Great Lessons Start with Great Instructors
Learning music starts with the right teacher. At the School of American Music, our instructors are experienced educators, accomplished performers, and passionate mentors who are dedicated to helping students of every age and skill level succeed.
Whether you're taking your very first lesson or refining years of experience, you'll learn from instructors who combine professional expertise with a supportive, encouraging approach—helping every student build confidence, develop strong musical skills, and discover the joy of making music.
Our Instructors
Ryan Cid (Not currently accepting new students)
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced GUITARRyan Cid is a versatile guitar instructor with expertise spanning beginner to advanced levels across a wide range of musical styles, including pop, jazz, and classical guitar in both solo and ensemble settings. Drawing on years of professional performance experience, Ryan blends strong technical instruction with practical, real-world musicianship to help every student achieve their individual goals.
Throughout his career, Ryan has shared the stage and studio with artists including Switchfoot, Something Corporate, Greyboy Allstars, Steel Pulse, and G. Love & Special Sauce. These experiences allow him to give students valuable insight into performance, improvisation, musicianship, and the skills needed to grow as a well-rounded guitarist.
Ryan's background in theatrical music and live performance adds another dimension to his teaching. He tailors each lesson to the individual student, combining technique, music theory, creativity, and performance skills in a positive, encouraging environment that builds both confidence and musical ability.
Whether a student is picking up a guitar for the first time or refining advanced techniques, Ryan is passionate about helping musicians of all ages discover their own musical voice and enjoy the lifelong journey of making music.
James (Jaytee) Thurman
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, James (Jaytee) Thurman grew up in a musical family. His mother studied piano at the Cincinnati Conservatory, and his father sang and played guitar professionally before World War II. James began piano lessons at age six and soon added ukulele, guitar, and singing. Performing with his siblings as "The Singin' Thurmans," he gained early experience entertaining audiences in schools, churches, and community events.
James later spent more than a decade traveling throughout North America and Europe, always carrying music with him. After settling in California, he worked in a boutique guitar shop, built a diverse collection of instruments, and began teaching. His musical journey also led him into church music ministry, and today he serves as Worship Leader at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he leads music and plays both piano and guitar.
As an instructor, James encourages students to build a personal connection with music through exploration, creativity, and a strong foundation in music theory and note reading. He welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, meeting each one where they are and helping them grow with confidence and joy.
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Fiddle & Dulcimer
Yvette Smith
Voice, Beginning PianoYvette Smith is an accomplished mezzo-soprano and experienced voice instructor with an extensive background in opera, concert performance, and music education. A native of North Carolina, she earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Master of Music in Opera Performance from the University of Maryland.
Since 2008, Yvette has been a full-time chorister with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where she has performed or covered roles in productions including Jenůfa, Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Walküre, Parsifal, Rigoletto, and Les Contes d'Hoffmann. She has also appeared with the Washington National Opera, Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia, the Washington Savoyards, and the National Philharmonic Chorale, performing leading and supporting roles throughout her career.
In addition to opera, Yvette has been featured as a soloist in more than forty oratorio and concert works with orchestras and chorales across the country, including performances at the Washington National Cathedral, National Philharmonic, Chicago Metropolitan Orchestra, and Sarasota Opera. In 2008, she was invited to perform a solo recital at the White House.
As passionate about teaching as she is about performing, Yvette has served as an Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) district judge since 2017, has been a guest clinician at the University of Kentucky and Downers Grove High School, and has taught voice at Music Makers of Western Springs. She enjoys helping singers of all ages develop healthy vocal technique, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Denise Vanden Bussche (Not currently accepting new student)
Denise Vanden Bussche has taught piano and flute for nearly 30 years and serves as School Director at the School of American Music. A lifelong musician, she is passionate about helping students of all ages discover the confidence, creativity, and joy that music can bring.
Inspired by her mother, an accomplished pianist, Denise began studying piano and flute as a child before performing in band and orchestra throughout high school. She traveled internationally with the Blue Lake International Orchestra and Musical Youth International's People-to-People Program before attending Wayne State University, where she studied Music Education and performed with the Symphonic and Marching Bands.
After relocating to New Buffalo in 2018, Denise joined the School of American Music as a piano instructor and was named School Director in 2024. She continues to teach while leading the school's educational programs and mission.
Known for her patient, encouraging approach, Denise enjoys working with beginning through advanced piano students, helping each one build strong musical fundamentals while developing a lifelong appreciation for music.
Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Piano
Matthew Daniel (Not currently accepting new students)
VoiceMatthew Daniel is an accomplished vocalist, conductor, stage director, and educator with more than 25 years of professional performance experience. He has appeared in opera, concert, and musical theater productions throughout the United States and Europe and is passionate about helping singers develop both confidence and strong vocal technique.
As a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus, Matthew has performed in more than 65 productions and has appeared with numerous regional opera companies, including Sarasota Opera, Tulsa Opera, New Orleans Opera, Dayton Opera, and Madison Opera. His experience spans a wide variety of leading and supporting roles, giving students insight into both the artistry and discipline of professional performance.
In addition to performing, Matthew has taught voice, directed productions, and served as a stage director for organizations including Chicago Opera Theater and Opera for the Young. He enjoys working with singers of all ages and experience levels, helping each student build healthy vocal habits, expressive musicianship, and confidence both on and off the stage.
Tom Fischer
Beginning and Intermediate Piano
Tom Fischer has devoted nearly 50 years to teaching, performing, and sharing his love of music. An accomplished organ and piano instructor and performer, he enjoys helping students of all ages build strong fundamentals while discovering the confidence and enjoyment that come from making music. Tom's students include young children, senior adults and everyone in-between. He enjoys teaching many different styles of music, including classical, popular, and jazz. His teaching focuses on theory, technique, performance, and improvisation.
Tom majored in music, English Literature, and Classical Greek at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan. There, he studied organ under Dr. Donald Williams of the University of Michigan. In addition to his musical studies, Tom's studies at Concordia University also included majors in Classical Greek and English Literature. In addition to his ministerial and graduate studies at Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO (M.Div.- 1983), Tom has a Master of Science in Administration degree (M.S.A.-1994) from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI.
Tom is a retired pastor, having served congregations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Omaha, Nebraska, Midland, Michigan, and Rochester Hills, Michigan. He has also served as organist, choir director, handbell, praise team, and instrumental director in numerous congregations. Since his retirement from full-time ministry in 2021, Tom joined SAM as a piano instructor. He currently serves as music director for several churches in our area, including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman, MI, where he serves as traditional music director (organist, accompanist, and handbell choir director), and at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Niles, MI, where he serves as organist and choir director.
Tom is also very involved in the greater Harbor Country community as director of the River Valley Sr Center Choir. He also sings with and assists the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center "Silvertones" choir. He has led SAM's sing-a-longs and also has served as sound tech at numerous SAM events. Tom also directs other community music ventures including a seasonal "Beyond The Walls" choir which visits area senior communities and, most recently, a Jazz/Pop vocal ensemble.
Tom's hobbies include golf, family and anything music. Most recently he expanded his jazz horizons by studying Jazz with Leandro Lopez Varady, jazz pianist and keyboardist associated with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
Sara Oldenburg
Beginning ViolinSara Oldenburg developed a love of music at an early age and began studying violin when she was seven years old. She continued private lessons for ten years, building a strong musical foundation that continues to shape her teaching today.
A homeschooling mother of three, Sara returned to regular performance after raising her family and is an active musician in her church, where she plays violin during worship services and directs the SATB choir. She also enjoys performing at neighboring churches throughout the community.
Known for her patient and encouraging teaching style, Sara enjoys working with students of all ages, especially beginners who are discovering the violin for the first time. She strives to create a positive, supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and discover the joy of making music.
Donna Mitchell
Donna Mitchell has shared her love of music with students for many years, helping vocalists and pianists of all ages build confidence, creativity, and a strong musical foundation. She believes learning piano should be both rewarding and enjoyable, with lessons tailored to each student's individual pace and goals.
Donna earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Bethel University and has taught music in both classroom and private lesson settings throughout her career. Her experience as an educator allows her to create lessons that balance solid technique with a genuine appreciation for music.
Known for her patient, encouraging approach, Donna enjoys helping beginning and intermediate students develop their skills while fostering a lifelong love of music. She is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
voice, piano
Beginning guitarTom Parisi
Tom Parisi has been playing guitar for most of his life, exploring a wide range of styles from folk and rock to classical, the Great American Songbook, and Brazilian music. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, and now a longtime South Bend resident, Tom brings decades of musical experience to every lesson.
Tom studied classical guitar for more than a decade with Dean Wachs and continues his studies with Gerry Zubko. Over the years, he has performed both as a solo guitarist and with fellow musicians throughout the region, including appearances at Fiddler's Wednesday Night Sessions. During the pandemic, he formed the remote trio MWC with high school classmates, recording several original performances together.
As an instructor, Tom enjoys helping beginning guitar students build confidence while learning the fundamentals of playing. His patient, encouraging approach creates a relaxed environment where students can develop solid technique, explore a variety of musical styles, and discover the enjoyment of making music.