MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Rob Miller holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Composition from Webster University and is certified to teach K–12 Vocal and General Music. He began performing at age 15 and started teaching private guitar lessons soon after. For 29 years, he taught Elementary General Music and Choir in the public school system, all while performing with the well-known St. Louis group Sh-Boom.

Rob’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe, encouraging space where students can learn at their own pace and discover the joy of music. He believes students learn best when self-motivated and strives to make every lesson an enjoyable experience. Outside the classroom, Rob is a proud dad of four, enjoys performing with Butch Wax & the Hollywoods, and continues to compose and write songs.

Betsey Karako has an MM in performance/suzuki pedagogy from SIUE, BM magna cum laude in performance from Belmont University, teaching certificate from Avila University; has performed with Salem St. Louis Chamber Orchestra, Edwardsville Symphony, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Faculty Orchestra, Shoals Symphony Orchestra, Trans Siberian Orchestra; previously served as concertmaster of SIUE orchestra, previously served as concertmaster of Belmont University Chamber Orchestra. She has 15 years of teaching experience, taught at W.O. Smith Community Music School in Nashville, TN, taught in a variety of educational settings including Mehlville School District, Waldorf School of St. Louis, St. Margaret of Scotland School (during time there coordinated students’ performance at The Archbishop’s Gala in St. Louis), founded Friday Enrichment Violin Program at DaySpring in 2018, currently teaching with Parkway School District elementary orchestra program, private lesson students have participated in Illinois All State Orchestra, St. Louis All Suburban Orchestra, Webster University Community Music School Orchestra program and received high rankings at Missouri Solo & Ensemble. She works to foster meaningful connections between young musicians and their families, drawing upon my varied roles and experiences. She firmly believes that excellent musical instruction should be available to all. In private lessons she tailors instruction to each individual student, empowering them in their strengths and encouraging them to develop their potential as musicians and human beings. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to podcasts! 

Journee Carter received her MM from Shenandoah Conservatory and her BM from Webster University both in vocal performance. Since completing her Master’s program she has been actively participating in the St. Louis, MO music scene working both on and off stage.  

Journee has been teaching music lessons for over 10 years and began teaching at Dayspring in 2022 and she is passionate about building musicianship skills alongside learning music.

Alexandar Johnson is a distinguished musician and educator with a rich background in choral music. His musical foundation began with the St. Louis Children’s Choir Chamber Singers, later expanding through his work with the Recruits Chorus and the Ambassadors of Harmony, a five-time international champion ensemble. Alexandar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lindenwood University, where he excelled in vocal performance, choral conducting, and music theory.

Currently the choir director at Hazelwood West High School, Alexandar has transformed the program, earning regional and national recognition. He inspires students with his passion and personalized teaching approach. Alexandar is also in his third season as a Young Artist with the St. Louis Symphony In Unison Chorus, performing and promoting works by African-American composers. His ongoing involvement in professional development, workshops, and conferences reflects his commitment to excellence in choral music and education.

Rachel teaches flute and piano lessons at Dayspring. She graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Rachel has taught music lessons for over 10 years. She has also been a member of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019, playing flute and piccolo.

Dr. Crystal Chu is a passionate and experienced educator who has been teaching music for over 20 years in settings ranging from private lessons to school programs and group classes. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance with a secondary emphasis in Wind Conducting from the University of Oregon, a Master of Music from New York University, and a Bachelor of Music from the National University of Singapore, where she also studied on exchange at the Peabody Institute. She enjoys working with students of all ages and specializes in percussion, piano, and creative, cross-disciplinary approaches to music learning.

Since moving to Kirkwood in 2019 with her daughter, Dr. Chu has established her private studio and joined DaySpring, where she began teaching and later expanded her role to Music Department Head in 2024. In addition to teaching Music Theory in Motion, Class Piano, Creative Percussion, and private piano and percussion lessons, she enjoys curating the class catalog and supporting the music faculty and DaySpring families. Her students’ successes bring her great joy, and several of her piano students have earned recognition at local competitions such as the MAMA. She has also led community workshops such as Upcycled Percussion and Singing as a Parenting Tool, and is dedicated to creating an encouraging, inclusive environment where students feel motivated and confident. Outside the classroom, she enjoys weightlifting, travelling, and spending time with her daughter, and she speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Paul Huppert has performed in the front stands of a dozen different orchestras and participated in the summer festival orchestras of Grant Park, Aspen, Chautauqua, and numerous others. His performing experience spans 50 years, beginning at the age of nine when he started appearing as a soloist with orchestra and in recital. Paul studied at both Indiana University and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he was the recipient of the Emil Hermann Award in Violin.

Paul Huppert's teaching expertise encompasses Suzuki, Mark O’Connor, and RCM. His styles include classical structural techniques, folk (fiddling), classical, jazz, pop/rock, and electric violin.

In his performing career, Paul Huppert has appeared on stage with diverse artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dave Brubeck, Mannheim Steamroller, Linda Ronstadt, the Moody Blues, and countless others. Performing everything from early Baroque to modern styles on both acoustic violin and electric violin, he is one of the most versatile musicians on the scene today.

Dr. Ann Ahrens has been teaching piano for over 30 years and loves working with students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. She holds advanced degrees in music, including a doctorate in Christian Worship, and studied piano with respected teachers Daniel Schene, Cathy Benton, and Ruth Price. Along with private lessons, she helped create and launch the group piano program at Webster University’s Community Music School and brings a wealth of experience in both performance and teaching.

Her goal is to make music both enjoyable and meaningful. She meets students where they are—whether they’re dreaming of pursuing music seriously or simply want to learn for fun—and encourages them to grow with confidence. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening (especially her colorful zinnias), watching British dramas, and listening to classic vintage music.

Lydia grew up as a Missionary Kid in Papua New Guinea. She began playing piano at the age of 8 and clarinet when she was 10 as part of a band program at a mission based international school. She continued playing and singing in an active music program there until she finished high school and taught piano her last two years of high school before moving back to the United States to attend college. She graduated from Taylor University in Indiana with a B.M. in Music Performance in Clarinet, studying under Dr. Christopher Bade, and a Piano minor under the direction of Kathy Grile. In 2008 she was awarded the Presser Scholarship in recognition of music and academic excellence. Lydia has been teaching piano and clarinet privately in the St. Louis area for over 15 years. She enjoys playing with community bands and ensembles in church and around St. Louis. She has a great love and interest in music from around the world, and enjoys incorporating that diversity wherever possible.

Robyne Sieh is a pianist and composer from St. Louis, Missouri. She earned dual degrees from the University of Missouri: a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, along with a Certificate in Multicultural Studies. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Sinquefield Scholarship, a full-tuition award for undergraduate composers. Trained in both classical and jazz piano, Robyne has performed with the Mizzou Concert Jazz Band, the Mizzou New Music Ensemble, and various community events. As a composer, she has created works for ensembles including the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the St. Louis Sheldon Concert Series, and the Splinter Reeds Ensemble, and her music has been contracted by Warner Bros. Discovery for reality television. 

Robyne began teaching piano and group music classes in 2025. She currently teaches private piano lessons for students Pre-K – 12 and a jazz improvisation course at DaySpring Arts and Education. She enjoys working with beginner and intermediate students, guiding them as they explore both technique and creativity. She believes in giving students the opportunity to express their ideas through passion and creativity. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors. 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors. 

Carissa has been playing the violin since she was 12 years old. She has a bachelor's degree in music education from Clearwater Christian College. She has training in classical, folk, and sacred music. She has been a part of orchestras and ensembles and has played for church and weddings. She has over 12 years of experience teaching violin through both private and group lessons. She enjoys investing in her students and giving them the opportunity to grow in their musical abilities. She is passionate about homeschooling, teaching, and glorifying the Lord through music.

Doris has taught private piano lessons at DaySpring for 10+ years.

Kimberly H. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis in piano performance and is a certified K–12 music teacher in Missouri. She has served as a pianist in both church and community settings and has taught in public schools leading beginner piano classes, choir, show choir with choreography, and general music. Her diverse background reflects her commitment to helping students build a strong foundation in music while enjoying the creative process.

She believes in creating a supportive, “You Got This” learning environment where students feel encouraged, confident, and inspired to grow. Outside the classroom, she enjoys songwriting, learning guitar, exploring different music genres, crocheting, Lego building, traveling, studying Korean and Thai, and baking—interests that bring creativity and joy into her teaching.

Gary Lee is a private cello teacher and freelance musician. He earned his MM in Cello Performance from the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and his BM in Cello Performance (cum laude) from Illinois Wesleyan University. His teachers include Gordon Robson, Robert Luke, and Yuan Tung. His education includes training in chamber music, orchestral repertoire, contemporary music ensemble, and early music ensemble. Other instruments studied include piano and bass viola da gamba. He was a member of Missouri All-State Orchestra in the first three years of its existence, seated principal cello his senior year. Gary teaches cello through Community Music School of Webster University, Dayspring School of the Arts, and his private studio. He also teaches beginning bass viola da gamba through his private studio. In 2016 he was honored with the Outstanding Studio Educator 2016 Award from the American String Teachers Association, Missouri Chapter. Active as a freelance musician in both Missouri and Illinois, Gary is principal cellist and librarian of the Alton Symphony Orchestra. He is core cellist for the Landolfi String Quartet and cellist and librarian of Gateway Festival Orchestra. He has played as a member or extra for various Illinois and Missouri orchestras. He has played in ensembles for touring musicians, most recently Johnny Mathis, Classic Albums Live!, Bernadette Peters, Johnny Mathis, Il Divo, and Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith. He is a former principal cellist of Town & Country Symphony, former associate principal cellist of University City Symphony, and former member of St. Louis Philharmonic, Webster Symphony, and Bloomington-Normal (IL) Symphony. He was involved in work for music publishers for over two decades, including one company formerly concerned with music therapy and problems of performing musicians. Gary is a member of Musicians’ Association of St. Louis (AFM Local 2-197), Suzuki Association of the Americas, American String Teachers Association, and Viola da Gamba Society of America.