Jen opened Music on the Westside in 2013 out of her home, and expanded to our current location in Rio Rancho on Peggy Rd in 2016. She started the business when she was looking for music lessons for her own children that would be both educational and fun.

"As a child I was interested in music but eventually quit playing because I never had a say in the type of music I was learning to play.  I wanted to open a hub where musician's could share the passion for the skills they had acquired with the understanding that the journey is meant for the students.  Music on the Westside was born to both foster the learning of music, and the joy of playing what moves you.  The intention is to offer guidance and experiences that will be a positive part of every students journey in life.

Thristan, born and raised in New Mexico, is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of New Mexico. With a strong foundation in sound engineering, he has worked on multiple gigs around the Albuquerque area, honing his skills and contributing to the local music scene. Passionate about the intersection of technology and music, Thristan is excited to make a meaningful impact in his community. His goal is to empower both children and adults to turn their musical dreams into reality by blending his technical expertise with his love for music.

Born and raised in New Mexico, Nate graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico, where he studied piano. In addition to his passion for piano, Nate also enjoys playing and teaching drums. His academic interests focused on Music Theory and Music History, which have deeply influenced his approach to music.



Nate finds joy in both composition and improvisation, whether on the piano, drums, or other instruments. His creativity extends to electronic music, working with keyboards, synthesizers, electronic drum kits, and drum machines, blending traditional and modern sounds in exciting ways.

Sherilyn holds a Master Degree in Music, Performance/Education.

Currently plays cello in the

From an early age, Matt’s love for music has been both deep and unwavering. What began as a simple joy in listening soon evolved into a passion for songwriting and creative expression. Eager to share this love with others, Matt continually seeks new opportunities to connect through music.

Matt’s musical journey began in middle school, where he played trumpet in the marching band. Within just a few years, he expanded his talents to include piano and guitar, and over the past 20 years, has grown into a highly accomplished and versatile musician.

Acoustic Guitar - Beginner to Advanced

Electric Guitar - Beginner to Advanced

Bass Guitar - Beginner to Advanced

Voice - Beginner to intermediate

Amanda was born and raised in the Chicago area, before moving to New Mexico to attend UNM, where she is currently majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Music. She began studying piano at around the age of six, and continued to pursue that along with being in school choirs. She is always looking for new musical opportunities, and her interests outside of music include crocheting, writing, and trying new coffee shops!



Jeffrey holds a degree in Violin Performance from Rhode Island College, where he studied under accomplished faculty and gained a strong foundation in classical technique, musicality, and ensemble performance. Throughout his time at RIC, he performed in a variety of settings — from solo recitals to full orchestras — and developed a special passion for collaborative music-making.

He particularly enjoys chamber music and string quartet repertoire, valuing the close musical communication, subtle expression, and artistic connection that these smaller ensembles require. Whether interpreting traditional works or exploring new compositions, Jeffrey is drawn to the depth and intimacy that chamber music offers.

Austyn Knecht is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at the University of New Mexico. Her studies focus on classical vocal technique and opera performance, and she has been involved in a number of productions both on campus and in the local community.

While classically trained, Austyn is equally passionate about Musical Theater and Alternative music, often blending styles to create a unique and versatile performance approach. Her love for storytelling through music shines across genres, making her a dynamic and expressive vocalist.



Beyond performance, Austyn has a strong academic interest in Ethnomusicology, Anthropology, and Writing, exploring the cultural and historical contexts of music around the world. She aims to combine her artistic and scholarly passions to deepen her understanding of music as a global and human experience.

Emma Daves is an exuberant American soprano from North Carolina. As a teacher, she specializes in elementary and vocal music education, teaching group classes as well as private voice, piano, and ukulele. This 2025 Season, she is excited to take on the roles of Beth in Mark Adamo’s Little Women and Mimì in La bohème. Favorite past roles for her include Lady Billows (Albert Herring), Mabel (Pirates of Penzance), and the Sandman and Dewfairy (Hansel and Gretel). She received her Master of Music degree in Literature and Performance at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. She has also placed in various competitions, including Regional NATS, UNM’s Concerto Competition, and Vocal Artistry Art Song Competition. She holds dual degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from East Carolina University, where she graduated with honors. She has just graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Voice at the University of New Mexico, where she studied with James Flora and was the Teachers Assistant for the Music Appreciation course.



Joe Sevig, an opera singer originally from Ann Arbor Michigan, is a versatile teacher and enjoys teaching multiple instruments including voice, guitar, piano, and cello. Joe received his Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and graduated with his Masters degree in vocal performance from the University of New Mexico. Joe enjoys teaching students of all ages, singing in choirs, and performing in operas! Joe has experience performing and teaching a number of vocal styles including classical, musical theater, pop, and jazz. In addition to teaching, Joe loves hiking, watching football, and trying new restaurants.

David was born near Shea Stadium just in time to welcome the Beatles to America. Since then, music has been a central part of his life. David is a highly experienced musician and singer-songwriter with over five decades of performing onstage. He is proficient in playing acoustic, electric, and bass guitar and has directed numerous bands, including Rio Rancho based "Vinyl Tap" where he played bass and sang lead. David has always had a passion for musical discovery and loves to share it. Over the years, he has taught students of all ages to play guitar, bass, piano, and to sing. With a creative and fun teaching style, David makes the learning process easy and enjoyable.