Managment & Staff

~ OWNER ~

Sarah Walker is the Master Teacher and owner/creator of Sarah Walker Studios, Violin Karate and The Piano Lab.  Sarah is passionate about finding creative and Innovative ways to teach music to kids, always seeking to make learning FUN! She has years of international, private and public school teaching experience, giving her a broad world-wide view of music pedagogy. Sarah also believes strongly in mentoring and developing young teachers so she has worked tirelessly developing a mentorship program within her studio, allowing her to give bright young teachers a confident start while providing top-notch music opportunities for students. 

~ STUDIO ADVISER ~

Dr. Tim Walker is the studios biggest fan and active community cheerleader. He holds many degrees in various fields but his biggest accomplishment is the way he loves and nurtures his family, friends and all those who are lucky enough to meet him along life's path. He serves the studio as a piano teacher, professional adviser and most of all, Sarah Walker's personal chef. :) 

He is currently the Minister of Music at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, MS where he leads the choir and orchestra each Sunday. Dr. Walker's favorite place to be (other than the kitchen) is on a conductors podium where he has led orchestras around the world. 

~ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 

OPERATIONS MANAGER ~

Nairi Seker is a native of Turkey and holds a Master's Degree in Violin Performance. She is in her last year of the Artist Diploma program at Belhaven University and is also pursuing her Yoga Teaching certification. Nairi loves exploring the connection between physical awareness and violin education, often blending yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation into her lessons. Her infectious enthusiasm and joy create a warm and uplifting atmosphere for everyone she meets! Aside from teaching, Nairi enjoys performing with various orchestras in the Jackson area and happily serves as the Music Director at First Presbyterian Day School.

~ STUDIO MANAGER ~

 Chellie Revord comes to us with over 33 years of classroom or administrative experience.  A lifelong educator, Chellie received her Master’s degree in Education and taught throughout the state.  During her years in education she served on numerous boards to strengthen the foundation of education and to enhance opportunities for all children. As our Attendance Assistant, Chellie is responsible for getting students from Point A to Point B and, sometimes, even to Point C!  She’s excited to be a part of our team and looks forward to watching the students’ progress. 

~ VIOLIN & PIANO INSTRUCTOR ~

Tyler Dennis was born and raised in Houston, TX. Ty Is currently an educator, a professional musician (violinist, singer), a member of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and also pursuing a Master’s in Music Education at Jackson State University. As both a scholar and teacher, she is spontaneous, creative, and always willing to grow and develop new skills. She enjoys exploring and creating lessons/music education material for all students of all students.  This year, she is beginning her first year at St. Andrew's as the Early Childhood Performing Arts Teacher. 

~ VIOLIN INSTRUCTOR & STAFF ACCOMPANIST ~

Mrs. Mary Lynn Donovan was born and raised in Minnesota but lived most of her life in Wisconsin. Music has always been her passion. She is equally a fantastic violinist and pianist. Her chosen career path took her down the Music Education road, where she taught strings, orchestra, vocal, and piano students for over 40 years. 

Alongside her teaching, she dedicated a tremendous amount of years to her local orchestra as Principal Second Violin in the Wisconsin Symphony. She has had the privilege of serving the church as music director and has performed on timeless occasions for various events throughout her life. We are thrilled to have such a refined teacher in our studio and have officially adopted her as our very own! 

~ GUITAR TEACHER ~

Ian Edwards grew up mostly around Des Moines, Iowa with his parents and

two siblings. His fascination with music began in the genres of rock and

metal, and has expanded into the worlds of classical and jazz. Having

recently graduated from Belhaven University with degrees in English and

music composition, he hopes to pursue future graduate education in

orchestral conducting. Much of his study and interest is focused in

orchestration, aesthetics, and the community element of art. Currently, Ian

manages the Shoe Bird Café at Belhaven, where he loves to make great

coffee and talk to new people. He is always looking for gigs in the area and

enjoys visiting the park with his wife and one-year-old.

~ TEACHING ASSISTANT ~

Zuyi Yuan was born and raised in Guilin, China, moved to Oregon during middle school, and now resides in Jackson, Mississippi while completing her undergraduate studies. As a senior at Belhaven University, she is currently working towards a dual degree consisting of a B.M. in Violin Perfomance and a B.S. in Psychology. She is a member of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as well as an orchestra scholarship student with the First Baptist Church of Jackson. She has been playing the violin for over 18 years and has 3 years of experience teaching private violin lessons. We are so grateful to have an awesome addition to our studio family! Welcome Zuyi!