Our Piano Instructors
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.
Thommy Long B.M. and M.M. Candidate at UofM (Voice and Piano Instructor)
Thommy Long is a Mesa, Arizona native and is here in Michigan obtaining his Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan. At UofM, he’s performed the roles of Uncle in Puts’ Elizabeth Cree, Betto di Signa in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Mars in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. Before Thommy moved to Michigan, he graduated from Northern Arizona University in Music and Psychology in 2021. In the summer of 2021, Thommy traveled to Kandersteg, Switzerland and studied at the Berlin Opera Academy. Here he received intensive operatic training, as well as performed the roles of Frank in J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and Betto in Gianni Schicchi. Though, Thommy’s musical and singing ability does not end at opera, Thommy has recently performed the role of Gomez Addams in The Addams Family Musical, as well as performed in many other musicals in his youth. Thommy has a love for musical theatre, as well as pop and all other genres. He believes that obtaining a strong foundation of proper vocal production will allow you to sing in any style with ease. Thommy also plays the piano, a bit of the guitar, and has a history of playing the cello. He loves primarily singing and playing the piano on his own. He can easily incorporate playing an instrument while singing in his teaching if that is something that is wanted in the student’s development.
Samantha Steinbacher B.M. Eastern Michigan University (Piano Instructor and singer/songwriter coach)
Samantha Steinbacher is a singer/songwriter, worship leader, and music educator. She studied classical piano at Eastern Michigan University and has been teaching people of all ages for a decade now. Samantha regularly writes, records, and performs her own indie/pop music while weekly leading worship at her church. She has a passion for turning emotions into art, whether it is creating her own music or capturing the beauty in someone else’s. Her favorite part of teaching is forming a connection and relationship with each individual student while helping them achieve artistic skill and expression. She enjoys teaching classical, pop, rock, and contemporary worship music (whatever the student or parent prefers!) all within a fun and kind lesson atmosphere.
Lilly Hunwick Current B.M. Candidate at UofM (Voice and Piano Instructor)
Lilly Hunwick is a singer, violinist, and pianist currently studying Choral Music Education at the University of Michigan. She found her passion for performing at a young age and has been involved in musical theatre, plays, and concerts throughout her education. She loves inspiring others and helping them grow! With a passion for musical theatre, pop, Jazz, and classical repertoire, she hopes to share this passion and inspire students. Lilly has played numerous roles in musicals including Donna in Mamma Mia, Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, and more! She has participated in three solo competitions and earned 1st place in each one, as well has scored at the highest level at MSVMA Solo & Ensemble. Lilly aspires to help students become comfortable exploring their instruments as they grow into young performers. She believes that the best stories are told through music, and she wants to help students tune into this special talent in lessons and through practice.