Our Music Instructors
First Academy of Music of First Presbyterian Church provides high-quality musical instruction in a Christian environment for students of all ages and levels of skill. Vocal and instrumental lessons are available with the finest teachers who hold degrees and are experienced in their area of instruction. Instructors include professional educators, church musicians, symphony players, and active performers. Our desire is to nurture your musical interest and ability so that you will enjoy the benefits of music making for the rest of your life.
We extend our congratulations to Music School Director Cheryl Bauer who will be retiring after the summer session. Beginning in August, Associate Director of Sacred Arts for First Presbyterian Church, Thom DeLessio, will begin his role as Director of First Academy of Music.
Please join us in celebrating these exciting changes!
Meet our Program Director
Cheryl started piano lessons at age 6 in her hometown of Ashland, Ohio, and then pestered her parents until they allowed her to switch to flute lessons when she was 11. She has rarely been without her flute since then.
Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Music degree (magna cum laude) from Ashland College in Ohio and an MA in flute performance from Western Carolina University where she studied with Eldred Spell. She is a former orchestral and chamber ensemble flutist. Cheryl is a classical music enthusiast who loves Mozart and Bach, but you might find her car radio tuned to a classic-rock radio station or discover Beatles, Jobim, opera, or salsa music on her playlist. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, and traveling. Cheryl has this to say about her teaching philosophy and style:
“I try to always reinforce what a student is doing right and then break the challenges into small manageable steps. My goal is to help my students reach a point where they don’t need me – where they can make their own musical and interpretive judgments and have the skills to bring the notes on the page to life.”
Academy Assistant
Michael is new to Florida and is a former South Carolinian. He loves music of all kinds, NASCAR racing, and reading. He enjoys interacting with the students and family members while working at First Academy of Music.