Meet Our Faculty
Private lessons for all ages and levels in piano, strings, woodwinds, and voice. Study classical, jazz, or contemporary styles with our experienced faculty.
Piano
Dr. Michael Lehtinen
School Director
Dr. Michael Lehtinen
DMA and MM from the Eastman School of Music; BM from Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Dr. Lehtinen has been teaching at Southern Park Music School since 1995 and has been the Director since 2006. His students participate in festivals and competitions throughout Charlotte and North Carolina. In addition to teaching piano students of all ages, Dr. Lehtinen is the Organist at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church.
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Dr. Amy Harris
Instructor of Piano
Dr. Amy Harris
DMA from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, MM and BMus from University of Georgia. Dr. Harris has taught private piano lessons in Charlotte since 2005. Dr. Harris teaches students of all ages and skill levels, and her goal as a piano instructor is to teach her students every skill they will need to confidently perform, understand, and value the music they play. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, a Registered Suzuki Piano Teacher, and a member of MTNA and the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum. Most of all, Dr. Harris enjoys teaching her students and sharing in the joys of their musical growth and endeavors.
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Sharon Stricklin
Instructor of Piano
Sharon Stricklin
MM and BMus from Michigan State University. Sharon has 40 years of piano teaching experience. She has previously taught middle school and high school choral music, AP Music Theory, and AP Music History. In addition to teaching, Sharon has been a church music director and accompanist. Sharon enjoys teaching beginners very much as well as students who are more advanced.
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Dr. Gregory Thompson
Instructor of Piano
Dr. Gregory Thompson
DMA from University of South Carolina. Dr. Thompson has been a recitalist and collaborative pianist in concert halls and colleges and universities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He enjoys sharing his joy for the piano with students of all ages and ability levels.
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Janice Williams
Instructor of Piano & Voice
Janice Williams
MM from St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BMus from Tulsa University. Janice has enjoyed teaching students of all ages for over 20 years. She has performed with Opera Carolina for the last 12 years as a chorus member and in small roles. She frequently sings at churches in the Charlotte area. Janice has recently helped form "In The Mood" trio which performs in the area.
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Marscia Martinez-Mendoza
Instructor of Violin & Viola
Alasondro Linney
Instructor of Violin & Viola
Alasondro Linney
BMus from North Carolina School of the Arts. Alasondro teaches mostly traditionally with the Suzuki method incorporated. He has performed with the Charlotte Symphony and the Alabama Symphony. He enjoys performing in the Charlotte area, and enjoys sharing his experience with his students.
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Tanja Bechtler
Instructor of Cello
Tanja Bechtler
MM from Manhattan School of Music; BM from University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Tanja is the Founder and Director of the Bechtler Ensemble, and has had teaching experience at Gardner-Webb University, Queens University, and Central Piedmont University. Tanja performs regularly with symphony orchestras in the area.
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Elaina Palada
Instructor of Flute
Elaina Palada
MM from Northwestern University; BM from Syracuse University. Elaina moved to the Charlotte area in September 2022 to work for Flute World, a flute specialty shop in Charlotte. In addition to working full-time, Elaina enjoys an active career as a performer and teacher. She has performed with several orchestras, and is a substitute flutist for multiple regional orchestras. She is also an in-demand performer for various churches throughout the Carolinas. Originally from Central New York, Elaina has been teaching flute lessons for more than five years and loves sharing her passion for flute with students of all ages!
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Candace Schmitt
Instructor of Oboe
Candace Schmitt
BA, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; BM, Appalachian State University. Candace plays the oboe, flute, and English horn. She is an Adjunct Instructor of Music at Gardner-Webb University. Candace enjoys performing with the Charlotte Civic Orchestra and with the Charlotte Flute Choir. She is especially thrilled when a student catches her passion for the oboe!
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Mark Catoe
Instructor of Saxophone
Mark Catoe
BMusEd from Winthrop University. Multi-instrumentalist Mark Catoe has been working in the area as a musician for than six years, including two years on a cruise ship. Notable performances include engagements with the Charlotte Symphony, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. In addition to teaching saxophone and clarinet, Mark frequently performs as a jazz pianist.
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Mark Catoe
Instructor of Clarinet
Mark Catoe
BMusEd from Winthrop University. Multi-instrumentalist Mark Catoe has been working in the area as a musician for than six years, including two years on a cruise ship. Notable performances include engagements with the Charlotte Symphony, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. In addition to teaching saxophone and clarinet, Mark frequently performs as a jazz pianist.
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Janice Williams
Instructor of Voice
Janice Williams
MM from St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BMus from Tulsa University. Janice has enjoyed teaching students of all ages for over 20 years. She has performed with Opera Carolina for the last 12 years as a chorus member and in small roles. She frequently sings at churches in the Charlotte area. Janice has recently helped form "In The Mood" trio which performs in the area.
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Dr. Gay Pappin
Administrative Assistant
Dr. Gay Pappin
DMA and MM from Louisiana State University. BMusEd from Ouachita Baptist University. Gay has taught piano, organ, theory, and music appreciation in several universities. She has been a church pianist or organist for most of her life. Gay especially enjoys working with the families at Southern Park Music School.
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