Bios

Bud Cushing

Owner + Teacher

Nathaniel “Bud” Cushing [“Mr. Bud” as CMA kids affectionately call him] found music to be his natural expression at a very young age. Growing up in the twin cities, he participated in choir and theater, and went on to major in music at North Central University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music, with an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Education.

Mr. Bud started teaching voice students in 2009, and started  teaching CMA in 2012. In January of 2017 Mr. Bud purchased the Brooklyn Park CMA Studio and today leads CMA Brooklyn Park and Chaska Studios! 

Fun fact: Mr. Bud  is a  self-proclaimed “Bird Nerd”. He  enjoys bird watching in local parks… and across the globe!

Karra Buller

Administration + Teacher

Growing up, Karra Buller participated in choirs, bands, theater, as well as music soloist competitions. She went on to major in psychology and minor in music at Doane College. Her senior thesis was on how learning music in therapy can shape the brain and critically alter how well a person can heal & function after a trauma. 

Karra started teaching piano students in 1995, and continued to use her passion for psychology to maximize the benefits of music for the children she taught.

Karra first joined CMA as a parent through enrolling her youngest child in the program. She quickly realized she had found a complete curriculum that maximized how music alters and enhances our brain activities with CMA Brooklyn Park, and soon became a teacher!  She married her college sweetheart, Jeff, and together they have 4 children, 2 married and 1 grandson and 3 granddaughters and 1 one grandchild on the way! 

Fun fact: Miss. Karra enjoys designing and making wedding dresses, costumes and clothes in her spare time.