Alpine Music Studios

Our Story

Alpine Music Studios was founded in 2017 by longtime musician Matt Brenna. Matt set out to build not only a music school but a home for students to grow and foster their musical ambitions. He wanted to create a space for learning and collaboration, guided by skilled instructors who shared a common vision. Emi Williams joined the team as an instructor in 2018 and became co-owner in 2019. The pair have since worked together to grow the company into one of the most successful music schools in Alaska.

Our team consists of professional musicians whose styles blend to create a unique experience only Alpine can offer. Our primary focus is on individual and group lessons. We also provide recitals, seasonal programs, and studio recording services.
Our students range from complete beginners to seasoned performers. So no matter where you are in your musical journey, we are here to provide the inspiration and framework necessary for you to reach the next level.

We strive to make learning fun while providing first-rate musical instruction. To create an engaging and educational experience, our instructors develop personalized curricula that combine the fundamentals of music with the goals and interests of each student.

Our Mission

To provide the most well-rounded musical education in Alaska using one-on-one instruction, group collaboration, and real-world application.

Our Vision

An inspired community of homegrown performers, writers and rock stars who continue the tradition of musical excellence in Alaska.

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Our Team

  • Emi Williams

    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.

  • Abi Sparkman

    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.

  • Adriana Latonio

    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.

  • Dawson Gentleman

    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.

  • Eric Wickenheiser

    Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Piano, Ukulele, 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. 

  • Meg Hronek

    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.

  • Phil Giannulis

    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!

  • Sean Perkins

    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.

  • Marie Nielson

    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.

  • Chris Hawk

    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.

  • Shane Russell

    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.

  • Ansley Morris

    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!

  • Alison King

    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.

  • Lisa Waugh

    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.

  • Elliot Stutzer

    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!

  • Roger David

    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. 

Private Lessons

Alpine Music Studios offers private music lessons for adults and children of all ages! Private lessons are the best way to receive a focused and personalized music education. Working one-on-one with our students allows us to set goals and create lesson plans tailored to each student's needs and preferences. Our private lessons are held once a week, on a recurring basis. We recommend students start with half-hour lessons with the option to increase to hour-long sessions in the future.

Your First Lesson Is Free!
We offer one free lesson to each new student (one per new family).
We want you to come in, meet your instructor, and get a feel for the studio, to be sure we’re a good fit!

Half-Hour Lessons: $40.00

Hour Lessons: $80.00

Explore our instrument offerings below, and visit the Our Team section to meet our staff
and learn more about what Alpine Music Studios has to offer.
Call us at (907) 297-8677 or SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL LESSON HERE!

As your musical skills progress, you may reach a point where you're ready to dip your toes into the recording process. After putting in the hard work and seeing improvements, recording becomes a natural next step and we're here to help you take it.

Our in-house studio is fully equipped and ready for any recording project. We've recorded singer-songwriters, family bands, rock and roll albums, and even memoirs. We have a team of studio musicians and producers who are able to help students develop their very own songs and release them to the world for a fraction of the cost of other studios. Whether you're recording a Christmas jingle for grandma or working on a pop hit, we've got you covered.

Recording and mixing services are priced per project. Please contact the studio to discuss your specific needs.

Call us at (907) 297-8677, or email us at info@alpinemusicalaska.com for more information.

Recording & Production

Group Programs

Our group programs are designed to bring students together, showcase new skills, and build confidence in their musical abilities. Each performance opportunity and workshop provides a chance for collaboration with fellow musicians and the time to focus on a specific skill set.

From Summer of Rock to our chamber ensemble, we have something for every genre and level of musician. All programs have their own individual pricing and are based on instructor time and the number of rehearsals or sessions included. Check out the details for each program below to see which one is right for you!

May 27 - August 8, 2026

Summer of Rock is a summer music program focused on giving students the opportunity to play and perform in a real “rock and roll” band! Students play a variety of instruments and learn the skills necessary to be in a band, such as leadership, performance, teamwork, and the art of rocking out!

What you need to know: 

  • Deposit: $100 - Due at sign-up (refundable through 5/20/26)

  • Total Cost: $475 - Remaining $375 Due 5/25/26

  • Sibling Discount: $50 per additional sibling

  • First week of practice: Tuesday 5/27

  • Concert Details: Sat. 8/8/26, 4:30 pm at Hilltop Ski Area (7015 Abbott Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507)

  • Dress Rehearsal Details: Fri. 8/7/26, 4:30 pm at TBA

  • Rehearsals are held once a week at the Turnagain Arts Building for one hour. 8-10 rehearsals are included.

  • Summer of Rock is open to all students actively enrolled in private lessons.

  • Students must be able to attend 80% of rehearsals. 

Seasonal Recitals

Our recitals are held bi-annually in Spring and Winter (holiday season). These performances give students a goal to work toward and a chance to proudly show off the skills they’ve been honing in lessons.


Recitals are studio-wide, and all skill levels are encouraged to perform. Seeing what fellow musicians are working on creates a sense of community, gives students pride in the work they’ve done, and illustrates what can be achieved through consistency and dedication.

Spring Recital