Our Instructors
brandon bakke
DRUMS
Brandon Bakke is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and seasoned performer who brings decades of real-world experience to his teaching. A self-taught drummer since the age of 15, Brandon has become a staple in Omaha’s original rock scene, performing live, recording in studios, and touring across the country.
He studied clarinet at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, expanding his versatility and musical foundation. Brandon’s performance career includes everything from pit orchestra work to front-line touring gigs, giving him a broad and unique perspective on the music industry.
As a teacher, Brandon is passionate about helping students develop not just technical skill, but also musical intuition, creativity, and confidence behind the kit. He meets students where they are, whether they’re just starting out or building advanced skills, and works to cultivate their individual style and sound.
When he's not teaching or performing, Brandon is likely restoring vintage cars and motorcycles.
Abby Custer
Program Director, Private acting, Bennington NE, Fall Group Classes
Abby Custer is a teacher, director, performer, artist, and playwright. For over six years, Abby has taught a variety of drama courses at both the high school and university level. One of her favorite courses to teach was History of Rock and Roll! She has directed numerous plays, one acts, and musicals with actors of all ages and abilities. In 2023, Abby was honored as a finalist in ThinkTank Theatre’s TYA Playwright’s Festival. She loves to laugh, attend live local music, and wants to encourage anyone to be bold with their creative spark.
Mia Demspey
Private art, Fall Group Classes
Mia Dempsey is an Environmental Science and Studio Art student at UNO. She has an extensive art background with experience in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, face painting, and various forms of sculpture. She participated in the Kent Bellows mentoring program in Omaha, as well as Hastings College Open Space program. Mia’s favorite colors are pink and green and she love’s to make art inspired by the natural world.
BILLY MCGUIGAN
Voice over
Billy McGuigan is the owner and creative director of Rave On Productions. He has created and produced several award winning shows that actively tour North America including; Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, and Pop Rock Orchestra. Touring North America since 2003, Billy’s shows have sold out countless performances and have broken box office and attendance records in several theaters across the country. Career highlights include performing with Buddy Holly’s contemporaries Tommy Allsup and Sonny West and headlining Las Vegas with Yesterday and Today, considered to be the world’s most innovative and interactive Beatles show. In 2020 Billy independently released his original album, billymcguiganTOGETHER which has been described as “one of the best albums of which I have had the privilege of listening”.
When not on tour Billy lends his talent to acting in industrial films and commercials, doing voice-over work and working with artists on show and brand development.
CIARAN MCGUIGAN
Guitar
Ciaran grew up surrounded by music and made his stage debut at just three years old in Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. Since then, he has built a strong reputation as both a guitarist and vocalist, performing in such productions as Don't Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musicals, Billy McGuigan’s Pop Rock Orchestra and Rave On Productions’ Rock of Ages and The Rocky Horror Show. He has also filled in as the lead guitarist for various groups around the Omaha-metro and had the honor of performing with the Omaha Symphony.
As an instructor, Ciaran loves helping students connect with music in a fun and engaging way. He knows firsthand the excitement of stepping on stage and enjoys guiding musicians through everything from their first chord to more advanced playing and performing. His lessons focus on building confidence, creativity and a love for music.
MATTHEW MCGUIGAN
Guitar, Bass, voice, Songwriting, Fall Group Classes
Matthew McGuigan is a graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, where he studied musical theatre. He has been the Music Director of Rave On Productions for the last 10 years. Over the years, he’s had the privilege to tour all over the world with such shows as Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience and Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience. Some of his music directing credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Rocky Horror Show. When not touring and directing shows, Matthew fronts the local rock band Moses Prey. With 30 years of music experience, Matthew is here to help with voice, piano, bass and guitar.
Belle rangel
young creators club
Belle Rangel is a recent Gretna High School Graduate. While in high school, she participated in four years of Show Choir, Speech Team, Spring Musical, and One Act. She was the secretary of the Drama Club and a member of Thespian Troupe 125. Belle is a 2 time Nebraska All State Choir qualifier. Belle played the role of Fiona in Shrek the musical her senior year. Outside of school Belle has found joy in performing in community theaters in the Omaha Metro area. A couple of her favorite roles include, Margot Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at the Rose Theater and Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Omaha Community Playhouse.
Belle is so stoked to have the opportunity to work with the students at the McGuigan Arts Academy! She hopes to make real connections and help the kids grow into whoever they want to be!
AUDREY SAUCIER
Voice, Fall Group classes
Audrey Saucier is a passionate performer and educator thrilled to be part of the McGuigan Arts Academy. She studied Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University and has trained extensively in voice, acting, and stage performance. Audrey has appeared in numerous regional productions, including Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse and Beehive with Rave On Productions.
Her performance highlights include being selected as Nebraska’s representative for the 2021 Jimmy Awards, where she was named a national semi-finalist. Audrey was also nominated for Best Actress by the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards for her performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Other favorite credits include Junie B. Jones at the Junior Theatre Festival (New Works Showcase), Opera Omaha’s world premiere of Stranger from Paradise, and Misunderstood: Heroes vs Villains at The Rose Theater.
Audrey has been professionally pursuing theatre since 6th grade. What made that possible was the kindness she found in Omaha theatre, and the support that everyone deserves. It meant so much to her growing up to have good theatre role models in her life, and it means even more to her to create that space for the next generation.
Christian shields
PIANO, VOICE
Christian Shields is a vocal performance major at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Christian actively participates in ensembles at the university, at his church, and is the tenor section leader at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
He has been mentored in piano by Ms. Stacie Haneline, an instructor at the UNO School of Music. Teaching piano allows him the opportunity to teach others to explore music and appreciate it the way he does.
Outside of music he loves to travel, read, and spend time with friends and family.
AARON SLAGLE
GUITAR, bass
Aaron has been part of the music scene for over 17 years, working both on and off stage. His experience includes serving as Guitar Tech and now Lead Guitarist for Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience and Audio Engineer for Billy McGuigan. As a performer, he has taken the stage as lead guitarist with bands such as Moses Prey, Icky Thump, and he also wrote, produced, and starred in the original web series Restrung.
In lessons Aaron helps students explore music beyond just playing notes on the page. With his background in production and performance, he encourages students to write their own music and think like artists. He meets students where they are, whether they are just starting out or already jamming, and helps them build confidence, technique and their own musical voice.
ANDREW SPRAGUE
Woodwinds
Andrew Sprague is a saxophonist from Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning a bachelor's degree in music education! Andrew has been playing saxophone for 12 years, and plays the flute, piccolo, and clarinet as well. Additionally, he works as an instrument repair technician at Schmitt Music, where he primarily does saxophone repair. While Andrew mainly performs with the Fission Quartet, he also plays around town with other groups from time to time. As a hobby, Andrew likes to explore music production and mixing!
elaine stoner
Piano, voice
Vocalist and instrumentalist Elaine Stoner has been performing most of her life. A graduate of Papillion La Vista High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Elaine has long been a crowd favorite on concert, festival, and club stages and has been a featured vocalist on numerous recording projects. An experienced and captivating song stylist with versatility in pop, jazz, neo-soul, and the American Songbook has made her a much sought-after vocalist in diverse professional settings.
Elaine has 25 years of experience teaching beginning and intermediate piano and voice students and is currently the piano accompanist for the concert and show choirs at Papillion Middle School.
Without question, Elaine says her husband, children, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters are her greatest blessings.
Alex villa
Violin, Piano
(BILINGUAL: English & Spanish)
Playing the violin for eight years, Alex M. Villa is a musician with a passion for teaching. He is pursuing a Music Education degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha with a focus on string pedagogy.
Alex believes in the power of music education and advocates for the arts. At UNO, he is a member of the National Association for Music Education and part of the Teacher Scholars Academy cohort. He has worked with students of different ages, skill levels, and ethnic backgrounds. He is a current teacher assistant for the String Sprouts program at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Alex also has field experience as a luthier and is currently working on starting his first violin.
Alex graduated from Fremont High School and was recognized with honors in his orchestra. He has participated in statewide contests and competitions. He is an active part of his community in Fremont, helping with setting up school events and fundraising for the fine arts department. Alex is an active advocate for the arts, meeting with senators and spreading awareness of the importance of fine arts education. He is also familiar with playing the piano, electric bass, and erhu. When not playing or teaching music, Alex enjoys reading, spending quality time with friends, and traveling. He is also a big fan of birds and flowers!