Abby Pruitt studied Musical Theatre at Lynn University. Her favorite stage credits include Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Inga in Young Frankenstein, and Eurydice in Hadestown.

Abby is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy vocal technique, and discover the joy of performing. She strives to create a fun, encouraging environment where singers of all ages and experience levels can grow as both vocalists and performers.

Sydney is a voice teacher and performer with over 12 years of singing experience. She began her vocal training in classical music before transitioning to musical theater in high school, where she discovered her passion for the stage. Proficient in both musical theater and pop styles, Sydney combines strong vocal technique with practical performance experience to help students build confidence, develop healthy singing habits, and find their unique voice.

As a performer, Sydney has appeared in numerous musical theater productions, most recently as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She has also performed at Lincoln Center for three consecutive years with Manhattan Concert Productions and continues to return annually. Sydney is passionate about inspiring the next generation of singers and strives to ignite a lifelong love of music in every student she teaches.

Nick has played guitar, drums, and bass for over 7 years. He has played in many different bands varying in style and sound, from indie to jazz to metal. When Nick isn’t teaching, his time consists of schoolwork, video games, or jamming with his band.

Beran Harp is a two time Grammy nominated percussionist and drummer in the Tampa Bay Area. Beran is a native Floridian and has lived in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 20 years as an in-demand performer with top professional tours. Beran has a master’s degree in percussion performance from USF and is a Florida Certified teacher.

Fun to know: big time roller coaster enthusiast

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I learned to play the piano when I was 8 years old.  But like most kids I quickly gave it up.  In my late teens, a friend introduced me to Chopin’s music and I have been working diligently at the piano ever since. While my college training was in engineering and mathematics, I had the good fortune to study the piano for a couple of years with Professor Robert Helps at the University of South Florida. Professor Helps was a world-class pianist and composer who had  studied with Roger Sessions, a Princeton professor of composition, and Abby Whiteside a well-known piano teacher.  Professor Helps was a big proponent of Whiteside’s ideas of efficient piano technique.    I try to bring these ideas to my students.

For me, teaching the piano is about giving my students a tool to explore music.  It is not surprising that most great composers are piano players.  The piano is the best human interface ever invented.  It was invented to generate music.

I take a very broad approach to teaching the piano involving learning good technique, harmony, aural theory, how to improvise, and how to perform.

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Cathy Starnes studied piano with Dr. Watkins, formerly USF Piano Department Chairman and Mrs. Parisot, associate professor of piano at Yale School of Music.  Cathy Starnes graduated from Yale University. She won the Florida Orchestra Young Artists Competition and placed first in other competitions.

Cathy Starnes has performed many piano pieces in recitals; including five solo recitals at colleges.  She has also been piano accompaniment for many singing groups and even sang with Living Water at Yale.

Cathy Starnes has been a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs as a student and later as a teacher.  She has been composing,  arranging and teaching with the aim of J.S. Bach:

“… to the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit.”

ABOUT ME
I have played violin since 1990 and guitar since 1996. I also do professional videography and audio recording, mixing, & mastering.  From Florida to California, I have worked in recording studios and on TV/Film productions as talent and behind the scenes.  I am always writing, performing, and recording music whenever I am not teaching.  I also volunteer with church music ministries either playing guitar, bass, drums, and/or singing.

ABOUT YOU
Yes, anyone can play!  After years and years of teaching all different types of people with different levels of experience and learning styles, I have figured out the fastest and easiest way to understand and play violin & guitar.  Whether you are just starting out or have been playing for a little while, I’ll create a lesson plan that will meet you where you are at.  I love playing and creating music.  I want to get as many people as I can to enjoy it as much as I do!

Hailing from Bradenton Florida, Isaac is a classically trained violinist with a passion to share his love for music. Isaac also has studied piano, guitar, electric bass, and the ukulele

He obtained a Bachelor’s of the Arts in Music Studies from the University of South Florida. Isaac has gone on to perform at Busch Gardens, and teach general music to private schools. He has been teaching for 4 years alongside doing some production work with his YouTube channel.

Isaac has also traveled to Brazil, and Thailand. His dream is to travel around the world and see the beautiful world we live in.