Justine Seeley, Director

Justine Seeley, a native of Evansville, Indiana, began studying piano at age 7, when she started playing her mother's classical music with no musical training.  At age 13, she was accepted into the University of Evansville's Music Dept., where she studied with Assoc. Piano Professors Sandra Botkin and Dr. Eulalie Wilson.  Justine gave her first solo recital on the UE campus at age 14, and presented annual recitals at the university until high school graduation.   She was a City of Evansville Youth Arts Award recipient, MTNA district competition winner, and scholarship winner to the summer piano academy at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.  Justine was awarded a full university scholarship based on her audition, where she studied with Professor of Piano, Dr. Gregory Davis and worked as an accompanist for the music department.  Justine graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.   After re-locating to Alabama, Justine continued her piano studies with renowned classical pianist, Dr. Margery Whatley, at UA-Huntsville, where she performed frequently as a soloist and collaborated with other area musicians. 

Justine has taught private and class piano for 17 years as well as developmental music classes for toddlers and pre school ages.  Justine teaches music for the United Cerebral Palsy’s Sensory Camp and to children with autism and spectrum disorders.  Justine opened Colors Fine Arts Center in November, 1997, and incorporated the business in June, 2000.   She is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, the Music Teacher's National Association, the Alabama Music Teacher’s Association, and the Huntsville Music Teacher’s Association.   She is the studio director and currently teaches over 30 students per week.  Justine is also the proud mother of two children, ages 9 and 11.

Amanda Dimov, Violin

Amanda Dimov has taught violin for the past four years. Along with her private students at Colors Fine Arts Center, she currently teaches for the Huntsville Symphony Education Program.  Amanda has been involved in various orchestral groups since beginning violin study at the age of 9.  In high school, Amanda was involved in the Wichita Youth Symphony in Wichita, Kansas.  She was awarded Outstanding Orchestra Member by her local high school.  Amanda also studied voice privately throughout high school and college, and was in various choral groups, including University Choir, Concert Choir and the Women's Chorale at the University of Kansas.   During her teaching career she has also taught private and group violin classes in Indiana and Kentucky. Amanda is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is currently playing with the Shoals Symphony in Florence, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science from Radford University. She has performed with the Jewish Community Center Orchestra, in Louisville, KY, the Radford University Chamber Orchestra in Radford, VA, the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Galway Concert Orchestra in Galway, Ireland.  Amanda lives in Madison with her husband and 2 dogs.

Anne Vasile, Piano

Anne Terry Vasile currently serves as Associate Director of Music and Liturgy and Organist at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Huntsville, where she also directs the St. Cecilia Children’s Choir.  A native of Pensacola, Florida, she studied organ performance and sacred music at Birmingham-Southern College and historical musicology at Florida State University.  She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda music honorary society.  Her interests include hymnology, women’s music education, and French Baroque organ performance practice.  Anne teaches private lessons to piano and organ students.  Anne is active in the community as a member of the American Guild of Organists—Greater Huntsville Chapter, Huntsville Music Study Club, the Junior League of Huntsville, and sits on the Community Development Council for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.  Anne has been teaching at Colors Fine Arts Center for two years.

Bess Jernigan, Piano and Voice

Bess Jernigan is in her fourth year at University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she is studying to receive her bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis.  She is a member of the Concert Choir, Women’s Choir and Chamber Choir, and the university’s elite ensemble.  Bess will begin her fourth semester serving as the Assistant Conductor of the UAHuntsville Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Erin Colwitz.  In addition, she studies in the voice studio of Karen Young and the piano studio of Dr. Sarkis Baltaian.   After graduation in Fall, 2012, Bess plans to teach high school choral music and then pursue a graduate degree in Choral Conducting.

Bess has been teaching piano and voice for nine years to students of all ages and levels of study.   She is a member of the Huntsville Master Chorale and is the Assistant Director and Accompanist of the Huntsville Community Chorus Youth Chorale.  She is also a member of several professional organizations, such as MENC, MTNA and ACDA. 

Bess frequently performs onstage and in the pit. The majority of Bess’s theatre experience has been in the orchestra pit for shows such as Guys and Dolls (2007), Little Shop of Horrors (2008), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2009) and The King and I (2009). Her on stage experience has been performing in the operas Amahl and the Night Visitors (2008) and Dido and Aeneas (2009) at UAHuntsville under the direction of Karen Young and David Harwell. She was Assistant Music Director of HCCA’s The King and I (2009) under Dr. Erin Colwitz, Music Director of Lyrique Music Production’s 13 (2010), Children’s Chorus Director for HCCA’s Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (2010).   

Christina Wegman, Piano

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Christina Wegman has been playing piano since the age of 7 and teaching since the age of 16. She has been fortunate to study with several wonderful teachers both privately and through Rollins College (Winter Park, FL) and UAHuntsville, including graduates of the Eastman School of Music and the Moscow Conservatory of Music. As for her own university education, she graduated from UAHuntsville in 2007 with a degree in German studies, and completed part of her graduate work at McGill University in Canada. 

Her undergraduate senior project traced the literary sources that inspired musicians such as Schumann, Wagner, and Schubert to compose some of their most well-known works. In addition to sharing her love of music, she enjoys studying languages and painting in oils. Her artwork has been displayed by the Huntsville Art League and other galleries in and out of Huntsville.

 

 

Diana Still, Piano and Flute

Diana Still teaches piano and flute lessons.  After taking piano lessons for eleven years, she decided she wanted to keep studying music in college.  Diana graduated in 2009 with a B.S. in Music Education that focused primarily on the piano.  During college, Diana was a collegiate member of the Music Educator's National Conference and taught several piano students.  She also accompanied for many vocal and instrumental lessons and exams.  Diana has played the flute for twelve years.  She participated in numerous wind band clinics and festivals during high school as well as playing flute and piccolo in a concert band during college. 

 

 

Gabe Larose, Guitar

Gabe Larose began teaching guitar lessons almost fourteen years ago while working at a local music store. His first endeavor as an instructor was for a group guitar class, but he picked up many private students shortly thereafter. His own music education started around age twelve with piano lessons, inspired by his desire to accompany himself singing. After almost four years of piano, at age sixteen, Gabe transferred his efforts to the guitar. He learned to play acoustic style first, as recommended, and followed up with the electric guitar many months later.  Gabe holds an Associate Degree in Music Education at Calhoun Community College, with a focus on classical guitar.  Gabe also has a Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar Performance and a K-12 Teacher’s Certificate in Music. 
             Gabe teaches a variety of styles on guitar, including: rock, pop, blues, folk, and classical. He strives to tailor lessons around each student’s individual musical interest, meanwhile exposing them to a broad understanding of music such as sight reading, playing by ear, music theory, improvising, and performing live. He will take students as young as eight or nine, but generally produces more results working with students ten or older, and highly recommends some piano knowledge before beginning guitar.  Gabe has been teaching at Colors Fine Arts Center for 12 years.

 

Ina Wilson, Violin

Ina Wilson has over 20 years of musical experience.  A native of Huntsville, Ina grew up performing with area orchestras and performance groups.  She began her studies with Marjorie Smith of Smith String Studio and continued with the late E. Dennis Johnson, a former concertmaster of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.  While in college, Ms. Wilson studied with Drs. George Trautwein and David Levy at Wake Forest University.  Ms. Wilson serves as a cantor for her church, and performs regularly as a violinist for sacred services and special events.  She is a member of Jr. League of Huntsville, a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Leadership Connect 10, and a board member for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.  Ms. Wilson is currently employed at J.F. Drake State Technical College as the acting director of Title III/Federal and State Relations.  Ms. Wilson has taught private and small group lessons at Colors Fine Arts Center for seven years. 

 

 

James Desta, Voice

James Desta is in his third year at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he is working on a Bachelor's degree in Music and a separate degree in Psychology with a minor in Theatre.  James has been singing for 12 years, both as a soloist and choral member.  He currently studies voice under Karen Young, with prior studies under Vivienne Atkins, Handy Avery and Rachel Mathes.  James is a member of both the UAH Concert and Chamber Choirs, the Huntsville Master Chorale under Dr. Erin Colwitz, and First United Methodist Church's choir under Dr. David Miller. 

James has also been involved in musical theatre since 2001, his first show being The Pirates of Penzance with Lee Lyric Theatre.  Some notable shows include: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (UAH – David Harwell and Patricia Kiley); A Year With Frog and Toad, You’re a Good man, Charlie Brown!, and Children of Eden (Independent Musical Productions – Vivienne Atkins and PJ Sligting); Seussical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Huntsville Community Chorus Association – Debbie Fleischman and Micki Lighthall).  He has also served as Assistant Music Director to Bess Jernigan for Lyrique Musical Productions’ 13, the Musical.

Juliana Johnson, Piano and Early Childhood Music

Juliana has taught class piano, private piano, and Musikgarten classes at Colors Fine Arts Center since the Fall of 2000.   A native of Singapore and the daughter of a piano teacher, Juliana started playing the piano at the age of four and began formal piano lessons at age five. Besides her mother, Juliana’s piano teachers include Mr. Chua Ka Pin and Ms. Lim Bee Suan. She also studied with Czech Republic pianist Martina Maixnerova. During her high school years, Juliana participated in several master classes with international acclaimed pianists. She has accomplished advanced certificates of pianoforte and theory from the Associated Board of Royal School of Music and Licentiate of Trinity College of Music, London. Juliana graduated magna cum laude and achieved a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Music Education with a proficiency in piano and a minor in voice. She is a certified and experienced Yamaha Music Education System instructor and Musikgarten teacher.  Juliana is a member of The National Guild of Piano Teachers and has been teaching piano for over 20 years. 

 

Kristy Newsome, Clarinet and Saxophone

Kristy Newsome began playing the clarinet at the age of 12.  She earned music honors throughout her years in middle school, high school and college (i.e. Principal Chair in Band, Assistant Drum Major, Principal chair in District Honor Band, Livingston Honor Band, Jacksonville Honor Band, over 20 Superior Solo and Ensemble Medals, Superior Band Ratings at both District and State levels, and music scholarships to several colleges).  Kristy studied clarinet and saxophone with Dr. Daniel C. Knox of Northeast Alabama Community College before transferring to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she studied with Dr. Ron Wray and Steve Motz.  She performed in the UAH Wind Ensemble, Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Woodwind Quartet before graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Music Education in 2001.  Kristy is currently teaching elementary music in a local school system as well as performing with the Twickenham Winds, local jazz groups and musical productions. She is currently a member of Music Educator's National Conference, Alabama Music Educator's Association, National Educator's Association, Alabama Educator's Association, Alabama Choral Director's Association, and Alabama Bandmaster's Association.  

 

Linda Austin, Piano and General Music Classes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Linda graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA, with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in music.  Linda has taught piano for over 25 years and has received training in the Mayron Cole group piano method.  Linda also has studied extensive research on the value of the arts and the healing energies of music.  She is a member of the Alabama Music Teacher's Association, the Huntsville Music Teacher's Association,  the Huntsville Music Study Club (organizaions through which students may enter auditions and Junior Festivals)  and the City of Madison Chamber of Commerce.   

Linda served as the Executive Director of the Mountain Valley Arts Council in Marshall County.   Linda also works as a part-time caregiver for senior citizens.  Her hobbies include reading, ballroom dancing and brisk walking.

 

Nathan McDonald, Guitar

Nathan McDonald’s career as a musician encompasses full-time teaching at Colors, performing in national alternative rock act Halo Stereo, and editing his instructional website for learning lead guitar technique. He began playing guitar over 13 years ago and has since achieved a technically advanced playing style, which he describes as one requiring speed, dexterity, and precision.        

Nathan’s academic history includes 2 years of studying classical guitar at UAH with Phil Weaver, at which time he performed recitals with the UAH advanced guitar ensemble as well as solo performances.         

Nathan feels strongly that it is important for music instructors to perform regularly. His band, Halo Stereo, tours the USA twice per year and have played with nationally renowned acts in the rock genre, such as Days of the New and The Toadies. 

Newt Johnson, Piano and Bass

Newt Johnson has been teaching at Colors since 2004.  He holds a degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in Jazz Piano Performance with secondary studies in classical piano, bass, and voice.  While at UAH, Newt studied with renowned classical pianist Dr. Margery Whatley, Van Cliburn semifinalist Ron Roberts, jazz instructor Keith Taylor, and local legend Jim Cavender.

Newt is a regularly-performing musician in several local bands, including Rolling Jazz Revue, Trio El Camino, the LaRose Band, Discoasis, and Mambo Gris Gris.  He spent a year as a touring member of the Skip Heller Trio and appears on the recordings Live at Ortlieb's Jazz Haus, Along the Anchorline, and San Fernando Valley.  The Rolling Jazz Revue, a modern jazz project which Newt co-founded, has recorded two albums for Startlingly Fresh Records:  Halloween on Union Avenue and Elephants in the Crosswalk. 

In addition to these activities, Newt serves sometimes as music director and often as a musician for special events and local theatre groups including, but not limited to, Butler Theatre, Lee Lyric Theatre, Renaissance Theatre, and Independent Musical Productions.

Meagan Kish, Violin and Piano

Meagan Kish has been involved with music since the age of three.  She trained in piano for ten years under the Wadsworth School of Music.  She trained in the Suzuki Violin School for 12 years under Alicia Trammell of the Ashland Symphony in Akron, OH.  Meagan also has 15 years of other musical training, which includes theory and classical voice training through private and collegiate studies.  Since the age of 16, Meagan has taught private music lessons in the areas of violin, music theory, piano and voice to students in K-12th grade, and Meagan loves working with the fabulous instructors at Colors Fine Arts Center!  She uses a variety of methods to teach violin, because she believes every student is unique and may learn best through differing methods.  Meagan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grove City College.  She and her husband, Dan, have lived in this area for three years.  They love living in Alabama! 

Robert Lubin, Piano

Robert Lubin was born in New York City and moved to Alabama in December, 2008.  He received a Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance from Brooklyn College, where he studied with Agustin Anievas and Paul Jacobs.  Mr. Lubin received his Master's Degree from Hunter College in Piano Performance, where he studied with William Daghlian.  He also studied organ with Karoly Köpe and is currently the organist at St. William Roman Catholic Church in Guntersville.  Mr. Lubin is a member of the American Guild of Organists and has been an organist and piano teacher for over 25 years.

Ryan Beard, Guitar

Ryan has 17 years of musical experience. He began studying the guitar in Western Massachusetts and continued lessons with Gabe Larose after moving to Huntsville in 1997. While attending UAH, Ryan furthered his musical education under the guidance of local Jazz legend Jim Cavender. Through the years, Ryan has performed with many different groups and musicians.  He has taught group and private lessons at Colors Fine Arts Center for over 5 years.  Ryan is currently employed by SM&A as a program management consultant.

 

 

 

Sara Johnson, Voice and Early Childhood Music

Sara McFaddin Johnson has been teaching at Colors Fine Arts Center since 2005. She studied music at Auburn University and at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  She holds a degree in Music Vocal Performance with secondary studies in Music Education, Vocal Pedagogy, Piano and Organ.  Along with teaching voice and early childhood music classes at Colors, Sara also teaches general music at several local pre-schools and for United Cerebral Palsy's Sensory Camps.  Sara is also the Children's Choir Director at Central Presbyterian Church in Huntsville.

Along with teaching, Sara is an avid performer and has appeared in several operas and musicals including: Oklahoma, Godspell, Carousel, Bye, Bye Birdie, The Music Man, Carmen, Le Nozze di Figaro, Romeo et Juliette, The Old Maid and the Thief, and Amahl and the Night Visitors.  Sara is a frequent concert soloist and has performed as soprano soloist for several choral works, such as Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Requiem, Mozart's Mass in C Minor, and Orff's Carmina Burana.

Sara currently performs with the Huntsville Master Chorale, and is frequently asked to adjudicate and teach music related clinics in the Madison County area.  She is also a member of several professional organizations such as, MENC, AVA, MTNA, ACDA and NATS. 

Yvette Barrett, Early Childhood Music

Yvette Barrett is of Hispanic Heritage and has shared her knowledge of Spanish American Culture in her capacity as an elementary school teacher for eight years.  She graduated from Florida State University and received her Bachelor's degree with a double major in Creative Art and Art History in December, 1974.  She returned to college in 1992 and received her teacher's certification for elementary grades kindergarten through the 8th grade, from the State of New Mexico in 1995.  Yvette received her Arizona teacher's certification for elementary grades kindergarten through the 8th grade in 1997.   Yvette has taught in the states of New Mexico and Arizona for both the public and private schools.  At San Lorenzo Elementary she taught Ballet and Folklorico, as part of the bilingual education program for Cobre Schools.   She also had an after school guitar class for beginners.  While Yvette was teaching at St.Catherine of Siena Parish School, she taught students to sing songs: in Latin for the visiting Bishop; for the school Christmas play in English and in Spanish; and for the school talent contest they sang Ave Maria and Irving Berlin's Easter Parade. 

Yvette is married to Britt Barrett and they have three children: Kelly, Guy and Zita.  As a new resident to Huntsville, Alabama, Yvette is happy to continue her work with children at Colors Fine Arts Center, Inc. and looks forward to teaching Musica de los Niño's  to pre-school age children.