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Our Teachers & Staff
Jan Jaffe (JA-fee), Director
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Piano, guitar, ukulele, preschool music, choir, adult beginners. Jan is a singer/songwriter & has a Master of Music in Music Education. She's been teaching in various capacities since 2003 & opened MME downtown in 2021. Jan can get you started &
connected to the musical world.
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Sara comes to MME with plenty of teaching & business expertise in the arts. She has lived in Ellensburg for 20 years & has been teaching dance classes for even longer, most recently with her own business called Happy 2 Move.
Working with us since 2023.
Sara warmly welcomes your family.
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Sara Bachman-Rhodes, Administrative Assistant
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Voice & 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.
Nick Colletto
Bronson Moreno
Bonnie Joy Stoutamyer
Piano, jazz piano, trombone & euphonium, composition. Nick has a Bachelor of Music in Composition from CWU & is an active performer, accompanist, & composer/arranger.
Teaching with us since 2021.
Nick's playful style makes learning fun.
Micah Heflen
Bronson Moreno
Bronson Moreno
Int/adv electric & acoustic guitar, bass, drum set, modern piano, & songwriting. "Micah J" performs extensively solo & with his band Dynamite Supreme, 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.
Bronson Moreno
Bronson Moreno
Bronson Moreno
Electric & acoustic guitar, ukulele, trumpet, & preschool music. Bronson is a Music Education student at CWU, playing guitar in jazz ensembles as well as singing lead with his eclectic band called the Ranch Dawgs.
Teaching with us since 2021.
Bronson has tips & tricks for every level.
David Ballard
Jacob Batchelder
Jacob Batchelder
Piano & organ. David is a music education student at CWU & has several years' experience as a teacher. In addition to performing & teaching music to people from all walks of life, he enjoys philosophy & dance. Teaching with us since 2022.
David's quick thinking makes it exciting to learn.
Jacob Batchelder
Jacob Batchelder
Jacob Batchelder
Guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, & brass. Jacob is a music school graduate with a wide range of experience & skills, from jazz ensembles & symphonies to rock bands & bass solos.
Teaching with us since 2022. Jacob gently guides his students to grow in every lesson.
Leora Allen
Jacob Batchelder
Leora Allen
Piano, voice, & Kids Choir. Leora is an experienced performer & a go-to accompanist (including for the Valley Voices Community Choir since 2022). She is finishing up piano performance & choral music education degrees at CWU.
Teaching with us since 2023.
Leora's good humor puts her students at ease.
Tom Penoyar
Tom Penoyar
Leora Allen
*Currently on break. Inquire via email: info@ellensburgmusic.com.*
Banjo (5-string, bluegrass & beginner clawhammer). When he's not playing his favorite old-timey instrument in a bluegrass jam or with his band, the Chukar Pluckers, "Dr. Penoyar" is working as a surgeon at the local hospital.
Teaching with us since 2022.
Tom coaches teens & adults with enthusiasm.
Tom Penoyar
Our commitment to families...
All of our teachers undergo complete background, reference checks, & child abuse prevention protocols for your peace of mind.
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, 2021-2022
"I am most proud of playing the piano. It's so fun!!!" - Eryn, 5 year old student, 2021-2022
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.
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
Promotor of the Arts Award, 2021
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 Commissions
The Daily Record News
Enterprise Challenge Winner 2022
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
The Daily Record News
The Daily Record News
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
The Daily Record News
The Daily Record News
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.