Ms. Tammy Burrows
Tammy Burrows
Piano @ GFCS | Master Teacher
Two score and nine years ago, her parents brought forth the decree that she would be enrolled in piano lessons. Tammy had no idea what lay in store for her. There would be hours of practice over the years but in exchange she would be rewarded with a priceless gift: the ability to play an instrument. Whether to warm the heart on a cold day or venting frustration at a challenging day, Tammy discovered that music had lifelong benefits.
Now she enjoys empowering young people to enjoy music through the piano. A classroom teacher for over 35 years in grades of K-4, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th-8th as well as a piano teacher for over 20 years, Tammy loves engaging students whether in Bible, History, or Music for all are backdrops for learning life lessons and bringing glory to God. When not teaching, Tammy enjoys hanging out with her three grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Tammy holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum Design & Instruction (2013) from Arlington Baptist College.
Piano @ GFCS | Master Teacher
Two score and nine years ago, her parents brought forth the decree that she would be enrolled in piano lessons. Tammy had no idea what lay in store for her. There would be hours of practice over the years but in exchange she would be rewarded with a priceless gift: the ability to play an instrument. Whether to warm the heart on a cold day or venting frustration at a challenging day, Tammy discovered that music had lifelong benefits.
Now she enjoys empowering young people to enjoy music through the piano. A classroom teacher for over 35 years in grades of K-4, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th-8th as well as a piano teacher for over 20 years, Tammy loves engaging students whether in Bible, History, or Music for all are backdrops for learning life lessons and bringing glory to God. When not teaching, Tammy enjoys hanging out with her three grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Tammy holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum Design & Instruction (2013) from Arlington Baptist College.
Mikayla Martin
Piano
@ GFCS, ALA
Mikayla began music instruction with piano in kindergarten. By elementary, she had picked up acoustic and electric guitar. In junior high she joined the band taking on the Bb clarinet and was handpicked to move to the bass clarinet as a result of her mastery level. She lettered in high school band, marching for four years as a Byron Nelson bobcat. During her high school years she added the ukulele, bass guitar, and drums to her list of instruments. She also began playing in the worship band at her church, Fellowship of the Parks, which included multiple sites across the metroplex.
God has used music in such a powerful way in Mikayla’s life and she loves sharing it with the next generation. When Ms. Martin is not teaching, you can find her hanging out with family and friends, leading worship at her church, and playing lead guitar with One Headlight, a 90's cover band.
Tayloir Pace
Piano @ GFCS
Piano @ GFCS
Born and raised in the DFW area, Tayloir spent most of her childhood at the dance studio. By age 5, she was already a member of the competitive dance company. She had a gift for rhythm and musicality and benefited from a strong work ethic.
In college, she studied musical theatre which focused on voice, acting and dance. She was also able to participate in student directing projects as well as student choreography showcases. After college, she worked as an actress and choreographer at regional theaters across the country. Her most notable experiences included: Seussical: The Musical as Sour Kangaroo, Lend Me a Tenor as Diana, Cabaret as Texas, and A Chorus Line as Diana Morales (and at a second theater as Maggie Winslow).
Tayloir moved to New York City in 2013 and ended up working in the Broadway industry at the media giant Broadway.com for five years (specifically for their educational program Broadway Classroom). Her job included the privilege of learning from current Broadway artists in master classes, as well as getting to attend a bunch of Broadway shows!
Tayloir is passionate about the art of music and storytelling and the influence it can have on society. She is a singer/songwriter, musician, dancer, choreographer and worship leader. She has come to realize that each individual has a unique story to tell that has the power to help others. Tayloir is honored to walk alongside each student and to help them reach the full potential God has planned for them!
Ms. Pace holds a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Southeast Missouri State University (2012).
Check out Tayloir's YouTube channel: youtube.com/@FindingGodThroughSong
James Barefield
Piano @ GFCS, LCCS, ALAJames began playing drums at 10 years old in a small church in south Fort Worth. His love of drumming led him to join the Mondo Drummers, an Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble based in Fort Worth and supported by the city Arts Council.
Seeking to broaden his music abilities, James picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and studied everything from Classical to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Soon he was leading the youth worship band at his home church, and picked up the bass, ukulele, mandolin, and hammered dulcimer.
In College at Dallas Baptist University, James studied composition, songwriting, and music production, and began writing and recording original compositions. He worked with professor/engineer Randy Adams in the studio, and produced several original albums with various artists.
In 2018 he helped the Rock Mill music school in Keller TX build their own recording studio for students to train in the recording arts. In that studio, James met his future wife when she hired him to record a song for her as a gift for her parents, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. In 2021, James and Shalimar tied the knot.
James holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dallas Baptist University
(2017).
Ms. Carly Bower
Carly Bower
Piano @ LCCSOne day, when Carly reached the 5th grade, she was handed a clarinet. Little did she know this would change her life. She had fallen in love with it, and nothing would stop her drive to pursue music further.
Later, in 7th grade she decided to perform in her first musical. Growing up very shy, this was VERY out of her comfort zone. It wasn’t even just the music itself, but rather the caring and inspiring teachers that helped her love it. Carly saw the impact her teachers had on her and decided from then on that she would pursue music education.
Carly went on to pursue music throughout High School at Lake Country Christian School, where she attended from Kindergarten through 12th grade. During her time at Lake Country Christian, she was awarded the John Philip Sousa Band award, acted in 10 musicals/plays, played for the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, student directed one musical, and performed with both choir and band All-State groups. She also had the opportunities to work with William Owens, Andrew Trachsel, Brian Youngblood, and other educators who influenced her.
Currently, she resides in Denton, where she is pursuing her bachelors degree in Music Education at the University of North Texas, studying under Daryl Coad, Clarinet. You may also see her in the pit for the musicals at Lake Country as well!