Music has been my passion since the second I heard my first record as a kid. I get a sense of emotion that is indescribable to anyone who has never felt music do this for him or her. In 2004 at the age of 16 I picked up a guitar for the first time and [...]

1980- Born in Gainesville Georgia 1987- Purchased my first guitar, a small student classical and started lessons 1988- Started Violin Lessons, L.A. dodgers won the World Series 1990- Started Drum Lessons 1991- Played trumpet in the middle school band, Atlanta Braves went from worst to first 1994- Moved 6 miles across town 1995- Bought my [...]

Matthew Karb has been performing music for over 13 years. He attended the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Industry. Matthew has performed in ensembles of almost every style including jazz big bands, small jazz trios, guitar ensembles, wind ensemble, rock bands, folk acoustic bands, and [...]

Shane Pressley was born and raised in Ball Ground, Georgia. He received his first guitar at the age of 15 and taught himself how to play. By the age of 17, Shane had formed his own band and started playing at private parties and by the age of 19 he was playing in the local [...]

Hailing from Kentucky, Justin originally moved to Atlanta to enroll at GSU law school.  After a chance meeting with the president of the Atlanta Institute of Music, he decided to pursue music.  Upon graduating from AIM in the summer of 2005, he was placed on a national tour in support of American Idol Diana Degarmo.  [...]

Ever since I can remember, music has been a huge influence on my life. At the age of 14 I picked up a guitar for the first time.  A week later I had learned 3 songs and I knew that this music thing was going to have a huge impact on my future. After playing [...]

Jacob Brown is a freelance session guitarist around the Atlanta area. Originally from California, Jacob moved to Atlanta to study Guitar at Atlanta Institute of Music, and to continue following his passion as a professional guitar teacher and player. Jacob graduated AIM with High Honors, and was even asked to be a substitute teacher at [...]

Raised in Atlanta, Brian’s passion for music started at an early age. His parents exposed him to the greats of Rock, R&B, Funk, Soul, and Pop.  CCR, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, and Steppenwolf are just a few that played in his home growing up. As his love for music [...]

Mike hails to us from the heart and soul of music, New Orleans. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he is skilled in all styles of music and has been playing and teaching for over 30 years! We’re excited to have Mike on board!

Jennie Berry is a graduate of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Performance. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Randy Berry, for 32 years. They have 3 grown children – Emily, Jason, and John. Before coming to Music Authority, Jennie worked for many years [...]

Jan Hamilton is a graduate of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Jan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. Jan has one son Jason Hamilton who plays French Horn. Jan’s primary instrument is piano, but she was a clarinet major in college. Jan also plays trumpet, French horn, and flute as well. [...]

Brenda Marquardt has taught piano to students of all ages since 1995. Originally from San Diego, she was trained and taught at North County Music School. She was educated at Palomar College and Fullerton College. Brenda has many years of experience working with mentally challenged children, and has extensive training in early childhood development. Brenda [...]

Latrelle Lalonde has been an instructor at Music Authority since 2002. She graduated from Brenau College with a B.A. Degree in Music Performance. She is the pianist for the Forsyth Community Chorale and for the youth choir at Harmony Grove Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her granddaughter, [...]

My name is Rebekah Sheffield. I am graduating with a degree in music education, focusing on voice and piano. I truly value the importance of music education. Students who participate in music classes increase their opportunities to perform in front of an audience. This promotes a growth in self-confidence. I have been teaching some form [...]

Jan Hamilton is a graduate of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Jan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. Jan has one son Jason Hamilton who plays French Horn. Jan’s primary instrument is piano, but she was a clarinet major in college. Jan also plays trumpet, French horn, and flute as well. [...]

My name is Rebekah Sheffield. I am graduating with a degree in music education, focusing on voice and piano. I truly value the importance of music education. Students who participate in music classes increase their opportunities to perform in front of an audience. This promotes a growth in self-confidence. I have been teaching some form [...]

Todd Markey is an active orchestral performer in Georgia, frequently heard with the Columbus, Johns Creek, Gainesville, and Carroll symphonies, as well as the Tango Orchestra Club Atlanta. He received a Master in Music Performance in double bass from the University of North Texas in 1997 and taught at Valdosta State University from 2000 to [...]

J.T. Lee has been playing Woodwinds since he was 11 years old. He started here in Forsyth County at North Forsyth Middle. After Graduating from North Forsyth High, he went on to attend North Georgia College and State University on a full scholarship for music. At NGCSU he studied under Kenyon Carter and Tony Carere. [...]