Kyle Simons Baker

Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Bass Educator

John Bruno

Guitar, Bass Educator

​Hayley Nelson

​Guitar, Ukulele Educator

Kyle Simons Baker is a freelance guitarist and instructor in the Twin Cities. He has over a decade of performing experience currently as a pit musician with a special passion for Bluegrass and Jazz. In the Twin Cities, Kyle has been heard at various theaters including the Old Log Theatre, Yellow Tree Theatre, History Theatre, and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Additionally, he performs regularly for services at Community of Hope church. Kyle is a passionate educator and has taught many students all over the Twin Cities. He has been a staple of institutions such as the Rogers School of Music and Guitar Center. In addition to guitar, he also teaches Mandolin and Bass. Kyle hold’s both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Guitar Performance from Denison University and McNally Smith College of Music respectively. He is originally from Granville, Ohio.

John Bruno is an accomplished drummer and guitar player 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.

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.