Our Music Instructors - Starling Music Studio

Vocal | Piano | Songwriting

Sally Howell

Hi! I am Sally Howell, owner and instructor at Starling Music Studio. I come from a small town in Missouri and literally grew up IN a theatre. I have been performing from a young age in my family-owned theatre The Calvin Opera House where I was a part of melodramas, musicals, and a family band.

I have studied Opera at the Conservatory of Music at UMKC, and then received a BA in commercial voice from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While in Nashville I worked on Music Row, and after college I toured nationally and internationally with an all girl country band. After life on the road, I took my songwriting to another level and signed with Ash Street Music Publishing. I sang demos for studios all across town, and performed with my blues band, Candi Apple Red. Over a 13 year period living in Nashville, I worked with several major producers, including Chuck Howard and Trey Bruce, and recorded several albums. In 2006 I starred on a National tv show series where I clogged, yodeled, sang and danced.

In 2009 I moved to the town of Benton, AR and began teaching at Little Rock Jams in Little Rock where I taught piano, voice, and songwriting for 9 years. I am extremely excited about the opening of my own Starling Music Studio and I can’t wait to share the joy of music with you or your child!

Oneta Winkler

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio to a family of musicians and singers, Oneta began singing and performing publicly in early childhood. She received early musical training from her mother, an educator and accomplished pianist. After her family relocated to Benton, Arkansas, she studied classical piano with Mrs. Earnest Maner.

Oneta is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with a BS in Education. For many years, Oneta has been active in church music ministry in a variety of roles: worship leader, writing/directing dramas/musicals, song writing, director of adult and children's choirs, soloist, pianist, music teacher Pre-K through 8th grade for 3 years at a parochial school. Oneta currently serves as director of music at aMabelvale Methodist
Church.

Students of all ages will ﬁnd a warm welcome in her music room.

Piano

Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn

Art Holiman

I was born in Little Rock and raised in Benton. I earned a Music Education degree at Henderson State University, with an emphasis in brass instruments, and did graduate work in Louisiana and Texas. After teaching in Louisiana, I returned to Arkansas and directed the Central Arkansas Community Concert Band, as well as playing trumpet in various bands, pit orchestras, brass quintets, and other groups (most notably the GroanUps).

I look forward to working with Starling Music Studio to support school music programs in the area, as well as preparing students for Region Band competition.

Katelyn Bayless

Hi! I am Katelyn Bayless. I grew up in Monticello, Arkansas and have recently moved to Bryant. I graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor’s of Music Education in 2021 and am currently working on my Master’s through the University of Georgia which I should be earning Summer 2023. I am also the music teacher at Bryant Elementary School.

I am a certified FAME First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfège teacher, which teaches children to be tuneful, beatful and artful.

I have been singing for as long as I can remember, starting to perform in front of an audience at the age of 3. Singing and playing piano have been a huge part of my life and I can’t wait to share my skills with your child! I am very excited to work with your students and watch them learn and improve as they practice their instrument!

Piano/Voice

Piano, Pre-K Music, Special Needs Music

Carol Holiman

I am so excited to be a part of the teaching team at Starling Music Studio! My connection to music began with my family at an early age. I have a background in piano and percussion with a music degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I have continued my piano studies with Ms. Sally at Little Rock Jams since 2009, and joined the staff there as a music instructor. I received additional training in music for children with special needs from James Madison University and University of Arkansas. My teaching areas will include Pre-K, children with special needs and beginning piano for any age.

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Yoder is a violinist, composer, and film director from the Central Arkansas area. Growing up, he was a part of the Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra and developed both his love of violin and the arts under the nurturing guidance of his first violin teacher, the late Eric Hayward.

In high school, he was the concertmaster of the South All-Region orchestra, Participated in All-State clinics, performed solo violin for a former U.S. President, and was a finalist for the High School Honors Performance Series and flew to New York City to perform in Carnegie Hall.

He then went on to the University of Central Arkansas as a violin performance major under the instruction of Professor Linda Hsu. In College, he developed relationships that lead him from violin performance to Film. Since then, he has scored numerous film projects for directors like Paula Blanco (“Dust”, “Be Here Now”, & “Canchas”), Jason Pitts (“Alone” & “Masquerade”), and many more. Recently he became the Director of the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts at Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts in West Little Rock.

Violin, Cello, Viola

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Don Tucker

Don Tucker is from Russellville and attended Arkansas Tech. He has been playing guitar since the 1970’s, and teaching since 2005, including 5 years at Guitar Center and now in his 4th year at Starling.

Don is very involved in songwriting as a coordinator for the Central Arkansas Chapter of Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), and lead songwriter for Freedom Sings Arkansas, a group that writes songs with veterans as therapy to help with PTSD.

He also plays lead guitar with the worship band at First United Methodist Church in Bryant. Don teaches guitar, ukulele, bass guitar and songwriting. He is a grandfather and enjoys teaching kids and adults alike! Don also plays in a band, Grand Trio with Starling drum instructor Bernie Quell. Genres he teaches include country, rock, blues, pop and Christian.

Mandi Carreiro

My name is Mandi Carreiro and I am a Little Rock born and raised native. My music journey started before I could even talk. My dad is my church music minister and I have been blessed to be surrounded by music my whole life. I remember my voovoo (grandfather in Portuguese), spinning me around as a little girl singing Shirley Temple songs. I am so lucky that my career now revolves around music and the theater arts.

I have a Bachelors in Vocal Performance with a minor in theater from UA Little Rock. After working for UA Little Rock’s Alumni Association for a few years I returned to my love of education in the form of teaching. Last year I received my Master of Art in Teaching from UCA and have been teaching in elementary music as well as middle and high school choral and theater programs. I currently teach at Landmark Elementary School.

I spend my spare time working with Wildwood Park for the Arts as their Costume Mistress. Some of my favorite shows I have worked on include Wizard of Oz, Seussical the Musical, and H.M.S. Pinafore. I enjoy a good book outdoors with my dog, Luna, or a nice cup of tea gaming on my computer with my cat, Loca.

Piano/Voice

Drums

Bernie Quell

Bernie Quell began playing drums during Beatle Mania. He was in grade school when three of his friends, who recently signed up to take guitar lessons, turned to Bernie and said; “We’re gonna need a drummer, go sign up for drum classes”,…and he did! Bernie and his friends were soon playing music at school dances throughout the cities South of Detroit where he grew up. Detroit at that time was a hot bed for all the developing local music groups who later made it on the National Stage. It was no big deal to go and hear Bob Seeger or Ted Nugent who were playing dances at local roller skating rinks. MoTown, Rock and Roll, the British Invasion all had an influence on Bernie’s early drumming style.

In the late 70’s, Bernie moved to the Northwest region of Arkansas. There he developed his Country style by being the house drummer at the Cove Club and later the Candle Light Supper Club in Grove, Oklahoma. He also played a season at a music hall in Rogers, AR.

In the mid 80’s, he moved to Central Arkansas and was a mainstay for the Tuesday night Blues Jam at Juanita’s in Little Rock. He and some friends formed the group Make No Mistake which played local and regional venues throughout Arkansas. Today, Bernie works with Starlings own Don Tucker in a group called the Grand Trio. Bernie looks forward to being on the Starling staff of talented musicians to further the development of other future talent.

Tiffany Turner

Growing up in Mountain View Arkansas, I was introduced to bluegrass music at an early age. Beginning lessons at six years old, I learned to play Scruggs 3 finger style banjo and bluegrass flatpickin' & worship style guitar. Music has always been my happy place! As a teenager, I traveled with my family performing at church concerts and festivals throughout the southern states. In recent years, I have toured with different bands including The Maharreys and Legendary Sullivan Family. I am so thankful for the opportunities music has given to me! One of my fondest memories happened when I was 16 years old. I was blessed to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Little Roy Lewis and Earl Scruggs! Performing on stage alongside my two favorite banjo pickers was the highlight of my music career!

I now reside in Saline County, and a part of the worship team at Benton First Assembly of God Church. A few years ago, I decided to begin teaching because I want to help others experience the joy of music. Bring your instrument and we will have some fun together! I look forward to meeting you!

Banjo, Mandolin

Guitar

Michael Shipp

Michael Shipp has been a professional touring and studio musician for over 4 decades. He has worked extensively in recording studios in Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin and Memphis, as an artist and producer. Michael released his first CD in 2003, The Adventures of Roosterboy, on Tiffer Records. The CD was produced by Michael and Nashville’s Steve Tolson. During this time, Michael was a touring member ofAcademy Award Winner, Billy Bob Thornton’s, band that did 2 world tours and several North American tours. In addition to Billy Bob Thornton, Michael also worked either on stage or studio with ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons and Dusty Hill, Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd) Pat Travers, Dwight Yoakum, and even the late Johnny Cash. In 2012, Michael released another CD that was co-produced with Billy Bob, several guest artists and songwriting collaborations, SHIPP Crow Loudly. Michael Shipp’s CD’s have sold worldwide in over 30 countries. The SHIPP Crow Loudly CD included the regionally played single, Razorback Boogie that was featured on several Arkansas Rock Radio Stations across the state, as well as heard throughout many tailgate events. Michael’s band, SHIPP, is a Southern Rock and Roots band featuring phenomenal drummer Peyton Shipp.

Michael Shipp is happy to share his musical journey and guitar teaching abilities at Starling Music beginning in December 2022. Michael is also a Real Estate Broker in Saline County with Century 21 Parker & Scroggins Realty. Married for 26 years to Lovely Wife Kim, they have 2 teenagers, Peyton Shipp,18, and Presley Shipp, 16.

Emory Tyson Molitor

Emory Tyson Molitor is an Arkansas native and performer in musical theatre and music events in Little Rock at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse and other central Arkansas theatres. Emory is an alumnus if the ATU music and speech/theatre departments and holds a Masters of Science in Developmental Therapy from HSU. With more than 12 years of experience directing children’s choirs and musicals and over six years as a Developmental Therapist, Emory can captivate the attention of her youngest students. She is also the soprano section leader in her church choir. Her singing experience includes musical theatre, jazz, classical, pop and country. Emory is Mom to two grown daughters and Emmy to her granddaughter.

Voice

Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet

Zannon Hogue

Zannon Hogue is passionate about helping students discover the joy of music through personalized and engaging lessons. With a solid background in music education and performance, Zannon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his teaching practice.He holds a Bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he served as the Pep Band Student Director and participated in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Band from 2021 to 2024. Recognized for musical achievements throughout his academic career, Zannon performed clarinet in the Arkansas All-State Band every year during high school and placed second in the state his senior year, and was also honored with the John Sousa Phillips Award, presented by the Bryant High School Director of Bands, Mr. Keith Matthews.

Zannon's performance experience is diverse and extensive. He has performed in London, United Kingdom, with Apollo 5, premiering a piece composed and directed by Paul Mealor, and with the Ozark Festival Singers under the direction of Dr. Lorissa Mason. Additionally, he has worked with renowned composers such as John Frederick Hudson, Joanna Gill, Henrik Dahlgren, and Katahj Copley. He has performed at notable events, including the Dixie Band Camp under the direction of Brian Balmages, and has contributed to community music through annual Easter and Christmas performances with the First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs under Dr. Tish Davenport’s direction.

Zannon has extensive experience as a student teacher intern, including at Joe T. Robinson High School, Caldwell Elementary, Bryant High School, and Bethel Middle School, as well as experience teaching clarinet for Bryant High School and judging solo ensemble performances at Bethel Middle School. His teaching approach is informed by these diverse experiences, which he uses to tailor lessons to meet the unique needs of each student.

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Address

Starling Music Studio

3614 Marketplace Center

Suite 4 & 5

Bryant, AR 72022

Phone: (501) 653-7464