Hit Life's High Notes
Meet Our Teachers
Please Note:
Tuition for private lessons is $130 per month for weekly, 30 minute lessons. We require a 6-month agreement.
Enter the category for this item: PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC, ORGAN
Shannon Adams
Instructional Department: Pre-School Music, Organ
Campus: Fayetteville
Shannon Adams is a board-certified music therapist who has spent over ten years working primarily in children’s hospitals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary music education from Brigham Young University, where she studied organ as her primary instrument under Douglas Bush, as well as a master’s degree in music therapy from Texas Women’s University. She also had the rare opportunity to study and play the carillon while at BYU. As a Kodaly certified elementary music teacher, she enjoyed working in the public school setting in Fort Worth, Texas before shifting her focus to music therapy. Shannon is a frequent accompanist in the community and at her church and enjoys teaching organ.
Instructional Department: Pre-School Music, Organ
Campus: Fayetteville
Shannon Adams is a board-certified music therapist who has spent over ten years working primarily in children’s hospitals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary music education from Brigham Young University, where she studied organ as her primary instrument under Douglas Bush, as well as a master’s degree in music therapy from Texas Women’s University. She also had the rare opportunity to study and play the carillon while at BYU. As a Kodaly certified elementary music teacher, she enjoyed working in the public school setting in Fort Worth, Texas before shifting her focus to music therapy. Shannon is a frequent accompanist in the community and at her church and enjoys teaching organ.
Enter the category for this item: PIANO, VOICE
Tracy Threlkeld Beaton
Instructional Department: Piano, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Tracy Threlkeld Beaton has a passion for teaching beginning through intermediate piano and voice lessons. She is a former children’s music minister and chapter president of the South Metro Atlanta Music Teacher’s Association. She also has had her own children’s chorus with Griffin Choral Arts. Tracy currently serves as children’s music accompanist for her church and is a soprano in the Griffin Choral Arts chorus. When a music student of Clayton State University, she took piano and voice pedagogy and studied private piano with Dr. Michiko Otaki and voice with Dr. Christina Howell. She opened Threlkeld Academy of Music and Arts in August 2014 and has grown her business while continuing to teach private lessons.
Instructional Department: Piano, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Tracy Threlkeld Beaton has a passion for teaching beginning through intermediate piano and voice lessons. She is a former children’s music minister and chapter president of the South Metro Atlanta Music Teacher’s Association. She also has had her own children’s chorus with Griffin Choral Arts. Tracy currently serves as children’s music accompanist for her church and is a soprano in the Griffin Choral Arts chorus. When a music student of Clayton State University, she took piano and voice pedagogy and studied private piano with Dr. Michiko Otaki and voice with Dr. Christina Howell. She opened Threlkeld Academy of Music and Arts in August 2014 and has grown her business while continuing to teach private lessons.
Enter the category for this item: PIANO
Deborah Beasley
Instructional Department: Piano
Campus: Fayetteville
Deborah Beasley has been teaching for more than thirty years. She has also been pianist for several churches in Georgia and Alabama. She has served as accompanist for various choral groups and jury performers at Georgia State University.
She enjoys teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced students, imparting her love and appreciation for beautiful music of all types. Many of her students have become pianists in church ministries and contemporary groups.
Instructional Department: Piano
Campus: Fayetteville
Deborah Beasley has been teaching for more than thirty years. She has also been pianist for several churches in Georgia and Alabama. She has served as accompanist for various choral groups and jury performers at Georgia State University.
She enjoys teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced students, imparting her love and appreciation for beautiful music of all types. Many of her students have become pianists in church ministries and contemporary groups.
Enter the category for this item:
Enter the category for this item: PIANO, ORGAN, VOICE
Pat Dodson
Instructional Department: Piano, Organ, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Pat has a Bachelors of Science degree from Emory University, a masters degree from EMORY' Candler School of Theology, and an accredited masters in music from the state of Georgia. She has 50 years of service as a Minister of Education; organist and choir director. Pat teaches beginning piano and beginning through advanced voice.
Instructional Department: Piano, Organ, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Pat has a Bachelors of Science degree from Emory University, a masters degree from EMORY' Candler School of Theology, and an accredited masters in music from the state of Georgia. She has 50 years of service as a Minister of Education; organist and choir director. Pat teaches beginning piano and beginning through advanced voice.
Enter the category for this item: GUITAR
Bill Hearn
Instructional Department: Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Bill Hearn received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Guitar Performance from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Guitar Performance from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He was chosen three times as an International Semifinalist in the Guitar Foundation of America Solo competition, and worked for four years in the North Carolina Visiting Artist program. He currently teaches guitar and World Music at Clayton State University, and performs frequently with the Atlanta Guitar Trio. In addition to being one of the Atlanta area’s premiere classical guitarists, Bill also enjoys performing and teaching flamenco, American folk styles and blues, ukulele, mandolin and banjo.
Instructional Department: Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Bill Hearn received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Guitar Performance from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Guitar Performance from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He was chosen three times as an International Semifinalist in the Guitar Foundation of America Solo competition, and worked for four years in the North Carolina Visiting Artist program. He currently teaches guitar and World Music at Clayton State University, and performs frequently with the Atlanta Guitar Trio. In addition to being one of the Atlanta area’s premiere classical guitarists, Bill also enjoys performing and teaching flamenco, American folk styles and blues, ukulele, mandolin and banjo.
Enter the category for this item: FLUTE, PIANO, VOICE
Courtney Hughes
Instructional Department: Flute, Piano, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Courtney attended the Music Business Institute c/o the Art Institute of Atlanta,where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in Music Entertainment Management. She served with the World Changers Church International and served in the Music Department faithfully for five years. While there, Ms. Hughes became one of the leading audition team members. Later, she was called out of World Changers and has since been vocal coaching and instructing Praise Teams of other churches. Ms. Hughes received her Bachelor of Arts Degree as a Piano Performance Major from Clayton State University. Ms. Hughes has been teaching private piano, flute, and voice for several years. She is currently a member of the Georgia Federation of Music Teachers through the Newnan Notes local chapter. She has students who participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival auditions every year. She teaches in the areas of Flute, Piano, and Voice beginning with students at the age of 6
years old through senior adults.
Instructional Department: Flute, Piano, Voice
Campus: Fayetteville
Courtney attended the Music Business Institute c/o the Art Institute of Atlanta,where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in Music Entertainment Management. She served with the World Changers Church International and served in the Music Department faithfully for five years. While there, Ms. Hughes became one of the leading audition team members. Later, she was called out of World Changers and has since been vocal coaching and instructing Praise Teams of other churches. Ms. Hughes received her Bachelor of Arts Degree as a Piano Performance Major from Clayton State University. Ms. Hughes has been teaching private piano, flute, and voice for several years. She is currently a member of the Georgia Federation of Music Teachers through the Newnan Notes local chapter. She has students who participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival auditions every year. She teaches in the areas of Flute, Piano, and Voice beginning with students at the age of 6
years old through senior adults.
Enter the category for this item: PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA
Jessica Hutcherson
Instructional Department: Piano, Violin, Viola (Speaks Spanish)
Campus: Fayetteville
Jessica Hutcherson received her B.A in Music Education at Clayton State University, where she studied violin under Kevin Chaney and piano under Dr. Michiko Otaki. During her time at Clayton State, she was able to teach private lessons for 5 years with the Music Prep School. In addition, she played in the Clayton State jazz combo as a jazz violinist and pianist. She is currently the Orchestra director and General Music teacher at Forest Park Middle School. She is also experienced at playing for churches and playing different genres of music (R&B, pop, gospel, etc.) when gigging.
Instructional Department: Piano, Violin, Viola (Speaks Spanish)
Campus: Fayetteville
Jessica Hutcherson received her B.A in Music Education at Clayton State University, where she studied violin under Kevin Chaney and piano under Dr. Michiko Otaki. During her time at Clayton State, she was able to teach private lessons for 5 years with the Music Prep School. In addition, she played in the Clayton State jazz combo as a jazz violinist and pianist. She is currently the Orchestra director and General Music teacher at Forest Park Middle School. She is also experienced at playing for churches and playing different genres of music (R&B, pop, gospel, etc.) when gigging.
Enter the category for this item: GUITAR
Lane McDuffie
Instructional Department: Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Lane grew up in a musical family and her first instrument was the saxophone in the school band. Her interest in guitar first started with her mother, who sang and played guitar in church. Lane has pursued the art of playing guitar since 2007, and is currently working toward an Associate Diploma of Guitar Performance with the Royal Conservatory of Music, having earned certificates of achievement in music theory and guitar performance. She received a bachelor in arts degree from Emory University, and studied music at Clayton State as a guitar student of Dr. Bill Hearn. She also studied privately with Nashville session and touring guitarist, Andy Gurley, and classical performance teacher, Lyster Bass. While a student, she gave lessons from her home and a love of sharing music developed into a passion for teaching. Lessons include practice methods, technique, music theory, improvisation, and students are encouraged to explore and be creative. She recently began teaching ukulele and group classes, too. She enjoys arranging music for solo guitar and playing a variety of genres. Lane has performed at weddings as a solo guitarist and with other musicians, and was a performing member of the Atlanta Guitar Orchestra in 2015. Over the years, she has had a wide variety of interests, working as an events administrator, realtor, and was also a private pilot. Lane has two grown sons and in her spare time these days, mostly enjoys the outdoors and painting.
Instructional Department: Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Lane grew up in a musical family and her first instrument was the saxophone in the school band. Her interest in guitar first started with her mother, who sang and played guitar in church. Lane has pursued the art of playing guitar since 2007, and is currently working toward an Associate Diploma of Guitar Performance with the Royal Conservatory of Music, having earned certificates of achievement in music theory and guitar performance. She received a bachelor in arts degree from Emory University, and studied music at Clayton State as a guitar student of Dr. Bill Hearn. She also studied privately with Nashville session and touring guitarist, Andy Gurley, and classical performance teacher, Lyster Bass. While a student, she gave lessons from her home and a love of sharing music developed into a passion for teaching. Lessons include practice methods, technique, music theory, improvisation, and students are encouraged to explore and be creative. She recently began teaching ukulele and group classes, too. She enjoys arranging music for solo guitar and playing a variety of genres. Lane has performed at weddings as a solo guitarist and with other musicians, and was a performing member of the Atlanta Guitar Orchestra in 2015. Over the years, she has had a wide variety of interests, working as an events administrator, realtor, and was also a private pilot. Lane has two grown sons and in her spare time these days, mostly enjoys the outdoors and painting.
Enter the category for this item:
Enter the category for this item: CELLO, VIOLIN
Jalan D. Tillman
Instructional Department: Cello, Violin
Campus: Fayetteville
Jalan Tillman received his B.A. in Music Education from Clayton State University, where he studied Cello with professor Ismael Akbar, Double Bass Dr. Richard Bell. Jalan has worked with and Conducted the Clayton County Youth Orchestra while developing his Violin and Viola pedagogical skills. Jalan is a certified music educator and Teaches Choir and Orchestra at Kendrick Middle School in Clayton County.
Instructional Department: Cello, Violin
Campus: Fayetteville
Jalan Tillman received his B.A. in Music Education from Clayton State University, where he studied Cello with professor Ismael Akbar, Double Bass Dr. Richard Bell. Jalan has worked with and Conducted the Clayton County Youth Orchestra while developing his Violin and Viola pedagogical skills. Jalan is a certified music educator and Teaches Choir and Orchestra at Kendrick Middle School in Clayton County.
Enter the category for this item:
Enter the category for this item: VIOLA
Honor Matos
Instructional Department: Viola
Campus: Fayetteville
Honor Maltos, was born in California and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a bubbly, engaging 27 year old.
Honor’s passion for music and the arts is in her blood. She has several family members who are skilled musicians and artists; some who are classically trained, that goes back to at least 3 generations. Honor picked up her first instrument, the Viola, at 7 years old and remained in the orchestra until her junior year of high school, when she traded her instrument for a script in her first musical production.
After high school, Honor began her undergraduate career as a nursing major at Dillard University in New Orleans. A later dinner conversation with the former First Lady of Clark Atlanta changed her trajectory and she rediscovered her passion for music. Honor earned her Associate Arts degree at Atlanta Metropolitan College and soon enrolled in school to earn her bachelor’s in Music at Georgia Southern University, where she finished. She is now in school training for her certification to become a certified music Practitioner, which is an exciting new opportunity for her. She also plays for Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Southern Strings Sinfonia, and has had guest appearances in other orchestras as well, like sinfo-nia
Honor hopes to spread the love of music to those around her and use music to help others and get more people engaged and involved in the arts
Instructional Department: Viola
Campus: Fayetteville
Honor Maltos, was born in California and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a bubbly, engaging 27 year old.
Honor’s passion for music and the arts is in her blood. She has several family members who are skilled musicians and artists; some who are classically trained, that goes back to at least 3 generations. Honor picked up her first instrument, the Viola, at 7 years old and remained in the orchestra until her junior year of high school, when she traded her instrument for a script in her first musical production.
After high school, Honor began her undergraduate career as a nursing major at Dillard University in New Orleans. A later dinner conversation with the former First Lady of Clark Atlanta changed her trajectory and she rediscovered her passion for music. Honor earned her Associate Arts degree at Atlanta Metropolitan College and soon enrolled in school to earn her bachelor’s in Music at Georgia Southern University, where she finished. She is now in school training for her certification to become a certified music Practitioner, which is an exciting new opportunity for her. She also plays for Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Southern Strings Sinfonia, and has had guest appearances in other orchestras as well, like sinfo-nia
Honor hopes to spread the love of music to those around her and use music to help others and get more people engaged and involved in the arts
Enter the category for this item: SAXOPHONE, JAZZ STUDIES
Hayward Redd
Instructional Department: Saxophone, Jazz Studies
Campus: Fayetteville
My goal as a music teacher is to produce students who are well-rounded musically and
to instill in them a lifelong love of music. I keep them engaged by creating a curriculum
that is challenging, diverse and individualized. My aspiration is to encourage them to
develop the disciplinary skills that will help them succeed in other areas of life.
Each student is unique and there is no single style of teaching that fits all. I develop
rapport and design an approach to determine the type of learning style that works best for
each student. The student and I identify their strengths and weaknesses, then we create a
list of goals and a systematic plan for their musical growth. Our first concentration is
always on the fundamentals.
I spend a lot of time playing along with my students so they may match and mirror my
technique. Playing together also helps us bond with each other as musicians. As a music
teacher I expose my students to various technical exercises outside of the realm of the
elementary method books. I also encourage them to listen to other artists in to get a sense
of tone and style, ultimately enhancing the student’s learning through imitation and
inspiration.
In conclusion, I seek to develop an environment that is supportive, individualized and
In the best interest of the student.
Instructional Department: Saxophone, Jazz Studies
Campus: Fayetteville
My goal as a music teacher is to produce students who are well-rounded musically and
to instill in them a lifelong love of music. I keep them engaged by creating a curriculum
that is challenging, diverse and individualized. My aspiration is to encourage them to
develop the disciplinary skills that will help them succeed in other areas of life.
Each student is unique and there is no single style of teaching that fits all. I develop
rapport and design an approach to determine the type of learning style that works best for
each student. The student and I identify their strengths and weaknesses, then we create a
list of goals and a systematic plan for their musical growth. Our first concentration is
always on the fundamentals.
I spend a lot of time playing along with my students so they may match and mirror my
technique. Playing together also helps us bond with each other as musicians. As a music
teacher I expose my students to various technical exercises outside of the realm of the
elementary method books. I also encourage them to listen to other artists in to get a sense
of tone and style, ultimately enhancing the student’s learning through imitation and
inspiration.
In conclusion, I seek to develop an environment that is supportive, individualized and
In the best interest of the student.
Enter the category for this item: GUITAR, MUSIC THERAPY
Michael Dwyer
Instructional Department: Music Therapy, Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Michael Dwyer, BA, MT-BC, (Music Therapist Board Certified), was born and raised in the NYC area. He began studying drum kit at age 6, and piano at age 12. Michael began performing in local pop music groups at age 12, and began teaching at age 18. He moved to Southern California in 1980 and earned a degree in World Arts & Cultures,(the study of world culture through the arts, including music, dance and theater), from the University of California Los Angeles, while continuing to perform and teach. He later earned a degree in Music Therapy from California State University Northridge, while studying guitar. He performed in ensembles playing music from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and India, as well as playing and recording pop music. As a music therapist Michael worked at numerous clinical facilities specializing in Hospice Care, Memory Care,(Alzheimer’s), Autism, TBI,(Traumatic Brain Injury), and with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. As a result of the Covid pandemic, Michael relocated to Georgia where he continues to teach, do music therapy and perform.
Instructional Department: Music Therapy, Guitar
Campus: Fayetteville
Michael Dwyer, BA, MT-BC, (Music Therapist Board Certified), was born and raised in the NYC area. He began studying drum kit at age 6, and piano at age 12. Michael began performing in local pop music groups at age 12, and began teaching at age 18. He moved to Southern California in 1980 and earned a degree in World Arts & Cultures,(the study of world culture through the arts, including music, dance and theater), from the University of California Los Angeles, while continuing to perform and teach. He later earned a degree in Music Therapy from California State University Northridge, while studying guitar. He performed in ensembles playing music from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and India, as well as playing and recording pop music. As a music therapist Michael worked at numerous clinical facilities specializing in Hospice Care, Memory Care,(Alzheimer’s), Autism, TBI,(Traumatic Brain Injury), and with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. As a result of the Covid pandemic, Michael relocated to Georgia where he continues to teach, do music therapy and perform.