Born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula, Keegan is a lifelong musician and dedicated guitar technician based in Soldotna, Alaska. With a strong passion for tone, playability, and precision, he has spent the past several years refining his craft and caring for instruments with attention to detail.
In January 2026, Keegan and his wife Annika became the proud owners of The Music Corner. Together, they are committed to supporting musicians and strengthening the local music community by providing quality instruments, repairs, and music education.
Born and raised in Soldotna, Annika has always had a deep love for music and for the community she calls home. She enjoys helping students discover their creativity and confidence at the piano, creating a positive and encouraging space where students of all ages can grow in skill and enjoy making music.
Annika is an active member of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) and participates in a local group of teachers who take part in the annual NFMC Festival each spring in Soldotna. She is also the co-owner of The Music Corner, which she runs with her husband, Keegan, where they enjoy serving and supporting their local music community.
When she’s not teaching or playing piano, Annika enjoys hiking around the Kenai Peninsula and spending time with her husband and their dog, Josie.
Ryder Hagedorn is the drum instructor for Downbeat Percussion and The Music Corner. He graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology.
Ryder’s teaching approach focuses not only on developing strong drumming skills but also on understanding music as a whole and the important role drummers play within it. He enjoys helping students grow as musicians while building confidence and creativity behind the drum kit.
Outside of teaching, Ryder enjoys Formula 1, writing, recording, mixing and mastering music, and restoring drums. He looks forward to encouraging the next generation of musicians on the Kenai Peninsula.
Evan Cates is a guitarist from Kenai, Alaska who has been playing for nearly seven years and teaching for the past three. He enjoys working with students and helping them grow in confidence and skill on the guitar.
When he’s not teaching or playing music, Evan enjoys fishing, shooting, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Sarah is the violin instructor at The Music Corner and has been playing violin for over ten years. She enjoys helping students build a strong musical foundation while growing in confidence and skill. Sarah especially enjoys working with beginners and developing players, focusing on music reading and essential violin techniques.
Outside of music, Sarah is a pre-med nursing student and is passionate about both healthcare and the arts. She is excited to be part of her students’ musical journeys.
Victoria Ray is a voice and piano instructor dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and strong musical foundations. She works with students of all ages, tailoring each lesson to support individual goals and learning styles.
With a focus on healthy vocal technique, solid piano fundamentals, and expressive performance, Victoria creates a positive and encouraging environment where students can grow both musically and personally.
Born and raised in Alaska, Alena Bennett has loved playing the piano for as long as she can remember. After graduating high school in 2024 and attending AVTEC’s Culinary Arts program in 2025, she is excited to share her love of music by teaching piano in her local community.
Alena especially enjoys classical music and playing piano duets, and she loves helping students discover the joy of music at the keyboard. Outside of teaching and practicing, she enjoys relaxing with a hot cup of chai and a warm scone.
Linda Caswell has been playing guitar for several years and continues to enjoy learning and growing as a musician. She especially enjoys working with middle and high school students who share a passion for music.
Linda’s students use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method (Books 1-3), where they learn guitar care, note reading, basic theory, and fretboard fundamentals. As students progress, they begin learning first-position chords, chord construction, rhythm skills, and fun melody songs while practicing with a metronome.
“I am blessed to have learned from some of the best musicians in the industry. I too, will always be a music student and hope to pass that on. We can always wake up and learn a new happy note!”
Steve Caswell is the guitar luthier and technician at The Music Corner. He spent many years working at Whitey’s Music Shop before continuing his work with the team at The Music Corner, bringing over decades of experience in instrument repair and maintenance.
Known for his attention to detail and craftsmanship, Steve takes pride in helping guitars play and sound their best. He is also known for his positive attitude and encouraging spirit, always quick with a kind word for customers, musicians, and coworkers alike.
Ben is The Music Corner’s guitar technician apprentice, where he works alongside Steve Caswell learning the craft of guitar repair and maintenance.
Known for his enthusiasm and attention to detail, Ben is a quick learner who is passionate about understanding how instruments work and how to keep them playing their best.
Scot Q. Merry is a longtime musician, teacher, and the former owner of Whitey’s Music Shop, which he operated for over 15 years before passing the torch to the current owners of The Music Corner. With decades of experience in music education and performance, Scot brings a wealth of knowledge to the team as both an advisor and instructor.
In addition to teaching guitar, banjo, and other instruments, Scot runs his own home recording studio where he works as a producer, helping musicians develop and record their music. His passion for music and the local community continues to shape the spirit of The Music Corner. When he’s not making music, Scot enjoys spending time fishing in Alaska’s beautiful outdoors.
Instruments
Guitar, Banjo, Music Production
Certifications
Former Owner of Whitey's Music Shop, Studio Producer
