Hi, I’m Ben!

I teach guitar, voice, songwriting, recording, music business, and I am a band coach. I’ve fronted rock bands for over 20 years, and I’ve played shows with some wonderful artists (most notably Switchfoot and The Used).

I believe that participation in music and creativity makes us more human and more ourselves, and that making music can be a beautiful way to connect with each other and make meaning out of our lives. I love helping students find their creative voice and find their bandmates and creative partners.

Quick Riff: The first song I ever learned was the Sweater Song by Weezer, and I can still play (almost) every song from the Blue Album from memory.

Hi, I’m Halle!

I teach voice, songwriting, piano, and guitar lessons, along with baby classes here at Riff. I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was a kid, and I’ve been writing songs for over eleven years.

Originally from Michigan, I moved to Colorado to earn my degree in Music with a songwriting emphasis from the University of Colorado Denver. Now, I perform with my folk-rock band all around the Denver area.

My favorite part of teaching is helping students explore different vocal and instrumental styles while building confidence in their own lyrics and original songs. I love watching an idea grow from a tiny spark into a fully realized piece of music. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity and support within the music community.

Whether I’m teaching lessons or baby classes, my goal is to make every student feel included and empowered—to help them reach their musical goals while having fun and playing songs they love.

Quick Riff: If I could jam with any artist, it would definitely be Brandi Carlile. She’s an absolute rockstar, and seeing her live at Red Rocks is always unforgettable!

Hi, I’m Holly!

I teach drums and I am a band coach at Riff. I’ve been running it back with my favorite pair of drumsticks ever since I first got to that little drum shop in backwoods Missouri when I was 6 years old. I’ve been a kit player for 20 years, performing everywhere from parades at Disneyland, Bands of America competitions, Jazz ensembles, and Orchestra with my high school. I play the full acoustic kit, marching snare/bass, various orchestral percussion, keyboard percussion, and the guitar as of several months ago (the drum kit doesn’t make a particularly alluring instrument to play at the park).

When I’m not teaching, you might see me out on my motorcycle running down the mountain roads or exploring new places to rock climb with friends. For me, teaching is all about making a connection with each individual student. We’re all wired very differently, and understanding what excites my students, what grooves they feel in their bones, and how they learn as an individual is the most important part of my teaching style.

Every drummer has a voice and a style that speaks to them, and you know exactly when you hear someone’s electricity on the kit. That’s why I’m interested in helping you find your voice and make it heard.

Quick Riff: If I could play with any artist, I’d play with the drummer for Dave Matthews’ Band. Every hit of the cymbal makes me feel like eagles and freedom. You don’t play like that by thinking; You do it by feeling the music and expressing yourself in it.

Hi, I’m Matt!

I teach cello at Riff. I’ve been playing for 16 years, but music has been a part of my life since I first started banging out songs on the piano when I was 5. Since then, music has taken me all over the US, Canada, and even Europe. While I love classical music, some of my favorite experiences have been on stage with singer-songwriters, doing studio work, playing alongside movies, and being a part of musicals.

I believe great teaching starts with great listening. All of us have different physiques, goals, and ways of learning, and I love helping students figure out how to navigate all of that while making music. It’s all about experimenting, building confidence, and enjoying the process, and if we make some mistakes along the way, that’s totally fine! It’ll only help us to become even better musicians.

Hi, I’m Robert!

I teach guitar, electric bass, double bass, and ukulele. I’ve been playing music for 20 years in recording studios and stages across the US and Europe. I’ve met some great people (and some wacky characters) along the way.

At Riff, I love helping students learn just how much they’re capable of. There’s nothing quite like guiding someone through gaining confidence with their instrument, jamming their favorite songs with friends, and then rocking out like a pro on stage! I want all my students to have as much fun making music as I do!

Quick Riff: The first song I ever learned to play was “God of Thunder” by Kiss – and 20 years later, I still remember how cool I felt playing it!

I look forward to working with you!

Hi, I’m Taylor!

I teach piano, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, drums, composition and audio production at Riff. I also coach bands for the Riff Band Program. I’ve always loved music since a young age when I first started taking piano lessons.

That love has compelled me since, helping me to earn my degree in music composition, travel the world to compete in music, play shows throughout Colorado, work on different media projects, and work as a stage manager for venues such as the Boulder Theater and Fox Theater.

I’ve always tried to immerse myself into all avenues within the music world. Of course, I’ve also been teaching private music lessons for well over a decade! My favorite thing about teaching is seeing that same love and excitement grow inside a student. I’ll always do my best to meet students where they are and find fun and exciting ways for them to improve on their instrument, or to become stronger songwriters.

Quick Riff: I love storytelling in music, whether in film scores, video game soundtracks, or from awesome rock bands like The Dear Hunter!

Hi, I’m Alison!

I teach violin, ukulele, and piano at Riff Music School, and I’m passionate about helping students of all ages kickstart their musical journey. I’ve been behind an instrument for 23 years now. I actually got my start when I was just three years old! Since then, I’ve never stopped exploring, whether it’s forming my own string quartet or heading into the recording studio to experiment with friends.

At Riff, I believe the best way to learn is by creating a safe space to have fun while having the freedom to make mistakes. Whether you’re picking up a bow or a pick for the first time, or you are a seasoned musician hoping to improve your skills, my goal is to help you discover what your unique path looks like while fostering a genuine love for music.

Hi, I’m Emily!

I teach violin, voice and guitar and specialize in roots music such as blues, bluegrass and country. I have been a professional touring musician for over 12 years, and I love teaching students how to speak the language of music.

In my opinion, playing music with others is the most fun! I can teach you how to be in a band, write songs, produce your own music and run your own music business.

Quick Riff: The first song I learned to play on guitar was “Annie’s Song” by John Denver.

Hi, I’m Katie!

I am so excited to be teaching with Riff. I’ve been singing all my life, and I started playing guitar/piano and writing songs about 12 years ago. I’ve always loved music, but as a teenager, I was scared to fully put myself out there and see what life in music could look like for me. Thankfully, I took the leap and started taking lessons.

That experience encouraged me to study Singing/Songwriting in college, where I met so many amazing collaborators and learned about the music industry. Since then, I’ve toured, recorded, and recently earned a Master’s of Popular Music in London. I love teaching because I love seeing that spark of inspiration in students’ eyes. I love witnessing the moment when students realize that they, too, can have a life in music.

Alongside being an artist and a teacher, I am a huge fan. I love traveling to see my favorite artists – like Harry Styles and boygenius – and I love learning more about classic artists I love – like The Beatles and David Bowie.

Quick Riff: My dream artist collaboration would be Harry Styles and George Harrison. I can only imagine how much I’d love the product of their combined creativity!

Hi, I’m Tyler!

I teach drums, audio engineering, and artist management at Riff. I’ve been obsessed with music since I was 13, and I love helping spark that same passion in others.

My love for music really took off when I saw Twenty One Pilots live. The energy they brought to the stage was incredible, and you could feel it ripple through the entire crowd. It felt like everyone in the room was connected. I’ve never heard a crowd sing so loudly and powerfully. That experience showed me the true impact music can have on people’s lives. I saw the joy of performing and the sense of community it creates, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to music and helping others experience that same feeling.

Over time, that passion grew into helping others discover their own. I believe songs change lives, not just technique, so I focus on teaching through music students love. That way, the most important part of music, the joy, is never lost. I started by learning my favorite songs, which led me to develop technique, explore new styles, and continue growing as a musician. That same approach has taken me to performing at major festivals and playing for thousands of people, while always keeping music fun and meaningful.

Quick Riff: If I could jam with any artist, I’d choose Michael Jackson. I think he’s the greatest performer of all time. His songs are incredible and so fun to play, and his live bands were always phenomenal.

Hi, I’m Logan!

My name is Logan, and I teach Voice, Piano, and Songwriting at Riff. I have been writing and performing music for as long as I can remember. I have been singing in choirs since elementary school and have been playing in jazz bands for the past few years. At MSU Denver, I double majored in Jazz Piano Performance and Music Composition.

I would love to foster a lifelong appreciation for all types of music and the community that comes with it. Engaging with students about the music they love, and seeing them light up, grow, and come out of their shell, is one of the most rewarding parts of being a music teacher. No matter what we’re working toward, that connection is what makes it meaningful.

When I’m not teaching, I’m usually writing my own music, whether it’s pop, jazz, or classical, playing piano in a band with friends, or singing in a barbershop quartet.

Quick Riff: My favorite band for the last 5 or more years is Vulfpeck, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

I look forward to working with you!