OUR TEACHERS ROCK!

has kept music as a focal point his entire life. Piano lessons started in Kindergarten and his love of piano continues to this day. Bryce taught himself to play drums as a young boy and grew that into a music career. Playing his first gig at age 14, Bryce has been a professional in the music industry for the past 25 years. He has recorded numerous albums and has a CD from his own group, The Bryce Niemiller Project, on iTunes.

Bryce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mary where he majored in percussion and secondary music education. After graduating from College in 1995 Bryce started teaching privately.

After 20 years of teaching and 25 years of gigging Bryce realized there was more that could be done to inspire others to learn an instrument and most importantly, stick with it. Bryce retired from the road in 2008 to pursue the dream that would become Elevate Rock School. Bryce is married to Lisa and has 3 children: Bailey, Morgan & London. Bryce and Lisa own and operate Elevate Rock School.


is originally from Wahpeton. She currently lives in West Fargo with her husband Dan, children Austin and Sophia, and dog Peanut. Karissa started teaching private piano and voice lessons in 2000 while continuing her education. She started her music education with a vocal emphasis at UND in 1997 and transferred to NDSU in 2001. Karissa will also be finishing a B.S in Early Childhood Education in December 2012 from Mayville State University.

Since landing her first musical role on stage in 1985 at the age of six, Karissa has kept pursuing the love of music and education. Theatre continues to be an interest for Karissa as she has had the privilege of holding several leading lady roles from Oklahoma to Annie, and several others.

From 2003-2011 Karissa worked at Dakota Montessori School in several areas. She developing a music enhancement curriculum and wrote spring and holiday programs which were performed at the Fargo Theatre as well as the school. Karissa is also an active member at Holy Cross Catholic Church where she provides the music for Saturday and Sunday masses on a regular basis. Besides music, Karissa enjoys several other hobbies which include: anything outdoors, swimming, travel, family time, shopping, crafts and photography.


began playing guitar at the age of 13. He was obsessed with music of the 60's and 70's, but the moment he saw KISS, he wanted to be Ace Frehley. Bands like The Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and countless others in the early 80's compelled me him commit his life to the study, performance, and instruction of music.

At Moorhead State University Steve studied under the tutelage of Mike Coates, and began teaching guitar at the age of 17. He has been in bands since high school, but most notably, is the band "GrimmStine" in which he formed an incredible friendship and music relationship with Steve Grimmett from Grim Reaper, and friends from Sons Of Poseidon.The GrimmStine Album is now available around the world on 2 major labels.

Besides sharing his expertise at Elevate, Steve is also a music teacher at the Red River Valley Academy in Moorhead and a professor at NDSU. In addition, he dedicates many hours to volunteer on the worship team at Prairie Heights Community Church. Steve is married to Jess and has 2 children: Lanee & Immy.


grew up in a family who has embraced music for generations. He received his first drum kit at the age of 3 and never looked back. He began writing music and moving around to other instruments; starting bass and guitar around age 12. Since then, he has toured the United States, Canada, and Europe, was signed to Facedown Records of Fallbrook, CA and released 3 studio albums distributed world wide.

Shane currently lives in Dilworth with his wife, Holly and daughter Arbor.

"I love working with kids in music, because I love seeing all of the potential. It's a cool thing to help these kids along in their musical journeys, and play a part in developing their skills; Opening their creativity, and being there to guide them into whatever it is they want to do with music! Having been a young musician myself, I have something to offer these kids to help further them along in their desire to play!"


has perfected his instrument along with guitar & drums over the last 20 years as an accomplished musician. He has played with many successful artists such as Shannon Curfman, Hadden Sayers and The Bryce Niemiller Project.

Most recently he started his own project: The Blackwells. Along with 3 other band members, Chris toured throughout the Midwest and created a huge following. They also recorded a self-titled album.

He has a degree from NDSU and currently lives in Fargo with his two children: Annie & Francis. Being a dad is the most important thing to Chris. The world revolves around his girls and music.