief is that everyone can learn to sing and find their own unique soulful expression. Although she was quite shy singing in public at a young age, she worked hard and found that behind that fear was the potential for great joy and fulfillment! She wishes for her students to move into confident expression and to find the authentic voice that is true to them.
Julianne performs locally in Bend as well as abroad, in solo, duo, and band projects. Her current project, The Shaggy Mains, is a neo-soul funk project that weaves the styles of Erykah Badu and similar artists with her own cohesive style. Julianne has one daughter who enjoys dabbling in the violin and strapping on Irish dance shoes for a few reels.
Alex Bakkom
piano - voice - ukulele
Alex is a recent Oregon State graduate with her masters in music education. Her love for singing started at an early age and has developed through various choirs, musicals, and operas. In high school she took leadership roles in her choir that received first place at the OSAA Choir State Championship. She also was musical director for her A Cappella group, arranging music, teaching harmonies, and cultivating a productive and fun environment. Alex's time at Oregon State shaped her philosophy; everyone is capable of achieving musical abilities with the right individualized instruction and positive space to learn in. Her primary job is at North Star Elementary School where she will teach music and art starting this fall. She looks forward to expanding her scope of teaching and working with students of all ages through private voice and piano lessons. She hopes to uplift and inspire students to freely express themselves and find their voice, making meaningful connections to music.
Sandra Peevers
guitar - mandolin - ukulele
Sandra (or Sandy) has been playing guitar since she was 16, starting with blues, old time, folk, and the popular music of the 70’s and 80’s. She studied music in college in NY and later studied at a Jazz school in Los Angeles followed by many lessons with some of the best professional guitarists alive today. After a playing hiatus during the early child rearing years, she started promoting concerts and also became an artist representative, working with musicians from all over Europe, US, Africa and South America, which she continues to this day. In more recent years the traditional music from around the world has gotten her attention. Starting with Irish and Scottish music and continuing with repertoire from Brittany, Scandinavia and Quebec, she has also all the while kept her favorite songs from through the ages in her repertoire. Sandy has taught many students and also taught music at a Montessori school in her home town in upstate New York.
“Music is a true gift that will provide a lifetime of joy and relaxation once you learn the basics. I hope to help you along your way!”
Amber Heath
Violin - Piano - ukulele
Amber began her music education at the age of eight in Ohio, when her parents surprised her with a new piano. Before they could even save their money to begin lessons, Amber had worked out all of the major and minor scales on her own, as well as creating her first violin by holding a toy guitar on her left shoulder. After enrolling in both piano and viola lessons Amber pursued a classical music education, in high school having the privilege of performing under the tutelage of renowned Boston Pops Orchestra conductor Keith Lockhart. Amber graduated from Ohio State University School of Music, where she studied viola with Emeritus Professor and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra performer Edward Adelson, as well as working with Robert Gillespie, director of one of the most extensive string pedagogy programs in the nation. After graduation, Amber expanded her musical repertoire to include violin and fiddle, performing in various folk and rock ensembles in Columbus, Ohio and later, in Portland Oregon. Here in Central Oregon, she currently performs violin, viola, ukulele, and vocals with singer/songwriter Beth Waters. Amber has been teaching piano, violin, and viola since 1995 and has been a full-time career music teacher in classroom, ensemble, and private instruction for 13 years. She prides herself on her commitment to developing confidence in young people, understanding music education to be much more than teaching a particular skill. To Amber, teaching a person how to create music opens up a whole world of expression, creativity, and self-esteem that can aid in all aspects of life. She considers each student as a unique individual, with his or her own strengths, interests, experiences, and attitudes. And it is her personal goal to work with each student to help them achieve their personal best every day!