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, and drums. 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

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 since 2015, and has countless 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.

Voice, Piano, 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 Guitar, Drums, Piano, Ukulele

Dawson is a self-taught musician from Fairbanks, Alaska, with a deep passion for both performing and recording. He began playing drums at age 5 and soon expanded his skills to include bass and guitar. Raised in a musical family, Dawson played bass in a rock band called Arctic Entry alongside his parents, and he started performing live at just 12 years old. Now based in Anchorage, he continues to record and perform his solo music while also finding fulfillment in teaching and mentoring emerging musicians.

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Voice, Drums

Eric was raised in a musical household, where jamming and singing were a regular part of family gatherings. In elementary school Eric was involved in choir and orchestra, but he became hooked on the electric guitar in the 7th grade and hasn’t looked back since. In high school he played in numerous heavy metal, hardcore, punk, and emo bands. During college he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance for classical guitar. As of 2025, Eric has taught private music lessons for over 20 years. In addition to teaching with Alpine he works at an Anchorage based recording studio, runs a small business doing guitar repair, and plays in a local band. He likes to climb and ski when he's not playing music. 

Drums, Guitar

Phil has been playing since the age of 13, when 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!

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Cello, Violin, Viola, Drums, Percussion

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, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass Guitar, 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, Performance Coaching

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 Guitar, Drums, Voice, Ukulele

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.

Piano, Ukulele

Ansley is a born and raised Alaskan who has played piano for over 20 years! Her love of music spans all genres with a special love of classical music which she developed through years of playing piano and oboe. Ansley has a B.A. in Music and Math from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. After college Ansley returned to Alaska to continue playing music and spending time in the mountains, the woods, and all the other outdoor spaces Alaska has to offer. Fun fact: Ansley has perfect pitch!

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Ukulele

Alison King is an artist and musician based in Anchorage, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. She moved to Alaska at 22 for the adventure and quickly made it her home. With a classical background in piano, flute, and oboe, Alison started playing ukulele at 12 and eventually found her groove with the electric bass guitar.

Over the years, Alison has performed with a wide range of local bands, rocking everything from classic and indie rock to blues, reggae, country, and jazz. She credits her creative drive to her musically gifted family and the rich, diverse influences that shape her sound. When she's not performing, Alison enjoys life with her husband, dog, and cat, staying busy with a variety of activities.

VIRTUAL: Guitar, Bass Guitar, 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!

Virtual: Voice, Ukulele, 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. 

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.