Instructor Bios
Violin Instructor — Olivia Beckett
Olivia Beckett is currently majoring in Music Education at Evangel University. Olivia has studied the violin for sixteen years and has taught privately for four years. She has participated in multiple competitions and orchestras in both Kansas City and Springfield, MO. Olivia loves working with kids of all ages and abilities and plans to continue teaching after graduation both in the classroom and studio setting for many years to come!
Drawing Instructor — David Bigelow
David Bigelow is an artist and a teacher at Evangel University since 1971. David has BFA and MFA degrees in printmaking, painting and drawing from the University of Michigan. He has shown his work widely across the United States and has just returned from Japan where he showed his work and helped explain direct marketing to Japanese artists. David believes everyone CAN draw and that they SHOULD draw. Drawing gives one satisfaction and increases one’s awareness and understanding of the world around us. Drawing is another way to tap into the creative nature we have all been given.
Suzuki Violin Preparatory Instructor — Starla Blair
Starla Blair has taught private violin and viola for over thirty years in the Springfield area, and was director of the Missouri State University Suzuki Violin Program for nearly fifteen years. She also has taught adjunct strings at Evangel University and Central Bible College. Starla has played in the viola section of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for thirty-five years, and performs regularly as a freelance musician in the Springfield-Branson area. Starla has been active in the National Federation of Music Clubs for over twenty years and currently serves on the national board of directors for the organization. She received both her bachelor degree and masters degree in education from Missouri State University with emphasis in music.
Guitar Instructor — Clint Harrison
Clint Harrison is presently the guitar instructor at Evangel University, Central Bible College, Baptist Bible College, Ozarks Tech Community College, Home-school Orchestra as well as the Studio. Clint has been teaching guitar for 35+ years. His BM degree is from Southwest Baptist University. He has been on staff as worship leader in various churches for 20 years. He has taught music full time the last 15 years to all ages in all styles from beginners to advanced.
Brass Ensemble Instructor — Paul S. Reed
Paul S. Reed has retired after 25 years as the Head Band Director in the Fremont (Ohio) City Schools, where he was coordinator of the instrumental music program grades 6 through 12 and directed the Symphonic, Chamber Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Marching, Community Service, Pep Bands and Pit Orchestra. Under his direction his bands have consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings in the OMEA. Many of his students have been selected for honors band participation. Paul received his B.M.E. from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, a M.M.E. from West Virginia University and he continues his post-graduate studies with prominent band conductors. He is a member of OMEA/MMEA, MENC and a former member of NBA, NAJE and WASBE.
Digital Photography Instructor — Lane Simmons
Lane Simmons, founder and owner of Zone 5 Photography is a freelance photographer and photography instructor at Evangel University since 2005. Lane teaches traditional film and darkroom techniques as well as digital photography including the use of D-SLR cameras and Photoshop post-processing. He has been in the photography industry for 15 years and has worked with clients such as the publication - Today’s Pentecostal Evangel. His passion is for event coverage/photojournalism, he loves to capture moments as they unfold in real time and convey emotion contained within those events. He is also passionate about teaching others to create incredible imagery.
Piano Instructor — Susan Sheets
Susan Sheets (CSA Director) has taught class piano at Evangel University for music majors and degree completion students since fall 2007. She also teaches adult piano classes for the Scott Houston's program, private piano lessons, substitute teaches for SPS music education teachers, plays piano for the contemporary worship service and directs the children's music/drama at Evangel Temple. For the past 25+ years she has taught elementary, secondary and post-secondary music ed, choral, voice and piano lessons in 5 states for various schools and churches. She is certified/member with ACSI and MENC.
Percussion Instructor — Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson is a Junior Music Industry Major at Evangel University. Eric has studied snare and drumset techniques for the last ten years, he has played for several bands and in many live settings. Eric has also volunteered time as a studio drummer for recording bands. Eric loves kids and works well with people of all ages, he hopes to become a professional studio drummer and one day own a studio of his own to record music and teach lessons.