We will work together to set individual goals for each student. Progress depends on the amount of practice outside of lessons that students do. We believe it is important to master one concept before moving on to another, and let the learner set the pace.

—--BIG UNIVERSE MUSIC TEACHERS—--


Annie Stokes 
– voice, piano, guitar, ukelele –
Annie Stokes is a a writer, performer, and music teacher based in Virginia in the USA. Her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Prism Reviews, Daytime Blue Ridge, and more. Raised on musical theater and her mom's oldies, Annie began writing poetry and short stories at a young age, and soon after started crafting her own songs to perform at local and regional venues.

Larry Cook 
– piano, guitar, ukulele, bass –
Larry Cook is a Grammy winning bassist and educator currently based in Nashville, TN. He has been an in-demand touring and studio musician for over twenty years on upright bass, electric bass, guitar, and keyboards. His performing career has taken him across the globe (from Sweden to Australia) numerous times, and he has shared the stage with artists such as Tony Trischka, Emmylou Harris, Mavis Staples, Brandi Carlile, and many other legends. His work can be heard on over sixty albums, and his orchestrations have been performed by the Boston Pops, Pittsburgh Symphony, and many others.

Marye Lobb 
– voice, piano, guitar, ukulele –
Marye is a singer/songwriter who has shared the joy of music with students ages 4 - 94! She has opened for artists such as David Bromberg and Yo Yo Ma and has performed at venues around the world including the Stonewall Inn, The Birchmere and The Bitter End. Marye is a Berklee College of Music graduate and is currently producing her 4th album that is slated to release in Fall 2023. 

Melissa Wright 
– voice, piano, guitar, ukulele –
Melissa is a teaching artist and founder of Big Universe Music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Melissa has performed all over the US in her Americana band Mink’s Miracle Medicine, performing at notable venues such as The Bluebird Cafe and Mountain Stage. Melissa’s work has been featured in American Songwriter, NPR Music, Noisey/VICE, and more.

Nina Menezes PhD. 
– voice, piano –
As an award-winning, internationally acclaimed musician, research scholar, and educator, I have had opportunities to collaborate with world-renowned performers, writers, and scholars. I have set and accomplished some of the most audacious goals efficiently and effectively.  As an educator and mentor, I have coached thousands of students to excel in what they do and live their best lives. I draw on my life's work and experiences to empower young people to stop living in the shadows of their lives and learn to live extraordinary lives. 

Schuyler Press 
– voice, piano, guitar, ukulele –
Schuyler Press is a native New Yorker currently living in Los Angeles to Attend California Institute of the Arts where she is majoring in Music Composition and Performance. She is a songwriter who performs all original sets on the guitar and piano. Schuyler is influenced by a wide variety of performers and music genres from folk to pop to musical theater to punk. Her guitar style features detailed chord progressions along with deft fingerpicking. She has opened for performers such as Ellis Paul and Loudon Wainwright III. Her first music video “Playground Museum” had its premier at the International Film Festival Manhattan and is a winner of the My HERO International Film Festival.

Jess Kerber 
-- voice, guitar, songwriting -- 
Jess Kerber is a published singer/songwriter, heavily focusing on alternate-tuning guitar accompaniment.

In 2018, Jess was awarded the Berklee/Lollapalooza Full-tuition Scholarship to Boston’s prestigious, Berklee College of Music, where she studied songwriting and music production/engineering.

Since moving to Nashville, Jess has toured across the nation, following all coasts; and has embarked on two UK/European tours.

When Jess isn’t writing a song, she can be found walking through a park, telling her cat how much she loves her, or baking something yummy!

Homework Offered
I recommend students spend at least 1 hour a week practicing between lessons.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students can receive an assessment by parent request. 
Grades Offered