Heidi Nelson
Piano @ GFCS, LCCSBorn and raised in Orange County, CA, Heidi began her musical journey when she started piano lessons at age 8, and immediately loved them! In addition to studying classical piano in her teenage years, Heidi enjoyed taking private harp lessons, playing hymns and worship music at her church, teaching herself ukulele and guitar, and nerding out studying music theory books. She knew without a doubt that she would major in music in college!
At Concordia University Irvine, Heidi was recognized for excellence in both musical performance and academics, and was a member of various performing ensembles. She also was selected to work as a music theory and ear training tutor.
In California, Heidi worked as a private piano teacher for a local music studio in her own private studio, as a choral accompanist for Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and Aliso Niguel High School. As a freelance musician she played harp and piano for church services, recitals, and private events.
Within the past year she has married and moved to the Dallas area. Heidi continues to teach some of her California students online, as well as playing harp and accompanying in the DFW area.
As a teacher, Heidi thrives on sharing her love for music with her students, drawing from her variety of musical experiences and knowledge to tailor the instruction to each student. She strives to provide a well-rounded music education, focusing on elements such as note reading, technique, musical expression, music theory, improvisation, and composing/arranging.
Ms. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Piano Performance from Concordia University Irvine (2019).
Check out Ms. Nelson’s music online: @HeidiNelsonMusic (Instagram), HeidiNelsonMusic (Facebook)
Ms. Tammy Burrows
Tammy Burrows
Piano
Two score and nine years ago, her parents brought forth the decree that she would be enrolled in piano lessons. Tammy had no idea what lay in store for her. There would be hours of practice over the years but in exchange she would be rewarded with a priceless gift: the ability to play an instrument. Whether to warm the heart on a cold day or venting frustration at a challenging day, Tammy discovered that music had lifelong benefits.
Now she enjoys empowering young people to enjoy music through the piano. A classroom teacher for over 35 years in grades of K-4, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th-8th as well as a piano teacher for over 20 years, Tammy loves engaging students whether in Bible, History, or Music for all are backdrops for learning life lessons and bringing glory to God. When not teaching, Tammy enjoys hanging out with her three grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Tammy holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum Design & Instruction (2013) from Arlington Baptist College.
Piano
Two score and nine years ago, her parents brought forth the decree that she would be enrolled in piano lessons. Tammy had no idea what lay in store for her. There would be hours of practice over the years but in exchange she would be rewarded with a priceless gift: the ability to play an instrument. Whether to warm the heart on a cold day or venting frustration at a challenging day, Tammy discovered that music had lifelong benefits.
Now she enjoys empowering young people to enjoy music through the piano. A classroom teacher for over 35 years in grades of K-4, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th-8th as well as a piano teacher for over 20 years, Tammy loves engaging students whether in Bible, History, or Music for all are backdrops for learning life lessons and bringing glory to God. When not teaching, Tammy enjoys hanging out with her three grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Tammy holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum Design & Instruction (2013) from Arlington Baptist College.
Ms. Carly Bower
Carly Bower
Piano @ LCCSOne day, when Carly reached the 5th grade, she was handed a clarinet. Little did she know this would change her life. She had fallen in love with it, and nothing would stop her drive to pursue music further.
Later, in 7th grade she decided to perform in her first musical. Growing up very shy, this was VERY out of her comfort zone. It wasn’t even just the music itself, but rather the caring and inspiring teachers that helped her love it. Carly saw the impact her teachers had on her and decided from then on that she would pursue music education.
Carly went on to pursue music throughout High School at Lake Country Christian School, where she attended from Kindergarten through 12th grade. During her time at Lake Country Christian, she was awarded the John Philip Sousa Band award, acted in 10 musicals/plays, played for the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, student directed one musical, and performed with both choir and band All-State groups. She also had the opportunities to work with William Owens, Andrew Trachsel, Brian Youngblood, and other educators who influenced her.
Currently, she resides in Denton, where she is pursuing her bachelors degree in Music Education at the University of North Texas, studying under Daryl Coad, Clarinet. You may also see her in the pit for the musicals at Lake Country as well!
Mikayla Martin
PianoMikayla 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.
Ashley Hamilton
Piano @ GFCSEver since she was an eager child sitting on a church pew, Ashley knew she wanted to make music for Jesus. But what did that mean? She dove into piano lessons at age seven and devoured music theory and classical pieces. At age eleven, she added acoustic guitar and singing to the mix. Soon after, she encountered Holy Spirit and discovered the true meaning of making music for Jesus: worship!
The Lord transitioned her focus from musical accomplishment to worshiping Him, and leading others in worship. From kid's church to the main weekend service, she loved the Lord through music in every opportunity He brought her. She also received training in directing a worship band, where she thrived and began leading bands on a regular basis.
At age eighteen, Ashley began teaching piano and guitar lessons. She taught for four years at her home studio and then accepted a full-time worship ministry position with Lifestyle Christianity, where she trained worship teams and taught worship students in a classroom setting. In 2022, the Lord called her back into the adventure of teaching private lessons! This fall, she continues her studies at The King’s University while raising up musicians to play with skill and hearts of worship.
Ashley holds an Associate’s Degree in Worship Leadership from The King’s University (2019), as well as two years of training from Lifestyle Christianity University (2021).
Mrs. Sarah Hazelwood
Sarah Hazelwood
Piano
Sarah walked through the living room of her family’s old farm house in Tennessee when she noticed her grandmother chatting with Aunt Doris. As a perceptive five year old, she remembered that her aunt taught other children piano lessons. Always admiring her grandmother’s hymn playing on their old upright piano, Sarah decided it was her turn and asked for piano lessons.
She continued practicing daily and early on decided to pursue a career in music. She took on accompanying jobs at her high school and local church as well as teaching piano lessons to her cousins and friends to get experience. Through her piano teacher’s studio, she performed in MTNA piano festivals and competitions to sharpen her performance skills.
After being accepted at Carson-Newman, Sarah chose to pursue a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance. It was during her time there that she truly felt the call to teach piano and found joy in sharing music with others. She has taught and maintained a private piano studio for the past nine years. In recent years, she has performed with the Knoxville Choral Society, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Carson Newman A Cappella Choir and served on staff in churches and community choirs as solo pianist and accompanist.
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance (2012) from Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Piano
Sarah walked through the living room of her family’s old farm house in Tennessee when she noticed her grandmother chatting with Aunt Doris. As a perceptive five year old, she remembered that her aunt taught other children piano lessons. Always admiring her grandmother’s hymn playing on their old upright piano, Sarah decided it was her turn and asked for piano lessons.
She continued practicing daily and early on decided to pursue a career in music. She took on accompanying jobs at her high school and local church as well as teaching piano lessons to her cousins and friends to get experience. Through her piano teacher’s studio, she performed in MTNA piano festivals and competitions to sharpen her performance skills.
After being accepted at Carson-Newman, Sarah chose to pursue a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance. It was during her time there that she truly felt the call to teach piano and found joy in sharing music with others. She has taught and maintained a private piano studio for the past nine years. In recent years, she has performed with the Knoxville Choral Society, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Carson Newman A Cappella Choir and served on staff in churches and community choirs as solo pianist and accompanist.
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance (2012) from Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Emily Meyer
Piano
Piano
Emily came home to a beautiful wooden piano one day after school. She was only 6, but children start school early in Tainan city, Taiwan. She climbed onto the bench and opened the Yamaha case and instantly fell in love with the quality of not only the wooden design, but the sound the keys made.
"Am I going to be learning how to play the piano, Mom?" she asked. "Yes! You start next week." Ever since that day she has had a love for listening and playing music--classical, jazz, hymnal, accompanying, or really anything!
Much of her early experience was playing and leading music for her church in Taiwan. With God's guidance, she was able to come to the United States for college. He opened the door for her to attend at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She made many lifelong friendships as well as meeting her husband Eric there. She found it difficult to choose the right major, but she managed to do both Graphic Design (major) and Music (minor). She was blessed to be able to work on campus as a choir/chamber singer accompanist her freshman year of college.
For the past seven years, she has accompanied opera singers, choirs, and ballet schools on the piano. She is always looking forward to teaching and passing on the passion for music that will give glory to God!
Emily holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Music (2013) from Oral Roberts University.
For the past seven years, she has accompanied opera singers, choirs, and ballet schools on the piano. She is always looking forward to teaching and passing on the passion for music that will give glory to God!
Emily holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Music (2013) from Oral Roberts University.