Mark Garriott

Drums and Percussion

Self-taught, Mark Garriott had an affinity for drums at the early age of nine, teaching himself by listening to various bands like the Beatles and Kiss, and practicing countless hours. In 1981 he played for the many school bands of Shelley School District, which lead to a musical scholarship to Boise State. Beginning in 1993, Mark toured the Far East and Mediterranean for the Department of Defense, playing for all factions of the United States Military.

Mark moved to Nevada where he played the Las Vegas Strip for 5 years, then settled in Idaho Falls in 1998. Mark formed his own bands, and then began teaching in 2009. He like to begin teaching kids at about 9 years of age depending on their development or skill level, as playing the drum set is one of the more challenging instruments a person can play, requiring coordination of both arms and legs.  Reading music is the foundation of Mark's teaching, and creates the ability for a student to add increasing layers of complexity and expand the creative process.

Dustin Meyers

Guitar and Ukulele

Dustin has been playing guitar for 22 years, ukulele for 7 years, and teaching for the last 8. He develops curriculum on an individual basis according to the student's natural ability, aptitude, and preferences. He works with students age 3 and up.

Helen Neilson

Piano and Voice

 Helen Neilson grew up in Burley, Idaho in a musical family of 6 kids where everyone sang and everyone played an instrument. There she took 8 yrs of piano, participated in various choirs and musical productions, and won several youth music scholarships. While attending BYU-Idaho she had the opportunity to sing with the touring choir, participate in opera productions and study with Kristine Ciesinski. She graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance.

From the little beginner to the older adult, Helen believes that everyone benefits from musical education and strives to build her students in whatever way she can.

Jim Waite

Violin and Viola

Jim has been involved in music professionally for over 30 years. He has multiple degrees in music from Brigham Young University and New York University. Some of his professional accomplishments include:

Member, 2nd violinist, Idaho Falls Symphony String Quartet

Jim has performed in orchestras worlwide, including Idaho, Utah, Pennyslvania, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong

In addition to his professional performing career, Jim has had a long career giving private instruction to countless violin, viola, and piano students.

Austin Whittle

Bass and Guitar

Austin is a performing and studio musician, and also an instructor who has studied Interdisciplinary Music Studies at Berklee Online College of Music. He has dedicated his life to bass guitar (16 years), guitar (14 years), drums (14 years), singing, and continues to hone in his craft as an artist. He teaches bass and guitar to all ages, and has been teaching for six years. He has performed with many bands in Idaho and Oregon for the last 8 years, writing songs and stories through his music and singing. Humble, optimistic, and genuine are a couple characteristics Austin beholds.

His ultimate goal as an instructor is to get the student to play music right away. This enlightens the student as they reveal their true potential as a musician. He covers education in blues, rock, country, folk, reggae, and many other genres. He encourages and motivates students when teaching bass and guitar, and provides a clear understanding when teaching concepts in music.