Training: LGBTQIA+ Instruction
Sarah 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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Care O’Leary
Care O’Leary is a teaching artist in CMSS’ Sonido Musica program. Care is a Hampden county musician who’s been playing violin for over 20 years, After studying music and graduating from Holyoke Community College, they picked up viola and cello as well. While they were classically trained and have played in numerous orchestras and chamber music ensembles over the years, they’ve also branched out into more contemporary music- from folk to avant garde rock to free improvisation. They play in multiple outfits in western MA, and they love to perform, tour and record with their bandmates.
Learn with me if…
If you are curious about violin and all of the different kinds of music you can make with it! I love to explore all genres and collaborate with my students. If you have a song that you love, or an idea of what sort of music you want to try, I can help you with that while we learn our foundational violin techniques and style. We can even write a song!
Care’s Student Testimonials
Explore all faculty and instruments“Care does an amazing job of picking musical pieces that are right for my skill level but also provide the right amount of challenge.”; “Care helps prioritize what you need to work on to help you grow and learn.”- Ethan Burt
Alton Skinner
Alton Skinner is a Teaching Artist in CMSS’ Sonido Musica program. He is a professional saxophonist, musician, and Springfield native who discovered his passion for music at the Springfield High School of Science and Technology. After receiving an education in Music at Holyoke Community College, Alton has gone on to share the stage with musicians such as Robert ‘Sput’ Searight, Doobie Powell, The Delfonics, and Michelle Brooks-Thompson.
Specializing in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rnb/Soul, Funk, and Fusion genres, Alton’s passion for the art of music has led to many performances and collaborations all over the East Coast. His influences include Stevie Wonder, Michael Brecker, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, and Dexter Gordon.
Learn with me if…
Private lessons with me are tailored to your interests in a way that also addresses the fundamentals. If you want to learn versatility, discipline, and the best ways to bring the right mindset to playing and practicing saxophone while also having fun with music, then I’d be happy to help you learn!
Alton’s Student Testimonials
Explore all faculty and instruments“We’ve been very happy with these lessons. This is my daughter’s first time playing saxophone. She was hesitant to take Zoom lessons, but she loves working with Alton. He kind and encouraging, but also teaching her new skills.” – Esme Gray
“Alton uses his knowledge of music and technology to make the lesson fun and understandable even for someone at my age.” – Jim Aldrich (Adult Student)
Laurie Ellington
Laurie Ellington is a vocalist, conductor, and music educator with over 15 years’ experience leading choruses of all ages. Her 20+ year singing career encompasses work with bands big and small, pop and jazz a cappella groups, musical theatre, and classical choirs in the US, Europe, and Asia. As a conductor, she believes that ensemble singing is one of life’s great pleasures; she believes group singing should be about joy, connection, and creating compelling performances, no matter the repertoire. Laurie holds a B.A. from Harvard and a Master’s in Music Education from Boston Conservatory.
Learn with me if…
If you want to learn how to sing with greater ease and comfort. We can apply your newfound healthy technique to nearly any genre of music you like; I especially love working in jazz, pop, and musical theater.
Laurie’s Student Testimonials
“Laurie radiates enthusiasm and encouragement, always believing in you even when you doubt yourself. Her faith inspires you to give your very best, gently drawing you out of your shell and helping you shine in ways you didn’t know you could.” – Blythe Babjes
“She is able to teach vocal and musical skills at all different levels. She conveys confidence in her singers and encourages us to stretch.” – Laura Derr
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