Learn more about our dedicated and passionate instructors here!
Krissy Bergmark - Percussion
Krissy is currently a teacher and performer in the
Twin Cities Area. She received her Master’s Degree in percussion
performance from the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Fernando
Meza and directed the U of M Steel Band. Krissy teaches percussion ensemble and
marching percussion at Lakeville South High School, and marching percussion at
Blaine High School, in addition to teaching private lessons out of her home in
South Minneapolis. She also directs DrumHeart, a women’s drumming
ensemble based through the Women’s Drum Center in St. Paul. As a graduate of
Northern Illinois University and a student of Greg Beyer and Robert Chappell,
Krissy has had the opportunity to travel to India to study tabla drumming
through the Undergraduate Opportunities in Artistry and Research Grant, as well
as perform at several of the Percussive Arts Society’s International
Conventions.
Mike Welsh - Guitar
Mike has been playing guitar for 50 years and has been
teaching with the Music Academy since the program began in 2008. He has a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Family
Education, both from the University of Minnesota. Most of his career has been
spent in providing education and support to parents and children, but he enjoys
teaching beginner and intermediate guitar students to appreciate the gift of
music.
Randy Ferguson - Guitar
Randy taught in the Farmington School District for 38 years (1976-2014) and started the guitar curriculum in the middle schools. Randy has also taught in the Department of Continuing Studies at Hamline University for 20 years. He is a professional classical and flamenco guitarist and has been playing guitar for over 50 years.
Ann Bur - Violin
Ann is a graduate of Lawrence University Conservatory
of Music and has 15 years of music teaching experience. She is a
certified Suzuki teacher for books 1-4 and offers a mix of Suzuki and
traditional methods. Ann performs with the Kenwood Symphony
Orchestra and the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company.
Greg Lewis - Brass Instruments
Greg has been a professional musician for over 30 years throughout the Twin Cities area and takes teaching as seriously as
performing. He brings a wealth of experience to his students and is able to teach trumpet, cornet, French horn, baritone, tuba and trombone. Skills
will be improved in the areas of physical, technical and creative aspects of your instrument.
Linda Rich - Piano
Linda has enjoyed teaching piano students of all ages over the past 25 years in the St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City areas. A graduate of Greenville College (Illinois) in Music Education, she has also accompanied various choirs, solos and ensembles. Linda is looking forward to helping Farmington area students discover the joy of music expression through the piano and to develop lifetime skills for learning.
Gretchen Porish - Piano
Gretchen was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from St. Cloud State University with majors in Vocal Music and German and has been teaching piano for over 25 years. She has held church musician positions in Michigan and South Dakota. Gretchen enjoys helping students experience the gift of music.
Anna Everhart - Piano and Voice
Anna graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Music, with a concentration in music education. She studied classical and jazz pedagogy, and thoroughly enjoyed singing with Butler’s Jordan Jazz ensemble where she had the privilege of working with artists such as the Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, Rockapella and Bobby McFerrin. She has taught Kindermusik for 11 years and has taught Piano and Voice for 15 years. Anna values exploring all genres, and encourages her students to become well-rounded students who love music. Anna is very active with the music program at her church.