Teacher Spotlight: John- Bass, Guitar, & Ukulele Teacher in Fort Worth, TX

We are excited to introduce you to John! He offers in-home bass, guitar, and ukulele lessons in Fort Worth, as well as surrounding areas.

EDUCATION & MUSIC BACKGROUND

John’s passion for music began from playing his sister’s guitar around the house. Looking to grow in music theory, he began taking guitar lessons. Soon he began to expand his talent by playing more extensively and stretching himself with a lot of different types of music. John developed a firm grasp of chords, scales, melodies, and ear training. He enjoys learning a lot of different musical styles and continues to grow as a musician.

Click here to enroll in private music lessons.

TEACHING STYLE & PERSONALITY

John believes lessons ought to be creative, fun, and motivational. Recognizing that each student has a different desired outcome for their lessons, John is determined to tailor the lesson to the individual student’s musical goals. While being flexible in his approach to teaching, John believes that progress happens through consistent practice, commitment, and just as important — listening to a variety
of music.

His musical knowledge, combined with his easy-going personality and enjoyment for teaching others, makes for a perfect combination of being an excellent teacher. He wants to help each student find their “voice” in their instrument and learn how to express it. Students will find John to be a patient, understanding, and confident teacher. He is also an inspiration to his students, as he is focused on creating and releasing his own original songwriting compositions.

It is important to John to take a keen interest in his students and their progress. He can easily adapt to a variety of teaching techniques to help the student maintain motivation. He enjoys introducing some of today’s music, along with the golden oldies to his students.

If you would like to enroll in music lessons with this excellent teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from John!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JOHN

His teaching method is compassionate,  understanding and encouraging through his passion for music. I would consider his strengths to be patience and consistency to learning as well as dependability. 

Melanie O.

John was effective at teaching the technical skills and instilling confidence in my son. Very encouraging.  

Martin B.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

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Teacher Spotlight: Dusti – Clarinet, Guitar, Piano, Voice Teacher in Euless, TX

We are happy to introduce you to Dusti! She offers in-home music lessons in Euless & surrounding areas.

EDUCATION & MUSIC BACKGROUND

Dusti began learning music at a very young age, and started formal piano lessons at age 5. Since then, she added to her music education by taking musical theater classes at age 7. She continued taking private piano lessons and learning the art of musical performance. At age 12, she began learning clarinet. She took private clarinet lessons for four years. She continued with musical theater and added private voice lessons to the mix at age 15. Suffice it to say, at any one point in time since age 4, Dusti has been learning an instrument or perfecting the artform of music performance.

After graduating high school, Dusti focused on her vocal performance and music education path. Dusti graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Music Education from Concordia University – Portland in 2011. Since graduation, she has gone on to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education Emotional Behavioral Disorders, and is now at Tarrant County College – Trinity River Campus pursing her Associates in American Sign Language.

Click here to enroll in private music lessons.

TEACHING BACKGROUND

In 2010, Dusti began teaching music to groups of young learners. Since then, she has taught small group lessons for children in after-school programs and in the private school setting up until 2020. Since then, she has focused on teaching private piano lessons and also subs regularly for the music department at Park Row Christian Academy in Arlington.

PERSONALITY & TEACHING STYLE

Dusti’s main goal is to inspire and empower her students. She aims to inspire a love of music in all of her students. Everything is better with music, and Dusti hopes that her students grow to know this first hand. She also believes that each student should be empowered to take ownership over their private lesson experience. Dusti will encourage and inspire the student as far as the the student is willing to go themselves. This is a place to grow musically, artistically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you would like to enroll in music lessons with this excellent teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Dusti!

SPECIAL SKILLS

Dusti is credentialed in Trauma-Informed Care and Trauma-Informed Teaching. She can also sign ASL and is proficient in Spanish. Dusti is looking forward to making music with you!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DUSTI

She aims to help the student learn the big picture and how the subject at hand fits into that. She works to meet the student where they are and bring them along so that they build confidence and meet their own goals. Her strengths are connecting with people and ensuring she lets those she works with knows she cares.

Katt A.

She tutored my first grader and was so patient and interactive with her! Would definitely recommend!

Jennifer B.

Dusti is very knowledgeable in music and teaching. She is entertaining and fun in all that she does!

Kati T.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Andrew – Bass, Guitar, & Ukulele Teacher in Denton, TX

We are excited to introduce you to Andrew! He offers in-home bass, guitar, and ukulele lessons in Denton, TX, as well as surrounding areas.

EDUCATION & MUSIC BACKGROUND

Andrew holds a Bachelors of Music with a Focus in Technology degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While at UAB Andrew had the opportunity to tour Europe with the UAB Jazz Ensemble, performing concerts in Germany, Austria and Italy. His time as an undergraduate was spent studying music theory, composition, recording technology, and jazz from the professors at UAB. Between semesters he would study privately with the most innovative guitarists in the world, Gilad Hekselman, Rotem Sivan, Ben Eunson, and many others.

Andrew constantly looks for opportunities to grow in his craft, and sees it as his responsibility to his students to be able to provide a diverse range of approaches to help them achieve their goals. Currently, Andrew is pursing his Masters in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of North Texas.

Click here to enroll in private music lessons.

TEACHING BACKGROUND

With five years of teaching experience in and outside of music schools, Andrew has had many opportunities to work with a wide range of students. While in Birmingham, he worked across a variety of local music schools and educational centers. All of these positions gave him experience working with a diverse array of students with unique musical and personal goals. Due to this, Andrew is comfortable working with students of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced students looking to hone their ability, from age 7 to 70. Holding these positions also gave him experience working with students with autism and severe ADHD.

Andrew’s work as a professional performer has given him the abilities to teach a variety of styles, from pop, rock punk, folk, country, R&B, gospel, to jazz. Performing these genres has gives him a unique insight into the inner workings of these genres, and seeks to bring students the most refined approach possible to help them have fun and learn quickly.

If you would like to enroll in music lessons with this excellent teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Andrew!

PERSONALITY/TEACHING STYLE

Instilling his students with a sense of intrinsic motivation is a top priority for Andrew. That feeling where the student has a natural desire to practice because the music they’re working on speaks to them. His approach is specific, and song-based. Students will always be working on a piece of music they love, all the while learning the fundamentals of music to help them succeed in their musical and personal careers.

When students understand the impact a personal goal has in one area of their lives, it quickly begins to help them with finding motivation and purpose in all of their pursuits. Andrew always ensures students understand the practice materials for the week, and that those materials are something that will help that specific students achieve their goals. Finding student’s natural musical spirit is something that Andrew values, and he loves helping nurture and build that spirit into something beautiful they can take outward into the rest of their lives.

PERSONAL SKILLS

An in-demand performer, Andrew has performed all around the south east and internationally in nearly every style. Primarily working jazz gigs, he has worked in all range of professional bands, from top 40 pop, rock, country, to R&B and gospel. Andrew’s strength as a performer and educator is his ability to find something beautiful wherever he looks. Oftentimes it is easy only to recognize what could be better in a student, but Andrew sees the potential that is already present and helps students to recognize that themselves, giving them the confidence to continue to grow.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew is in the top 1% of all of the students I have ever taught. He has earned numerous awards that the jazz department at UAB offers, including multiple “most outstanding jazz combo student” awards. He is very dependable and I’ve never had a student that enjoyed playing as much as him.

Steven R.

As one of our music theory tutors, I found Andrew to be kind, courteous, and accommodating,
but more importantly, he was extremely patient with students who were struggling with the concepts addressed in class.

William P

I believe his strengths are his intelligence and sophisticated musical taste, as well as his dedication to personal practice and expression on the gig. I would absolutely recommend Andrew to a friend for teaching or performing.

Gary W.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Jeff – Guitar & Ukulele Teacher in Irving, TX

We are excited to introduce our newest teacher, Jeff! He offers in-home guitar and ukulele lessons in Irving, TX, as well as surrounding areas.

EDUCATION & MUSIC BACKGROUND

Jeff completed his undergrad at the University of North Texas with an emphasis in Jazz Studies. While at UNT, Jeff studied under Joe Lee, Fred Hamilton, and Clint Strong. He then went on to Texas Woman’s University to complete a Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Pedagogy while studying under Carlo Pezzimenti.

Jeff has an impressive scope of performance/style experience. He is skilled with electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and ukulele and has played in numerous rock and pop bands in the DFW metroplex. Not only is he an excellent Blues, Country, Folk, Jazz, Pop, Rock, and Metal guitarist, he is an exceptional Classical guitarist as well!

Click here to enroll in private music lessons.

TEACHING BACKGROUND

Jeff has a broad array of teaching experience and background. This includes retail lessons, community college group classes, private lessons, recreation center group classes, in home lessons, private music schools, and after school ukulele and guitar programs. Jeff teaches online lessons as well. He works with all levels and all ages and encourages anyone to try lessons. He has been successful in teaching students with varying learning styles and abilities. He is patient and finds a way to help them understand the fun in music!

If you would like to enroll in guitar or ukulele lessons with this excellent teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Jeff!

PERSONALITY/TEACHING STYLE

Well-balanced, Jeff pairs an easy-going fun teaching style with the right discipline to produce results. His lessons are easy to walk into each week since Jeff does an excellent job assessing the student and responding appropriately with what they need most. His students appreciate the way he motivates them to practice and make progress. His main goal is to show his students the joy of playing. The effort you put into it truly does pay off. Jeff feels that music should be something that is fun and enjoyable, not, a chore or a drill, but truly FUN!

Gifted with the ability to work with many different learning personalities and styles, Jeff recognizes that everyone is different and has a very individual way they learn and you have to find what works. He looks for small repeated victories that really start to add up.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JEFF:

Unbelievable guitar player and so passionate about music and imparting that love for the guitar to his students. I have had a few guitar teachers before, but Jeff is without a doubt the best, and is why I have been with him for so long.

Jaya K.

Gentle, motivating, persistent, and very organized. He has a positive attitude and works with the kids to get them to where they need to be. He has been with us for a long time and the kids love him. Recommend him highly!

Rick S.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Joley – Piano Teacher in Grapevine, TX

We are excited to introduce Ms. Joley! She offers in-home piano lessons in Grapevine, TX, as well as surrounding areas.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Ms. Joley’s earliest music memories are of dancing at folk festivals, singing in church, and trying to carefully put the needle to vinyl records on a turntable. In elementary school, she learned to play piano; and in middle school, she learned the flute. Then, in college she focused on flute, piccolo, and jazz piano.

Click here to enroll in private music lessons.

MUSICAL CAREER

After graduating from UT Austin, Ms. Joley played with the Austin Symphonic Band classical community, and she branched out to electronic keyboard and percussion in the Austin music scene. Singing with family and church choirs gave way to leading worship bands and honing other live vocal and instrument performance. Joley played and sang as much rock, disco, singer-songwriter, acoustic, and Americana as she could. Ask her some of the zany names of those talented bands! She is grateful to have worked with innovative composers and players that expanded her musical abilities.

Ms. Joley has professionally recorded two CDs of original jazzy, bluesy tunes: Precious Cargo and Mosaic. She currently sings and plays rock-blues with Heritage Bridge Band, classical-jazz with the harp quartet HarpEssence, pop-soul with the Joley3 trio, and some solo piano-vocal performances.  Besides uplifting people at church, her favorite music gigs have included weddings, retirement villages, corporate celebrations, and school/library educational programs.

PERSONALITY & TEACHING STYLE

Joley has taught public-school students in large classes: Mathematics, Spanish, and Music. Each year, she knew all 800 of her students’ names before Christmas! She is passionate about helping small groups of children in their early formative years, providing opportunities for them to grow musically. The joy of making music together is the core of her teaching style, and she works to instill that love of music in a way that can stay with her students for life.

If you would like to enroll in piano lessons with this extraordinary teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Joley!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JOLEY:

Joley’s knowledge about music, performance, presentation, and other aspects of music execution taught me so much. Her teaching style has super impressive results, teaching musical talent and also imparting incredible confidence and optimism as well. I wish everyone had a music teacher like her!

John W.

Ms. Joley has many strengths. She is patient, flexible, passionate about music and people, and loves children. She inspires kids to set goals, practice, and enjoy the gift of learning new things. I always recommend Joley to everyone I know. She brings such joy to my family.

Jennifer G.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Daniel – Guitar, Ukulele, and Piano Teacher in McKinney, TX

We are excited to introduce Daniel! He offers in-home guitar, ukulele, and piano lessons around the McKinney, TX area.

Educational background:

Daniel began learning the piano at the age of 12 from his mother who is also a music teacher. As he progressed he studied advanced piano repertoire with Dr. Mary Humm for two years in McKinney, TX. In college he studied music theory, music history, composition, as well as other musical disciplines. Daniel studied advanced piano technique with Dr. Brian Allison, through whom he became an advocate of the principles of the Taubman Technique. Daniel played in the Collin College keyboard ensemble, as well as singing with various choirs. After his time at Collin College Daniel spent two years studying music education at the University of North Texas, where he studied piano with Anastasia Markina. Daniel has performed as an accompanist for various vocalists and ensembles, as well as with instrumental students.

Click here to enroll in music lessons with Daniel or one of our other amazing instructors!

Teaching background:

Daniel has been teaching piano and guitar lessons to many students over the last 24 years. He also spent several years directing various children’s church choirs. Although his love is classical music, his approach to teaching is to guide the student toward being a problem solver, helping the student to develop skills and knowledge so that they can pursue whatever musical style or genre they feel inclined to. Whether that be classical, pop/rock, jazz or experimental, Daniel views each piece of repertoire as an opportunity to explore technique, music theory, and musicianship, rather than just a piece to be learned and checked off.

Personality/Teaching Style:

Daniel is calm and laid-back, but he gets excited at seeing his student progress and grasp new musical concepts. He has a passion for learning and really enjoys the process of searching out and learning how to further his own and his student’s musical skills. He is always trying to adjust his approach to fit the individual needs and styles of each student.

Special Skills:

Daniel teaches piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele. Daniel spent 6 years as a full-time audio engineer for a large church in McKinney, so he also has skills in recording and producing audio and video.

What others are saying about Daniel:

My 3 children all have totally different personalities,  and he was able to engage and communicate with each of them to make their learning experience a great one.

Alisha J.

He has been able to effectively engage all four of my kids- two boys, two girls, some eager, some not.  He has motivated each of them to pursue excellence wherever they are in the process. My oldest two children had a couple teachers before him, and neither of them was able to meet the needs of all four kids the way Daniel has. I couldn’t give a higher recommendation for a music teacher!!

Jennifer P.

I believe Daniel really enjoys teaching music.  His strengths, in my case, are his knowledge of scales, chord structure and music overall.  In addition, he is one of the best sight music readers I have known. I would certainly recommend Daniel to anyone wishing to take piano lessons.

Ken U.

Ready to Start Lessons?

Please fill out our quick enrollment form to begin taking lessons with Daniel.

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Ava – Drum Kit, Piano, and Guitar Teacher in East Dallas and surrounding areas

We are pleased to introduce our newest Guitar, Drum, and Piano teacher in East Dallas and surrounding areas. Ava (they/she) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, writer, music educator and visual artist from Dallas, Texas.

Teaching Background:

Ava has been teaching music privately for over ten years. They have worked with students of all ages in private lessons on drums, guitar, bass, piano, as well as songwriting and composition. Ava also works with students in group settings and enjoys facilitating student collaborations. Ava strives to collaborate with students to cultivate educational experiences which honor each student’s particular passions and personality. Ava believes that everyone is born with natural creativity, and the job of a music teacher is to help students develop musical language and skills through which to channel that creativity.

Click here to enroll in music lessons.

Educational Background:

Ava received their first drum set from their grandparents at age 5. They began studying formally at age 9 and soon fell in love with performing. Their obsession with generating rhythm through drums was soon supplemented with piano and voice studies. At age 15, Ava began playing guitar and turned their focus to songwriting and composition. Since then, Ava’s passion has centered around imagining sounds and visions, and cultivating those ideas into reality with other musicians and artists. In addition to composing and performing music, Ava also has a passion for sharing music through DJ’ing and has had a radio show on KUZU in Denton since 2019. Ava also works with video, collage, and other visual mediums.

Ava playing Sligo River BluesDownload

Ava studied in the music cluster at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and performed in many of the school’s ensembles, including the Midi Ensemble, which won a Downbeat Student Music Award for “Outstanding Performance” in 2013 with Ava as the auxiliary percussionist. After graduating from Booker T. Washington, Ava studied Audio Production at The Art Institute of Dallas, where they received their Bachelor of Science.

If you would like to enroll in music lessons, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Ava!

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Elizabeth – Music Therapist – Voice, Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele Teacher in Dallas, TX

We are so pleased to introduce our gem of a teacher, Elizabeth! She is a master of all trades and a true teacher at heart. Elizabeth has the skill and education to wow you with her own performance abilities, but beyond that, her shining personality, patience, contagious joy, attention to detail and love for her students are what truly set her apart as a teacher.

Elizabeth is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with a Bachelor of Music from The University of Alabama. At UA, Elizabeth’s primary focus was classical voice with secondary instruments of guitar and piano. Elizabeth began singing as a young child and has performed in competitions and performance choirs throughout the south east.

Click here to enroll in music lessons.

Elizabeth is passionate about working with children of all ages and abilities. She began teaching with preschool choirs and assisting choral ensembles at the University of Alabama. Elizabeth most recently worked in the music therapy department at Children’s Medical Center Dallas where she taught piano, guitar, and ukulele to patients.

To Elizabeth, the most successful lessons are when the student is able to laugh. Although studying music requires hard work and (almost) daily practice, the student’s weekly lesson with their teacher should be an opportunity to find the joy in music making. Elizabeth prefers that students assist in choosing repertoire as well as learning pieces from different genres to become a well-rounded musician.

What others are saying about Elizabeth:

Elizabeth is a genuine person who is great at building rapport with new people.  Elizabeth’s style is creative, organized, and person centered.  During her internship, she learned what her patient’s individual needs were, then wrapped her knowledge, patience, and expertise around them.  She is great with new challenges and is very flexible, handling new situations as they arise.  Elizabeth also has a solid musical foundation and wonderful music skills. 

Karen, Music Therapist at Children’s Medical Center

Elizabeth has so many beautiful qualities. At the core, she is an incredible person and makes those around her feel supported and understood.  I would recommend Elizabeth in a heartbeat!

Dallas, TX

Elizabeth teaches guitar, voice, and Ukulele to my children. They are absolutely in love with her as a person and are very responsive to her teaching style. It’s so nice to see them making noticeable progress and loving their lessons! One of my girls said today, “Wednesday is the highlight of my week! I just love my ukulele lessons SO much!”

Providence Village, TX

Special Skills:

Elizabeth’s background in music therapy uniquely allows her to develop a music lesson catered to each individual student and their abilities. While Elizabeth has classical voice training (opera, art songs, etc.), she also has trained in musical theatre and contemporary voice (pop style). Elizabeth is able to teach voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele to students of all ages.

If you would like to enroll in music lessons with this extraordinary teacher, fill out our quick enrollment form to begin learning from Elizabeth!

If you live in another city in DFW or would like to inquire about our other teachers, let us know! We will do everything we can to match you with your ideal teacher! Click here to contact us.

Teacher Spotlight: Anthony – Voice, Piano, and Guitar Teacher in Denton Texas

We are pleased to introduce you to Anthony! He offers in-home music lessons in around the Denton area.

Educational Background

Anthony is nearing the completion of his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas. He has had years of university-level vocal instruction and has been a member of the UNT Choir for six semesters. UNT is widely known for it’s rigorous music program, and as part of his required studies, Anthony has developed a firm grasp of music theory, ear training, and piano artistry. Outside of college, Anthony has studied with a world-renowned guitar player, Bill Hudson, and continues taking lessons to further his own abilities as a player.

Teaching Background

While Anthony is new to teaching music, his university education has involved pedagogy classes, and Anthony has gone through Starlight Music Lessons’ comprehensive training program designed for newer teachers. Anthony’s musical knowledge, paired with his fantastic personality and love for people make a wonderful combination for being an excellent teacher.

Anthony does have some experience teaching private students, both online and in-person. He has been asked to help teach vocal technique and pedagogy at A.C. Jones High School, and he currently works at a Montessori school teaching and guiding students from the primary ages of three to seven. Putting his passion for teaching and music together is something he has always wanted to do. He loves helping students of all ages learn and grow!

CLICK HERE to enroll in music lessons.

Personality/Teaching Style

Anthony’s style is very dynamic, focused and energized. He believes that each student has a different desired outcome for their lessons, and he will cater the lesson to each student’s musical goals. Anthony can teach both academically and free-form, depending on what the student wants to achieve throughout the lessons. While being flexible in his approach to teaching, Anthony still advocates that true progress can only happen through consistent practice and commitment. A core tenet of Anthony’s philosophy is that learning your favorite songs will vastly improve your skill, commitment, and love for your instrument overall. Students will find Anthony to be fun, understanding and eager to help you grow as a musician.

What others are saying about Anthony:

Anthony is a great guitarist, vocalist and overall musician. He is very smart when it comes to Music Theory as well. He has always been willing to learn new things and understands the importance of constructive criticism. Anthony takes as much educational information possible to grow and be an overall knowledgeable student. He has excellent leadership skills as he has demonstrated support and kindness to others. Anthony has a humble heart, and is always willing to be there for those in need. He understands the meaning of hard work and understands what it takes to make something happen. His character demonstrates strength, respect, passion and dedication

Fine Arts Department Head, A.C. Jones High School

Special Skills

One of Anthony’s specialties lies in teaching a variety of techniques on guitar, from beginner methods like alternate picking and power chords, to more advanced techniques such as sweep-picking and tapping. With this knowledge of the guitar, he can also teach a variety of genres, such as pop, folk, rock, etc. Anthony will gladly take the time to learn your favorite songs outside of the lesson and teach them to you during your lesson!

Anthony can teach classical vocal repertoire, as well as offer technique and tips to students looking to sing pop music. He can also teach music theory and ear-training, which helps students progress more quickly and understand music on a deeper level.

Anthony looks forward to seeing you in his lessons and growing with you! Please CLICK HERE to fill out our brief enrollment form. If you have any questions about music lessons, contact Starlight Music Lessons today!

Teacher Spotlight: Caleb – Voice and Guitar Teacher in Lewisville, TX

We are thrilled to introduce Caleb, our fabulous voice and guitar teacher in Lewisville!

Teaching Background:

Caleb began playing music when he was 7 years old, and he has continued to study and perform several instruments including violin, mandolin, guitar, and singing. Caleb officially  began teaching music lessons in 2015 after finishing his Bachelor’s degree at DSU. Throughout the years, Caleb has continued to teach voice and guitar lessons with private studios, professional studios, and school districts. While Caleb’s formal music educational background is primarily in classical music, he also excels in performing and teaching other genres such as Folk, Jazz, R&B, Rock, Metal, Country, Bluegrass, Musical Theatre, and Sacred Music.

Educational Background:

Caleb holds his Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance from Delta State University where he studied with Dr. Mary Lynn Buchanan and Dr. Laurissa Backlin. During his undergraduate studies, Caleb actively performed with Delta State Chorale, Chamber Singers, and performed the title role in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. Caleb recently finished his Master of Music degree in vocal performance and operatic studies from University of North Texas where he studied with world renowned operatic tenor, Richard Croft. While working at UNT, Caleb performed several roles with UNT Opera including: Henry Davis in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, Maitre Corbeau in Albert Roussel’s Le testament de la tante Carolina, and Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte. He also performed with UNT’s early music group, Collegium and worked as a Stage Director for the Student Directors’ Scenes and Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen.

After graduating from University of North Texas, Caleb accepted the position of resident artist at Pittsburgh Festival Opera where he worked as a singer, stage-director, and sound designer. Caleb is currently an active performer in the DFW area where he has worked with groups and organizations such as Dallas Chamber Choir, Verdigris Ensemble, St. Michael and All Angels, and All Saints Catholic Church.

Teaching Styles:

During Caleb’s music career, he has worked with exceptional music educators such as Dr. Stephen Austin, Kumiko Shimizu, Dr. Elvia Puccinelli, Roy Howat, Dr. Susan Youens, Ryland Angel, and Richard Croft. His extensive study with these incredible professionals as well as his years of teaching has provided him with exceptional abilities to guide each student he works with to success. Caleb’s teaching style is one of an individual approach. While he does use a designed structural system of teaching private lessons, he believes every student is different and should therefore work to find the most prudent system for each student. He also believes that it is highly beneficial for the student to participate in repertoire selection and performance practices.

Special Skills:

Caleb has been performing almost every genre of music for years, and he has not only taught private lessons but has given masterclasses, audition coachings, and recorded multiple albums. Caleb has a wide variety of skills when it comes to the world of music. Some of the more special skills Caleb carries include: German, French, and Italian diction; ear-training; music theory; orchestration; conducting; stage-direction; and music technology.

What others are saying about Caleb:

Caleb is a fine performer, very good musician… is quick and reliable, and an excellent colleague. He has a warm and supportive personality, is very good one-on-one, I am sure would be a strong and empathetic teacher, and a very good team player. Caleb is a real talent and is more than ready for the challenges you might be able to offer him. I believe he would serve you and your students very well. I recommend him without reservation.

Jonathan Eaton
Winspear Chair and Director of Opera
University of North Texas

Caleb has a solid training in the area of pedagogy. He is very intelligent, a fine singer and sensitive musician. I would definitely recommend him to anyone and to you to hire!

Stephen F. Austin, MM, PhD
Professor of Voice
Center for Performing Arts Health
College of Music
University of North Texas

I am happy to enthusiastically recommend Caleb for consideration as a member of your teaching staff. I was Caleb’s Major Professor during his MM degree here at UNT.

Caleb was an ideal student. He possesses an ability to transcend technique and to take the listener into the song itself. He has a very solid technique. He is respectful, thoughtful, professional and was always prepared and ready to work in our lessons. I recommend him without reservation.

Richard Croft
University Distinguished Research Professor 2019

If you are in or near Lewisville, TX and looking for an excellent guitar or voice instructor, look no further! Click here to enroll in Starlight Music Lessons today!