Embark on a Musical Journey with Music U Studio
Specializing in the very young learner, Music U Studio provides a unique private lesson experience that is customized for each student. Children learn in a variety of ways, so lesson structures vary from student to student, ensuring your child is getting the best fit for their style of learning. Curriculum is chosen based on age, developmental appropriateness, and the interests of the budding musician. Lessons include on and “off-the-bench” activities to keep children interested and to reinforce concepts in a variety of fun and engaging ways.
The Music U musician builds confidence, develops a strong work ethic, expands their emotional intelligence, and grows in artistry, all while having a lot of fun!
Interested in enrolling? Complete the form below!
Teacher availability for in-home lessons is dependent upon your location.
Find Your Instrument!
Options for private music lessons in your home or at a partner preschool
Piano Lessons
The piano is a great instrument to start with for any student, especially if you have a very young learner or a kiddo who simply loves the piano!
Private piano lessons are available to children ages 3 1/2+ (5+ for online lessons)
In-home piano lessons require a piano or keyboard at your location. We offer keyboard rentals starting at $20 per month!
Private piano lessons are also offered at participating pre-schools.
Guitar/Bass/Ukulele Lessons
Have a budding rockstar in your family? Guitar or Bass might be the instrument of choice!
Private Guitar/Bass lessons are available to children ages 7+ & 5+ for Ukulele (7+ for online lessons)
In-home Guitar/Bass/Ukulele lessons require an instrument at your location. We offer rentals starting at $10 per month!
Drumset/Percussion Lessons
Get loud with drum lessons! We offer drumset and percussion lessons (snare drum & mallets) for the kiddo who is looking to graduate from banging on pots and pans!
Private Drumset/Percussion lessons are available to children ages 7+
In-home Drumset/Percussion lessons require an instrument at your location. Most students can start with a drum pad and sticks. Then move on to a snare drum, and then a full set.
Voice Lessons
Be the next Beyoncé or T-Swift with voice lessons!
Private voice lessons are available to children ages 7+, though depending on the student, starting at an older age may be recommended.
In-home voice lessons require an instrument at your location. A piano or keyboard is typically recommended, though other “pitched” instruments can work.
Violin/Fiddle Lessons
The violin can be a perfect instrument for kiddos who love classical music all the way to bluegrass and country!
Private Violin/Fiddle lessons are available to children ages 5+, though depending on the student, starting at an older age may be recommended.
In-home Violin/Fiddle lessons require an instrument at your location. We do not offer violin rentals at this time but we can help you find options for purchasing or rental if requested.
Music U Studio Team
Jes Cleland
Founder Jes Cleland, originally from southern California, launched Music U Class and Music U Studio in 2013 and has since taught weekly classes to numerous childcare centers and added over 100+ private music lesson students to the studio roster throughout the Nashville area. She specializes in Piano, Ukulele, Drum Set, and Bass lessons.
Cameron Cleland
Cameron Cleland, a California native, has lived and worked as a professional musician in Nashville for the last 20+ years. Earning his bachelor of music degree from Belmont University, he currently teaches a variety of styles and instruments for all ages and specializes in Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano and Drum Set lessons.
Katherine Mathis
Katherine Mathis, also known as Kat, has lived in Nashville for over 30 years and grew up singing and playing piano. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Trevecca Nazarene University and taught for MNPS for 11 years before deciding to freelance so she could have more freedom and flexibility as a mom of two. She considers herself an educator at heart, whether it’s teaching school, fitness, music, or her own children. She loves being an instructor at Lotus Learning Center and giving private Piano lessons for Music U!
Haley Giffin
Haley Giffen grew up immersed in the music and theater world in her hometown of Hershey, PA. She is classically trained in piano, voice, guitar, and dance and has loved working with children both in and out of the theater. With her music philosophy always being to find the joy and fun in lessons, she currently teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drum Set, and Ukulele.
Theresa McDaniel
Theresa McDaniel lives in Dallas, Texas, and is a devoted wife and mother of two. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, Theresa has studied music and voice from fourth grade through college, developing a strong foundation and lifelong passion for vocal performance. She has sung in a wide variety of groups and has been a featured vocalist on several recording projects. Theresa has taught voice in the past and brings both professional experience and a nurturing approach to her teaching. She is currently singing regularly at her church, continuing to stay active in vocal performance. After taking time to focus on homeschooling her children and teaching them to love music, she is excited to return to voice instruction and share her knowledge, creativity, and encouragement with students at Music U.
Krystol Wade
Krystol Wade, who is originally from Missouri, has been teaching piano for 10+ years and has a special love of guiding students in songwriting. She studied music composition in college, which then led her to move to Nashville to be immersed in a creative community. She specializes in Piano lessons for all ages!
Sarah Eitel
Sarah is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing live music in the Nashville area for over a decade and holds a Bachelor of Music from Middle Tennessee State University. She believes that learning is an adventure, and she aims to inspire her students to embark on their own musical journey! She currently teaches Piano, Guitar, Electric Bass, and Ukulele.
Nick Roels
Nick Roels is a professional musician and private lesson teacher with over 15 years of performing and 9 years of teaching experience. A Seattle native, he began playing guitar at age four and has since picked up over ten instruments. He studied Music Composition at Gonzaga University before transferring to the University of North Texas, where he earned a degree in Jazz Studies in 2020. Nick has taught hundreds of students in the DFW area and recently moved to Nashville, where he teaches Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drum Set, Percussion, and Ukulele.
Claire Hudson
Claire Hudson is a singer/songwriter and professional musician from Dallas, TX. She has been actively playing and performing – both solo and in bands – for over 13 years. She recently graduated from Berklee College of Music and moved to Nashville to pursue her artist project and foster her passion for teaching. Claire has been teaching music for 7+ years, and she loves helping young musicians find their voice. Claire is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, specializing in vocals, guitar, piano, ukulele, and drums.