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 Ernest comes to World Music Nashville with many years of experience in musical instruction. With years of performance experience, Ernest has a wide range of styles that he likes to impart to his students. He has worked as a studio engineer, songwriter, performing musician, and music instructor from Los Angeles all the way to Northern Ireland.
His teaching experience includes: teaching guitar, bass, and piano privately and also working for Plus Music School in Boston, Massachusetts. He also worked for the Dayjams Rock Music Camp for Kids which was sponsored by the National Guitar Workshop. Since moving to Nashville, Ernest opened up his teaching repertoire to also include ear training, music theory, songwriting, and performance.
Ernest received his Bachelors Degree in Music from Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts in 2003. He has also studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and has studied privately with Regi Wooten here in Nashville. |
 Mason Embry began playing piano at age 7. He studied with Master Piano instructor, Dr. Janet Smith and continued his studies with her for the next eight years. Mason was the lead pianist at his church and eventually became the band leader. He eventually toured with contemporary Christian artist, David DeMarco, and traveled the country making music.
During this time, Mason became fascinated with jazz music and the concept of improvisation. Dr. David Livingston, a professor at Western Kentucky University, began instructing Mason on the basics of jazz and, after his high school graduation, knew that his future was in jazz performance.
Mason enrolled at the University of Louisville and studied with jazz musicians: Jamey Aebersold, John LaBarbera and Steve Allee. During his college years, he has shared the stage with jazz artists James Moody, Bob Mintzer of the Yellow Jackets, Phil Woods, Delfeayo Marsalis, and many others. He graduated in 2003 with high honors.
Along with his performance credits, Mason has been instructing students for many years on piano, jazz studies and theory. He instructs all students, beginning and advanced, and enjoys studying with them.
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 Missy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in 2003. She has her BM in Professional Music, Songwriting, Business & Performance concentrated. She has studied with renowned vocal coach Mark Baxter, who coaches the artists of Aerosmith, Velvet Revolver, Jonny Lang, and many others. Missy teaches all levels of voice and music theory. Her styles include rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz, classical and musical theater.
In addition to her credits, she has received many awards in Musical Achievement, Academic Excellence, and has received Berklee's Most Promising Young Songwriter recognition. She has also won many awards in independent songwriting contests.
She loves to help her students develop their vocal potential and stage performance.
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 Heather holds her Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance from Belmont University in Nashville. She was heavily involved in the music scene in Austin, Texas, performing about three to four times a week. Upon moving to Tennessee, Heather has not slowed down a bit. She maintains a constant performance schedule around town. Heather has released a CD showcasing her vocal ability and songwriting. It charted on Roots Music, Americana, and Progressive music charts respectively.
In her studies with students, Heather focuses on the performance aspect of piano and the artistic qualities that go with it. Her experience spans years beyond her age and she enjoys teaching students who are willing to take their music to the next level.
Along with voice training and piano, Heather also teaches music theory, songwriting, and stage training for musicians.
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 Jon received his Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Recording Technology emphasis and a minor in Radio-TV-Film. Since 2002, he has taught private piano at Heritage Christian Academy in Nashville.
Jon's playing experience includes five years with the Norwegian/Disney cruise lines where he served as director of the music department as well as performing in various duos, trios and bands on board the cruise ship.
A highly skilled audio and MIDI technician, Jon has also worked as a staff engineer and studio manager at Nashville's Treasure Island and Triad recording studios, and maintains a position as staff lecturer at the S.A.E. Institute on Music Row. |
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 Melissa holds a bachelors degree in music composition from Pepperdine University in California. She has taught both vocal and piano studies since 1990 and has worked with many professionals in the Music Industry. Melissa's main specialty is her ability to compose music. Along with her career in Music Education, Melissa is also employed as an Event Musician. Her responsibilities include writing, arranging and performing her own music for various events, ceremonies, and celebrations. As this is her specialty, we believe that her addition to World Music Nashville will now open up a new area of study for the Education Program: Composition and Orchestration.
Along with instructing her students in both piano and voice, she takes much pride in teaching Music Theory to her students so that they are able to write their own compositions one day! |
 Amy holds a double Masters of Music degree with a concentration in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from Belmont University and holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Voice from Northern Kentucky University, where she graduated with honors. In conjunction with teaching at World Music Nashville, Amy is also an instructor to students at Belmont University.
As a private voice instructor, Amy has worked with many university students and other students in the community. She has volunteered her time helping underprivileged children to learn music and performs regularly in various churches. |
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