Cello, Violin, Viola

Kristopher Bekker has been playing cello for upwards of 7 years, performing a variety of pieces within ensembles, chambers, and working with many amazing musicians. Kris previously studied under Philip Kettler, the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra's own Principal cellist. During this time, he had the opportunity to play across multiple states and all across Idaho. When he's not playing his instrument, he can be found swimming, doing something outdoors, and getting to know new people.

Trombone, Beginner Brass, Chamber Ensembles

Dr. Casey Christopher earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from Arizona State University in 1996. As a performer, he has played with the Phoenix Symphony, the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra, and the prestigious Summit Brass. As a teacher, he served as Professor of Music for 22 years at Northwest Nazarene University, where he built music industry and jazz programs. He now serves as Chief Musician at The King’s Congregation in Meridian, Idaho. Despite many credentials, Dr. Christopher remains primarily committed to the deep joy found in exploring the language of music with students of all ages.

Piano, Jazz Piano

Noel S. Go is a pianist who has been playing since her early youth. Classically trained before moving on to study jazz in her teenage years, Noel has developed a diverse musical background spanning jazz standards, contemporary styles, blues, improvisation, and original compositions. With four years of professional performance experience, she remains active in the Treasure Valley music community, performing regularly as a solo pianist. Noel emphasizes self-expression, ear training, improvisation, and building a strong musical foundation in lessons while developing both technical skills and their identity within music. Her instruction draws from experience teaching high school piano, private lessons, playing piano in hospice, and her academic background in biochemistry from UC Berkeley. Above all, Noel hopes that with her instruction, students develop a healthy relationship with their instrument, valuing it as both a place they can struggle and overcome while still enjoying the gift of being able to express themselves no matter what is happening around them. 

Drums

Drake Jones is a drummer and percussionist with nine years of experience whose musical interests span jazz, classic rock, punk, and alternative rock. Currently a senior at Northwest Nazarene University, Drake has performed with the university's Jazz Combos, Big Band, Wind Ensemble, and Northwesterners while continuing to develop as a versatile musician. He began studying through private lessons at a young age, building the foundation for his passion for drumming. Outside of school, Drake performs with his rock band, Greenbelt, playing cover songs and writing original music. As an instructor, he hopes to help his students form a love for drumming and inspire them to get better at their craft.

Piano, Jazz Piano, Songwriting - $180/month

Nickolas Monteiro earned his bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID. He also studied Songwriting and Performance at The Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, and recently gained Level 1 Certification in the Kodály method from the Chenaniah Summer Music Institute, hosted by New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID.

Nick has performed hundreds of live shows, both in the Treasure Valley and across the U.S., Brazil, and China. Since 2023, Nick has taught over 100 music students and led masterclasses at the College of Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, and local high schools. He has performed at Sun Valley Jazz Festival, Eagle Jazz & Blues Fest, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Gene Harris Jazz Festival, and the Hot Jazz Jubilee Jazz Fest in Sacramento, CA. He also runs the Boise Jazz Jam Session, and continues to be a sought-after freelance pianist in the Treasure Valley and abroad.

Nick is the founder, owner, and operations manager of Monteiro Studios Music School.

Violin

Sophia has been playing the violin for over fifteen years. She has learned from top violinists in southern Arizona and attended violin programs, intensive music camps, and workshops. She has played for events and performances both as a soloist, in orchestras, and in chamber music programs.

Sophia finds joy in helping her students reach their goals in playing music while learning and improving from the twists and turns along the way. Her goal is to make music understandable and enjoyable--no matter where in life the student may be. Music is a blessing, it is never too early or too late to learn!

Piano, Jazz Piano

Paul Roach is a multifaceted musician who enjoys studying and performing a large variety of musical styles on a nearly-as-large variety of keyboard instruments.  With over 25 years of piano experience and a B.M. in Jazz Studies from DePaul University in Chicago, he has continually pushed his musical boundaries beyond his classical roots--from Chicago blues to Baptist Gospel, from rock/funk cover bands to jazz trios under his own leadership.  As a teacher, Paul enjoys helping piano students find and connect with their musical passions--wherever they are on their music journey.         

Guitar, Songwriting

Roman Romero is a guitarist and singer-songwriter whose sound blends classical training with road-hardened experience. A Northwest Nazarene University alum, Roman studied jazz and classical guitar, building a strong technical foundation that led him into rock, blues, and country. Over the years, he has performed in multiple bands that opened for national touring acts in Boise, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Extensive regional touring helped refine his style and sharpen his craft. Now based in Idaho, Roman is focused on family life while launching his solo career as both a performer and educator.

Piano, Clarinet, Flute

Megan Soto is a dedicated music educator and pianist from the Treasure Valley with over 18 years of piano experience. She holds a degree in Music Education with an emphasis in piano from Northwest Nazarene University and is currently in her third year of public education teaching 5th–8th grade band. Megan has extensive experience teaching piano and all band instruments, and she is an active accompanist for several choirs throughout the Treasure Valley. Megan’s passion is helping students develop a love for music and inspiring them to share that love with others.

Voice, Piano, Guitar

Natalie Stone is a dedicated music educator and performer with a passion for helping students discover their unique musical voice. She teaches voice, piano, and guitar, drawing from years of experience working with students of all ages and skill levels.

Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Boise State University and spent five years teaching in the public school system as both a general music educator and choral director. This background has given her a strong foundation in music pedagogy and the ability to connect with students in meaningful and engaging ways.

In addition to teaching, Natalie is an active performing vocalist in the Treasure Valley, where she shares her love of music on stage as well as in the classroom. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging learning environment where students can grow in confidence, develop their skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music.

Voice, Piano

Madeline Jorgensen is passionate about vocal education and vocal health. A lover of music for as long as she can remember, Madeline firmly believes that God created humans to sing and make music, and that holistic vocal teaching leads to healthy and beautiful singing. Madeline is an Idaho native who received her BM in vocal performance from Biola University and a Master’s in contemporary vocal pedagogy from Shenandoah University. Madeline has taught privately in both Los Angeles and locally in Nampa, and has been involved in groups with Opera Idaho, Alley Repertory Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare, and Boise Music Week. Madeline currently teaches voice at Boise State University as well as choir and band at Nampa Christian Middle School. Madeline is a lifelong learner and is always open and excited to learn from each of her students.

Saxophone, Jazz Studies, Jazz Combos

Colby Turpen earned degrees in Music Education and Jazz Performance from the University of Wyoming. As a saxophonist, he's had the opportunity to perform across the U.S., including in New York City at the prestigious Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, where he played lead alto and helped his ensemble earn the Outstanding Saxophone Section Award. Colby's performances have also taken him abroad to France and Italy. Turpen currently teaches at Lowell Scott Middle School, where he enjoys sharing his passion for music with his students. Born and raised in Nampa, Colby is excited to be performing and teaching back in his hometown.