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Our Teachers & Staff
Our commitment to families...
All of our teachers undergo complete background checks, reference checks, & child abuse prevention protocols for your peace of mind.
Jan Jaffe (JA-fee), Director & Teacher
Piano, guitar, ukulele, preschool music, choir, adult beginners, songwriting & theory. With a Master's degree in Music Education & two decades of teaching experience, Jan opened MME in downtown in 2021 for you. Jan can get you
connected to the world of music.
David Ballard
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Piano, organ, jazz, & general music. In addition to performing, improvising, & teaching music to people from all walks of life, David also enjoys philosophy & dance. Teaching with us since 2022.
David's quick thinking makes it exciting to learn.
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Voice & beginning piano. Bonnie has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from West Virginia U, plenty of experience teaching & performing - especially in opera & musical theater.
Teaching with us since 2022. Bonnie Joy can take your performance to the next level with confidence.
Micah Heflen
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Micah Heflen
Int/adv electric & acoustic guitar, bass, drum set, modern piano, & songwriting. "Micah J" performs extensively, featuring his shredding guitar solos & refined vocals on cover & original songs of every style.
Teaching with us since 2021.
Micah teaches all levels with patience.
Nathan Zech
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Micah Heflen
Guitar, bass, ukulele, beginning piano. Nate grew up right here in Eburg, graduated from the Berklee College of Music ahead of schedule, & has returned to teach & perform with numerous bands around the area.
Teaching with us since 2023.
Nate thoughtfully guides you toward your goals.
Leora Allen
Kael Bartness
Kael Bartness
Piano & voice. Leora is an experienced performer & a go-to accompanist (including for the Valley Voices Community Choir since 2022). She has piano performance & choral music education degrees from CWU.
Teaching with us since 2023.
Leora's good humor puts her students at ease.
Kael Bartness
Kael Bartness
Kael Bartness
Drum set, piano, ukulele, trumpet. Kael graduated from Edmonds College with a music degree focusing on percussion, but this well-rounded musician could start his own one-man-band.
Teaching with us since 2024.
Kael is ready to share his creative enthusiasm.
Judy Coder
Kael Bartness
Christopher Lerch
Voice, guitar, & piano. Judy is a touring singer/songwriter - most notably of the award-winning Western/Americana duo Notable Exceptions - as well as classically-trained & experienced teacher of a variety of styles.
Teaching with us since 2024.
Judy will help you hone your craft.
Christopher Lerch
Christopher Lerch
Christopher Lerch
Voice, piano, percussion, ukulele. Christopher taught in the public schools before seeking his Master's Degree in music education at CWU. If you're lucky, he may be convinced to bring one of his baked goods to your lessons.
Teaching with us since 2024. Christopher enjoys watching his students grow.
Camille Brennan
Christopher Lerch
Camille Brennan
Voice & piano. Teacher Camille, a music student at CWU & self-proclaimed fitness nut, has worked with kids for several years, even designing her own musical theater summer camps before signing on at MME.
Teaching with us since 2024. Coach Camille is ready to cheer you on.
Good Stuff, Accolades, & Reviews
Student Reviews
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
Email from Piper, Spring 2022: "Hi Jan, I need to tell you that we have loved the preschool music class! We drive from Easton and at first I was skeptical about making the long drive, but seeing my son loving it so much, makes it MORE than worth it. You and Mr. Bronson have radiant, positive energy that’s contagious... I’ve done a lot of
Email from Piper, Spring 2022: "Hi Jan, I need to tell you that we have loved the preschool music class! We drive from Easton and at first I was skeptical about making the long drive, but seeing my son loving it so much, makes it MORE than worth it. You and Mr. Bronson have radiant, positive energy that’s contagious... I’ve done a lot of classes with my older son over the years in various places. You all are the best!"
"Music lessons are my son's favorite day of the week!" - Stacey
"I am most proud of playing the piano. It's so fun!!!" - Eryn, 5 year old student
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
The Ellensburg Downtown Association recognized Make Music Ellensburg with an award for Promotor of the Arts in our opening year of 2021.
Here's an article in the Daily Record about the annual awards event.
Award Nominations in 2023
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Make Music Ellensburg was nominated once again for the "Best of Kittitas County, 2023" - this time for one of the "Best Places to Take Kids," as well as in the "Best Musician or Band" category.
At the same time, MME was recognized (again) by the Kittitas Chamber of Commerce, this time nominated for the "Community Impact Award."
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Director Jan won third place in the Enterprise Challenge 2022, a business competition for all Kittitas County & Yakima County new businesses. The three-month long process included three elimination rounds, dozens of judges, & plenty of excellent advice, networking, & press for long-term sustainability.
Arts Commission Grants
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Arts Commission Grants
The Ellensburg Arts Commission awarded Make Music Ellensburg grants in 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 for our community programs including the Ellensburg Strum-Along & the Community Virtual Choir Project.
Teacher Jan Jaffe was also honored to be asked by ArtsWA (the Washington State Arts Commission) to be a grants panelist in 2020.
The Daily Record News
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Arts Commission Grants
Teacher Jan Jaffe has been featured in the Daily Record News many times - including a large feature here on Oct 1, 2020: "Jan Jaffe brings out the best with her music," & a Strum-Along feature in the Kittitas Valley Living February 2020 magazine. Here is an article from April, 2023: Jan Jaffe Mesmerizes Crowd
Jan also was a finalist in the Best of Kittitas County 2020 musician category.
Collaborations
Collaborations
Collaborations
Make Music Ellensburg is enthusiastic about partnering with people, organizations, & businesses that share our values, such as the nonprofits Gallery One, Valley Musical Theatre, & Ellensburg Community Radio, Central Washington University's campus life programming, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Mark Holloway at D&M Coffee, Ellensbu
Make Music Ellensburg is enthusiastic about partnering with people, organizations, & businesses that share our values, such as the nonprofits Gallery One, Valley Musical Theatre, & Ellensburg Community Radio, Central Washington University's campus life programming, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Mark Holloway at D&M Coffee, Ellensburg Parks & Rec, Garey Williams at Drumset Mastery, Josh Humphrey at JBH Guitars, Lee Bates at the Valley Voices, Carol Cox & the open mic team at Old Skool's, & so many more. Thank you.
Make Music Ellensburg
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
"Miss Jan" is an experienced, certificated teacher and performing singer-songwriter living in Ellensburg, Washington. She has a Master of Music Education from Central Washington University with experience teaching private lessons, K-12 music classes, community ensembles, summer camps, and a variety of musical workshops.
Jan is especially p
"Miss Jan" is an experienced, certificated teacher and performing singer-songwriter living in Ellensburg, Washington. She has a Master of Music Education from Central Washington University with experience teaching private lessons, K-12 music classes, community ensembles, summer camps, and a variety of musical workshops.
Jan is especially passionate about sharing music with people who "always wanted to learn" or "never thought it was possible."
Philosophy
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
Music is for everyone.
Music participation should be available to all people regardless of age, skill, or circumstance.
Enjoying, creating, & sharing music produces healthier, happier people. Our hearts & minds are opened, bodies are challenged & strengthened, & spirits find new ways to connect. Music also has a subtle way of encouraging p
Music is for everyone.
Music participation should be available to all people regardless of age, skill, or circumstance.
Enjoying, creating, & sharing music produces healthier, happier people. Our hearts & minds are opened, bodies are challenged & strengthened, & spirits find new ways to connect. Music also has a subtle way of encouraging problem-solving, self-esteem, self-discipline & responsibility. In short, music is important!
Classes & Lessons
Jan Jaffe, Director & Teacher
Classes & Lessons
We offer a range of lessons, classes, workshops, ensembles, & relaxed gatherings - as well as referrals to other local resources.
Ongoing events: private lessons & recitals for all ages (guitar, piano, voice, ukulele).
Also: guitar classes, songwriting workshops, preschool music classes, drum set workshops, sing- & play-alongs, student appreciation events, & more!
Work With Us
Enthusiastic Teachers Only
Want to mentor & inspire in a community school?
We can do more together.
We may be hiring. Get in touch.