625B GUNTER AVE. GUNTERSVILLE, AL 35976
256-582-5991 info@lgma.biz
Lessons ~ Classes ~ Performance
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Fiddle, Banjo, Viola, 'cello, Voice, Flute, Upright bass, Electric bass, Percussion, Mandolin & Music Theory.
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. ___________________________________________ GUITAR
Keith Sullivan
Keith Sullivan is the former guitar instructor at Jacksonville State University- having left to focus more on the academy and continue his research in music theory. 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. 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 is launching an interactive music theory instructional site in 2011 that will focus on traditional tonal analysis, Schenkerian analysis, set theory, and trending music theory topics such as neo-Riemannian theory.
Keith performs with his wife Karla as part of The Sullivans performing traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Keith playing guitar and bouzouki complimenting the Scottish harp, flute and whistle. This unique ensemble presents Celtic music in a new way and has been in great demand. If interested in hiring The Sullivans, please click here to visit their website.
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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Paul Landry graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy. He received his master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2000. Mr. Landry has studied Cajun fiddle for two years under the tutelage of master Cajun fiddler Mr. Hadley Castille from Opelousas, La. He has taught private piano, guitar, and violin/fiddle lessons in Louisiana for the past 18 years. He has also adapted a technique for teaching younger children voice. Moreover, he has organized and rehearsed small performance groups from within this private studio for concerts and recitals. Paul has utilized his Theory and Composition degree by writing music for stage productions in Lafayette, LA in 2000 and 2001. Mr. Landry taught Music Appreciation, Jazz History, and Class Piano at both the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Lafayette Community College as an adjunct professor from 2006-2010. He received a DAF Grant from the Acadiana Center for the Arts in 2006-7 to organize, conduct, and promote a youth orchestra in St. Martin Parish. While running the St. Martin Parish youth orchestra Mr. Landry arranged music himself and commissioned music from local and regional composers (Mr. Tanner Menard-from Erath and Mr. Andrew Sigler-from Austin, TX) for the orchestra to rehearse and perform. He, also, commissioned a professional ‘classical’ guitarist from Alabama (Mr. Keith Sullivan-from Guntersville) to perform as a guest with the youth orchestra. Paul Landry and his wife Kristy have just moved to the Guntersville area and are looking forward to adding their talents to the local music and arts scene.
Gary Waldrep
Hannah Smith
Hannah Smith holds an Associate's Degree in Music 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 13 years and has taught for over 5 years. Hannah specializes in study for children and teaches beginning piano, intermediate piano, and beginning guitar.
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Rachel Sherrod
A senior at Jacksonville State University, is currently pursing her Bachelor's degree in Music. She serves at the Concertmistress of the Jacksonville State University Community Chamber Orchestra. Rachel has played violin for over 12 years.
Rachel enjoys teaching students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Rachel works with students from their first lesson on the importance of techniques and practices that not only help them to become musicians, but also avoid playing related injuries. She is starting her third year teaching with the Music Preparatory Program. Rachel also serves as the String Instructor at Lake Guntersville Music Academy where she teaches Violin, Viola, and 'cello.
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VOICE
David Merriman
David Merriman was born in Dublin Ireland in 1975. He comes from a musical family, his father Martin Merriman is a trained concert pianist and His Uncle Frank Merriman is a world renowned vocal coach.
David’s family moved to Alabama in the 80’s. In his late teens David Moved back to Ireland to begin his musical studies.
He began studying the Bel Canto style of singing at the age of 18, studying along side other students such as Sinead O Connor, Samantha Mumba ,Christy Dignam and Don Baker.
After 4 years David earned his degree and began teaching at the Parnell school of music and performing arts.
As well as teaching David was in Irish rock band Exit. They achieved some regional success and landed a major record deal with Sony Los Angeles in 1996. David went on to tour the World and record extensively but always returned to his love of teaching.
Two of David’s former students Danny O Donoghue and Mark Sheehan have gone onto international success in the Irish pop band ‘The Script”.
David now lives in Alabama with his wife and 4 children. He owns and operates his recording studio Exit studios in Cullman Alabama and continues to play music daily.
Flute and Harp
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Karla Sullivan teaches traditional Celtic harp and flute, as well as handling all of the daily business at LGMA. Karla is an active member of the Scottish Harp Society of America and was awarded first place in the Early Scottish Music category at the Stone Mountain Highland Games in 2008. She promotes the Clarsach, or the traditional Gaelic wire strung harp, and enjoys giving presentations about this instrument.
Karla attended Troy State University, studying biology and art. Her harp teachers include Kelly Stewart, as well as masterclasses with other world renowned harpists. Karla studied with Ann Heymann at the Ohio Scottish Arts School at Oberlin College where she was awarded a scholarship for 2009.
Karla performs Celtic music professionally with her husband, Keith, as part of the aptly named duo - The Sullivans.
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BRASS
John Simmons has a Bachelor of Music from Jacksonville 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.
_____________________________________________________________________________ELECTRIC BASS / UPRIGHT BASS / PERCUSSION
Kevin Smith studied with Jim Kolozcheck and holds an Associate Degree in Music Education. He teaches both electric and upright jazz bass and has performed with Crosstown Swag. He was the principal bassist for The Jacksonville State University Jazz Band and is currently completing is Bachelor's degree. Kevin is also a professional drummer and can teach all styles including double bass drumming and extreme drumming techniques.
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THEORY
LGMA offers beginning music fundamentals and music theory classes and tutoring. Classes are taught by Keith Sullivan who holds a master of music degree in music theory from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. All students are encouraged to take the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music music theory examination, which we can administer at the academy.
