Instructor Bios

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Billy Sloan is a teacher at BC Music, whose Varied accomplishments include a four year European tour as an International Pianist, Ten years on Major Cruise Lines as a solo pianist, and Leader of both a Rock Variety Band, and a Jazz Trio. 

•       Studied piano at American University in Washington, had His first solo concert there at age 12. 

•    Studied Violin from the First Chair

Violist in the Air Force Symphony, went to a Summer Music Camp as part of the Wheeling West Virginia Youth Orchestra at age 14, and later Studied violin at Jacksonville University in

Florida. Holding an Associate of Arts in

Music Production Technology from Northwest Florida State College.

• Billy continues independent studies in Cello, Violin and Fiddle styles, Banjo, Guitar, Drums, and Pedal Steel Guitar at his Recording Studio.

Hey my name is Van Jackson and I’m a new intern instructor at BC music. I’m originally from Sumter, South Carolina where I began learning piano at the age of 8. I later joined the Alice drive middle school orchestra where I picked up the cello. I continued in orchestra through my senior year of high school and made first chair from 2011-2014. I competed in the Columbia region solo and ensemble every year and was a part of the Baptist all state orchestra. Since moving to northwest Florida I have graduated from northwest Florida state college with a certificate in audio technology and music production. I enjoy leading worship at my church and playing open mic nights with musician friends. Looking forward to beginning my teaching career and spreading my love for music!

I began with music in grade school, playing Tuba and Baritone in the concert and marching bands of my middle and high school, where I learned basics of music theory.  I began to play ukulele as mostly a hobby and gimmick in 2010, when I was living in Thailand.  After a year or so of joining local Thai ukulele workshops, I entered the Thailand Ukulele Championship of 2011 and ended up winning the competition for my performance of the Thai song "Sao Chaiyaphum" in conjunction with my musical partner at the time, a fellow named Kitti Bronco.

Consequently after winning the competition, I received many offers from local venues to come and play exhibition shows and gigs, which I was wholly underprepared for, but quickly began to assemble a performative show.  Eventually I was playing 4-5 nights a week at some of the most popular speakeasies and small nightclubs/music rooms in Bangkok with my trio, Lips Manly - notably Smalls, Apoteka, Bangkok Mojo and Bitterman.  Our set was a very eclectic, energetic show with songs ranging from the 1920s up to the 2000s and spanning every genre.

I have also written many of my own original songs and was a songwriter and player in a band that was signed to Warner Music Thailand at one point, Jenny and the Scallywags, also performing at many venues around Thailand.

My teaching experience began while working for the Mechai Viravaidyha Foundation, a non-government organization in Thailand that focuses on education programs for the underprivileged provinces in Northeastern Thailand.  I established Thailand's largest youth ukulele orchestra with roughly 40 members at any given time, and they performed all around Thailand for charities and concerts.  I worked with mostly young teen students over the course of 4 years.

I currently teach Guitar Acoustic and Electric, Bass Guitar and Ukulele at BC Music Studio in Fort Walton. I'm also a musician in a praise band at Champion Life Church in the local community.

Beyond my current responsibilities I have played  in various bands throughout the years and in the short time I have been with BC Music have impacted several young musicians with insight to the tricks of the trade that I have seen, experienced and have been exposed to throughout the years. I teach students to read music and to think outside the book with guitar mapping skills laying it out to simplify the process. I have techniques to build muscle memory, strengthen the fingers while gaining speed and dexterity. I am rooted in Blues, Country and Rock N Roll. 

Certified Georgia educator passionate about string orchestra education. Using teaching practices and instructional strategies along with

excellent classroom management skills to teach and educate the next generation of musicians.

E D U C A T I O N

Bachelor of Music: Music Education May 2023

Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA

P R O F E S S I O N A L S K I L L S

 String Pedagogy

 Musical Performance Organization

 Classroom Management

 Adapts teaching methods to individual student needs

 Instructional Planning

 Student

 Understanding of child development and learning

styles

W O R K E X P E R I E N C E

Orchestra Director Aug 2023 – Present

Betty Gray Middle School Mableton, GA

 Teaches 80+ student orchestra (violin, viola, cello, and bass) for grades 6-8 according to all Georgia Orchestra music standards

 Instructed grades 6-7 in the foundational levels of large group performance using Essential Elements Book 1 and Level 1 music

 Instructed grades 7-8 in the intermediate levels of large group performance using Essential Elements Book 2 and mix of Level 1 and

Level 2 music

 Received superior ratings in all categories for split I/II playing level at the Cobb County School District’s Large Group Performance

Evaluation

 Worked on additional techniques such as sight-reading and vibrato

 Leads a small chamber group of students in advanced pieces of music for extra-curricular performances

 Raised over $5,000 for orchestra program by facillitiating fundraising activities allowing for additional funds for instruments, music,

and equipment

 Educates the whole person to address the social and emotional learning needs of all learners

 Uses online learning tools and media to connect with teachers, administrators, parents, and students

Private Violin/Viola/Cello Instructor 2021 – Present

Self Employed Atlanta, Georgia

 Instructed 18 private students (ages 6-16) through Jennings Music Store, Paulding Music and Education center, as well as personal

studio

 Utilized Essential Elements Book I (violin and cello), Mogill Scale Studies for Viola, and Suzuki Viola School Volumes II and III

focusing on proper posture and technique

 Incorporated ear training and vocal techniques with students using the Suzuki Books

Student Teacher (Orchestra) Aug 2022 – May 2023

Pebblebrook High School Mableton, GA

 Taught orchestra to grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 according to all Georgia music standards of a program of 100+ students

 Instructed large and small groups of students using a variety of instructional methods and adapted instructional methods and

materials to meet diverse students' varying needs and interests

Administrative Assistant 2020 – 2021

Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra Kennesaw, GA

 Worked as lead administrative assistant for the GYSO (ages 5-17) with 4 orchestras totaling 100+ students

 Checked in students, kept in contact with parents, supplied students with the music, instruments, and equipment necessary for

rehearsal ensuring proper functioning of rehearsals

 Tracked and managed student dues to confirm accurate ledger

C E R T I F I C A T I O N S

 Georgia Assessments for the Certifications of Educators Certification April 2023

 Orff Level I Certification

             I've always believed learning to play a musical instrument

                   teaches young people goal achievement skills without them realizing it.

                   When a child sets out to play even the easiest tune, they practice at home

                   then in a fun activity like band apply what they practice and see and hear the 

                   fruits of their labor.                   

                    That's why they call it "playing an instrument" not "working an instrument"

                   I Started playing the Trumpet in 4th grade switched to Bariton/Euphonium in high school. 

                    Attending Penn State University played bass trombone in the Wind ensemble and the PSU Blue band.

                    Also studied privately with the bass trombonist in the Pittsburg Symphony.

                   Looking for more performing opportunities I picked up the tenor saxophone and

                   within a few years was working paying gigs. Eventually working my way up to performances with 

                    well known bands including The Climax Blues Band, Bill Haely's Comets and The Beach Boys.

                    Playing at The New Orleans Jazz festival, Miss Mississippi Pageant and many well attended venues.

                  Living in Baton Rouge Louisiana I was invited to join the LSU School of Music and Dramatic Arts faculty working as instructor and

                    curator/technician of musical instruments for the School of Music and The LSU Tiger Band. " THE GOLDEN BAND FROM TIGERLAND"

                   While in Baton Rouge was a guest performer with the LSU Symphonic Winds and worked with many local artist, R&B bands.

                   During my tenure awarded Honorary Membership in Kappa Kappa Psi The National Honorary Band Fraternity in 2012

                   Retiring from LSU relocated to the beautiful emerald coast, now teaching and 

                     enjoys my favorite hobby, fishing.