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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My name is Elizabeth (Lizbee) Hannah and I have been a music educator in the Cincinnati area since 2010.
I grew up in Bay Village, Ohio, and was heavily involved in both music and athletic programs. My first musical love was the piano, starting lessons at age 3 and continuing through college. Starting in 4th grade, I discovered my love for singing and choral music as a member of the Riverside Children’s Choir. Throughout high school, I also enjoyed playing clarinet in concert band, trumpet in marching band, and performing in several music theater productions. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentrations in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2007, and my Masters of Science in Music Education from Indiana University Bloomington in 2009.
I credit many of the amazing music educators that I learned from with inspiring me to become a music educator. Their passion for music was contagious and I love now passing that on to my own students! I began my professional career as a high school and middle school choir director in the Winton Woods City School District (2010-2015), and then worked for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District (2015-2024). I am now so excited to be teaching voice and piano and directing the choirs at the Wellspring Music and Arts Center.
Since 2010, I have been a member of both the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). I have been singing with Cincinnati Camerata since 2023 and occasionally cantor and play the piano at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Loveland.
My husband, Trevor, is a teacher at the Warren County Career Center. We live in Landen with our two young sons and our three labradoodles. In my free time, I love kayaking, hiking, gardening, reading, and puzzles, and I look forward to traveling to the western mountains of Maine every summer with my family.
I believe music grows and supports the whole person, fostering so many valuable skills such as creative and emotional expression, critical thinking, and collaboration. In my teaching, I strive to use music to create a welcoming and supportive environment where my students can be themselves, work hard, and have fun!
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Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Music Education at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. She was fortunate to study with Eugene Pridonoff and Richard Fields. While Elizabeth was completing her degree she focused on accompanying and collaborative playing, performing both locally and internationally with well-known instrumentalists and vocalists. She was trained to teach in the classroom as well with an emphasis on choral music and general music education, K-12.
Ms. Swift currently runs a diverse private piano studio in greater Cincinnati, working with a wonderful group of preschoolers to adults. Although she is classically trained, she incorporates all styles of music in her studio and is passionate about teaching composition, improvisation, and other forms of self-expression and confidence-boosting through the piano. Elizabeth encourages students to think independently and arrive at their own decisions on interpretation and style. Students will understand and appreciate the style of the masters, but they are given freedom to change their own interpretation to reflect their ideas and passions. Additionally, there are often sounds of unique, creative arrangements wafting through the studio, driven by the students themselves.
Since all of the work at Elizabeth Swift Piano Studio is student-focused, no two lessons will look alike. By combining students interests with student needs, every student receives their own well-rounded music education.
She is actively involved in her local music teaching organizations, currently serving on the leadership boards of both KTA (Keyboard Teachers Association) and OMTA-SW (Ohio Music Teachers Association-Southwest), and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through MTNA (Music Teachers National Association).
Elizabeth also composes unique piano music for a wide range of student ages and abilities. Her work is widely available, including newly available publications with Alfred Publishing, and has also appeared in the National Federation of Music Clubs Bulletins. She is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). She has worked with Nicola Cantan of Colorful Keys and Tim Topham of TopMusic, and she recently won the second place prize in the biennial composition contest sponsored by the National League of American Pen Women in Washington DC. Drawing inspiration from her adventures in travel and camping alongside her husband, four children, and two dogs, Elizabeth infuses her teaching and composing with a sense of adventure and exploration.
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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.
