You're In Good Hands With
Our Music Educators
Our dedicated team of music educators is here to help you reach your goals as a musician. Our mission is to enable young people to develop as exceptional musicians who use their skills for personal growth, self-expression, entertainment, and life enrichment. The Plum Grove Music team consists of talented and experienced teachers with a diverse array of degrees and playing experience. We have decades of teaching experience, and each teacher has unique philosophies that they bring to the studio.
Amber Griffin
Piano/Vocal Teacher
Amber is a lifelong musician whose journey began at the age of three with formal piano lessons. During her college years, she toured the nation for two summers as the pianist for a vocal group. She completed some of her studies abroad in England and holds a Master's Degree in Education from Crown College.
With over ten years of teaching experience, Amber now brings her passion for music education to Plum Grove's lesson program. She facilitates different avenues for student growth throughout the lesson program, along with helping to provide multiple performance opportunities for the students.
Miguel discovered a passion for violin through his high school orchestra program. Since then, Miguel has devoted his career to music education. He is currently a senior at Olivet Nazarene University with a major in Music Education. Throughout his time at Olivet Nazarene University, Miguel has been involved as a previous Concertmaster in his university orchestra, along with involvement in a string ensemble. Upon his graduation, he plans to inspire other students in a high school orchestra setting.
Miguel Heredia
Violin/Viola Teacher
Carol Howard
Piano/Vocal Teacher
Carol's kind spirit and gentle nature resonate with both young and adult students alike. She has
a B.S. in education and has many years of experience with teaching piano. Previously, Carol worked as a music coordinator for eight years, drawing on her strong organizational skills.
Bio coming soon!
Elliot VanDerGriend
Violin/Viola Teacher
Breanna Webb
Cello/Guitar/Ukulele Teacher
Breanna has had a love for the cello throughout her life. While taking private lessons as a child, she won several competitions, such as NISO's Young People's Competition and the IMTA Competition. During her time in college, she studied under Lara Turner and participated in the chamber orchestra at Bethel University. She graduated with her B.A. in Cello Performance in 2019. Throughout her time studying music, Breanna has also become adept at playing guitar and ukulele. Currently, Breanna is studying music therapy at Valparaiso University. She is working towards becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist in 2026.
Heather has a B.S. in Piano Performance from Olivet Nazarene University. While piano is her primary instrument, viola is a close second, having started lessons in middle school and continuing playing and teaching viola into the present. Heather has been a professor at Olivet Nazarene University since she graduated in 2006. She has taught private violin and viola lessons for over fifteen years at the collegiate level. She has also served as the director of University Strings and leads weekly sectionals with the University Orchestra violas. She additionally serves as the principal violist for the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Heather has had the privilege of of judging for many ILMEA and Solo Ensemble contests, as well as working with several high school orchestras in the area. When she is not playing or teaching, Heather is likely working on her family farm, where she enjoys raising goats and cattle.
Heather Williams
Violin/Viola Teacher