You'll find a common denominator in our team: Helping people through music.

• Brett Stooksbury

  Founder/CEO

  Brett is the visionary behind StookU, creating a holistic platform that supports students and instructors alike. “I always say we’re in the business of helping people. The more effectively we support our students and one another, the better off everyone will be in the long run. You can feel that idea come to life in our team’s energy and passion—and in our students, too. Our enthusiasm seeps into everything we do at StookU, and it’s electric. There’s something really special happening here.”
• Stephen Sullivan

  COO

  Stephen is dedicated to developing efficient operations and fostering a supportive team culture at StookU. “It’s all about lifting others up and keeping things simple. When you have a clean, sensible operation and create a healthy environment for staff, they feel more inspired—and that translates into going above and beyond for our students. It’s a trickle-down effect: everyone, from students to staff, feels genuinely valued and celebrated.”
• Mike Eyer

  Head Instructor

  Mike has developed StookU’s modern methodology, centering everything we do on the student experience. “Honestly, anyone can teach a C chord or a tritone substitution. What sets a great instructor apart is showing up for each person—knowing how to deliver information in a way that resonates with that individual and inspires them to want to make music. Sure, we’re pros, but we’re also pros who care—and that’s the difference between a good instructor and a great one.”

• Shannon Ewing

  Head Instructor

  Shannon has a backround with studios such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, and studying under renowned vocal coaches Richard Miller and Neil Semer. She leads our instructors to deliver highly effective lessons by focusing not just on the student’s goals, but also on their personality and learning style. “Teaching something like music is so nuanced. It takes more than knowledge—it requires compassion and adaptability. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.”
• Sam Sydnor

  Advisor Manager

  Sam is a longtime musician, producer, and sound engineer who believes that to truly guide someone, you have to meet them where they are. “It’s crazy—if you just take the time to get to know someone, a natural path forward appears. It’s very organic. Learning music can be nerve-racking and humbling, so helping people feel comfortable enough to take those first steps and watching them grow is something I really cherish.”
• Haven Dykes

  Support Manager

  Haven is an accomplished vocalist and the leader of our support team, ensuring students are always seen as people, not numbers. “When you keep the human element in the data, it leads to better student support. People just want to know they’re truly cared for, so my team and I make that clear every step of the way. Music is so personal, and we reflect that in the way we engage with our students.”