Our Ann Arbor Guitar Instructors
Whitaker Fineberg, CCPA Rosevelt University (Guitar and Bass instructor)
Whitaker Finberg's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his brother's songwriting and band tours. Although he started with the cello, Whitaker's true passion lay in the guitar and songwriting. Self-taught initially, he dove deep into formal music education, spending time at the Chicago College of Performing Arts studying jazz guitar. Yet, Whitaker's drive for live performances and songwriting brought him back to Michigan, where he toured with several bands and released multiple records. Teaching guitar at an Ann Arbor music store, he discovered a profound joy in mentoring aspiring musicians. After a brief stint in the recording gear industry, Whitaker established his own home studio, Square Lake Sounds. Partnering with the renowned Ann Arbor Music Academy, Whitaker is eager to guide students in realizing their unique musical visions.
Larry Sumner (Jazz Piano/Keyboard Techniques, Guitar, Bass instructor)
Larry Roy Sumner Jr. is a singer, songwriter/composer, multi-instrumentalist, music educator, music director, and band leader from South Central Michigan. He gave his first public performance at age three and has been making music ever since! He currently serves as the Minister of Music at United Peoples Community Church, the Music Director for the Concord Area Players, a teacher at the Ann Arbor Music Academy, and leads his own band, B!G L & CODE BLÜ. He also plays with the Jack Pine Savages and Mixed Flavors. A huge fan of musical theatre, Larry has served as the vocal director/pit orchestra conductor for a variety of shows including Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Balancing Act, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening, Shrek the Musical, The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more! Larry Teaches Jazz Piano/Keyboard Techniques, Guitar, and Bass.