About Us

Filling Denton County with music, creativity, and community since 2013.
We strive to foster a love of music and REAL progress via in-home
and online lessons to students of all ages and abilities.

Music for Everyone

We believe that by bringing music to people of all ages we can actually change lives through enriching their minds.

In-home Lessons

We come to you! This keeps you from having to drive to yet another location.

Balanced Curriculum

Our curriculum combines a balance between both classical and popular styles keeping lessons interesting and informative.

Student Community

Ampersand offers two annual concert events for our students to come together and perform.

Our Story

At Ampersand we believe in music. We believe that music has the power to change a person’s life. We believe that Music can inspire great ideas, heal the mind, and even feed the soul. Music is everywhere, in every culture, part of every creed, and community. Music my not be the universal language, but it is a universal human need.

The word ampersand comes from the Latin phrase “and per se,” meaning “and by itself.” At Ampersand Music we use the word “ampersand” as our company’s name as if to say “Music in and of itself.” We believe that by bringing music to people of all ages we can actually change lives through enriching their minds.

OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Ethan Shirey

Ethan Shirey

Director of Operations

Ethan began the pursuit of music at a young age of 9, playing guitar in a Bluegrass Gospel band from ages 9 to 15 at festivals and concerts across Texas and Arkansas. The band had many accomplishments including Recording a full length studio album, appearing live multiple times on a Dallas based radio station, and sharing the stage with Grammy nominated acts like The Isaacs Family. In 2008 Ethan started an Alternative Rock band encompassing all original music. In 2009 the band was able to appear as the opening act for the Grammy nominated rock band After Edmund. In 2011 the band signed a management contract with a Dallas based booking agency. That same year the band released a studio single on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. August of 2014, Ethan graduating from the University of North Texas, with a bachelors degree in Finance.

June of 2013 Ethan co-founded Ampersand Music School along with his brother Benjamin. Together they operate Ampersand as business partners bringing music lessons to students throughout the Denton County area. Ethan’s passion is to inspire students with a love for music and to give his students the tools they need to create music on their own.

Benjamin Shirey

Benjamin Shirey

Director of Curriculum

From the first notes played on a double bass at age 9, Benjamin Shirey’s musical journey has been marked by exploration and curiosity. He delved into various instruments, ranging from voice and guitar to piano and drums, with a particular affection for music composition. His love for creating led him to the University of North Texas, where he deepened his understanding of music under the guidance of respected mentors.

However, for Benjamin, music has always been more than just notes and rhythms. He sees it as a lens to interpret the world, emphasizing the importance of quality audio production to convey intricate ideas. This ethos is evident in his diverse portfolio, which spans various mediums including concert music, installation art, experimental opera, and music for film.

Yet, Benjamin’s most fulfilling venture has been the co-founding of Ampersand Music School in 2013 alongside his brother Ethan. Here, as Director of Curriculum, he finds purpose in nurturing budding musicians and composers. At Ampersand, Benjamin’s emphasis isn’t just on imparting technical skills but also on fostering a genuine love for music and stimulating creative expression.

Elizabeth Bohl

Elizabeth Bohl

Instructor

Elizabeth Bohl is a seasoned vocal coach with a rich background in music. Her journey began with singing in jazz and a cappella choirs throughout high school, honing her vocal prowess early on. Pursuing her passion, she furthered her musical education in college at Oral Roberts University and embarked on unforgettable international worship tours.

Elizabeth’s devotion to music and performance led her to take the lead in worship for women’s ministry at Gateway Church. With years of experience under her belt, Elizabeth is now sharing her expertise as a vocal coach, guiding aspiring singers to discover their unique voices and unlock their true potential in the world of music. Her individual and  attention to detail  creates an environment where students feel empowered and confident in their vocal abilities. Elizabeth’s passion for music and her dedication to helping others will inspire you on your own musical journey.

Kelly Hurtado

Kelly Hurtado

Instructor

Kelly is a singer and songwriter who began playing piano from a very young age, eventually landing on her true passion with acoustic guitar and voice. Kelly started playing guitar at the age of 12 and wrote her first song at 14. In middle school, she began her lifelong journey with leading worship in church. Kelly spent her first year at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities as a Music Education Major, with Voice as her instrument. In her sophomore year, she switched majors and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and a minor in Music in 2006. Kelly recorded a full-length album at 18, and spent her college years performing at coffee shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants around the Twin Cities, while leading a worship band each week.  After graduating from college, Kelly quickly met her husband, Eric, who joined the United States Air Force, just before their first baby was born! They now have four children, ranging from 15 to 3 years old, and Kelly has always homeschooled them. You can find Kelly leading worship at her church and writing songs when she can find the time! 

John Glover

John Glover

Intern

John Glover is 15 years old and a multi instrumentalist. He primarily focuses on bass guitar but also enjoys playing acoustic guitar, drums and keys. John looks up to artists such as Phil Wickahm, Queen, and Foo Fighters. He also has a small background in music production and even produces and releases his own songs.

John serves on the Student Lead Worship team at The Village Church as well as the worship team for the church’s kids ministry. John was a student in the Rock Band Program at Ampersand Music School from Fall of 2020 to Christmas of 2022 and is currently a piano student under the instruction of Benjamin Shirey. John is excited and honored to be the Ampersand Music School intern.