Baldwin County Instructors
Kellan Adams
Kellan Adams was born and raised in Sanford, North Carolina, and received both a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an Associate of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance degree from Sandhills Community College in the city of Pinehurst.
Since then, Kellan has been an avid voice enthusiast and is always ready to learn and improve their own vocal knowledge. Kellan has privately taught all things vocal, both internationally and domestically - whether that be improving upon an accent for a more English sound through unique phonetic molding, singing lessons conducted solely in French or Japanese to accommodate students from places other than English-speaking countries, or simply teaching others to grow and harness their own confidence in the mastery of their own voice. Kellan is also passionate about the piano, with their first teacher being their own grandmother. Having guided many beginning levels and provided redirection for beginners breaking into intermediate levels, Kellan is happily dedicated to the health of the student.
As mentioned, Kellan is fluent in both Japanese and French, and teaches both languages at the Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore in Daphne, as well as fundamental music classes. Kellan has experience in accommodating any different needs a child may require, and has always worked well to implement any changes. With this expertise Kellan is very excited to help facilitate the musical and thus worldly growth of vocal and piano students alike at Musical Beginnings Baldwin County!
Jesse Almodovar
Jesse Almodovar was born in The Bronx, New York, but moved frequently due to his father's work as a traveling evangelist. He comes from a family rich in musical talent and developed a passion for playing the drums at the age of seven, when he received his first drum set. In fifth grade, Jesse trained under a renowned orchestral percussionist at Johnson Elementary School in Aurora, Illinois. By sixth grade, he joined the orchestra band as a percussionist at Cowherd Middle School in Aurora, where he earned several superior awards for his solo performances through eighth grade. He then became a member of the marching band at River Ridge High School in Port Richey, Florida, competing with other marching bands during his ninth and tenth grades. As an accomplished performer, Jesse has played in Christian churches with several worship teams, including Destiny's Church in Daphne, Alabama. He has experience in both indoor and outdoor live performances, including on football fields. His diverse background includes various genres such as rock, worship, contemporary, and Latin music, equipping him to provide a well-rounded approach to drumming education. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his drum teaching. Known for his dynamic and engaging teaching style, he has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, helping them achieve their musical goals. Jesse has developed unique drumming fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of correct techniques for drummers and percussionists. His practical experience enriches his teaching, offering students valuable insights into the real-world applications of their skills. Dedicated to creating a supportive and creative learning environment, Jesse tailors lessons to meet each student’s individual needs—whether they are beginners building a solid foundation or advanced drummers refining their techniques. With a focus on rhythm, technique, and musicality, Jesse helps students unlock their full potential and enjoy the journey of learning drums. Outside the classroom, Jesse is passionate about breakdancing. He spent 10 years as a professional performer, opening for major groups as a backup breakdancer/instructor and serving as a judge for breakdancing competitions. His extensive entertainment background has inspired his approach to teaching and creativity. Whether you’re looking to enhance your drumming skills, explore new styles, or simply have fun, Jesse is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Colby Hendry
Mr. Colby was born and raised in Citronelle, Alabama. He first learned how to play guitar at the age of 8, and at the age of 14, he began to learn piano. He began to lead worship at the age of 15 via the piano, and this love and passion for music would lead him to Kalispell, Montana, where he studied worship for 1 year before getting the “once in a lifetime opportunity” to move to Redlands, California, where he was a worship intern at Citizens Church. With a total of 7 years playing music in a live setting, Colby’s dream is to play his own music in a singer-songwriter style. He also wants to be a worship leader at a non-denominational church. Musical Beginnings has given him the opportunity to teach students music in the way he learned, which was in a fun and lively way, and by learning songs that the students love all while teaching them music theory that will help them understand their instrument better. He says, “Musical Beginnings has given me an amazing opportunity to teach the next generation to have a love and passion for music just like I did. I love being a part of that.”
Rebekah Hicks
Ms. Rebekah Hicks is from Franklin, AL, a small community 13 miles north of Monroeville, AL. Growing up in a touring bluegrass band, she was enthralled by music at an early age. At the age of 2, she began playing violin. Rebekah played in front of her first crowd at age 3 and began taking piano and violin lessons at age 5. She began her classical training on violin with Lauren (Kirkland) Campbell, and on piano with Susan Kirkland. During her middle/high school years, she trained under Mobile Symphony Orchestra veterans Barbara Flechsenhar and Jim Lichtenburger. Rebekah participated in various levels of the Alabama All State Orchestra during grade school. She also participated in the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2016-2020, spending her last year as Principal 2nd Violin. From 2015-2019, she spent her summers furthering her musical education at Florida State University at the String Orchestra Camp. In addition to her classical accomplishments, she is the 4 year reigning adult fiddle champion of Washington County’s Frankville Fiddler’s Competition.
Now, Rebekah is a senior at the University of Mobile where she is in her last semester of studying Worship Leadership Music Business. Rebekah has spent 3 years of her time at UM in Welsh Revival, an all women’s Celtic ensemble where she played violin, piano, guitar, and mandolin. From 2021-2023, she studied piano under Greg Wiggins, and from 2021-2022, she studied violin under Enen Yu. She has participated in the String Orchestra at the University of Mobile, playing in productions like Christmas Spectacular, Sound of Music, Suor Angelica, Funny Girl, Tuck Everlasting, and more. Currently, Rebekah is the pianist for Citronelle Presbyterian Church. She can be found listening to country music, baking, collecting vinyl records, or playing with her puppy dog, Porter Wag Hicks! Rebekah is a sucker for all things Dolly Parton, Christmas, and cold weather. Rebekah’s favorite part about teaching is when she sees the joy and excitement on a student’s face when they accomplish something they have been working hard for.
Sharon Martin
Sharon has an extensive background in music and has been performing since she put on her first show for her friends at age 6. With a passion for singing, she could always be found playing the piano, haven taken lessons since the age of 9, singing for her church and other events. At her University she studied music education for nearly 2 years, continuing her voice and piano instruction. While studying music there, she joined and performed with a contemporary Christian Band as the lead singer and was invited to perform at the prestigious talent show for the area. She especially loves to sing and teach harmony to others as it comes natural to her ear. Immediately out of University, for many years she was a worship leader and led worship from the piano, with back-up vocalists, violin, banjo and drums. It was during this time that she became interested in studying the drums with a local instructor as she was inspired by a drummer on her team. Since that time she has been involved in the music ministry at the many churches she has attended over the years as soloist, back-up vocalist, piano and keys. Sharon homeschooled her twin sons for their entire education. Along with her private studio for piano, she taught them piano until they went to University. It was during this time she studied violin with a local instructor so she could play along with her sons who also played violin in the 84 piece Orchestra in one of the largest churches in the nation, where she played for many years. It was wonderful to share and pass on her love of music to her sons and see them excel and use their gifts to the glory of God. They both graduated summa cum laude with degrees in music––piano performance and violin performance. One of her sons won numerous awards as a composer and had one of his pieces performed by the Boston Brass. For many years in Atlanta she was blessed to attend the Orchestra Performances by the Cobb Symphony and Atlanta symphony and enjoy the power of all instruments working together to create such a glorious and complex sound. With this background she believes in exposing her students to great work and composers, while also encouraging their own talent and dreams.
Matt Pritchard
Matt Pritchard was born and raised in Mobile AL and has been involved in music ever since he was a young child. He grew up singing in children’s choirs in school and in church, and was involved in almost everything that had to do with music in both.
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After years of being around guitar players at church and other venues, Matt began playing guitar in high school. The guitar is one of Matt’s great joys in life. He has been a guitar player for over 23 years, and in that time he has used the guitar extensively for leading worship in local churches, for writing songs as a singer-songwriter, and for instruction. Matt has had professional music training from the University of Mobile, learning music theory, taking classical guitar lessons for 3 years, and being involved in guitar ensemble playing. In the 23 years of playing guitar, Matt has been a guitar instructor giving private lessons off and on for more than 15 years, and was the guitar instructor at Alabama School of Math & Science in Mobile AL for 8 years. Matt looks forward to helping students at Musical Beginnings Baldwin County develop a passion for playing and enjoying the guitar!
Aiden Smith
Aiden Smith is a dedicated guitar teacher and experienced musician with over 13 years of playing and 2 years of teaching under his belt, specializing in metal guitar. A graduate of Daphne High School (Class of 2020) and currently attending the University of South Alabama, Aiden combines his deep passion for music with a patient, encouraging teaching style.
Aiden works with students of all ages and skill levels, helping them build confidence and develop their unique voice on the guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to master advanced techniques, his lessons are tailored to fit each student’s goals and interests.
Aiden brings a strong foundation in music theory and technique to his lessons, guiding students through everything from high-speed riffing to intricate lead work. His friendly, supportive approach creates a welcoming environment, aiming to inspire each student to reach their fullest potential.
Holly White
Mrs. Holly was born and raised in Baldwin County, alabama. She has always been drawn to music, ever since she could walk. Her entire family is very passionate about music, and she grew up singing alongside her brother. Mrs. Holly took piano lessons as a child and absolutely fell in love. She began singing in the church choir, then eventually singing solos each Sunday. She graduated from Judson college with a focus on psychology and music, and completed her minor in music along with a senior voice recital in classical music. She participated in the college choir for the duration of her time in college. After she graduated, she continued with her passion for music and sang with a band for a year around Baldwin County. Along with being a new mom, she is currently pursuing her Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling at Faulkner University. She is looking forward to graduating and becoming a child and adolescent counselor. She loves to think about ways to incorporate music into her future sessions. "I’m so excited to be apart of Musical Beginnings because I think it is so important to introduce and nourish a child’s interest in music."
