FOUNDER/OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

Matt has over a decade of teaching experience with the guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, piano, drums, and recording. He has a B.A. in fine arts and performance from Alaska Pacific University, and has been writing, recording, and performing with bands for close to two decades. You may have caught him performing with bands such as The Jangle Bees, Blackwater Railroad Company, and Big Fat Buddha.

OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

Emi became a co-owner of Alpine Music Studios in 2019. She teaches guitar, bass, Ukulele, drums, and piano. She was born and raised in Anchorage, where her musical endeavors began. Emi earned her bachelor's degree from the State University of New York where she focused on audio and visual production. She is a songwriter, vocalist, and bassist for The Jangle Bees.

Administrative Assistant
Voice, Piano, Ukulele

If you’re a student at Alpine, chances are you’ve met our amazing admin assistant and instructor, Lisa! She’s a lifelong performer and lover of music. She has trained with an array of local voice teachers and has performed in local musical acts and theater productions since 2014. Lisa adores singing and is passionate about passing on the joys of music to others to encourage self-expression, growth, and personal satisfaction. Outside of the studio Lisa can be found performing locally with fellow Alpine instructor Elliot in the band Farrago Five.

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Drums, Banjo

Abi has been teaching music for 7 years, and has 10 years of experience performing music in various settings. She joined Alpine Music Studios in July of 2021, and has since become a vital part of the team. Abi is currently enrolled in the business program at UAA studying marketing, and is the songwriter/singer/guitarist of local rock band SunDog.

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Uke, Voice, Drums, Banjo

Eric was raised in a musical household, where music was a regular part of family gatherings. As a child, Eric was involved heavily in choir and orchestra, in addition to being a member of rock, heavy metal, and punk bands. He became hooked on the guitar in the 7th grade, and hasn’t looked back since. He has a bachelor’s degree in music performance, and has taught private lessons since his college days. In addition to teaching with Alpine, Eric is the full-time manager of the Alaska Rock Gym, and plays the upright bass for a local folk band.

Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Performance

Adriana has been singing and performing ever since she can remember. She has competed in talent competitions in and out of state where she won multiple titles, made the Top 10 females of American Idol Season 12, achieved 1st place in the Upper College Women’s division for the Northwest Region of NATS and more. She has a bachelor's degree in music performance with a voice emphasis. You can catch her performing locally with her a cappella trio, Pipeline Vocal Project.

Guitar, Bass , Piano, Ukulele

Elliot started his journey with Alpine as a student of Matt Brenna’s! He’s been a teacher at West High for the past 5 years, but becoming a music student himself inspired him to make the switch to full-time music instructor! Elliot aims to help his students grow creatively while expanding their technical skills. When he’s not instructing, Elliot plays in the WHS teacher band, The Hall Monitors, and Farrago Five with fellow Alpine instructor Lisa. You can catch Elliot performing around the state with both bands or indulging in some of his favorite music: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, & Pink Floyd!

Violin, Fiddle, Cello, Mandolin

Meg started playing violin at age 3. Trained in the Suzuki method, she learned to play by ear before learning to read music. She is classically trained and has played with youth and university symphonies. She has also studied Showtune Style fiddle and competed in (and won) fiddle competitions nationally. She has experience in bluegrass bands and plays private events and weddings.

Drums, Guitar

Phil has been playing drums for 11 years. Starting at the age of 13, he quickly developed a lifelong passion. Phil joined the Alpine team in April of 2021 and has, by his own admission, "loved every second of it." He comes from a family of 8 kids and has always really enjoyed working with children. Phil has been performing with local rock trio SunDog for 6 years with fellow teacher, Abi!

Voice, Uke, Piano

Some of you may know Roger as the choir teacher at Goldenview Middle School, and some of you may know him as the football coach at West High School. Maybe you went to school with him at UAA where he earned both his undergraduate and Masters degree in Music and Education! For those of you who don't already know him, allow us to introduce Mr. Roger David! We are truly honored to have him on the Alpine team specializing in voice and performance coaching but also teaches beginning piano, guitar, and Ukulele. 

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Banjo, Upright Bass, Cello, Violin/Viola, Drums/Percussion, Voice

Sean has been studying and performing music since 2008. He graduated from the music program at Lane Community College and studied Upright and Electric Bass at the University of Oregon where he focused on Jazz Improvisation and Music Theory. Sean has experience performing across many genres of music and is currently the bassist, producer, and composer for the Anchorage rock band Childish Tycoon! Sean has been teaching music lessons since 2015 to students of all ages. Teaching others inspires him to compose his own music and continue to grow creatively. He currently instructs string instruments, guitars, keys, vocals, percussion, and music theory.

Violin, Cello, Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass, Upright Bass, Ukulele

Marie Nielson grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and began playing instruments at age 4. She was actively involved in the youth orchestra programs in town and placed in multiple state competitions on piano. Marie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, with an emphasis on Violin. She is an avid performer in the community and has been a violinist in the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra since 2017. Marie enjoys composing and creating arrangements of popular music. With 10 years of teaching experience, she delights in sharing music and techniques from a wide range of styles with students.

Voice

Chris was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Brought up in church, surrounded by phenomenal musicians, his love of music was sparked. He was heavily involved in the arts throughout his childhood, playing instruments, dancing, singing, and acting. Chris sang in the choir in high school where he accepted a Grammy Award on behalf of his alma mater Bettye Davis East High School, joined the Glee Club at UAA to further his understanding of music, and in 2018, signed to Satellite Heart Records, where he worked in musical production, arrangement, and events. In 2022, Chris was voted Anchorage Press Pick’s Best Male Vocalist! He is currently the Music and Special Ministries Coordinator at a non-profit residential treatment facility, a local Music Director, performer, and instructor.

Guitar, Bass, Drums, Voice, Ukulele, Piano

Shane started playing drums on pots and pans in the kitchen when he was 3, got a drum set at 5 and the rest is history. Shane is a Spenard-born and bred multi-instrumentalist and singer. He performs solo, as the frontman for Childish Tycoon, and on drums for Ashley Young. In his “free” time, he puts on a songwriters group for the community and is creating safe spaces for diverse musicians and artists of all ages. His favorite artists are Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Jack White, & John McCrae. Shane is a lifelong student of music and is currently focusing on improving his music production skills.