Private Lessons
at Arts of the Albemarle
AOA hosts local instructors conducting private lessons and small group music classes in voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and more!
All inquiries should be directed to the instructors, who will coordinate rates and scheduling independently. Find out how to get in touch below.
Meet the
Teachers
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To schedule virtually with Kelley, you can sign up using the link provided HERE
I’m a proud Center Player alum (2010–2017), and this incredible program played a major role in shaping my path. Thanks to the foundation I built at SOA, I earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University and have since moved to New York City to pursue a career in the arts. Earlier this summer, I had the joy of returning to AOA to teach four summer camps—and I was truly blown away by the talent and passion in this next generation of students.
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To schedule with Molly, give her a call at (252) 340-9044 or email mollymiller.c@gmail.com.
Molly Miller is a guitar player from EC, NC, with passions for songwriting and collaboration. Her first concert was 10,000 Maniacs, which primed her to especially focus on women’s contributions to music.
Molly earned a BA in Anthropology from UNC Greensboro, where she was a founding member of the Americana trio, Amelia’s Mechanics. She specializes in piedmont blues playing and sad love songs. During her free time, she enjoys yoga, studying architecture, reading self help books, and petting her old dog, Lenny.
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To schedule with Paula, call (252) 333-5712.
Students of all levels are welcome.About the Instructor: Paula Pressnell is a pianist, organist, instructor and choir director. She is currently in her 18th year working at Murfreesboro Baptist Church.
Mrs. Pressnell retired as Artist in Residence from Chowan University in 2018 with faculty emeritus status and was employed there for 19 years. Her duties in the Music Department included solo performances, accompanying all choirs, collaborating with vocal and instrumental students for all degree recitals, playing for voice lessons, teaching piano to music minors and teaching music fundamentals. Students called her Mrs. P.
Mrs. Pressnell toured with the Chowan Singers in the fall and spring semesters, and performances took her to Italy where they sang at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (2010) and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin (2013).
Paula holds the Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Salem College and is a native of Sunbury, NC where she currently resides with her husband Larry.
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Please note, Savannah’s schedule is full and she is NOT currently taking new students.
To contact Savannah, email savkwinslow@gmail.com.
Savannah grew up in Williamsburg Virginia, but her lineage is from Perquimans County, spending weekends and summers down in good ol' Carolina! She was featured in numerous shows across Hampton Roads and progressed to work for Busch Gardens Entertainment, Williamsburg. She attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, and then completed her bachelor in fine arts in Musical Theatre from The New School, NYC class of 2020. During the pandemic, she also discovered a new passion for tourism marketing! You may know her as the marketing and communications director for Visit Elizabeth City, or the second runner up from Elizabeth City’s The Voice, 2023.Savannah is an experienced performer and educator, and is thrilled to return to teaching private voice! Her specialties include: Musical Theatre, Opera, Contemporary Pop, Country/ Bluegrass, Jazz and Golden Age Legit musical theatre. With 15 years of vocal training and real world experience under her belt, Savannah is excited to share the love of singing with the Albemarle area.
Savannah also offers audition prep sessions. Whether you have an upcoming audition for college, a regional show, high school show, solo in choir, interview, (you name it!), Savannah offers a tailored approach to ensure you make a lasting impression. Using body language, confidence training, audition etiquette and more, you will be equipped with the tools to succeed! Savannah is especially well versed in the vigorous audition process for most universities, and is here to help students (and parents!!) put their best foot forward.
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Chuck Harrell welcomes students of all ages and abilities for lessons Monday through Friday.
Text or email to inquire about rates and booking.
Text: (804) 306-7753
Email: chuckharrellbass@gmail.com
From an early childhood love of music, Chuck learned piano from his mom and guitar from his dad, but quickly found that every band he wanted to join needed a bass player! He began playing professionally at age 15 and went on to pursue a music degree from Ferrum College.
After graduating, he moved to Richmond, VA where he quickly became an in-demand performing, recording, and touring bassist with many groups, recording studios and churches in the area.
His teaching career began at Don Warner Music, then moved to West End Assembly of God Music School, Guitar Works, Backstage, Richmond Music Center and Fan Guitar and Ukulele before moving to Chowan county in 2017 where he continued teaching at Glass Music and Viking Studios.
Chuck's 40 years of experience teaching thousands of lessons, performing, recording and touring have given him the skills to help you learn and enjoy making music.
"Making music is the best! I look forward to helping you on your musical journey. All are welcome—let’s learn together!" –Chuck
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For info about lessons contact John at baldwinmusic@yahoo.com or text 252-305-0427
John Baldwin is teaching guitar and bass on Saturdays & Sundays. John teaches all ages, all styles and all levels. He has taught for 25 years in Hampton Roads' music stores. John studied music for 2 years at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and finished his Bachelors' degree at ODU. John played guitar for 10 years at Busch Gardens, toured the U.S. & Canada for 3 years with 2 national acts, played for 4 years on cruise ships, and has played all over the local area. John self-produced 5 albums and has his music on indie radio. He writes and records music in Blues Rock, Jazz rock, R&B, Trop-rock, Country, Americana & Praise Music styles. His instrumental music has been used on reality shows on MTV, VH1 & CMT & even on "American Idol." John is the Music Director at Sandbridge Methodist Church.
Mrs. White offers a fun, exploratory introduction to music for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and homeschool students up to fifth grade.
Group Music Classes for
18 Months—5th Grade
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Contact: ashley.L.white44@gmail.com
Ashley White is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She and her husband moved here in August of 2021. Ashley graduated from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education.
She is certified to teach choral/general music education for grades pre-k all the way through 12th grade. In addition, Ashley became an Orff Schulwerk certified clinician in August of 2018. She taught music in the public school setting for 5 years in Virginia before relocating. She has also choreographed award winning middle and high school show choirs across Central Virginia for 15 years. Her passion is teaching children to understand music while ALSO enjoying it at the same time!
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with her 2 cats and husband. Fun fact: She and her husband are on a mission to hike the highest point in every state!
