Meet The Staff
Zach Haney
Guitar
Zach has been playing guitar and working as a freelance musician for the past 15 years. Studying briefly at the University of Akron in the Jazz Studies program. He has shared the stage with many talented acts across the state, and has been working many different jobs in the music world. He is great with students of any age and skill level.
Drew Adamets
Drums, Percussion, Bass, Piano
Drew Adametz graduated with his masters of music from the University of Akron and undergraduate degree from Kent State University. He has studied practice and performance techniques for 16 years, and has been teaching privately for 10 years. Areas of expertise are in
percussion, bass guitar, and piano, as well as studies in music recording, production and engineering for those
who want to do electronics in music.
Krista Cole
Flute, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele
Hi there! I have been playing flute since I was 8 years old, and I am a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). I graduated with a B.M. in music therapy from Baldwin Wallace, in 2019. I have experience playing flute in wind ensembles, orchestras, and small chamber ensembles. I love all genres of music, and making music with people is one of my favorite things to do! I am currently teaching lessons online, but I am still able to adapt lessons for students of all ages and ability levels. I look forward to making music with you!
Matt Murphy
Drums, Percussion, Brass, Piano
Hello! My name is Matt Murphy and I teach drums, percussion, beginning piano, beginning violin and brass lessons here at Firefly. I graduated from The University of Akron in the spring of 2021 with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. I currently teach and assist with 5th-12th grade instrumental music in the Green Local Schools district, as well as teaching private lessons here at
Firefly. I enjoy getting to teach private lessons and I love discovering each student's personality and musical interests. It's so much fun getting to help them grow as musicians. In my free time I love to
play music, read, travel, and go hiking with my dog Nyx.
Dan Porter
Piano
I began taking piano lessons at six and continued through high school where I was active in the school’s instrumental ensembles. While at Akron U, I played keyboards for a band that had recently released an album (now in the Local Artists section of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and was opening for some well known musical acts of that time. That part of my career lasted for seventeen years and involved touring and recording as well other projects including radio commercials and video soundtracks. I’ve had the honor and privilege of sharing the stage and studio with a number of immensely talented people and continue to grow, both professionally and personally I currently work in sales for a satellite radio company, teach at Firefly, am active on my church Worship Team, play on radio commercials/video soundtracks, and occasionally perform live outside of church. I take the responsibility of teaching my students seriously, regardless of their goal musically, and hope that when the practice becomes laborious, it will be a labor of love as it has been for me (usually)
Brian Raglow
Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele
Brian has been playing guitar for eleven years, and has played in groups ranging from small blues trios to large jazz ensembles. He is currently studying jazz at The University of Akron, but his eclectic style also encompasses rock, funk, hip hop, and more. Teaching is something Brian has been doing for six years, and he enjoys it very much. He uses a personalized approach with each student to cater to individual musical interests and goals.
Egan Ammerman
Guitar, Bass , and Piano
My degree is in Composition and Performance from Columbia College in Chicago. I like helping other people have fun learning music, and teaching helps keep me sharp. I play locally with my trio “Operations” at The Nervous Dog Cafe, The Wolf Creek Winery, Northside, and other places. I like jazz, funk, fusion, and latin music. Hobbies would be reading, working out, travel… I want to visit Brazil someday. And, when I was much younger, I did enjoy eating ice cream with pepperoni on it!
Hannah Pyett
Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele
Hi there! I’m a teacher and music therapist here at Firefly. I’m a graduate from the University of Akron with a B.A. in music with a focus of voice. I attended Baldwin Wallace for music therapy and am now a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). Music therapy is not only my job, but my passion. I love getting to know my students and believe music can benefit anyone. I enjoy all types of music and enjoy when my students bring me a song or piece I’ve never seen or heard before
Casey Genemans
Drums and Percussion
Casey Genemans is a retired band director from Akron and has taught public school for 32 years. He has a masters degree in music from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelors in Music from Akron U.
He has played drums and percussion with many area wedding and special occasion bands and is currently
doing studio work for JT productions.
Casey lives in Tallmadge and has two grown sons- one of which plays in a professional symphony orchestra.
Josh Sipe
Brass, Strings, Woodwinds, Piano, Drums and Percussion
Josh Sipe is currently a senior music education major at the University of Akron. He teaches the Drumline at
Mapleton High school during the summer and the school year. During the winter season he teachers the indoor drumline at Cloverleaf High School. He is the quad tech at
Rogues Hollow Regiment. He marched for the Columbus
Saints Drum and bugle Corps, Matrix Open, and Ohio’s Pride the University of Akron Marching Band.
Maddie Woodward
Strings, Trumpet, Sax, Clarinet, Piano
Hi there! My name is Maddie Woodard and I teach strings,
clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, and beginning piano here at Firefly! I am currently a Junior at the
University of Akron studying instrumental music education. I started playing violin when I was in 5th grade. I am now a part of the Symphony Orchestra at UA. I really enjoy getting to work one on one with students and it’s really fun
to get to know them! Usually in my free time, I like to bakeand craft, or I am always hanging out with my dog, Mugs.
Lauren Eckersley
Brass, Strings, Woodwinds, Piano
Lauren Eckersley is an Instrumental Music Education major at the University of Akron. She hasplayed her primary instrument, the Euphonium, for 13 years. Lauren also plays the flute, clarinet, tuba, trombone, saxophone, and many more. Lauren is an active member of the University of Akron Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Concert Choir. Outside of school and teaching she enjoys cooking and hiking!
Adaline Kinney
Voice, Percussion
Adaline Kinney is from Carrollton, Ohio. She graduated from The University of Akron with her Bachelor of Arts having a concentration in voice, but also performed percussion on the side. She was a member of the University of Akron's University Band, Concert band, and Concert Choir. She is an active alumni member of the National Band service fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. Adaline teaches Voice and Piano at Firefly Music School. Her specialty is classical singing, but she can teach many other types of singing.
Emmily Riley
Administration
Hi! My name is Emmily Riley and I’m the new admin here at Firefly. My husband Conrad and I live with our three kids in the neighborhood. This is my first step back into the real world after taking the last 8 years off to stay at home with my children. I love seeing the kids coming and going from their lessons and listening to all of the music being created around me! Feel free to stop by the office and say Hi!
Steve Earl
Administration
Hi, I’m Steve and I manage Firefly. I’m so grateful for the fantastic team of teachers and admin I get to work alongside. While the school is pretty quiet during the mornings while I do desk work, it’s such a joy as the lessons begin in the afternoon to hear all the different instruments playing, and seeing families come and go. I live nearby in Highland square with my wonderful
wife Missy and our two children, Mark and Bethany.