John Blandford

John received his B.A. in Music at Webster University.  He has been playing guitar for 21 years and has been teaching at Tower since 2003.  He enjoys all styles of music and has played in numerous bands around St. Louis.  In addition to teaching at Tower, John is employed by the Special School District as a teacher’s aide.

John teaches guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, and combo class.

Austin Sprauge

Having taught guitar for over a decade, Austin is currently enrolled in the music program at Forest Park.  He plans move on to Maryville where he will pursue a degree in Music Therapy.  

Austin teaches guitar, and bass guitar.

Mike Tipsword

Mike holds a B.A. in Jazz Guitar Studies and a Masters in Music from Webster University.  He has been teaching at Tower since 2001.  He enjoys all styles of music and plays in several local groups. 

Mike teaches guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, and combo class.

Dave Thorlakson

Dave received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southwest Missouri State University.  He worked as a high school teacher for ten years before becoming a full-time guitar teacher fifteen years ago.  He has played professionally for the past twenty-seven years.  Although Dave enjoys all styles of music, he is Tower’s resident bluesman.

Dave teaches guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica.

Erin Wolf

Erin holds a B.A. from Missouri University, and has been teaching instrumental music since 1995, including three years at a children's academy.  Erin enjoys all styles of music and specializes in finger-style guitar.  He also teaches bass guitar and piano.  Erin performs Classical, Latin-gypsy-jazz, and World Music, both solo and with several local groups.

Erin teaches guitar, bass guitar, and piano.