Instructors

Dori is a saxophone player in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Her love of music started at the age of 5, on the keys of her neighbor’s electric organ. Throughout her musical education, she has studied under Sara Kind (classical saxophone), Marty Robinson (jazz studies), and Reggie Thomas (jazz piano). Dori currently plays baritone saxophone with Swingin’ Door Band, directed by Jason Palmer. Dori has been teaching private music lesson since 2014. She is passionate about instilling a love of playing and musical foundations in musicians of all ages!

Bruce Briney leads a musical life as a conductor, performer and teacher. He is a recently retired Professor of Music at Western Illinois University. Briney taught applied trumpet, conducting, brass methods and brass chamber music with ensemble conducting assignments in Symphony Orchestra and Opera. He received the College of Fine Arts and Communication’s Outstanding Teaching Award and had students who were winners or finalists in the MTNA, International Trumpet Guild and National Trumpet Competitions as well as WIU’s Concerto Competition. Briney contributed to Mark Dulin’s Cichowicz Flow Studies, Vol. 1-2. Dr. Briney was selected as Music Director & Conductor of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra in 2008. In 2013, he was recognized as the Illinois Council of Orchestra’s Conductor of the Year and in 2020, the QSO was awarded Community Orchestra of the Year. He began an annual commissioning project that produced 20 new orchestral pieces from composers around the country. He studied conducting with John Paynter and Victor Yampolsky. As a trumpet performer, Briney was a member of the Quad Cities Symphony, the Peninsula Music Festival, the Illinois Philharmonic, the Illinois Symphony and the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. He is a devoted brass chamber musician and was the Music Director of the Millar Brass Ensemble (1984-1993). They produced recordings for the Crystal, Koss, and Premier labels featuring standard and new works. The MBE performed at conventions of the Midwest International Band & Orchestra, the International Trumpet Guild, the Texas Music Educators as well as the Trombone Workshop and the New York Brass Conference. Briney was also the founding conductor of the Illinois Brass Band between 1991-1993. Collaborations with composer James Stephenson involved premiering and recording his two homage pieces to Igor Stavinsky. The Devil’s Tale and Octet were released on the Parma and Klavier labels. Briney recently premiered Miracle Fair, a solo trumpet and wind ensemble piece by WIU colleague John Mindeman. Dr. Briney received his musical education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University where he earned Masters and Doctorate degrees in Performance. He was a student of David Hickman and Vincent Cichowicz with additional studies from Arnold Jacobs, Ray Mase, Ray Sasaki and George Vosburgh.

Jean Dettweiler joins MUSE as a music instructor after 40 years of experience in teaching - the last 25 years as a private piano, voice, and guitar teacher, as well as a certified and licensed Musikgarten teacher. Jean graduated from Preble High School in Green Bay where she performed with the award winning Swing Choir under the direction of Miss Betty Dunne. She graduated from Grinnell College with a B.A. in Biology and was a serious student in the select 20 member touring vocal group called The Singers under the direction of Dr. James Fudge. Piano and voice training were continued through college under direction of JoAnne Ritacca, a pianist/performer/instructor; and Leslie Morgan, a vocalist/performer/instructor. Jean taught in the public schools for 10 years, the first five years in Green Bay Public Schools, and the second five years in the South Washington School District in Minnesota, where she moved to work on her master's degree at the University of MN. In 2001, Jean founded and directed the Willow Pond Farm - Center for the Arts and Sciences in North Branch, MN. As well as all of the administrative duties, she taught full time at the cooperative school, designing and implementing curriculum as well as teaching science, K-10th grade; children’s choir; Musikgarten classes 0-8 years; musical theater; and much more. She started her private music studio in 2004 and has taught individuals in beginning to intermediate piano and voice, as well as beginning guitar. Her strength lies in her ability to connect with children and help them to find their musical talent with joy and confidence. Jean finds the cross-section of children, music, and nature to be extremely rewarding and motivating.

Tim Fox graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Music Education. He has played trumpet and/or piano in the Chicago area, around Colorado's Western Slope, and on the road, with the likes of "The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra," under the direction of Buddy Morrow, "The Temptations" and "The Four Tops," Eric Alexander, Ed Soph, Ernie Watts, Red Skelton, Barbara Eden, Connie Francis, Mitzi Gaynor, and with many more. Tim facilitated, with the generous support of Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS,) the Roaring Fork Jazz Workshop, and worked closley with the JAS's education initiatives. He is currently a freelance musician, living near the sourthern Door County, Wisconsin, but still collaborates with musicians from Denver to Grand Junction, and remains a member of the Josefina Mendez Jazz group and Elements Jazz.

Melody is a violinist who recently moved to Door County from the Chicago area. Having been involved in music since early childhood, she fell in love with the violin and has been playing for over 20 years. Melody earned her bachelors degree in violin performance at Northern Illinois University, during which she performed in many ensembles such as the Philharmonic Orchestra, chamber groups, Steel Band, Gamelan Ensemble, and solo recitals. After college, she went on to perform with the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra in Chicago, the Fox Valley Symphony in Aurora, IL, the Kishwaukee Symphony in DeKalb, IL, and in the pit orchestra at Timberlake Playhouse in Mount Carol, IL, among others. Over the course of the last 10 years, Melody has taught private lessons for violin and viola at Imperial School of Music and Hix Bros. School of Music in Geneva, IL. She enjoys helping kids learn and explore on their journey with music and looks forward to working with her students every day.

Elliot Michaud is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Production and Engineering, where he founded the Boston-based band the Peasantry. After performing at the SXSW Berklee showcase and having multiple tracks featured on Berklee's annual album release, he moved to NYC to pursue his musical career. As the songwriter and lead vocalist of Little Racer, Elliot's music has been featured on MTV, ABC, and in campaigns for major brands like Louis Vuitton and Topshop. He has received praise from publications like Vice and NME for his captivating performances and unique blend of classical pop with modern textures. Elliot is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians. He offers engaging classes in production, songwriting, guitar, and voice at Muse. His courses emphasize a hands-on approach, incorporating music theory, ear training, and group dynamics to help students develop well-rounded musical skills and achieve their creative goals. Contact Elliot today to learn more about his classes and discover how he can help you unlock your musical potential.

SUMMARY I am available to primarily instruct on horn (a/k/a French horn), but I am also available for bugle and beginner trumpet. More hours are likely available other than what is listed, so feel free to contact me directly to inquire regarding an availability that is mutually agreeable. I've been playing horn since 1970, and my HS director and teacher was Paul Luhring. After retiring from industry, I poured myself into the arts again and took additional lessons from Dr. Gail Lewis (Butler University, Indianapolis). I've played in concert bands, dance bands, pit bands, orchestra, wind and brass ensembles, and solo work. I'm willing to work with both youth and adults. PLAYING EXPERIENCE Here is a PARTIAL listing of where I've played during the more recent years. (Note: All groups ceased operations during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) FOX VALLEY CONCERT BAND (UW Oshkosh), Menasha, WI Horn 1 (2021 – present) LAKESHORE WIND ENSEMBLE, Manitowoc, WI Rotating horn parts (2021 – present) Horn Soloist (2024) Horn 3 (2017 – 2020) TWO RIVERS MUNICIPAL BAND, Two Rivers, WI Horn 1 (2017 – present) Horn Soloist (2017, 2021) NEWTONBURG BRASS BAND, Manitowoc, WI Substitute Alto Horn 2 (2019 – present) (A/K/A SCHNAPPS UND TANZ OKTOBERFEST BAND) D-DAY 80 WIND BAND, Normandy, France Horn 1 (2024) SEVASTOPOL SCHOOLS PIT BAND, STURGEON BAY HS PIT BAND (for musical productions) Horn 1 (2020, 2023, 2024) SWINGIN’ DOOR BIG BAND, Sturgeon Bay, WI Trumpet 4 (2019 – 2023, and presently as a substitute) PENINSULA SYMPHONIC BAND, Sturgeon Bay, WI Horn 1 (2018 – 2021) Horn 2 (2016 – 2017) SUNRISE WINDS WOODWIND QUINTET OF DOOR COUNTY, Sturgeon Bay, WI Hornist and founding member (2017 – 2020) N.E.W. WIND SYMPHONY, Manitowoc, WI Horn 3 (2017) INDIANAPOLIS WIND QUINTET, Indianapolis, IN Hornist (2015 – 2017) HENDRICKS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Avon, IN Principal Assistant Hornist (2015-2016) Horn 1, Horn 2 (as needed) Hornist for Chamber Concert series (2016) INDIANAPOLIS MUNICIPAL BAND, Indianapolis, IN Principal Hornist, (2013 – 2016) Horn 1, 2, 3, 4 (2009 – 2013) Since 2016, I've regularly attended the Adult Symphonic Camp at Interlochen, MI. TEACHING EXPERIENCE In industry, I was trained to be a trainer, and I developed and delivered training to operators, engineers, and auditors. As a parent, I homeschooled two children through 12th grade with my wife, and these kids went on to obtain degrees in engineering (cum laude) and nursing (summa cum laude). At the 2023 Birch Creek Adult Band Camp, I was section leader for the horn section, where I led the group in warmups that I had prepared and coached the section through improving intonation and playing difficult passages correctly.

Howdy! I've been playing guitar for 30 years - mostly Jazz, Classical, and fingerstyle folk. I believe in a completely personalized lesson plan to match each student's goals, interests, and style of learning. My goal is to get you playing actual music as quickly as possible. If you've been playing for a while already, I'd like to help you take that playing to the next level - whether that's through technique, music theory, or historically-informed performance. Let's jam!

Gregory Roteik is a passionate and experienced bass guitarist dedicated to inspiring all generation of musicians. With years of professional playing under his belt, Gregory combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the subtle intricacies of music and the ins and outs of performance. His hands-on, student-focused approach helps players of all levels master foundational skills, develop their unique style, and gain confidence on stage. Gregory’s teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, discipline, and a love for music, making him a valued instructor at the music school.

Tier 2 Teacher

Kaira Rouer performs and teaches flute and piccolo in Sturgeon Bay, WI, as well as manages MUSE Sturgeon Bay as Executive Director. She has a Master of Music degree at the University of Denver from the Lamont School of Music in flute performance, having studied under Julie Thornton of The Colorado Symphony. As a performer, Kaira plays with local community band, Peninsula Symphonic Band, started the chamber group, Door County Northwinds, and jams with local rock bands, Stone Sober and Belgian Silo Experience. With these experiences, Kaira is not only masterfully skilled in classical flute, but also has extensive experience with improvisation. Kaira is an experienced flute teacher for all ages! She has first-hand experience working with beginners from 8-years old to those older players who wish to pick up their instruments from high school and push their musicianship to the next level! She approaches flute technique from a mindful perspective. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in breaking through a student's limitations on an individual basis. Every person has a different set of goals with the flute, and Kaira takes those into account to provide the most personal and effective lesson structure possible. Kaira’s Background and Teaching Experience: Kaira received her Bachelor of Music from Lawrence University at the Conservatory of Music, majoring in Music Performance (Flute) under Dr. Erin Lesser. Kaira graduated Magna Cum Laude and as a part of the music Society of Pi Kappa Lambda (Alpha Theta Chapter). After graduating, she spent time back home starting her own teaching studio in downtown Sturgeon Bay, where she taught for two years before pursuing her master's degree. During this time, she also volunteered as an academic mentor and flute teacher at Denmark Community School, a project-based charter school. During her master's program, she took that experience to the University of Denver where she tutored neurodivergent music students. She has hands-on experience helping students prepare for auditions, performances, and competitions. Other Interests: In her free time, Kaira enjoys hiking the exquisite state parks in Door County, attending concerts, taking care of her many house-plants, and reading a book with some coffee to sip. She tries to travel at any chance she can and loves exploring the natural wonders of the world! Especially those places where she can play her flute in the wilderness! Kaira’s Approach to Teaching: Lessons with Kaira will begin by working together to find the most exciting and fun music to learn. Having some experience in college with the Alexander Technique, Kaira approaches lessons with body awareness and mindfulness. In addition, she believes in the foundational elements of music making, so your lessons will also feature structured warm-ups, technique, practicing strategies, and self-led repertoire learning. Her goal is to connect with the flute while being self-aware and letting go of tensions that get in the way of making music fun. After all, music is to be enjoyed by the audience and performers alike! Reach out to learn more about lessons with Kaira!