MUSIC TEACHERS
At The River Raisin Centre for the Arts, our instructors are more than just skilled musicians—they’re passionate educators dedicated to inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. Each teacher brings a unique blend of professional experience, formal training, and a love for teaching that creates a supportive and engaging learning environment. Whether you're a beginner picking up your first instrument or an advanced student honing your craft, you'll find a teacher here who will guide and motivate you on your musical journey.
Explore their bios below to learn more about their backgrounds, specialties, and teaching philosophies.
Elizabeth Stewart
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Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Music Education from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, with piano as her major instrument and clarinet as her secondary instrument. After graduation, she worked as a public school music teacher for twelve years, teaching instrumental and vocal music. Elizabeth earned her Master of Arts degree in Choral Music Education from Eastern Michigan University, where she graduated with honors and served as an adjunct music professor. Elizabeth maintained her State of Michigan professional teaching certificate for music grades K-12 while continuing graduate studies at Eastman School of Music, VanderCook College of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of Toledo. Currently, in addition to teaching piano at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts, Elizabeth is an adjunct music professor at Monroe County Community College, where she teaches music theory and applied music classes. She is also a private piano instructor for Meadow Montessori School. As a performing musician, Elizabeth plays piano and keyboards in pit orchestras for local and regional Broadway productions, clarinet and piano with the Monroe College-Community Symphonic Band, and serves as a piano accompanist for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association's annual Solo and Ensemble Festivals. As a pianist, she continues to play for a variety of concerts, recitals, shows, and events. Elizabeth is most grateful to all of her piano instructors and professors who collectively taught her how to play the piano — Sister Joan Marie, Jane Lynch, Virginia Stickle, Robert Hopkins, Sedmara Zakarian Rutstein, and Michael Boyd.
OUr STAFF
Ryan Jewell,
SMCC/MCES Band DIRECTOR
Brass Methods/Percussion/Woodwind
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Ryan holds a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) as well as a current State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate in K-12 Music Education (JQ). He has been playing trumpet and involved with the musical community for over 30 years. He has studied trumpet under the mentorships of Dr. Anderson Romero of the New Jersey Symphony and Dr. Ross Turner of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. In addition, during his coursework at EMU, Ryan has received training in conducting from Dr. Chad Hutchinson as well as instruction in band methods from Dr. Mary Schneider and Dr. J. Nick Smith. His culminating student teaching experience was under the mentorship of Mr. James Engelbert at Flat Rock Community Schools, grades 5-12. As a teacher, he currently offers one-on-one lessons, primarily for trumpet, in partnership with the River Raisin Centre for the Arts. Ryan has also worked with various ensembles, both in and out of Michigan, primarily as a brass technician and clinician. As a performer, he can often be found within pit orchestras for musical productions throughout the year, mostly in the Southeast Michigan area. He has played with the Eastern Michigan University Symphonic Band, Eastern Michigan Wind Symphony, and Jazz Ensemble. He is also a long-term member of the Monroe College-Community Symphonic Band in Monroe, Michigan, and River's End Brass, based in Southgate, Michigan.
SARA HUMPHRIES
Vocal Coach - Remote
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Sara Humphries is a dynamic vocalist and dedicated music educator with a flair for performance and a heart for teaching. Awarded a full vocal scholarship at Monroe County Community College, she immersed herself in intensive music studies, refining her skills as both a soloist and ensemble singer. She also studied piano—though she kindly advises against requesting a performance unless you enjoy musical disappointment. Sara’s experience spans a wide range of genres and settings, from theatrical stage productions to intricate choral arrangements. Her versatility and passion shine through in every note. In recent years, Sara has been inspiring students of all ages throughout Monroe County through private lessons and music directing. Her teaching style is a thoughtful blend of technique and artistry, tailored to each singer’s unique voice and goals. Whether you're prepping for auditions, building vocal strength and confidence, or exploring your personal sound, Sara creates a supportive, engaging, and empowering space to grow as a musician.
Rowan Craanen
Vocal Coach
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Rowan Craanen is a dedicated vocal coach and educator with a strong foundation in music, performance, and the dramatic arts. With over seven years of experience in musical theater, fine art, and stage performance, Rowan combines technical knowledge with a creative, student-centered approach to help each singer reach their fullest potential. A graduate of Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Music, Rowan served as Captain of the High C’s Choral Ensemble and was a three-time recipient of the Frank Z. Harris Memorial Award for excellence in musical theater performance. Their experience working with the Columbia College Music Department—supporting live orchestral and vocal productions—has deepened their understanding of both the artistic and technical elements of vocal performance. In their teaching, Rowan emphasizes healthy vocal technique, expressive interpretation, and confidence in performance. Lessons are tailored to meet each student’s individual goals, whether that means building vocal strength, improving tone and range, developing musicality, or simply exploring the joy of singing. Rowan strives to create a supportive, professional environment that nurtures growth, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Adam Derby
Guitar
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Adam Derby is the Band and Orchestra Director at Trillium Academy of Performing Arts, leading the small 6-12th grade program into a growing community of collaborative and accolade winning musicians. He has taught private guitar lessons to students ranging from seven to seventy. He has taught adult guitar classes at the University of Toledo and teenage songwriting classes at the Michigan State University. Adam specializes in a student first approach, there are many methods of music education, so his first task is to teach in a way that makes the individual student excited about their instrument and excited to learn. This will keep the student enthusiastic for years to come!