Training: Guitar Learning Community
William Losch
William Losch holds a Bachelor of Music degree in String Performance from Florida State University, where he specialized in the double bass. He has studied both the classical and jazz traditions, and his teachers have included Melanie Punter, Rodney Jordan, Terry Plumeri and Nilson Matta.
As a bassist, William has been a member of the Gainesville (FL) Orchestra and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed in classical and jazz ensembles, as a choir accompanist and in pit orchestras. William is certified as a Music teacher in Massachusetts (K-12) and currently teaches in the Springfield Public Schools.
William’s interest in music came from hearing his cousins and uncles play the guitar, as well as taking up the trumpet in 5th grade band. His philosophy about music education is that music is a language and should be treated as such. As babies, we were initially encouraged to improvise using the sounds we knew. Only once we had mastered improvisation were we then taught to read. Learning music in this same way allows us to develop with music the same freedom of expression we enjoy in our own native language.
Learn with me if…
If you want to be able to play your favorite song by ear and also be able to read music, or if you love songs from every style and genre and want to learn more!
Explore all faculty and instrumentsSarah Soller-Mihlek
No sleep ’til…Springfield! Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Sarah Soller-Mihlek is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), multi-instrumentalist, performer, and music instructor with a decade of teaching experience on guitar, bass, drums, piano and voice. She has a classical background in guitar from the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College and a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Westfield State University. She was a one-to-one music instructor at Real Brave Audio community music school for 8 years in Queens, NY, where she taught a wide range of students from ages 4-82. During the pandemic, she was a band coach and songwriting instructor at Girls Rock! D.C. She continued her music education experience in inclusive preschool settings (at Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center), and developmental learning programs with high schoolers (at Westfield High School). With the opportunity to join the CMSS faculty in 2024, she became a teaching artist for the Prelude Preschool of the Arts, Music Exploration, and the Adaptive Music Program. She also teaches one-to-one lessons, tailoring them to meet students where they are at and utilizing client-preferred music.
As a proud first-generation Filipina-American and member of the LGBTQ+ community, she is a huge advocate for making music education accessible to everyone. Coming from a strong DIY background, she believes that music has the power to bring people together by providing a meaningful tool for advocacy, creative expression, insight, and empowerment.
Sarah performed in riot grrrl, alternative, and indie rock bands for over ten years in NYC. Since moving to Western MA, she continues to play in multiple projects, such as drummer of indie-rock band Ex-Temper, and guitarist/lead singer of punk rock band, Sunshine and the Rainbows. She collaborates frequently with local artists and musicians to provide all ages community and performance events. Because music was so impactful in her own life, Sarah hopes to inspire others by providing a welcoming space for anyone who wants to explore music.
Learn with me if…
If you want to express yourself through the power of music! Music isn’t about perfection – it’s about authenticity and connection. It is a way to reflect identity, convey emotion, and interact with the world regardless of level, background, or status.
Sarah’s Student Testimonials
“Sarah is so encouraging and positive, my son feels drawn to music and trying new things in the space she creates. She spots individuals’ interests and builds on those — and she adapts to group dynamics exceptionally well. She is amazing.” – Rex Pittman
“Sarah does a fantastic job of inspiring a lifelong love and appreciation of music. She really connects with Luka by finding his specific definition of fun and finds adjacent things to expand his palate.” – Luka Nowak
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Andres Lopez Pozo
Andres Lopez Pozo, originally from Cuba, is a multi-instrument player who specializes in guitar. Andres graduated from the Esteban Salas Music Conservatory in Santiago de Cuba, where he studied the instruction and performance of guitar, Cuban tres guitar, and ensemble. He has over twenty years of experience teaching guitar, Cuban tres guitar, and Latin music to students of all ages. Songwriting, arranging, and composing are also within his repertoire. In addition to teaching music, he has performed professionally with a traditional Cuban music band, a classical guitar ensemble, in popular Cuban music festivals, and on tour in international festivals.
Learn with me if…
If you are looking for an excellent opportunity to learn different styles of guitar and music theory through beautiful songs, melodies, harmonies, and more. I work with beginners to professionals. Give it a try. Explore your artistic side and achieve your potential.
Andres’ Student Testimonials
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Chris Foe
Chris Foe is an emerging composer whose work is performed and recorded widely throughout the New York, Boston, and Western Massachusetts areas. Originally from West Michigan, Chris graduated summa cum laude from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music where he studied guitar and composition under internationally renowned guitarist John Abercrombie. During his years there, he was designated a James Moody Scholar and saw his music performed at major venues like Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and The Falcon.
Having recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a master’s degree in jazz composition and arranging, Chris now works as a freelance arranger and engraver and is active on the national competition circuit. His successes in this arena include a second-place finish in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition where his piece, “The Western Shore”, was judged against a record number of entries by a panel of judges that included Bill Holman, Gordon Goodwin, and Nan Schwartz.
Learn with me if…
If you love music and want to explore your passion with a teacher who values patience and kindness as much as excellence in musicianship. With me you’ll develop the skills to play the music you love and have fun while you do it! I teach and enjoy all styles of music, from classical and jazz to blues, rock, metal, and more.
Chris’ Student Testimonials
“Chris is always understanding and works with my schedule. Sometimes I don’t get enough practice time before my lessons but he is always reassuring and understands the demands of family life. I’m really greatful to have such a teacher! The study material that he selects for my lessons is great, I enjoy playing the pieces. I think he is very attentive and I can definitly say I’m making progress.”
“All I know is that he is one of the best teachers out there, I don’t know if there is any one better than him!” Loris Timirican
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