Teachers
HARRIS BOYER
Guitar/Bass/Music Theory/Songwriting/Jazz Band
A long-time member of the Mom’s Music family, Harris employs a grassroots approach to music education. As the guitar player for the Louisville-based band Kiana & the Sun Kings, he has a deep and ever-growing knowledge of guitar and music in all its facets—from technique to theory to ear training and beyond.
A graduate of Bellarmine University’s Jazz Studies program, he is an accomplished musician in a broad array of styles. Experienced in jazz, metal, rock, blues, pop, and many other genres, Harris will work with you individually to curate a personalized and effective curriculum to help you excel at your instrument in virtually any style. With over 20 years of musical experience and almost 10 years of professional experience, Harris has shared the stage with many great acts, such as Jim James, Kingfish, Neal Francis, Hank Linderman, and Shamarr Allen, among others. He has also played with the Louisville Orchestra, conducted by John Delvin.
He is always looking for inspired and serious students to work with to help them reach their own music goals.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Guitar/Bass/Beginner Piano/Songwriting/Band Coaching
With 13 years in the industry, Marvin has performed extensively across Nashville, Panama City Beach, and various states nationwide. His expertise spans multiple instruments including bass, guitar, and piano. Marvin’s approach begins with bringing a wealth of practical experience to his tailored instruction, emphasizing real-world skills and performance techniques to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Marvin currently serves as the bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist for "The Rumors," while also fronting his band, "The Aesthetic."
MACK KEIFFER
Guitar/Bass/Music Theory/Songwriting
Mack Keiffer has been playing guitar since he taught himself to do so at the age of 13. With 20 years of experience and a laid-back approach to teaching, Mack makes it easy for you to get rockin’ along with your favorite tunes (whatever they may be) in no time! Accommodating students of all ages, skill levels and musical backgrounds. Everything from the basics to composition and theory - no matter what you’d like to learn, Mack can help!
KARSTEN NELSON
Guitar/Bass/Songwriting/Ukulele
Karsten has a catered to student approach that focuses on the fundamentals of reading, technique and song training. He teaches beginner to professional classes from age 7 and up. Karsten has a bachelor’s degree in music from Bellarmine University and has recorded and performed in regional bands for over 10 years.
RUSS WALLACE
Guitar/Bass/Drums/Ukulele/Mandolin/Voice
Russ comes to Mom’s from Spring Field, Missouri where he attended Missouri State. He teaches mandolin, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, and vocals. Russ is also Mom’s Rock School coach. His styles include Rock n’ Roll, Blues, Metal, Punk and Pop. Russ creates a tailored personal lesson plan for students of all ages.
CECELIA FRANKLIN (Miss C.)
Piano/Vocals
Cecilia began studying piano, voice and acting at The Karamu House and Case Western Reserve in Cleveland Ohio at age 5. A graduate of EKU with a Bachelors in Music Ed. with an emphasis in piano and voice. She began teaching privately while still in college. After graduating Cecilia taught Gen. Music at Caverna Indiana schools from 1978-1988. She started with JCPS in 1988-200 and ended her teaching career with the Archdiocese in 2005. Currently she teaches Piano and Voice at Mom’s Music and the West End. Cecilia enjoys performing solo piano and accompanying vocalists. She is choir director and pianist at Plymouth Church here in Louisville.
CHUCK MARCUM
Guitar
Chuck teaches Blues, Rock Blues, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and Music Theory, along with Minor & Major Pentatonic Modes. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Black Sabbath are a few of Chuck’s favorites to teach. Part of Chuck’s main focus is getting the student playing right away and making sure they are having fun! He has been a regional guitarist since 1986, and he has played with the Rock Bottom Band since 1998. Chuck has opened for Molly Hatchett, Junior Brown, Leon Russell, David Allen Coe, Duke Robillard, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.
RICK BARTLETT
Voice
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Rick Bartlett began his musical career at age 5 singing in church. While in high school, Rick began performing with the Kentucky Opera Association. He attended the University of Louisville School of Music as a voice performance major. Currently, Rick is a performer known for his rich velvet voice and talent on the piano and guitar with your favorite standards made famous by artists such as Nat King Cole, Lionel Richie and Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Prince and even Jim Croce! Rick has also performed with several regional orchestras including the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra as well as the Louisville Orchestra. Most nights, Rick can be found performing solo at Buck’s Resturaunt and Bar in downtown Louisville.
Contact Mom’s to inquire about lessons with “The Voice of Louisville” today!
BRADLEY McKINNEY
Piano/Saxophone
Bradley has played the piano since the age of 7 and saxophone since the age of 9. In middle and high school, he played in band and also participated in KMEA and performed in All County Band. He participated in marching band both at Louisville Male High School and also at the University of Louisville. He is pursuing a degree in Jazz Studies at UofL and is set to graduate this December. Bradley teaches piano and saxophone for jazz, rock, and pop music.
TRISTEN ROBERTS
Guitar
Tristen studied classical guitar performance at Wayne State University in Detroit Mi. She has been performing for 13 years, plays regularly in town, and has experience performing nationally and internationally. Tristen has been teaching guitar for 3 years and incorporates immediate and long-term rewards of playing into lessons. She teaches beginner to intermediate guitarists various styles including but not limited to classical, rock, folk, and percussive guitar.
KAREN MILLER
Guitar/Band Coaching/Music Education Director
Karen has a love and passion for music which started at the age of 9, playing clarinet in school bands and ensembles from 3rd-12th grade. This provided a strong foundation in music theory and musicianship. In 2000, at the age of 34, she decided to pursue her interest in guitar and has been taking private lessons throughout the last 20 years. Karen has been playing out live in local cover and original bands, as lead guitarist, for the last twelve years. Her current band, Julius, released their first E.P. in August 2018 and play out regularly at several locations in Louisville. In 2018 & 2019 Karen volunteers as a guitar instructor for "Girls Rock Louisville", which continued her interest in teaching; believing that EVERY child should have access to music education and the opportunity to learn an instrument. She plans to continue working for Girls Rock in future summer sessions. In 2019, she was also asked to be an instructor as well as a "full band coach" for "Ladies Rock", an extension of "Girls Rock Louisville"; where in just 4 days, the ladies learned an instrument, wrote an original song and got to perform for a large audience in a well-known venue here in Louisville.
BRADY DeWITT
Guitar/Bass/Mandolin/Ukulele
Brady holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Bellarmine University, where he studied under Craig Wagner. While attending Bellarmine, he studied jazz, funk, R&B, and Latin jazz. Before attending Bellarmine University, Brady has always enjoyed learning and playing genres such as, Metal, Rock and Blues. Brady started playing when he was 13 years old and excels at bringing the joy of playing an instrument through his teachings. Brady has a strong love for teaching and strives to help each of his students achieve their musical goals, no matter the size. Brady’s teaching philosophy is to “Inspire and educate the next generation of musicians.”
JACOB REBER
Guitar/Cello/Mandolin/Double Bass/Piano/Drums
Jacob Thomas Emmanuel Reber is a Louisvillian Musician-Comedian-Multihyphenate who's life's passion is playing Too Many Notes® on the Double Bass, Guitar, Cello, Mandolin, Piano, Drums & assorted other “bestringed” things. With a scant 2.5 decades of Musical experience, Jake has been teaching every bit as long as he's been playing, with a firm belief in sharing Music Theory as Musical Literacy. A Stand Up Bassist, Stand Up Comic & generally stand-up guy often accompanied by a cast of Kentuckiana/Indyucky's finest pickers, grinners & cats, he dispenses a unique teaching style individually tailored to the needs of every individual student.
MARIO CARVAJAL
Drums/Percussion/Band Coaching
Mario is a veteran of the Miami music scene. He has more than twenty-five years of experience as a recording engineer, session drummer, performer, and drum instructor. Some of his recording and performance credits include Colombian actress/singer Diana Hoyos, Award-winning Native American songwriter and musician Howard Lyons, critically acclaimed guitarist Dave Feder, South Florida Blues Legend Joey Gilmore, Jefferson Airplane, Dark Side of the Wall, and the Costa Rican version of “Bailando por un Sueño, ” a live reality TV show.
JEREMY REDDICK
Guitar
Jeremy started his musical journey in 1997 and began teaching music as a band coach in 2000 at Mom’s Music. He continued to teach full time with Mom’s until 2014. Jeremy returned to the Mom’s Music family as an instructor again in 2023, bringing his vast knowledge to students both young and old. Jeremy has played with various regional acts, most recently as the guitarist for local cover band “Bone Jelly.” Jeremy is focused and personable, and he is eager to help guide you toward your goals with music!
DOUG ROBERTS
Voice
Selected to the Paducah Boys Choir at 9 years old, Doug is a classically trained vocalist. He has been on stage since the young age of 10 and has been performing professionally for over 35 years across every possible vocal genre. He truly loves helping people grow musically and has the knowledge and ability to help anyone improve their vocal skills, regardless of age, experience or style. Doug is a walking wealth of vocal knowledge and can accommodate any need, from beginners to intermediate and advanced vocalists.
PAIGE PITTMAN
Guitar
Paige has been playing guitar for 10 years. Her favorite genres include Rock and Blues. Paige’s musical influences range from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to Motley Crue! Her favorite song to play on the electric guitar is “Stairway to Heaven.” If you are looking for a spunky, relaxed, and fun guitar instructor, she’s your person!
Precious Perez
Vocals
Precious Perez, also known as "La Reggaetonera Ciega” is a blind Puerto Rican music artist, author, actress, educator, and disability advocate. Precious graduated with a double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2022, and she aims “To be the first blind latina at the forefront of the latin music industry.” Her story and music have led her to be featured in spaces like grammy.com and Telemundo. Precious actively works to make space for music professionals with disabilities, serving as President of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities(RAMPD.) and she has been the winner of Best Song at both Kentucky's 2023 and 2024 Latin Music Awards. Precious also gigs locally with the party pop cover band Sight Unseen whose members make up the majority of her local performance band.