Teachers

Rebecca James

Studio Owner/Director;
Instructor of Piano, Trumpet; Junior Jamboree

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.

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 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.

Kathy Cooney

Studio Assistant Director;
Instructor of Guitar, Beginning Piano, Flute

Margarita Ronayne

Instructor of Piano;
Administrative Assitant

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 an active member of the Dayton Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where she has been a teacher of the Greek School for 12 years. She is the co-director for the Dayton Annunciation Catechism School Christmas Program. During this time, Margarita has also been the piano accompanist for their youth seasonal programs. She is also a member of the Annunciation's Choir. Margarita assists with the GCMS Junior Singers Youth Chorus and has been a substitute piano teacher. She is part of the new teacher-in-training program at GCMS. 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.

Luke de Villiers is a Baritone from Hamilton, Ohio pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at The University of Dayton. He studies voice with Dr. David Sievers and has studied piano with John Benjamin. At UD Luke has been a member of Opera Workshop and University Chorale. He portrayed the role of “Aeneas” in the highly praised production of Dido and Aeneas in Spring of 2023. Previously, Luke attended Miami University and was a member of the Miami University Men’s Glee Club under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Jones. He performed with The Glee Club at multiple conferences including ACDA and NCCO, and also performed internationally in Italy. He served as the group’s Choral Librarian during this time. Luke was also a member of the acapella group “The Cheezies” and served as Vice President and President.

In his free time Luke loves fishing and spending time outdoors.

Luke DeVilliers

Instructor of Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Voice.

Austin Haus

Instructor of Piano, Guitar, and Ukuele.

Austin is a passionate and dedicated music educator with a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Humanities, specializing in composition and creative expression. With a strong foundation in music theory and a love for crafting original works, Austin brings both technical skill and artistic sensitivity into the classroom.

As a composer, Austin encourages students to explore their own musical voices, fostering creativity, curiosity, and personal growth. His teaching is grounded in the belief that music is a form of expression—not a competition. Austin does not believe in musician egos. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and heart. "We are all called to bring one another to express our hearts through music,” Austin often says—reminding students that the true power of music lies in connection, not comparison.

Outside the classroom, Austin is an avid pickleballer—a pursuit that mirrors his love of rhythm, movement, and focus. This same energy is brought into every lesson, creating a dynamic and welcoming environment where students feel safe to take risks and express themselves freely.

Recently, Austin began a new and deeply rewarding adventure: becoming a father. As a father of one, he has discovered a whole new dimension of patience, joy, and wonder. This experience continues to shape his approach to teaching, reminding him daily of the beauty in small moments, the importance of nurturing potential, and the profound impact of unconditional encouragement.

At the core of Austin’s teaching philosophy is a commitment to bringing out the best in every student, helping them see their unique potential and experience the joy of authentic musical expression.

Antowoine Winters is a long-time resident of the Dayton area but is originally from
Mississippi. He earned two business degrees from Wright State University and is currently
a student in their Masters in Humanities with Emphasis in Music program studying the more
esoteric side of music as an art form. His primary teachers have been Bill Jobert, John
DeGruchy, and Dan Duncan.

Antowoine’s teaching philosophy is that every student can play and perform at a level that
shows their personal accomplishment and meaningful expression. He enjoys working with
students who share his passion for music but need that extra bit of encouragement to
support their connection and to put forward their best work in the pieces they perform.
Antowoine has performed on clarinet and bassoon in a variety of ensembles, including
symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, and woodwind quintets. He has performed on
stage at the Benjamin & Marian Performing Arts Center with the Wright State Chamber
Orchestra and in greater southwestern Ohio with the West Chester Symphony Orchestra,
the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Yellow Springs Symphony Orchestra at a
variety of fantastic venues across the Miami Valley. He recently premiered a new chamber
group, The Stillwater Winds, with some of his fellow musicians from the Sinclair Community
Concert Band. He can currently be found performing with the Wright State Chamber
Orchestra on bassoon and contra and with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra on
contrabassoon.
In his free time, Antowoine seeks out opportunities to collaborate with other musicians on a
variety of projects, including a new area music festival and a new music commission for a
relatively young chamber ensemble format – reed quintet (alto saxophone, oboe, clarinet,
bassoon, and bass clarinet). Antowoine is also an alumni member of the fraternity Phi Mu
Alpha Sinfonia and lives the fraternity’s values in all his endeavors, musical and otherwise.

Antowoine Winters

Instructor of Bassoon, Clarinet, and Saxophone

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.

G. Scott Jones is an educator, performer, and composer. He served as Director of Bands at Thurgood Marshall S.T.E.M. High School and Wogaman Middle School in Dayton Public Schools for ten years. Additionally, Scott taught courses in music, graphic design, and humanities at Central State University, Edison State Community College and Concordia University. Jones is an endorsed XO Brass artist.

Scott composes and performs in a variety of genres including Jazz, Gospel, Classical, Funk, Avant-garde, and others. He has performed and recorded with artists and groups including the Sinclair Community College Jazz Ensemble, the Kim Kelly Orchestra, the Eddie Brookshire Big Band, the Colour of Music Orchestra, the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, Steve Arrington, The Funk Brothers, Baoku, and more.

Scott has a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Central State University, a M.M. in Improvisation from University of Michigan, and a D.M.A. in Trombone Performance from West Virginia University.

Dr. G. Scott Jones

Instructor of Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euophonium, Tuba, and Percussion.

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.

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.