Lessons

Hsiao-Wei Chen is an avid flutist who is currently teaching and performing in Gainesville and North Central Florida area. She holds a Master’s degree of music in flute performance from the University of Florida and has performed with the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra, the UF Women’s Chorale, the Brazilian ensemble, Jacare Brazil, and the Frost Symphony Orchestra based in Miami, Florida. Hsiao-Wei has been teaching flute to all levels of students in Gainesville, Florida since 2010. Many of her students have succeeded in competitions and auditions such as Solo and Ensemble, All-County and All-State Band auditions, the Alachua County Youth Orchestra auditions, and college auditions.

Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon Saxophone Horn Cello Voice Trumpet Trombone Low Brass Drums Guitar Violin/Piano TOP ↑

Daniel McTiernen is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Music degree in Music Performance at the University of Florida. He has subbed with various orchestras in the area, such as the Gainesville Orchestra and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. He is principal oboe of both the University Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at UF. He was also principal oboist of the 2014 Intercollegiate Band. Daniel has performed in several master classes and studied with various prestigious oboists, such as Nancy Ambrose King, Elaine Douvas, Richard Killmer, Andrew Parker, and Carolyn Hove. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity.

Clarinetist Jenny Maclay is a Vandoren Regional Artist for the Southeastern United States. She maintains a busy career as concert soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and teacher. Ms. Maclay was the first prize winner of the 2013 National Federation of Music Clubs Orchestral Winds Regional Solo Competition. She has

achieved a number of other notable musical honors, including selection as a finalist and semi-finalist for such international competitions as Astral Artists and Concert Artists Guild. At the age of 15, she made her solo debut as first prize winner of the Huntsville Symphony Young Artist Competition. She was the only North American high school student invited to participate (on a full scholarship) in the inaugural year of the Buffet Crampon USA Summer Clarinet Academy. Additionally, she was the first prize winner of the 2009 Ocala Symphony Young Artists Competition. Ms. Maclay attended the University of Florida where she graduated summa cum laude and was a Fulbright Scholar finalist. Her principal teachers include Mitchell Estrin, Todd Waldecker, and John Cooper. She has also performed in the master classes of noted clarinetists Stanley Drucker, Yehuda Gilad, Jon Manasse, and Charles Neidich, at such venues as the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest and Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium. In recognition of her musical and professional achievement, her biography is listed in the Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals. Ms. Maclay performs exclusively on Buffet clarinets and Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces.

Played in the MET Opera. Invited to audition for the LA Philharmonic. Twice, one of ten finalists in the ICA YAC, the biggest clarinet competition in the world. This describes Dale Fedele, a self-labeled "Progressive Clarinetist." Dale began studying Saxophone from Paul Magersuppe (formerly with the Aretha Franklin Orchestra) at 8, Clarinet from Ben Armato (formerly with the Metropolitan Opera) at 12, and has since studied privately and in master classes with such superlative musicians as Stanley Drucker, Franklin Cohen, Robert Spring, Ethan Sloane, Michael Rusinek, Frank Kowalsky, Julia Heinen, Clarence Clemons, Jimmy Heath, Ken Peplowski, and Nestor Torres.

As educator, Dale has seen incredible success with his students, with many earning top spots in All-State and All-County Bands and Orchestras, and several gaining admittance into the top college music programs in Florida. Dale is devoted to the future of music education, and he was a founding member and a creative force of the Pro Series: Guided Practice System, an educational supplement containing over 100 DVD's of Private Lessons.

Learn more about Dale at

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Margaret Dixon is a free-lance performer and teacher currently residing in Gainesville. During her time in Florida, she has become an active member in the music community. She has worked extensively with the University of Florida Gator Marching Band, GatorLand Band Camps, and various UF school of music related ensembles. Outside of the University, she coaches and teaches at various high schools in the Gainesville and central Florida areas. She has a rapidly growing private studio of students of varying abilities, ranging from ages 10-60. Margaret also has experience teaching in the Alachua County School System, and she is certified to teach Music K-12 and general Education K-6. Aside from teaching and coaching, Margaret also has a thriving performance career. She holds the principal position in the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, and the second horn position in the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. She has also subbed with various Orchestras in the surrounding states and areas, has recorded with Carl Fischer and the Trade Winds Ensemble, and has played in numerous performances around the community and around the world. Outside of the classical realm, Margaret has an active network with local hip-hop, R&B, and gospel artists, and she is an active member of the Spirit of Faith Music Ministry. Margaret has a Bachelor's in Music from the University of Alabama where she studied with Professor Charles "Skip" Snead, and a Master's in Music from the University of Florida where she studied with Dr. Paul Basler.

Cellist Elise Jimenez has been regarded in the musical community as an outstanding soloist, orchestral musician in principal and section roles, chamber musician and pedagogue. She was recently awarded a graduate assistantship at University of Florida, where she is currently completing her Masters of Music degree in Cello Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Steven Thomas.
Elise Jimenez completed her Bachelor’s in Music Performance at Stetson University under the instruction of David Bjella. In October 2011, she was named winner of Stetson University’s Concerto Competition, where she performed Shostakovich’s Concerto No. 1 in Eb Major ~ Allegretto. In recognition of further artistic and academic excellence, Elise was awarded a William E. Duckwitz Talent Scholar and Roepke Endowment Scholar while at Stetson, and was a recipient of the Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholarship. While at Stetson, Elise Jimenez also served as the cello teacher in the Community School of the Arts.
Elise Jimenez began studying the cello at age 11 with Susan Goldmann, and quickly found herself collaborating with various instrumentalists and orchestras. This has led her to participate in the National Music Festival (Virginia), the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory (Colorado), and the Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina) where she has refined both her chamber and orchestral talents working with such artists as Felix Wang, Jose-Luis Novo and Caroline Coade. As a pedagogue, Elise Jimenez has taught students of various ages through Stetson University’s community school, led sectionals, and coached cellists at strings camps in Volusia and Orange County. Elise currently teaches at Great Southern Music in Gainesville, FL.

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Born in Lebanon, Nathalie Fares started her voice training at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (Le Conservatoire Libanais national supérieur de musique) and now holds a M.M. in vocal performance from the University of Florida in Gainesville. The rich tone and the wide range of Nathalie’s voice helps her to swing between Mezzo and Soprano roles. As a part of the Opera program at University Of Florida, she played the witch role in Hansel und Gretel, “Marcelina” in Le Nozze di Figaro, “Suzuki” in Madama Butterfly, and “Mrs. McLean” in a University of Florida opera production of Susannah, spring 2010. Most recently, Nathalie she was cast as Maddalena Cover in the St. Petersburg Opera Company's 2011 production of "Rigoletto."

Originally from Orlando Florida, Frederick Green II is a versatile classical and jazz musician with experiences in performance and education. Frederick received his Bachelors of Arts in Music from Rollins College, and has since begun his graduate education at the University of Florida, where he is perusing his master’s degree in trumpet performance with a secondary concentration in education. As a performer, he has been featured at the acclaimed EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, Bongo’s (Gloria Estefan’s night club and restaurant), Universal Orlando, Sea World Orlando and numerous musical theater productions. Frederick has also performed with the jazz hall of fame legend Sam Rivers. Frederick has had the honor of performing with the Bach Festival Orchestra, Walt Disney World Orchestra and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, Frederick has successfully coached students to perform in the Florida All-State Band, Youth Orchestras, and International Mid-West Clinic with multiple students receiving instrumental scholarships to colleges and universities. In addition to his intimate teaching engagements, Frederick served for three years as a general music teacher and band director at Faith Christian Academy; a K-12 school in Orlando, Florida. Upon completing his Graduate Studies at the University of Florida in May of 2014, Frederick plans to continue his education through a post graduate degree while continuing his career in performance and education. Frederick’s instructors include: Dr. Joyce F Davis, Chris Dolske, Sam Zambito, and Billy Prewitt. He has attended lessons and clinics with Bobby Shew, Mario Guinari, Phil Smith, Bud Herseth, and Mark Zaus (Leblanc Trumpet Artist).

Kevin Hicks received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. Now pursuing his Masters Degree at The University of Florida, he plays lead and jazz trombone in the UF Jazz Band. Also a grad assistant at UF, Mr. Hicks runs the online jazz courses as well as Jazz Improv, and the Jazz Combo 1. Mr. Hicks, a two-time Downbeat Award winner, also recently recorded with Stark Raving and will be on their new release “Kackle Jackle”. Hicks is the author of the “Kackle Jackle” transcription book, which accompanies the CD. Mr. Hicks auditioned and won the Air Force; Airmen of Note lead trombone position in May 2012 but chose to pursue other opportunities. He played in the One O’Clock Lab Band and recorded on “Lab 2010”, “Lab 2011” and “Lab 2012.” He also played lead in UNT's award winning trombone jazz ensemble, The U-Tubes and can be heard on their self-titled recording “The U-Tubes.” In 2009 he was on the Downbeat Award winning album “Too Two” while in the Two O’Clock Lab Band under the direction of Jay Saunders. Before UNT, Mr. Hicks worked for two years at Universal Studios theme park in Osaka Japan as an entertainer/trombonist in 2006 and 2007. Playing thousands of shows, he gained musical abilities as well as showmanship. He has also worked for Princess Cruise Lines in the Sapphire Princess Orchestra in 2009 under the direction of Franz Merfert.

Mr. Hicks has had the pleasure of playing with some pretty cool cats including: Conrad Herwig, Brian Bromberg, Ron Blake, Terreon Gully, Geoffrey Keezer, Jeff Coffin, Corey Christiansen, Scott Wilson, Shelley Carrol, Brad Leali, Dave Richards, Tony Baker, Victor Barranco, Bob Heller, Dwight Kennedy, Jim Riggs, Lou Marini, Lyle Mayes, John Mosca, Tim Ries, Bernard Fowler, Ravi Coltrane, Darcy James Argue, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bob Curnow, Wayne Bergeron, Dennis DiBlasio, and The Houston Symphony. Hicks plays many styles of music on the trombone including jazz, Latin, commercial, show, classical, ska, funk and more. He performs, transcribes, arranges, composes, teaches, and records music. He teaches private lessons and has been hired for workshops, high school jazz clinics, and adjudicating at festivals. Kevin also works in the Gainesville Florida area. Keep an eye out for this enthusiastic young player.

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Tim studied jazz and contemporary drumset at the University of North Texas and has studied privately with Todd Walker, Ed Soph, Henry Oxtel and Dan Robbins, with additional lessons from Steve Davis, and Jim Chapin. Professionally, Tim has shared the stage with Jazz vocalist Denise Thimes, New York Pianist Danny Mixon and Los Angeles saxophonist Sal Lozano, as well as local greats: Ali Che'Ree, Frank Sullivan, Gary Langford, Dr. Dave Edmund and Scott Wilson. He has over 20 years of teaching experience and has taught drums and percussion at Martin County High school and Indian River Community College, as well as for the Zoo Music Stores in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Kevin has taught guitar in Gainesville for over 20 years. His specialty is classical guitar, with particular skill in Latin American works, but he teaches all guitar styles. Kevin works with students of all ages and skill levels.

Nelle first decided she wanted to play violin when she was three, upon first catching sight of a thirty dollar plastic fiddle in a toy catalog. It was destiny.
Since that time, Nelle and her violin have traveled to many places and dabbled in diverse musical genres. She has played in orchestras, chamber ensembles, rock bands, worship groups, and electric and acoustic folk groups, and continues to provide beautiful, resonant, and sometimes funky music for weddings and special events in the greater Gainesville/Ocala area.
Currently, Nelle provides the fiddle groove for neo-Americana duo Orphan Town, electric folk dance band Full Circle, and acoustic contra band The Whistling Thieves. When she’s not jamming or performing, she teaches music classes at local schools and helps private students–children and adults alike!–to play their violins, fiddles, guitars, and pianos like there’s no tomorrow.

Kevin has taught guitar in Gainesville for over 20 years. His specialty is classical guitar, with particular skill in Latin American works, but he teaches all guitar styles. Kevin works with students of all ages and skill levels.

At Great Southern Music we are committed to providing a safe learning environment for our teachers and students. Choosing the right teachers is our highest priority and we check the references of all of our instructors. Everyone representing Great Southern Music is expected to maintain the utmost professional manner while in our store.

Our music studios are comfortably large (9 x 12) rooms that are equipped with digital pianos, CD/recording stereos, dry-erase boards, comfortable chairs, music stands, mirrors, etc. We even have a drum studio as well as a very large group lesson/ensemble practice/recital room.

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