Dr. Jonathan Edward Mann, piano
Jonathan earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University Bloomington under Dr. Karen Shaw and a Doctoral Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under James Tocco. He has held faculty positions at the University of Idaho, State University of New York, Fredonia, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Brevard Music Center. A Steinway Artist, Dr. Mann has published for Clavier Companion and currently serves on the faculty of Indiana Wesleyan University.
Maria Mann, piano
Passionate, dedicated, and a fervent advocate of music education, Maria enjoys a dynamic teaching career that has taken her across the United States. Originally from Orange County, California, Maria graduated from California State University, Long Beach and joined the California's Association of Professional Music Teachers, serving as Treasurer and State Honors Auditions Chair. She currently serves on the board of directors of Indiana Music Teachers Association and regularly participates as an AIM examiner. Maria began her musical education at age five with piano lessons, then violin lessons at age ten. Maria has been teaching students as young as 3 years for over 20 years.
Brianne Flanagin, voice/piano/guitar/recorder
Brianne is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) where she studied voice and earned a bachelor's degree in Choral Music Education. During her time at IWU, Brianne participated in numerous ensembles including: Chorale, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Pep Band, and Orchestra. As a part of Chorale, Brianne toured throughout the USA and Italy.
Brianne is certified to teach PreK-12 Music and teaches K-5 General Music and Choir at Croninger Elementary, a part of Fort Wayne Community Schools. She is also a part-time vocal artist for Heartland Sings and serves as a co-chair of Circle the State with Song for the Fort Wayne area.
Brianne believes in the importance of continuing education and has started pursuing her master of music degree. She is a member of the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA), and the Indiana Orff-Schulwerk Association (IOSA).
Brianne’s passion is to make music a medium through which students are able to develop socially, emotionally, and academically. She looks forward to helping students discover their voice and passion for music!
Lizzy Tremaine, voice/piano/composition
Lizzy Tremaine is a versatile singer/songwriter and producer. She kickstarted her musical journey at age nine by recording her own CDs in her home studio. Today, she continues creating her own music and helps everyone from new musicians to Grammy-winning producers and writers gain creative control over their music content. In addition to teaching, she serves as an instructor for Beat Making for Girls featuring Ableton Live to inspire more women to enter music production. She knows what it takes to thrive in the studio as a solo musician and working with other artists. Lizzy can empower you with the tools you need to find your unique beat — and sound great while doing it!
Laura Mergy, violin
Laura Mergy earned a bachelor’s degree in music technology from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Since the age of four, she has become well versed in violin through Suzuki method and has completed Suzuki teacher training units 1-4. She regularly performs as a member of Purdue Fort Wayne's Orchestra, and the Symphony of the Lakes. While utilizing classical music in her teaching, she also loves to fiddle around with other genres, such as bluegrass and contemporary. When not teaching, she performs music for weddings, church, funerals, and anywhere else that violin music is needed! Laura is excited to be teaching at Fort Wayne Music and Tutoring and hopes to encourage a love of music in all her students
Esther Coplin, flute/piano
Esther is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University where she studied flute performance. While she was in college she was able to travel internationally to Europe and Canada for music festivals. She also took several wind band tours through the United States including a trip to perform in the Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. These experiences broadened her understanding and appreciation both for music and the lovely people who create it. Esther has taught private lessons since her sophomore year in high school while working alongside her older sister, a seasoned local music educator. Currently she teaches piano and flute at Fort Wayne Music and Tutoring. Her personal projects include performing with a local jazz quintet and taking flute lessons with Sarpay Özçağatay, who teaches at Berklee College of Music. When not engaged in her musical endeavors Esther enjoys eating delicious food, exploring new places and spending time with friends and family.
Edith Coplin, piano
Karl Rast, guitar/ukulele
Music has been a part of Karl’s life from his earliest years. He began singing in church choirs and moved on to the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. He became interested in guitar and has been playing for nearly 14 years. He has years of live performance and has worked extensively in recording. Karl is currently pursuing a degree in classical guitar as a performance major. His musical interests span from classical and jazz to rock.