Teacher of the Month January: Dez Dunn

We are excited to recognize Dez Dunn as our Teacher of the Month! Dez is from Mount Sterling, Ohio, and brings passion, creativity, and a genuine love of music into every lesson they teach.

Dez’s musical journey began a little later than most, starting saxophone lessons in college, but that didn’t stop them from diving in headfirst. An unexpected moment in sixth grade helped spark the path: after coming home from school one day, Dez’s grandmother handed them an alto saxophone she found at a garage sale. While Dez didn’t initially join the band, it was during high school, with the encouragement of incredible band directors, that their true passion for music began to flourish.
The saxophone is Dez’s primary instrument and clear favorite, though they also enjoy playing piano and experimenting with bass guitar for fun. Dez especially loves jazz, where they enjoy trading licks with friends and creating music on the spot through improvisation.

One of Dez’s most meaningful musical experiences was their junior saxophone recital. Over six months of preparation, Dez worked with six musicians, guest speakers, and a full sound, video, and lighting team to transform the recital into a storytelling experience about the ups and downs of performing in college. Seeing friends and family in the audience made the night especially unforgettable.

Outside of teaching, Dez stays busy performing in pit orchestras for local musical productions and enjoys playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game in their downtime. When it comes to food, there’s no contest, barbecue ribs are his favorite! One fun fact: Dez’s favorite movie is Whiplash.

What Dez loves most about teaching is seeing growth happen in real time, watching a student finally grasp a challenging concept, master a new note, or conquer a tricky section of music. That moment of success, and the smile that comes with it, is what makes teaching so rewarding.

We are so grateful to have Dez on our team and appreciate the enthusiasm, dedication, and heart they bring to their students every day. Congratulations, Dez, on being our Teacher of the Month!