Instructors

We welcome resumes from qualified teachers of all instruments at any time. Send to bethany@themusicroomstl.com

Betsy Tullis, violin and viola

Betsy Tullis is a passionate violist who loves performing and sharing the gift of music with others. Betsy has participated in many chamber ensembles that performed pieces ranging from the classical string quartets of Mozart to modern viola duos and string trios. She is always
looking for new and exciting ways to share her talent. Alongside chamber music, she enjoys playing new compositions including works by Gabriella Lena Frank, Stephen Mitton, José Elizondo, and Akshaya Avril Tucker.

Betsy started teaching in 2016 and is trained in the Suzuki Method. She finds great fulfillment in being a part of her students’ lives and helping them find the discover the joy in music. Betsy’s students have participated in the Cache Chamber Music Project and won auditions into local youth orchestras.

Betsy earned her undergraduate degree in viola performance from Utah State University in 2023 where she studied with Bradley Ottesen and the members of the acclaimed Fry Street Quartet.
Out of their caring mentorship, Betsy developed a great love for chamber music and collaborative work. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, knitting, skiing, walking her dog, and spending time with her family.

 

Meredith Harrach, cello

Meredith has been playing music in the Saint Louis area now since 2021. They graduated from Truman State in 2020 with a bachelors in cello performance, and have been invited to perform in the local Synoptic Frequencies music series & as a musician for the 2023 True/False film festival. They love teaching cello to musicians of all ages and have an interest in working with many different styles of music learning, including classical, folk, experimental, and improvised. Meredith plays in a few local music projects on cello, guitar, and bass, and co-runs a local, monthly all-ages Experimental Open Mic night. They have really appreciated how open-minded and welcoming the Saint Louis music community is to new artists and learners.

Thomas Lee, piano

From before he can remember, Thomas Lee was fascinated with music. He began studying piano at age 10 and eventually completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano performance. His principal piano professor in college was James Bastien. For much of the 1980’s, he worked as a free-lance pianist and teacher in the Kansas City area. He was also the bass section leader at the Episcopal cathedral, where the his principal interests turned to pipe organ and choral conducting. In 1989 he returned to graduate school at the University of Kansas and completed a second Master’s degree in Organ, and a Doctorate in Organ and Choral Conducting.

In 1995, he moved to San Antonio where he was appointed Organist and Music Director at the Episcopal School of Texas. His responsibilities there included directing Middle School and High School choirs, playing organ for chapel and academic events, and directing the music for the annual spring play. It was a rewarding position that challenged and utilized Dr. Lee’s varied musical skills.

In 2018 he retired from full time work and moved to St. Louis. His career has rather come full circle. He is once more teaching piano and is a bass section leader at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. His experience is especially well suited for teaching Middle School through adult students. He enjoys teaching both beginners as well as those with prior training.

Bethany Nikstad, piano

Bethany’s love affair with the piano began at age 7. It reached new depths at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where she graduated Magna cum Laude with bachelor’s degrees in Music and German. Bethany began teaching privately in 2008.

Bethany has a great commitment to creativity in music study, emphasizing improvisation and asking questions. Her students have the opportunity to participate in festivals through the National Federation of Music Clubs and the St. Louis Area Music Teachers’ Association. Bethany is certified in all seven Suzuki piano units . She studied the Suzuki method with Cheryl Stewart, Rita Hauck, Joan Kryzwicki, Bruce Anderson, and Rae Kate Shen.  Bethany loves jazz, duets, and kids.

Lukas Simpson, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, mandola, clawhammer banjo

Lukas studied guitar, mandolin and banjo at The Old Town School of Folk Music and privately from a handful of musicians and instructors and continues to do so. He writes and sings songs which have been featured in television and radio commercials across the globe, used in stage productions and performed by a philharmonic orchestra.  He currently performs with Goldmine Pickers, Watt Hill, Contrabandwagon and Part Time Old Time. Lukas shares his passion for writing and performing music with teaching. He has created a kid’s guitar camp curriculum used every year at two summer camps in Indiana and taught at TG Music and Premier Arts in Northern Indiana. In the fall of 2013 Lukas moved to St. Louis and began teaching group classes at The Folk School of St. Louis and is now offering private lessons at The Music Room!

Joe Park, guitar

You may have heard the Joe Park Trio playing around town. If you haven’t, get yourself to Yaqui’s on Cherokee Street on a Wednesday night! You won’t regret it.

Natalie Hanifl, violin, viola, cello

Natalie began teaching violin in 2004 and it quickly became her favorite thing to do.  She graduated from the University of Memphis after studying Education and Music.  She enjoys sharing her love of playing the violin with students of all ages.

Lucinda Sinco, piano

Lucinda is passionate about teaching music, she enjoys few things as much as watching people grow in their knowledge and appreciation of keyboard music especially. She has been teaching piano for approximately twenty years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and a master’s degree in theory at Missouri State University. Lucinda also has experience teaching children with special needs and as well as teaching adults.