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Make Music Ellensburg•••
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Make Music Ellensburg•••
Home
Summer Camps
Classes
Choir
Lifelong Learning
Strum-Along
About Us
Cancellation Policy
Scholarships
Jobs
More
  • Home
  • Summer Camps
  • Classes
  • Choir
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Strum-Along
  • About Us
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Scholarships
  • Jobs

  • Home
  • Summer Camps
  • Classes
  • Choir
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Strum-Along
  • About Us
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Scholarships
  • Jobs

Play for fun, learn for life.

We offer: Lessons & classes with highly-qualified instructors, both in-person & online, for all ages.

Our mission: To enrich our community & the lives of people in it with music-making opportunities.

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

Bronson & Jan leading the Strum-Along

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.

Ellensburg Arts Commission

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.

Jan Jaffe in the newspaper

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.

Collaborative handshakes

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!

Social

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.

Testimonials

Child Private Lessons

Families Learning Together

Families Learning Together

" 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

Families Learning Together

Families Learning Together

Families Learning Together

"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

Preschool Music Explorers

Families Learning Together

Preschool Music Explorers

"Miss Jan is an incredible teacher! She really connects with the kids and makes music fun for everyone." - Anna K., 2018 via Facebook 


" 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 

Adult Private Lessons

Adult Private Lessons

Preschool Music Explorers

"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

Adult Guitar Class

Adult Private Lessons

Adult Guitar Class

"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

Musical Events

Adult Private Lessons

Adult Guitar Class

" 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

MAKE MUSIC ELLENSBURG


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