MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Rob Miller is a composer, musician, theatre advocate, and music educator who taught music in the public school system for 29 years and now enjoys teaching guitar and ukulele at DaySpring A&E. He holds both a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree in Music Composition from Webster University, St. Louis.  He was honored in 1999 to be among the first inductees to the St. Louis Community College at Meramec’s Alumni Walk of Fame as a founding member of the Oldies band, Sh-Boom.  Rob currently serves on the board of directors for First Run Theatre and performs regularly with Butch Wax and the Hollywoods.

Journee Carter received her MM from Shenandoah Conservatory and her BM from Webster University both in vocal performance. Since completing her Master’s program she has been actively participating in the St. Louis, MO music scene working both on and off stage.  

Journee has been teaching music lessons for over 10 years and began teaching at Dayspring in 2022 and she is passionate about building musicianship skills alongside learning music.

David Gregory is a creative and artist at heart. His creativity exists not only in his art but also in his leadership and tools for private instruction. Gregory’s journey in music began through composition, which remains his favorite artistic outlet. In exploring composition, he was catapulted into the greater world of music through private lessons and worship leading. Gregory went on to pursue a bachelor's in music from Missouri Baptist University. Collegiately, Gregory studied with Dr. Sharla Bender, Dr. Jeffery Heyl, and Dr. Jason Mallory, to name a few. Highlights of his educational career include soloing for MBU’s Opera Theatre, Gospel Choir, and Chamber Singers, participating in the conferences MMEA and Write About Jesus, and starting a thriving club for songwriters, artists, and music producers. Since graduation, Gregory has taught private lessons and musical theatre classes at several local STL performing arts organizations while pursuing his artistic endeavors. To date, he has worked with New Moon Studios, Gateway Center For the Performing Arts, Stages STL, and DaySpring Arts and Education. As Gregory has worked to refine his pedagogy, he has begin deep diving into the world of performance psychology, and as peers and mentors that he works with weekly to provide the safest and most personalized approach for his students bodies and minds.

Dr. Crystal Chu is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for teaching. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Percussion Performance with a secondary emphasis in Wind Conducting from the University of Oregon. Crystal earned her Master of Music (M.M.) from New York University and her Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from the National University of Singapore, and she also participated in an exchange program at the Peabody Institute. Her doctoral research explores cross-disciplinary art and creative performance practices, emphasizing their pedagogical value.  

Dr. Chu specializes in performing contemporary music by living composers, as well as solo marimba and percussion chamber music. Her teaching style is goal-oriented and adaptable for students of all ages, and she is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment. After relocating to Kirkwood in 2019 with her daughter, Dr. Chu established her private teaching studio, and she is grateful for the opportunity to expand her teaching practice at DaySpring in 2024. She has been teaching percussion at DaySpring since 2020 and is actively involved in the outreach program. Dr. Chu has led various workshops, including "Upcycled Percussion" and "Singing as a Parenting Tool," throughout St. Louis and plans to continue sharing her crossdisciplinary workshops in the near future.

Paul Huppert has performed in the front stands of a dozen different orchestras and participated in the summer festival orchestras of Grant Park, Aspen, Chautauqua, and numerous others. His performing experience spans 50 years, beginning at the age of nine when he started appearing as a soloist with orchestra and in recital. Paul studied at both Indiana University and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he was the recipient of the Emil Hermann Award in Violin.

Paul Huppert's teaching expertise encompasses Suzuki, Mark O’Connor, and RCM. His styles include classical structural techniques, folk (fiddling), classical, jazz, pop/rock, and electric violin.

In his performing career, Paul Huppert has appeared on stage with diverse artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dave Brubeck, Mannheim Steamroller, Linda Ronstadt, the Moody Blues, and countless others. Performing everything from early Baroque to modern styles on both acoustic violin and electric violin, he is one of the most versatile musicians on the scene today.

Ann Ahrens earned a Master of Arts in Music from Webster University in 2001, and a PhD in Christian Worship from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017. Ann taught music and worship arts at the graduate and undergraduate levels or 25 years. In addition to her service at the college level, Ann has taught private and group piano at The Community Music School of Webster University (2002-2006) and serves as an adjunct piano professor of piano at Missouri Baptist University. Ann has studied piano with Daniel Schene, Cathy Benton, and Ruth Price. In addition to teaching piano, theory, and history, Ann’s areas of interest include the function of music in the corporate church worship service.

Rachel teaches flute and piano lessons at Dayspring. She graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Rachel has taught music lessons for over 10 years. She has also been a member of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019, playing flute and piccolo.

Carissa has been playing the violin since she was 12 years old. She has a bachelor's degree in music education from Clearwater Christian College. She has training in classical, folk, and sacred music. She has been a part of orchestras and ensembles and has played for church and weddings. She has over 12 years of experience teaching violin through both private and group lessons. She enjoys investing in her students and giving them the opportunity to grow in their musical abilities. She is passionate about homeschooling, teaching, and glorifying the Lord through music.

Doris has taught private piano lessons at DaySpring for 10+ years.

Alexandar Johnson is a distinguished musician and educator with a rich background in choral music. His musical foundation began with the St. Louis Children’s Choir Chamber Singers, later expanding through his work with the Recruits Chorus and the Ambassadors of Harmony, a five-time international champion ensemble. Alexandar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lindenwood University, where he excelled in vocal performance, choral conducting, and music theory.

Currently the choir director at Hazelwood West High School, Alexandar has transformed the program, earning regional and national recognition. He inspires students with his passion and personalized teaching approach. Alexandar is also in his third season as a Young Artist with the St. Louis Symphony In Unison Chorus, performing and promoting works by African-American composers. His ongoing involvement in professional development, workshops, and conferences reflects his commitment to excellence in choral music and education.

Lydia grew up as a Missionary Kid in Papua New Guinea. She began playing piano at the age of 8 and clarinet when she was 10 as part of a band program at a mission based international school. She continued playing and singing in an active music program there until she finished high school and taught piano her last two years of high school before moving back to the United States to attend college. She graduated from Taylor University in Indiana with a B.M. in Music Performance in Clarinet, studying under Dr. Christopher Bade, and a Piano minor under the direction of Kathy Grile. In 2008 she was awarded the Presser Scholarship in recognition of music and academic excellence. Lydia has been teaching piano and clarinet privately in the St. Louis area for over 15 years. She enjoys playing with community bands and ensembles in church and around St. Louis. She has a great love and interest in music from around the world, and enjoys incorporating that diversity wherever possible.