Music

Amy Cloud holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Baptist College of Florida and has taught piano for 22 years. She works with students of all ages and draws on a broad musical background—including choir direction, musical theater, solo piano and voice, worship leading, and college-level accompanying—believing that music should be fun, accessible, and for everyone.

Chip Hancock is a percussionist and educator with decades of experience teaching and performing. A native of Chattanooga, he studied drums with the USMC Band and earned a BS in Music Education from UTC. He founded the School of Percussive Arts in 1983 and has taught hundreds of students who have won regional and all-state honors. Chip has served as percussion director at multiple schools, performed with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, toured internationally, and played with artists including Bela Fleck, Michael McDonald, Patti LuPone, and Al Jarreau.

Jeremy Taylor earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano from Covenant College in 2014. He teaches piano to students ages 5–70, from beginners to advanced, and has performed and accompanied for churches, weddings, and student recitals, sharing his love of music while guiding students through achievable learning steps.

graduated from Covenant College with a B.A. in General Music in May of 2017. She has had the pleasure of teaching piano for Cadek Conservatory at the Girls’ Preparatory School, East Lake Expression Engine at New City Fellowship East Lake, and private lessons in students’ homes. Her passion is passing on her love and knowledge of music to those who are willing to learn.

Madi Coffey is a sophomore clarinet performance major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She performs in multiple UTC ensembles, teaches students from grades 6–12 at all levels, and also plays professionally around Chattanooga, sharing her passion for music with every student she teaches.

Mary Margaret Neel is a violinist, soloist, and teacher dedicated to inspiring musicians of all levels. Trained in the Suzuki Method, she holds a B.M. in Violin Performance from Columbus State University and an M.M. from the University of Denver. She has performed with orchestras in Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, and China, presents solo recitals, and performs as part of the York Street Duo, which made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 as first-place winners of the American Protege International Music Competition.

Nathan Bell is an award-winning songwriter and guitarist. He teaches Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Songwriting, sharing his passion for performance and composition with students of all levels.

Anastasia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in piano pedagogy from Covenant College. Trained in instruction, aural skills, music theory, and music history, she teaches students of all ages and believes piano should inspire both hard work and joy in music.

Chris Reynolds has been playing guitar for over 30 years and earned an Advanced Professional Certificate in Guitar from Berklee College of Music in 2022. He teaches students of all ages, focusing on music fundamentals while encouraging personal musical interests and a love of learning.

Jordan Pitner is a freelance educator and clinician serving students across East Tennessee and North Georgia. A native of Seymour, TN, he studied Music Education and Tuba Performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Jordan works closely with Signal Mountain Middle and High School Band programs, as well as ensembles throughout Hamilton County and North Georgia.

Kellen Shiles teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele to students of all ages and skill levels. He is experienced in a wide range of musical styles—from Jazz, Rock, Funk, Country, and Blues to Caribbean, Latin, Celtic, Hawaiian, African, and Indian music—helping each student explore both fundamentals and personal musical interests.

Margaret Cooke teaches piano and violin/fiddle for students of all levels. A Signal Mountain native, she studied piano and violin at Cadek Conservatory and played in the Youth Orchestra. She holds a BA in English and Music from the University of the South, an MA in English Literature from UVA, and an MM in Piano Performance from UTC. She has performed as a concerto winner, served as principal second violin in the UTC Orchestra, and received the UTC Music Department Graduate Award.

Monica Wright is a music educator and performer specializing in piano, violin, and guitar. She holds a degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis from Lee University and has taught students from pre-K through high school, including child-led creative play in early elementary music. Monica also offers a Song & Fable class, blending music, storytelling, and creativity, and brings her passion for teaching, performing, and fostering lifelong musicianship to every student.

Scott Salsman is an experienced vocal instructor and choir director at the MACC. He teaches students of all ages through small group lessons and community choirs, culminating in regular performances that celebrate student growth and achievement.