Our Instructors
Evan Frantz is the owner, and piano instructor at Coeur d’Alene musical arts. He is also a composer, and music performer. Starting piano lessons around the age of eight, he excelled on the piano studying with various private teachers. Early influences of classical and jazz repertoire have greatly motivated his musical ambitions. Having an intense appreciation and passion for the piano, naturally led Evan to teaching and sharing the love for music! Living in the inland northwest, he and his Two brothers grew up with a musical education. Currently performing solo, and with a local jazz group in the Coeur d’Alene area.
Evan Frantz
Exploration of ones true musical nature has always been Rhys Gerwins approach to learning and teaching music. As an originally self-taught guitar, bass and piano player, he understands the learning process at a deep physical and emotional level. His enthusiastic, fun and creative approach to learning and listening to all styles of music has led him beyond his path as a musician toward a more well-rounded lifestyle in general. His areas of teaching include performance, composition, arranging, music theory, vocals and songwriting.He received his formal education from Whitworth University and Cornish College of the Arts where he acquired his Bachelor's in Music with a focus in jazz guitar.
Rhys Gerwin
James Schmehl
Local drummer, James Schmehl, has been involved in Coeur d’Alene’s music scene since his teens, where he attended several Jazz and Ensemble competitions and led his high school’s drum line. At age 15, he was awarded best soloist at the Idaho Solo and Ensemble competition, and placed in the top big band and small group at Eastern Washington’s Jazz Dialogue Camp. Before graduating high school, James was invited to the Berklee College of Music’s Five Week Performance Program; he also received a superior rating while performing at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. After graduating he played in the North Idaho Jazz Band for 2 years and continues to perform within the community.
More recently, James has incorporated his experience as a drummer through teaching private lessons and is excited as he continues to acquire more students each year. In 2012, James moved from his hometown to Minneapolis, MN to perform gigs regularly with several country, funk and rock & roll bands. He was also hired on as a drummer with Celebrity Cruise Line, where he had the opportunity to play with a jazz quartet for 5 months; and a blues/funk band, playing for production shows and guest artists for 3 months. Since returning to Idaho, James’ collaboration with other artists has helped to expand his music career to play several nights a week throughout the Northwest.
James plays a wide range of genres including Jazz, Blues, Funk, New Age-Electronic, Latin and Rock & Roll. His passion for performing and teaching music extends into his love for the music scene in the Northwest, and hopes to encourage others to engage in their local arts and music culture.