BEN - pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Saxophone Performance - Ben is excited to teach young saxophonists not only how to play the instrument but also its adaptability to many musical styles. Performing since 2005, Ben has won the UT Symphony Orchestra's concerto competition twice as well as several other scholarships and awards in saxophone performance. He is also involved in several ensembles, from a saxophone quartet to a quintet including a string quartet; he is always pursuing as many opportunities to perform as he can. Because of these experiences, Ben encourages musical projects of all varieties, from solo literature to duos and trios...maybe even a KMS Saxophone Quartet! Skilled in encouraging a disciplined practice routine as well as keeping students engaged with a balanced study of scales, etudes, repertoire, and a cheesy sense of humor, Ben can not wait to be teaching Knoxville's future saxophone virtuosi a well-rounded education!

BOB – Bachelor in Jazz Studies, Emphasis on Guitar – Extensive performance, composition, arranging, and teaching experience have developed Bob into the musician and instructor he is today. Continuing to excel in all elements of music is a definitive career path. His teaching style is detail-oriented, yet comfortable; methodical, yet encouraging. Musical abilities, of students all ages, are developed quickly and efficiently with Bob.

CRUZ – Bachelor in Jazz Studies, Emphasis on Piano – Cruz has a diverse musical background, ranging from classical and jazz, to bluegrass and country and commercial music. He has performed nationally as a bandleader and recording artist for Robinella and the CC Stringband. Cruz has great patience, diligence and energy as a teacher; he is good with all ages. He customizes his teaching approach for each student to best fit their style of learning and musical interests.

CARISSA - Pursuing Bachelors in Piano Pedagogy – Having played the piano since age 7, Carissa has a solid background in music. With the experience of teaching Character First in public schools, she realized her joy in teaching children, which is augmented by her energetic teaching style. Her performance experiences range from the Warsaw Palace in Poland to a future date with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. She provides instruction for all ages of students.

ERIN - Bachelor of Composition and Theory, pursuing Masters of Music Education, Emphasis on Strings – Erin, with over 5 years experience, is a soft spoken, gentle instructor who prefers working with young children. Since her musical growth began with Suzuki Violin and Viola, she revisits its methodology frequently in lessons. Teaching her beginning students how to read music is of utmost importance as well. She actively performs in orchestral and chamber settings on viola and violin.

JAMES - BIO AND PIC COMING SOON!

KAREN – Bachelor of Piano Performance, Masters of Music in Piano Pedagogy, also trained in Suzuki Piano Books One and Two – Karen prefers working with young children in both traditional and Suzuki instruction. Her personality is sweet and energetic; it helps get the most out of her students. She focuses on all aspects of music education, from basics rhythms to music history, in order to provide the highest level of learning.

LYNN – Bachelor of Jazz Studies, Emphasis on Guitar; also trained in Suzuki Guitar Book One – Has been teaching for over 6 years. Lynn is an upbeat, wonderfully thorough instructor. She is especially skilled working with younger children. She thrives on the energy during private instruction; group lessons are most enjoyable as well! Expect your child to develop a solid musical foundation when studying with Lynn.

LAUREL - BIO AND PIC COMING SOON!

MEADE - Pursuing BA in Music Education, Emphasis on Strings - Having played violin since age 6, she loves teaching and has been doing so the past four years. She especially loves teaching hard working students. She teaches Suzuki repetoire, but loves adding in some alternative music every now and then. She frequently performers in groups and encourages her students to do so as well.

NAOMI– Bachelor of Music Education, emphasis on piano and minor in percussion. Naomi has been taking piano lessons from Fay Adams for 15 years. She has been teaching private lessons for about 4 years, including piano and marimba. Also, Naomi has taught various front ensembles including Loudon Co. High School, William Blount High School, Heritage High School (Indoor and Marching season), Sevier Co. High School, and Halls High School (Indoor and Marching season). She is currently the music coordinator for Oak Ridge Alliance Church, both youth and traditional settings and enjoys performing as much as possible. Naomi enjoys teaching all age groups and expects each of her students to learn and enjoy their musical experiences. She focuses on all aspects of music from reading rhythms and notes to learning music history and theory in order to provide a sufficient musical experience for each individual student.

RHIANNON – Pursuing Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance – Rhiannon has various instrumental experiences, such as trumpet and piano, but her main focus is on classical and flamenco style guitar. She is patient with children and makes beginners’ learning interesting and challenging with fun exercises in fundamentals such as sight reading and rhythms. Students of all ages will enjoy working with Rhiannon.

SARAH - PIO AND PIC COMING SOON!

STEPHANIE – Bachelor in Music Education, Vocal Emphasis – Graduated in 2002 from University of Tennessee. Currently directs Anderson County High School’s Choral Program where numerous students have been invited to All East and All State Chorus Ensembles since 2002. Her teaching style is supportive, comprehensive, and accommodates students’ natural abilities which quickly become enhanced under her tutelage.

TAYLOR – Bachelor of Jazz Studies, Emphasis on Acoustic Bass – With countless hours of performance experience from which to draw, Taylor can teach many styles on either electric or acoustic bass. He is a patient instructor with a high attention to detail, and helping students achieve their goals is top priority.