Teachers

REBECCA JAMES

Studio Owner/Director; Instructor of Piano, Trumpet

Rebecca James is a music educator and freelance musician who is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she earned a BM in Music Education and Trumpet Performance and Interlochen Arts Academy.

Rebecca has taught and performed throughout the country. She has taught both privately and in the schools and has experience working with students ages 1 to adult. Rebecca has also been music director and accompanist for musical theater productions, youth/adult choir, youth band and has performed in a variety of groups including band, orchestra, brass quintet and pit orchestra as well as various solo performances.She is currently the and co-director of the youth chanters and organist at the Dayton Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Vocal Arts Director at the Miami Valley School.

Rebecca is a member of Songworks Educators Association and was given the honor of being a Fleurette Sweeney Emerging Pioneer in Education (2012). Rebecca teaches utilizing SongWorks principles and has presented in Vancouver, B.C. about the use of SongWorks in ensemble settings.

Rebecca is a military wife teaching in the Dayton, OH area. She resides there with her husband, 2 sons and dog. Rebecca is the owner of Gem City Music Studio.

KATHY COONEY

Instructor of Guitar, Beginning Piano, Flute

Kathy Cooney is an exceptional teacher with over 30 years experience. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire (MS in Music Ed) and Keene State College (BM).

Originally a flautist, she has taught a variety of subjects in addition to flute including group keyboard, guitar, general music, chorus, band, math and 5th grade. Kathy is a fun and engaging teacher who custom fits any curriculum to each individual student. At each lesson, you can expect to be challenged and encouraged. Although Kathy is a stickler for details, she has an unexpected way of making learning playful and fun.

Kathy was raised in a military family and has traveled all over the world. She spent time teaching at an American school in Germany, but spent most of her career teaching elementary and middle school music in New Hampshire. Kathy has led many award winning groups over her extensive career.

Kathy is an avid baseball and football fan. She most enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

MARGARITA RONAYNE

Studio Assistant Director; Instructor of Piano

Margarita Ronayne is a Wright State University graduate with Bachelor's of Science degrees in Biology and Psychology. She also holds a degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Mainz, Germany. Margarita studied piano at the National Conservatory of Greece, Annex of Kallipolis under Ms. Evie Dretta and has 10 years piano experience.

Margarita is a member of the Dayton Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where she has been part of the Greek School for 12 years and now serves as Director. Margarita has also been the co-director/piano accompanist for their youth seasonal programs and youth chanters and is a member of the Annunciation's Choir. Margarita has assisted with the GCMS Junior Singers Youth Chorus. Margarita was a featured 2022 graduate in the Wright State University Newsroom.

Margarita is a native of Greece and a military wife. She met her husband in Germany and they now reside in Springboro with their 4 children. Margarita enjoys gardening, baking and traveling.

MADELINE SMITH

Instructor of Violin, Viola, Cello

Madeline Smith is a composer, violist, and teacher from Kettering, Ohio with 15+ years of musical experience. She is a veteran of both the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings and Youth Orchestra. After she received her Associate’s degree in Music at Sinclair Community College at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, she transferred to the University of Dayton. There, she regularly performed in the University Orchestra and became a founding member of UD's first electronic music ensemble, DIGIT. She earned her Bachelor's in Music Composition in 2022.

Throughout her musical studies, she has enjoyed exploring different genres, techniques and styles. She loves performing in pit orchestras for musicals and ballets. She has also fostered her interests in electronic music, jazz improvisation, the avant-garde, film music, video game music, and multimedia performance.

Madeline developed her teaching style in her five years of volunteering with Q the Music, which is a tuition-free program that brings string orchestra instruction to children in downtown Dayton. There, she mentored and gave private lessons to a wide variety of young people. She believes that the key to designing a successful lesson is to thoroughly understand her students' goals. Every student wants to get something different out of their lessons, so she works with each individual to craft an engaging lesson plan for them.

Madeline is a member of the Dayton Music Club, the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and frequently submits her original pieces to the Composers of Ohio Collaborative Organization for Acoustic Music (COCOA). She also works as a freelance musician for Viva La Strings. She has been commissioned for original music by the University of Dayton marketing department and Dayton Dance Initiative.

Outside of music, she likes to knit, draw, and play video games. She is a maker at heart, so she can always be found crafting things for herself and for others. Her home is full of DIY projects and handmade art pieces.

MAGGIE LUSTIG

Instructor of Piano

Maggie Lustig is a dedicated piano instructor currently pursuing a degree in Piano Performance at the University of Dayton, where she is also working toward a minor in Business Administration. She studies with John Benjamin and previously studied with John Teodtman. Maggie brings a rich background in performance, having played both as a soloist and with various ensembles. On campus, she enjoys performing with the university orchestra, collaborating in piano duets, and serving as pianist for campus Masses. She also has experience playing piano at weddings.

As a teacher, Maggie strives to create a supportive and inspiring learning environment. She is passionate about helping students discover their musical voice, build confidence, and explore the many opportunities that come from studying music.

When she’s not at the piano, Maggie loves reading and painting in watercolor. She also enjoys being outdoors with her dogs and starting her day with yoga.

DECLAN PHELPS

Instructor of Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba

Declan Phelps is a trombonist from Dayton, Ohio. As a performer, he has experience performing with numerous ensembles including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the top ensembles at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM). He has also performed in multiple music institutes and has performed in masterclasses for top trombone players such as Joe Rodriguez, Megumi Kanda, and Sasha Romero.

As a music educator, Declan has experience teaching in high school settings. He is currently teaching as a low brass and field technician for the Centerville Jazz Band, a nationally recognized high school marching band from Centerville, Ohio. In this position, he runs low brass sectionals as well as teaches and critiques individual students on the field.

Declan holds a MM from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and a BM from the University of Dayton. His primary teachers include Timothy Anderson and Dr. Chad Arnow.

DAVIS GRAY

Instructor of Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Piano

Davis Gray is a current wright state university music education student. He is a clarinet/bass clarinet player with many years of experience in bands, orchestras, and pit orchestra.

As a teacher Davis Gray has taught private lessons in high school and spent two years as a section leader within high school marching band.

He loves teaching and hopes to make a impact on students lives with showing them the beauty of music.

GABRIEL LUSK

Instructor of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, and Cello

Gabriel Lusk is currently a student at the University of Dayton, studying biology with a minor in
music. He has been studying and performing various kinds of music from a very young age, with
guitar as his first instrument at nine years old. Along with guitar and cello as his main
instruments, he also plays 5-string banjo, mandolin, and bass. At age 11, he began performing
with the Springfield Youth Orchestras, where he discovered his passion for orchestral music,
and throughout his college years, he has served as principle cellist for the UD Orchestra for four
years, as well as cellist and founding member of the UD String Quartet. In the summer of 2026,
Gabriel plans to attend the Brevard Music Festival for orchestral studies. He has also been a
part of Bryon Sutton’s Blueridge Guitar Camp for three consecutive years, which is also a part of
Brevard Music School.

When Gabriel is not playing music or studying biology, he spends his time with some of his
favorite pastimes, which include metal detecting, learning American and ancient Egyptian
history, coin collecting, studying various types of Martin guitars and bluegrass history, and
buying, selling and trading multiple instruments. Music has been a crucial part of his life, and he
is always excited to teach and play music. He’s looking forward to seeing where the future
holds, and he can’t wait to see where his music takes him.

SEAMUS DUNPHY

Instructor of Voice

Seamus Dunphy is a dedicated vocal instructor, performer, and choral leader with a strong passion for music education. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Wittenberg University, where he honed his skills in vocal technique, pedagogy, and ensemble leadership.

With years of experience in both solo and choral performance, Seamus has worked professionally with local chamber ensembles in Dayton, Ohio, and has led private vocal ensembles, helping singers refine their artistry and stage presence. His background includes classical, musical theatre, and contemporary vocal styles, making him a versatile and adaptable instructor.

Seamus’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel free to explore their voices, take risks, and be vulnerable. He believes that growth in music comes from a place of trust, where singers can build confidence, develop strong technical foundations, and express themselves authentically. His goal is to foster a sense of community within his studio, where students support one another and strive for excellence together.

In addition to private instruction, Seamus is an experienced mentor, having worked extensively with young musicians at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where he served in various leadership roles, including Camp Bernstein Director. His approach ensures that each student, whether a beginner or an advanced vocalist, receives the guidance and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

He is excited to bring his passion for vocal performance, technique, and music education to Gem City Music Studio, helping students of all levels find their unique voice and love for singing.

SOPHIE ARCUSA

Instructor of Saxophone

Sophie is a graduate of Miami University, where she received her Bachelors in Music Composition with a minor in Film Studies.

In addition to writing film and video game music, Sophie also works with the Kettering Fairmont Marching Band as a woodwind and saxophone tech. Though her primary instrument is saxophone, she also enjoys playing clarinet (and is looking forward to learning flute next!).

She has been teaching for three years, and is currently working on her Masters of Science in Music Production with Indiana University.