Meet the staff!
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I have quite a story and often joke I can write at least seven books about my life!
I was born in the USSR (Dushanbe, Tajikistan) and lived through poverty and war before coming to the US as a refugee when I was eight. I picked up the violin in third grade just because the paper came home from school to sign up. Definitely no aspirations or natural talent!
Growing up in a home filled with domestic violence really drew me to music. I think it’s because music is very regulating to the nervous system.
Soon I was involved in all the music things: jazz band, marching band, symphonic orchestra, string orchestra, concert band, flute quartet, choir, honors and state festivals, etc.
I graduated Magma Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 2010. During my time there I studied (French) horn as my main instrument and worked at CCM Prep as an admin assistant and camp helper. I student-taught elementary general, and middle school band and orchestra at Oak Hills.
During and after college I interned for Melodic Connections, a non-profit music therapy organization, where I learned so much about adapting instruments and instruction. My favorite memory is having our band perform in the World Choir Games in front of hundreds of people on Fountain Square!
I taught elementary music and choir in Springboro City Schools from 2010-2017 before having my daughter, Zara. I was nominated as a STAR Teacher of the Year for Springboro Intermediate. During this time I received my Level I and II Orff-Schulwerk certifications from Miami University and University of Cincinnati, respectfully. (The Orff approach is incredible for building musicianship and understanding of musical elements through play)
In 2021 I found myself rebuilding my life from scratch under very hard circumstances. Without much choice I became an entrepreneur. I started a virtual assistance business and Wellspring Music Studio out of my 1-bedroom apartment.
But the universe has a way of bringing things full circle. It turns out in my high school year book I actually said I wanted to major in “music” and “business.” So the joke is on me! :)
My vision for Wellspring is to create a safe and nurturing space for the community to come together through music. My desire is for you to experience something meaningful and beautiful each time you walk through the doors.
I hope that you find that Wellspring is a place that welcomes you with open arms and gives more than it takes.
Come in anytime - I would love to hear your story too!
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Elizabeth Swift holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Music Education from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. While earning her degree, she focused on collaborative playing, performing locally and internationally. She was also trained in classroom and choral music education (K–12). Elizabeth continues to enjoy accompanying through her role as accompanist with Mason City Schools.
Elizabeth operates a vibrant private piano studio in greater Cincinnati, working with students from preschool through adulthood. Though classically trained, she emphasizes creativity and expression in her teaching, regularly incorporating composition, improvisation, and personal interpretation into piano lessons. She specializes in private piano instruction, partner lessons, small-class piano, and composition lessons. Her students enjoy a wide variety of competitive and non-competitive performance opportunities all year long.
Her individualized approach ensures that no two lessons are alike. With a solid foundation in theory and technique, students explore a wide range of musical styles. Elizabeth helps students create lead sheets, play pop and worship music, explore jazz and blues, and arrange their own interpretations. Ms. Swift is sought-after as an educator, collaborator, and for her dedication to community building among her students.
Elizabeth currently serves on the leadership boards of both Keyboard Teachers Association and OhioMTA-Southwest. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and a passionate advocate for continuing education.
As a composer, Elizabeth creates educational piano music that appeals to a wide range of ages and levels. Her works are self-published, published by Alfred Publishing, and have been included in the NFMC Bulletin. Her piano works have also been featured by Nicola Cantan and Tim Topham. She was awarded second prize in the National League of American Pen Women’s biennial composition contest in 2024 for her piece entitled, Nothing Gold Can Stay.
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My name is Mrs. Fortenboher. My husband and I have been married for 10 years and have happily called Lebanon home since 2015. We have three energetic children, 7 years old, 5 years old, and 2 years old.
For as long as I can remember music has been an important part of my life. I began playing piano in the second grade, trumpet in 6th grade, and tuba in 7th grade.
I have been honored to perform with the William Mason High School Wind Symphony, the Bands of America National Honor Band of America, and Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps.
The music educators in my life helped inspire me to pursue education. I have my Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Miami University, and a calling towards general music. Over the years I have taught music in both the public school system and the studio setting. I also have experience in daycare and kindergarten enrichment.
It is my hope that through music I can have a positive impact on the lives of my students in the same way my teachers influenced me to become the person I am today.
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Hi, I’m Anna! I am a classically trained pianist from Cincinnati, and my love for music began when I got a keyboard for my 6th birthday. As I grew up, my school district’s band gave me a community of musicians who pushed me and taught me the fun of learning in groups. Through this experience, I had the privilege of performing piano concertos in venues such as Cincinnati Music Hall and OMEA State Convention. I started teaching around this time as a teen, and then later I went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Ohio State University (go Bucks!). In college I served as the pianist for the Ohio State Wind Symphony and accompanied numerous soloists. Since graduating, I have been specializing in teaching adult students specifically.
I truly believe that learning music is one of life’s most fulfilling hobbies. I know that life in and of itself is stressful for us adults, so I aim to teach in a way that gives students a fun escape, a new skill to keep the mind sharp, and most importantly, a community of other learners. I’ve discovered through my own musical upbringing that learning alongside others can add a whole new level of meaning, so community building is always an emphasis of my group classes.
I understand the challenges adult piano students often face: busy schedules, uncertainty about starting “too late” (which is never the case!), and the pressure to be “good” right away. Rest assured, in my experience adults learn just as quickly as kids—they’re just harder on themselves. That's why I focus on building confidence, celebrating the small wins, and making the learning process enjoyable every step of the way.
Whether you're picking up the piano for the first time or returning to it after years away, I’d love to help you discover—or rediscover-- the joy of music.
