Meet the Teachers

Elizabeth Morris, NCTM has wanted to be a pianist since she was five years old. She earned her Master’s of Music in Music Education and Technology from Boston University and her Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance from Washington State University. She worked as a worship pastor and music director at a large church for 10 years, where she learned to master the lead sheet. While she loves classical music and manages a very rigorous classical OMTA Syllabus program, her real love is popular styles, gospel, R&B, and jazz, and she loves being able to inspire young musicians.

Elizabeth founded Elizabeth’s Music School Camas, WA, a rapidly growing multi-teacher music school. Elizabeth is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), a licensed teacher of the Let’s Play Music early childhood education curriculum, certified with the Technology Institute of Music Educators (TI:ME), the elected President of the local Washington Clark County Chapter (MTACC), and an active member of the Portland chapter of OMTA.

Abraham Bardue fell in love with the piano at age 4 when he first heard Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.”  His grandma delivered her piano when he was 5 so he could begin taking piano lessons.  He studied classical piano until he was 12, at which time began playing for his church, and fell in love with collaborative piano.  Abraham played the piano professionally around town at various wineries, events, and even the state capital building, but his true love has remained constant: collaborating with other musicians at church, in bands, and with students.  His musical inspirations include 90s alternative, classical piano, and introspective melancholy songs, music that affects and influences people.  His dream of teaching the piano has finally come true and he is thrilled to be sharing his passionate love of music and the piano with the next generation.  

Allene Goshey holds a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from San Jose State University and a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has studied with distinguished clarinetists Rosario Mazzeo of the Boston Symphony, David Breeden and Carey Bell of the San Francisco Symphony, and Mark Nuccio of the New York Philharmonic, as well as other professional orchestral musicians from symphonies across the United States.

Now residing in Vancouver, Washington, Allene has continued both her teaching and performing. She has spent the past several years teaching middle and high school band and is now returning her focus to private instrumental instruction. She currently performs with the Southwest Washington Wind Symphony and the Clark County Clarinet Choir, where she enjoys playing Eb, Bb, and bass clarinet.

Allene believes that music education is about more than developing technical skills. Her goal is to create an encouraging environment where students build confidence, strong musical foundations, expressive skills, and a lifelong love of music while learning the value of persistence, discipline, and high standards. She is passionate about helping each student discover their unique musical voice and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Angela is a 14 year old who is passionate about piano and tennis. She currently attends Camas High School, and started her piano journey at the age of 7, and has played in many competitions and recitals since.

She enjoys fast and rhythmic tunes, and you will normally find her cuddling with a cat or doodling. Angela is excited to help young learners at EMS!

Annalisa Peru has a deep passion for teaching and helping students discover the joy of music. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a focus in Vocal Pedagogy and Musical Theater through Thomas Edison State University. Annalisa is classically trained in music, but one of her favorite styles is musical theatre. She has 10 years of experience teaching voice and dance for Journey Theater Arts Group, where she has served on artistic teams for several musicals like Frozen, Into the Woods, Lion King, and the Secret Garden. She has been featured as a soloist and lead performer in musicals like Disney’s Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins. She was a member of the Clark College’s Women’s Choral Ensemble and featured as a soloist for multiple festivals, concerts, and competitions. Outside of musical theatre, Annalisa teaches at Agape Christian Academy as the preschool music teacher and elementary dance teacher. Annalisa lives in Battle Ground where she loves spending time with her family. Music holds a special place in her heart! Helping students discover the talents they have, developing those skills, and sharing that joy with others is the greatest success students can achieve.

Brenna Larsen is an aspiring singer-songwriter and manager based out of Portland Oregon. Graduating from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Business Management in 2020, Brenna has continued to win the hearts of Portland locals through her captivating performances. She began writing music at the age of 12 when she first picked up an acoustic guitar, then quickly graduated to playing at local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the Portland- metro area. She interned with the North End Music Performing Arts Center while in college, teaching workshops to beginner musicians aged 5 and above. She has had the opportunity to teach voice and guitar for Music Lessons Eugene since the fall of 2023 to elementary-high school aged kids. She has worked with Ethan Chessin of CHS teaching songwriting and voice for live performances as well as with Clackamas Community College teaching songwriting and voice for high school summer camps. She is so excited to work with the families at EMS and for more amazing music to come!

Around November of 2018, Mr. Brian felt the random urge to dig out an old 61-key keyboard from his closet and start playing the piano. Since then, his love for music, although tough at times, has allowed him to get to where he is today; composing, playing, becoming his best self with the intention of sharing his unique voice – music speaks to Mr. Brian like nothing else and he will happily work with students to develop their own musical voices as well.

Mr. Brian mainly plays repertoire composed before the 1900s, but likes to compose almost any genre, especially music that feels “meant” for videogames. You can listen to one of his most recent compositions here.

Mr. Brian will soon get his associates in music at Clark College and will continue his musical education by going to PSU and attaining his bachelor’s in music.

 Brienne began playing piano at the age of 7, studying privately well into high school. Along the way, she developed a broader appreciation of music and exposure to musical instruments. In addition to the piano, she is highly proficient in clarinet, which she played throughout her school years. A particularly earnest musical director encouraged her exposure to trombone, flute, piccolo, and vibes in both symphonic and jazz bands. 

After high school, she pursued a degree in early childhood development and a career in portrait photography, focusing (pun fully intended) on newborns, maternity, and families. Throughout her school years, she raised her own children and cared for many others as a nanny and daycare provider. All the while, Brienne’s home has been continually filled with music, and a song is always within an arms’ reach.

Brienne is excited for the opportunity to share her love of both music and young learners. She appreciates that each student is different, and has the skills to provide the instruction and coaching needed to make the most of their experience. Regardless of their musical goals, she knows the benefits of musical instruction and exposure from an early age.

Charles Neal began his musical journey at age six and performed actively in jazz bands, concert bands, and church ensembles, developing strong foundations in classical percussion, drum set, piano, and vibraphone. After high school, Charles studied at Spokane Falls Community College and began performing professionally, gaining experience in rockabilly, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and acid-jazz/funk styles. Charles attended the Berklee College of Music on scholarship and truly found his musical voice.

Today, Charles is an active performer, composer, producer, and audio engineer with more than two decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest music community. As a dedicated educator, he brings a patient, encouraging, and highly musical approach to teaching, helping students build strong technique while discovering their own creative voice. He teaches drums, piano, percussion, and music fundamentals with equal enthusiasm, drawing from his diverse background to make lessons engaging and inspiring for students of all ages.

Whether working on drums, piano, percussion, or music fundamentals, Charles focuses on building confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning. Above all, Charles wants each student to walk away from every lesson feeling uplifted, successful, and connected to the idea that music isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you live. And it should always be fun. MUSIC=LIFE

Chunghah Hoffman reached a high level of achievement in classical piano performance as a youth. Under the instruction of Deborah Dewey of Seattle and Michi Harata North of Bellevue, she participated in music festivals and competitions annually, receiving multiple first place prizes, including first place at the WA State MTNA competition, and second at the Western regionals. She performed as guest soloist with the Musicians Emeritus Symphony Orchestra with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”). After being admitted to the music program at UW, she quickly switched course, opting to explore life outside the practice room by obtaining a BA degree in English. She went on to work in a variety of settings from tech to nonprofit, as well as stay at home to raise her two children. After this lengthy hiatus from music, Chunghah is thrilled to resume her musical journey by helping the next generation of students find their passion for music through a solid musical education. She is thankful for the investment in music made by her parents early on, as the benefits of musical training are numerous and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. She believes every child deserves to have the gift of music in their lives.

Dillon Nadler is a musician and educator who has been working out of the Portland Area for the last ten years. During this time, he has been fortunate to mentor hundreds of guitar students from all musical backgrounds, age groups and learning styles. Dillon’s considerable experience allows him to create dynamic guitar lessons that help students identify creative goals, target the weakest areas of their musicianship, and develop their natural strengths.

Dillon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Letters from Portland State University and is in the process of completing a Masters in Music Education from Longy School of Music at Bard College. When he’s not teaching, Dillon can be found composing, playing jazz, or improvising music around town.

Emily Frodsham is a piano and flute teacher based in Vancouver, Washington. She attended Central Washington University, majoring in music education and piano performance, graduating with full teaching certification.

During her time at Central, Emily was a recipient of the Sally Wagner Piano Scholarship, chapter president of National Association for Music Education, coordinator of the Sonatina Festival, and an officer in several music clubs and organizations. Lessons with Emily are classically-oriented, and her teaching approach features a strong emphasis on technique combined with a warm and encouraging environment.

Her experience includes AP music theory preparation, teaching general elementary music, piano accompaniment, and thirteen years of private instruction.

Ethan is currently a sophomore at Discovery High School. He’s been passionate about music since his introduction to piano at age 7, and has since taken on multiple other instruments in his free time. He also finds joy in sports such as Cross Country and Track and Field.

Along with extracurricular music, Ethan also is a member of the band at school, and tutors in music to the lower grades. He loves to spend time de-stressing with music, and he’s eager to have the chance to help develop the passion of music in young learners.

Jake has spent most of his life dedicating his time to perfecting the guitar. He uses it as a tool to express those inner emotions that transcend language and must be brought out through song. His tastes include many classics, like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin. There are many other influences stretching far and wide. Jake is just happy to be playing, teaching, and doing what he loves. You can hear Jake’s playing here!

Jamie’s musical journey began at age five with a tiny red ukulele and never stopped. He quickly moved to guitar and discovered an enduring love for classical music. By 11, he was ready for more ensemble playing, so he took up the cello, and has been playing it in various orchestras, chamber groups and bands ever since. A lifelong learner, Jamie’s also been studying piano as an adult, and is certain it won’t be the last instrument he picks up.

Jamie attended the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in 2001, and went on to get his BA in Music Theory and History from Brown University in 2007. He’s a current member of the Portland-based Tilikum Chamber Orchestra and the Vancouver String Quartet. Although he’s as devoted to classical music as ever, he’s well-versed in other styles, and remains convinced that great music knows no boundaries. He’s thrilled to share the joys of music with his students, friends and family.

Originally from western Massachusetts, Jamie lives in Camas with his wife, daughter and two cats. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking around the Pacific Northwest, and, of course, learning new instruments.

Jean Dettweiler brings 40 years of teaching experience to EMS, with the last 25 years focused on private piano, voice, and guitar instruction, as well as certified Musikgarten teaching. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College, where she was a serious student in the select 20-member touring vocal group, The Singers, under the direction of Dr. James Fudge.

Jean taught in public schools for 10 years in Wisconsin and Minnesota before founding and directing the Willow Pond Farm – Center for the Arts and Sciences in North Branch, Minnesota in 2001. There, she designed and implemented curriculum while teaching science, children’s choir, Musikgarten classes, musical theater, and more. She started her private music studio in 2004, teaching beginning to intermediate piano and voice, as well as beginning guitar.

Her strength lies in her ability to connect with children and help them explore their musical talent with joy and confidence. Jean finds the intersection of children, music, and nature to be extremely rewarding and motivating.

Jessica is happily married and blessed with two beautiful girls. She gets the joy of homeschooling both of them. She grew up in the PNW, therefore, loves the outdoors, backpacking, coffee, and Fall. She has always had a love for music and is always up for an impromptu dance party with her girls.

Karah has loved music her whole life. She grew up in a musical family and has a huge passion for all music. She enjoys a wide variety of musical genres from pop, country, contemporary Christian, oldies, and alternative. She started her love for guitar at the age of 13; her very first guitar teacher was her dad. She went on to study voice and guitar from Elizabeth, and continues to grow her musical passion. You can often find Ms. Karah with the younger students, singing, dancing, and possibly rolling around on the floor, teaching preschool music and movement both at Elizabeth’s Music Studio LLC and at Camas Christian Academy. You can reach Karah at karahh@emscamas.com.

Nikhil is a 16 year old sophomore at Camas High School and has been playing the piano for 10 years. He is studying classical piano and loves to listen to classical music when he’s working. His favorite composer is Chopin for his beautiful nocturnes.

Nikhil loves to play the piano to de-stress on hectic days. He also likes to play the flute and play tennis. He is thrilled to be sharing his love for piano with the young learners at EMS!