Kids Make Music- Morganton, NC

Kids Make Music is located in the Historic Howard Home in downtown Morganton. The house was built in 1840 and completely restored by Edward and Mary Foster in 2000 before the Crawleys purchased it for their home/business in 2002.

Alisha Crawley

Kids Make Music is owned and operated by Alisha. She has a degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has 5 years of teaching experience in the public school system of North Carolina and 12 years of private teaching experience. She is a licensed and certified Kindermusik Instructor. Contact Alisha Crawley

Marcus Kearns has experienced music throughout his life in many diverse forms. He is an accomplished composer, songwriter, and pianist, and has spent many years as a recording producer and engineer, and piano instructor. Marcus has a Bachelor degree in music composition, graduating Cum Lauda from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and is also a classically trained pianist. Marcus has had classical symphonic works commissioned by the Western Piedmont Symphony and the Hickory Choral Society. He performs locally as a solo pianist and with his band. Marcus works with our more advanced piano students. He lives in Morganton with his wife and three children. Contact Marcus Kearns

Sally McIlwain began her piano training at the age of 6, studying under the instruction of Rosemary Wynans, through the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. With an emphasis on classical training and performance piano, she has publicly performed and competed throughout her piano training years. Sally has taught piano to children and adults for over 30 years, with studios in Colorado and California, blending theory and technique into her teaching style for a solid musical foundation. Sally and her husband recently relocated to Morganton from southern California. Sally is a licensed/certified Kindermusik instructor with Kids Make Music. Contact Sally McIlwain

Joan Thomas has 30 years of experience with the piano. She has been a church pianist and organist for over 14 years and studied herself for 11 years. Joan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration from Bob Jones University in South Carolina. She lives in Drexel with her husband of 18 years and her daughter. Joan feels that God gave her this opportunity to work at Kids Make Music. "It was an answer to our prayers!" she quotes. Joan works with beginner thru intermediate piano students. Contact Joan Thomas

Bobby Pearson has 20 years experience as a drummer and percussionist. He attended college at NC A&T University in Greensboro, performing in the drumline for 2 years. Bobby currently performs and records with a contemporary gospel group and other local musical groups. He has taught percussion for Kids Make Music for 2 years. Contact Bobby Pearson

Robert Johnston began his musical career at Table Rock Middle School in the sixth grade. After graduating from Freedom High School, Mr. Johnston earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University. While attending WCU, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and served as Drum Major and Staff Coordinator for the nationally known, “Pride of the Mountains,” Marching Band. Currently, Mr. Johnston is back at Table Rock Middle School as the Director of Bands. Under his direction the TRMS Concert Band has received Superior Ratings at NCBA State Concert Band Festival and the TRMS Jazz Band has done numerous performances including playing with the Ed Polcer Band and at the NCSCA state conference in Greensboro, NC. Contact Robert Johnston

Morgan Jeter began her violin career at the young age of 5. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Furman University in Greenville, SC with a concentration in violin performance. Morgan is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Art/Music Therapy. Morgan offers lessons in violin, viola, mandolin and beginner guitar and resides in Morganton.

Ashley Hollar, mezzo soprano, is a current student of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. This December, she will receive her Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a concentration in voice. She is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) and began a chapter at the university of which she was appointed president. She is also a member of Music Educators of North Carolina (MENC). Recently, Ashley was chosen to be the solo vocalist on the ASU Chamber Orchestra Europe Study Abroad. She performed in cities such as Salzburg and Vienna, Austria as well as in Prague, Czech Republic. She is hoping to pursue her masters degree in vocal performance in the upcoming years. Contact Ashley Hollar