About
Our Mission
Oconee Music strives to provide a consistently great experience for every member of our tribe: parents, students & teachers. We want our students to feel joyful during their lessons and to be excited to come make music with us. We want our instruction to be so energetic and caring that students feel like music is an integral part of their lives.
We want to have a tribe of students and parents that are eclectic, friendly, modern, and technology-friendly. We want parents to be excited about our innovations and enthusiastic about their child’s progress. We strive to have the most cutting-edge music lessons in town. By teaching with music kids’ love, we hope to inspire passion, practice, and a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Happy Parents = Happy Kids
The Heart of Oconee Music
Oconee Music was founded by a mom and teacher. This is her story!
Confession time
I hated to practice when I was a kid! Everyday was battle with my mom over practice time. To me, the music was boring. My teacher never let me choose my own music and weekly lessons felt so slow. Did you take from the same teacher as I did?
Finding a Solution
I started Oconee Music after years of teaching piano lessons the “traditional way.” I was surprised when some of the most talented students quit because they were bored and struggling to learn to read music, even though they enjoyed music. As a mom, I know it’s not fun to be the bad guy with your kids, especially while pushing them to practice an instrument you thought they’d love.
The question is, how do we get our children to be excited to learn to play music? The truth is, kids do love music! We allow them independence to choose their music while focusing more on playing and less on reading notes.
The Oconee Music Method
Think of it like this, when children learn to read in school that they have already been speaking for years! Why should traditional lessons jump in with note-reading immediately?
From lesson one, we start playing songs the student enjoys. When children feel like they are playing real music, they will be more inspired to practice at home. Success nurtures more success. Our lessons and classes are designed to be adjusted according to the child’s needs, to foster their independence, and to build self-confidence through successful music performance.
Music in the Real World
Being able to play an instrument opens many doors in life – from rock bands to band programs to community choirs to church groups, there is never a lack of social opportunities for musicians. Musicians are looked up to and admired. Being a musician means being part of a supportive community of musical friends. I want that for your family and I hope you’ll join us at Oconee Music.
Our Talented Instructors
Tom Connerley
Piano Tom Connerley is a classical pianist and aspiring composer from Athens, GA. In his performance career, he has participated in masterclasses with Emanuel Ax and Dmitri Vorobiev, and has
Simone Hayes
Piano We are so excited to welcome Ms. Simone to our team of expert piano instructors. Simone Hayes is a pianist from Marietta, Georgia. She’s had a love for the
SaVana Cameron
SaVana Cameron is the Co-Owner and Director of Oconee Music. SaVana teaches voice at Oconee Music and is a versatile singer & songwriter. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Music
Jacob Mallow
Jacob Mallow picked up the acoustic guitar at 15 and fell in love with music ever since. At the University of Georgia, Mallow received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a certificate in Music Business
Emma Gordon
Piano, Clarinet, Ukulele Born to two parents with music degrees, it was inevitable that Emma would pursue music. Emma Gordon began playing piano at 5 years old after begging her
Bryan Johnson
Violin, Viola Bryan Johnson is a DMA student at the University of Georgia and studies viola with Professor Maggie Snyder. He currently serves as the violist for the Hodgson String
Asila Folds
Voice Asila Folds is a vocalist from New York City. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Opera Performance from Ithaca College and is currently pursuing her Equivalency/Masters in Music Therapy
Amber Miller
Voice, guitar, ukulele, piano, Kiddy Keys Oconee Music Instructor, Amber Miller teaches Kidzrock, guitar, ukulele, and voice. Amber holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Georgia Southern University, as
