Meet the Teachers
Dalton Burney
Word of mouth spreads fast, but word of ear spreads faster. At least, that seems to be the case for Coffeeville resident Dalton Burney, a rising musical star and multi-instrumentalist. With his commanding stage presence and breathtaking vocals, the stellar musician has captured the attention of FYH. Burney's love for the stage first blossomed during his father's days in the well-known local band, The Sharecroppers. As a young artist, he frequently joined his father and bandmates on stage, immersing himself in the music and pretending to play along. These early interactions sparked a deep-seated passion that would shape his musical journey. Now, as a member of the band "UNI," alongside talented musicians Carson Gentry, Bryce Heatherly, and Joe Hogue, Burney continues to showcase his remarkable talent as the lead guitarist. Together, they have been lighting up venues around the city of Oxford, captivating audiences with their collective skill and undeniable chemistry. Music has played a significant role in Burney's life, allowing him to express his love and talent while sharing his gifts with others. With a rich and diverse musical background, Dalton Burney is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene. Dalton is a valued FYH teacher having previously been a FYH student and FYH apprentice teacher.
Bay Kornegay
Bay Kornegay is not just an incredible musician, but also a dedicated teacher with a passion for sharing his knowledge and skills. He honed his musical abilities through participation in FYH ukulele classes and FYH guitar classes, constantly striving to improve and expand his repertoire.
Bay's commitment to teaching is evident through his years of service as an apprentice teacher. Guiding students on their journey to becoming skilled guitar players, he shares his expertise and helps them develop a love for music. In addition to his teaching endeavors, Bay is an active member of the Grenada High School Visions show choir. This talented musician showcases his vast range of skills by incorporating rhythm, drama, stage presence, and intricate choreography into performances. With his exceptional abilities, Bay never fails to impress. Beyond his undeniable talent, Bay is recognized for his hardworking and dedicated nature, making him a valued teacher in the FYH program. His commitment to his craft and his genuine desire to inspire others through music truly sets him apart.
Terry Lyon
Terry Lyon is an esteemed figure in Grenada's music scene, recognized for his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship. His profound adoration for music runs deep, and he is renowned for his unwavering determination to help aspiring musicians become skilled guitar players. As a teacher at Grenada Middle School, Mr. Lyon actively seeks out talent and eagerly recruits students who show an interest in exploring the world of guitar. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Terry Lyon has been an integral part of various local bands, showcasing his musicality and contributing to the vibrant music community in Grenada. His extensive experience as a musician has made him a valuable addition to the FYH program. Known for his reliability and talent, Terry Lyon continues to inspire and mentor budding guitarists, leaving an enduring impact. His unwavering commitment to sharing the joy and beauty of music has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a respected musician and a dedicated educator.
Amy Killebrew
Amy Killebrew is widely recognized for her dedication to promoting music within schools. As a passionate advocate for music education, Amy played a pivotal role in establishing FYH's inaugural in-school music program. Her journey began as an adult student in FYH's Tiny Guitar (ukulele) program, which ultimately paved the way for guitar lessons to be offered to students at Grenada Upper Elementary School. In her role, Amy developed an exceptional program that provided students with enriching experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Through the regular music classes, after-school programs, and summer camps she spearheaded, Amy expanded opportunities to learn and understand music. One of Amy's notable music education achievements was the creation of the Rhythm Jamboree program. This innovative initiative effectively teaches students note names, note values, and rhythm patterns, fostering a deeper understanding of music concepts. The success and effectiveness of her programs were recognized when she received the prestigious L.U.C.Y Award from the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, solidifying her reputation as an influential figure in the field of music education. FYH applauds her impressive record of expanding music education opportunities and is thrilled that she brings a genuine passion for nurturing students' musical talents to the FYH program.
Austin Moore
“Different kinds of music appeal to me for different reasons. I love the idea of helping someone along their own musical journey."
A former FYH guitar student, Austin is a Music Education Major in college where he is concentrating in percussion. He is gaining experience in teaching different kinds of people on different kinds of instruments so that he can be the best teacher possible. Austin was awarded the FYH Scholarship in 2020.
Music Experience
Grenada High School Marching Band/Wind Ensemble
Hinds Community College Marching Band/Wind Ensemble
HCC Steel Band
HCC Percussion Ensemble
Instruments
Mallet Percussion (Marimba, Vibraphone, etc.)
Drums (Marching Drums, Drum Set, Timpani, etc.)
Guitar
Lesson and Contact Information
Will teach students of any age: guitar or percussion
amoore171@cableone.net
662.417.2504
References
Paul Heindl: 601.540.5851
Sherry Worsham: 662.417.6119
Austin Rutledge
“I think having a teacher to help is a great way to keep the momentum going and push past those initial difficulties."
Austin has played guitar for over ten years. His background in music includes experience playing with bands of multiple genres. In fact, Austin has played Rock, Funk, R&B, and Metal music. He is a singer and a songwriter with a solid background in music theory. He is terrific working with students because he understands that learning an instrument can be hard at first. He doesn’t want his students to be frustrated because that can be discouraging. So, he strives to help people get past that learning curve and get to the fun part of being a musician. Austin is patient and nurturing because he knows that many people with great potential give up on learning music because they were stuck and needed a little support. His favorite music is Funk or Instrumental Jam Band.
Music Experience
Delta Music Institute bands
Jimi's People
Soul & Parliament
Instruments
Guitar
Bass
Basic Piano
Lesson and Contact Information
Prefers to teach guitar in person but can teach virtually to students at least 18 years old.
aus.rutledge@gmail.com
601.383.3511
References
Sherry Worsham: 662.417.6119
Barry Bays: 662.719.5146
Tricia Walker: 662.931.3799
Chelsea Young
“I love being able to share my musical talents with aspiring musicians. It’s always awesome to see the youth grow into his or her musical abilities."
Chelsea is an outstanding musician and teacher. Interested in music since the age of six, her first instrument was violin. She’s been learning, performing, showcasing, and sharing her talents ever since. She loves all kinds of music but her favorite genres are R&B, Gospel, Classical, Blues, and MoTown. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Chelsea earned a B.S. Degree in Entertainment Industry Studies (2016) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment Industry Studies (2020) from Delta State University. Chelsea is committed to advancing the importance of Arts Education. Over the years she worked with various arts organizations in the Mississippi Delta region, striving to connect with and empower the students of those organizations through the arts. Chelsea is the proud founder of Musical Expressions Experience arts organization of Jackson, MS. She founded the organization as a way to give back to her community by continuing to share her talents with aspiring young musicians. Chelsea joined FYH as a Tiny Guitar (ukulele) teacher in 2019 and has been a FYH Music Education Advocate.
Music Experience
B.S. Degree in Entertainment Industry Studies / Delta State University (2016)
Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Entertainment Industry Studies emphasis) / Delta State University (2020)
Founder of Musical Expressions Experience Arts, Jackson MS
FYH Tiny Guitar Teacher
Instruments
Violin
Ukulele
Bass Guitar
Beginners Keys
Beginner Guitar
Lesson and Contact Information
Prefers to teach students in grades 3 – 12: Violin, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Beginner Keys, and Beginner Guitar
youngchelsea008@gmail.com
601.862.8410
References
Sherry Worsham: 662.417.6119
Barry Bays: 662-719-5146
Deidra Trotter
It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Luke 17:2.
Deidra has a strong background of experience in music and has been playing guitar for 14 years. An active member of her church, Deidra has been part of musical events large and small. She understands the important role music plays in life. Deidra was recruited by FYH because of her natural talent and leadership style. She wants to use her skills to build guitar opportunities in her church and among her circle of family and friends. Accomplishing goals and tackling ambitious plans is nothing new to Deidra, she is also a full-time nurse! She has always had a passion for music and would love to share that passion with someone else.
Music Experience
Guitar Player for community and church events (14 years)
Music Ensemble Member for the Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, MS
Instruments
Guitar
Lesson and Contact Information
Wants to teach guitar to students of any age; virtual or in-person
deidra_trotter@yahoo.com
662.688.7940
References
Sherry Worsham: 662.417.6119
Libby Switzer
"There is nothing like sharing your gift with younger generations. Especially the universal language of music."
Libby is an artist willing to share her talent with others. Whether she is performing, teaching, or providing backup vocals, she brings a lot of energy to every project she tackles. Libby has supported FYH as an apprentice guitar teacher, Tiny Guitar teacher, and organizer / instructor for our songwriting workshops. In addition, she has been part of the FYH Music Education Advocacy program. Her favorite song at the moment is Weird Fishes by Lianne La Havas.
Music Experience
Recording Artist
Songwriter
Background Vocalist
DMI Delta State University, BA Entertainment Industry Studies
Instruments
Ukulele
Piano
Vocals
Lesson and Contact Information
Prefers to teach Ukulele and Voice to students aged 6-18
Libbyswitzermusic@gmail.com
228.224.0624
Nick Aultman
"Music is a gift and I am happy to teach anyone who wants to learn."
Nick is a terrific teacher! What else would you expect from someone who has been a part of music in church, school, and college? He has a strong background in playing with bands and in the studio. While Nick was attending the Delta Music Institute, he joined the FYH program as an emerging teacher. He has supported large and small groups of students.
Music Experience
First Baptist Church Richland
MS Music Flowood Performance Band
Richland High School Jazz Band
DeltaRox and B4Y2K (Delta State University Bands)
Delta Deep Roots Music Project
Private Guitar Lessons
Studio sessions
The 97's (original band)
Jimi's People (original band)
Blue Elephant Club (cover band)
First Indianola Methodist Church
Instruments
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Lesson and Contact Information
Willing to teach any and all students: Guitar or Bass. Prefers in-person lessons.
nickaultman92@aol.com
601.760.0675
Sophia Kornegay
“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make that change.” - Michael Jackson
Sophia is a FYH Guitar student that stepped up to support students in our very first FYH Tiny Guitar class. She has been a Tiny Guitar apprentice teacher for two years. Always growing and stretching for higher goals, Sophia has become a FYH Emerging Teacher. We couldn’t be prouder of this high school senior!
Music Experience
Middle School Band
Middle and Highschool Competitive Show Choir
FYH Guitar Lessons
Instruments
Ukulele
Guitar
Lesson and Contact Information
Please email followyourheartarts@gmail.com
Zach Dickerson
"If you want to be a rock star or just be famous, then run down the street naked, you'll make the news or something. But if you want music to be your livelihood, then play, play, play and play! And eventually you'll get to where you want to be." - Eddie Van Halen
Zach is an extraordinary musician with a wide-range of experiences. He currently lives in Nashville, TN but keeps close ties with the music scene in Mississippi. Zach was a FYH teacher in our very first class! Year after year, he has never stopped supporting students or mentoring music teachers. For this reason, Zach is a FYH Master Teacher.
A lover of all kinds of music, Zach plays mostly Rock, Metal, 90s, and Modern Country. His favorite part of being a teacher is when students figure out something new and have that aha moment. He remembers having that moment when music became a passion and not a side hobby. Growing up, that happened to Zach a lot and it made him want to play more and more.
That passion has worked out well for Zach. He has had the chance to travel multiple times to Los Angeles with the DMI All Stars, Intern with Musicians Corner in Nashville, play alongside/share the stage with touring acts (The Band Perry, Cedric Burnside, Mac McAnally, Drake Bell, James Burton, William Michael Morgan, Frank Foster, American Blonde, etc.) and has worked with Pinelake church programs in Madison, MS. Zach has also had some humbling opportunities to tour France in 2019 and Australia American Blonde in late summer of 2021.
Music Experience
Delta Music Institute
DMI Student Council (Secretary)
DMI Mobile Lab (Teacher)
Clinton Ambassadors (Guitar)
Lakeland Music (Teacher)
Bands: Just Cauz, Mississippi Moonlight, The Dukes Of Country, and American Blonde
Nashville Intership: Musicians Corner (Event Manager)
Social Media
Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube: Zach Dickerson
Website: Zach Dickerson Music
Instruments
Guitar
Bass
Lap Steel
Ukulele
Mandolin
Lesson and Contact Information
Prefer guitar or bass lessons for high school students or adults; one-to-one lessons are best as these kinds of lessons are the fastest way to build skills.
zach.j.dickerson@gmail.com
601.826.0177
References
Barry Bays: 662.719.5146
Chris Schopmeyer: 601.918.4817
Tricia Walker: 662.931.3799
Sherry Worsham: 662.417.6119