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Piano
Lillian Lawless Roberts is a Junior Piano Performance and Pedagogy Major at Samford University and is a student of Dr. Kathryn Fouse. Lillian is from Palmetto, Florida. She has been playing the piano for fourteen years. Lillian has competed in a number of piano competitions, including the Birmingham Music Club, the American Music Teachers Association, and the Zelpha Wells Piano Competition. Lillian has a strong desire to share her love of the piano with others, and to instruct and inspire them to become the best musician they can be.
Piano
Mercedes Calcaño is a multi-gifted native of Venezuela. She graduated with honors in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Piano Performance from the University Institute of Musical Studies in Caracas, Venezuela. She directed the comprehensive training of pianists of all ages at the Manuel Alberto López School of Music and the College of the Andes. She taught at the Colegio Integral El Avila, a bilingual private school that integrates the artistic, sports, socio-emotional, scientific, and technological development of its students. Mercedes served on the faculty of the Conservatoire National Youth Orchestra, known world-wide through the "El Sistema" music advocacy initiative which uses music to impact Venezuela's impoverished youth. Mercedes is also an accomplished visual artist. Her illustrations are published in award-winning books, and her paintings and sculptures have been exhibited in South American museums. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. Mercedes is pursuing a Masters Degree in Piano Pedagogy from Samford University, where she is a student of Dr. Kathryn Fouse.
Kindermusik
Kindermusik educator, Kelly Alligood, grew up in Northport, Alabama, where she took piano lessons as a child and sang in church with her family and friends. She developed a love for singing, which carried over into college where she sang in college choir. More recently she has lent her voice to the choir, various ensembles, and praise team at her church. She teaches Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other children's classes at church. She is married and has two aspiring young musicians, Hannah and Avery. Having children of her own has given her a passion for the positive growth and development of the next generation. Kindermusik provides her the opportunity to bring joy into the lives of children and their families through a fun and exciting music and movement experience.
Violin
Sarah Cole is currently a student at Samford University working towards a MA in music and non-profit Management. Sarah played violin and viola throughout high school and is studying viola under Angela Flaniken at Samford. Sarah spends her time participating in several ensembles which include Samford Orchestra, Hand bell choir, Samford Marching Band, and University Ministries worship team. Sarah not only enjoys playing classical music but she also enjoys improvisation. She believes that everyone can identify with music in some way. Her goal is to bring music to life for the individual by getting to know them and teaching them in a fun and inviting way while still teaching note reading, good playing technique, and most importantly how to practice effectively.
Guitar
Chris Smith holds a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. While at Samford, Chris performed with the Samford University Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, University Chorale, A Cappella Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, and Guitar Ensemble. Since his graduation in 2005, he has been teaching, playing music professionally, and recording in the Birmingham area. Chris teaches guitar to students of all ages. His fun and practical approach to the guitar instruction builds foundational skills in the student, giving them the flexibility to play many styles. Chris teaches the value of consistent practice and reading music, and encourages students to develop a lifelong love of music. Chris teaches lessons at the School of the Arts on Thursday afternoons.
Guitar/Mandolin/Bass
Jonathan Rawson is a Music Theory and Composition Major at Samford University. He also studied music at Belmont University and Auburn University. He is a Singer/Songwriter, and is proficient in a number of acoustical stringed instruments. Jonathan is a life-time member of Shades Crest Baptist Church, and was active in the choral program at Hoover High School. He is active as a worship leader in area churches, and performs a wide variety of music in venues across the Southeast. Jonathan is available to teach a variety of stringed instruments to students of all ages. He also covers music fundamentals and music-reading skills. His passion for music-making instills a lifelong love of music in this students.