Music Lessons

Guitar - Rapid City

260-519-0296

paul.h.witkamp@gmail.com

Paul started learning guitar at the age of 12 at his local music shop in Huntington, IN. He went on to pursue his Bachelor of Music in Music Technology from Ball State University. He began to truly love the art of classical guitar and was awarded the Ball State Classical Guitar Assistantship which allowed him to receive his Master of Music in Performance. From there he moved to Chicago, IL where he began teaching at Merit School of Music and Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College.

Throughout this entire time Paul performed classical pieces, popular hits, original compositions, and contemporary works as a solo artist, in various ensembles, and rock bands. Paul decided to serve his country and joined the USAF in 2019 and now that his service is over he is delighted to bring his talents and expertise to Haggerty’s and the Rapid City area.

Guitar - Rapid City

wes@guitarlessonsmyway.com

My journey playing guitar began at the age of six. We travelled quite a bit growing up and I was fortunate enough to receive guitar lessons wherever we lived. This proved to be the foundation of my love for music.

The guitar is a fun instrument, and there is nothing like being able to play your favorite songs – whether it’s a new hit on the radio, or an old classic!

Bluegrass, Country, Rock and a bit of Folk music make up my playlists, and I would enjoy sharing everything that I have learned to help you enjoy becoming the guitar player you wish to be.

If you have always wanted to play the guitar, there is no better time than now!

Band - Rapid City

rickhamil@gmail.com

Rick Hamil has been a School Band Director in South Dakota for 13 years. He was the band director in Hoven, SD, Martin, SD, and Custer, SD before accepting his is current position as the beginning band director for The Douglas School District in Box Elder.

Rick received his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and his Master of Music in Orchestral Trumpet Performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Rick loves to play the trumpet. He maintains a busy performance schedule playing trumpet with the Black Hills Symphony, Black Hills Community Theater, and various small groups and solo performances throughout the Black Hills.

Piano - Rapid City

605-608-0533

sdmusicinstruction@gmail.com

Stephanie started playing the piano at 8 years old. After graduating with a music education degree, she served as the Music Director of a church, directing the adult, teen and children's choirs, for seven years. Currently, Stephanie continues the study of piano with Dr. Silvana Santinelli, President of the Fort Collins Music Teachers National Association (FCMTNA), having formerly studied with Kathryn Mientka Farruggia, international concert pianist. Stephanie studies voice with Erica Northcott, the Canadian Soprano. 

Stephanie has taught piano lessons for over 20 years, to all ages. She previously taught piano and voice lessons at Rapid City School of Music, before coming to teach at Haggerty's.

She performed with the piano quartet Cantare for two years, and various other musical groups in the Black Hills area, as well as Seraphim Theatrical Entertainment. She has sung with the Dakota Choral Union for three years, and serves on the Board of Directors.

Viola, Fiddle, Guitar, Piano, Composition, Sound Recording/Editing - Rapid City

kbless56@gmail.com

Kyle is a professional musician and educator. He records, tours and arranges and records strings for artists in a wide range of styles, from underground rappers to indie rock bands to Grammy-winning pop producers. He teaches many students weekly, ranging in ability from beginner to advanced. His versatility, experience, and formal training ensure a fun and engaging learning experience, catered towards what YOU want to learn.

Kyle's students receive top notch training in instrumental technique, note reading, and theory. Students interested in writing/recording/producing will also have the opportunity to write and record a song or instrumental piece with Kyle, and learn all his best tips and tricks along the way!

Violin - Rapid City

605-348-3405

Having studied piano and solfege at the age of 5 years, Curtis started playing the violin in his fourth grade school orchestra.  He was also first chair of his middle school and high school orchestras!  He was also first chair at UTEP and the University of Colorado, where he studied violin with Abraham Chavez and Oswald Lehnert.

He earned a Bachelor's in Music and Bachelor's in Music Education degrees followed by a Master in Music for Violin, enrollment in a D.M.A., and an appointment to the University of Colorado Faculty.

Curtis Taught Violin at Casper College in Wyoming for thirty years.  He has been featured Violin Soloist with symphonies in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, and North Dakota.  He has recorded for BIDDULPH records in London, England.