Inspiration Through Music:

Mickey is a dedicated music educator, performer, and mentor with more than 30 years of musical experience and over 20 years of teaching students of all ages. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where they studied classical guitar under Richard Schilling and pursued jazz piano performance. Since beginning their teaching career in 2004, Mickey has built a reputation for creating engaging, student-centered programs that inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.

Mickey began teaching at the Music Academy of Chelmsford, where they developed a proprietary early childhood music program focused on building strong musical foundations through fun and meaningful experiences for young learners. During this time, they also gained valuable music industry experience working with Rounder Records.

Later, while living in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mickey became a highly sought-after instructor, teaching as many as 75 students each week at Knoxville Academy of Music. There, they created an infant and toddler music program, taught a wide range of instruments and musical styles, and directed the Knoxville Youth Guitar Ensemble, an advanced classical guitar group that performed at city events, festivals, and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood DreamMore Resort. Their excellence in teaching earned multiple nominations for Best Music Teacher by CityView magazine.

Since relocating to Mansfield, Ohio in 2017, Mickey has continued to make a lasting impact on the local arts community. They served as Guitar Department Chair at Richland Academy of the Arts and participated in professional development through the Kennedy Center Partners in Education and Center for Arts-Inspired Learning programs. Mickey has also shared music throughout the community through performances and events at the Mansfield Library, Kingwood Center Gardens, and the Mansfield High School Winter Concert.

In 2018, Mickey founded their own studio, You Can Play That!, offering private lessons and group classes designed to make music accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for every student. They currently serve as a music teacher for the Discovery School in Mansfield, Ohio, and as music liaison and camp director for the Inspiration Through Music program.

Mickey believes successful teaching comes from understanding not only the subject, but the individual student. By recognizing each learner’s unique style and adapting instruction accordingly, they help students grow through patience, knowledge, encouragement, and humor, building not only musical skill, but confidence and a lasting love of learning.

Hello everyone,

I’m thrilled for the opportunity to participate in the music program. I’m especially excited to connect with children in the community and share the experience of learning an instrument together. Music has always been a passion of mine, and this program offers a wonderful chance to grow while contributing to something meaningful.

I’ve chosen the violin as my instrument of study. It’s an instrument I’ve admired for years, and I’m grateful for the chance to finally learn it.

Hello all,

This picture truly captures my spirit and aspiration I try to portray to the community, especially the youth.

I’m excited to participate in the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning program because it gives me a chance to connect with students in a positive and creative environment outside of my normal role as a police officer. I have always known that music brings people together, and

I look forward to encouraging teamwork, confidence, and self-expression while learning alongside the students. I’m especially excited to share the energy and rhythm of percussion and help build strong relationships between law enforcement and the community through the arts. I'm excited and look forward to participating!

Hi everyone,

Music has been part of my life from an early age. I received my first record player and set of drums when I was five years old. My family would have music time where we’d play our favorite records from 45s to 78s on a Victrola, a tradition that I’ve carried into adulthood. In school, I started playing the violin in 4th grade and continued to play in the orchestra until I graduated. I will play the violin for this project. When I learned of the collaboration opportunity with students, I jumped at the chance to participate.

Music has no bounds, needs no words, but connects people with shared memories and experiences that last a lifetime. I’m excited to connect with the students where we can learn together, create friendships, and make memories that we can look back on and smile.

Hi all,

As the UCPD Community EngagementOfficer, my work is rooted in pro-active service, with a focus on building meaningful relationships, especially with youth. These connections create space for growth, creativity, and shared experiences within the community.

The collaboration between CAL and UCPD through Inspiration Through Musicrepresents a powerful extension of that mission. I am especially excited for the opportunity to learn Latin percussion or African drumming—art forms that bring people together through rhythm, culture, and expression. I look forward to engaging with the talented musical team and experiencing firsthand how music can empower, unite, and uplift the next generation.