Music Education / Music Teachers

Gayle Kowalchyk loves teaching piano!  She studied piano in college, taught at the university level, and then established a piano studio in her home with her husband, E. L.

Al Kowalenko oversaw one of the largest growths in the music products industry during the 1980s and 1990s –the Canadian market. As president of MIAC, beginning in 1979, Al fostered the development of the Canadian annual music fair and the relationships between retailers and suppliers. Al has also worked closely with NAMM, the MIA in England and other organizations to create a stronger unified global industry. Before his retirement from MIAC, Al was the first Canadian to receive the NAMM Life Time Award of Merit.  

Irv Kratka had the idea of creating recordings of music while leaving out an instrument, such as the piano. Piano students and enthusiasts could then play along with the band on the recording, providing the missing music. The success of his efforts resulted in the establishment of his company, Music Minus One. As you can guess one of the instruments he left off in his series of products was the voice, giving way to the enormous popularity of Karaoke. Irv may not have created the musical method on his own, but without question he played a vital role in the popularity of both play a

Alberto Kreimerman opened Hermes Music Stores in the United States with branches in Mexico beginning in 1982. His goal was always to serve music makers with quality products and service and in the background he set aside some of his profit to serve underprivileged children in both the US and Mexico. The extent of his devotion to these children was not made clear until Alberto established the Hermes Music Foundation in 2006 and outlined the many projects he and the foundation were involved with over the years. In addition to the foundation, Alberto continues to run Hermes Music, wh

Nat Kusano has always been compelled to create and market ideas and products that inspire and encourage people to pick up an instrument and play. Having had piano lessons when he was a child, Nat grew up understanding the importance of providing the right tools, such as method books with large notes for those with sight challenges or marketing materials on the Internet that engage younger audiences. Nat wants to encourage teachers with the right tools because, after all, they are the ones who in turn inspire the music student to stay active.

John Kuzmich, Jr. is a pioneering figure in the marching band movement and has left an indelible mark on both high school and college-level bands. A proud alumnus of Michigan State University, his own band made history marching in the Rose Bowl in 1959.

David Kuzminski, owner of Connecticut Valley School of Music and Dance, epitomizes dedication to and passion for music education. For three decades, alongside his wife Ronna, David has nurtured a thriving community hub for aspiring musicians and dancers on Main Street in Portland. A graduate of the University of Hartford Conservatory School of Music, David's musical journey began as a guitarist and bassist, igniting a lifelong devotion to the craft. Beyond the confines of traditional education, David's commitment to music extends to his role as an adjunct professor at Trinity Coll

Jim LaDiana has developed his love of music in a variety of ways that have touched many people over his career. As an author he has written articles and a book about studio musicians, titled Strings of Memories - Jazz & Studio Guitar Pioneers. This book provides often overlooked details about many of the hit-makers we have enjoyed hearing without necessarily knowing their names. As an educator Jim designed the Music Experience Workshop program to serve special needs students which has benefited thousands of children and given credence to the powers of music.

Doug Lady is one of those guys who will give you the shirt off his back.  As the Senior Vice President of Sales for Hal Leonard, he has created a team that echoes his strong and sincere feelings towards customer service.  Doug has also been active within several elements throughout the music products industry to ensure growth of music makers and strong business practices.  As a member of the Music Achievement Council (MAC), Doug has helped direct many of that organization’s goals and tasks, and he has also served on the board of the Church Music Publishers Association and the Milw

John Lambert is a docent at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California, having joined the team in 2019. Just after his docent training was complete the pandemic of 2020 hit and closed down the museum. As soon as the museum reopened John was there, willing to jump right into providing tours and serving as a gallery attendant. The development of John’s passion for music began with his father, a teacher and piano player who actively provided musical opportunities for his children (including taking young John to a club to see Buddy Rich). John began playing drums in element

E. L. Lancaster was destined to become a teacher.  His mother was a school teacher, and his years of piano lessons led him to major in music education in college.  He continued his studies, receiving his masters and doctoral degrees, and began teaching at the college level.  He taught at the University of Oklahoma for 18 years where he established the masters and doctoral degree programs in piano pedagogy.  During that time, he and his wife, Gayle Kowalchyk, ran a successful piano studio

Lisa Lang is the 5th and 6th Grade Band Director and Assistant High School Band Director in Independence, Iowa. Ms. Lang has taught for 25 years in both Iowa and Delaware and received her education at the University of Iowa. 

Neil Larrivee was just four years old when he began playing drums. His father was a manager for rock bands and music was all around Neil as he grew up. He served in the Drum and Bugle Corps when he was 11 and soon embraced orchestral music and the timpani. He landed a job with Vic Firth, just as the mallet company was taking off. Neil’s first office was in Vic’s home, near the washing machine. As the company grew and developed so did his role within the business, staying with Vic for over thirty years. After Vic passed away, Neil stayed on as the company transitioned to Zildjian i

Bill Larson served as a band director for over 35 years in Montana.  When he needed the support from a music store to service his bands, he called on Eckroth Music in Bismarck, ND.  Bill was so impressed by the help he received that he visited the store and got to know owners, Bill and Mary Ann Eckroth and later, their son Jeff.  After his retirement from band leading, Bill was offered a job at the Montana Eckroth stores to call on school programs providing the same services he once received from the same store!

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser was presented the highest honor from the American Music Conference (AMC) when he was given the Henry Grossman Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors those dedicated to music education and advocacy, which is practically Tim’s middle name. Over the years as a band director and educator, he has been asked to provide clinics to assist teachers and administrators with the role of increasing the ranks of music makers. He was also an early supporter of recreational music making and was a promoter of many of the advocacy materials created by NAMM, AMC, and othe

David Leaf is a respected writer, director, and producer whose work has explored some of the most influential figures and moments in popular music. While in college, he wrote a record review about The Beach Boys—an early passion that would come full circle as he later developed a close friendship with Brian Wilson and contributed to the long-awaited SMiLE project. Over the course of his career, David has created acclaimed films and authored books that examine the cultural impact and personal stories behind artists such as James Brown, John Lennon, The Bee Gees, and Dion. His work

John Lee is the eldest son of Tom and Betty Lee, the founders of a chain of music retail stores in Hong Kong and Canada. During John’s first NAMM interview, he spoke of the company’s expansion from Hong Kong into North America following his father’s interest in keeping the store growing in new markets. John took over the business in Canada after college but eventually returned to Hong Kong. In 2024, he was interviewed a second time to talk about his passion project, which began when he retired. His foundation, Life Passion project, seeks to cultivate a passion for music in people

Neil Leonard began playing saxophone at a young age and it's no wonder, his father was a noted Jazz historian and author. After being greatly influenced by the Pink Floyd album "Dark Side of the Moon", Neil registered for classes at Berklee College of Music in Boston (1979). He fully embraced electronic instrumentation, which was developing rapidly during this time and in 1988 performed live with electronics and the saxophone for the first time. The music and technology classes and field of study at Berklee School of Music were among the first at the college level, a fact for whic

Stanley Leonard, the principal timpanist emeritus for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, was interviewed during PASIC 2010 on the very day he was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame. It was an exciting day and Stanley expressed his gratitude for the honor. He also recalled his life in music, beginning with his early teachers and his passion for the timpani. He is also the author of the well respected method book “Pedal Technique for the Timpani,” as well as his composition, “Canticle” for timpani, which was first  published by Volkwein Brothers in Pittsburgh in 1972.  The book rema

Frank Lestina has taught for eleven years at Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Illinois. He speaks here about attracting and retaining students and about the importance of visibility to incoming middle school students.

Joshua Levy is a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy member, having been with the group since 1996. As the pianist, arranger and composer, Levy has played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s distinctive style and sound, which has garnered worldwide acclaim. His collaboration with legendary recording engineer Al Schmitt in Hollywood holds a special place in his heart, reflecting his dedication to musical excellence. Among his most cherished experiences is performing at the Super Bowl alongside the iconic Stevie Wonder as part of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Sandra Lindsay is the Managing Director of Muso's Corner, a music store located in Newcastle, New South Whales, Australia. She purchased a small piano store and repair shop in 1967 and later renamed it Muso's Corner and expanded to a larger location in 1994. With a focus on lessons and music educational programs, Sandra has been active in supporting the Australian Music Association as well as serving on its board. Her son Andy also joined her in business. He became active in creating programs and sales events for their customers including May The Fourth Be With You sale and its fo

Elisabeth Link played a significant role in advancing music education through her work with Sonor, the renowned manufacturer of percussion instruments. A key focus of her efforts was the expansion of Orff Schulwerk instruments, which became widely used in classrooms around the world. Elisabeth was instrumental in strengthening Sonor’s presence in music education and in supporting teachers through innovative programming and outreach. Working closely with Hans Borgese, assistant to Carl Orff and a composer in his own right, she helped expand Sonor’s educational workshops and initiat

Sherry Linnerooth took music lessons from Bill Eckroth, who would later open a music store in Mandan, North Dakoda.  When she later taught music in Bozeman, Montana, she called on Bill to supply her with accessories and music books.  Those orders increased so much that she could no longer work out of her home and was asked by Bill to open the first Eckroth store in Bozeman!  While working for the store she continued to play French Horn in the Bozeman Symphony. Later on she worked in the office of the symphony.

Don Lombardi is the founder of Drum Workshop, who formed the company at the age of 26 with the goal of providing teaching facilities for young drummers in Santa Monica. Don had the opportunity to purchase the equipment to bring the famous Camco drum pedal back to the market place under the DW name. As the company developed and its product line increased to include snares and full drum kits, Don kept an eye on his original goal of music education.

Muriel Long began teaching piano in 1959 and since that time two things have been very clear to those who know her, she is a passionate music maker and a heck of a salesperson! She grew up playing the Hammond and found that even as a teenager, she loved teaching music!  While giving lessons at a piano store in Southern California, she was asked to help with a store sale.  The rest is history as her talent selling soon earned her the respect of many manufacturers including Baldwin and Lowrey.  Muriel played a key role in the success of the Lowrey Organ Program, which was rolled out

Mary Luehrsen is a music advocate dedicated to music education and promoting support for music education.  As Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for NAMM and a former music teacher and professional musician, Mary has helped NAMM and its partners with policy issues and legislation that impact access to music education in the United States.  Mary spearheaded the development of the SupportMusic Coalition and created partnerships with high profile music advocates such as former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and music icon Quincy Jones.  She guided NAMM strategic par

Amy Lui is a dedicated music educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District at John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, where she teaches music technology, industry studies, and instrumental ensembles. Passionate about expanding opportunities for her students, Amy is committed to showing young musicians that careers in music extend far beyond performance, including pathways within the music products industry. A strong advocate for experiential learning, Amy has brought her students to The NAMM Show on multiple occasions, providing them with firsthand exposure to the industr

Norm Lurie played the guitar as a teenager and was a big fan of Bob Dylan. After working in the book publishing business in Melbourne for eight years, Norm was given the opportunity to work at Music Sales. The company was stationed in England and run by Bob Wise, who hired Norm as the Managing Director. Over the years, Norm helped developed a very successful series of music books entitled "The Great Australian Songbook." He also worked long and hard with the Australian Music Association to develop music educational programs throughout the country.  

Beth Lyons is the 5th through 8th Grade Band Director at five different elementary schools and one middle school in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She has taught several elements of music, ranging from instrumental, choir, and general music. Ms. Lyons received her education at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

John Mahlmann has been executive director of MENC: The National Association for Music Education since 1983. MENC is the world's largest association of professional music educators. Over the years, he has led MENC through a period of substantial membership growth -- to more than 130,000 members -- and transformed the landscape of music education through innovative programs and vigorous advocacy of music education in our nation's schools.

Gale Mallory served as Band Director in Georgia and Alabama for over 38 years, making a real difference in the lives of thousands of students! She innovated several elements to the Marching Band’s Color Guard, such as the broader use of flags and dance lines. She attended Troy University where she met her husband and fellow band director Ronnie Mallory. The two taught together for many years before Gale decided to pursue her love of elementary music, working with beginners and having a ball. She also volunteers for Art’s Music, where Ronnie is a School Road Rep.