Anna Blanton (CURRENTLY ONLY TEACHING FOLK BAND SCHOOL)

(Violin, Fiddle, Beginner Mandolin, Beginner Piano) 

BA Violin Performance and Marketing Minor University of Louisville, Suzuki Violin Teacher Trained ECC – Book 4, Owner of Kentuckiana Music Center

Anna plays various genres from classical to folk music to rock. She currently plays for The Creekers, Tim Goodin, Bill Taylor, Josh Mitcham, Shannon Vetter, Croghan's Crossing, and The Bourbon Britches. Previously she has performed with Tony Logue and Jericho Woods. In 2017, she went on tour playing fiddle and mandolin for Colter Wall. She has played in backup orchestras for Josh Groban, Disturbed, Hanson, 2 Cellos, Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Ambrosia, Michael Bolton, The Orchestra (former members of ELO), Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney's Wings), and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Anna has taught privately for over 10 years. Students achievements include acceptance into Sewanee Summer Music Festival, IU Bloomington, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Prep Program, Floyd County Youth Symphony, Louisville Youth Orchestfiddle contest winners, and gold ratings at ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest. 

 

Jennifer Terrell  

(Violin, Beginner Viola, Beginner Piano)
 MA Violin Pedagogy University of Louisville 

Jennifer Terrell is an accomplished Violinist, Music Educator, and experienced performer with a Master of Music in Violin Pedagogy from the University of Louisville. With 16 years of violin expertise and an appreciation of various teaching methods, including the Suzuki Violin Method, Jennifer brings a unique blend of musical mastery and pedagogical knowledge to her teaching. Furthermore, she recognizes the uniqueness of each student’s goals and aspirations for music-making and provides an individually-crafted lesson plan to match.

Though her technical foundation is centered around the classical style, Jennifer’s performance experience spans the genres of jazz, classic rock, and pop. Her repertoire includes performances with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Juice Box Heroes, The Bunbury Theatre, and local classic-rock band In Lightning. Her commitment to promoting healthy playing through proper body alignment underscores her dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

 

Charlie Blanton  

(Upright Bass)
BM Bass Performance University of Louisville

Charlie Blanton studied with Sidney King at UofL and has continued performing and teaching privately part time. His students have been members of the Louisville Youth Orchestra and Floyd County Youth Symphony. In addition to teaching, he has performed with the Huntsville Symphony and the Paducah Symphony. In addition to classical, he plays bluegrass music with The Porch Possums. Lessons are usually scheduled week to week.

Chris Cupp

(Cello, Mandolin, Beginner Guitar, Beginner Bass)

Chris has been playing the cello for 17 years. Originally from Lexington, KY, Chris attended the University of Louisville from 2015-2019 studying Cello Performance. Before Attending UofL, Chris began learning the guitar, mandolin, and the upright bass. Bluegrass, jazz and country music have become a large part of his musical influence, although his roots are in the classical music world. Chris actively performs on cello and mandolin with several groups including Orchestra Kentucky Bowling Green, Restless Leg String Band, and the Ellie Ruth Band. He also does session work around the Louisville and Lexington area.

Abby Mires

(Voice, Piano, Ukulele)
BM Voice University of Louisville 

Abigail Mires is a community-driven musician looking to foster connections and amplify young voices. Anticipated to graduate in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Louisville, Abigail’s expertise and vocal technique is described as “light and ethereal” and has traveled across the world for musical endeavors. Appreciating differentiation, Abigail brings musical knowledge and pedagogical knowledge to help each student’s individual needs.

While receiving a classical style education, Abigail has experience with other styles, such as jazz, pop, and bluegrass. She currently is also a section leader and assistant children’s schola director at St. Francis in the Fields, and loves finding the voice in every one of her students.

Drew Alexander West  

(Voice, Piano, Beginner Guitar, Ukulele)
BA Voice University of Louisville

Drew West is a passionate musician and educator who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Voice from the University of Louisville in 2019. With seven years of experience teaching voice, piano, and beginner guitar, she's dedicated to shaping her students into well-rounded musicians. Drew's teaching philosophy revolves around building a strong musical foundation for her students to flourish. Each lesson is meticulously customized to cater to the individual's preferences and aspirations, ensuring that they learn the music they love while honing essential skills. Her structured approach encompasses technique improvement, music theory, aural skills, and stage presence, instilling discipline in her students' practice routines. What sets Drew apart is her commitment to nurturing her students' confidence and performance abilities. She hosts personal student concerts three times a year, providing a platform for her pupils to showcase their progress and celebrate their musical journey.

Connect with Drew West for a personalized and enriching musical experience.

 

Larry Bourne  

(Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Mandolin, Ukulele, Violin)
Classical and Jazz Guitar and Piano at Bellarmine College

He has played in many bands and is currently a member of four, one of them an Elton John tribute band. He has been involved in church music since his teens and plays organ and piano at several area churches. At one time he was Director of Music at St. Clement Catholic Church in Louisville. He has taught private music lessons for 26 years. 

 

Paul Woods  

(Drums, Guitar)
Percussion at University of Louisville and Murray State University

Paul has been performing on drum set professionally for over 42 years with various rock, country, rhythm and blues, top 40 and classical ensembles. He has toured in and around Southeastern, Midwestern and Northwen United States. Along with performing, Paul has also done commercial and group recording work. He currently performs in the Kentuckiana area on weekends with several groups. Call 502-232-5699 for lesson availability.

 

Jim Smoak  

(Banjo, Dobro, Guitar, Harmonica, Dulcimer, Beginner Mandolin)

Jim Smoak started his career in Knoxville, Tennessee. He moved to Nashville to play with Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry. He did television shows for Martha White Flower with Hylo Brown and The Timberliners. He made recordings with Bill Monroe on Decca Records; with Hylo Brown on Capital Records, and with Arthur (guitar boogie) Smith on MGM Records. Jim organized folk group, The Cumberlands, with their own place of business, The Red Horse Inn in Louisiana. Smoak made the first recording under his own name for Folk Lyric Records: Bayou Bluegrass—Jim Smoak & the Louisiana Honeydrippers, now at Smithsonian Folkways. His other recordings are Carolina Boy—Jim Smoak; Orange Blossom Special—Jim Smoak and Smoak House Jam—Jim Smoak.
Call 812-844-2962 for lesson availability and pricing. 

 

Edward DeYoung Junior "Uncle Donnie"  

(Piano)

Donnie has been playing the piano since he was 5 years old, over 60 years! He started playing the piano at church at the age of 13 and has been teaching in New Albany for about 30 years. In 1978 he recorded his first album in Nashville at Shaquita Records on Church Street. Since 1993 he has been playing at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville as the Minister of Music. He has been with Kentuckiana Music Center since 1992.
Call 502-494-8858 for lesson availability and pricing.