Private Lessons & Instructors

Joan Bertoluzzi is our violin teacher. She performed as a professional violinist and has many years of experience teaching violin to all levels from young children to adults. She tailors each lesson to the student’s interests and strengths to make the experience challenging and pleasurable.

Jeannette Altenhofen has taught elementary music in private and public schools for 27 years and recently retired from Littleton Public Schools. A pianist and organist for over 25 years, she has also managed her own piano studio and loves teaching private lessons. Her children began their music journeys in the Strings Attached program and continue to play.

Brian has over 45 years of music experience, teaching acoustic and electric guitar as well as bass. He emphasizes proper form, finger exercises, and songs chosen by students for beginners, and theory and performance for intermediate students. Brian teaches from a holistic perspective, integrating knowledge about how guitars interact with other instruments and offering general music insights.

Sunny is a pianist and vocalist from Claremont, CA. Prior to joining Englewood Arts, she taught high school music and visual arts in Aurora, CO. As an arts educator, Sunny is passionate about helping her students create a solid music foundation and differentiating her instruction based on the needs and goals of each student.

Summer Lusk, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Colorado-Boulder, holds a Bachelor and Master of Music in Violin Performance. With over 11 years of teaching experience in violin, piano, and music theory, Summer has performed worldwide, including at the White House and alongside Natalie Merchant. She is a founding member of Red Rock Strings and has coached for youth orchestras and other ensembles.

Rachelle Nemec has over 30 years of dance experience, performing with the Denver Broncos, Rapids, and Nuggets, where she was dance captain for 4 years. She has taught dance for 25+ years at local Denver studios and choreographed for high school musicals, winning top awards. Rachelle has also directed youth dance programs, trained poms teams, and judged regional competitions. Her specialty is teaching children ages 3-8.

Amanda Laborete is currently pursuing her Masters at Manhattan School of music. She holds a bachelors degree from the Eastman School of Music. She is also a recipient of the Glenn and Frances Harris Cello Prize. As a teacher, Amanda has served as chamber coach for San Diego State Summer Music Institute and Cello Teacher/Chamber Coach at the Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, NY. Amanda has enjoyed a varied career previously working in finance and culinary arts. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with animals, painting, and eating great food with friends.