Jan Jaffe, Director
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
("Jaffe" rhymes with "taffy.")
Piano, guitar, ukulele, preschool music, choir, adult beginners, songwriting & theory. With a Master's degree in Music Education, decades of teaching experience, & lots of energy, Jan opened MME in downtown in 2021. Jan can get you connected to the world of music.
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
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. She's also a master of mastering your mind-over-body techniques. Teaching with us since 2022. Bonnie Joy can take your performance to the next level with confidence.
Nate Zech, Recital Coordinator
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer, Scheduling Manager
Nate Zech, Recital Coordinator
Guitar, bass, ukulele, beginning piano. Nate grew up right here in Eburg, graduated from the Berklee College of Music, & returned to teach with us. He performs in quite the wide variety of bands around the area. Teaching with us since 2023. Nate thoughtfully guides you toward your goals.
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
Piano & voice. Anna is our accompanist for the Valley Voices, the primary teacher for our Piano Express group classes, & is also a student herself at CWU. Teaching with us since 2026. Anna will help you reach your goals with patience & laughter.
David Ballard
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
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.
Micah Heflen
Anna Grushevskiy, Building Manager
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.
Judy Coder
Darren Macri
Micah Heflen
*On tour & travel until March, 2027*
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.
Darren Macri
Darren Macri
Darren Macri
Drum set, hand drums, & various percussion. Darren has a degree in percussion performance from CWU & has played in everything from orchestras to metal bands to jazz bands. He's got a full-time gig as a chef, much to our delight. Teaching with us since 2026. Darren is ready to explore the joy of rhythm with you.
Abe Taddei
Darren Macri
Darren Macri
Guitar, bass, ukulele, & voice. Studying classical & jazz guitar since childhood, Abe is now happy to be a vocal music education student at CWU... but still a guitarist first. Teaching with us since 2026. Abe dives in to the music & invites you to grab your flippers.
Early Accolades & Reviews
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
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."
Testimonials
Testimonials
" Jan is the BEST teacher! My kids have taken piano lessons and toddler music classes with her and loved them. She has a great rapport with kids (and parents!) and makes learning fun."
-Cathy P., 2020 via Google
"Our children started at ages 5 and 7 taking piano lessons from Jan, and thrived under her instruction. Jan is patient, energetic,
" Jan is the BEST teacher! My kids have taken piano lessons and toddler music classes with her and loved them. She has a great rapport with kids (and parents!) and makes learning fun."
-Cathy P., 2020 via Google
"Our children started at ages 5 and 7 taking piano lessons from Jan, and thrived under her instruction. Jan is patient, energetic, great with kids, and musically talented in the extreme. I highly recommend her as a music teacher!"
- Jorji K., 2013 via LinkedIn
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
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
"I am most proud of playing the piano. It's so fun!!!" - Eryn, 5 year old student
"I met Jan Jaffe through Bellevue College where she taught my adult beginning guitar class. I was a first time student with no previous experience with this instrument.
Jan was such a wonderful instructor! She taught us primary guitar chords and musicality in
"I am most proud of playing the piano. It's so fun!!!" - Eryn, 5 year old student
"I met Jan Jaffe through Bellevue College where she taught my adult beginning guitar class. I was a first time student with no previous experience with this instrument.
Jan was such a wonderful instructor! She taught us primary guitar chords and musicality in a very non-intimidating and creative way. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm into the classroom and is very patient and fun to learn through. I really enjoyed learning guitar under her tutelage - I highly recommend Jan for group or private music lessons."
- Gina J., 2013 via LinkedIn
"Jan is a positive force in all lives she touches. I have never felt braver trying music than under Jan's guidance. And my 6 year old is flourishing in his Ukulele lessons with 'Miss Jan.'"
- Heather H., 2018 via Facebook
"Miss Jan is an incredible teacher! She really connects with the kids and makes music fun for everyone." - Anna K., 2018 via Facebook
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
"Miss Jan is so creative, talented and kind and I would highly recommend her preschool music class to anyone! She creates such a warm atmosphere and a fun learning environment. 😊 " - Holly G., 2018 via Facebook
"Jan is an excellent music teacher. She brings her expert skills and positive energy to make a fun learning environment. I am cu
"Miss Jan is so creative, talented and kind and I would highly recommend her preschool music class to anyone! She creates such a warm atmosphere and a fun learning environment. 😊 " - Holly G., 2018 via Facebook
"Jan is an excellent music teacher. She brings her expert skills and positive energy to make a fun learning environment. I am currently taking guitar and voice lessons from Jan and have not just learned a great deal, but enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend Jan as a music and voice teacher and any student is lucky to learn from her."
- Genevieve J., 2014 via LinkedIn
" Jan is a consummate professional and skilled with all ages of learners. Her talents speak for themselves but the intangibles (comfort, approachability, calmness, humility, and clarity) put her over the top. I have personally performed with her numerous times and she was the spark that raised our performance to the next level. I strongly recommend her for your musical needs!" - Alton H., 2020 via Facebook
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.