Anchorage Music Academy
Anchorage Music Academy was founded in 2020 with one goal in mind: to help students of all ages and experience levels learn the music they love. We understand that each student has different interests and different ways of learning. We take a flexible approach to our lessons, keeping the learning process fun and individualized for each student, all while teaching the proper amount of music theory and ear training depending on the student’s musical interests. Our teachers help students in everything from band/orchestra classes to music production to serious classical piano works to heavy metal and rock n’ roll! We want to make sure you aren’t just learning music, but having fun and working towards fulfilling your musical goals.
Andrew Manka
Owner & Instructor of Guitar and Piano
Andrew Manka is an award-winning guitarist who has over 10 years of music teaching experience. Andrew graduated with his masters degree from Northern Arizona University and later embarked on tours across the country with nationally acclaimed groups including the Grammy award-winning artist Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Andrew York, NAU Chamber Orchestra, ASU Guitar Orchestra, and the Arizona State Guitar Orchestra. After several years of performing abroad, Andrew moved back to his hometown to open Anchorage Music Academy in 2020 and has since taught hundreds of young Alaskans. Andrew is currently studying for his Ph.D in Music under Dr. Patrick Sutton at the University of Memphis. Andrew still teaches beginner - advanced guitar lessons through Zoom and handles lesson scheduling and billing so feel free contact him with any questions!
Francisco Badillo
Francisco is a local staple here in the Anchorage Music scene and has been teaching music in Anchorage since 2015. After graduating from UAA with a double major in music performance and music education, he began performing professionally with several locally acclaimed acts including the Conway Seavey Band, Superfrequency, Woodrow, Velvet Lala, the UAA Jazz Combo and many more. Francisco has performed all over the state of Alaska in venues as large as the Sullivan Arena all the way to intimate performances for weddings at Crow Creek Mine. Francisco also co-founded the only mariachi band in Alaska, Mariachi Agave Azul, where he plays the Mexican vihuela.
Instructor of Drums, Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele
Carrie Gruhn
Carrie Gruhn has a lifetime of experience teaching and performing music as a professional. She's been teaching piano for over 20 years and even performs locally with her jazz band, the A-Town Sharps, as well as various church services around the city. Carrie is a multi-instrumentalist and has experience with flute, ukulele, bass, guitar, and even vocals! Right now, her favorite instrument is mandolin. Carrie has been playing classical music since she was young, but also has played for high school jazz bands and can assist students with their school jazz studies.
Instructor of Piano, Guitar, Flute, and Ukulele
Daniel nielson-ley
Daniel has been an active member in the Anchorage music scene for 12 years, performing in various bands and recording two albums with local groups Photonak and Lilac. Daniel is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Music Performance in Classical Guitar at University of Anchorage Alaska under the guidance of Dr. Armin Abdihodzic. Daniel is a founding member of the Alaska Guitar Quartet and is also part of the UAA Guitar Ensemble and the UAA Jazz band.
Instructor of Guitar, Bass, Piano, and Ukulele
Heather Štefanec
With 30 years of violin experience and 20 years of teaching, Heather brings a strong classical background and a deep commitment to student growth. She began her training in upstate New York, where she performed in a variety of ensemble and symphonic settings culminating in an awarded scholarship to study with the Pennsylvania Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also completed extensive university-level coursework in music and music education, further strengthening her classical foundation and pedagogical approach.
Heather teaches violin to students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to advancing players, and also offers foundational piano instruction. In addition to teaching, Heather maintains an active performance schedule, performing at weddings, memorial services, community events, and with local orchestras. Her instruction emphasizes the development of strong technical fundamentals alongside musical expression, creativity, and the cultivation of confidence in each student.
Instructor of Violin and Piano