Baldwin County Instructors
Tucker McKee
Prior to studying under nationally-recognized classical guitarist Dr. Robert Gibson at Troy University, Tucker McKee earned his foundational music chops across Clarke County, Alabama. While procuring his Bachelor of Science in Music degree, McKee was not only part of the college’s Guitar Studio ensemble, but he also started including titles like producer, songwriter, and composer to his résumé. Among other clef-shaped feathers in his cap, Tucker’s original compositions were featured by Gibson’s Duo R2 during his collegiate years, and his work has been commissioned by the Baldwin Fretted Instrument Youth Orchestra. Nowadays you can find McKee sharing his ever-expanding repertoire of music theory and guitar technique tips on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he has collectively gained 200,000 followers, and counting. Tucker’s eclectic educational content pieces have landed him collaborations with both Fender and Cort Guitars. His artist discography is available across all major streaming platforms; look for releases like “Pictures” and “Sunflower Days”. Now residing in Mobile, Alabama, McKee continues to share his love of music through his work as a freelance guitarist and online content creator.
Christopher Beaudette
Christopher was born in Montana and lived all over the States and Europe as a child of an Air Force Officer. He began teaching himself how to play piano at 16 using wikipedia articles and YouTube videos. Having experienced the difficulties of learning on his own, he understands the importance of having a professional and encouraging music tutor to help students develop quickly and enjoy the experience. He has been teaching private lessons for over half a decade, specializing in piano while offering guitar and bass as well. He believes that music is a gift and he strives to pass that skill on to as many students as possible. He has been playing at Resurrection Church in Daphne for 3 years, along with playing in wedding bands and for events.
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.
Kawanis Johnson
Like every other band kid in the county, his journey with music started in the sixth grade. He originally wanted to play percussion, but the last spot was filled right before him, and he picked the euphonium. Because it wasn’t his initial pick, he hated it at first, but by the end of the first semester, he was having a blast. Fast forward to his seventh grade year and he was fully confident that he wanted to pursue this for the rest of his life, and he began the process that year. From that moment, he taught himself how to read music in the treble clef, as well as teaching himself clarinet, alto saxophone, flute, and their corresponding scales, transposing whatever baritone music he had to fit whatever instrument he was learning that day to give himself more music to play. In high school he joined the marching band where he served as low brass drill sergeant for two years, and baritone section leader in his senior year. While in college marching band, he served as baritone section leader for two years, assistant drum major for one year, and head drum major for another two years until he eventually left school. Also in that time, he joined the Phi Boota Roota Percussion Fraternity, where he expanded his musical knowledge and learned to read percussion music and learned mallet instruments.
Jennifer Felicelli
Jennifer Felicelli was raised mostly in the Midwest and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Psychology while playing volleyball at Marietta College in Ohio. She earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a PhD in Psychology at Capella University. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 9 and has always enjoyed music in all forms. She is fluent in French, Spanish and Italian and believes music is another language in which to communicate. Jennifer has a long history of working with children in many settings, most recently in education settings and sports. She especially enjoys watching children learn a new skill and the pride you can see on their faces. She believes music students are a special treat because of their ability to share their talents with others.
Kathy Johansen
Kathy Johansen has been studying piano since the age of four. At the age of 17 she achieved the honor of completing an international piano performance requirement. With degrees in both vocal and piano performance, Kathy has successfully played and sung with her husband in their variety band. Pensacola Little theater offered the opportunity to act as music director for a number of their professionally produced musicals. In addition, the decades, long career of directing and accompanying church choirs has been constant in her life since high school.
