Keyboard Department
Nancy Brown: Suzuki piano
Suzuki Piano and Suzuki Early Childhood Education Teacher
who enjoys teaching, encouraging students to learn, and watching them get excited in the process!
Graduate of Clemson Univ. with BA and MEd in Elementary Education, minor in music. Post-graduate studies include various music courses. Married, home school parent for 14 years to 3 sons who studied Suzuki piano, grandmother of 4. Third-generation piano teacher for nearly 40 years. Suzuki Piano and Suzuki Early Childhood Education training. Active member of various local, state and national music organizations. Clinician for NC Suzuki Association at state-wide play-ins, local workshops, organizer of NCSA teacher’s retreats, a past President of NCSA, and a board member of Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum and Metropolitan Music Ministries. State-level superior student winners in NCMTA festivals and the local NCFMC Gold Cup Chairman. Previous elementary school teacher and music teacher, maintaining current public school teacher certification. Previous children's choir director and accompanist for over 10 years, formerly a church pianist, and a member of choirs since childhood. Recently joined the Gaston String Orchestra in 2013, playing violin once again. Enjoys reading, learning, traveling, singing, photography, hospitality and crafts. Grateful to God for the many wonderful students and opportunities I have experienced, blessed with a close and caring Christian family, and thankful for the health and blessings to enjoy the life He has given me!
Nancy is available for Suzuki Babies and Toddlers class (Infant through age 3) and Suzuki piano lessons (ages 4 to adult). Learn more about the Suzuki philosophy of music education, which has been a driving force in music education developments over the past 30 years. More information can be found on these websites:
www.suzukiassociation.org The parent comes with the child to each private lesson.
www.suzukiece.com For children with caregiver in a weekly class.
https://suzukiassociation.org/media/suzuki-early-childhood-experience/
who enjoys teaching, encouraging students to learn, and watching them get excited in the process!
Graduate of Clemson Univ. with BA and MEd in Elementary Education, minor in music. Post-graduate studies include various music courses. Married, home school parent for 14 years to 3 sons who studied Suzuki piano, grandmother of 4. Third-generation piano teacher for nearly 40 years. Suzuki Piano and Suzuki Early Childhood Education training. Active member of various local, state and national music organizations. Clinician for NC Suzuki Association at state-wide play-ins, local workshops, organizer of NCSA teacher’s retreats, a past President of NCSA, and a board member of Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum and Metropolitan Music Ministries. State-level superior student winners in NCMTA festivals and the local NCFMC Gold Cup Chairman. Previous elementary school teacher and music teacher, maintaining current public school teacher certification. Previous children's choir director and accompanist for over 10 years, formerly a church pianist, and a member of choirs since childhood. Recently joined the Gaston String Orchestra in 2013, playing violin once again. Enjoys reading, learning, traveling, singing, photography, hospitality and crafts. Grateful to God for the many wonderful students and opportunities I have experienced, blessed with a close and caring Christian family, and thankful for the health and blessings to enjoy the life He has given me!
Nancy is available for Suzuki Babies and Toddlers class (Infant through age 3) and Suzuki piano lessons (ages 4 to adult). Learn more about the Suzuki philosophy of music education, which has been a driving force in music education developments over the past 30 years. More information can be found on these websites:
www.suzukiassociation.org The parent comes with the child to each private lesson.
www.suzukiece.com For children with caregiver in a weekly class.
https://suzukiassociation.org/media/suzuki-early-childhood-experience/
Judy Kelly: Piano
Growing up in India as the daughter of missionary parents, Judy Kelly's past time was playing on the piano. Mrs. Kelly attended the Kodaikanal International School in India where she was given the opportunity to take piano lessons during her daily school schedule from an early age. She had a great teacher from Germany who was very disciplined and motivated her to practice. Mrs. Kelly proudly won a trophy her senior year for the "Most Outstanding in Music". Music has added a huge dimension to her life. Judy went on to The King's College in N.Y. where she met her husband Steve Kelly. After they married many opportunities in the realm of music opened up for the two of them. Mrs. Kelly has served as pianist in numerous churches and has taught piano in a private Christian school. Since then, Judy has taught more students than she can count. She loves music! It has made such a difference in her life and she sees that teaching effectively is much more than bestowing musical knowledge! It is loving the children and helping them to acquire the love of making music! She has taught with the academy since its inception and thanks God for this opportunity!
Janel Larter: Piano
Music has always been a part of my life. With both of my parents having a Masters Degree in Music Education, my piano and vocal training started at age 4 and continued into college. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies as well as an Associates Degree in Administration. After starting on the journey of raising two boys (now in high school and college), I discovered a love for working with children one on one and began to apply all my musical background into private piano lessons for beginners. I now have over 10 years of teaching experience and was thrilled to join the staff at the Fine Arts Academy in 2017. My passion is not only teaching students to read music, but making it fun and exciting through the use of learning games and hands-on tools! Lessons are taught with the intention of building a musical foundation (while learning piano) that can later be applied or expanded to other instruments. Working with children and youth is a blessing and privilege that is never taken for granted!
Music has always been a part of my life. With both of my parents having a Masters Degree in Music Education, my piano and vocal training started at age 4 and continued into college. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies as well as an Associates Degree in Administration. After starting on the journey of raising two boys (now in high school and college), I discovered a love for working with children one on one and began to apply all my musical background into private piano lessons for beginners. I now have over 10 years of teaching experience and was thrilled to join the staff at the Fine Arts Academy in 2017. My passion is not only teaching students to read music, but making it fun and exciting through the use of learning games and hands-on tools! Lessons are taught with the intention of building a musical foundation (while learning piano) that can later be applied or expanded to other instruments. Working with children and youth is a blessing and privilege that is never taken for granted!
