Our Staff

Miss Amber Gilbert, owner of Maestro Music Academy
OWNER

Miss Amber Gilbert

  • Trained in piano since age 6
  • Trained in flute since age 9
  • Plays regularly on church Praise Team
  • Has owned Maestro since 2019
  • Also owns The Dance Academy since 2001
Miss Gail Boyd, piano instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Miss Gail Boyd

Piano, Organ, Keyboard
  • Specializes in piano, organ, keyboard
  • Over 30 years experience
  • Studied at Wayne State in Piano Performance and Theater Organ
  • Beginner to Advanced Level, all styles from classical to contemporary
  • Loves working with all ages
  • Students place high in the American Guild of Music Michigan Music Association & the Yamaha Election Organ Festival
Mr. Jim Cooney, guitar and woodwinds instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Mr. Jim Cooney

Guitar, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
  • Over 30 years experience
  • Guitar, Bass, Electric Guitar
  • Woodwinds: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
  • Performs often with local bands
Miss Brittany Dimmitt, toddler preschool, piano and voice instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Miss Brittany Dimmitt

Toddler/Preschool, Piano, Voice
  • BA Music (Voice) from Madonna University
Mr. Danny James, multi-instrument instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Mr. Danny James

Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Ukulele, Banjo, Dulcimer, Steel Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion
  • Over 25 years teaching experience
  • Played rhythm and blues professionally since age 17
  • New England Conservatory of Music
  • Certification in the Berkley Modern Method of Guitar

Mr. Danny's teaching philosophy

"To teach every student to play the music they feel and feel the music they play."

Miss Jamie Jurado, piano and voice instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Miss Jamie Jurado

Piano, Voice
  • BA Music (Voice) & BS Mathematics from Madonna University
  • Certificates in Music Education & Piano Pedagogy
  • 8 years on staff at Maestro
  • Sings with On Top of the World Productions, Kirk in the Hills Chancel Choir, & Phase III Big Band

Miss Jamie's teaching philosophy

"Miss Jamie believes anyone can benefit from learning music and teaches students of all ages and abilities. She supports their musical journey by learning their interests and taking care to guide learning that focuses on each individual's goals and purposes in their music study. Each lesson introduces something new to explore or provides a unique point of view. Miss Jamie appreciates all genres of music from classical to contemporary and uses a variety of methods (from Suzuki to Alfred & Faber) to support the different ways her students learn. She hopes to build students' love of music through learning a new craft."

Miss Rosie Lopez, piano instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Miss Rosie Lopez

Piano
  • BA Nazareth College
  • MA Western Michigan University
  • Students have placed high in the American Guild of Music Michigan Music Association
  • Over 50 years teaching experience
  • Multiple competitive award-winning students
Miss Sue Stewart, piano instructor at Maestro Music Academy

Miss Sue Stewart

Piano
  • Beginning to advanced level

Miss Sue's teaching philosophy

"My goal as a piano teacher is first to evaluate what method of learning is most suited for each student. I want to teach them the fundamentals and build a steady technical base. I show them in detail how they are to practice each day and create disciplines that will bring improvement in their playing. I use demonstrations and games to reinforce the concepts they are learning. With that foundation it allows the flexibility to grow in the specific direction that their interest follows. My first choice in curriculum is the Faber Piano Adventures method — their songs are very fun. I also use the Bastien method, as well as any other method the student is currently in. I use assorted solo books that parallel their passions, such as Rock, Rhythm, Jazz, Popular, Contemporary Christian, Classics, and more."