Tamara began playing music at the age of 5 on the piano which she studied all the way through college.  She grew up locally and began playing trumpet in the 7th grade at Enka Middle School.  She consistently was one of the best trumpeters, even making the All State Honors band in NC her senior year. Tamara then studied at Appalachian State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Industry with a focus on recording and marketing. She has extensive experience playing symphonic band, marching

band, jazz, rock, wind ensemble, traditional and modern worship styles of music, and has some choral and orchestral

experience as well. 

Tamara is a singer/songwriter and plays electric and acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. Over the years she has also played and sung with numerous worship teams, a local Christian Rock Band called Zoeseed, and currently can be heard playing with Atmospheres, the worship team from C3 church in Asheville at 168 Merrimon Ave. 

Their new album which is getting some radio play,can be found on itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/atmospheres/id374407241 or http://www.atmospheresonline.com   She has also recently been heard playing blues organ and trumpet with Dr. Bob and the Disciples of Groove in downtown Asheville.

Tamara loves to see her students excel. Because of her focus on having a full, mature sound, even Tamara's youngest trumpet students tend to develop a great sound quickly. She looks for new innovative ways of teaching and even writes new exercises on the spot to help students with specific problems. She concentrates on how to practice properly in addition how to sight read and audition.  Many of her students have made the All-County, All-District and even the All State Honors Bands.

Keyboarding lessons with Tamara: Tamara can help you learn how to use proper sounds and keyboarding techniques geared to the type of music you are playing.  Whether you need a more techno, orchestral or rock sound, she can show you how to pick great sounds from your keyboard for the right moment.  She teaches how to use chording methods, including the Nashville Numbers System, as well as how to write your own parts to various songs.

Tamara teaches all styles of music and encourages her students to compose their own music.

Testimonials

“Tamara is cool because I like her teaching method and she is nice.”

Michael G., age 10.

“Tamara has been my instructor for about 5 years. She has helped me become a better player, person, and musician. She also helped tremendously in the transition from middle school orchestra to the awsome Enka High Marching Band.”

R. Crisp