Follow Robert M. Sides Programs

Music Lessons

Private Lessons
Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers provides quality instruction on a number of instruments and voice. At all our locations, we offer private instruction — each teacher having extensive education and experience.

Suzuki Violin, Traditional Violin, Viola, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Flamenco, Classical), Beginner Banjo, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Slide Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Organ, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Clarinet, Vocal, Music Theory

Little Mozarts (Taught By Kristin Ivers)
The Music for Little Mozarts Piano Course was written to provide appropriate piano instruction for 4, 5, and 6-year olds while simultaneously developing listening skills.

"Way Cool" Keyboarding! (Taught By Kristin Ivers)
"Way Cool" Keyboarding! is a new piano/keyboard program designed to create a successful and motivating first experience at the piano. This program will have each student playing from the first lesson.

Ukulele Circle Group (Taught By Jeff Bartholomew)
Learn to play the Ukulele using chords and scales in a group setting. Come play and sing along – beginners age 10 and up.

Drum Circle (Taught By Pat Patterson)
Join us in learning the rudiments (fundamentals) of drumming. You will learn to play the drums and read drum music which will prepare you to play in school bands or other groups. Bring your own drum sticks. For beginners age 7 and up.

Guitar Group Class (Taught By Jeff Bartholomew)
Learn to play your favorite style of music with a guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass or lap steel in a band setting. You can even perform in a show at the end of camp! Bring your own instrument — amps provided.

New Horizons
New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long time.

Music Theory (Taught By Deron Johnson)
RMS has two Music Theory workshops for beginner and intermediate students. The beginner level will cover the fundamentals of reading and writing music, aimed at the student being able to read, play and understand written music on their instrument. The intermediate level will build upon the fundamentals learned in the first class, moving into chords, intervals, scales and more advanced rhythmic theory.

 

Meet Our Teachers

Welcome Emily Rolka
Director of Robert M. Sides Suzuki Program

Violin/Viola • All Levels • All Ages

Born and raised in Michigan, Emily began violin as a Suzuki student at age six. She made her solo debut with the Toledo Symphony in 2003 after being a winner of the Toledo Youth Competition. Since then Emily has performed across the country, Italy, and toured Bulgaria. In 2009, Emily was a Finalist in the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Staff solo competition and the University of Iowa Concerto competition playing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. With interests in many genres of music, Emily studied Jazz improv and film music at the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles, and recorded a CD with the orchestra in the Warner Brothers Studios. As a chamber musician, Emily was a member of the Graduate Piano Quartet and Center for New Music at the University of Iowa and continues to hold a passion for chamber music and performing contemporary compositions. Emily has taught at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music in Minnesota, Hillsdale College in Michigan, and has taught a Master Class at Bethal College in Kansas and loves teaching all levels. Emily has received a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from the University of Michigan studying with internationally acclaimed violinist, Yehonatan Berick. She also holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa in violin performance under the tutelage of Dr. Scott Conklin and a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in violin performance from the University of Minnesota with long-term Suzuki teacher training of books 1-10 with Mark Bjork. Further Suzuki teacher training has been with Christie Felsing, Ronda Cole, Nancy Lokken, Geri Arnold, and Teri Einfeldt. Currently, Emily is the president of the Suzuki Association of Minnesota organization. During her vacations, Emily loves traveling and being outdoors.

Theodore Lentz
Brass: All Levels, Ages: 9 and up
Woodwinds: All Levels, Ages: 9 and up

A 2010 graduate of Mansfield University’s Music Education Department, Theodore Lentz has developed as a teacher and performer in multiple venues including his principal chair euphonium in the top wind ensemble and trombonist in the symphony orchestra. In 2012, Lentz returned to Mansfield for a Master of Arts degree in instrumental conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Adam F. Brennan where he perfected his rehearsal and teaching technique. His most recent achievements include being hired as principal euphonium and soloist for The Great Lakes Wind Symphony, based out of Rochester, NY. Lentz seeks to hold a position as conductor of an orchestra with hopes of creating a community outreach program to aspiring musicians of all ages.

Nathan Fulkerson • Vocal • Level: Beginner-College Prep
Ages: 12 and up

Nathan Fulkerson is a graduate of Mansfield University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a specialization in vocal music.  At Mansfield, Nathan performed with many ensembles including the Mansfield University Concert Choir, the Mansfieldians (Vocal Jazz/Madrigal a capella group), the MU Festival Chorus, the MU Opera Department, and various musical theater productions in which he starred in both lead and supporting roles.  Nathan’s love of singing began early in his life.  Starting in elementary school and continuing to the present, he is actively involved in musical theater, choral, and solo performance.

Jeffrey F. Bartholomew • Guitar (Electric, Acoustic, Bass, Mandolin, Slide, Lap Steel, Ukulele & Beginner Banjo)
All Levels • Ages: 5 and up

Jeff started playing in 1972, performing in 1974 and began teaching in 1982. He has performed in rock, heavy metal, blues and country bands and is able to teach these styles. He teaches guitar, bass, mandolin, lap steel and beginner banjo and fiddle. His emphasis is theory and improvisation. From beginner to those who have been playing a while, Jeff can help you reach your goals.

Andrew Barrett, Certified Suzuki Instructor
Violin/Viola • All Levels • All Ages

Andrew Barrett is a violinist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at Lock Haven University, studying there with string instructor Melissa Becker. His past teachers include Dr. Kenneth Sarch and George Sheriff. Andrew has attained official training in Suzuki Books 1 through 3.  He has also taken courses in other methods of string pedagogy, including Essential Elements, Mastery for Strings, and various supplemental music reading studies. Andrew currently serves as concertmaster of the Lock Haven Community Orchestra. He also performs in various small ensembles with fellow musicians in Lock Haven and Williamsport.

Shirley Smith • Piano & Classical Organ
All Levels • Ages: 3 and up

Shirley has been teaching both piano and organ since her youth.  She has been a Director of Music Ministries, organist, and pianist for churches for over 40 years.  Shirley has a B.M. degree from Oberlin Conservatory, M.M. from George Washington University, and a M.S. from Norwich University.  Shirley has usually included teaching along with her duties as a Director of Music Ministries.  She enjoys teaching all ages and feels privileged to be a member of the Robert M. Sides team.

Jungwha Kim • Piano & Classical Organ
All Levels • Ages: 6 and up

Jungwha Kim started learning piano when she was 8 years old. She earned a bachelor and master’s degree in piano performance in Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. She came to America in 1994 to study composition to widen her musical horizon planning to go back to piano performance afterwards. However, she took a different route to being an organist. She went to the Juilliard School in their Professional Studies program in organ and subsequently pursued a master’s music degree and sacred music diploma in organ performance at the Eastman School of Music. Since May of 2011, she works as the director of music at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Williamsport. Previously she resided near Pittsburgh area working for a Presbyterian and Methodist church teaching students piano and organ.

Pat Patterson • Drums (Electric & Acoustic)
All Levels • Ages: 6 and up

Pat Patterson has extensive experience in marching band, orchestra and drum & bugle corps.  He has toured professionally with a dance combo and was a solo performer in the US Air Force.  His experience gives himself a practical perspective in his teaching. Pat currently performs with small groups in the Williamsport area. He has many years of teaching experience.

Mary Alice Koch, NCTM • Piano
All Levels • Ages: 6 and up

Mary Alice has many years experience as a piano teacher and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (piano) through Music Teachers National Association.  She has an Associate in Arts degree from Harrisburg Area Community College.  She studied piano pedagogy at Valley City State University, ND, music theory and music history at College of St. Scholastica, MN, and applied music (organ) at Lycoming College.  Mary Alice is chairperson of the Williamsport Chapter of National Guild of Piano Teachers and a member of MTNA and PMTA.  She serves as church organist and chime choir director for her church.

Kristin Ivers • Piano &
Keyboard: All Levels, Ages: 6 and up
Vocal: All Levels • Ages: 12 and up

Kristin Ivers attended Oral Roberts University (Tulsa, OK) and Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS) and has her Bachelor of Arts in Music/Vocal Performance. She has many vocal performance credits in Opera, Oratorio, and Musical Theatre. Kristin is also a professional accompanist and enjoys accompanying local students in competitions, auditions, and recitals, while also making time to be on keyboard for the occasional local Musical Theatre productions. In addition to teaching individual piano and vocal lessons, Kristin also offers classes: Recreational Music Making for piano/keyboards (Adult Group Piano), Music for Little Mozarts (preschool piano), and Way Cool Keyboarding for Kids (6-10).

Kimberly Adair • Piano & Vocal
All Levels • Ages: 6 and up

Since the age of seven, Kimberly has been singing and playing piano. She then added drums, clarinet, and song writing to her list of musical talents and has immersed herself into the constructions of many styles of music. Kimberly has performed in such venues as The Apollo Theater, The Pyramid in Memphis TN, The FedEx Forum, and many other events. Kimberly performs at various venues throughout the United States as the lead singer and musician of Kimberly Adair and Soulful.

Melinda Bower • Piano • All Levels
Ages: 6 and up

Melinda has been playing piano since the age of 5. She also began playing the clarinet in elementary school, and participated in concert and marching band through high school progressing to the state band level. Melinda studied Music Therapy at Mansfield University with piano and clarinet as her main instruments. She went on to use her love of music and talents to serve in her church, teach piano lessons, as well as play in several local bands.  She is currently a member of the Kimberly Adair and Soulful band.

Kayla Furman • Bassoon, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone & Flute
All Levels, All Ages

Kayla Furman graduated from Mansfield University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education where she performed with the Mansfield University Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Woodwind Quintet and Marching Band.  She continues to play in several ensembles in the Williamsport Area.  Her primary instrument is bassoon, however she specializes in all woodwind instruments.  Kayla has been teaching private lessons for several years, focusing primarily on elementary music education.  She teaches all woodwind and brass instruments at the beginner level and all woodwind instruments beginner level up to advanced.

Ryan Workman • Voice
All Levels, Ages: 15 and up

Tenor, Ryan Workman began his vocal training in earnest at age 16 and after winning several competitions attended the Eastman School of Music and Susquehanna University where he recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music/Vocal Performance degree. Ryan has sung many major roles in opera, operetta, and musical theatre in addition to sacred music and oratorio. Ryan has performed internationally in venues such as the Vatican in Rome, Italy and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria as well as Albania’s National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, where he was invited to perform for the Albanian 100th Anniversary of Independence. At home, Ryan is the Music Director for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Montoursville, and has produced several solo recordings.

Kylla Murphy • Cello

A Florida native, Kylla Murphy began her music studies at the age of six. After a few years of private instruction, she became involved in Tampa Bay’s community youth orchestras and chamber music programs. As a young cellist, she performed with youth orchestras in Tampa’s Morsani Hall, Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York.  In 2012, Kylla received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from The University of South Florida where she studied with Cellist Scott Kluksdahl. While a student, she discovered her love of teaching and founded a small cello studio. Since then, she has become certified to teach Book 1 of the Suzuki Method. Kylla received her Master’s Degree from The Pennsylvania State University under the tutelage of Kim Cook, where she was awarded the Graduate Assistantship. She was principal of the Chamber Orchestra and co-principle of the Philharmonic Orchestra. She also taught a String Method course to undergraduate music education majors to give them the skills necessary to teach cello in public school programs. An advocate of early music, Kylla has been principal cellist in the Pennsylvania State University Baroque Ensemble for three years and hopes to continue studying 18th century performance practices. Currently, she is an active member of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra and is completing a Performance Certificate through The Pennsylvania State University. Kylla has participated in music festivals including Orvieto Musica in Italy, Killington, Sewanee, and Brevard Summer Music Festivals. She has also performed for esteemed cellist such as Alan Harris, Guy Fishman, Brent Wissick, Matt Haimovitz, Tom Landschoot, and Irene Sharp.