JAZZ EDUCATION

Robert Waggoner

Robert Waggoner has been involved in the music education field since 1964, at all levels, including elementary through university. Fomerly, the Director of bands at Parkway West H.S. and the Monday Night Jazz Club at Meramec-St. Louis Community College, Mr. Waggoner is currently the director of Genesis Jazz Project Big Band. He also teaches Jazz Education for Webster University and the Jazz Lab Ensemble at the Community Music School.

A professional bassist, Robert has performed in jazz trios to symphonic orchestras, including playing at Six Flags/St. Louis where he also served as conductor of the Palace Show for 4 years. He has also been involved as a staff member of the Jim Widner Jazz Camps and the SLUH Middle School Jazz Camps. Through out the Midwest, Robert maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor in the Jazz Education area.

He has received the following awards: St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Certificate of Merit(1990-91), St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Hall of Fame(1995-96), NBA Outstanding Jazz Educator Award(2003), and the MOIAJE Jess Cole Award(2004) for Outstanding Contributions to Jazz Education.

Mr. Waggoner attended the University of North Texas, graduated from St. Louis Institute of Music and continued with graduate work at Sothern Illinios University at Edwardsville.

He is also the President/Owner of St. Ann Music LLC, a business that he operates with his wife, Ann.



PIANO & VOICE

Richard Carr (piano, theory & composition)

Richard is a composer of contemporary instrumental solo piano and keyboard work. Richard has a B.M. from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  His graduate studies were done at University of North Texas and University of the Pacific, receiving a M.A. from Pacific.Richard has been performing concerts and special events professionally since 1996 throughout the United States.  He has released eleven solo albums and one collaborative album in the Contemporary Instrumental genre.  Richard teaches piano, theory and composition in addition to serving as Artist in Residence and Co-Director of the conservatory.


Karlyn Alderson (voice & piano)

Karlyn studied music at University of Missouri(KC) and Brigham Young University. With experience in performing groups and as a composer/arranger of original works, Karlyn is a successful piano and vocal instructor. She continues her students development through her choirs and audition workshops to prepare them to study on a collegiate level.


Sarah McWhorter (piano)
Specializing in Pre-K thru Grade School

Sarah McWhorter has been able to mentor and inspire her students while developing a strong sense of personal achievement within them. Not only is Sarah a sound piano instructor, she has an equal amount of time invested as a church accompanist and classroom educator.  As one of our Music for Little Mozart instructors, Sarah has helped students as young as 2 years old develop a strong love of music.


Laura J Medendorp (voice & piano)

Laura studied music at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and at University of Wisconsin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts.  Laura has held performance positions with various Symphonies of; St. Louis, Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Racine, and Waukesh.  Including various music organizations; Bach Society Skylight Opera Company, Florentine Opera, and Opera Colorado.  Laura's love of music is evident in her students, and their continued hard work and growth.

Diane Pfleger (piano & organ)

Diane Pfleger studied piano and organ at Central Methodist College and with the head of the UMSL piano department, Evelyn Mitchell. She has been teaching for over 30 years in  St. Charles County where she resides.  Diane has performed for Taste of St. Charles, weddings, funerals. nursing homes and private parties.   She is a member and officer of several local music associations including Piano Teachers Roundtable (Past  President 1995-1997, Historian, Teasurer, Recording Secretary),  National Federation of  Music Clubs ( currently President of the Chopin Club, Festival Chairman), National Guild of Piano Teachers (currently Chairman for St. Charles Center), St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association (currently Auditor) and Mid-America Music Teachers Assciation.  Diane also judges in the local competitions.  Diane enjoys teaching students of all ages.


Hilary Scott Gennaro (piano, violin & voice)

Hilary Scott tours nationally and internationally as a singer-songwriter, pianist, guitarist, and violinist. She is an award winning songwriter, and has worked with some legendary names in Nashville. Hilary earned her BA in English with a minor in music/vocal performance from Whitman College, and she studied Operatic Vocal Performance at the Civica Scuola Conservatory in Milan Italy. She also has extensive training and experience teaching students of all ages, with specialized training in teaching children from birth to 7 years of age.



DRUMS & PERCUSSION


Justin Guldalian

Justin studied music at Drake University and earned two degrees, a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Bachelor of Music Business.  While at Drake University, Justin was the Principle Chair for the Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band and Wind Symphony. While with the Wind Symphony, he performed on two recordings and during tour. In addition, Justin has studied Music Theory, Ear Training and Studio Teaching Techniques. Justin has gained notoriety as a private instructor in the St. Louis County area.



GUITAR & BASS


James E. Wells

James studied music at Greenville College and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. With over 20 years of playing experience and over 10 years of teaching experience, he is able to instill a strong, comprehensive knowledge of the instrument in his students. He has had students from age 6 to 67.  In addition, James is a songwriter and performer here in the St. Louis area.


Jordan Gonzalez


Jordan Gonzalez came from a musical family. His mother is a piano teacher and his father is a very talented singer. He has been playing guitar for seven years and has enjoyed every second of it. He is currently attending Webster University where he is pursuing a degree in Business Administration along with a minor in music. He has participated in jazz combos as well as the Lafayette High School Jazz Band during his years of attending the school.
Now, Jordan is a worship leader at Wildwood Christian Church. He was the lead guitarist and a vocalist in the youth band for several years and currently is the same for the Praise Band. He has been teaching guitar for the past couple of years and considers each lesson that he teaches as an opportunity to become a better musician and teacher.



Steve Factor(Bass & Upright)


Steve Factor has over fifteen years of professional experience as a working musician. He earned a Bachelor  of Fine Arts as a Jazz Performance Major with an emphasis in Bass from Webster University. He is an active member of BMI, and he has had his original compositions used and aired in a syndicated television series on MTV. Steve performs with, and is a founding member of one of St. Louis' premier cover bands, "The Wyld Stallyns". He is well versed in Jazz, Big Band, Latin Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, Funk, Motown, R&B, and Dance Music.




HARP


Ruth Lawson
Information to be added


VIOLIN & VIOLA


Susan Gottschall

Susan  studied music at University of Missouri.  She was a William Harper Johnston Scholarship Recipient.  Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts/Music.  Susan is a founding member of the Chesterfield Quartet.  She has a great love for teaching, and provides her students with instruction for children & adults.



WOODWIND


Maggie McCallie

Maggie McCallie graduated from Principia College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, and earned her Master’s of Music in flute performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2007.  Currently, Maggie teaches private flute lessons and coaches flute ensembles at the Principia School, and teaches flute, clarinet, and saxophone lessons at Midwest Music Conservatory.  Maggie also teaches an after-school band program for 4th-8th graders at a Christ, Prince of Peace School.  Maggie’s students have received outstanding soloist awards at the ABC Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the highest ratings at both District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals. 

As a performer, Maggie plays flute with the Compton Heights Concert Band and substitutes on flute and piccolo with the St. Louis Philharmonic.  She is has performed as a guest flutist with the Principia College orchestra, and has also played flute, piccolo, clarinet and saxophone in musicals for Principia and Shooting Star Productions.


Age 3 to Senior Adults