Carolyn Franks
Studio Director
Co-Owner

Carolyn Franks is a lover of people and of the arts and Lifesong is the perfect place for her to express her heart for both.  Carolyn's life has been preparation for Lifesong. Her formal music training began at the age of 8 when she started private piano lessons.  Her musical gifts were encouraged by her school music teachers from elementary through high school, where she was the only accompanist for her school choirs from 5th grade through high school graduation.  She also played piano weekly in her church from the age of 14 until the summer of 2006.  She began teaching private piano lessons over 20 years ago and although there are many demands on her schedule, she continues to teach a few students each week.  Her love for theatre developed in high school when she was cast in her first high school play and is inspired now by her daughter Maddie's love and talent for the stage.  Her love and appreciation for the art of dance came when her daughters Taylor and Maddie began dancing, both at the age of 3.  Her passion for people and the arts took a new direction when she became the Worship & Arts Director at Highland Meadows Church in Colleyville, serving in that position for 2 years from 2004-2006.  Carolyn’s life experiences in the arts and in ministry as well as in the corporate world have all played a significant role in preparing her for her position as Director and Co-Owner of Lifesong Studio.  Carolyn is thankful to God for the privilege of Lifesong and to her family for sharing in her passion and commitment to making Lifesong Studio a place where the arts are taught and experienced with the finest quality and utmost integrity.

Lane Peters
Assistant Director
Co-Owner

Lane Peters, Assistant Director and Co-Owner of Lifesong Studio, grew up in the local area, graduated from Richland High School and then received a B.S. in Secondary Education with honors from the University of Texas.  Teaching Science and History in both Dallas and San Antonio for six years, she “retired” to raise 3 children, Tricia, Jeremy and Erin.  Along the way, she led Bible studies, held leadership positions in the Parent Teacher Organization of her children’s school, was a leader in youth and young adult ministry, and was a student at Christ for the Nations.  In 2005 she took the training to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the most widely used personality assessment in the world.  She has used her training to administer the MBTI to close to 100 people, helping them to realize and appreciate their strengths and gifts.  Having visited in more than 20 countries, travel is one of her passions.  In addition, she is a lover of the arts, although sadly admitting to not personally being talented as an artist herself.  Her current passions include her Lifesong family and her new grandson, Rylan.  She makes her home in Colleyville with 3 cats and 2 turtles.  You will find her most days at the Lifesong Front Desk.

Jay Franks
Business Director
Co-Owner

Cody Franks
Facility & Technical Director

Cody Franks is originally from Amarillo, TX. After attending school in Lubbock, TX, Cody moved to Grapevine to assist his family in helping build Lifesong Studio and LifeStage Theatre. Since the opening of the studio, Cody has worked in whatever capacity needed including the upkeep and maintenance of the studio facility as well as taking care of the technical needs for all of the the major shows and events at LifeStage Theatre. Cody is blessed to be the Facility and Technical Director and is eager to experience all the potential Lifesong Studio and Lifestage Theatre has to offer to our families and our growing community.

Reena Rodriguez
Admin & Customer Service

Paula Stevens
Dance Director

   Paula Stevens is an original staff member at Lifesong. She joined the Lifesong staff with over 20 years experience in dance and studio management.  Her experience includes owner/director of her own studio for 14 years, with  honors of national titles and grand champion awards for her choreography.  Paula has also judged various dance competitions including some dance company audition for different studios.  Paula grew up in Texas and has been dancing since age 3. She was an L.D. Bell Raiderette for 2 years, serving as lieutenant her senior year. She began teaching at the age of 16, and studied from various teachers.  Her passion for dance was not to perform, but to be a teacher.  In the past 20 years, her students have performed in such places as Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, the River Walk in San Antonio, the Citrus Bowl, and Texas Stadium.  Her choreography has been featured at several     Cowboy games and her students have performed half time with the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders along with such super stars as Clint Black, Creed, Leanne Rhimes, Billy Gilman, Toby Keith, Jessica Simpson, Destiny’s Child, and Carrie Underwood. Paula encourages her students to pursue their dreams. Some of her students have gone on to be professional dancers, choreographers, and studio owners. Paula has been married to Scott for 22 years and has two boys, Chase 19 and Brian 16.  Paula is an asset to the staff at Lifesong with her varied experiences and positive approach.  She is an inspiration to students and staff as she works in consulting, teaching, and assistance with choreography development.  Paula also does all the ordering of our costumes and helps in coordinating the recital. We are thankful for the positive, encouraging leadership and depth of experience Paula brings to Lifesong!

Cara Switzer
Dance Company Director

Cara Switzer is an original staff member at Lifesong and is the Dance Company Director.  Cara is an accomplished dancer and singer who graduated from the University of North Texas in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration.  She has been studio trained since the age of 4 and has loved performing from the beginning!  Cara’s experience includes teaching in the DFW area since 1998. Cara's students have received numerous overall and top awards at competitions all over the area. Cara, along with the other Company Instructors at Lifesong, received "Best Choreography" at the 2008 International Dance Challenge. Cara also served at the choreographer for the Colleyville Heritage High School Ovation jazz Choir from 2000-2005. More recently, Cara served as Co-Choreographer in LifeStage Theatre's 2007 production of "Scrooge!". While being at the studio is her passion, Cara also has a lot of enthusiasm and experience with Drill Team working as an instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator for American Dance/Drill Team School for several years. She now judges exclusively for Crowd Pleasers Dance Company. She also judges drill team tryouts all over the North Texas area. In high school, Cara served as a Junior and Senior Lieutenant for the CHHS Panters and was named 1st Runner Up National Solo Champion for American Dance Drill Team in 1999. She was named All American for 4 straight years. In 2004, Cara was instrumental in the development of a dance ministry at Highland Meadows Christian Church in Colleyville, TX where she served as choreographer and dancer. Cara and her students have participated in many televised events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the FedEx Orange Bowl, and many Dallas Cowboys Halftime Performances including stars such as Destiny's Child, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Toby Keith, Creed, and many others. Cara married her husband Aaron on May 15, 2004 and they have just welcomed their son, Sawyer Gray into the world on July 9, 2008. They have two miniature dachshunds, Abby and Scout.We are thankful for Cara's enthusiasm and passion as she teaches her students and leads the Dance Companies at Lifesong!

Kari Anderson
Dance Instructor

Kristianne Anthon
Dance Instructor

Kristianne Anthon joins our Lifesong family as we begin Season 3 and we are thrilled to have her. Kristianne began her dance career training in classical ballet with Pat and Tanju Tuzer in Richardson, TX. She then received a scholarship to the Houston Ballet Academy and began her professional career at the age of 15. Next she worked with Ballet Oklahoma and then moved to Dallas where she performed with Moonslice Dance Theatre and the Dance Consortium. In 1994, Kristianne moved to Arizona and was a principle performer with Center Dance Emsemble for 7 years, also functioning as an original member and rehearsal director for Scorpius Dance Theatre and Tribe Light Bizzare. She was the ballet instructor at Metropolitan Arts Institute for 4 years. She served as the Dance Department Chair from 2002-2004 as well as ballet and modern instructor at New School for the Arts & Academics. Kristianne became the first Ballet Mistress for Dupree Dance Expor conducting master classes throughout the country in ballet, lyrical and modern in 2002. She was on the faculty at Scottsdale Community College, Destiny Dance International in Phoenix and Classic Image Dance in Mesa, Arizona. Choreography residencies include Desert Vista, Dobson, Highland, McClintock, Red Mountain, Ironwood, Centennial, Central and Mesa High School in Arizona. She also conducted master classes in kansas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Canada. Kristianne moved back to East Texas in June 2005 and had her daugher Akiva in September. Since relocating to Plano, Kristianne has taught as KJ Dance, Academy of Dance Arts in Allen and The Dallas Power House of Dance. Kristianne danced in two feature films, Tank Girl and Anastasia. She has also appeared in national commercials, infomercials and print ads. We are excited about the experience, talent, passion and heart that Kristianne bring the dance studio at Lifesong!

Ann Marie Heilman
Dance Instructor

Ann-Marie Heilman is an original staff member at Lifesong. She is a professional movement artist residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She has a very diverse background in movement, giving her a unique insight into the dancer’s body. When young, she trained with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, connected with the Clear Lake Metropolitan Ballet. Ann-Marie was a part of her high school drill team, and was 1st Lt and Captain, then went on to be a Kilgore College Rangerette, a collegiate performing group, and was a Swingster and Rt. End Lt. She continued her studies at Texas Christian University to receive her BFA in Modern Dance. Ann-Marie has taught at Christ for the Nations Institute and led the dance ministry at Shady Grove Church, and is a veteran instructor and judge with Starmakers Dance and Performance Camps. She has also been dancing with Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth for 5 years, and recently with the Dallas Dance Company. With CD/FW, she helps coordinate their Neighborhood Arts Program which brings creative movement and modern dance into schools. She also travels with her husband Jason, nationally and internationally, teaching on releasing creativity. Ann-Marie has learned and continues to study many different cultural styles of movement, the mind-body-spirit connection, and scientific areas, such as sound and light, and their connection with movement. We are thankful and excited to have Ann-Marie at Lifesong teaching ballet and developing our Modern Dance program and we're thankful for her commitment to excellence!

Kristen Mitchell
Dance Instructor

Kristen Mitchell is an original staff member at Lifesong. She began her dance career in the DFW area at age 3. She has exclusive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Clogging and Musical Theatre. By the time she had reached high school, she was receiving invitations and even some scholarships to take master dance classes all across America. She graduated from LD Bell in 2002 and served as Captain of the Raiderettes in 2001-2002. During that time she received several choreography awards in recognition for her hard work and creativity. Since that time she has done choreography for drill teams all across the DFW Metroplex. Kristen is a veteran live performer, having shared the stage with such acts as Clint Black, Jessica Simpson, and Creed. She was hired to be featured performer for the Miss Tennessee pageant, a preliminary to Miss America in 2001 and 2002. Kristen is beginning her 6th year touring the nation with Dupree Enterprises, a nationally ranked dance convention. She serves as a choreographer and teacher spreading her knowledge and love for dance all across America. We are thankful for the talent and creativity that Kristen brings to Lifesong Studio!

Brian Stevens
Dance Instructor

Sarah Tanner
Dance Instructor

Sarah Tanner is an original staff member at Lifesong. She brings 16 years of dance experience including 4 years as an assistant teacher and 2 years of teaching. Sarah is a native Texan and began dance classes at age 2. Her training was with Doubletake Dance Studio, where she was a member of the junior, teen, and senior level dance company, moving on to become assistant instructor. Through high school, Sarah was a member of the award winning L.D. Bell drill team, the Raiderettes, being named captain her senior year. She has also been honored with awards for her tap and jazz solos over the past few years. Sarah has performed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Clint Black, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Destiny’s Child and Carrie Underwood. Sarah remains current in her dance education through participation annually in dance conventions and master classes. Sarah's knowledge and experience in teaching different levels of dance are a positive and energizing influence to our dance students. She believes in making each student feel valued and is excited to teach and help guide them in anyway she can. We are thankful for the bright spot Sarah is at Lifesong, for her youthful enthusiasm and for her sharing her talents and love for dance with her students!

Ryan Warren
Dance Instructor

Ryan Warren is an original staff member at Lifesong. He has been dancing since he was seven years old and has trained all over the nation from Dallas' The Centre to Los Angeles and New York at the Millennium and Broadway Dance Center from some of the nation's top choreographers. In high school Ryan performed at many local venues such as Six Flags over Texas, The Gaylord Texan, and many city carnivals and fairs. Ryan was also a featured dancer in the Miss Tennessee pageant for three years and performed at many Dallas Cowboy halftime shows with artists including R&B act Destiny's Child. After graduating high school, Ryan began teaching at several studios in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Since then he has choreographed for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in which they performed his dance at every home game. Also Ryan's choreography was featured on the international television show "Barney the Dinosaur." Currently Ryan is interning on the Adrenaline Dance Convention, under the direction of Jeremy Keeton, in which he travels around the Nation assisting choreographers from LA and setting up the shows. He is also the main hip hop instructor for Dupree Dance Enterprises, a dance convention/competition. Recently Ryan has experienced new and exciting changes as he became a husband to Amy and a father to their daughter Brooklyn. We love Ryan’s energy and passion for dance and we’re thankful to have him on our team developing and leading our Hip Hop program!

Kinsey Weegar
Dance Instructor

Kinsey Weegar is an original staff member at Lifesong. Children, teaching, and dance are her true passions and she is so excited to enjoy each of those aspects each day at Lifesong. Kinsey started taking dance at the age of three, and has loved it ever since. She attended Richland High School and was a member of the Dixie Belles for three years. While on the team, Kinsey served as a Junior Lieutenant as well as Captain. After high school, she attended the University of North Texas where she majored in Elementary Education, and was a member of the University of North Texas Dancers for three years. During her third year on the dance team, she served as Captain. Kinsey spent many years of her life dancing at Doubletake Dance Studio as a student where she was a member of production companies, was an assistant teacher for four years, and a teacher for five years. While teaching, she specialized in clogging. Her clogging routines received top overall awards for performance as well as choreography at numerous competitions and conventions. Kinsey is a second grade teacher. After teaching for 2 years in the Birdville ISD, she is now teaching second grade at Austin Elementary in Coppell ISD. Kinsey is married to her high school sweetheart Brent. Brent and Kinsey are the proud parents of their new baby boy Tucker who was born on May 8, 2008. We are truly thankful for the many talents Kinsey brings to Lifesong— all of your students love you Kinsey and so do we!

Robert Anderson
Guitar

Robert Anderson joined the Lifesong family in July 2007 and brings a great energy and talent to our staff. Robert has had a love for music his whole life being raised in a family of musicians. He began playing guitar at an early age and as a high school student, his band was invited to play in various venues from Texas to Florida. He has been teaching for over four years and enjoys the opportunity to share his knowledge and love for music with his students. He is currently pursuing multiple degrees in Psychology, Religion and Business. Robert is an encouragement to his students at Lifesong and we are glad to have him on our team.

Ludo Baccherini
Drums & Percussion

Ludo Baccherini is an original staff member at Lifesong. Ludo is originally from Italy and grew up in the south of France where he graduated from the Dante Agostini jazz school of Drumming and the classical conservatory of music and arts where he studied classical music.  He started his career as a professional musician at the age of 16.  After graduating, Ludo decided to make the big move to Los Angeles, CA in 1988 where he went on to graduate from the Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood and studied with Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey and Steve Houghton.  Ludo started playing professionally in the Los Angeles area with different recording artists and bands in all styles of music.  After 8 years playing, recording and writing music in Los Angeles, Ludo had the opportunity to move to Nashville, TN to continue his career as a session drummer and music composer.  In 2002, Ludo moved to Dallas, TX, to work with the most respected musicians in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area where he is the owner of "La Dolce Vita Recording Studios" and the independent record label "Luna Records."   Through the years Ludo has worked nonstop as a drummer on stages and in recording studios all over the world.  As a drum teacher, he has taught and conducted drum clinics all over the world for 20 years now, and he's also a well respected music composer and producer for his work with various international artists, television shows and the motion picture industry. 

Celeste Brinkman
Violin

Celeste Brinkman joined the Lifesong staff in February 2008 and we are thrilled to have her!  She began studying the violin at the age of four and played only classically for 15 years.  She performed and competed regularly, winning many competitions and receiving recognition at the regional and state level.  She began playing professionally at the age of twelve.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from SMU in 2001 with her major study in Voice and her minor study in Theatre Arts.  Although her music degree focused on voice, she continued to train and perform classically as a violinist.  Celeste owns, manages and performs with the Platinum Strings which she formed in 1999.  She also continues to do freelance work as a violinist in the DFW area playing in such venues as Dallas Museum of Art, the Arboretum and Six Flags.  She has also developed quite a reputation as a “fiddle” player, not only in the Metroplex but also in New York where she spent time studying theatre.  Her teaching experience began when she was 16 years old and she has taught consistently, having up to 30 students at one time.  Her education includes string pedagogy courses at SMU as well as the benefit of excellent private instructors with whom she has studied over the years.  She is excited about sharing her love of music and passion for the violin (and the fiddle!) with her students at Lifesong and we are thankful to her!

Rick Curcio
Guitar

Rick Curcio joined the Lifesong music staff in October of 2007.  He is 28 years old and is originally from Baldwin, New York.  He has been playing guitar for over 18 years.  Rick graduated from Colleyville Heritage H.S. where he performed in many talent shows and various other events.  He began teaching his junior year in the school cafeteria.  He went on to college at the University of North Texas, where he studied jazz guitar and majored in history.  Upon receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he went on to Media Tech Institute where he studied audio engineering, and applied his love of music in the recording studio.  Rick spent some time as a session guitarist and even made an appearance in a children’s toy that played the song My Sherona, and was sold at Target stores throughout the U.S.  In the past 2 years he has taught guitar both privately and in studios.  Rick pursues his passion in his band Ashmore, where he has achieved such goals as opening up a national tour for Jon Bon Jovi and Nickleback, as well as appearing on Fuse TV.  Rick’s passion for music as well as his varied performing and teaching experiences make him a valuable asset to Lifesong’s Music studio.  We are thankful to have Rick on staff and appreciate his talent and experience in teaching and performing!

Kristie Goodman
Voice & Piano

Kristie Goodman is an original staff member at Lifesong! She brings to Lifesong many years experience as a voice instructor and early childhood music educator. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M University, where she was privileged to study under the exceptional tutelage of Miss Elsa Porter, WTAMU Professor Emeritus. She obtained her teaching certification in music for all levels in 1990. Kristie is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) as well as the Texas Music Educator’s Association.  Kristie also has ten years of piano training, two of those at the college level.While attending college, Kristie participated in many musical and opera productions, including the role of Casilda in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. She performed in the musical drama “Texas” in Palo Duro Canyon for four seasons, which is where she met and fell in love with her husband, Joel. Kristie and Joel moved to the metroplex in 1991, and were blessed with their son Collin the same year. Not long after, Jay and Carolyn Franks also moved to the midcities from Amarillo, and Jay promptly recruited Kristie for his church choir. Thus began Kristie’s many years of participation in the music ministry of Highland Meadows Christian Church, from the praise and worship team, to choir, dance ministry, and special productions, such as soloist in their production of Young Messiah. Kristie served as vocal coach to the choir and helped direct two of Highland Meadows’ productions. Before joining Lifesong Studio, Kristie taught private voice students while putting her main focus on raising their three children. In addition to Collin, who is now 16, they have Audrey, 13, and Emma, who is 10. Kristie has also taught preschool music for the past eight years, the last four at Steppingstone Preschool and Kindergarten in Watauga, where she was recently named Teacher of the Year.  Her original productions presented by the students of Steppingstone have received high praises.When Kristie first began teaching, she had no idea that she would love it so much!   Committed to providing her students the best instruction available, Kristie continues to attend training seminars and workshops to stay informed on the best methods in the industry. We are thankful for Kristie's talent, enthusiasm and passion for music and teaching!

Belinda Johnson
Voice

Belinda Johnson joined the Lifesong music staff in January 2008.  Belinda has been singing since the 2nd grade, always involved in the top choirs and a regular soloist. She had the privilege of traveling to New Zealand in High Schoolwith the Elite Choir. She majored in Music/Vocal Performance in College at the University of Hawaii, where she fell in love with music theory, but her passion was singing so she auditioned and was offered a scholarship to Shenandoah University and Conservatory in Winchester Virginia where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Music/Vocal Performance and a minor in Piano. While at Shenandoah, Belinda had the opportunity to work on various opera's and musical theater productions.  She also traveled throughout Europe performing at Sunday Mass at the Vatican and all the major cathedrals in Italy, Germany and Hungary withthe Elite Choir. She remained at Shenandoah after graduation and started my Master's degree inVocal Performancewith an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy.  After a year of further study, Belinda moved to Dallas, TX where she started singing with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, even traveling to Jerusalem to sing with the Israeli Philharmonic. She sang with the symphony chorus for over 4 years. Throughout this time she was part of the worship team for her church in Plano as well as the leader of the youth band. In addition to her musical pursuits, Belinda has enjoyed a professional career in Television.  For years, Belinda has been teaching private voice lessons.  Belinda adores her students and loves teaching and inspiring them to be the best they can be.  We are thankful for all of the talent and experience that Belinda brings to her students and to the team at Lifesong!

Bryan Meggison
Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Bass Guitar

Bryan Meggison joined the music staff at Lifesong in August of 2007.  Originally from McAllen, Texas, Bryan now lives in Lewisville and plays alto and tenor saxophones, keyboards and bass for local Dallas bands The Vince Lujan Project, Scarlet, and The B-side Trio to name a few.  Bryan earned his degree in Jazz Studies Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas and enjoys playing and teaching piano, saxophone, flute and bass guitar.  Bryan is loved and respected by his students and fellow musicians and we are so thankful to have the diversity and passion for music that he brings to Lifesong Studio!

Cheryl Pennington
Piano

Cheryl Pennington is an original staff member at Lifesong. She brings to Lifesong a wide diversity of musicality, with insight in classical, jazz, worship, theory, ear training (aural skills), and her favorite, composition.  She has seen great success with her students, including musical awards, scholarships, and personal fulfillment.  Accomplishments also include work as a hired professional recording artist as well as traveling and leadership with several non-profit art groups and music teams. From the age of 4, music, namely the piano, has played a key role in Cheryl’s life.  By the age of 13, 4-12 hour a day practices led her in the door of competitions and numerous awards.  She placed 3 consecutive years in ASCAP’s Composition Competition, awarded 1st place in Regional, State, and then Southeast Region of the United States respectively.  In addition to awards and honors in local music associations, her performances of J.S. Bach landed her several honors.  She was named 1 of 12 to receive the BACH Trophy, Agnus Scott College, GA; and 1 of 8 in the U.S. chosen to participate in the High School Piano Institute of America’s intensive training, University of North Texas.  At age 17, she began her pedagogy experience through an internship with Key Studios in Atlanta, GA. Cheryl is degreed in Music and Music Business, with Piano Pedagogy studies from the University of North Texas and Music Business studies from Dallas Baptist University.  She has worked with a multitude of local instructors, studios, church music teams, and conducted in-services to enhance their pedagogical tools and approaches. We are privileged and thankful to have Cheryl's experience, training and commitment to excellence in our music staff!

Chris Robinson
Guitar

Chris Robinson joined the Lifesong music staff in August 2007. Chris has always had a passion for music and has played the guitar for 16 years.   He got a B.B.A. Degree in Marketing at the University of North Texas with a minor in Music.  He also took night classes and received a Studio Engineering Degree from The Dallas Sound Lab School for Recording Arts.   After college Chris began working for Clear Channel Communications at KZPS, KDGE, and Fox Sports.  From there he found an opportunity to work at a non-commercial station that he was very passionate about, 89.7 Power FM “The Christian Rock Station”.   He is still currently employed there and also works in promotions for Monster Energy Drink. For the past four years, Chris was the Music Director for both the Junior High and Senior High students at Living Word Lutheran Church in Grapevine.    He has also played guitar and bass in several bands over the years and currently writes and records all the instrumentation for his current band, Remnant Tribe.  He also loves singing, playing bass guitar, piano, mandolin, and drums. We are fortunate to have Chris on our team and we're thankful for his passion for music and his genuine love for his students and commitment to teaching them with excellence!

Shannon Ward
Violin & Piano

Shannon Ward joined the Lifesong music staff in January 2007 and we are thrilled to have her on our team!  Shannon was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she began her musical studies at the Oral Roberts University Suzuki School.  Beginning at 2 ½, she is the youngest student ever to have studied at the school.  During her early developmental years, she participated in Kindermusik, piano & dance lessons, as well as church choirs and the Tulsa Children's Chorus.  She attributes her further musical success to these early childhood activities.  During high school, she held positions as Concertmaster of several symphony orchestras and chamber music groups including the Oklahoma All State Orchestra, Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra, Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra, The Arkansas Regional Chamber Orchestra, Arioso String Trio, and played professionally with members of the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra as a part of Greg Lynch Strings.  Following her high school graduation in 2001, Shannon was selected as a violinist in The National Symphony Summer Youth Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and was also one of two interns to have completed the intensive summer music internship with The Eastern Symphony Orchestra at Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, N.C in 2002.  Waco, Texas became Shannon's home in 2001 as she began her studies at Baylor University.  While there, she enjoyed playing improvisational violin with the worship band at Antioch Community Church. Initially majoring in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, she completed her degree in International Studies with a minor in music in 2006.  Connecting her International Studies degree andher love ofmusic, Shannonhas traveled with mission teams sharing the international language of music in Turkey, Mexico,Israel, and during the summer of 2007 she traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, England, andWales to participate with the US team in the international worship festival Celebration for the Nations.  From April 2007 to February 2008 Shannon earned the nickname "fiddle girl" at Gilley's Dallas and appeared on stage every weekend as a member of the Gilley's House Band - Chris Rivers Band.  Currently, Shannon gigs around DFW with a string quartet for special occasions and has returned to Lifesong Studio teaching both piano and violin lessons after a 4 month hiatus.  Her other musical interests include singing and playing the piano and guitar. Outside of music, Shannon enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, reading a good book, watching a movie, listening to live music, international travel, and has a new affinity for the art of backyard grilling. Shannon truly has the heart of an artist and we are thankful to have her share that with her students and fellow musicians at Lifesong!

Erica Peterman
Theatre Director

Erica Peterman is an original staff member at Lifesong beginning as an instructor and soon after becoming our Theatre Director.  Erica, a professional actor, has performed throughout North America, Europe and the Hawaiian Islands. She attended the Meisner Center in Hollywood, CA and studied voice at the University of Denver. Regional credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), South Pacific (Nellie), Into the Woods (Witch), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Grease (Rizzo), A Funny Thing… (Philia), Anything Goes (Hope) and Ah, Wilderness! for which she received an Irene Ryan Award. Directing credits include Cinderella, Seussical the Musical, The Circle of Life, The Wizard of Oz and A Little Princess. Erica believes that the “Lifesong Difference” is, for lack of a better word, a dramatic one. “It is a blessing and an honor to be a part of such an uplifting community where the arts and our students are complimenting one another, not competing.”  We are privileged to have Erica leading and building our theatre program and thankful for all of the talent and creativity she brings as a performer, teacher and director!

Shane Peterman
Instructor

Shane Peterman joined the Lifesong staff in July 2007 and is not only an instructor in our Theatre Studio, but is also our Summer Theatre Academy Director.  Shane, a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, has performed leading roles across North America and Europe.  He was last seen as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man with the Dallas Wind Symphony, Anthony in Sweeney Todd at The Meyerson Symphony Center, and Steve in Casa Manana’s Showboat at the Bass Performance Hall.  He was also seen on Broadway in the Production Workshop of The Night of the Hunter. Other shows including: Encore! Mr. Producer, Guys and Dolls; Oklahoma!, and Beauty and the Beast; to name a few.  He has also done many commercials, and the leading role in the Televsion Pilot Texas Tales and Legends. He has taught at the Springer Theatre Academy in Georgia among many other theatres, and studios. Shane has studied and worked from New York to England with the best in the business.  We are thankful for the talent, heart and professionalism Shane brings to our theatre staff!

Terra Wortley
Instructor

Mary Howe
Instructor

Mary Howe is an original staff member at Lifesong.  She has been painting since the age of seven.  She received formal and private school education.  She attended Governor's State University/Chicago and received a degree in Advertising/Art History.  She traveled extensively throughout Europe and feels that her travel as well as her training and education are depicted in her murals and faux finishing work.  Her main artistry is shown in upscale residential and commercial properties.  She also enjoys teaches art lessons to people of all ages.  Mary's priorities in life are God, family and career.  She enjoys bringing creative people together to learn, share and tap into their own creativity.  Working professionally and with entrepreneurs has allowed her to increase her knowledge, stay of top of current trends, tools, ideas, and current research.  Mary resides in Grapevine with Jerry, her husband of 20 years.  They have two children; Bridget 18, and Megan 13.  Other than her love for art, she enjoys biking, swimming, and family vacations.  She regularly hosts workshops for homeowners, hobbyists, college students, painting contractors, future artists, and existing businesses.  We are truly thankful for Mary’s talent and genuine love for her students and for Lifesong!

John & Renee Pryor
Country & Western