Teachers
The Metro Music Academy has Five highly qualified instructors, most of whom are actively involved in live performance. In our over ten year history, the Academy strives to meet the needs of the student, young and old, beginning and advanced, providing stimulating, enjoyable and challenging study materials. In all artistic instruction there is a blend of theory and practice resulting in performers and artists who understand both the “why” and the “how” of their artistic expression.
Voice: Amanda Blount
Amanda has performed onstage with Charles Billingsley of New Song, the Crab Family, Russ Lee, the Call, and the Lee University Singers. She is a recording artist and a former student of Jan Smith, coach to many of today’s most popular singers and American Idol contestants.
Piano: Melody Jones
Melody has 25 years of teaching and performing experience. She was the pianist for the semi-proffesional touring gospel quartet The Premieres.
Drums: Jon Becker
Jon is a graduate of the University of Montevallo in percussion performance. He is a busy church and secular musician, and can be heard on many Red Mountain Church recordings.
Upright and Electric Bass: Tim Carroll
Tim is a graduate in music performance from the University of Alabama. He is a musician with several regional symphonies, theatre groups, and touring jazz ensembles. He also is a respected studio musician.
Acoustic and Electric Guitar: Chris Griffin
Chris is a graduate of the University of Montevallo, and an accompanist with Integrity music writer Lynn Deshazo. He has ten years of teaching, performing and studio experience. He serves as the electric guitarist at Metropolitian Church of God, offering guitar, mandolin, and dobro instruction.
We teach with the mindset of getting students playing real music as fast as possible. As performing teachers we understand the steps it takes to become real musicians! C. Griffin