Growing up in a musical family, Michelle was inspired by both of her paternal grandparents. Her grandmother, a piano teacher in Memphis, was a big influence from an early age, while her grandfather, known for his beautiful baritone voice, was often featured as a soloist at church. Michelle's father was an “instrumental” as well, taking her to many live performances as a child, thus fostering her love not only for piano, but for all instruments. He enjoyed gospel music which helped develop Michelle's ear for harmony.Michelle received her training in musical performance while studying classical music, performing at church, school events, and for musical theater. An accelerated student, she entered college under the early admissions program as a high school senior to study piano with Dr. Mary Greenhoe, at Tennessee Wesleyan College. She continued on to University of Tennessee for two years and then returned to Wesleyan, studying organ with Dr. Greenhoe.  In 1988, Michelle moved to Nashville with aspirations of pursuing music professionally. She kept her day job (working in the group insurance industry) while pursuing her passion for music. By age thirty, Michelle had worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Vice President of Marketing and Underwriting for her company. This required managing sixteen employees, and a $40 million book of business. But while she did this, and did it well, her heart wasn't in it. Meanwhile, Michelle was teaching piano at the WO Smith Music School in Nashville. Reaffirming her true calling, Michelle made a major life leap and left her secure corporate position to share her love for music through teaching.A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Michelle plays piano, organ, guitar, handbells, ukulele, baritone uke, and has studied violin and mandolin. Having directed children's choir and handbell choir, she has written handbell music, arranged piano pieces, written and produced various children's shows, performed at countless weddings and been the pianist for musicals including Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, The Boyfriend, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie Get Your Gun. Michelle sang on station id's for Country Music Television and Nashville Channel 17, as well as recording sessions for Lifeway. She has taught music and piano at several preschools in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties. This past year she had the special privilege of teaching ukulele at an area retirement home to ladies ages 80-90.Michelle now manages CSM full time, and enjoys working with the families in the community.

‍

Tim is a Kentucky native whose career spans more than fifty years as an entertainer with an impressive thirty plus years as a professional drummer and vocalist.Growing up in Lexington during the 60s and 70s, he watched a myriad of variety and music shows on television which further fueled his passion to perform at an early age. Fortunate to have had supportive parents, his mother enrolled him in tap dancing lessons after he showed an interest while attending his sister’s dance lessons. Tim believes that studying dance laid a valuable foundation for becoming a successful drummer.Grabbing the attention of his peers in elementary and junior high, Tim soon found himself gigging with numerous rock/pop bands comprised of older and more seasoned players and considers many of these musicians his local heroes.He studied and performed music from elementary school through college, meeting and working with many of his mentors, participating in talent shows, school concert band, and marching with one of the best high school marching bands in the state.After high school, he continued pursuing his passion for marching as a member of The Pride of Cincinnati Drum & Bugle Corps. Tim was also offered music scholarships and attended college at Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky. All of these experiences laid the ground work for greater opportunities where he would soon break beyond local and regional boundaries with rock act, Shaking Family. The band recorded two albums, one with independent label Big Ole Records and a world wide release with Elektra/Asylum Records out of New York.By 1992 Tim’s drumming reputation had landed him a touring gig with Atlantic Records country music artist, John Michael Montgomery. He moved to Nashville to continue his musical career. It was during this period he also began honing his songwriting skills with numerous Nashville songwriters. Within two years of traveling the continent performing, Tim signed an artist development and publishing deal with Hallmark Direction Management and KenTen Publishing.Over the next twenty years, Tim garnered the attention of many within the music industry while building a noteworthy resume touring and recording with an impressive roster of artists including Richard Marx, Kathy Mattea, Trace Adkins, John Michael Montgomery, Ricochet, Jessica Andrews and others. He has performed on recording sessions for multi-award winning songwriter Paul Williams who has penned hit songs for The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand, Three Dog Night, Helen Reddy, David Bowie and more. Tim worked closely with Grammy Award winner singer/songwriter Richard Marx for several years. He had the privilege to work with multiple award winning actor/singer/songwriter Billy Bob Thornton, Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley and Grammy award winner Kathy Mattea. Tim performed with award winner Shania Twain on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno promoting her blockbuster crossover country/pop album, Come On Over.A multi-instrumentalist, Tim has a notable track record as a lead and backing vocalist as well, singing on major recording artists’ albums. He is a featured singer and backing vocalist with Kathy Mattea on her Mercury Records LP, The Innocent Years performing backing vocals on four songs including one with rock legend Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Tim has also recorded vocals on albums with country group, Ricochet on their Columbia Records LP, What You Leave Behind, Hal Ketchum’s Curb Records LP, Lucky Man, Ralph Stanley’s Rebel Records LP, Clinch Mountain Country, and Shaking Family’s worldwide released LP, Dreaming in Detail. He was also the featured vocalist on a 1990’s commercial for the restaurant franchise, The Cooker.In 2011, Tim began working on his first solo album, Circle of Heroes which is available at iTunes. The album is a salute to some of Tim’s biggest influences in music.Tim taught lessons alongside his wife, Michelle for over ten years and founded the Chewning School of Music in the spring of 2016. He oversees operations at the music school and helps Michelle with special events. Tim is currently writing, producing and performing his own music projects and is working on plans to add songwriting, compostioin and recording classes at Chewning School of Music.

‍

Sarah Love will be teaching piano and preschool music. Originally from Mississippi, Sarah Love graduated from Lee University and moved to Spring Hill in 2019. Her desire is to share the joy of the piano with others, no matter their age. However, having started piano lessons at age five, she has a heart to see even the youngest of students develop a love of music.

Sarah offers lessons both in-person and virtually.

Recognized as a singer of exceptional artistry and versatility, Marie Wise-Hawkins is a captivating artist who is and has been generating excitement on stage in the professional music world for years.A 2010 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from the California Institute of the Arts where she majored in Classical Voice, Marie won a National Opera Competition in Dallas in 2013. After the competition she realized her heart was in Country Music. Furthermore, she went on to win Land the Big Gig at the World's largest Music Festival, "Summerfest" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was the Western Regional finalist for the Country Showdown at the Ryman Auditorium. Marie recently performed on Norwegian Cruise Lines and was the featured country singer for the inaugural cruise on the Joy.​With 10+ years of teaching experience, Marie specializes in Country, Rock, Pop, Blues, Classical and Musical Theatre Styles. While focusing on building great vocal technique she likes to emphasize on proper breath support, performance, and confidence building while having fun! Marie also enjoys teaching songwriting and beginning guitar and is excited to get you started on your musical journey.

Marie offers lessons both in-person and virtually.

Dan hails from New York, and is fairly new to Middle Tennessee. He has been a music educator for twenty years, and plays several instruments including guitar, bass, piano, cello, upright bass, and ukulele. With a vast knowledge of music history, Dan has an appreciation for composers and their background.​While at the Amadeus School of Music in Woodbury, NY, Dan was the lead educator. He is the founder and creator of Five Minute Mozart. Dan will be teaching guitar, bass guitar, piano, and cello.

Brad Poe is a Nashville native with over a decade of experience teaching and performing. He is well-versed in a myriad of genres, music theory, and pedagogy. He specializes in classical guitar and performs regularly at weddings and other events.​Brad received a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance from Middle Tennessee State University. He then taught as an adjunct professor at MTSU. After a couple of years of teaching at MTSU, he attended Appalachian State University where he received a Masters in guitar performance.Brad also has extensive experience in teaching younger students. He believes in teaching through kindness and catering to a student’s desired outcomes.

Grace has played piano since the age of 10, and began studying violin and viola in high school. She has taught music privately since 2019 and started teaching at Chewning School of Music in 2021. Recently married to her amazing husband, Andrew, she now lives in Central Pennsylvania and continues to teach students virtually.Grace has extensive experience with classical and worship music and has also branched into the genres of folk, bluegrass and Irish fiddle. She has taught students of all ages and has tutored many middle and high school student through the challenges of orchestra auditions and performances. Virtual lesson are available for students who have played consistently for two years or more. Acceptance is determined on a case by case basis after a trial lesson with Miss Grace.

Andres is a Professional Drummer, Recording Artist and Music Educator. He is originally from Ibague, Tolima in Colombia which is commonly known as the “Musical City of Colombia”. Andres studied music theory at Tolima Conservatory of Music and then majored in Music Performance and Drum Set at Javeriana University in Bogota. Eventually, he moved to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician—where he studied under a scholarship at Miami-Dade College and was a featured musician in the Jazz Ensembles and African Percussion Ensembles. Andres has vast experience as a performer and has been a freelance drum set player for twenty-four years. While in South Florida, he worked with a wide variety of established artists and bands of all types and genres. Aside from playing and recording, Andres has a deep passion for education. His mission as an instructor is not only to teach students the necessary fundamentals to become better players, but to help students develop a musical vocabulary and nurture the skills that will help them excel in music and in life. After traveling to many different cities across the U.S, Andres fell in love with the hills, music-scene and Southern hospitality of Tennessee and decided to relocate. He now calls "Music City" home.

Anna began playing the violin at age 6. Around age 15, she began playing in a touring violin group that performed choreographed shows across the country and world. She also began teaching violin as well as winning top spots in Tennessee’s All-State orchestra around the same time. She studied violin at Lipscomb University, earning a BA in Music in 2024. While there, she performed in the university’s piano trio and string quartet, and she was concertmaster of the orchestra. She also played fiddle with a touring band while in college, and she has recorded violin parts for several artists.Anna has taken several teacher training courses for violin and consistently continues to further her pedagogy knowledge. She has earned certifications in Suzuki Violin Books 1-4, Wee Violin, and the O’Connor method. She is passionate about teaching and loves working with students of all ages. Her lessons are catered to each student's specific needs and goals.

Rhonda has been teaching since 1979, and brings her love of teaching to our school. As the child of a veteran, Rhonda has lived all over the USA, and taught in various parts of the country as well. Engaging, fun, and encouraging, Rhonda brings her knowledge and experience to lessons each week. Her performances include several musicals, choir performances, and even singing the National Anthem for commencement!

Millie has been involved in music since the tender age of four, when she started playing piano. Learning viola at age 10 and violin at age 12, Millie  began performing regularly. Since then, she has also picked up mandolin, guitar, and banjo, though violin and viola are her focuses.​Currently playing fiddle in a few different country bands, Millie plays a wide variety of shows ranging from Broadway gigs to festivals to weddings and more. On the classical side, she is the principal viola for the Lipscomb University orchestra, a member of the Avalon Quartet, and plays in various regional orchestras.After winning Musician of the Year at the 2021 Josie Music Awards, Millie  recorded fiddle and viola parts for several artists including Cody Fry and Tommee Profitt. As a lover of music of all types, Millie is always looking for new ways to be involved in the music industry. She loves being able to take what she has learned over the years and pass it down to young musicians and see them discover the same love of music that she has herself.

Emily Baker grew up in Thompson's Station and began Suzuki Violin Method at age five.  She toured nationally and internationally with Music City Strings and has performed choregraphed shows at venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman. ​Having earned the highest ranking of superior multiple times at the Nashville Area Music Teachers Association Competition, she has also performed in the Middle Tennesse School Band and Orchestra.  In high school, Emily played viola and earned a music scholarship to East Tennessee State University where she earned a BS in Health Sciences and a BA in Music.  While at ETSU, she served as principal violist in the Symphony Orchestra and played in the chamber ensembles.  Emily loves working with students of all ages, and is passionate about sharing the healing and expressive power of music.  Her interdisciplinary background in music and science shapes her well-rounded, student-centered teaching approach.Joining us in June, Emily will offer lessons for both violin and viola.

Serenity Trudeau teaches voice lessons.  Even as a youngster, Serenity knew she wanted to sing!  At the tender age of 10, she auditioned for the children's choir in Memphis,  and was accepted.   Her family moved to Nashville when she was 13, and again, Serenity auditioned for choir...this time at Nashville School of the Arts.  She sang with that choir until her family relocated.  ​Serenity is currently finishin her degree in Music Education.  Having taught piano, voice and even gymnastics, Serenity works well with students of all ages.  She loves working with her students and sharing her passion for singing!

Meagan teaches beginning piano and oboe. She has a Bachelors degree from Vanderbilt and her masters from Eastman.Performing with operas, musicals, orchestras, and choirs, Meagan stays busy! She is passionate about helping young musicians discover their artistic voice and takes joy in nurturing a lifelong love of music.

Rachael Nemiroff graduated from Trevecca University earning a degree in commercial music.  She has taught voice, songwriting, and beginner guitar and piano in between tour dates.  Currently she is signed with Curb/Word Music Publishing.  With a heart for teaching, singing and writing, Rachael approaches lessons with warmth and kindness. You can listen to Rachael on her instagram page http://www.instagram.com/rachaelnemiroff/?hl=en

Thomas Butler is thrilled to join the Chewning School ofMusic as a piano teacher! He recently graduated from Lipscomb University with aBachelor of Music degree in piano performance, where he studied with Dr. JeromeReed (Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Piano, Lipscomb University)and piano pedagogy with Dr. Brendan Jacklin (Assistant Professor ofPiano, Fisk University). During his studies, Thomas participated inmasterclasses with pianists such as Elisabeth Pridonoff (Professor Emeritus, Universityof Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), Dr. Anna Kijanowska(Assistant Professor, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland),and Dr. Spencer Myer (Associate Professor of Piano, IndianaUniversity Jacobs School of Music). He also competed in the CharlestonInternational Music Competition (19th Century Music Competition) and wasawarded Second Place in his age division (18-21).

In addition to his piano studies, Thomas is also an aspiringconductor, currently studying with Alfonso José Piacentini Betancourt, theAssistant Conductor with the Boston Philharmonic. He has participated inconducting masterclasses and workshops at the Conductor's Institute of SouthCarolina (Charleston, SC), the University of North Texas (Denton, TX), and theEastman School of Music (Rochester, NY). Thomas plans to pursue his graduatestudies in orchestral conducting in Fall 2026. 

Outside of his studies, Thomas enjoys singingwith the Nashville Symphony Chorus, where he has sung for three seasons,reading classical and fictional literature, and model making, particularly offamous ocean liners.

‍

Abdiel is a passionate music teacher dedicated tohelping students of all ages and backgrounds discover the joy of music.Inspired by personal challenges in music education that weren’t addressed untilcollege, Abdiel understands the importance of tailored guidance and support.

Specializing in bass, guitar, woodwinds, percussion, andvoice, Abdiel loves seeing students grow from their first notes to moreadvanced levels. While passionate about writing and producing music, histeaching focuses on helping students play the music they love with goodtechnique and confidence, ensuring no one feels intimidated by theirinstrument.

Abdiel believes in the motto, “Learn the rules so you canbreak the rules,” encouraging creativity and personal expression. He staysactive in music through performing, practicing, and continuous study—embracingthe mindset that musicians are always students.

Beyond teaching skills, Abdiel emphasizes interpersonalconnection and curiosity, striving to be remembered as a teacher who is alwayscurious and committed to growth. Above all, he hopes every student findsenjoyment and fulfillment in music.

‍

‍

Hi there! I'm Tim! I am a musician and saxophonist andrecently moved to the Nashville area from the state of Michigan! I currentlywork as a freelance musician, playing around town with a variety ofensembles/groups like Triple Dare Jazz Band, am a guest saxophone instructorfor a local high school, and teach private lessons both virtually and inperson! Previously, I lived and grew up in the state of Michigan where I attendedGrand Valley State University (GVSU) for my undergraduate degree and TheUniversity of Michigan (U of M) for my masters. Specifically, I  received his bachelor's degree in classicalsaxophone performance and masters degree in jazz/improvisation.

As an educator, I have had opportunities to teach in avariety of settings, from individual private lessons, to marching band sectionsand even served as a substitute music theory professor while attending U of M.I have had the pleasure of helping his students succeed in chair placementauditions, band auditions, as well as competition performances. As a performer,I've had opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles from symphonicbands and wind ensembles, to jazz quartets and big bands, as well as with singer/songwritersand rock bands alike! I have performed at a variety of venues both with schoolensembles as well as his own projects; most notably Dizzy's Coca Cola Club andthe Lincoln Center in NYC, Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, the Detroit Jazz Festivalin Detroit, The Gaylord Opryland, Whiskey Row and other Broadway venues inTennessee, and more!

My teaching style has been characterized as"calm," "patient," and "dynamic" by some of mycurrent and past students and their parents. I prioritize the needs and uniquegoals of each of my students and, drawing from my versatile background, addressthose on a case-by-case basis, rather than a "one size fits all"approach.

‍

Meet Kim!
A Berklee College of Music graduate with 10+ years ofguitar experience based in the Franklin/Nashville area & beyond! 

‍With a laid-back approach to the instrument, she’spassionate about building skills to enhance an individualized “true-to-you”sound for a solid early foundation. 

A great mix of practical & fun! 

If you’re a beginner or looking to freshen up your basicknowledge, feel confident about a “judgement-free” experience that will leaveyou feeling inspired to continue growing on guitar at your own pace!

Adam Wakefield hails from New Hampshire. He attended the New School Jazzand Contemporary Arts program in Manhattan, where he studied under pianistsBarry Harris, Billy Taylor and Sonny Bravo (Tito Puente). Adam has performed onstage with Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, The Steeldrivers, Marty Stuart, GuthrieTrapp and fronted his own band Texas Hill for 4 years. He’s performed multipletimes at The Grand Old Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, Rudy’s Jazz Room and manyother renowned Nashville venues. For his latest project, he recorded withDennis Chambers, Gary Granger and recently signed Blue Note artist BrandonWoody. He has also made many TV appearances including a runner-up finish onSeason 10 of The Voice. Adam teaches Piano, Voice, Guitar, and Songwriting, andhe is well versed in Classical, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Bluegrass and CountryMusic.   

‍

Kate Marcino grew up in Garden City, New York, where she studied with Ryan Resky and attended H. Frank Carey High School. Deeply involved in the music program, she served as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Primarily a classical musician, Kate also developed an interest in jazz, influenced by her proximity to New York City.

Her accomplishments include being selected for the New York All-State Orchestra for two consecutive years, serving as Principal Trumpet of the NAfME All-National Orchestra, and performing as a substitute with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra.

For her undergraduate studies, Kate chose to attend Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Trumpet Performance under the guidance of Preston Bailey. Having just completed her second year, she has performed in many of the university’s top ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Studio Orchestra, Big Band, and Brass Quintet.

In addition to her academic achievements, Kate was selected for the 2025 National Trumpet Competition’s Solo Division, performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Tommee Profitt’s Birth of A King (2024), and continues to gain professional experience by performing in churches around Nashville during holidays.

‍

‍

Paige is our enrollment specialist, and there to greet you when you walk in for your lesson, have questions about enrolling, or need to sign up for a group make up class.With a history in the corporate world, Paige has "upped our game" with technology!!We are excited to have her aboard!!

‍

‍

Ric not only sings, he also plays piano, trumpet, baritone and handbells. With a master's degree in music, his resume of accomplishments is quite long. As a published songwriter, he has orchestrated, recording, conducted, arranged, transcribed, edited, and produced.Working with students to help them find their voice, Ric helps students with phrasing, style, studio recording, auditions, college scholarship prep, and can even sing in Latin!Our goal is to have a jazz quartet later this year!!!Ric is currently taking new students.

‍

‍

‍