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 AJ!

I teach Voice at Riff. I’ve been singing for 15 years now, and I attended Oklahoma City University where I got my Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre and trained in piano, percussion, and music theory. I have a lot of experience teaching audition techniques and have years of college audition/unified experience as well.

My favorite part of teaching at Riff is helping future musicians find their rhythm. Now more than ever it’s so important to connect through song and to give future musicians their voice.

When I’m not teaching, you can find me either sewing, cooking, or playing video games.

Quick Riff: The song I’ve played more than any other is “Speechless” by Lady Gaga.

Hi, I’m Ellis!

I teach guitar at Riff. I have been playing guitar for 4ish years and have played a bunch of shows as a part of a few different bands. I have taught Celtic guitar and some fiddle every summer for the last few years and led bands of middle schoolers in this kind of music and in other genres like metal and rock.

I love helping kids get confident with their instruments enough to play the way they dream of playing. At Riff, my goal for lessons is to jam with my students until they learn naturally.

Quick Riff: One of the first songs I ever learned on guitar was “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel.

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 Gabby!

I teach music business, voice, piano, saxophone, and more. I’ve been playing for 16 years and have even recorded and released my own songs. At Riff, I also love to help students with songwriting, recording, and as a band coach.

My objective with teaching is to make the student feel uplifted and proud of everything that they accomplish. It’s rewarding to achieve your goals, and my goal is to help you reach them.

Quick Riff: My first ever concert was The Beach Boys.

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.