Our Instructors
At Jammin’ Music Studios our team is committed to helping you achieve your musical goals and aspirations. Each instructor is an experienced performer and educator, preferring not only to play music but also to pass on their talents to others. Student’s musical likes are woven into the lessons along with core skills (proper technique, sheet music reading, music theory, etc). We believe learning to play music should be fun! We’ll have you playing music fast, and before you know it you’ll be playing your favorite songs.
Alex Balsley
Piano
Alex began playing piano when she was 6 years old. As with many students Alex did not always enjoy learning, but through her mother’s encouragement she stuck it out and flourished. Today, those 25+ years of classical training have taken root and Alex not only loves playing piano…
“My daughter Melissa loves Alex! She eagerly looks forward to her weekly lessons! Alex is flexible with our crazy busy schedule. She lives to see her students learn and have fun with piano!” – Annette
Jon Balsley
Guitar | Piano
Olympia native, Jon, has a passion for making good music and for helping others learn to do the same. Having played on multiple projects and in several different bands, he understands well how to work with other musicians in a band setting. Jon teaches both guitar and piano.
“Jon Balsley is a wonderful person who happens to be a tremendously talented guitarist and instructor. Jon has taken the time to get to know each of our uniquely different boys and appeal to each of their strengths. Jon has been patient in teaching and flexible with schedules. He has been kind and a joy to get to know.” – Will
Crystal Zimmerman
Voice
Crystal Zimmerman received her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University. She works as Music Faculty at St. Martin’s University, and is pleased to have performed in Argentina, England, and, under the direction of John Rutter, in Carnegie Hall.
Adrienne Toney
Piano | Voice
Adrienne holds a B.A. in music with an emphasis on vocal performance. She has primarily studied musical theater and opera. She has done several programs across the country including the Manhattan Opera Studio, Opera Breve, and won first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Moriah Roos
Piano
With over 10 years of experience, Moriah has loved the journey of piano. Starting at 6 years old, she remembers the ups and downs of learning and enjoys helping her students through the process of learning, overcoming, and mastering these playable works of art.
Abby Yarbrough
Voice | Ukulele | Piano
WSU Graduate Abby began music as a child with her mother claiming she sang before she could talk. Abby works with all ages and believes learning should be both fun and educational. As a classically trained musician, she emphasizes the importance of theory and ear training.
Paul Thompson
Guitar
Paul is a long time guitar enthusiast and an Olympia native who has been playing guitar now for over 30 years. He started playing in rock bands as a teen and after taking some college level music theory eventually found his niche in Contemporary Worship Music.
“Paul is an amazing guitar teacher! He makes the lesson so much fun! He teaches me songs I want to learn and what he wants me to learn! I’m glad that he is my guitar teacher :)” -Tearney
Katie Mathias
Guitar | Piano | Classical Guitar
A recent graduate from Colorado Christian University Katie is a talented classical guitar player. Having studied locally both guitar and piano, she discovered a whole new love in college, classical guitar. Katie teaches both contemporary and classical guitar.
“How fortunate I was to be at Jammin Music Studio when Katie Mathias arrived to teach Classical Guitar. She is wonderful both as a musician to try to emulate and as teacher who motivates, encourages, and does it all with good humor and infinite patience. I have learned so much from her…” -Mary
Laurel Gonzalo
Piano | Voice | Composition
Laurel has worked in many areas of music following her graduation from the University of Puget Sound, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music. After studying and performing in Europe she returned to live in Los Angeles while continuing her studies and freelancing.
“I have known Laurel for 10 years. She is a gifted writer and teacher for all ages. She is a gifted piano performer and teacher in both pop jazz and classical music.” -Ben McDonald – Professional Musician and Educator
Leon Adams
Piano | Dupont & JBLM
R. Leon Adams is a full-time professional pianist, keyboardist, songwriter, director and arranger. Born and raised just south of Seattle, Washington, Leon has over 30 years of piano playing experience beginning at age 7, and was a church accompanist for 5 choirs at age 8. Leon has studied music at the University of Nebraska-Omaha under Dr. Steven Raybine.
Steven Mathias
Piano | Dupont & JBLM
Steven holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music from Colorado Christian University, where he graduated in 2012. There he took private instruction from Danny ‘Masters’ Gorklo, whose other students have included Chris Broderick (of the heavy metal band Megadeth) and Jammin’ Music Studios’ own Katie Mathias.
Joey Archer
Studio Director
Guitar | Bass | Ukulele
Joey is one of Olympia’s most sought after and family friendly instructors. Having taught music for almost two decades he has kept a very full schedule teaching, at times, over 100 students a week. Whether it’s working with beginners, helping someone learn their favorite song, teaching music theory, or leading the staff at the studio, teaching is a passion for him.
“Joey came highly recommended and we have not been disappointed. My daughter has taken guitar lessons from a variety of teachers over the past 5 years and Joey is the clear favorite. The lessons are challenging, but geared toward my daughter’s musical taste and abilities.” -Jen
Dennis Williams
Piano
Music has been a passion for Dennis since he was very young. He started out playing the piano on his own learning as much as he could. He began taking lessons and in his first year he advanced quickly and was chosen to represent his class in the State Audition Recognition Recital.
“Kendrick enjoys his piano lessons with Dennis. He teaches the technical aspect of piano playing in a fun, easy to learn way. Awesome piano teacher. Highly recommended.” – Donna