Children, Youth & Adults
Music Academy
Excellent music instruction that inspires students to learn, to grow, and to serve with their gifts, to the glory of God alone.
About
In addition to Spiritual foundation, faith communities have long served in forming a solid musical education. To that end, the FPC Music Academy seeks to provide a program of vocal and instrumental lessons for our younger disciples and adults to explore their God-given artistic gifts.
The FPC Academy consists of highly qualified instructors: Dr. Ryan Bede (Voice), Sara Crigger (Voice), Alison Gooding-Hoffman (Violin), Joey Fala (Organ), Horacio Guendulain (Piano), and Erik Abernathy (Guitar). Our music instruction will meet a standard of excellence that inspires students to learn, grow, and serve with their gifts to the glory of God alone.
“I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.”
— Johann Sebastian Bach
Registration & Tuition
Tuition
- $540 for the full semester of 12, 30-minute lessons scheduled weekly with the teacher.
- $45 for individual lessons are offered to students wanting to explore the music lessons before committing to a full semester of lessons.
- Tuition is to be paid for by the first week of the semester. Teachers may require the purchase of music and other materials for lessons. Teachers will discuss what materials will be needed and where to purchase them.
Have any questions? Check out our FAQs below. For further information, please contact our staff below.
Semester Terms
- Fall semester: August to November
- Winter/Spring semesters: January to April
- Summer semester: June to July
Individual studios may also schedule recitals towards the end of the semester.
Instruction
Violin — Age 4 and up
Private and group lessons will be taught by Alison Gooding Hoffman. Students will receive weekly half-hour lessons and younger beginning students will also receive group instruction.
Voice — Age 14 and up
Voice lessons will be taught by Sara Crigger and Dr. Ryan Bede. Students will receive weekly half-hour lessons.
Piano — Age 5 and up
Instruction will be taught by Horacio Guendulain.
Organ — Age 10 and up
Instruction will be taught by Joey Fala.
Guitar — All ages
Instruction will be taught by Erik Abernathy.
Each instructor will discuss the most appropriate lesson plan and scheduling for each registrant.
Have questions? Check out our FAQs below. Or for further information, please contact the First Presbyterian Music Office at 615-298-9517, Daphne Garey or Joey Fala.
Music Academy FAQs
Register by clicking the Registration button. Registration will be scheduled by semester.
Children, youth, and adults are invited to take lessons.
Non-church members can certainly apply for lessons. The Music Academy currently has non-church members.
Lessons will be scheduled in consultation with the instructor and Joey Fala.
Depending on the instrument, lessons will be in Stanford Chapel, the Cheek House, or the Sanctuary. Instructors will inform parents and students about the lesson location, which will be the same from week to week.
All instructors must pass a background check. They must also have an advanced degree in music and extensive teaching experience ranging from children to adults.
Our Instructors
Joey Fala
Assistant Director of Music and Organist
As Artist-in-Residence at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Joey grows and develops worship ministry opportunities for young musicians in the church and Oak Hill School. In this threefold position, he supports musicians, builds up the body of Christ through the arts, and acknowledges and celebrates our church's location in Music City.
