Ramblin Rhodes Music proudly introduces our teachers.

Joe Rhodes is one of the owners and says, "I waited fifty years to open a music store. Maybe now I'll find out what I want to be when I grow up!" Joe attended University School in Nashville, Tennessee where he learned vocals, trumpet, and guitar. He had his first band that did paying gigs at ten years old, and started teaching guitar when he was fifteen. He attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, studying English and Psychology and taking music theory courses, classical music appreciation, and worked in various bands. After getting married he worked in Nashville's recording studios as a hired guitar gun, playing and recording music with Emmylou Harris and others. He toured the U.S. with rock, gospel, blues, and country bands and taught High School English and Music.

In Florida Joe managed piano and organ stores for twenty years, did Florida concerts with Diane Semonski of the Lawrence Welk Show, and helped raise his three children. He looks forward to the new challenge of making a successful music school, performance center and retail store.

Jason Rhodes is one of the owners. When he was a little boy he grew up helping his dad in Tennessee recording studios, sometimes falling asleep behind the mixing board. He learned guitar and drums, playing in the marching band at East Lake High School in Pinellas County. He attended U.S.F. and eventually landed a job in the music industry where he worked in retail for twelve years. Jason teaches drums and keyboards and also has an extensive background in teaching and playing organ. He is married and has four children to keep him busy when he's not working at Ramblin Rhodes Music.

Jason's warm personality and humor make him a favorite with parents and children. His extensive training and sound knowledge of music make him an excellent teacher and savvy businessman.

Laurene grew up with a love of the arts. She attended Germaine School of Photography in New York City and has done extensive photographic projects. She was smart enough to marry a music man, (Joe Rhodes), and quickly became immersed in the world of performing and recording, doing publicity photos for the various bands. Working in Nashville and expecting their first child, she and Joe toured the U.S. for two months with the Farm Band. The day after they got home from this extended tour she had her first baby boy.

Laurene and Cristine Rhodes have developed the Ramblin Rascals program for two to five year olds' beginning music. The classes have been well received and we currently run four novice programs.

Surrounded by music as a child, Cristine's journey in music began when she was four years old with piano and voice lessons. When she was ten she added clarinet to her music repertoire and for the next several years played with her school marching band. Eventually switching from piano to organ she worked in retail stores teaching, selling, and managing for fifteen years. Cristine feels she has found her passion in music and teaching.

She is the mother of three children and has seen firsthand how even very young children respond to music. She home-schooled her children for five years in all their subjects. That experience plus her musical background have inspired Cristine to create a music curriculum for two to five year old children. The Ramblin Rascals has been a success in our music school from the beginning.

Mark Smith has lived, played, and taught music in Pasco County all his life. He graduated from the South Central Miami School of Music, graduating with a masters degree in music. He has played with music greats like Randy Travis and Tommy Cash and switches from classical to bluegrass with dexterity. He plays violin, banjo, mandolin and guitar and is an experienced luthier, (creates and repairs stringed instruments)

 

"Life is exciting and advernturous". As a wildlife illustrator, there are subjects everywhere. All animals create an emotion and a response.

Paul has spent may hours, days and weeks in forests, plains, tundra and many perserves all to catch a glimpse or a possible photo of wild game. Recently the national zoos and parks offer a wide variety of species to photograph and draw. Currently Paul's work is being shown at The Plainsman Gallery in Clearwater.

With encouragement from both parents, Paul attended and earned a degree from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Upon graduation, his experience extended over 10 years in the graphic arts industry. Paul married his best friend Pamela, have 3 children and family pet Winston, a cocker spaniel. Both Paul and Pam helped start and became the first and second presidents of "The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County" in Illinois. Being the eldest of 12 children, caring, sharing and mentoring has been a natural role.

I'm originally from the Washington DC area, now I reside in New Port Richey, Florida. I started playing guitar in 1981 and haven't put it down since. After serving in the military, I'm now a guitar instructor and play in and out of bands.

Years as Pianist: 24
Piano Teacher: 9 yrs
Traditional teaching methods include:
Theory and concept, techniques, chording, etc.
Styles of Music:
Classical, Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, and more...
Vocal Instructor: 11 yrs
Instructing Methods:
Proper breathing, diaphragm expansion, pronunciation, diction, etc.
Styles of Music:
Opera, Country, Jazz, Gospel, and more...
Experience:
Instruct large choral groups (seminars, classes, etc.)
Individual breathing and diction classes
Provide theory and technique to bands, groups, etc.
Provide music & vocals for; weddings, birthday & engagement parties
Accomplishments:
Opened Amyjo Keys of Musiq 2007
Acknowledged in Who's Who 2008
Sang back-up for Faith Hill
Made to final audition for Alicia Keys

Bio and photo coming soon.

Born with a love for music Shawna began her muscial exposure at the age of four in the University of Minnesota's Musical Trolley program, now known as the McPhail Center for Music, and hasn't looked back since. With voice & piano as her passion she began her classical piano training at the age of 6, with Maria Rantapaa, and joined the children’s choir at the University of Minnesota at seven years old.

Her High school years were filled with musicals, choirs, and singing in Seven-A-Side, an A Cappella group in Canada. She was awarded a full scholarship to Skirringsaal Folkehoyskole in Norway in 1984.

“I think my strength teaching younger children lies in the realization that each child learns differently. Adapting lessons to cater to the way the child learns really helps them to grow & understand the world of music more quickly thus giving them a sense of accomplishment & enjoyment”.