JORDAN SCHUG

Founder of the Independent String Program, Jordan Schug is a well-known cellist and bassist based in Southeast Michigan, performing both locally and internationally. He holds an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Improvised Music from the University of Michigan.

Since 2004, Jordan has made music his full-time career, performing in venues around the world, including multiple appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival, and performances in Shanghai, China, Bangalore, India, and across Europe and the United States. Notable performances include collaborations with artists such as Ethan Daniel Davidson, the Detroit Tenors, and James Carter & the Hot Club of Detroit. Jordan has also played at prestigious venues like Severance Hall, The Green Mill, Yoshi’s Jazz Club, and Djangofest Northwest, and has shared the stage with celebrated musicians like Howard Levy, Cyrille Aimee, and Richie Cole.

In addition to performing, Jordan is dedicated to music education. His teaching philosophy centers on preparing students to play with others, understanding that both leadership and teamwork are essential in creating great music. Jordan founded the Independent String Program in 2016, which has grown and evolved in surprising and wonderful ways, with each recital bringing something new. His goal is to provide the music community with the resources to find each other, collaborate, and create music together.

Jordan is also the creator of the Detroit Jazz Registry, a project that compiles information about musicians in Southeast Michigan to help foster connections within the local jazz community.

DELANI CREECH

Delani co-runs the Jam Room and offers group lessons in the ISP method, acting as Jordan's right-hand in managing and growing the Independent String Program. She started as a student in the Independent String Program back in 2016, eventually helping as an assistant in 2019, and today is a teacher, leading groups, arranging music, and guiding students through improvisation. Delani's journey from student to co-leader has been instrumental in ISP's growth.

With experience as co-principal of the EMU Symphony Orchestra and numerous solo performances, Delani holds degrees in Cello Performance and Arts Management from Eastern Michigan University, which further supports her contributions to the program. Her background in organizing events at EMU, and understanding successful strategies from her coursework helps her contribute creatively and effectively to the program. Delani believes in creating inclusive, non-competitive spaces for musicians of all levels to enjoy playing together, fostering a collaborative environment different from traditional community orchestras.

AFFILIATED TEACHERS

V Rose Cieri - Viola/Violin

V Rose Cieri is a fiddle player with a background in classical music, having completed a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University and a Master’s in Music from Florida State University. While earning their bachelor’s degree, V began performing with a local trad Irish band in Kalamazoo, MI, and discovered a love for Celtic-style fiddle playing. Since completing their master’s, V has taught privately and performed with several local and regional bands.

V has helped with the Jam Room and contributed music selections to the ISP books. In addition, she has a wealth of experience in improvisation and lead sheet playing. Her deep knowledge of multiple styles and genres makes her highly adaptable to the ISP method, and she continues to inspire students with her ability to blend classical techniques with improvisational skills across diverse musical traditions.

Jenna Penfound - Violin

Jenna Penfound is a dedicated violinist and educator with over a decade of experience in music education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, graduating summa cum laude from Oakland University in 2013 with a concentration in Instrumental/General Music Education K-12. During her time at Oakland, she studied violin under Elizabeth Rowin and performed with the Pontiac Oakland Symphony, Oakland Symphony Orchestra, and the OU Chamber Orchestra as principal second violin, in addition to participating in various chamber ensembles and the OU African Drumming ensemble. Jenna currently performs with the Detroit Medical Orchestra, a brand new ensemble she is excited to be a part of.

Jenna has been helping teach with the Independent String Program on and off since 2019. She has led ISP-run jam sessions in the Detroit area, taught workshops in schools, and integrated the ISP method into her own teaching studio and performances. With a commitment to flexible and adaptable teaching, Jenna continues to inspire students of all ages to explore new possibilities in music.

Finn Daigh - Violin

Finn Daigh's journey with the violin began in grade school when they simply wanted to play music with friends. Their passion for music quickly shifted from classical to non-classical styles, such as fiddle tunes, Celtic, and rock/pop music. What sets Finn apart is their emphasis on connection rather than competition, fostering a creative and collaborative environment for their students.

Finn describes their teaching style as adaptive, with a focus on listening, improvisation, and ear training. Rather than specializing in a specific genre, Finn teaches a broad spectrum of styles, helping students explore music in a way that is both well-rounded and personalized. They encourage students to think of music as a conversation—listening and responding with their instruments.

In addition to teaching, Finn has been involved in a wide array of musical experiences, from performing at the Warped Tour with a punk band to playing at the Renaissance Festival, starring in commercials and music videos, and even performing at square dances. These diverse experiences give Finn a unique perspective on non-traditional music, which they bring into the classroom.

For Finn, creativity is innate in every student, and they see their role as helping to unlock it through the uniquely diverse elements that showcase the strengths of each student. Finn believes everyone has a story to tell and empowers students to express themselves musically without the pressures of imposed perfectionism or commercial success.

Inspired by artists like The Punch Brothers, Andrew Bird, Yellowcard, and Jacob Collier, Finn's approach to teaching music is collaborative and inclusive, ensuring students feel heard and understood. Each week, they encourage students to share what they are listening to, using these shared experiences to help students discover new styles and deepen their musical curiosity.

For Finn, music is about building community and creating connections, which is why they thrive in non-traditional music environments where creativity and individuality are celebrated.