Our Teachers
Our current team of teachers boasts over 600 cumulative years of professional performance experience, with extensive experience teaching privately, in public schools, as well as at the college level. We are dedicated to providing a real world music experience. We offer instruction and performance opportunities for all musical instruments, with application in all styles, as well as vocal instruction.
Dave Murphy - WMCA Director / drums / percussion / keyboards / ensembles
Born in San Francisco, CA. Developed a passion for music very early in life and started piano at age 4, which continued through high school. At about age 11, drums and percussion became the instrument of choice however, and shortly after at the age of 13, starting drum lessons as well as gigging locally beginning at age 15.
Graduated from the University of Utah in May of 1979 with a Bachelor of Music. Graduated in May of 1980 from the University of Miami with a Master of Music. Taught in the public schools and gigged until July 1994. In January of 2004, opened Wasatch Music Coaching Academy, a long time dream and left financial services behind.
Artists performed with over the years include Ira Sullivan, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, Platters, Tokens, Coasters, Del Shannon, Ronnie Spector, Bernadette Peters, Joan Rivers, Donny Most, Buddy Hacket, Hal Linden, the Marin Symphony, and the Utah Symphony.
Greg Midgley - piano / keyboards / guitar / drums / ensembles
I began my career as a performing musician with local Salt Lake bands in the late 90's. I have backed up artists such as Wanda Jackson, Andre Williams, and Shorty Gilbert (former bassist with Howlin'; Wolf). Currently playing keyboards with Utah country-rock group "Triggers and Slips" and laptop/guitar in "Salt Lake Electric Ensemble" (in 2017 the latter released a recording of Phillip Glass' "Music With Changing Parts" on his own Orange Mountain Label). Apart from occasional freelance session work, I focus on my own solo electronic compositions. I have been teaching since 2008, first with the Rock and Roll Academy in North Salt Lake, and then Wasatch Music Coaching Academy, where I currently lead student ensembles and teach private lessons on piano/keyboards and guitar.
I believe each student has unique goals with music, and needs a teacher who can encourage them in developing a life-long enjoyment of music. I emphasize an approach where learning fundamentals of sight-reading, technique, and music theory can build a foundation to pursue the styles they have a passion for. My experience as both a teacher and a student has taught me how significant it is to have a personal connection to the music you are studying, and opportunities to perform and share at every stage of development.
Michelle Dean Whitlock - vocals
Michelle recently graduated from Brigham Young University as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, where her true allegiance lies. She has performed as a soloist with the Utah Symphony for their Salute to Youth concert, as well as solo performances in the Cathedral of the Madeleine and First Presbyterian Church. She has sung the roles of Adina in L'elisir d'amore, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Mimi in La Boheme, and recently sang the role of Violetta in La Traviata with St. George Opera Company. She has also had extensive experience as a choral singer and in recording studios.
She loves teaching, which was also part of her experience in obtaining her Masters of Music Degree at BYU.
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Barry Mork - guitar / bass /ensembles
An accomplished guitarist with real world experience in the music and recording industry, Barry brings a multi-faceted approach to his teaching method. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California.
With an emphasis on effective learning and practice habits, he is able to make difficult concepts understandable. "We focus on process and progress, not perfection. Setting achievable yet challenging goals is a major component of the process"
In addition to his work as a guitarist and guitar instructor, Barry is also a talented audio engineer and music producer. He has worked with an entire gamut of artists in his studio, from local talent to legendary and award-winning musicians and songwriters.
Brittani Brown - vocals
Brittani has been singing professionally since she was 18-years-old. She worked as a vocalist at Lagoon Amusement Park for many years before joining the Joe Muscolino Band in 2006 where she is still a lead vocalist with her husband. Brittani also holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Currículum and Instruction. When it comes to singing, Brittani uses techniques that are grounded in the classical realm and uses those as a launching point for creating vocalists who can safely sing any genre of music they choose!
Sylvia Shore - piano
Sylvia Shore has been teaching piano for 39 years, with an emphasis in beginning to intermediate piano. She is former chair of the Central Davis Chapter for the Federation of Music Clubs piano festival, and has students ranging from ages 4 to 80. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in music from Brigham Young University. Sylvia has enjoyed teaching at Wasatch Music Coaching Academy for over ten years, and is a highly valued member of their faculty. In her spare time, she loves to garden, sing in choirs, and spend time with family.
Felicia McFall - violin / viola / accordion / piano
Though violin and accordion are her main instruments, Felicia is very accomplished in piano and viola as well! She believes that everyone needs music in their lives - now more than ever. She strongly believes that music helps individuals know who they are so all can better express themselves. If you would like to begin playing music, revisit playing music, or polish up your skills, Felicia is here to help you on your musical path. She enjoys keeping her students inspired and motivated while at the same time developing musical skills. Her approach is to find comfort and strength incorporating ideas from Waldorf school ideology, Suzuki, and Feldenkrais, as well as those of her former mentors.
Dave Bowen - bass / guitar / violin / cello / mandolin / banjo / ukulele
Dan Featherstone - guitar / bass
Alan Michael - sax (all) / clarinet / flute
Sylvia Hartley - vocals
John Dilley - vocals
Jacob Greer - trumpet
Rich Dixon - guitar
Max Muscolino - bass
Matt Kingsbury - trombone
Merrill Smith - piano / keyboards
Dan Waldis - piano / keyboards / theory
