Flint Hills Academy of Music's Private Music Instructors

Christy Seele – Piano Instructor

I began taking piano lessons when I was six years old and finally stopped taking them when I graduated from college. I was fortunate enough to have a nationally recognized piano teacher throughout high school, which gave me the opportunity to participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs Piano Solo Festival and the Multiple Piano Concert in Kansas City for several years. I have years of experience accompanying vocalists of all ages and skill levels. I was a pianist/vocalist for the praise and worship band at my church in Kansas City for five years before I met the love of my life and transplanted to the Wamego area. I have been the Worship Coordinator at Immanuel Faith Community Church, Wells Creek, for a number of years. I am also one of the pianists and vocalists for the church.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Church Music with an emphasis in voice and piano from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. I have been teaching at the studio for two years now and have really enjoyed getting to know the families at the studio!

Annah Clark – Flute, Bucket Drumming, & Piano Instructor

Annah Clark has lived in the Wamego community since January of 2010. She earned a Bachelor in Music Education from Kansas State University in 2005 and has taught music in the public school system off and on since. She also is a licensed teacher with Let's Play Music and has taught classes for over ten years. Annah teaches flute lessons, bucket drumming, and piano classes at the studio. When she's not teaching, she and her husband, Peter, are parents to six kids.

Andy Bell – Saxophone Instructor

Andy started his professional music career playing tenor saxophone for the Vaughn Bolton Orchestra during his sophomore year of high school at age 16. He attended Texas Christian University on a music scholarship and, while in college, played with a rock band, The Liars, that attained regional fame with the release of several original songs played on Dallas/Ft. Worth radio stations. Andy returned to Manhattan and started playing with the popular horn band Mainstreet in 1987. He continues to play with them to this day. In addition to Mainstreet, Andy plays with many funk, soul, and blues bands and has his own group, Andy Bell Funky Smooth Jazz, that includes his twin boys, Andrew and Alan. He considers it such a blessing to be able to share the gift of music with his sons and has recently included his daughter on vocals at several events. “I am very proud of my children and their talents! This is the most rewarding musical experience of my life,” says Andy.

Andrew Bell – Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

Andrew has been highly involved in music throughout his life. Growing up in a musical family, the importance of studying music was instilled in him at an early age, setting the foundation for his love for music and his interests in classical, popular, and traditional music styles.

Though a Manhattan, Kansas native, Andrew lived abroad in Bogotá, Colombia, his mother's homeland. While there, he performed in jazz, blues, and Latin ensembles, studied theory, composition, and guitar performance technique, and composed original film music for independent filmmakers in the region. He and his brother Alan have since created original scores for four short films and various multimedia and commercial projects. Their film work has been featured in film festivals in South America, Central America, and Western Europe.

Currently, Andrew is a graduate student at Kansas State University, working towards a Masters in Music Composition. His studies include composition and theory, jazz guitar, and conducting. He plays guitar in the university's jazz ensembles, as well as with a number of jazz and rock groups locally. He enjoys composing modern classical music and has recently received on-campus premiers of his work. He assists in the undergraduate beginning conducting class at Kansas State and participates in the KSU Symphony Orchestra rehearsals as a student conductor and coach.

Andrew is passionate about sharing his love of music, as well as the knowledge and experience he has acquired over the years.

Alan Bell – Piano Instructor

Alan is a jazz pianist, composer, and music producer with over ten years of experience working professionally in the music industry. As a composer, he has been commissioned to create scores for several foreign films and documentaries, many of which have been selected for participation in international film festivals in countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Colombia. He has also composed works for the concert hall, his first world premier being held in April of 2022. As a performer, he has had the opportunity to perform across the United States and Canada, in addition to a series of performances during several years in Bogotá, Colombia.

Music has been a lifelong pursuit and a part of Alan's life from a very young age. His musical education spans over twenty-five years, beginning at six when he first began taking piano lessons. His development has been achieved primarily through private instruction and independent study, including diverse topics such as music theory and history, ear training, psychology of music, and digital sound synthesis. Alan is currently pursuing a Master's of Music at Kansas State University, with an emphasis in Composition, Jazz Performance, and Orchestral Conducting. He is passionate about music and strives to instill this passion in his students, firmly believing that everyone can benefit from the virtues of making music.

Caleb Brown – Drum Instructor

Hello! My name is Caleb Brown, and I'm a born-and-raised Kansan. Music has always been a part of my life in one way or another. I started playing drums in a Baptist church. My father taught me at a young age, and he currently teaches in the jazz program at Kansas State University. I am also currently a student at KSU studying under Dr. Wayne Goins. I have been playing drums since the ripe age of 6 and am excited to be teaching. I started gigging with my dad at age 12 in various scenarios such as concert halls, coffee shops, parking lots, etc. I am a member of Kansas State University's Concert Jazz Ensemble, the "house wreckers" jazz combo band, and played piano in the "ComboNation" jazz combo band. I've also played drums in multiple theatre productions at the Manhattan Arts Center. Currently, I freelance and play in my dad's jazz organ trio, "Mr. Direction" with Darryl Matsune on guitar. I also play in "Andy Bell Funky Smooth Jazz" with Andy Bell Sr., Andy Bell Jr., Alan Bell, and Michael T. Brown (my dad). My goal is not only to teach but also learn to adapt to specific learning styles.

Connor Jones - Piano and Trombone Instructor

Connor Jones is a pianist and trombonist born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. He is currently a student at K-State University and studies piano and trombone. Coming from a family of musicians, he has been involved with music for most of his life and has a large passion for the artform. Overall, Connor has been playing piano for around 14 years and trombone for 7 years. During that time Connor has played in many honor ensembles, including the Kansas All State Orchestra/Jazz Band, and played principal trombone in the NAfME National Orchestra. He has also played in many church gigs on trombone, and played in a ska band called “Sasquatch Stopwatch” during highschool. Connor is very excited to share his passion for music and wants to help his students enjoy music to its fullest. 

Robert F. Rodriguez - Drum Instructor

Robert F. Rodriguez is a Drummer/Teacher in the Midwest known for his technical proficiency and high energy. Robert started playing live shows in 2003. At just twelve years old, he started touring all over the country. Playing some of the most iconic rock venues in the country such as CBGB's, The Whiskey A Go-Go and The Troubadour. In 2012, Robert started a new journey at Kansas State University where he would go on to play with The Concert Jazz Ensemble, Swing Machine, Lab A, House wreckers, Combo Nation, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band and even sang in the Collegiate Chorale. In 2019, he would tour the world as the Orchestra Drummer for Celebrity Cruises. Upon returning to Manhattan, he co-directed Combo Nation along side Michael T. Brown.

Currently, he's the Assistant Drumline Instructor at Seaman High School in Topeka, teaches private lessons and is furthering his studies at The Musicians Institute.

Song Park - Violin Instructor

Song Park completed her undergraduate studies at Chopin Music Institute at Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea. Subsequently, she pursued her performer's program, earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Chopin Music University in Poland.

"Violinist Song Park captivates audiences with exceptional understanding of the instrument, vibrant tone, and nuanced, three-dimensional interpretations, showcasing a performance filled with vitality and charm." - Agineszka Marucha (Professor of Fryderyk Chopin University of Music)

She represented the Korean community at the Korea-Poland Friendship Concert. She participated in violin performances and pedagogical lectures at the Goreczki Summer Festival in Poland, Casa Ma Giorre in Italy, and various venues in Poland and Germany.

In the same year, Song Park had the opportunity to perform as part of a trio representing Poland. Following her international experiences, she contributed to music education by teaching children at schools and cultural centers in Daegu after returning to South Korea. Upon moving to the United States, she took on the role of a Violin Instructor at Manhattan Culture Center, orchestras, engaging in diverse musical activities.  

“Song Park is a highly skilled and accomplished violinist and pianist with a profound passion for music education. Her mastery of the violin and piano, combined with their strong academic background, makes them an exemplary candidate for the role of a teacher. I have had the opportunity to observe Song's teaching methods closely, and I am always impressed by their ability to communicate complex musical concepts with clarity and patience. They have a remarkable gift for tailoring their teaching approach to suit each student's unique needs and learning style, creating a positive and nurturing learning environment.” - Chris Dunn (Director of Music and Arts)

Throughout her career, she has also held numerous solo Recital showcasing her exceptional talent and artistry.

Currently, she is in the process of preparing for her doctoral studies while actively participating as a Violin Instructor in the U.S. Her musical accomplishments and educational experiences reflect a versatile career that has been recognized.

Sally Vee – Guitar, Wind Instruments, Songwriting, and Stage Presence Instructor

Sally Vee is an award-winning songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist from the Flint Hills of Kansas with more than twenty years of experience in the music industry. She is a member of the Touring Roster of Artists with the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission as well as the Heartland Song Network and is a registered songwriter with Broadcast Music Incorporated, the ECO, and Folk Alliance International.

She is also the curator and historian of Thursday Night Under The Lights which is a music showcase featuring sixteen bands that are presented every September when the Walnut Valley Festival of Winfield, Kansas is in full swing.

Most recently, Sally has been awarded a residency with the Volland Foundation for Spring 2024.  Sally would love to have students who are interested in guitar, wind instruments, songwriting, and stage presence join her studio!

Josephine Benson – Organ & Piano Instructor

Josephine Benson is a native Wamego resident who just finished her first year studying at Kansas State University. She learned to read music and play very basic piano at a very young age. In middle school, she started playing organ intermittently for her hometown church and still plays frequently for Sunday services and other events. Josephine took piano lessons for nearly eight years, only stopping when she graduated from high school in 2023. Since then, she’s remained active in the K-State Wind Symphony and Marching Band. She is also currently taking organ lessons at K-State under Dr. Pickering.

Russell Clark – Violin, Viola, and Bass Instructor

Russell Clark holds a BME from the University of Kansas and recently graduated with an MME from Kansas State University. His area of specialty is string pedagogy in both the classical and jazz settings. Russell worked as the Assistant Director of High School Orchestras in the Lawrence public school district from 2017-2022, and during his time there he was named the NEKMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator for Orchestra in 2019. Russell continues to stay active in the musical community at large by maintaining a studio of private students on violin, viola and bass, working Summer music camps, and playing in and conducting community ensembles such as the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra, Lawrence Community Orchestra, and the Topeka Jazz Workshop Big Band.