GUITAR & TROMBONE INSTRUCTOR

Shawn is a guitar nerd passionately obsessed with all things guitar; he has been playing for over 13 years across a vast array of styles ranging from heavy metal, jazz and rock, all the way to bluegrass and folk in several projects throughout the Cleveland area. He’s studied with Kevin Jones and Aidan Plank at The Woodshed in Oberlin Ohio, as well as Bob Fraser at Cleveland State University. He’s also attended music camps and masterclasses where he’s had the chance to learn from great players such as Julian Lage, Bryan Sutton, David Grier and many others.

Shawn is also an avid trombonist, having marched a season of drum and bugle corps in 2016 with Legends on baritone, and is currently an active member of the Cleveland Winds, a professional wind ensemble based out of Cleveland State where he studied trombone with Jason Smith.

When not playing guitar, Shawn can be found crafting beverages behind the bar at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room. He also enjoys cooking and smoking barbecue at home while watching Formula 1 or Indycar, or pretending he’s a race car driver sim racing.

CELLO INSTRUCTOR, CELLIST

A freelance cellist with an insatiable appetite for all things cello, Hannah brings a robust playing background with community orchestras, event venues and theater ensembles throughout Northeast Ohio to the studio. Whether you’re just starting out or a life-long learner, excited about Bach or the The Beatles, Hannah believes the adventure and exploration of learning the cello should be guided by an open and nurturing approach as unique as each student, and she is thrilled to bring her passion for playing to the Music Izz Groovy family.

When not buried in orchestra pits or making music with the Suburban Symphony and Video Game Symphony, Hannah enjoys helping people plan their financial futures as a financial planner. While most of her spare time is usually with a cello, she can frequently be found getting creative in the kitchen, hiking with her two pups, and fiddling around with early-music instruments.

PIANO & VIOLIN INSTRUCTOR

Violinist Kristen Bigley started studying classical violin in 1995 and continued her studies through college at the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. She has been a private instructor of violin for 16 years teaching beginning through advanced students. Over the last 5 years she has fallen in love with teaching beginners and watching the joy they find making music. She has been on a new teaching adventure and has started teaching beginning piano to preschoolers where she ties in kindergarten readiness skills such as letter recognition, counting, fine motor skills and following directions.

In addition to teaching, Kristen is the co-founder of KBB Production Company and the Bigley Music Workshop, LLC with her husband Brian. A company that produces musical productions for the stage, builds Irish traditional instruments and teaches Irish traditional music to all who want to learn. Kristen often performs with Parma Symphony Orchestra and Symphony West, where she is Assistant Concert Master. She also performs in small local ensembles in both classical and folk genres, including a new captivating Celtic quartet, The Cleveland Celtic Ensemble. When not teaching and performing Kristen is a full time mom to her two kids James and Kathleen (and fur children TinkerBell and Splash). They can often be spotted hiking in the Metroparks and watching birds.

LICENSED PRACTICING MUSIC THERAPIST, BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

VIOLIN & VIOLA INSTRUCTOR

Izzey Donovan holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Cleveland State University. Izzey has been teaching private violin and viola lessons since 2016, and is a member of the Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra’s violin section. Izzey is passionate about playing and arranging music for special events - especially weddings! Outside of work, Izzey loves cuddling with her cats, antiquing, and regularly supporting friends in the Ohio music scene at shows in Cleveland, Lorain, and Tiffin.

“Music Izz Groovy - Music Services is the beginning of an amazing adventure for me; not just as a Board-Certified Music Therapist, not just as a violinist, violist, or private instructor, but as a woman who has strived for many years to have her own business. Music has always been a constant stream of happiness all throughout my life, and from a young age I knew that I was meant to make a difference in my community through this passion. My passion for assisting clients and students with developing their love for music grows each day - and helping them to also achieve things beyond musical goals is an even greater joy.”

BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

VOICE AND PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Chelsea graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. During her coursework, she studied with a primary instrument of vocal performance. She has been playing piano and flute since a young age, taking private lessons, and playing in school lead ensembles and local community theatre pits. Following the completion of her degree, she gained experience working with children and teens as a music therapist as well as a K-12 music teacher. She enjoys the process of guiding and supporting each student's journey with music.

In her free time, Chelsea enjoys participating in community theatre, baking, roller skating, and trying to maintain her houseplant collection.

VOICE AND PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Lydia graduated from Cleveland State with her Bachelor’s of Science in Music Therapy in December of 2024. She has loved making music, especially with her voice, since she was a young girl. Throughout her musical history, she has taken private piano, guitar, and voice lessons and has studied under several accomplished musicians such as Martha Amstutz, Alfredo Guerrieri, and Amanda Powell. Being a voice primary during her undergraduate studies, she has studied and performed many genres and styles of vocal music, from folk to classical to popular music. Music has always been a home for her, and she hopes to welcome others into it as well! 

When she’s not engaging with music, she enjoys being in nature, exploring local coffee shops, and reading. On the weekends you’ll find her serving tables at Barrio Tacos or hanging out with her loved ones!

VIOLIN, FLUTE, SAXOPHONE, PIANO INSTRUCTOR

VIOLINIST

Regina has been playing the violin for 22 years. She was a member of the Baldwin Wallace Junior and Senior youth orchestras for several years through high school, where her passion for music continued to grow! Regina is a regular member of the first violin section in the Parma Symphony Orchestra, and has many years of experience playing violin for weddings. Regina also plays several other instruments - flute, piccolo, saxophone, and piano to just name a few!

Outside of her passion for music, Regina loves taking care of her exotic pets (including some adorable sugar gliders!), reading, and cooking.

GUITAR AND UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Lea graduated from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa with her BA in Music Therapy. She is working toward her CBMT to be a board certified music therapist. Lea has been playing guitar since the age of ten and is also an active singer/songwriter in the Cleveland area. She has been a guitar and ukulele instructor for about nine years in the Geauga county area. Lea moved to the West side of Cleveland two years ago and is looking forward connecting with students in this area.

Lea’s hobbies are playing shows with her band Lea Marra & The River Boys, hiking, crocheting, writing songs, seeing live music, and spending time with friends and family.

LICENSED PRACTICING MUSIC THERAPIST, BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

CLARINET, GUITAR, PIANO, UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Kathleen received her Master of Arts in Music Therapy from Cleveland State University where she specialized in Special Education. In undergrad, Kathleen’s primary instrument was clarinet under the instruction of Dr. Ellen Breakfield-Glick.

Kathleen’s prior work experience includes special education (middle school multiple-handicapped classroom aide), adult group homes (inclusion services), and marching band (assistant director), all of which have shaped both her teaching and therapeutic approaches.

Kathleen is a current board member for Cleveland Winds and has played with the ensemble since 2018. In her spare time, Kathleen can be found at a game or craft night with her friends, enjoying local restaurants, or spending time with her family!

PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Ryan Reynolds received his Bachelor of Music from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he majored in piano performance and music composition. During his time there, he also studied pipe organ, harpsichord, jazz improvisation, and electronic music. Ryan began studying the piano at the age of six, and also played the clarinet and viola as a child and the double bass in high school. He has a particular affinity for 17th, 19th and 20th century classical music as well as jazz, electronic music, and music composed in just intonation. Ryan is passionate about the gratification and empowerment that can be found in the process of learning and self-cultivation.

In addition to his passion for music, Ryan loves to cook for his friends and family.

LICENSED PRACTICING MUSIC THERAPIST, BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

VOICE, GUITAR, PIANO, UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Bri is a board certified music therapist with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. She is a classically trained vocalist, but is also versed in the therapeutic use of guitar and ukulele. Bri is passionate in finding the best adaptations and personalizations for you when learning a new instrument.

Outside of music, Bri loves exploring new coffee shops and farmers markets with her family and sweet pup.

VIOLIN & VIOLA INSTRUCTOR

Greg Smith is an orchestra teacher and violinist based in Lakewood. Greg holds a Masters degree in Music Teaching and Artistry from Bowling Green State University and a BME from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory. He teaches high school orchestra at Elyria High School and has been teaching in public schools for 11 years. Greg has a background in classical technique but is interested in both classical and non classical styles of violin. He performs with the Video Game Symphony Orchestra, in musical pits, and for weddings. Greg also performs jazz violin with his quartet Burning River Swing.

Outside of music performing and teaching, Greg enjoys cooking, nature, reading, and video games.

FLUTE & PICCOLO INSTRUCTOR

Brandon is a skilled flutist and dedicated educator based in Northeast Ohio. A passionate musician with a strong foundation in both performance and teaching, Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the guidance of renowned flutist Sean Gabriel. Additionally, he has studied privately with distinguished flutists Heidi Ruby- Kushious and Dr. Daniel Velasco.

Throughout his career, Brandon has had the privilege of performing in masterclasses with internationally acclaimed flutists, including William Bennett, Dr. Jennifer Parker- Harley, Dr. Kaleb Chesnic, Jeffrey Zook, and George Pope, all of whom have influenced his musical approach and artistry.

As a performer, Brandon has made significant contributions to the region's musical landscape. He is a member of The Chopin Institute of Ohio Orchestra, Cleveland Winds, and the Cleveland Repertory Orchestra, and has been invited to perform with other professional orchestras, including CityMusic Cleveland, and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. His performances with these organizations highlight his versatility and commitment to the classical music scene in Cleveland and beyond.

In addition to his work as a performer, Brandon has also made a mark as an educator. He has been teaching private lessons since 2016 and has worked with numerous students at Akron-area high schools, serving as a marching band technician and directing a flute choir. His dedication to fostering musical growth in students of all levels has made him a respected figure in local music education.

Brandon’s expertise and passion for both flute performance and education continue to shape the cultural vibrancy of Northeast Ohio, where he actively contributes to both the stage and the classroom.

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST

Hi! My name is Sasha Umlauf, and I’m proud to be the Front Desk Receptionist at Music Izz Groovy. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming and organized environment for our clients, whether they’re here for music lessons, music therapy, or group classes.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, exploring my creativity through arts and crafts like painting and crocheting, and spending quality time with my amazing friends. I also love thrifting and discovering unique treasures. I listen to a lot of music in my free time—two of my favorite songs are Without You by Harry Nilsson and Spells by Jenny Hval.

I’m happy to be part of a team that brings people together through music and look forward to welcoming you to Music Izz Groovy!

VIOLIST

Virginia Ashley, violist, graduated with her Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from Kent State University. During this time, she served as the graduate assistant for viola. Throughout her time at Kent State, she performed in the KSU Orchestra, and is the former principal violist for the Stow Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed as the principal violist in theater productions such as Oklahoma!, Little Women, Cinderella, Into the Woods and Beauty and the Beast during employment with the KSU School of Theater and Dance and Porthouse Theater.

Virginia is an active freelance musician and has performed and recorded in numerous locations around Ohio. Most notable of those are the 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance alongside saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio, recording work on the KSU Stark campus in 2018, Severance Hall in Cleveland, and many more. She also performs frequently with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, Mansfield Symphony and Legacy Scoring Orchestra. Along with freelancing, Virginia is a teacher. She is currently teaching 5-6th grade orchestra for Solon City Schools.

In her free time Virginia enjoys meditation, spending time with her cats, cooking or playing video games.

CELLIST

Olivia specializes in providing music for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours, working with the couple to create their desired atmosphere and ambiance. She is passionate about making your vision come to fruition, and providing the soundtrack to the happiest moment of your life!

Olivia holds a BME from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music, where she majored in Music Education. She has over 9 years of experience as a contract musician, playing for weddings, church services, pit orchestras, events, receptions, parties, recitals, and more. Outside of music, Olivia enjoys being outdoors, experimenting with makeup and fashion, and trying new restaurants with her husband Kenny.

RESIDENT FELINES

Recognition is due to the cutest furry friends on our team. Ozzey and Moggie are casual fans of music - you might get an opportunity to see them if you attend a MIG Backyard BBQ Recital!

Ozzey’s hobbies include screaming for treats, playing with her toy fish, and cuddling with her mom, Izzey.

Moggie’s hobbies include eating the treats that her sister worked for, licking the shower, and cuddling with her dad, Sean.