Our Coaches

 
 
 

“Have you every taken music lessons only to give up out of frustration that you weren’t making any progress? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that, and I want you to know that you are not alone! Here at The Davis Academy of Music, we have classes for students of all ages including Self-Study courses where you can watch videos to learn at your own pace and check in with one of our certified instructors at your own pace!”

- Emily Davis, Co-Founder

 

DR. CRAIG MICHAEL DAVIS

Teaching: Piano, Guitar, Drum Set, Composition, Songwriting, Film Scoring, Music Theory, Music Business Master Training

DR. CRAIG MICHAEL DAVIS is a multi-instrumentalist with a doctorate in music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. As a pedagogue, Craig uses cutting edge technology and resources in order to tailor piano, guitar, composition, songwriter, film scoring, theory, and drum lessons to students of all ages. As a performer, Craig performs a solo show and with The Craig Michael Davis Ensemble in the United States and in Europe.

Craig is on faculty at the Jacobs School of Music teaching film music, music theory, and more.

Craig lives with his wife Emily, his golden retriever Duke, and toy poodle Hamilton, in Bloomington, Indiana.


EMILY DAVIS

Teaching: Voice, Piano, Music Theater Coaching

EMILY DAVIS is a process-driven performer and musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Indiana University. Her passion for teaching started when she was in high school and her piano teacher at the time asked if she’d be willing to teach under her tutelage. She jumped at the chance to have her own students and to help them grow. That was 15 years ago and she has since gone on to teach hundreds of students in New York, across Italy, and beyond. Her passion for sharing music with others extends to educational theater where she often music directs. The students in her studio frequently win ISSMA gold, score lead roles in musicals at school & in the community, and excel in many areas of vocal performance. She values teaching students practices of excellent vocal health and technique while utilizing contemporary pedagogy to help them sing in any genre - from classical to pop and music theatre. Her love of sharing music with others extends beyond teaching into her performance career on stage as an actor. Most recently she was The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods at IUST. She is also adjunct faculty at Indiana University, is a certified Pilates mat instructor and is TEFL certified.


GINA LINCOLN

Teaching: Voice

GINA LINCOLN holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University, as well as a Certificate of Vocology (The science and practice of voice habilitation). She teaches singing using tools and strategies developed by Dr. Brian Gill that awakens the face and body for easy, great singing. These tools allow one to practice at home in a way that is reliable and effective.

Gina is a lover of many kinds of music, and believes that a good vocal foundation lends itself to singing any genre! 

Gina enjoys strength training, hiking, cooking, and performing locally in choirs and bands.


RYO KANEKO

Teaching: Piano

Winner of the 2014 Miami Music Festival Piano Competition and the 2015 Jacob Flier International Piano Competition, Japanese pianist Ryo Kaneko is a rising star in the next generation of pianists.

Mr. Kaneko received his undergraduate and Master’s degree from Rice University, where he studied with the internationally acclaimed artist Dr. Robert Roux. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Music at Indiana University under the guidance of Professor Emile Naoumoff.

 


DANQI ZENG

(DAHN-chee ZEHng)

Teaching: Piano, Violin, and Viola

Born in Guangzhou, China, Danqi Zeng began her violin studies at the age of four. She is an active performer, and experienced violin and piano teacher who has taught a wide age range of students from children to older adults for over 7 years. Her teaching has an emphasis on helping students with building a solid foundation of the violin and piano techniques as well as the ability to express personal emotions in the music while having a fun along the way.

She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Music in Violin Performance at Indiana University and holds a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, and graduated summa cum laude from CCM in Cincinnati with a BM in violin performance.

Joining The Davis Academy of Music, Danqi champions the belief that it’s never too late to learn to play a musical instrument!


KATIE DIMARINO

Teaching: Violin, Voice & Piano

Katie has studied violin since the age of six with instructors including Corinne Stillwell, K. Brandon Ironside, Annabelle Gardiner, and Ryan Kho. She has performed as a concerto soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral player; her ensemble experience includes the FSU Symphony Orchestra, Masterworks Festival Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, Janiec Opera Company Orchestra, and the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Quartet in Residence.

Katie has coached youth ensembles and taught private lessons with Bob Jones Academy, Thomasville Road Academy of the Arts, Piano Central Studios, and her own in-home studio. She also has experience with graphic design, video production, and social media marketing from her years as a Marketing Associate with the FSU College of Music.

Originally from South Carolina, Katie is enjoying Hoosier life with her husband and favorite violinist Daniel, who is pursuing a master's in film scoring at the IU Jacobs School of Music.


NATE DAVIS

Teaching: Drum Set

Nate is a fantastic drum set teacher engaging students from age 6 up to adults in retirement. Nate enjoys teaching as much as he enjoys performing. As an active performer, Nate thrives on live music interactions and loves to share his passion for the drum set, and live performance, with his students.

An avid climber, Nate spends his time (when he’s not practicing) at Hoosier Heights climbing walls, looking for new challenges.

Nate calls Bloomington, Indiana home.


TY CONNALLY

Teaching: Guitars

Ty began his obsession with guitar as a teenager, and now, more than 35 years later, he finds it no less gratifying. His focus on guitar technique, chording, and fretboard theory is foundational to his down-to-earth approach to learning.

Ty learned through his career as a visual artist that fun, enthusiasm, and passion shine through in the final art. Similarly, he feels that learning and playing music should be a fun and rewarding experience, because it not only benefits the music but enriches the individual.


EMMA TURNER

Teaching: Voice, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, & Songwriting

Emma Turner is a passionate music lover with experience in voice, piano, guitar, composition, and musical theater. She most enjoys singing with others and has a zeal for the power of unification through music. 

Emma is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in music and Spanish at Indiana University. When she isn’t in the classroom, you can often find her playing her instruments, painting, or studying astronomy. 

As part of the Davis Academy of Music, Emma is excited to connect and to share her passion with fellow musicians.


ANITA PARK

Teaching: Voice & Piano

Anita Park is an experienced musician specializing in piano and vocal technique. Her lessons are fun and engaging as she incorporates play into each lesson.

Outside of private lessons, Anita teaches group classes, including: Wiggle & Grow and Kids Sing.

As part of the Davis Academy of Music, Anita is excited to share her passion with both kids and adults. She embodies the belief that it is never too late to learn to play a musical instrument.


Federico Martinez Bon

Teaching: Guitar & Voice

Federico is a passionate guitarist and experienced music teacher from Uruguay with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. He loves guiding students of all ages to master their favorite songs and develop their unique styles through personalized lessons.

Specializing in popular music, Federico enjoys singing while playing guitar and frequently performs with a local acoustic rock band. Besides music, he is an outdoor enthusiast who goes hiking in all seasons. He shares his adventures with his wife Ana, living in Bloomington, Indiana.


EJ Choi

Teaching: Piano

EJ is passionate about all things music. She cultivates a relaxed environment in her teaching studio. Her classes are fun, customized and inspiring, for all students both young and old.

EJ holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University, but now enjoys living in Bloomington! Make sure to ask what her favorite ice cream flavor is!


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A Little Bit About…

The Founders:

The Davis Academy of Music was founded in 2016 by Craig and Emily Davis in Bloomington, Indiana. West Coast natives, Craig and Emily fell in love in New York City while they were studying music at New York University. Moving to Bloomington, Indiana to pursue a Doctorate from the Jacobs School of Music, Craig is now on faculty teaching musicology, music theory, composition and music history. Emily holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Indiana University’s Department of Theatre and Drama.

The Davis Academy of Music:

Combining their love for music, Craig and Emily founded The Davis Academy of Music in 2016 in Bloomington, Indiana. Emily focus on teaching voice, beginning piano, and music theatre, while Craig complements her role by focusing on intermediate and advanced piano, guitar, theory, composition, conducting, drums, strings, and beginning woodwinds.

Together Craig and Emily work to equip the next generation of musicians by challenging students to think critically and express themselves through the arts. The Davis Academy of Music often collaborates with painters, dancers, videographers and other artists to create memorable works that help students grow create new art in a challenging environment.

About our Curriculum:

Here at The Davis Academy of Music, we partner with the Royal Conservatory of Music in London for our piano curriculum, wherein we use RCM materials to tailor a specific program for each student, assessing their skills, and placing them on a level (P through 10). This level system has proved to be very valuable as it provides a structure for students and parents to observe growth. Each student is given a set of books including: sight reading, theory, repertoire, and others, to work from to accomplish weekly goals that culminate at the end of each semester with a studio wide recital (one in December, and one in May). At the end of the academic year, students are eligible to take the RCM test to receive a level certification, then pass on to the next level for the new year. Our program follows the academic year in that students generally spend 1 full year on each "level," before becoming certified.

When Craig and Emily are not teaching or performing, they enjoy spending their time leading worship and serving at High Rock Church.

Davis Keyboard Orchestration Charts

Never forget the range or transposition of any instrument ever again!