Chara Music Department

 

Chara Christian Dance Academy has a thriving music department with over 100 students and 6 instructors!  We are currently offering one-on-one music lesson either in the studio or remotely online through our virtual studio.  Our instructors help their students develop their skills throughout the year, leading up to their 2 recital performance opportunities.  

 

Chara currently offers 30 minute private lessons in the following arts:

●   Piano   ●   Guitar   ●   Voice   ●   Ukelele   ●   Bass Guitar   ●   Banjo

Performance Opportunities

Chara holds 2 music recitals; one around Christmas and another at the end of the season. Students who have shown progress and dedication to their studies are invited to perform one piece at either Recital to demonstrate their growth. Recitals are performed at Friendswood Friends Church. At each recital we offer the opportunity to contribute to a selected charity in lieu of purchasing tickets.

Jukebox Journey – Music Through the Decades

Recital Performances – Saturday, May 14th and Sunday May 15th 

Join our Chara musicians at Friendswood Friends Church for a musical review of great selections from multiple decades. From the great composers, to the roaring 20s, to contemporary tunes, our students will share a kaleidoscope of pieces to entertain you. Families will be automatically assigned a performance slot on either day. Recital assignments will be shared in our March Newsletter.

Mandatory Rehearsal – Saturday, May 14th 

Families will be given the opportunity to select a 30 minute time slot (based on availability) between 9:00am and 2:00pm for a quick rehearsal at Friendswood Friends Church in preparation for their performance. SIGN UP coming soon!

Charitable Donations

All music recitals at Chara are free admission; however, we always support organizations serving our community and children in the area.

Music Instructors

 

Chara Christian Dance Academy’s Music Department is incredibly blessed with multi-talented, award-winning instructors teaching to the highest musical standards.  With backgrounds in multiple musical disciplines and decades of experience working with children, our teachers bring excellence and high expectations for all students.  We are proud to include certified classroom music teachers, professional touring stage musicians, and piano performance majors among our staff. Our dedicated team is eager to work with your student in building musicianship, performance skills, and an appreciation of music.

Cindy Fletcher, Program Director and Piano Instructor

Combining a passion for teaching, children and music,  Mrs. Fletcher is an award-winning educator and musician who is thrilled to be sharing her love of fine arts in the Christian environment of Chara Christian Dance Academy.  Her goals are to motivate and encourage students while instilling a life-long appreciation of music.  She has taught piano lessons for 25 years, taught in public and private schools, and directed/performed with numerous choirs, singing groups, praise teams and musical productions.  When not teaching or making music, Mrs. Fletcher can be found with her other obsessions –  reading, cross-stitch, fur babies and family.

Jeanette Adleman, Voice & Piano Instructor

Ms. Jeanette joins our music department staff this year as a private voice and piano teacher. She has been teaching 20 + years and currently teaches middle school Music and Choir in Pearland.  Jeanette graduated from the University of Houston with a master’s degree in Vocal Performance.  She also attended Trinity University and earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of St. Thomas. She has performed and traveled with the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Chamber Choir. Along with directing several church choirs, she has sung as a paid soloist and choral member at a variety of Houston churches including St. Martin’s Episcopal, St. Paul’s United Methodist, and currently at Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church with their choir, and chamber group, Chorus Angelorum. Jeanette is honored to share the gift and joy of music with others through teaching. When not singing or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies (4 dogs and 1 cat), along with reading, writing poetry, journaling, traveling, and cooking.

Jon Gowen, Guitar, Piano, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin and Banjo Instructor

Jon studied classical guitar and music education at the University of North Texas. Jon has studied the guitar for 35 years and began playing the piano at age 5. He has taught private lessons in guitar, piano and other instruments for over 25 years. Jon began playing professionally in church and school productions at age 15. Jon has performed with groups ranging in styles from blues, jazz, rock, country, funk, contemporary, pop, reggae and ska. Jon tailors his teaching according to the student’s interest, skill level and adaption with a heavy emphasis on technique.

“It is my purpose to share my gift with others.” – Jon Gowen

Hope Gallagher, Piano Instructor

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

Hope was anxious to start learning music at the early age of 8. Between weekly piano and violin lessons, playing in ensembles and orchestras, and eventually teaching, music has brought amazing opportunities and memories to her life. Over the past 20 years, Hope has had the privilege of working with children, sharing the joy that music can bring. In both private and group instruction; whether creating a fun and engaging class for the very smallest musicians, or helping a student master a new concept, Hope loves being a part of each student’s unique journey.
Hope enjoys accompanying the congregation of First Baptist Algoa on Sundays, and during the rest of the week can be found singing, dancing, watching movies, and chauffeuring about with her six kids and dog.