GUITAR & TROMBONE INSTRUCTOR

Shawn is a guitar nerd passionately obsessed with all things guitar; he has been playing for over 13 years across a vast array of styles ranging from heavy metal, jazz and rock, all the way to bluegrass and folk in several projects throughout the Cleveland area. He’s studied with Kevin Jones and Aidan Plank at The Woodshed in Oberlin Ohio, as well as Bob Fraser at Cleveland State University. He’s also attended music camps and masterclasses where he’s had the chance to learn from great players such as Julian Lage, Bryan Sutton, David Grier and many others.

Shawn is also an avid trombonist, having marched a season of drum and bugle corps in 2016 with Legends on baritone, and is currently an active member of the Cleveland Winds, a professional wind ensemble based out of Cleveland State where he studied trombone with Jason Smith.

When not playing guitar, Shawn can be found crafting beverages behind the bar at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room. He also enjoys cooking and smoking barbecue at home while watching Formula 1 or Indycar, or pretending he’s a race car driver sim racing.

CELLO INSTRUCTOR, CELLIST

A freelance cellist with an insatiable appetite for all things cello, Hannah brings a robust playing background with community orchestras, event venues and theater ensembles throughout Northeast Ohio to the studio. Whether you’re just starting out or a life-long learner, excited about Bach or the The Beatles, Hannah believes the adventure and exploration of learning the cello should be guided by an open and nurturing approach as unique as each student, and she is thrilled to bring her passion for playing to the Music Izz Groovy family.

When not buried in orchestra pits or making music with the Suburban Symphony and Video Game Symphony, Hannah enjoys helping people plan their financial futures as a financial planner. While most of her spare time is usually with a cello, she can frequently be found getting creative in the kitchen, hiking with her two pups, and fiddling around with early-music instruments.

PIANO & VIOLIN INSTRUCTOR

Violinist Kristen Bigley started studying classical violin in 1995 and continued her studies through college at the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. She has been a private instructor of violin for 16 years teaching beginning through advanced students. Over the last 5 years she has fallen in love with teaching beginners and watching the joy they find making music. She has been on a new teaching adventure and has started teaching beginning piano to preschoolers where she ties in kindergarten readiness skills such as letter recognition, counting, fine motor skills and following directions.

In addition to teaching, Kristen is the co-founder of KBB Production Company and the Bigley Music Workshop, LLC with her husband Brian. A company that produces musical productions for the stage, builds Irish traditional instruments and teaches Irish traditional music to all who want to learn. Kristen often performs with Parma Symphony Orchestra and Symphony West, where she is Assistant Concert Master. She also performs in small local ensembles in both classical and folk genres, including a new captivating Celtic quartet, The Cleveland Celtic Ensemble. When not teaching and performing Kristen is a full time mom to her two kids James and Kathleen (and fur children TinkerBell and Splash). They can often be spotted hiking in the Metroparks and watching birds.

BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

VOICE, GUITAR, PIANO, UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Bri is a board certified music therapist with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. She is a classically trained vocalist, but is also versed in the therapeutic use of guitar and ukulele. Bri is passionate in finding the best adaptations and personalizations for you when learning a new instrument.

Outside of music, Bri loves exploring new coffee shops and farmers markets with her family and sweet pup.

VIOLIN, FLUTE, SAXOPHONE, PIANO INSTRUCTOR

VIOLINIST

Regina has been playing the violin for 22 years. She was a member of the Baldwin Wallace Junior and Senior youth orchestras for several years through high school, where her passion for music continued to grow! Regina is a regular member of the first violin section in the Parma Symphony Orchestra, and has many years of experience playing violin for weddings. Regina also plays several other instruments - flute, piccolo, saxophone, and piano to just name a few!

Outside of her passion for music, Regina loves taking care of her exotic pets (including some adorable sugar gliders!), reading, and cooking.

BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST,

CLARINET, GUITAR, PIANO, UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Kathleen is a board certified music therapist and clarinetist. Kathleen received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing graduate studies in music therapy and special education at CSU. Kathleen studied clarinet with Dr. Ellen Breakfield-Glick and learned guitar, piano, and ukulele as part of her coursework for her undergraduate degree.

As a music therapist, Kathleen has worked in schools, adult day programs, and group residential facilities. Kathleen believes music should be accessible to all, regardless of ability, and enjoys figuring out ways to adapt instruments and materials to meet her clients’ needs.

Kathleen is a board member of Cleveland Winds, a professional wind ensemble. At a Friday night football game, you can find Kathleen working as an assistant director of a marching band. When she isn’t working, studying, or practicing, Kathleen enjoys going to her favorite restaurants, attempting new craft projects, and spending time with friends and family.

VIOLIN INSTRUCTOR, VIOLINIST

David has been playing the violin for nearly a decade now. He is currently a member of the Parma Symphony Orchestra. One thing he is passionate about is being able to share music with others whether that's playing in the orchestra, performing for friends, or being able to help others learn music. 

Outside of Music Izz Groovy, David works as a bicycle mechanic/salesman at Oberlin Bike Shop. He is an avid BMX and mountain bike rider. 

David has an orange tabby cat named Sunshine who loves playing tag.

PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Ryan Reynolds received his Bachelor of Music from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he majored in piano performance and music composition. During his time there, he also studied pipe organ, harpsichord, jazz improvisation, and electronic music. Ryan began studying the piano at the age of six, and also played the clarinet and viola as a child and the double bass in high school. He has a particular affinity for 17th, 19th and 20th century classical music as well as jazz, electronic music, and music composed in just intonation. Ryan is passionate about the gratification and empowerment that can be found in the process of learning and self-cultivation.

In addition to his passion for music, Ryan loves to cook for his friends and family.

FLUTE & PICCOLO INSTRUCTOR

Brandon is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. He spent his time at BW as a member of the Baldwin Wallace Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Prior to his time at Baldwin Wallace, Brandon studied Music Education and Flute Performance at The University of Akron.

Brandon has been working as an instructor of flute for several Akron area high schools, as well as teaching private flute and piccolo lessons since 2016. He has studied under the tutelage of several accomplished professional flutists such as Sean Gabriel, George Pope, Dr. Daniel Velasco, and Heidi Ruby-Kushious.

Outside of music, Brandon loves to spend his time outside in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, drinking coffee, seeing The Cleveland Orchestra, creating visual art of all forms, and exploring new places!

CELLIST

Katie earned her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Baldwin Wallace University and has completed teacher training in Cello Book 1, 2, & 3 of the Suzuki Method. She has studio experience recording for various artists as well as maintaining a regular touring schedule and writing original music in 7-piece indie rock band, String Machine.

Katie has performed as a member of the American ELO and Trans Siberian Orchestra, and delights in playing music for special events. Outside of music, Katie enjoys hiking and camping, and spending time with her cat Millie.

CELLIST

Olivia specializes in providing music for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours, working with the couple to create their desired atmosphere and ambiance. She is passionate about making your vision come to fruition, and providing the soundtrack to the happiest moment of your life!

Olivia holds a BME from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music, where she majored in Music Education. She has over 9 years of experience as a contract musician, playing for weddings, church services, pit orchestras, events, receptions, parties, recitals, and more. Outside of music, Olivia enjoys being outdoors, experimenting with makeup and fashion, and trying new restaurants with her husband Kenny.

RESIDENT FELINES

Recognition is due to the cutest furry friends on our team. Ozzey and Moggie are casual fans of music - you might get an opportunity to see them if you attend a MIG Backyard BBQ Recital!

Ozzey’s hobbies include screaming for treats, playing with her toy fish, and cuddling with her mom, Izzey.

Moggie’s hobbies include eating the treats that her sister worked for, licking the shower, and cuddling with her dad, Sean.