Kim Spiegel

Kim Earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at John Brown University. Kim has been a piano instructor at Davidson Academy in Nashville and was a former music teacher at Harpeth Academy in Franklin.

In the past, Kim has served as the vocal director for children’s musicals with Meadowgreen Music. She currently accompanies the 3rd & 4th grade choir at Poplar Grove School. Kim has taught piano lessons at Shuff’s Music for more than 15 years.   

For Lessons:

• (615) 830-2345
• Thursday
• Email Kim 

Ken Rarick

• Bachelor of Music
• Member of Pop Group, Air Supply
• Over 15 years teaching experience

What do you love about teaching?

One of the things I love about teaching is when a student figures out on their own how to apply what they know about a key, scale or chord for example, to something they have never studied before.

What is your favorite musical style, band or song?

I like almost all styles of music to some degree and enjoy teaching about how things fit together historically right up to current artists and their influences.

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon?

Rainy Sunday afternoon? A fire and a puzzle or football and popcorn!

Please describe your teaching style. What can a parent expect their child to learn?

I would describe my teaching style as concept based in that I want to see students envision the larger picture by how the smaller aspects of what they are learning fit into that.

For Lessons:

• (615) 497-1779
• Call or email availability
• Email Ken

Rina Vartanian

Rina Earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Belmont University, studied at Oberlin Conservatory, and Manhattan School of Music. Rina has performed with the NAMMY winning childrens™ band, and The Animal Band. Rina has taught piano lessons at Shuffs™ Music for more than 10 years.

For Lessons:

• (615) 587-2233
• Monday – Friday
• Email Rina

Trish Lober

• Commercial Arranging Major at Berklee College of Music in Boston
• Jazz Composition and Arranging Major at the University of Memphis
• Independent Christian Artist
• 20+ years teaching experience

What do you love about teaching?

I love seeing a song come to life from beginning to end. I also love the challenge of figuring out how to teach something that is more abstract and creative (when playing something that is not written out as notes on a staff).

What is your favorite musical style, band or song?

I like pop, jazz and funk best but enjoy all styles that have good melodies and rhythmic.

What is or would be your favorite place to travel to and why?

Israel … would love to see all the places I’ve read about in the Bible.

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon?

Read

Please describe your teaching style. What can a parent expect their child to learn?

I tailor lessons specifically to each student, for each one is different. I use method books for the younger students but don’t always feel the necessity to do this with ones who are older. It really depends on their aptitude for music and also their musical interests and goals. That said, parents can always expect to get a solid core of theory and basic understanding of the fundamentals upon which music is based, no matter which approach is taken.

For Lessons:

• (615) 545-8308
• Monday – Wednesday
• Email Trish

Bill Ferrari

Bill Earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Bill has played extended piano engagements at several Nashville area hotels and restaurants. He specializes in teaching popular music, jazz, improvisation, and in developing basic keyboard skills for songwriters and singers. Bill also teaches both adult and child beginners. He has taught piano lessons for over six years at Shuff’s Music.

For Lessons:

• (615) 331-2993
• Saturday
• Email Bill

Claire Cope

B.A. in Music Education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University

Over 20 yrs of teaching experience National Guild of Piano Teachers Member

What do you love about teaching?

I believe I have a very serious responsibility to educate, but to also be a respectful role model.

What is your favorite musical style, band or song?

I have been a church musician since the age of 15, and continue to work as a church pianist. Since I am an accompanist, I instruct with a strong emphasis on listening, counting and sight reading. I enjoy working with all ages and levels. I have been teaching at Shuff’s Music since 1980! I also travel to homes in the greater Franklin area.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I have three grown sons, two little dogs and live in Franklin, Tennessee. I enjoy hobbies such as hiking, walking the dogs, reading, exercise classes, cooking and home improvement.

What is your favorite quote, one that speaks to you?

My Mom and Dad, (both educators) taught me “if you do not have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.”

What is or would be your favorite place to travel to and why?

My dream is to travel to Italy, but Charleston and San Francisco have been good substitutes!

Please describe your teaching style. What can a parent expect their child to learn?

My teaching style is based on my personality, family background, work experience and education. I graduated from Peabody College of Vanderbilt as a piano major. I was trained in a very positive teaching style. I engage each student in a variety of activities to maintain interest and energy throughout the lesson. Each lesson is designed to help students achieve his or her goals while learning a variety of music. I have a great deal of experience with special needs students and the younger beginner. I have a strong classical background using a theory and technique approach to improve memory and practice skills. I enjoy helping new beginners, transfer students, songwriters, college prep and high school band students.

Lessons are 30 minutes in length and include lessons (method book), theory, technique/scales, ear training, chord playing (number system) and rhythmic exercises. All students are encouraged to have supplemental books such as classical, popular, hymns and jazz.

I offer two recitals (optional) each year.

For Lessons:

• (615) 423-4209  email ckcope@gmail.com
• Monday and Saturday, call or email for other availability
• Email Claire

Cherry Bilyeu

Cherry Earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at North Texas State University. Cherry was an artist in residence at Williamson, Maury County Schools, and in Europe. Cherry has performed vocals and keyboard on the General Jackson and the Hyatt Hotel. Cherry places an emphasis on classical, jazz, pop, composition, theory, improvisation, playing by ear, vocals, and songwriting. Her lessons are tailored to suit each students needs and interests. Cherry also works with singers and songwriters. She has taught piano lessons at Shuff’s Music for more than 15 years.

For Lessons:

• (615) 347-3341
• Monday and Tuesday
• Email Cherry