Gramercy Music Academy | Excellence in music instruction

Music Lessons In West University

For kids, teens, and adults, whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to take your playing seriously, our instructors meet you where you are and help you progress.

"We have had a great experience with Gramercy Music Academy. The instructors are sharp, kind, and patient. Kevin has provided a fun and engaging environment for our 4 year old, and we are seeing improvement and confidence. Highly recommend."

Gramercy Music Academy was founded by Justin Nihiser, a longtime leader in youth enrichment and music education with nearly two decades of experience building, operating, and scaling programs for children and families.

Justin is a professional musician trained at Berklee College of Music and has held executive leadership roles at nationally recognized youth education brands, including serving as VP, International Operations at School of Rock, and CEO of Code Ninjas, a 400-location coding education franchise system.

His career has been centered on one belief: that music education should be rigorous, inspiring, and accessible, while still feeling personal and community-driven. At Gramercy, Justin combines deep musical training with proven operational excellence to create a modern music academy where students thrive, instructors are supported, and families feel at home.

Beginner-friendly • Professional instructors • West University

Why Families Choose Gramercy

Gramercy Music Academy was founded on the principle that exceptional musical achievement requires rigorous instruction, dedicated practice, and mentorship from accomplished professionals. We prepare students for advanced study and professional excellence.

Exceptional Faculty

Learn from experienced musicians who know how to teach.

Structured Progression

Tailored to each student’s level and goals.

Personalized Instruction

Individualized assessments and customized curricula tailored to each student’s goals and learning style.

Performance Opportunities

Access to recitals, competitions, and masterclasses with leading artists to develop performance confidence.

Schools We Partner With

Experience Levels at Gramercy Music Academy

Beginner

Just starting out; little to no prior experience on the instrument.
Learning fundamentals: posture, hand position, breathing, tone production, and reading basic notation.
Building comfort and confidence through simple songs and structured weekly progress.
Focused on developing strong habits from day one in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Intermediate

Comfortable with core techniques and basic music theory.
Able to play or perform full pieces with consistent rhythm and tone.
Beginning to refine expression, dynamics, phrasing, and stylistic control.
Working toward more complex repertoire and recital-ready performances.

Advanced

Demonstrates technical control, musical maturity, and consistent practice discipline.
Performs challenging repertoire across styles (classical, contemporary, jazz, etc.).
Focuses on nuanced interpretation, stage presence, and audition or competition preparation.
Often preparing for conservatory auditions, advanced recitals, or personal mastery goals.

Who We Work With

For Kids & Teens

Beginner-friendly lessons that meet students at their level
Build confidence, focus, and discipline through music
Structured progression so parents can see real improvement
Supportive instructors who keep students engaged and motivated

For Adult Students

Flexible lessons designed around your schedule and goals
Start from scratch or pick up where you left off
Low-pressure environment with clear, structured guidance
Focus on enjoying the process while making steady progress

Programs

World-Class Instruction

Piano

Comprehensive piano instruction including classical technique, music theory, and improvisational skills.

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Voice

Comprehensive voice instruction including proper vocal technique, breath control, ear training, and performance skills across a variety of musical styles.

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Guitar

Classical, acoustic, and electric guitar. From foundational technique to advanced performance repertoire.

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Strings

Violin, viola, cello, and bass instruction with emphasis on classical technique and performance excellence.

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Drums & Percussion

Technical percussion instruction focusing on rhythm fundamentals, ensemble playing, and professional standards.

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Our Faculty

Meet Our Amazing Instructors

Our faculty are accomplished performers and educators with credentials from highly respected conservatories and performing organizations.

Brandon “Bizzy”

Guitar

Brandon, “Bizzy”, is a Houston-born guitarist, producer, and educator with over 20 years of professional experience. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has worked with artists including Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, Fabolous, and contributed to The Weeknd’s Kiss Land, with performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show.

Bizzy’s teaching blends technical precision, genre versatility, and real-world musicianship—helping students build confidence, develop their own voice, and understand how music works both on stage and in the studio.

John

Piano

John St. Julian II is a professional trumpet player and experienced educator who has performed with a wide range of ensembles, including The Woodlands Symphony, the Texas Renaissance Festival Brass Ensemble, and numerous jazz, Latin, and contemporary groups. Classically trained and genre-versatile, he brings over a decade of teaching experience and a deep commitment to inspiring students through performance and education.

Mollie

Voice & Piano

Mollie holds a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in music technology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she studied voice with a secondary focus on piano. A versatile performer and educator, she brings experience across classical, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary styles, pairing strong musicianship with a warm, student-focused approach.

Kevin

Voice & Piano

Kevin is a professional tenor, conductor, and music educator with advanced training in vocal performance and orchestral conducting. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Houston Baptist University and pursued dual Master’s studies in Opera Performance and Orchestral Conducting at the University of Oklahoma.

Kevin has performed with leading opera companies including The Santa Fe Opera, Washington National Opera, and the Opéra National de Paris. His teaching focuses on healthy vocal technique, musical confidence, and clear communication, tailored to each student’s age and goals. He works comfortably with beginners through advanced singers and is passionate about fostering long-term growth in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Josh

Drums

Hi, my name is Joshua Starks, and I’m a professional drummer. I’ve been playing since the age of five and have had the opportunity to share the stage with a number of incredible artists and musicians.

Music has been a journey for me, one that hasn’t always been easy. Over time, I learned to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome. That shift changed everything.

Along the way, I studied some of my favorite drummers, built relationships with other musicians, and committed to constantly growing in my craft.

Now, I’m passionate about passing that on; helping the next generation of musicians develop their skills, build confidence, and find their own love for the journey.

Summer 2026

Music Camps for Young Musicians

Fun, intensive summer programs for musicians ages 7-13. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and quality instruction.

Ages 7-13

Summer Jam Camps

Small Classes

Limited to 8 students per session for quality instruction

Flexible Weeks

Choose single week or multi-week intensives throughout June, July, August

Expert Faculty

Same exceptional instructors as private lessons

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Gramercy’s programs and policies.

How do lesson makeups work?

We understand that life happens. Students can reschedule lessons with at least 24 hours notice. Makeups must be scheduled within 30 days of the original lesson. We do not offer refunds for missed lessons; however, unused lessons expire after 6 months. Our goal is flexibility while maintaining consistency in your instruction.

Who are the instructors?

All Gramercy instructors are accomplished professionals with credentials from respected conservatories. Our faculty includes concert performers, orchestral musicians, and recording artists. Each instructor brings both technical excellence and pedagogical expertise to their teaching.

Who founded Gramercy Music Academy?

Gramercy Music Academy was founded by Justin Nihisher, a professional musician with over 1,000 credits in television, film, and advertising, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Justin previously served as an executive at School of Rock and as CEO of Code Ninjas, bringing both musical excellence and business leadership to the academy. His vision is to provide rigorous, accessible music education to ambitious young musicians in Houston.

What lesson formats do you offer?

We offer 30-minute and 60-minute private lessons. Most students begin with 30 minutes and progress to longer sessions as their practice deepens. We also offer group ensemble coaching and theory instruction. First-time students schedule a complimentary assessment to determine the ideal lesson length and curriculum.

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes. We provide a complimentary initial assessment where you’ll meet with an instructor, discuss your goals, and determine if Gramercy is the right fit. There is no obligation to enroll after your assessment.

What is your cancellation policy?

Students may cancel their enrollment at any time with 2 weeks written notice. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. If you prepay for a lesson package, unused lessons are refunded on a pro-rata basis.

Do students need to own an instrument?

Ideally, yes. However, we can recommend affordable quality instruments or rental services. For students exploring multiple instruments (such as in our Summer Discovery Camp), rental is often the best option. Discuss your situation with your instructor.

How often should my child practice?

Consistent practice is essential. We recommend 20-30 minutes daily for beginners, progressing to 45-60 minutes as technique develops. Our instructors will set specific practice goals tailored to each student’s level and goals. Progress correlates directly with practice consistency.

Schedule Your First Lesson Free

Complete a personalized evaluation with one of our faculty members. We’ll discuss your musical goals, assess your current skill level, and recommend the ideal curriculum for your advancement.

Music Lessons In West University

"We have had a great experience with Gramercy Music Academy. The instructors are sharp, kind, and patient. Kevin has provided a fun and engaging environment for our 4 year old, and we are seeing improvement and confidence. Highly recommend."

Beginner-friendly • Professional instructors • West University

Why Families Choose Gramercy​

Exceptional Faculty

Structured Progression

Personalized Instruction

Performance Opportunities

Schools We Partner With

Experience Levels at Gramercy Music Academy

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Who We Work With

For Kids & Teens

For Adult Students

Programs

World-Class Instruction

Our Faculty

Meet Our Amazing Instructors

Summer 2026

Music Camps for Young Musicians

Ages 7-13

Summer Jam Camps

Small Classes

Flexible Weeks

Expert Faculty

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your First Lesson Free

Why Families Choose Gramercy