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Teaching Methods:
The Kaley School teachers always customize our teaching approaches to each student's unique abilities, strengths and needs. We work continually with parents and students to understand your goals and help students find their own personal meaning in music lessons. For some students, this may simply mean a structured, creative activity which helps them learn to focus better on everyday tasks or improves their self image. For others, it may be the creative outlet they are not getting in school. Still other students' music goals will become a foundation for a lifetime hobby, a music scholarship, or a career in the arts.
We gently mold outstanding technique and posturing early on. We jumpstart all students' educations with the elementary through college-level theory that other teachers only gloss over. For young students we use flashcards, games and illustrated workbooks to teach theory. Older students will begin scales, chords and technique exercises sooner than they would at other studios. We feel this allows students to not only move forward into more challenging repertoire, but to invent music for themselves.
We use the student's primary music instrument as a tool for a holistic music education. We try to involve all of our piano, voice, strings and woodwinds students with the four major eras of classical music styles, including an integrative knowledge of music history. We then concentrate on what styles each student enjoys the most. This may be seen as two-dimensional, but we find that it keeps students interested in lessons and builds a foundation for exploring other genres in more detail later in life. Guitar and drum students tell us at the outset what type of music they are interested in, and then receive extensive training in note reading, chord reading, posturing, style emulation, and technique, as well as many other creative arts.
We also introduce new genres and eras of music to all students. At our recitals, it's common to hear Beethoven followed by Billy Joel, Rascal Flatts leading into Rebikov, or Dinah Shore and then a drum solo. We also have at least one student in almost every recital who has composed his or her own own piece for debut.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teachers
Click Question to show/hide answer.
It depends on your location, scheduling needs, and student level. Without this information I cannot give you an accurate price quote or availability report. Please fill out the application form online or give us a call to see what the current availability is for each instrument or teacher.
A few of our instructors have specific knowledge, experience and talent in doing so; please inquire about your needs.
I do not believe that every student thrives only with a teacher who has completed a certain kind of degree. I’ve seen some young beginners start lessons and quit within a year or two because they could not connect emotionally or goal-wise with a teacher who specializes in advanced students. One reason we give price breaks for Levels 1 and 2 is because we have some teachers who do not expect to get paid as much as ones with advanced degrees. However, I only hire Level 1 and 2 teachers with proven talent in teaching and who are eager and able to do what is most important for their beginner students—accurately teach the basics, keep students interested, and foster a joy of music. Level 1 and 2 teachers also lay the groundwork for the disciplined habits needed in advanced music study.
Once students reach Level 3, I do insist that they work with an instructor I’ve approved to teach Levels 3 and 4 in that instrument. These instructors hold or are in the later stages of pursuing an advanced music degree, or have equivalent teaching and performance experience. They are able to impart specialized knowledge of advanced theory, technique, performance practices, and music history. They also generally have more years of teaching experience than our Level 1-2 instructors. One of the great things about our unique Level System is that we have specific ways to track students’ progress and to always provide the right teacher at the right time. In this way we operate more as a school than most traditional studios.
Our Level System was developed exclusively by me, Kaley Shorter, and is evaluated and updated when necessary by my varied team of teachers. We have four levels of skill for each instrument. A detailed written synopsis is available, which includes comprehensive theory, technique, repertoire and practice requirements for each Level. Level 1 is for beginners of all ages and usually takes around a year to complete. Level 2 is intermediate and takes 2-4 years to complete. Level 3 is advanced and can take 2-5 additional years to complete. Level 4 is for advanced students wishing to apply competitively for music programs/opportunities at the university, conservatory or major competition level. We specialize in having specific teachers with the knowledge and experience to teach each Level and will always match students accordingly, so they get the most out of their music education.
All teachers must clear a national background check and a state driving record check. These are performed by a third party company with whom I’ve worked for four years. I also make a point to personally speak to or at least receive a detailed email from three or more personal references, including other private lesson clients, mentors, former employers, etc. Most of my teachers are actually referred to me by my existing teachers, and several were my own personal acquaintances before working with me. I am proud to hire and send to our clients’ homes only individuals of top character and integrity, whom I would invite to work with my child in my home.
Please fill out our online application as completely as possible, or call me, Kaley Shorter, Director, at (352) 371-7225. I will personally contact you as soon as possible to find out more about your specific needs and to give you more information. My job is to ensure that we can accommodate your expectations and that one of my teachers is an ideal match for your student.
Once we agree on a teacher and a lesson schedule, I’ll bring the teacher to your home myself so we can all meet in a no-obligation interview. The teacher will spend time with the student, teaching him or her a few things and assessing where to begin with each particular student. I’ll go over our policies and payment options with the parent who wishes to be on the account. You’ll have ample opportunity to speak with the teacher yourself. If you’d like to begin lessons, I’ll take a pro-rated check at that time and provide you with a receipt and a specific starting date.
We’re not looking for students on their way to Carnegie Hall. We want every student in the school to be successful. All that means is that they have a true love of studying their instrument. They do not need to pass any talent test. They merely need to be interested of their own accord in the instrument, and have the time and encouragement they need to practice. If music is just another activity on your family’s busy itinerary, this semester may not be the best time to start lessons. If you’re insisting that your child learn an instrument because you feel they should be well-rounded, or because you did not pursue one as much as you would have liked, this is a worthy sentiment. But please consider their interests and how much you may or may not have to fight with them over practice time, or how this activity may take away from other things your child might truly enjoy pursuing. Ask yourself if it’s worth your investment in lessons. Consider all the students who truly want to take lessons and may be placed on our waiting list to work with one of our teachers.
The important thing, besides the student’s level of interest, is how much energy you have to enforce regular practice time from your child and to encourage their musical efforts. It doesn’t take much, but without it, your student will be at a huge disadvantage.
If you have a preference for a certain teacher, I’ll make every effort to match your child with that teacher or the next most similar teacher.
We have detailed biographies on this page (click any teacher's name or photo for details). If any of your questions are not answered by these summaries, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more info.
Please let me know, so I can determine if we have enough demand for that instrument to recruit a new instructor.
Attention span and interest level are the main factors; with those in place, I believe that young children can effectively begin learning to play music before they can read it, which is the essential component of the Suzuki method. We have seen a few violin students start (Suzuki) at age three. For our standards, children must be at least four before starting private piano lessons, and then we only take some of those applicants on a case-by-case basis. Five or six is best for piano, age 6+ for drums, 8+ for voice and woodwinds, 9+ for guitars. These are standards I've gleaned from 15 years of teaching experience and from the many teachers I've worked with. I don't usually recommend starting very young children on private music lessons, because it will often take them two or more years to progress to the level they could attain in one year if they’d started later. There are always exceptions, and if you believe your child is showing some outstanding aptitude for music or a particular instrument, we would be happy to meet with you for free and help you evaluate his or her readiness for private lessons.
I always suggest to parents of children under four or five that you try MusikGarten, Kindermusik, O2BKids’ music program, or a church or community children's music class or choir, etc. to begin to develop an ear for rhythm, timbre, and the joy of music. These group music experiences can be very valuable to toddlers and preschoolers and are often the basis for lasting friendships as well.
No, we specialize only in private lessons at this time.
A few of our instructors teach adults as well as kids. The question is, do you have the time commitment to practice, and the patience with yourself to learn a new language and set of fine motor skills? If you do, it’s never too late to realize your dream of being a great musician, or just having fun making music. We have several successful adult students who continuously wow us at recitals.
We offer convenient scheduling. Some of our teachers are available during earlier day hours, which makes it easy to integrate music into your home curriculum.
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Our Teachers:
Robin "Kaley" Shorter
Piano Levels 1-2
Specialties: Young children, children with special needs, composing, songwritingClick Name or Photo for details 
Alexis Thompson (NEW!)
Piano Levels 1-2,
French Horn Levels 1-2
Specialties: Children and teens, band preparation/tutoring, jazzClick Name or Photo for details 
Chuck Michaelson
Piano Levels 1-3, Guitar 1-2, Flute 1
Specialties: Children through adults, composing, blues, jazz, popClick Name or Photo for details 
Erin Cushing
Clarinet Levels 1-4, Piano 1-3
Specialties: Band preparation/tutoring, younger beginners in both instrumentsClick Name or Photo for details 
Anastasiya (Ana) Naplekova
Piano Levels 1-4
Specialties: Older children and teens, Classical, Russian composers, competitionsClick Name or Photo for details 
Hsiao-Wei Chen (NEW!)
Piano Levels 1-3, Flute Levels 1-3
Specialties: Band preparation/tutoring, Classical, all agesClick Name or Photo for details 
Shane Welker (NEW!)
Guitar Levels 1-2
Specialties: Older children and teens, Classical, Modern, theoryClick Name or Photo for details 
Chris Storey
Guitar & Drums Levels 1-4,
Bass Guitar 1-2
Specialties: All ages, rock, guitar picking, jazz, world percussion, band prep/tutoringClick Name or Photo for details
Alexis Thompson
Piano Levels 1-2, French Horn Levels 1-2
Specialties: Children and teens, band preparation/tutoring, jazz
Alexis Thompson is pursuing her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education at the University of Florida. She has assisted the music directors at several North Florida schools, including Lincoln Middle and P.K. Yonge Elementary Schools, as well as at Gatorland Band Camp. She has performed in many ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra. Alexis plays the piano weekly for the residents and staff of a local assisted living facility in Gainesville, and also for a local church. She is actively involved in Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women, and in Collegiate Music Educators National Conference.
Alexis grew up in a music teaching environment, thanks to her parents' studio. She has been teaching private lessons in various settings since 2003 and very much enjoys interacting with children. She emphasizes a strong and early understanding of theory, and facilitates parent involvement for maximum progress. Parents of her current students say, "My son has been inspired by Alexis to continue with piano lessons and now plays for leisure." "She is very helpful, courteous, and great with kids." "We have had several undergrad students teach music lessons for us, and Alexis is the best." We are proud to offer Alexis's energetic and professional approach to piano, Levels 1-2 and French Horn, Levels 1-2 for children through teenagers.
Anastasiya (Ana) Naplekova
Piano Levels 1-4
Specialties: Older children and teens, Classical, Russian composers, competitions
Anastasiya (Ana) Naplekova was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where she began piano lessons at the age of five and was later admitted to the Kharkiv Music School for exceptionally talented students. In 2002 Anastasiya received from the Kharkiv State University of Arts her Bachelor of Arts in Piano and Organ, with qualification as an Accompanist and Teacher. She went on at Kharkiv to receive a Master in Musical Arts, with qualification as a Concert Performer, Chamber Band Artist, Accompanist, Researcher, and Teacher at a Higher Educational Institution for Piano and Organ. She is presently pursuing a Master in Piano Performance at University of Florida, where she is a Graduate Assistant; she also serves as accompanist for Southwest United Methodist Church in Gainesville.
Anastasiya has received many prizes in international piano competitions, such as First Prize of the International Prokofiev Piano Competition (Ukraine, 1998), Fourth Prize of the 4th International A. Alieva Piano Competition (France, 2004), First Prize and Special Prize of the Rudolph Firkusni International Piano Competition (Czech Republic, 2005), Six Prize of International Piano Competition in memory of V. Horowitz (Ukraine, 2007) and Winner of the University of Florida Concerto Competition (2008).
Anastasiya also has participated in numerous international music festivals and master classes, including the International S.V. Rachmaninoff piano festival in Moscow, the Paris International Summer sessions organized under the Foundation Bell' Arte, and Beethoven master classes with Menahem Pressler in Boston. She has given solo recitals and has been featured with numerous orchestras in the Ukraine, Russia, Czech Republic, France and the U.S.A. A City of Gainesville office holder wrote a letter to Anastasiya after a University of Florida Symphony Orchestra concert in 2009, praising her, "The Rachmaninoff was so well rendered by the orchestra that they truly deserved a soloist of your talent to make magic for that rapt audience."
One of Anastasiya's mentors calls her "hard-working, very serious about her craft and extremely loyal." Another says that she has "high expectations of her students, will instill good technical and musical skills in even the youngest students, will be detail-oriented enough to push students to the highest level they can achieve, will be tough enough to not let students get by with mediocrity, and will still be positive and encouraging at the same time." A third who has worked with Anastasiya says she is "fantastic, very reliable, very sensitive playing on the piano." Having taught mostly intermediate and advanced students for several years, Anastasiya is well-prepared to teach Kaley School Levels I-IV, and we are proud to offer her expertise for older children and teens.
Chuck Michaelson
Piano Levels 1-3, Guitar 1-2, Flute 1
Specialties: Children through adults, composing, blues, jazz, pop
Chuck Michaelson has been a staple in Gainesville's music teaching and performing community for more than 20 years. Hailing from Chicago, Chuck completed both his Bachelors of Arts in Music History and Masters in Music at UF. Through his own Gainesville-based studio, Helios Music Enterprises, he has taught students of all ages and many levels in piano, guitar, organ, flute, digital keyboards, recorder and ukelele. He's a multi-talented composer whose instrumental pieces are infused with elements of classical, blues, and jazz. He's currently working on an album of original material.
Chuck has performed with classic rock, top 40, funk, R&B, and jazz groups, and has served as an opening act for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and legendary Texas bluesman Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. As a soloist he's played classical music, blues, jazz, and original compositions. Before devoting himself to music full time, he worked for 8 years as a WUFT radio announcer hosting various shows on public radio, including "Nothing But the Blues", "Montage" (jazz), and "Musica Antiqua" (Renaissance and Medieval). He regularly plays weddings and other social events in North Central Florida.
Besides classical, jazz, blues, rock, and pop, Chuck loves to teach composition and improvisation. He believes in giving students of all instruments an early, solid base of theory, and devises creative ways to teach rhythm, note-naming, and other music skills. Parents of his current piano and guitar students say: "Chuck is flexible in his teaching methods and will adapt to the child and/or the circumstances (understand the child's mood of the day!)" "I believe that he enjoys conveying his love of music." "Chuck is absolutely EXCELLENT and has that special FANTASTIC TOUCH with young people that has been keeping my son eager and looking forward to his lesson each week." "Chuck knows how to keep everything fun and interesting while still providing valuable lessons that relate to the guitar and music theory."
The Kaley School is delighted to offer the expert instruction of Chuck Michaelson in Levels I-III piano, organ, keyboard and recorder, Levels I-II guitar and ukelele, and Level I flute, for all ages.
Shane Welker
Guitar Levels 1-2
Specialties: Older children, teens, pop, rock, blues, inspirational music
Shane Welker is a recent graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. He has worked extensively with youth through national nonprofit organizations and locally through volunteering at Lincoln Middle School. He currently lends his musical talents to the worship ensemble at First Assembly Church of God in Gainesville.
To his established private music teaching experience, Shane brings more than 9 years of guitar performance experience. This includes solo acoustic music, bands and church groups, and playing styles from fingerpicking to hard rock. Shane admires the way music theory is structured and strives to emphasize the importance of theory and good technique to every student. He encourages all students to know what styles they like and to play what they enjoy. A former student of Shane's says, "I admired his style of playing and his constant positive attitude. He taught me a lot about specific points of theory." A mentor says of his work with the youth ministry, "Shane has always done a wonderful job in every capacity."
The Kaley School is delighted to offer Shane's upbeat and inspiring lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, Levels 1-2.
Hsiao-Wei Chen
Piano Levels 1-3, Flute Levels 1-3
Specialties: Band preparation/tutoring, Classical, all ages
Hsiao-Wei Chen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Flute Performance from University of Miami. She attends University of Florida's Masters of Music program with emphasis in Flute Performance. She has performed with numerous ensembles, including the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Hsiao-Wei has taught flute and piano to many students, including at the YAMAHA Institute in Taiwan, and with an established studio in Miami. She also has experience teaching in homes. Hsiao-Wei particularly enjoys working with children and beginners and is creative in keeping their attention and explaining musical concepts. Her focus is primarily on Classical music, with emphasis on theory, excellent practice habits, and developing individualized performance attributes. She brings particularly innovative techniques to advanced flute students. Parents of her former students say, "Hsiao-Wei is a fantastic teacher, great with beginners, and wonderful with kids." "She did a really good job of keeping me motivated, even though I was a PhD student and my hours were limited."
The Kaley School is proud to offer Hsiao-Wei's expertise in teaching Piano Levels 1-3 and Flute Levels 1-3.
Robin "Kaley" Shorter
Piano Levels I-II
Specialties: young children, children with special needs, composing, songwriting
Robin "Kaley" Shorter, is owner, director, and chief instructor of KSM. An experienced piano teacher, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kaley studied piano from age six through college, including under alumnae of The Juilliard School and Peabody Conservatory. For two years, she also studied harpsichord and eighteenth century dance with music masters of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. At age 17 she began teaching students ages five to adult at the Peninsula School of Music in Newport News, Virginia; she went on to work with private piano students at Queens University Music Academy, and founded The Kaley School of Music in Orange County, California, in 2002. She taught children's private lessons and classes for a year at Peggy's Music For Kids here in Gainesville, while running The Kaley School.
Kaley also has five years' experience working as a Board-Certified Music Therapist with clients having many disabilities ranging from head trauma to mental illness. Her lifelong love of music and of helping others reach their potential has inspired her piano students to learn quickly and stay devoted to music.
Kaley, an ASCAP Songwriter and Publisher Member, is a seasoned music composer and performer. Her piano-driven pop band Nektarine shared the stage with national acts and garnered praise and media attention throughout Southern California from 2002 to 2004. From 2004 to 2007 she performed her original songs with her band, Killarney Star, in more than a dozen North Florida venues, and produced two full-length albums. Her original songs are featured on podcasts worldwide. Kaley has played and sang for weddings, parties and upscale lounges throughout the United States and has performed with the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra. Kaley features composing and songwriting as part of her piano curriculum to interested students.
Kaley's husband, Allen Shorter, has become a partner of the Kaley School creating/maintaining the website's customer billing and teacher management systems, and helping with the recitals. He creates enterprise management solutions for a global engineering firm as an associate software developer.
Erin Cushing
Clarinet Levels 1-4, Piano Levels 1-3
Specialties: band preparation/tutoring, younger beginners in both instruments
Erin Cushing has a Masters of Music in Conducting from University of Florida and holds a BM in music and a BS in Public Relations from UF, as well as a Professional Teaching License in the State of Florida. She has three years' experience teaching music and band in elementary and high school settings, and several years experience as director or counselor at various music camps. Erin has experience as a teaching assistant and a graduate assistant at UF. She has taught private clarinet and piano lessons for eight years.
Erin's many honors and awards include the Temple Terrace Elementary Excellence in Education Award in December, 2005, and the University of Florida Scholars Award in May, 2003, for her original research on "PR Strategies for a Performing Arts Organization." She is a member of the Florida Music Educator's Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Erin's talents as a music teacher are highly recommended by her mentors as an "accomplished" musician", "a great teacher for beginner through advanced students", and "a wonderful person who loves teaching." A parent of her current piano students calls Erin "punctual, professional, easy to work with" and says, "She works hard in each lesson to make sure each of our daughters succeeds in their lesson." The Kaley School is pleased to offer Erin's creative, positive instruction to Level I-IV clarinet students and Level I-II piano students. Children only in piano, adults for clarinet on a case-by-case basis.
Chris Storey
Guitar & Drums Levels 1-4, Bass Guitar 1-2
Specialties: all ages, rock, guitar picking, jazz, world percussion, band prep/tutoring
Mr. Chris grew up in New Orleans and learned to appreciate music from a young age. He was inspired by his father and other artists to develop skills in blues, jazz, classical, Flamenco, rock, and other styles of guitar. Chris later befriended Ellie Manette, the founder of the modern steel drum, and got involved in world drumming. Chris developed an after-school program to teach steel drumming to an underprivileged group of 11- and 12-year-olds, and this further inspired his pursuit of a career in percussion. Chris has played and taught in a number of drum corps and marching bands, including the UF Drum Line. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Percussion Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Chris served as Percussion Graduate Assistant at the University of Florida, where he earned his Master of Music in Percussion Performance degree in 2006.
In private lessons and classes, for all ages, Chris has taught various styles of guitar since he was in high school, and many styles of percussion since 1999. He was the music teacher at Williston Elementary for a year. His students and students' parents have praised him as "very professional", able to "vary the difficulty of the lesson to the ability of the student" and "positive and upbeat." His former and current mentors laud his character, talent and dedication. Chris joins the Kaley School as a Level I-IV drum and guitar instructor for children through adults. Chris is able to customize his curriculum for students wishing to learn or improve upon specific styles of guitar or percussion, including marching band and rock, as well as for students interested in classical guitar instruction. He also teaches electric bass, specializing in rock and jazz techniques.
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