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DMA Instruments and Instructors

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Private Lessons Instructors
2009-10
*This list may change as we add new instructors to the DMA over the semester. Sometimes instructors change the days/times they teach during a semester, so please write a note on the back of your registration form if you have a preference of instructor, day, or lesson time.

STRINGS

AVI FRIEDLANDER, cello
By appointment

Bachelor of Music Performance University of Michigan
Masters in Music Performance University of Michigan
Professional Studies Diploma The Cleveland Institute of Music

Avi Friedlander, cellist, holds a Bachelors and Masters of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Professional Studies Diploma from The Cleveland Institute of Music. He completed his Suzuki training as a long term apprentice to Tanya Carey and has also studied the methods with Pam Devenport. A former member of The New World Symphony, he is an active substitute member of The Detroit Symphony and Alabama Symphony. A former Professor of Cello at Andrews University and guest educator at Georgia State University, Mr. Friedlander is currently the assistant principal cellist of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra. His former teachers include Anthony Elliott, Stephen Geber, Richard Aaron, Tanya Carey and Hans Jensen. Mr.Friedlander teaches at the Santa Fe Suzuki Institute during the summer.
Avi teaches cello to students of any level and any age. He teaches a combination of traditional and Suzuki methods.

CHRISTINA GONZALEZ, violin (all levels), piano-beginners
Tuesday 2:00-4:00
Wednesday 2:00-5:00
Thursday 4:00-6:00
Friday afternoon

Christina teaches violin to students at the beginner to intermediate level. She prefers teaching ages 5-12. She gives students a combination of scales, technique, and repertoire while incorporating music theory in lessons. She likes for students to be able to master a piece, but she will move on even if they haven’t perfected it if they become frustrated or get stuck. She is encouraging and positive, but will point out areas that need work. She is very strict about practicing.
Christina is a senior working on her Bachelor of Music in Church Music at Samford University. She performs with the Samford University Orchestra. Christina was also the recipient of the 2009 Barbara Price Church Music Award and the Presser Scholar at Samford. While in high school, Christina participated in the Florida All-State Orchestra, Alachua County Youth Orchestra, and Belleview High School Orchestra. She was the concertmistress for the Coral Reef Senior High Concert Orchestra and assistant concertmistress for the South Florida Youth Symphony both for one year.

LAYLA HUMPHRIES, violin
FULL

Bachelor of Arts in Music Samford University

Layla is the Director/Founder of the Music Academy at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Layla has played the violin and piano for 23 years and has taught violin for the past 12 years. She is a 2003 graduate of Samford University with a Bachelor of Arts in music and business minor. She also participates in Dawson’s orchestra. Layla is a member of the Alabama Chapter of the American String Teacher’s Association where she serves on the board as the Newsletter Editor.

AMANDA IGO, violin(beginner-advanced) viola (beginner)
Tuesday 3:00-6:00
Wednesday 3:00-5:00
Thursday 3:00-6:00

Bachelor of Music Education Concentration in String Orchestra
Columbus State University
Master of Music Performance Concentration in Violin, Georgia State University

Amanda teaches violin to students of all ages and levels. She incorporates different teaching methods such as Suzuki and Samuel Applebaum’s String Builder in lessons according to the needs of each student. Daily practice is encouraged and students keep records of their practice so they can keep track of their progress.
Amanda has studied with George Brandt, Patricio Cobos, Manuel Diaz, Nancy Schechter, and Fia Mancini Durrett. She has taught violin in the Cobb County School District and Muscogee County School District in Georgia. She has been teaching privately for the past ten years. She has been a member of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, Macon Symphony Orchestra, Columbus State University Orchestra, and various chamber groups. Amanda is currently playing in the Dawson church orchestra and is the conductor for the DMA Youth String Orchestra.

SARAH NORDLUND, violin
Monday 3:00-7:00
Tuesday 1:00-7:00
Wednesday 3:00-5:00

Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, University of Alabama
Master of Music in Violin Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music

Sarah teaches violin to students of all ages and all levels. For beginners, Sarah uses a Suzuki-based approach and decides on a case by case basis if supplementary materials such as other method books, technical studies, or workbooks are necessary. She emphasizes good form, physical ease of playing, reading music, aural skills, and the ability to play with others.
Sarah currently is a member of the first violin section of the Alabama Symphony. She has played with the Sarasota Opera (FL), Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra (OH), and the Tuscaloosa Symphony. She has been a freelance violinist with groups including Florida West Coast Symphony, One World Symphony and Orchestra of Agincourt in New York City, and New Philharmonic of New Jersey. She has been a string teacher at Opus 118 Harlem School of Music and Westchester Conservatory of Music in New York and at Mak’s Music School and Bradbury School of Hong Kong. Sarah has spent her summers with the Stuttgart Festival Orchestra and National Repertory Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival, Credo Chamber Music, and Brevard Music Festival.

CHRIS SMITH, guitar
By Appointment

Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance, Samford University

Chris Smith teaches guitar to students of all ages. He teaches a fun and practical approach to the guitar giving the student the basic skills to fit into virtually any ensemble. He encourages students to play the guitar for fun and encourages practice.
Chris is a graduate of Samford University with a major in guitar performance. While at Samford, Chris performed with the Samford University Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, University Chorale, A Cappella Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, and Guitar Ensemble. He plays guitar for Dawson’s Chapel services as well as recording and performing regularly in the Birmingham area.

BEN THOMSON, acoustic and electric guitar
By appointment

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Georgraphic Information Systems, Samford University

Ben teaches acoustic and electric guitar to students of all ages. Ben’s teaching style is tailored to the student based on age, experience, and attention span. Ben is a graduate of Samford University. While at Samford, he was the lead guitarist for several musical productions including Return from the Forbidden Planet and The Last Five Years. He has been a worship leader at Mountaintop Community Church and Hillview Baptist Church.

JENNIFER YUN THOMAS, violin/viola
By appointment

Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance Northwestern University
Master of Music Education Northwestern University

Jennifer Yun teaches violin and viola to students of all ages (3 years old-adult). Her teaching style is fun but serious using a lot of games. Lessons are very structured and there is a heavy emphasis on position. She uses the Rolland and Suzuki method books.
Jennifer is a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s in violin performance and a Master of Music Education with an orchestral emphasis. She has studied with James Pipkin, Alison Dalton, Professor Gerardo Ribeiro, Kal Novak, and Betty Haag. She currently manages the 4 Strings Attached String Quartet and plays 1st violin with the Tuscaloosa Symphony and Mobile Symphony.

WOODWINDS and BRASS

MEAGAN MCCOLLUM, oboe and piano
By appointment

Bachelor of Arts in Music, Samford University

Meagan teaches piano (ages 5-adult) and oboe (ages 8-adult) to all ability levels. Her piano students frequently use the Bastien method books, but she ultimately selects musical materials based on the abilities and interests of the student. She believes in exposing students to significant and famous solos and other literature as soon as possible while still maintaining focus on correct technique and style development. Her students have many opportunities throughout the year to participate in recitals and judged festivals.
Meagan is a 2008 graduate of Samford University and is a student of Jim Sullivan, principal oboist of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Past teachers include Lisa Sayre and Gerry Gibson. While at Samford, she participated in many ensembles including the University Orchestra and A Cappella Choir. Meagan is currently employed in the communications department of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and as a music intern at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. This fall, she will begin work towards a Masters in Business Administration at Samford. Meagan is a member of Birmingham Music Teacher’s Association.

KAYLA SEALY, clarinet
By appointment

Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Kayla teaches clarinet to students ages 8 through adult. Lessons consist of work on fundamentals, technique, solo literature, duets, and sightreading. She also incorporates music theory into lessons. She chooses lesson materials from a variety of sources based on the needs and interests of the student.
Kayla is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she studied with Dr. Denise Gainey. While at UAB, she participated in the Wind Symphony, Clarinet Choir, Woodwind Quintet, and Women’s Chorale. She currently plays in the orchestra at Trinity United Methodist Church.

TAYLOR SPARKS, horn
Tuesday after 5:30
Thursday after 5:30
Friday after 5:30

Taylor is a student at Samford University. Taylor is the orchestra librarian for the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Orchestra.

ALAN TAYLOR, trumpet, voice, piano
By appointment

Alan teaches trumpet and voice to students of all ages and levels. He teaches piano to beginner through intermediate students of all ages.
Alan Taylor is a senior music major at Samford Univeristy and a student of G. William Bugg. He has performed in the Samford Opera Works presentation of Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors (King Kaspar) and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi (Rinnucio). He held one of the title roles in Richard Faith’s Beauty and the Beast, under the musical direction of the composer. Alan has also performed in Die Fledermaus (Frosch), Cinderella (Steward), and Caucasion Chalk Circle (Simon Chachava). Alan is a third-year member of and tenor section leader for the A Cappella Choir and is the Kathleen S. Martinson A Cappella Scholar for the class of 2010. He has been a semi-finalist in the Alabama National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. He has performed on multiple occasions with Grammy-award-winning groups such as the Atlanta Boy Choir and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Alan is very involved in the instrumental department and studies trumpet with Bradley Sargent. He holds the principal trumpet chair and is the trumpet section leader for both the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. He has also performed with the Samford Orchestra, Brass Quintet, and Trumpet Ensemble. He maintains private voice, trumpet, and piano studios through the Dawson Music Academy and is a music intern at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, where he sings in the sanctuary choir and teaches the five-year-old children’s choir.

DAVID VAUGHAN, trombone, tuba, euphonium, trumpet, and voice
Tuesdays,
Wednesdays 3:00-6:00,
Thursdays 4:00-6:00

Bachelor of Music Samford University
Master of Church Music and Conducting Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Louisville, Kentucky

David teaches students of all levels and ages. He personalizes his teaching style to each student while maintaining core fundamentals.
David has served as the Minister of Music for many years in churches in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. He has been an adjunct professor at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee where he taught brass methods and other music courses. While at Southern Seminary, David was Principal Trombone for the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. He also participated in the Seminary Choir.

VOICE, PIANO, and PERCUSSION

MISTI AKINS, piano
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

Misti teaches students of all ages and levels. She pushes her students to work hard and become the best musicians they can be while still maintaining an encouraging and supportive environment. She believes in motivating and rewarding good behavior and sandwiching constructive criticism between compliments and praise.
Misti is currently finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music this year. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude. While at UAB, Misti has participated in Wind Symphony, Clarinet Choir, Marching Band, and Blazer Band. She is a member of Music Teacher’s National Association, Alabama Music Teacher’s Association, and Metro Music Forum as well as the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs and the Birmingham Music Teacher’s Association. While in high school, Misti was a choral accompanist in addition to teaching piano lessons. She currently serves as the Assistant Minister of Music and Director of Music Academy at Riverchase United Methodist Church.

CHRISTINA MATHIS, piano and voice
Wednesday, Thursday evening, and Friday

Christina teaches piano to all levels and voice to beginners. She enjoys motivating each student to reach his or her personal potential by a combination of gentle critiques and encouragement. She attempts to be upbeat and energetic as that excitement about the music tends to “rub off” onto the student.
Christina Mathis has been teaching piano for over 18 years and is an active member of the Birmingham Music Teachers Association (BMTA). Christina is the pianist at Mountain View Baptist Church and choral director at Mountain View Baptist School in Birmingham. She is also a composer, songwriter, and hymn arranger and enjoys giving concerts and speaking in churches throughout the United States. Christina is currently working on her B.A. in Choral Conducting.

MEAGAN McCOLLUM, oboe and piano
By appointment

Bachelor of Arts in Music, Samford University

Meagan teaches piano (ages 5-adult) and oboe (ages 8-adult) to all ability levels. Her piano students frequently use the Bastien method books, but she ultimately selects musical materials based on the abilities and interests of the student. She believes in exposing students to significant and famous solos and other literature as soon as possible while still maintaining focus on correct technique and style development. Her students have many opportunities throughout the year to participate in recitals and judged festivals.
Meagan is a 2008 graduate of Samford University and is a student of Jim Sullivan, principal oboist of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Past teachers include Lisa Sayre and Gerry Gibson. While at Samford, she participated in many ensembles including the University Orchestra and A Cappella Choir. Meagan is currently employed in the communications department of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and as a music intern at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. This fall, she will begin work towards a Master in Business Administration at Samford. Meagan is a member of Birmingham Music Teacher’s Association.

LAURA PARSONS, piano, voice
By appointment

Bachelor of Arts in Music, Mississippi College

Laura teaches piano to beginner thru intermediate students. She teaches voice to beginners. She teaches sightreading, theory, and reading chords. She does require her students to learn scales. Laura prefers to teach from the Faber Piano Adventures Series but occasionally incorporates other methods as well. She requires each piano student to have at least a lesson book, theory book, and a hymn book. Students are welcome to have additional books of their choice as long as they correspond with their current level. She encourages her students to participate in hymn and solo festivals. Students are required to participate in at least one recital each year and are strongly encouraged to participate in both Christmas and spring recitals.
Voice students are taught the basics of singing: posture, breathing, tone, and diction. Each student is given at least two songs to learn-a hymn or some type of sacred/worship song and another song. Currently, Laura uses the books: Disney Solos for Kids and More Disney Solos for Kids, which are great for beginners. Voice students participate in at least one recital per year.
Laura is a graduate of Mississippi College. She currently plays keyboard and vocals for the worship team at Celebration Church in Helena. Laura is the Children’s Choir Resource Coordinator at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Laura is a member of the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs and the Birmingham Music Teacher’s Association.

ALAN TAYLOR, trumpet, voice, piano
By appointment

ANGEL TORRES, drum set, hand drums, and percussion instruments
Tuesday and Thursday after 6:00 p.m.

Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Samford University

Angel teaches percussion to students of all ages and levels. He is passionate about drums, and has shared his love with others by teaching private lessons since 1998. He desires to make lessons fun and educational by challenging students based on their personal learning styles and ability levels. His lesson format is interactive, as students playback rudiments and rhythm patterns; and also individualized, as Angel helps them develop their styles and reach personal goals.
Angel, a native of Venezuels, has been playing drums for 18 years. He started playing congas and percussion and then continued on to the drum set. He took classes during high school at Zulia State Conservatory in Maraciabo, Venezuela. His favorite styles of drums are jazz and Latin rhythms. Angel moved to the United States in 1999. He attended Samford University where he majored in Religion and minored in Business. From 1999-2005, he played in the Praise and Worship Band at Brookwood Baptist in Mountain Brook, Alabama and he has been playing in the contemporary services at Dawson in Homewood, Alabama since 2006. Angel has also performed at various youth events and conferences in the Southeast, toured with Fuego de Cielo, and he enjoys playing with a Venezuelan band at local venues throughout the year.

DAVID VAUGHAN, trombone, tuba, euphonium, trumpet, and voice
Tuesdays,
Wednesdays 3:00-6:00,
Thursdays 4:00-6:00

Bachelor of Music, Samford University
Master of Church Music and Conducting Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Louisville, Kentucky

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