OUR TEACHERS

Hannah Willard is a performing and teaching violinist based in Eugene, Oregon, dedicated to inspiring a love for music in students ranging from ages 8 to 68. Through her teaching, she fosters a deep appreciation for music across generations. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Hannah performs with the Eugene Symphony and the Rogue Valley Symphony, and works as Executive Assistant for the Delgani String Quartet.

Hannah holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance and a certificate in Violin/Viola Pedagogy from the University of Oregon. She is also certified in Suzuki Books 1-4 and the "Every Child Can" program. Hannah takes pride in working closely with her students to understand their unique learning styles and develop tailored plans for their success. Additionally, she enjoys teaching beginner piano. Her violin lessons primarily utilize the Suzuki Method, while her piano instruction follows the Faber method books.

Outside of music, Hannah enjoys climbing, hiking, baking, and spending time with her cockatiel, Sir Wallace.

Jake Jernigan is a professional musician with an overwhelming passion for music and helping others find their sound. In 2019, Jake graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Composi􏰀on & Technology. Jake worked for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area as a musician and private music instructor before relocati􏰀ng to the Eugene area. He has almost a decade of teaching experience, and is equipped to provide a wide variety of tools for beginners and professionals, alike. He specializes in Jazz Guitar, Improvisati􏰀on, Composi􏰀tion, and Music Theory; but also provides lessons for piano, ukulele, and bass.

In his own words, “Music is truly my greatest passion in life, and I want nothing but to help others find the same love that I have. Not only does music promote a stronger connec􏰀tion with yourself, it’s one of the greatest vessels of connec􏰀ting with others. I am so excited to help the members of our community develop a vibrant self-expression, and help stoke the passion of our next generatio􏰀on of musicians.”

Megann Dawe is a current graduate student at the University of Oregon, working towards a master’s degree in Violin Performance. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music where she studied Music Pedagogy and Music Performance with a concentration in violin. 

Megann first had a love of music instilled in her at a young age while singing hymns with her family around the piano. She began music studies with piano and choral experience, but since beginning violin lessons at age eleven, Megann found her niche in music and adopted violin as her primary instrument. 

Studying under excellent teachers such as Allison Rhoades, Zeljko (Bill) Milicevic, Paul Zafer, and now Hal Grossman, Megann has developed her own passion for teaching and is eager to share the joy of music with her students. She believes that exposure to music at a young age is key for building skills such as confidence, learned perseverance, communication, and cooperation. Megann strives to instill a love and excitement for music into each of her students while encouraging them on the challenging path of learning a new skill.

Jacob is the owner of Sound of Light Music Academy. He relocated with his wife and daughter from Anchorage, where he taught at the Alaska School of Music. While earning his bachelor of arts in Music Composition, Jacob cultivated a thorough jazz and classical background. He's played in several different bands from a young age, exploring a broad range of styles across several different instruments.

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His passion lies in performing and teaching, but especially in developing a connection with his students. As a result, lessons are specifically catered to your ambitions. In your lessons, you can expect to have a friendly, personable learning experience. Most of all, Jacob aims to make lessons fun and memorable!

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In his free time, Jacob loves to go hiking and biking with his family, and serve at his church on the worship team.

Megha has an extensive vocal training background, dating back to when she was only four years old, where she began Carnatic (South Indian) classical vocal training. From a young age, Megha toured the US, Canada, and India. While pursuing her bachelor of arts in Music Education, she broadened her repertoire with Hindustani (North Indian classical), opera, jazz, pop, and R&B, while being an active member of the Gospel choir and Camerata chamber singers.

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Although she holds a doctorate in Physical Therapy, her first love is sharing her joy of music with others. Lessons with Megha focus on allowing you to pursue your artistic goals, specificied to your strengths.

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Megha is a licensed physical therapist who loves helping people heal and improving their quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, hiking, and meeting and connecting with people.