Mr. Jamie Kirby
Jamie Kirby
Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
@ GFCS, LCCS, ALA | Master TeacherJamie grew up the oldest son in a military family (USAF). After many moves (three schools in 1st grade), transitions (four different colleges), changes (staff worship leader/pastor at four churches), and careers (percussionist, guitarist, singer, songwriter, composer, studio owner, business owner, touring/recording artist, pastor & teacher); he now enjoys the simple life of teaching music and raising two beautiful girls (Emily & Hannah) with Jessica (his lovely bride of 26 years).
Jamie holds a Bachelor's (1995) and a Master's of Music in Music Composition (1997) from Oklahoma City University.
Check out Jamie & Jessica's oceansdeep (worship & cinematic music) website: click here
Check out Jamie's YouTube Channel: click here
James Barefield
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar @ GFCS, LCCS, ALAJames began playing drums at 10 years old in a small church in south Fort Worth. His love of drumming led him to join the Mondo Drummers, an Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble based in Fort Worth and supported by the city Arts Council.
Seeking to broaden his music abilities, James picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and studied everything from Classical to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Soon he was leading the youth worship band at his home church, and picked up the bass, ukulele, mandolin, and hammered dulcimer.
In College at Dallas Baptist University, James studied composition, songwriting, and music production, and began writing and recording original compositions. He worked with professor/engineer Randy Adams in the studio, and produced several original albums with various artists.
In 2018 he helped the Rock Mill music school in Keller TX build their own recording studio for students to train in the recording arts. In that studio, James met his future wife when she hired him to record a song for her as a gift for her parents, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. In 2021, James and Shalimar tied the knot.
James holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dallas Baptist University (2017).
Mikayla Martin
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar @ GFCS, LCCSMikayla began music instruction with piano in kindergarten. By elementary, she had picked up acoustic and electric guitar. In junior high she joined the band taking on the Bb clarinet and was handpicked to move to the bass clarinet as a result of her mastery level. She lettered in high school band, marching for four years as a Byron Nelson bobcat. During her high school years she added the ukulele, bass guitar, and drums to her list of instruments. She also began playing in the worship band at her church, Fellowship of the Parks, which included multiple sites across the metroplex.
God has used music in such a powerful way in Mikayla’s life and she loves sharing it with the next generation. When Ms. Martin is not teaching, you can find her hanging out with family and friends, leading worship at her church, and playing lead guitar with One Headlight, a 90's cover band.
Tayloir Pace
Acoustic Guitar @ GFCS
Acoustic Guitar @ GFCS
Born and raised in the DFW area, Tayloir spent most of her childhood at the dance studio. By age 5, she was already a member of the competitive dance company. She had a gift for rhythm and musicality and benefited from a strong work ethic.
In college, she studied musical theatre which focused on voice, acting and dance. She was also able to participate in student directing projects as well as student choreography showcases. After college, she worked as an actress and choreographer at regional theaters across the country. Her most notable experiences included: Seussical: The Musical as Sour Kangaroo, Lend Me a Tenor as Diana, Cabaret as Texas, and A Chorus Line as Diana Morales (and at a second theater as Maggie Winslow).
Tayloir moved to New York City in 2013 and ended up working in the Broadway industry at the media giant Broadway.com for five years (specifically for their educational program Broadway Classroom). Her job included the privilege of learning from current Broadway artists in master classes, as well as getting to attend a bunch of Broadway shows!
Tayloir is passionate about the art of music and storytelling and the influence it can have on society. She is a singer/songwriter, musician, dancer, choreographer and worship leader. She has come to realize that each individual has a unique story to tell that has the power to help others. Tayloir is honored to walk alongside each student and to help them reach the full potential God has planned for them!
Ms. Pace holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Southeast Missouri State University (2012).
Check out Tayloir's YouTube channel: youtube.com/@FindingGodThroughSong