Staff

Frank Meely

MBTI: ENFJ-A
Enneagram: 9
Birthday 1/13

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, where Frank played Percussion and Saxophone throughout his middle and high school years. He then pursued a Worship Arts Leadership degree from Spring Arbor University in Michigan. Within the Worship Arts degree, he focused on voice and piano, with his teachers becoming direct mentors for both. He maintained a presence in the band in both the Percussion and Woodwind sections, and while his conducting focus was choral, he also studied score and composition one-on-one with the Chair of the Music Department.

Frank moved to California in 2009 and held a Sr. Instructor position at Leading Note Studios in Encinitas teaching mainly voice and piano. He also picked up several instruments in his tenure at LNS, such as cello and accordion.

After 10 and a half years at LNS, Frank decided to start Ascend Music Studios where he continues to teach piano and voice while maintaining the administrative and executive functions of the business.

Frank is known to be patient and knowledgeable as a teacher, while still maintaining a desire for excellence from all of his students. He understands that failure is only a stepping stone to success. Having written all of the core values of the studio, you could say that Frank is really passionate about all of them, but really desires to develop artists who are capable of being the leaders and catalyst for creative change in our culture for the better.

Lauren Koetje (Ku-tjee)

MBTI: ESFP-T
Enneagram: 9
Birthday: 10/4

Leadership, patience, and preparation are all things Lauren Koetje brings to the AMS team. Not only is she a naturally phenomenal teacher, but she is the manager of the Jackson, Michigan studio. Lauren brings a brilliant organizational style to the studio, as well as to her teaching.

Lauren has Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University where she also studied music, led the Chapel Band, and toured with Wellspring. Her knowledge of music and leadership makes a wonderful addition to our team.

Along with teaching Voice, Piano, and Violin, Lauren plays guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and trombone. She believes in tailoring each lesson to the individual student to give them the best chances at excellence and success.

Lauren is motivated and inspired by the AMS Core Value of Excellence. She believes working with excellence and aspiring to our personal best is a powerful way we are able to serve those around us.