Creative Academy Instructors

Christ Church Creative Academy Instructors

Each of our instructors are professional artists in their field and are trained in provide quality instruction in a safe, caring, and communal environment. Our programming is generously supported by the Mallory Family Fine Arts Fund. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Linda Minke
(904) 742-1234; violin, beginning piano, cello, ukelele and folk harp

Linda Minke, 904-742-1234, cellist, loves to teach violin and beginning piano as well as cello, ukulele and folk harp.
Linda holds a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from University of Memphis , a Bachelor of Music Education as well as Bachelor of Cello Performance from Northern Michigan University. She is a member of Bold City Contemporary Ensemble, Celtic Ring, Peninsula Music Festival in Door County Wisconsin, and freelances locally.

Stephanie Murray
(443) 306-5134, piano, vocal

Stephanie brings warmth, energy, and nearly 30 years of music education experience to her role as the director of Christ Church’s Children’s Choir and private piano and voice lesson instructor. Stephanie earned her degrees in Music Education and Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and has spent her life shaping children in the music classroom, concert stage, church, and theater. Stephanie is currently the Director of Operations at Christ Church as well as an accomplished singer, director, teacher and pianist. Stephanie designs fun and inspiring recitals, creates opportunities for her students to attend local musical events together, and introduces them to legendary recordings as part of their weekly practice routine.

Maureen Rhodes
(904) 312-4752, piano

With over 30 years of experience teaching piano, Maureen holds a Bachelor of Music Education with further study and is pursuing a Masters in Piano Performance at the University of North Florida. Her teaching method is the traditional/classical piano method which emphasizes note reading and basic skills from the outset. She includes a repertoire of jazz and popular music in her curriculum.

Quinton Rhodes
(904) 312-4752 music theory

Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of North Florida. Special musical teaching skills include music theory and composition. He has been a church musician for many years. He is currently associate pianist and organist at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church, Jacksonville.

Tim Root
(253-223-1823), piano

Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Washington. I have been teaching private piano for over 30 years to students of all ages. I love working with students from beginner through intermediate levels. When not teaching piano, I teach music at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville and serve in the music ministry at Christ Church. I hold a Florida Teacher Certification.

Jen Schlechte (703) 901-0385, vocal

Jen Schlechte is a dynamic music educator, award-winning choral director and voice teacher, who specializes in developing children’s voices. She performs and teaches a variety of styles, including classical, musical theater, gospel and vocal jazz. She sings at Christ Church and with the Jacksonville Symphony. Jen is committed to providing a stimulating, nurturing and creative environment focused on maximizing the potential of each individual student to foster a lifelong appreciation for music.