Meet Our Instructors

An extremely versatile instructor, Terry Schmautz coaches beginner to advanced piano students in classical, traditional and contemporary church music, jazz, blues, pop, country, bluegrass and everything in between. He loves inspiring piano students into achieving beyond their imagination. Classical piano studies from a very young age laid the foundation for him to branch out into trumpet, drums, and concert choir in addition to touring as a guitar/ bass artist in a big band jazz group. He went on to perform with nationally acclaimed music groups and has been broadcast in over 18 countries. He has performed at the Seattle Symphony’s Benaroya Hall and has composed hundreds of musical works from orchestral compositions to pop, rock and Christian music. He served as a church music director in Idaho and Washington for 8 years. A recent international hit has been embraced across Africa. He completed studies in recording engineering as a professional studio recording artist. Pursuing a music degree at the University of Washington led him to complete a B.A. in composition and arranging at Northwest College.

If you want to become a great horn player, Mike’s your guy! He  loves to help students develop excellent embouchure for a great tone along with rhythm and note reading skills for successful playing. Want to make 1st chair? Mike can take you there. Mike Olivetto has received numerous accolades and awards in solo and group performance on trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn and as lead drum major. His experience in concert band, jazz band, orchestra, marching band and drum squad gives him the tools to coach students into award-winning performances.

Bestowing an infectious love of music-making  into her students, Carrington Rinehart’s enthusiasm never wanes. A lifelong musician, she started her musical journey at Northwest Academy of Music in our 5-year-old piano class. She went on to receive numerous flute scholarships, becoming a Lionel Hampton Merit Scholar. She is an occasional member of the band Dr. Phil and the Enablers. A member of the National Flute Association, she is the Choir Director and Cadet Band teacher at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy. She has a Bachelors of Art in Music Education and Flute Performance and a minor in Mathematics from the University of Idaho.

Extensive experience teaching students of all ages and abilities makes Michael Boshka a versatile instructor. Teaching everything from pop, contemporary, bluegrass and jazz to classical, he can teach you what you want to learn. Able to take students to a very advanced level, he teaches the easiest methods of technique, practicing tips, the theory behind guitar playing and how to develop a repertoire of your favorite styles and pieces. An accomplished composer and arranger with band experience, Michael loves to involve his students in the Northwest Academy of Music Rock Band School. While pursuing a degree in classical guitar performance at Pepperdine University, Michael studied under guitar master Christopher Parkening, known worldwide as the preeminent classical guitar virtuoso of our day.

A master at coaching artistic expression within his students, Scott Grunsted’s exceptional technical instruction has produced contest winners again and again. His inspiring pedagogical approach develops well-rounded independent performers who know how to share the joy of their instrument with others in varied styles. He has created and directed numerous choral programs, instrumental and orchestral groups, and Broadway-style musicals in schools. He has traveled abroad as a performer and been an active member of the music ministry in various churches. Mr. Grunsted has a B.A. in strings from San Jose State University and a Graduate Certificate from Multnomah School of the Bible. He is a member of the Coeur d'Alene Symphony and the Helena Symphony Orchestra.

• Coeur d' Alene Symphony: www.cdasymphony.org
• Helena Symphony Orchestra: www.helenasymphony.org
• North Idaho Youth Symphony: www.niysmusic.org

“Abigail Stephens, violin student of Scott Grunsted and a student at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, received the Student Excellence in the Arts nomination”

https://cdapress.com/news/2022/sep/14/buley-writing-jim-phillips-receive-top-arts-award/

Testimonials

"Scott is truly an amazing instructor! He is everything a teacher should be and more. My daughter leaves feeling confident, inspired, and determined to accomplish her goals. After I commented the other day on Lindsey Stirling being her inspiration, she replied, 'Lindsey Stirling is not my number one inspiration, mom. My instructor is. ' "

-Kelsey C.

"Scott has helped me significantly in my lessons with him.  It was during orchestra practice I realized even more how much of a difference he has made in my learning. Instead of feeling completely intimidated, as I did the first time, I came home excited and told my husband that I really believe I can learn to play this new music.  Interestingly, he told me that he was going to mention that he believes (based on listening to my practice) that I have found a good teacher. When I feel like I am struggling I also know that I am gaining ground in the process of 'learning'.  Break-throughs are beginning to happen and will keep happening. I now practice any chance I can get along with studying and finding the music recordings on the computer. I am so thankful for Scott. It feels so good to be learning and getting to enjoy playing music with others!"

-Jeanne C.

"Mr. Grunsted is an incredible instructor who knows how to motivate and instill confidence in all students. There are no words or actions that can express our gratitude for all of his time, dedication, and genuine care for our children."

Mrs. B

"Mr. Grunsted is the best and most loving teacher a student could ever have. I am so thankful for his help."

Mary B

As a professional vocal instructor, pianist, worship leader, recording artist, and songwriter Rosalie Ingraham develops excellent rapport with young vocalists. Decades of teaching experience have made her an expert at helping voices of all ages to produce a beautiful and well-controlled sound. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to piano and vocal students studying classical, pop, musical theater, and contemporary Christian genres. As an inspirational worship leader for many years, she specializes in coaching worship bands to become the best they can be. She has been the featured artist at Sea World and Knott’s Berry Farm. She has toured America and Europe, appeared on several television shows and even gave a private concert for actor John Wayne and his family. Rosalie Ingraham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a Vocal Emphasis from the University of Memphis and is a certified Harmony Road Music Education System Instructor.

Testimonials

“All staff members are very courteous and knowledgeable. The private voice lessons with Rosalie were very enjoyable and I learned a lot. By the end of my lessons I was able to hit all the notes correctly and learned how to use the diaphragm. My length of endurance improved dramatically. I learned how to move smoothly from chest voice to head voice.”

Kelli C.​

As an arranger, performer, school music coach and private instructor, Dave Muldoon’s vast experience  takes students wherever they want to go. Whether it be in a rock, jazz  or marching band, as a pit musician or symphonic performer, students gain a wealth of knowledge, technique and melodic sensibility to develop an excellent performance style. His energy and enthusiasm infuse students with an excitement to learn more. He has performed on cruise ships around the world as well as theatrical productions and all types of live shows. He has a B.A. in Music Performance from Portland State University.

Check Out Dave's Video Here

Over 35 years of playing, recording, teaching and performing in over 1,000 shows gives Kent Nelson invaluable knowledge and versatility with his students. Rock, Pop, Americana, R&B, Country, Metal, Blues, Bluegrass: he can take you where you want to go whether it be flatpicking, finger style, slide, two hand tapping, hybrid picking and more. Featured multiple times in newspapers, radio and television, Kent has played with Chris Cornell and members of Heart and Alice In Chains. He has opened for bands Nazareth, Cry of Love and Pearl Jam. Several of his original songs have played on major radio stations including KISW in Seattle. Kent’s expertise enables students to learn how to use a  wide range of musical equipment from guitar amps to mixing consoles, PA systems and effects in our Northwest Academy of Music Rock Band School. Kent studied guitar with master David O’suna and has an Associate of Arts in Music Theory/ Performance from Shoreline College in Seattle. He also works as a Behavioral Intervention Therapist in the Coeur d’Alene School District.

Decades of experience combined with musical fun is the hallmark of Melissa’s teaching style. Students are drawn to her infectious personality which inspires creativity in her students. Her commitment to excellence produces unmatched results in performance skills, music theory comprehension and professional skills in students of all ages. In addition to teaching elementary school music in Oregon, Wisconsin, California, Hawaii and Idaho she has been a worship team leader at numerous churches and sung at Carnegie Hall. She became a member of the North Idaho College Wind Symphony after playing saxophone and clarinet through the collegiate level. Melissa has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Piano Performance from the College of Idaho.

A lifetime of experience in musical pursuits combined with a commitment to excellence enables John Wheeler to impart a wonderful perspective to his students. The son of a flautist and pianist for the St. Louis Symphony, his grandfather was a concert pianist and founder of the Washington Conservatory of Music. At age 14 he was the youngest cellist accepted into the Phoenix Symphony. Over the years he has performed in numerous symphonies in Arizona, California, Montana, and North Idaho, including the Coeur d’Alene Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, the Coeur d’AleneSummer Theatre and Opera Coeur d’Alene. He has taught master classes at summer youth orchestra camps and worked with Coeur d’Alene youth orchestras. His expert coaching draws students into a new world of beauty and expression. Mr. Wheeler holds a Masters in Physics from American University in Washington, D.C. and a Masters in Business from USC.

• Coeur d' Alene Symphony: www.cdasymphony.org
• North Idaho Youth Symphony: www.niysmusic.org