Nina Westbrook

Suzuki Violin & Cello Groups Educator

Hayley Nelson

String Pops Ensemble & Contemporary Cello Group Educator

John Bruno

​Kid Bands Educator

Nina Westbrook has a BA degree in Music Education from Mansfield University of Mansfield, PA. She has done advanced work at Eastman School of Music, the University of Iowa and the University of South Dakota. Nina is a freelance cellist in the Twin Cities. Nina received Suzuki Violin Training at the Stevens Point, WI Suzuki Institute, Suzuki Violin Training with Mark Bjork at MacPhail and with Bette Johnson in Minneapolis. She received Suzuki Cello training from Tanya Carey in Chicago, IL. Nina teaches Suzuki Cello books one through nine, and Violin books one through four through advanced levels.

Hayley is a full time freelance cellist and string teacher. She has been teaching cello, violin, viola, guitar and ensembles at Cyprus since 2012. Her students range from age 4 through adult, beginner through advanced. As a teacher, Hayley is welcoming, engaging and caring of her students. Whether a student dreams of being a career musician, wants to join their school orchestra, or just would like to explore the many enriching benefits of playing an instrument, Hayley enjoys helping every student along their own unique musical journey. She believes it is important to establish a strong technical foundation from the very first lesson. She teaches a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods, incorporating scale studies, sight-reading development, etudes, popular music, and any other materials which might benefit the student’s path. She earned her Master of Music degree in cello performance from the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Tanya Remenikova. She has served as principal cellist of the Lirica Chamber Ensemble, associate principal cellist of the Kenwood Symphony, and performed as multi-instrumentalist with a variety of folk and rock groups. Hayley is currently a member of the Twin Cities Symphony and founder/cellist of the Alcott String Quartet.

John Bruno is an accomplished drummer with a passion for education and the contemporary music scene. John began teaching at Cyprus School of Music in September of 2016, and works with private students as well as assisting with our pop/rock bands for kids. He has a strong knowledge of teaching methods and strong technical skills that he is able to pass on to his students. He is a creative, patient teacher who clearly loves working with and developing the abilities of young musicians. John also serves as CSMA's manager, and is in charge of music, instruments, equipment, sound, keeping everything in order and running smoothly.