Music Academy of Eastern Carolina

Paula Jenkins

Piano Instructor

-Studied piano and music education at Liberty University and East Carolina University

- Former assistant music director at Lenoir Community College

- Traveled and recorded with Gospel group Wings of Faith for 2 years as keyboardist

- Church pianist for 30 years

- 15 years of teaching experience and a member of the Greenville Piano Teacher's Association

Eric Mackey

Guitar, drum instructor

- minor in music from Southeastern University

- specializes in blues and jazz guitar, as well as pop, rock, and other styles

- local musician playing in several bands, including the Ignite Church worship band

Lori McLelland

    piano, voice, musical theatre instructor

- Master in Music and Bachelor of Music-Music Education at East Carolina University

- Additional graduate studies in Choral Conducting at Appalachian State University

- Specializes in classical, broadway, jazz, pop, rock, sacred, and contemporary Christian

- 20 years experience in public and private school teaching, community music and theatre groups, and church music programs across North Carolina

- Accompanist, music and theatre director, producer, choreographer across North Carolina

- Founding member of contemporary Christian trio Faith, Hope, and Love

- Vocal soloist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra; accompanist with the North Carolina Theatre and the East Caolina University School of Music

- Recordings: Gentle Lightning (CD) (2000)

Alison Mossey-Ponzi

Flute and Piano Instructor and Program Director

- Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Hartt School of Music

- Master's degree in Music Performance from East Carolina University

- Principal flute in the Wilson Symphony 

- Flute/piccolo in the Fayetteville Symphony and the Tar River Orchestra and Wind Ensemble

- 18 years of teaching experience

Lisa Ours

Clarinet Instructor

- Graduate of West Virginia University

- Band director at Farmville Middle School

- Professional Clarinet player

- 23 years teaching experience

Daniel Read

Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Mandolin Instructor

- Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, Guitar

 - Graduated Summa Cum Laude

- Completing master’s degree in performance

- 7 years of teaching experience

Larry Spell

Music Theory Instructor

- Master of Music, Orchestral Conducting

- Bachelor of Music, Music Education

- Music director, Pitt Community College Symphony Orchestra

Cheryl Stephenson, MM, MT-BC

Executive Director, Music Therapist, Oboe Instructor

- Master in Music Therapy from Michigan State University

- Bachelor in Music Therapy and Music Education from East Carolina University

- Studied oboe performance at Brevard Music Center

- Past president of Southeast Region of the America Music Therapy Association

- Oboe Instructor and Music Therapist for over 25 years 

Saxophone Instructor and MAEC Co-founder

- Master in Music from Ithaca College

- Bachelor in Music from the North Carolina School of the Arts

- Music Instructor at Vance Granville Community College, NC A&T University

- Soprano saxophonist with the New Century Sax Quartet: www.newcenturysax.com