Welcome: Guitar Instructors

Garrett Hope

Garrett Hope teaches guitar, string bass, composition, and theory at Harris. Born into a family that valued and practiced music daily, he studied piano, clarinet, guitar, and bass as he was growing up. Though he tinkered with sequencing and song writing, it wasn’t until he began studying composition at university that he found his musical passions – composition and teaching.

Garrett has graduate degrees the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Garrett has taught composition, music theory, music technology, and ear training as adjunct faculty at several institutions, but after completing his DMA, Garrett taught as a Visiting Assistant Professor in Pennsylvania.

Returning to Lincoln after teaching in Pennsylvania has allowed Garrett to focus on composing new music, and also to teach at Harris Academy of the Arts.  When it comes to teaching, Garrett offers a wide repertoire variety – including rock, pop, alternative, blues, jazz, religious, and much more.

Lee Heerspink

Lee Heerspink teaches guitar and string bass at Harris. He is a rare multi-talented musician and educator. He earned his music education degree from Hope College in Holland, MI. Jazz became such a passion that Lee continued his education at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. After completing his master’s degree, he spent time teaching and performing in West Michigan. 

In 2010, Lee auditioned and accepted a position playing guitar in the US Air Force Heartland of America Band in Omaha, NE. For 4 years he served as musical director for multiple Air Force rock and top 40 bands providing high-energy, morale-boosting concerts to troops both stateside and overseas. 

After being honorably discharged in the fall of 2014, Lee and his wife Bethany moved to Lincoln, NE, where they now reside.  When not teaching or playing music, Lee and Bethany enjoy cooking, watching Detroit Tigers baseball, and hanging out with their English bulldog Edward.