Affordable, quality lessons.

Book a lesson slot today.

Come grow with Musician’s Dojo in Omaha. We looking forward to journeying with you.

Instructor Bios 

  • Photo of Christopher Hawk

    Christopher Hawk

    Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele

    A seasoned multi‑instrumentalist with decades of teaching experience, he has become a quiet legend in the regional music community. Specializing in guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, he has spent his career not only shaping confident players but also mentoring the next generation of music educators. Many of his former students have gone on to teach professionally themselves and even former teachers continue to expand their skillsets by taking lessons from him; a testament to the clarity, patience, and depth of his approach.

    His lessons blend technical precision with musical curiosity, helping students build strong fundamentals while developing their own artistic voice. Whether guiding a brand‑new beginner through their first chords or coaching an advanced player through nuanced technique, he brings the same steady enthusiasm and deep well of knowledge.

    Because of his reputation and long track record of student success, he typically maintains a waitlist. Those who study with him describe the experience as transformative: structured, inspiring, and grounded in a lifetime of musicianship.

  • Photo of Seth Gottberg with a bass drum

    Seth Gottberg

    Drums, Guitars, Bass Guitar, Beginner Cello, Piano, Ukulele

    An avid musician who enjoys playing many different instruments, he specializes in guitar and percussion and also plays banjo, bass guitar, ukulele, piano, and all types of percussion.

    As a drummer and percussionist, he focuses primarily on playing heavy metal and double bass drums. One of his favorite parts of his collection of instruments are his large bass drums, including a vintage Ludwig is 36-inch. He has competed in several Guitar Center drum-off competitions, with his skill in jazz brushes giving him a second place award in a store preliminary.

    He is also passionate about writing music and his studio-work runs the gamut of a wide range of genres. Largely classically oriented, a main focus is creating soundtrack-style music.

    Known for having the largest roster of students at the studio, he has earned a reputation as a teacher whose enthusiasm and dedication make lessons a highlight of the week for both kids and adults. His teaching style blends patience, clear instruction, and genuine encouragement, helping students feel confident no matter their starting point.

  • Photo of Sarah Benck Tardy

    Sarah Benck Tardy

    Voice

    A professional vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, and private vocal instructor based in Omaha, Nebraska. With deep roots in blues, rock, and Americana, she brings decades of real-world performing and recording experience into her studio, helping singers build strong, healthy voices while developing their own authentic sound.

    Often compared to Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi, her voice is known for its power, warmth, and emotional depth. Her teaching focuses on essential vocal skills including vocal health, breath support, tone, range, ear training, pitch accuracy, and confident performance, with a strong emphasis on connection; helping singers connect to their voice, their body, and the listener. Lessons are customized to support each student’s individual goals.

    She first gained recognition as the frontwoman of Sarah Benck & The Robbers, earning the 2006 Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for Best Contemporary Singer, followed by Best Adult Alternative in 2007. She currently fronts the Rex Granite Band, a three-time OEAA winner for Best Blues Band and a two-time semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, has performed on stages across the country, and has extensive experience recording multiple full-length albums in professional studio settings.

    In her private studio, she works with singers of all levels, from middle school students to experienced adult performers, offering supportive, personalized instruction rooted in technique, artistry, and authentic connection.

  • Photo of Che'Marquis Pinkney

    Che'Marquis Pinkney

    Piano, Music Theory, Contemporary Music Composition

    A thoughtful and dedicated young musician, he brings a genuine passion for learning, creating, and sharing music to every environment he steps into. His musical journey began around the age of twelve with the euphonium, an instrument that grounded him in classical training, ensemble musicianship, and a strong command of music theory. As he expanded into piano, he developed a deeper sense of harmony, texture, and expressive interpretation; skills that continue to shape his artistic voice today.

    He has performed at respected Omaha venues including Joslyn Castle, the Strauss Performing Arts Center at UNO, and a variety of local stages. These experiences have broadened his musical perspective and strengthened his commitment to engaging with the community through performance. Whether playing solo or collaborating with fellow musicians, he approaches each opportunity with curiosity, professionalism, and a desire to keep growing.

    Alongside his performance work, he has developed a strong interest in contemporary music composition. He enjoys exploring how classical foundations can intersect with modern techniques, creating music that is both grounded and forward‑looking. His studies in theory and composition inform the way he thinks about structure, sound design, and musical storytelling, giving him a versatile creative toolkit that resonates across genres.

    He currently serves as an intern at North Omaha Music and Arts while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in Music Technology and Music Industry, along with a business minor. This blend of academic study, hands‑on experience, and creative exploration positions him as a thoughtful, encouraging instructor ready to guide students as they begin their own musical journeys.

  • John Prendergast headshot: A man with a beard and short hair holding a guitar in front of a backdrop decorated with records, standing in front of drums.

    John Prendergast

    Guitar and Bass Guitar

    With over 30 years of teaching experience in the Omaha metro, he brings a calm, encouraging presence to every lesson. He works with students of all ages and skill levels, helping them build strong fundamentals while keeping the learning process enjoyable and motivating.

    He teaches all genres, but he is especially partial to acoustic folk and rock. His approach is shaped by influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Tyler Childers, and the Grateful Dead, which inspire his focus on feel, creativity, and expressive playing.

    Whether a student is just beginning or looking to expand their musical abilities, he adapts his teaching style to meet them where they are. He emphasizes clear technique, musical understanding, and developing each player’s unique voice. His patient, supportive guidance helps students stay confident and engaged as they grow.

    He is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where students can explore, ask questions, and discover the joy of making music.

  • Photo of Alyssa Morrison

    Alyssa Morrison

    Piano, Violin, Voice, Beginner Guitar, Beginner Ukulele

    A talented and multi‑instrumentalist, she brings an encouraging, down‑to‑earth energy to every lesson. With a passion for helping students build confidence and healthy technique, lessons are tailored to meet learners where they are and guide them toward steady, joyful progress. Instruction is offered in piano (beginner through advanced), violin (beginner–intermediate), guitar (beginner), voice, and ukulele (beginner), with a special focus on beginner and early‑intermediate musicians.

    The musical journey began early, starting with private piano lessons at age five. Violin followed in elementary school and continued through high school, alongside choir participation at a local arts magnet middle school; an experience that also opened the door to studying harp for several years.

    She completed a Music Entrepreneurship degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022 and has been teaching group and private lessons since 2017. College years included university choir and continued piano study under Dr. Kristin Jónína Taylor, experiences that shaped a thoughtful, student‑centered teaching approach.

    A genuine love of learning guides every lesson, creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged, capable, and excited to grow. The goal is simple: to help each musician discover the joy of making music and feel proud of every step forward.

  • Photo of Naomi Martinez playing violin in front of a backdrop of vinyl albums.

    Naomi Martinez

    Violin, Viola, Cello, Ukulele

    A classically trained musician with a lifelong love of strings, she brings a grounded, encouraging presence to every lesson. She has been playing since the age of four and began teaching in 2016.. She teaches all ages beginner violin, cello, and ukulele, and offers beginner through advanced instruction in viola, her primary instrument.

    She enjoys playing and teaching all genres and especially gravitates toward the calm creativity of lo‑fi music. Her performance background includes philharmonic groups, chamber ensembles, and pit orchestras. She has also performed with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and toured Europe by invitation with the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music.

    Some of her favorite musical memories come from teaching at Millard Orchestra Camp, where she discovered how much joy she finds in helping young musicians grow. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students uncover their own excitement for playing, witnessing those moments when confidence blooms and music becomes something they truly love.

    She draws inspiration from her mother, a longstanding and influential force in the Omaha metro music community known for her work in both education and performance, as well as from genre‑bending violinist Lindsey Stirling. Looking ahead, she hopes to arrange and release her own music and eventually open a shop of her own, continuing to share her passion for creativity, community, and the art of string playing.

  • A black music stand with adjustable height and a treble clef design on the top, placed on a light-colored surface with a neutral background.

    Seeking Additional Instructors

    Musician’s Dojo is growing and seeking additional talented, relatable music instructors across a variety of genres and instruments. We’re looking for instructors who connect well with students of all ages, builds strong foundational technique, and brings genuine enthusiasm to every lesson.

    If you’re passionate about music education, enjoy helping students grow, and want to join a supportive, community‑focused teaching environment, we’d love to hear from you.

    Email us at message at lessons@musciansdojo.com, or stop by the store to learn more about the position and how to apply.