About Us
My father, Paul Murachanian (Graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), studied with Henry Wohlgemuth, former first trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony. For decades, he played and taught all brass and woodwind instruments. Currently, he is the director of the Gem City Bands & Orchestra which performs in and around WPAFB. He is a talented arranger. My father toured with the Florida Orchestra, performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Cincinnati Symphony, and the St. Petersburg Symphony, and is a past member of the Kettering Civic Band.
The past two years were spent developing a place where people can come to gain experiences of a lifetime in music, arts, and business development.
On April 26, 2011, Jessica Murachanian became a member of our family. She recently graduated with a Master's in Human Services from Liberty University. Jessica has a passion for working with young people and experiencing the joys through their accomplishments.
I graduated from Cedarville University in 1993 and am the Executive Vice President of ProvNet Strategies, Inc.
We contracted with an ever growing list of music and art instructors. At Pastime Junction, whether it be through taking private music lessons or enrolling in one of our workshops, we look forward to hearing from you! Please come by sometime, have a cup of coffee, and tell us about the interests and dreams in your life. We would like to get acquainted!
Kevin Murachanian, Founder and Owner
Pastime Junction, LLC
Phone: 937.433.2787
The past two years were spent developing a place where people can come to gain experiences of a lifetime in music, arts, and business development.
On April 26, 2011, Jessica Murachanian became a member of our family. She recently graduated with a Master's in Human Services from Liberty University. Jessica has a passion for working with young people and experiencing the joys through their accomplishments.
I graduated from Cedarville University in 1993 and am the Executive Vice President of ProvNet Strategies, Inc.
We contracted with an ever growing list of music and art instructors. At Pastime Junction, whether it be through taking private music lessons or enrolling in one of our workshops, we look forward to hearing from you! Please come by sometime, have a cup of coffee, and tell us about the interests and dreams in your life. We would like to get acquainted!
Kevin Murachanian, Founder and Owner
Pastime Junction, LLC
Phone: 937.433.2787
FREDA MCKINNEY, PIANO AND VOICE
Freda is an Ohio certified teacher and has been a classroom music teacher (K-12) at several private schools, including Dayton Christian. Mrs. McKinney has also worked as an adjunct faculty member at Stiver’s School for the Arts in Dayton. Mrs. McKinney has taught private lessons and groups for over 25 years. She is a specialty music teacher with experience in: hand bells, pre-school music, music history, music literature, music theory, and private voice and piano lessons. She has coordinated and directed several church choirs – children, youth, and adult levels. Currently, she is the choir director at the Spinning Road Baptist Church in Kettering, Ohio and enjoys singing with the Hauer Swing Band as well as the Gem City Bands & Orchestra.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Mark Reis, Violin and Viola
Mark received the Cynthia Fischer Bocke Award, Miami University, May 1986. Cynthia Fischer Bocke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate String Playing. Magna Cum Laude, Miami University, May 1987, Graduated with a 3.98 grade point average. Graduate Student Achievement Award Miami University, May 1989, Award given for excellence in an area of study outside your major. Mark gave a paper at the American Musicological Society on Developing Concert Life in Cincinnati. Performed for Vice-President George H. Bush at the Vice Presidential Mansion in Washington D.C. for the National Business Consortium for the Gifted and Talented, April 1983
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Violin and Viola Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Violin and Viola Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Megan Welenc, Piano and Violin
Megan graduated cum laude from Bowling Green State University with a B.A. in Music and a minor in theatre. She has 21 years of performance experience in piano, violin, voice, theatre and dance. She has been teaching private music lessons in Centerville for five years, first at Wasson Music Center and now at Pastime Junction. She specializes in beginning/intermediate piano and beginning violin. She emphasizes a fun, relaxed approach to learning music that builds the skills needed for a lifetime of well-rounded musicianship.
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Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
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Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Paul Murachanian, Brass and Woodwinds
Graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, WWII Navy Veteran, Director of the Gem City Bands & Orchestra, Created a multitude of successful band programs throughout Greater Cincinnati and the Miami Valley. Arranged bands for a former US President and for countless military events. A lifelong friend to countless people, a loving husband, and a proud grandfather.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Carla Grossman, Piano
Carla received her degree in Piano Pedagogy from Cedarville University, one of the most prestigious pedagogy programs in the United States. Carla is also a member of the Beavercreek Piano Teacher’s Association and Music Teachers National Association, Summer of 2013, Carla had the opportunity to give piano instruction while in Rwanda. At church, she is an accomplished accompanist.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Kandis Wean, Voice, Theatre, Acting
Capital University, Bachelor of Music, Vocal Music Theater, Opera, 2000 – 2004
Centerville City Schools, Music Educator
Human Race Theatre Company, Performer
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Centerville City Schools, Music Educator
Human Race Theatre Company, Performer
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
KERRY KENNARD, PERCUSSION
Masters in Music (M.M.), years of experience in drum-set and percussion performance, private teaching and undergraduate non-major teaching experience at Eastern Kentucky University highlight teaching. Circus Gigs included over fifty performances with The Great Wallendas and over four hundred performances with the Hanneford Family Circus. Also, performed with Holland America Line for over three years. Played various percussion instruments, i.e. Congas, Timpani, tambourine, shakers, etc. for various guest entertainers, dance music, and other musical events around the ship (i.e. ‘sailaways’ from port). Played Jazz drum-kit with the Neptunes, a 3-piece trio.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Joel Thompson, Cello
Joel received his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Wright State University in 2012. He currently performs freelance with the Middletown Symphony and the Springfield Symphony, as well as his gigging quartet, "Viva La Strings". Other musical interests include fiddle, viola da gamba, and instrument making.
We enjoyed having Joel with us! He is now in Chicago.
We enjoyed having Joel with us! He is now in Chicago.
JOHN deGRUCHY, BASSOON
John is a native of Long Island, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied under Cleveland Orchestra principal bassoonist, George Goslee. He also earned a Masters of Music from Rice University, studying under Benjamin Kamins. John served as Second Bassoon in the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra from 1988-1996. He has also performed extensively throughout Southwest Ohio and the Midwest, which includes performances with the Cincinnati Opera and Ballet, the Springfield Symphony, the West Virginia Symphony, and the Whitewater Opera Company. Most recently, John performed as Principal Bassoon with the Lima Symphony in 2011 and 2012, the Middletown Symphony 2006 and 2007, and also with the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony 2007-2009. John and his wife, Katherine, were featured as guest artists at the 2012 International Double Reed Society's Annual Conference.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Bassoon Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Bassoon Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
KATHERINE L deGRUCHY, OBOE
Katherine received her Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with the renowned oboist John Mack of the Cleveland Orchestra. She was in Mexico City for seventeen years where she played oboe and English horn with the Mexico City Philharmonic and other orchestras. She returned to the Dayton area in 2005 and has continued her performing career subbing with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and others. In 2006, she helped create the Burning River Winds with her husband, John. Katherine is the Adjunct Instructor of Applied Oboe at Wright State University and also teaches oboe to younger students in several local schools.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Oboe Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Oboe Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
KATHLEEN BISSON, HARP
The first time Kathleen ever saw a harp, she was attending her aunt's wedding at six years of age. Her family was horrified because she defied normal etiquette and was so enthralled that she paid more attention to the harpist than to the bride. That fascination led first to piano lessons, and eventually, at age fourteen, to harp lessons. She began harp lessons with Dayton area harpist, Joan Seymour. Her teachers have included Leah Estes; Jeanne Norton, Jude Mollenhauer, principal harpist of the Columbus Symphony for 20 years, and Leslie Stratton Norris, principal harpist of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Kathleen pursued harp in her higher education and has a B.A. in Music from Thomas Edison State College and M. M. in Harp Performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Gillian Benet Sella, principal harpist with the Cincinnati Symphony. Kathleen has performed with many area ensembles including the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, Yellow Springs Community Orchestra and Chorus, Middletown Youth Symphony, and with various choirs and musicians in the Dayton area. Kathleen was been a member of the Harps of Grace Ensemble for over ten years. She frequently performs for weddings, rehearsals, receptions, memorial services, and other events in the Dayton area. Kathleen enjoys teaching students of all ages beginning and intermediate level harp music. She is the founder and director of a Dayton area youth harp ensemble, and frequently performs as a soloist for events in the greater Dayton area. When presenting programs and performing concerts she plays a wide variety of musical styles and loves to answer questions about the harp.
Kareem Powell, Piano and Theatre
Indiana University Bloomington, M.M., Music Theory,1999 – 2001. Associate Instructor of Music Theory and Aural Skills Training. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, B.S., Music Education 1995 – 1998. Owner of Sunstrike Entertainment, LLC, Freelance Pianist, 1994 – Present (19 years) Musical direction for theatrical productions. Pianist in a multitude of jazz ensembles and big bands. Accompanist/Arranger for a number of vocal groups and instrumental ensembles. Former President of the Dayton Musicians Association, January 2007 – January 2011 (4 years 1 month) Hosted the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Regional Orchestra, Players Association Conference. (2009) Recognized by Dayton Musicians Association and International Musician for improving the relationship with the Dayton Philharmonic Players Committee. (August 2010 issue.), Adjunct Professor, Central State University (2009-2010) He is an experienced musical director and pianist who has worked with a variety of performers, from beginners to nationally-renowned recording artists. His strength is in studying the music and bringing people together in the manner that best serves the music. Whether as part of a rhythm section, the sole accompanist for a choir, or any number of potential configurations, he looks for what the music needs and – if necessary – strives to add to it in all the right places. His objective in every musical situation is to do what it takes to help everyone (himself included) find the freedom to perform the music at their best.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
CAMERON VOORHEES
Master Sergeant (ret) musician-airman from the USAF Band career field. With a BA in Composition from Berklee College of Music, Cameron served as guitarist, pianist, composer, arranger, transcriber, band leader, instructor, operations coordinator, vehicle logistics manager, security manager, and supervisor among various other duties, during his 20-year career. Along side his military service, he served his local church as an multi-instrumentalist, band leader, arranger, youth group guitar instructor, care group leader, Sunday-school and bible class teacher.
Since his retirement, he is engaged in the local community as a performer on guitar, piano, and bass with various groups in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus area. He also does arranging, music transcription services, studio musician work, and holds a position as an adjunct guitar instructor at Cedarville University.
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Since his retirement, he is engaged in the local community as a performer on guitar, piano, and bass with various groups in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus area. He also does arranging, music transcription services, studio musician work, and holds a position as an adjunct guitar instructor at Cedarville University.
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
RICHARD BEGEL
Ohio-based trombonist, Richard Begel, is a member of the Dayton Philharmonic and has performed with orchestras throughout the U.S. and abroad. He has also performed with many popular artists such as Canadian Brass, John Pizzarelli, Arturo Sandoval, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, and Sarah McLachlan.
Rich is the author of A Modern Guide for Trombonists and Other Musicians, the editor of Intonation Repair Tool, and he holds Ohio Teacher Certification. As a faculty member of Pastime Junction, Sinclair Community College, Earlham College, and the Kroc Center of Dayton, Rich teaches Music Appreciation, Music Technology, and all brass instruments. His students are now in youth orchestras, on college scholarships, in military bands, and in professional ensembles. He focuses on basic brass technique and good musical habits such as phrasing and proper style, and helps students grow into beginning jazz improvisation.
Rich performs on the trombone, alto trombone, and euphonium, and also teaches tuba, alto horn, and beginning trumpet lessons. Rich attended Michigan State University, New England Conservatory, and the Crane School of Music.
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Rich is the author of A Modern Guide for Trombonists and Other Musicians, the editor of Intonation Repair Tool, and he holds Ohio Teacher Certification. As a faculty member of Pastime Junction, Sinclair Community College, Earlham College, and the Kroc Center of Dayton, Rich teaches Music Appreciation, Music Technology, and all brass instruments. His students are now in youth orchestras, on college scholarships, in military bands, and in professional ensembles. He focuses on basic brass technique and good musical habits such as phrasing and proper style, and helps students grow into beginning jazz improvisation.
Rich performs on the trombone, alto trombone, and euphonium, and also teaches tuba, alto horn, and beginning trumpet lessons. Rich attended Michigan State University, New England Conservatory, and the Crane School of Music.
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
SARAH WALK, PIANO
Sarah Walk is a young, fresh, exciting, and passionate private piano instructor who recently received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Thomas Edison State College. In addition, she has participated in the National Piano Guild at various levels as both a performer and an instructor, receiving the highest marks possible. Sarah has participated in competitions and youth orchestras state-wide. She brings a lighthearted yet detailed experience to her classically-driven piano lessons, keeping students engaged and excited to learn at a very precise standard. She loves seeing her students excel in something that she is passionate about! Whether you're looking for lessons for a short time or a lifetime, Sarah is ready to help you explore the language and art of music. Sarah is accepting beginning and intermediate piano students from all ages and backgrounds.
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Brett Greenwood, Voice and Theatre
Brett studied Vocal Performance at Wright State University. He has fifteen years of musical theatre performance experience including: LaCommedia Dinner Theatre, the Schuster Center, Bearcreek Resort Indiana, and Encore Theatre Co. Brett has taught private voice lessons for the past ten years.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability. Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Cory Richardson, Percussion
Cory is currently finishing up his Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance at Cedarville University. He has served as Principal Percussionist for the university's Symphonic Band and Brass Choir and Principal Timpanist for the university Orchestra. Among his performance achievements at Cedarville, he has also performed as section percussionist with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, substitute percussionist with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and has toured twice with the United States Air Force Band of Flight. He has taught private lessons for seven years and enjoys teaching students of all ages and abilities. He offers instruction in drum set, marching percussion, concert percussion, hand drums, and more!
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability Music Lessons Offered in Centerville Ohio
Laura Evans
Bachelors of Music, Keyboard Pedagogy, Cedarville University. Covers the surrounding areas of Xenia.
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
Gail GNAGEY, Art Instructor
Attended Goshen College. Art Classes offered in Graphite, Charcoal, Soft Pastel, Watercolor Painting
Instructor Gail Gnagey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and has Middle and Secondary Credentials in Art Education. He taught Art at Clinton Christian School in Goshen, IN, Valley Christian School in Missoula, MT, Xenia Christian School in Xenia, OH, and Dayton Christian School in Miamisburg, OH.
Two years his students won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Outstanding High School Artist contest for Missoula, MT area. At Dayton Christian, two times Gail’s students have won the Ohio District Congressional Art Competition with their work going to Washington, D.C. for a year and being displayed at the Capital building. Also, have had a 4th place, 2nd place, and multiple Honorable Mentions. At DC, one of his students won the Middletown Art Festival 2014, students won 2 of the 3 Best of Show Awards for 2013 and 2014 at the ACSI Regional Art Competition, one of his students won 1st place and 2nd Runnerup Best of Show and People’s Choice Award in local Preble County Fair. At Xenia Christian, one of his students won an Honorable Mention for 2D3D Art Contest of Cleveland Art Institute. Multiple Students were awarded College Art Scholarships based on their portfolios. His students at DC have been awarded the Yeck Scholarship whereby 12 students are chosen each year from the area, based on their portfolios, to receive free training for 8 weeks at the Dayton Art Institute. DC students had 5 of the 12 slots in 2013, 2 of the 12 in 2014, and 5 of the 12 for 2015. Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
Instructor Gail Gnagey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and has Middle and Secondary Credentials in Art Education. He taught Art at Clinton Christian School in Goshen, IN, Valley Christian School in Missoula, MT, Xenia Christian School in Xenia, OH, and Dayton Christian School in Miamisburg, OH.
Two years his students won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Outstanding High School Artist contest for Missoula, MT area. At Dayton Christian, two times Gail’s students have won the Ohio District Congressional Art Competition with their work going to Washington, D.C. for a year and being displayed at the Capital building. Also, have had a 4th place, 2nd place, and multiple Honorable Mentions. At DC, one of his students won the Middletown Art Festival 2014, students won 2 of the 3 Best of Show Awards for 2013 and 2014 at the ACSI Regional Art Competition, one of his students won 1st place and 2nd Runnerup Best of Show and People’s Choice Award in local Preble County Fair. At Xenia Christian, one of his students won an Honorable Mention for 2D3D Art Contest of Cleveland Art Institute. Multiple Students were awarded College Art Scholarships based on their portfolios. His students at DC have been awarded the Yeck Scholarship whereby 12 students are chosen each year from the area, based on their portfolios, to receive free training for 8 weeks at the Dayton Art Institute. DC students had 5 of the 12 slots in 2013, 2 of the 12 in 2014, and 5 of the 12 for 2015. Inquiry for Lesson Time Availability
Anna Bumiller, Cello Clinics and Performance
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Music, Violoncello Performance, 2010 – 2012. University of Dayton,
Bachelor of Music, Music Teacher Education, 2006 – 2010, Principal cellist, University Orchestra. 4 solo cello recitals; additional performances on violin and viola. Student taught in Centerville City Schools orchestra program. Graduated with magna cum laude distinction. Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar award. Dependent on availability, Anna enjoys performing and conducting cello clinics.
Jessica Murachanian
New Class Development. Liberty University, Masters in Human Services. 2012. Wright State University, BA.
Kevin Murachanian, Brass and Woodwinds
Graduated from Cedarville University with a BA. Personal Experience: Instructions have included basic instrument through advanced brass and woodwinds, seating/honor band/college/conservatory auditions, OMEA / Federation preps, TAPS for memorial services, Boy Scout badges, church performances, and marching band preps to name a few. Held student recitals. Brought with me from earlier studio teaching in the 1980s a successful, service-marked program I developed known as Quick Start (SM). This program, over the years, has matured into a solid program, also offered by my father.
Prior Studio Experience:
1980s: Centerville Noteworthy Music Center
1980s and 1990s: Xenia Noteworthy Music Center
1990s: Beaver Valley Music
1990s: Singer Music
1990s: The Miami Valley School
2000s: Synergy Music
1995 thru 2013: Wasson Music Center
Over 25 years of instructional experience.
Prior Studio Experience:
1980s: Centerville Noteworthy Music Center
1980s and 1990s: Xenia Noteworthy Music Center
1990s: Beaver Valley Music
1990s: Singer Music
1990s: The Miami Valley School
2000s: Synergy Music
1995 thru 2013: Wasson Music Center
Over 25 years of instructional experience.