lake guntersville music academy

L A K E G U N T E R S V I L L E

MUSICACADEMY

Faculty

At LGMA we offer a variety of ways to study, and we are proud to offer instruction to all ages and levels. We present many ways for students to highlight their learned skills from seasonal academy performances to state level competitions and finally to certification through the ASSOCIATED BOARD of the ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

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GUITAR

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Keith Sullivan is the former guitar instructor at Jacksonville State University- having left to focus more on the academy and Snead State Community College where he teaches guitar, theory, appreciation, and conducts the guitar ensemble. Keith has spent the last 15 years studying and devising a method for guitar which was published in 2008. The 2nd edition was released in 2010. He has four pieces published with the reputable Italian publisher, Berben, for various instruments and guitar. Keith has a master's degree in Music Theory and Composition from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Bachelor of Music from The University of Southern Mississippi. Keith resumes his pursuit of his doctorate this year. He is a passionate instructor who always strives for and expects the best from his students. His current recording Dance,Nocturne, Elegy - can be found on www.amazon.com and itunes and has been played on National Public Radio in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Keith's lessons slots are incredibly full and in demand. Please call if you are interested in studying with him personally.

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PIANO

Nancy Roberts studied classical piano as a young child in Atlanta, attending and placing in numerous state and regional competitions. After a traumatic injury at age 10, whereby her left arm was severed, music was put aside for a number of years. After completing a bachelor’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University, she continued her education pursuing a master’s degree for a major in education and a minor in Christian music.

Nancy has taught beginning and intermediate piano, beginning keyboards, and beginning and intermediate voice to students ranging from six years to 80 years old. She also has been a chorus director and a bell choir director in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Her teaching methods are rather nontraditional and are directed towards helping her students immediately find their comfort level in order to encourage learning. Nancy wants her students to initially engage themselves in their personal genre(s) of music, so they will acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation for music theory.

Nancy will “go the extra mile” in helping you or your child become the musician you want to be.

Hannah Smithholds an Associate's Degree in Music from Snead State Community College and is completing her degree at Jacksonville State University. Hannah has passed GRADE 5 of the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music exam in Music Theory. Hannah Smith comes from a long line of musicians and has inherited the desire to listen, touch, and play music as well. She has played the piano for 12 years and has taught for over 4 years. Hannah specializes in study for children and teaches beginning piano, intermediate piano, and beginning guitar.

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VIOLIN/VIOLA/'cello

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Rachel O'Neil is currently completing her Bachelor of Music at Jacksonville State University. She is the current concert master of the Jacksonville State University Community Orchestra. She teaches private violin and viola using the Suzuki method as well as conducting an introductory strings class. Rachel also teaches beginning 'cello. Rachel will be a featured soloist spring 2009 performing Vivaldi's Spring Concerto for violin and orchestra.

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VOICE

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Nancy Roberts studied classical piano as a young child in Atlanta, attending and placing in numerous state and regional competitions. After a traumatic injury at age 10, whereby her left arm was severed, music was put aside for a number of years. After completing a bachelor’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University, she continued her education pursuing a master’s degree for a major in education and a minor in Christian music.

Nancy has taught beginning and intermediate piano, beginning keyboards, and beginning and intermediate voice to students ranging from six years to 80 years old. She also has been a chorus director and a bell choir director in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Her teaching methods are rather nontraditional and are directed towards helping her students immediately find their comfort level in order to encourage learning. Nancy wants her students to initially engage themselves in their personal genre(s) of music, so they will acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation for music theory.

Nancy will “go the extra mile” in helping you or your child become the musician you want to be.

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BRASS

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John Simmons has a Bachelor of Music from Jackonsville State University. He has performed with the nationally known Spirit Drum and Bugle Corp as well the JSU Marching Southerners and the US ARMY.

He is an experienced professional trumpet player with over fifteen years of experience. Ten years of teaching experience in a one on one student teacher atmosphere as well as classroom and marching band environments. Experience teaching adults as well as children. Extensive jazz, marching band, corps, and classical stylistic knowledge as well as experience performing in all fields. Knowledge of Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina All-State Band, District, and County auditions.

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ELECTRIC BASS / UPRIGHT BASS / PERCUSSION

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Kevin Smith studied with Jim Kolozcheck and holds an Associate Degree in Music Education from Snead State College. He teaches both electric and upright jazz bass and has performed with Crosstown Swag. He is currently the principal bassist for The Jacksonville State University Jazz Band. Kevin is also a professional drummer and can teach all styles including double bass drumming and extreme drumming techniques.

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THEORY

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LGMA offers beginning music fundamentals and music theory classes and tutoring. Classes are taught by Keith Sullivan music theory instructor at Snead State. All students are encouraged to take the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music music theory examination, which we can administer at the academy.