Keys and Strings lessons are tailored to the individual student, taking into consideration his/her personality, tastes in music, and what they wish to accomplish. All Star students are often invited to perform for community events, and to open shows for local bands. It is always fun and exciting!
Our Instructors
Dana Lineberger Berry - Piano & Guitar
Dana Lineberger Berry teaches piano and guitar lessons. She has been the pianist and music director at New Hope Baptist Church for over 15 years. She also plays for weddings, and has performed with local bands. She is classically trained, but also plays by ear. She encourages her students to learn to play both ways, feeling it is an advantage to be able to do both. However, her approach depends on the individual student and what he/she hopes to accomplish.
Jackson Yost - Vocals/Guitar/Songwriting
Jackson specializes in vocals, songwriting/producing, and guitar instruction. After being involved in choral programs from the age of five, Jackson began writing songs at the age of nine, writing eight full-length records and three EPs since 2013. He took private vocal lessons during his time at Catawba Valley Community College before transferring to UNC Charlotte to complete his bachelor's degree. Jackson’s music, including his 2020 single "You Should Be Here" has accumulated over 3 million listens online. Jackson also teaches music production classes upon request, please contact us for more information.
Steve Gordon
Steve began playing clarinet in grade school, he won the class music award in eighth grade, and this is where his love of music began. He started playing bass guitar in high school, earned a BA in fine arts and education. Steve also studied at the Art Students League of Manhattan, attended graduate studies at Nazareth College in Rochester New York wan certified to teach special ed, reading, fine arts, for grades K through 12. He was also a paramedic crew chief for 22 years. Steve has played in several bands and has played many venues and styles. Steve really enjoys working with beginners. He feels music lessons should above all be fun enjoys seeing his students grow as musicians.
David Winters - Drums
Our incredible drum teacher David has over 40 years of experience as a professional drummer! 20 of those years were spent on the road with various touring bands from the Caribbean Islands to Nova Scotia! 12 years were spent working on Cruise Ships out of South Florida working in quartets, trios and show bands, so David knows how to best help your drum student (or the student in you!) improvise and transform any performance. David is also from New Orleans, Louisiana, growing up with a rich musical culture which allows him to tailor his teaching to best suit his student's interests and needs.
Carla Cook - Beginner Piano/Vocals
Carla teaches vocals, specializing in harmony and group singing. She has been singing pretty much her entire life, through various choirs and at the age of 14 a group of 5 teenage girls. She sang with a women’s trio from 2015 to 2022 and currently sings and travels with “Mercy on Us”, a southern gospel trio based in the greater Charlotte region. She also teaches beginner to intermediate piano and enjoys working with the beginner students. Carla feels that it’s very important to ensure that students enjoy their lessons as well as practices. As with most things in life, enjoying what you do leads to success.
Sharon Blalock - Guitar/Piano
Sharon teaches guitar and piano. She plays bass, piano and guitar and is a songwriter in her family band, "Mustard Seed." She also plays in her church Worship Band. While skilled in theory, Sharon is also very adept at playing by ear. She enjoys teaching students the fundamentals they need to be successful.