Amanda Reed received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education form Missouri's Central Methodist University. She has been teaching private lessons since 1996. Amanda's musical experiences include Performer, Instructor, Choir Director and Accompanist. She teaches Piano, Voice, Clarinet, Recorder and Guitar.

Beth Sass is a professional music educator with extensive and impressive experience. Beth graduated from Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 1981.  Relocating to Music City, she has become a recording artist, vocalist, songwriter, and both a touring and recording session keyboardist for other artists.

Beth began teaching in 1982. Today she is well established with an extensive track record in Early Childhood and Elementary School Music Education as Piano Instructor, Choir Director, and General Music Educator. In addition to years of creating musical curriculums, designing and directing school programs, presenting outside lectures, and nurturing young students, Beth also calls upon a wealth of professional musical experiences.

Beth has toured as a keyboardist for Herb Reed and the Platters, The Coasters, The Marvelettes, The Drifters, The Shangri-Lahs, Benny King, The Crystals, and The Tokens. On Nashville’s Music Row Beth was a staff songwriter as well as an independently published songwriter. You can hear some of Beth Sass the artist on her CD “Seven Songs”.  The CD was produced and engineered by famed Nashville talent Richard Adler. Mr. Adler has work with artists that include Allison Krauss, Neil Young, Natalie Cole, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Doc Watson and Marty Stuart.

Brandon Lucas teaches students in the fundamentals of their respective instruments utilizing methods in chord spelling, scales and modes, ear-training, formal technique, piano fundamentals and music theory. He was the co-creator and manager of Popshop, a program that emulates the famous "School of Rock" model for students ages eight thru eighteen. This program offered students the ability to learn a variety of musical styles in a group setting and concluded with a final concert.

Brandon possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Music from West Virginia University in jazz performance. He teaches beginner through advanced guitar and piano, and beginner to intermediate bass guitar.

For his entire career he has been compelled to explore the role of bass guitar as a solo instrument, performing his solo act across the U.S. and Europe, and recording a seven-string bass solo CD.

Brian is now receiving widespread recognition for his flamenco-like technique, altered tunings and unique melodies and rhythms. Beginner or pro, Brian's passion for bass, ten years of teaching experience and friendly personality make him a highly recommended teacher.  

Dan Hagen has a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz/Classical guitar from the University of North Texas at the legendary University of North Texas. He has been teaching guitar in all styles and age levels since 1990.

Dan has taught such renowned players as Billy Burnette(Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan) and Desperate Housewives actor James Denton.

Dan is the band leader/guitar player for the national organization "Chick Singer Night" ( www.chicksingernight.com) held in Nashville at the legendary Bluebird cafe.

Dan is currently producing several artists and bands in Nashville as well as performing regularly live and in the studio as a guitar session player. Artists Dan has worked with include Norah Jones, Kelly Sweet, The Jordanaires, Lila McCann, Paul Brandt, Lari White, Elizabeth Cook, Sarah Whatmore, Adam Nitti, Joseph Wooten, El Buho, Gabriel Katona, Annie Sellick, Charles Walker(The Dynamites), arranger Don Hart, Robinella, Buddy Spicher, Dave Hungate, Jeff Coffin(Bela Fleck), Lars Ulrich, King Diamond, Reeves Gabrels, Lauren Lucas, Ryan Hoyle(Collective Soul) Dave Roe, Lillie Mae(Jypsi), Charlie Morgan, Reese Wynans,  Zac Hacker(Nashville star), Jace Everett and Phil Jones.

Dean Fields possesses a Bachelors degree in Classical Music Composition from the College of William & Mary. He is a performer, songwriter, and bandleader. Dean writes and records for TV, film, and advertisers. Dean has taught students from 5 to 75 years of age in individual lessons as well as in large groups and rock band ensembles. Dean will be teaching guitar, banjo, ukulele, and harmonica at World Music Nashville.

Ernest Chapman comes to World Music Nashville with many years of experience in musical performance, composition and instruction, having shared the stage and/or performed in the studio with many notable artists and musicians, including Michael McDonald, James Taylor, Vince Gill, Bob Geldof, Olivia Newton-John, Rodney Crowell, David Foster, Bonnie Raitt, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Craig King (Organ/Keys for Ray Charles), Leland Sklar (Bass - Phil Collins, Leonard Cohen, etc…), Roscoe Beck (Bass - Eric Johnson) Rusty Anderson (Guitarist - Paul McCartney), Maart Allcock (Keys - Jethro Tull; Lead Guitar - Fairport Convention), Kevin Bacon, Richard Marx, Matt Rollings (Keyboardist for Mark Knopfller), Jim Brickman, Mike Reid, Gregg Collins (Engineer- No Doubt, KISS), Charlie Morgan (Drums - Elton John, Bjork), the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Idaho Falls Symphony, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, John Michael Talbot, DC Talk, Brenda Lee, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, and JD Souther (Legendary songwriter for The Eagles).

Gary Talley began his career in 1967 as lead guitarist for the Grammy-nominated group, The Box Tops. Their "blue-eyed soul" hits like "The Letter," and "Cry Like A Baby" hit the charts like a tornado, selling millions of copies, and they continue to sweep across the country on radio stations today.

After his initial stint with The Box Tops, Gary's soulful (and highly acclaimed) guitar sounds were in demand. He found himself playing with music carbuncles like Jerry Butler, Billy Lee Riley, Hank Ballard, and Ace Cannon at the legendary Sounds of Memphis Studio and later at Universal Studios also in Memphis.

Haley Arrington received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University and an MM in Vocal Performance from Belmont University. Haley has performed for the Operas in Jacksonville and Birmingham, and is curently with the Nashville Opera. She has also been a performer with the USO since 2008.

Miss Arrington will be teaching voice and beginning piano.

Jessie Friedman is a performing songwriter, singer, guitarist, and bassist who plays with many local and international touring acts, including Grammy nominated songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman. She has also played in almost every venue in Nashville as a side-woman, including the Sommet Center.

Jessie has a B.A. in music performance from Hampshire College. Before going to Hampshire she lived in Switzerland and studied guitar with virtuoso Francois Kiezer, and played with Vic Pitts, drummer for James Brown and Otis Redding, among others. After college she moved to Boston and studied electric bass with renowned Berkeley College of Music professor Jim Stinnett.

Giving her students a well-rounded music education is important to her. She teaches theory, how to read and write music, as well as how to play by ear. Connecting with what motivates her students is what makes her lessons fun and exciting.

Joel Rivers has taught both guitar and banjo for over 30 years.  An author of four instructional method books for banjo, Joel brings a wealth of experience to the World Music Nashville Education Center.  For enjoyment, Joel likes to take songs from other genres and create bluegrass adaptations from them.  He finds a lot of fun in that process and feels that it enhances the creative process.

Along with being an prolific instructor, Joel is an active performer as well.  His specialty is bluegrass banjo but has been known to perform rhythm guitar in the bluegrass, country and pop scenes.

Joel's books include:

Jump Start for Bluegrass Banjo (2004)

Intermediate Banjo (1982, 2005)

Rhythm Chording For Bluegrass Banjo (1977)

Basic Techniques For Bluegrass Banjo (1977)

Aside from cutting his teeth as an exceptional musician, Joel has earned his Ph.D. in Psychology and works in human resources and organizational development when not at World Music.

Her musical instruction experience also includes writing method books published by Alfred Publishing which include: Guitar Made Easy & Women in Rock.

Kyle Jones has devoted much of his life, not just to the study of ethnic percussion instruments, but also to the underlying cultures and languages of their origins. He has studied with the world's foremost experts on many different types of drums, learning from Indian tabla masters and such well-known musicians as Elvin Jones and Terry Bozzio. 

Kyle  counts the likes of master drummer Kenny Aronoff and Titans All Pro running back Eddie George as students, and has performed with Quincy Jones and Janet Jackson as well as in many other world class ensembles.

Along with his career in musical instruction, Kyle is also an avid writer and student of philosophy. He is a contributing writer for Jan Darpan, a regional publication on India and Indian lifestyle.

Linden Lantz has been a music  instructor for over 10 years. Linden is the band director at Ensworth Middle School..  He received his Bachelors Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Lee University.  Linden's principle instrument is saxophone but he is proficient in flute and clarinet as well.

As well as being an instructor, Linden has numerous performance credits under his belt.  He has performed with the Chattanooga Big Band and has recorded with the Campus Choir at Lee University during his studies.  Linden is a member of MTSBOA (Middle Tennessee Band & Orchestra Association).

Liz Ficalora has over 35 years of musical experience as a teacher, clinician, performer, producer and engineer. She earned a bachelor degree from the Berklee College of Music majoring in Music Education and minoring in performance and composition. Liz is a certified K-12 instrumental and vocal instructor. She has been extensively trained in developing music programs for drums and piano students that will guide them in accomplishing their goals as they grow into successful musicians. Her teaching method includes progressive technique study, theory, notation and music reading skills. Liz teaches beginner to advanced levels in both drums and piano.

Liz has authored two instructional books for drummers, How to Write a Fast and Easy Drum Chart, Basic Method and Advanced Method in which she teaches drummers how to chart out a song. The Advanced book is to be published by Alfred Publishing. Liz has developed a master class based upon this book and will be teaching this class at PASIC 2011 in November. She has extensive world touring experience with Stella Parton and the Carnival Cruise Lines playing the drums singing backup vocals and arranging music and is an award winning jingle writer.

Luke Chandler is a multi-instrumentalist with extensive education and personal experience. He possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Music, and a Master's Degree in Music Therapy. Luke has taught elementary school, middle school, and college level students. He has been playing music for 17 years. Luke has a strong commitment to serving others through music.

Malinda Stenberg has played violin/fiddle for twenty-nine years. She has extensive playing and teaching experience and has a passion for tailoring music lessons to the individual. Malinda played in the Nashville Youth Symphony through junior high and high school where she competed in various fiddle festivals throughout Middle Tennessee. During this period she consistently placed in the top four players. Malinda currently plays with an acoustic Americana group called Roam County Radio and performs with her husband in a fiddle/banjo duo called Good Medicine. She is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and co-creative director for both groups. Malinda was trained both classically and as a fiddle player. This extensive private training was infused with improvisational techniques.

Mark Niemiec is a talented drummer, percussionist, recording engineer, and music producer. With a drumming career that spans 26 years and an engineering/producing career that is 13 years in the making, Mark considers his ability to be on "both sides of the glass" a special gift.

It started when Mark first picked up the sticks at the age of 10, and never looked back! Finding his passion for music at an early age set him on a path that would not be denied. Practicing every day and playing in every band he could find eventually led to the University of Southern Maine, where Mark's major was Music Education.

During his education a USM, Mark was involved with the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps for 2 years in which he traveled the country in competition with other Drum Corps. Soon after Mark began to teach on a private level holding 20 to 30 students a week. Besides private lessons, Mark taught various types of percussion and drum ensembles. While instructing the Westbrook High School Marching Band he led the drum line to 5 consecutive state titles as the caption head and arranger. His credits also include The Rose Bowl and Citrus Bowl competitions. He continued on as an instructor as well as the musical arranger with winter percussion for The Southern Maine Youth Percussion Ensemble.

It was during this phase of Mark's life that he felt that he needed to broaden his skills in the music business. After USM, Mark enrolled at Full Sail Center of the Recording Arts in Orlando, Fl. The year long grueling class schedule helped to prepare him for the long hours in the studio to come. After graduation, Mark wasted no time by immersing himself in the recording business as an intern at Metropolis Studios in Middleton, MA. A year later the studio moved to Nashville, TN where they hired Mark on as one of the house engineers.

Mark Robinson began his professional career at age 17, traveling with Bobby Helms, who had a big hit with “Jingle Bell Rock”. Mark studied music and audio production at Indiana University, and received both his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications and Master of Science in Education.  After college, Mark pursued music as a career, working as a recording engineer in Chicago, and playing with many of the blues legends in the windy city (Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Johnson, Son Seals and Bo Diddley to name just a few).  He has also performed and recorded with Carrie Newcomer, Tom Roznowski, Bob Cheevers, Davis Raines, Walt Wilkins, Randy Handley, Tricia Walker, Kent Blazy, Johnny Neel, and Larry Crane (formerly John Mellencamp’s guitarist).

Matthew Joy holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts degree, with specialization in Jazz Studies, from Middle Tennessee State University. He has over ten years experience teaching guitar, theory and composition to students of all levels, ages and various playing styles. He studied composition, solo guitar playing and right hand techniques privately with Sandy Prager as well as advanced Jazz guitar techniques with world-renowned guitarists Jon Damian and Mick Goodrick. Moreover, he studied jazz big band and orchestral arranging with some of the greatest educators of the craft such as Ted Pease, Dick Lowell, Scott Free and Jamey Simmons. Matthew is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Tennessee Music Teachers Association and the Nashville Area Music Teachers Association. 

Mike Pachelli started playing guitar as a youngster in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. His earliest influence was Wes Montgomery who Mike says, "first opened my ears to the possibilities on guitar." Pachelli studied classical guitar at YSU and then moved to New York City to study bebop with guitar luminaries Joe Pass and Pat Martino. Mike's guitar style is an amalgamation of blues, jazz, rock, and neo-classical. He has a wealth of musical experience gained thru years of night clubs, concert halls, and recording studios. He's performed all over the U.S. and Europe with some of the most eclectic jazz, blues, pop and rock musicians including Brother Jack McDuff, Albert King, Les & Larry Elgart, Michael Sembello, Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Mas, Phil Keaggy, Frank Stallone (to name a few) and has done classical symphony concerts touring with Ferrante and Teicher.

Missy Johnson is a multi-talented musician and voice coach. She is a dynamic performing and recording vocalist as well as a guitarist and pianist. Since graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2003, Missy has performed with bands at venues ranging from New York's CBGB to the San Diego IndieFest. She has also performed across the country as a solo acoustic artist including appearances at Nashville's own world-renowned BlueBird Cafe. As a professional musician, Missy has worked as a back-up vocalist (Nashville Star/ American Idol Kristin Macnamara, Ashlee Hewitt), an acoustic guitarist, a demo-singer, and a contracted songwriter (Megatraxx, LA).

Missy has a wealth of experience teaching private lessons in voice, piano, and guitar. Missy studied under top-notch vocal coach, Mark Baxter (Aerosmith, Goo Goo Dolls, Journey) and utilizes Baxter's concepts in conjunction with her own to help singers of all levels and styles. Graduating as a Professional Music Major, Missy's expertise also includes the fields of Music Business and Songwriting. She combines these important disciplines with the application of Music Theory and Vocal Technique to ensure her students become well-rounded musicians.

Rebecca Mogey has been playing the violin for the past 19 years. She studied under Linda Kistler, protégé of Ivan Galamian, renowned violinist and teacher of Isaac Perlman.  She played extensively in high school and college orchestras including the Moravian College Orchestra, the Moravian College Chorus, the Collegium Ensemble, Jazz Fusion of Moravian College, and Tennessee Technological University Orchestra. She has played with numerous bands and artists over the years including Kathy McWade, Las Sorpresas, Ribbonpigeon, the Brett Andrew Project, and Anasazi Secret.  Her music video with Ribbonpigeon was aired on Nashville Channel Five Plus. She recently played with an artist, Keeli on her new CD at Atlantis Records.  Rebecca's violin was also recorded on the new "Soul Khan" hip hop album based out of Brooklyn.  Rebecca played in a duo called Will and Bex in NYC with her partner Will Mogey and she currently plays in and around Nashville in the bands: Anasazi Secret, ( Native American/modern), Song Street South, (bluegrass/country), and the Get Reels, (Irish, Celtic).

Richae Williams understands music from both the perspective of a teacher and the through the vantage point of an experienced performer. She has been a music teacher and a drama teacher, and has lived the performers experience as a vocal soloist for many musicals, operas, and choirs. Richae is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and has a B.M.E. degree from Lee University in Cleveland, TN.

Richae teaches voice, and piano at World Music Nashville

Thomas McIntire began playing trumpet at the age of 12.  He was fortunate to be able to take lessons from John Horack, a senior member of the Ringling Bros. Barnum Bailey Circus band.  After graduating from Riverview High School in Sarasota Florida he attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and earned a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Florida State University in 1970.

Upon graduation from Florida State he joined the United States Navy.  During the four years of service he played trumpet in the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet Band.

After discharge Mr. McIntire was appointed to the “solo cornet” chair for the Sarasota Concert Band.  At the same time he was teaching music in the Sarasota County School system.  In addition to his work with the Sarasota Concert Band he served as principle trumpet for the Sarasota Choral Society and played with a number of brass groups in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.  He was the music director for the Sarasota Bicentennial Youth Band.

Before moving to Tennessee Mr. McIntire was a freelance artist playing with the Ringling Bros. Circus Band, various dance orchestras, the made for TV movie “The Great Wallenda” and shows and musicals.

Tim Baumgartner possesses a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and has studied guitar at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He began playing guitar in third grade and has gone on to become a veteran Nashville guitarist. Tim combines his performing. recording, and writing experience with his educational background to teach Country, Rock, and Blues based guitar.