About
Creativity is a fickle child. It demands boundaries to grow, yet seeks the freedom to explore. In the absence of structure, it may wander aimlessly or hide in the dark recesses of our minds. To nurture this capricious spirit, we must arm ourselves with confidence in our abilities or a solid plan to acquire them.
I'm multimodal artist, my commercial focus being photography and music production. A decorated classical pianist, I placed second in the state of Tennessee twice in my youth. In college, I won the Southeast Composer's Conference with a choir composition. At Berklee College of Music, from which I graduated cum laude in 2004, I focused on jazz, so I'm fluent in both languages - classical and contemporary.
In teaching music, I prioritize sparking students’ passion by blending the practical application of theory with the joy of playing music they love. This approach is about making music accessible and engaging, fostering an environment where creativity can run free, yet guided. Communication becomes a bridge for collaboration, turning individual notes into a symphony of collective expression.
Photography, too, is a domain where creativity plays freely within the confines of my lens. My images have captured the speed and spirit of motorcycle racing, filling the pages of magazines and defining the visual stories of an entire sport. Through my lens, I teach students to frame their creativity, setting the stage for it to shine boldly or whisper gently in shadows and light.
Please visit my website www.KendrickCreates.com to see and listen to my work.
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Experience level
Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
aileen B.
Amanda T.
Allison L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The most important aspect to any new relationship is rapport, and I establish rapport by spending the first part of the introductory lesson finding common ground in music tastes and sharing experiences. I like to tell the story about touring with a Journey tribute band that failed horribly It was a truly embarrassing moment in my career, and students seem to relate to it for one reason or another.
During this first lesson, I will explain briefly why I structure my lessons along 13 week cohorts, or semesters. At the end of each cohort, we can look forward to a recital of some form where the student can show off everything they've learned over the course of the cohort.
The first lesson is capped by a conversation about expectations and goals, which includes in some cases the student showing me what they know. We discuss how important goal setting is and how to establish a working plan each week to meet the milestones the student sets for him/herself. The milestones each week should be designed to help them reach their overall goal for the 13 week cohort.
We part ways with homework for both the student and me. While the student's assignment is decided on a case by case basis, my homework is to create a listening list to help inspire the student over the next few weeks.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Berklee College of Music
Graduated 2004 - Magna Cum Laude
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Book an hour introductory lesson for just $20!
One hour lessons at my studio on the Cumberland River in Nashville (including remote via Skype, etc):
Standard 13 week cohort - $500 ($38.46/hr)
1hr Lesson 4-Pack - $200 ($50/hr)
1 hr lesson - $75
Travel to your place within greater Nashville area is billed at $0.75/mile.
How did you get started teaching?
I actually started coaching basketball with my father at a catholic middle school, recreational leagues, and AAU. While I understand the theory of basketball better than most, I never had the technical skill or passion for it like I do for music. I started teaching music as a side job when I left Berklee, although I took a hiatus until 2017 to pursue my graduate degree and my career.
What types of students have you worked with?
The majority of my students have been teens with moderate experience in their instrument, although I've taught beginners from 6 to adult and extremely experienced musicians picking up keys/guitar for the first time.