Meet Our Staff
Erik Carlson
Program Director/Instructor
Erik Carlson is a musician, educator, and member of the Portland music and arts community. He is recognized as DoublePlusGood, a talented and versatile musician who has been featured on NPR and local radio. Erik has toured extensively in the USA and Europe and has taught piano to children since 2008.
Erik is also the founder of two successful art galleries, including the nonprofit 501c3 art collective, S1, where he helped develop a synthesizer library program and taught synthesis classes to adults.
In 2018, Erik founded Electronic Music Club, a popular music program for children that offers unique and engaging classes in music production. From writing and recording their own radio ads to remixing current pop hits, Erik inspires his students to develop their own voice in music. His enduring commitment to education, music, and the arts has made a positive impact on the Portland community.
Caleb Carter
Instructor
Caleb is a dedicated music producer with a natural ease for working with children. He studied elementary education at Walla Walla University and taught professionally in the Vancouver Public school district for three years before joining the Electronic Music Club team.
With over a dozen years of experience in music production and proficiency in Logic Pro X, Caleb is confident in his ability to teach children the technical aspects of music production. He has also crafted over 40 songs as a full-stack engineer for his multi-instrumentalist hip-hop duo, OfF.Brand, and is currently completing the Mastering AcceleratorTM course to further develop his production skills.
In addition to his work at the Electronic Music Club, Caleb is a mastering engineer and producer who has worked with local Portland artists such as Anthony Rivera. Caleb is passionate about sharing his love of music with young learners and is committed to helping them develop their own unique voices.
Xan Alphonse
Instructor
Born in the vibrant state of New Jersey and recently transplanted to the creative hub of Portland, Xan brings a wealth of experience and passion to the team at EMC. With a diverse background in commercial composing and sound design, he has lent his creative expertise to major companies such as Samsung, American Express, Yves Saint Laurent, and The Hearthland Foundation.Possessing an advanced understanding of industry-standard programs like Ableton, Da Vinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro,Xan seamlessly combines technical proficiency with artistic innovation.
With over 10 years of experience in both guitar and academic instruction, he has honed his skills to not only create captivating music but also impart his knowledge effectively.Beyond the realm of music, he brings a vast knowledge of all things entertainment and media. This holistic approach to the arts enriches the learning experience for students under their guidance.
Passionate about cultivating creativity and fostering a deep appreciation for electronic music, Xan's goal is to continue contributing to the dynamic and innovative atmosphere that defines the company's ethos.
Stefan Reichardt
Instructor
Stefan is a producer, songwriter, performer, and private music lessons teacher. He received a Bachelor of Science with a focus in music technology from the University of Oregon. From a young age he found a passion for guitar and soon after a passion for recording and producing electronic music. You can find him performing at local venues or spending long hours in his studio producing and recording his own music as well as that of other local artists.
Whether in private lessons or group classes through EMC, Stefan is passionate about finding what gets students excited about music and helping them to create/fulfill a vision for themselves and their music.
Cole Johnston
Instructor
Cole Johnston is a digital producer, drummer, and electronic musician with over 20 years of drumming experience and a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Oregon University. He brings a deep-rooted passion for rhythm and percussive elements to his work, crafting engaging and dynamic music that speaks to the hearts of young listeners.
As an experienced music teacher, Cole is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young musicians and helping them develop their own unique voices. He approaches every class with a sense of humor and a willingness to have fun, while ensuring a professional approach to his craft.
When he's not making music, Cole enjoys spending time with his loved ones, discovering new music, and is a B Horror movie buff. He is excited to share his passion for music with young learners and is always looking for new ways to inspire creativity and foster a lifelong love of music.
Alena Slee
Instructor
Alena Slee, originally from Seattle and now residing in Portland, is currently immersed in the Sonic Arts Program at Portland Community College. With a remarkable 17 years of piano expertise, she transitioned into digital music production four years ago, delving into professional production for the past year. Specializing in Sync music, Alena creates compositions that set the perfect tone for videos, commercials, and films. In 2023, she debuted "Joyride" on Spotify, a collaboration with the talented Brian Hall.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Alena has dedicated six years to shaping young minds in elementary and preschool classrooms. Additionally, she brings four years of experience as a behavior support specialist, assisting individuals from preschoolers to adults in navigating life's challenges.
When not immersed in her studies, music production, or lending a helping hand, Alena can be found indulging in her favorite outdoor activities—hiking and fishing. But her interests don't stop there; she is equally passionate about dancing, weight lifting, cooking, baking, and maintaining a yoga and mindfulness practice.
Skyler Pestle
Instructor
Skyler Pestle, an experienced educator and musician originally from Montana, has called Portland home for 7 years, actively participating in the local arts and music scene. With a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Masters in Leadership for Sustainability Education, her academic and professional journey has been influenced by the curiosity and creativity of young children.
Skyler has been a drummer since age 9 and a lifelong singer. She has been involved in various music projects over the years, including drumming and assisting with harmonies for local bands. She is currently focusing on her solo project, Kylo Pest, which is transforming from folk-funk to more ambient tracks with field recordings and vocal layering.
When she’s not teaching or making music, Skyler enjoys baking bread, roadtrips, and field recording adventures with her partner, Maddi. Together they have two cats named Maeby & The Ma.