Instructors
Richard Henson: Owner, Instructor - Drums and Percussion
Richard Henson is currently a freelance percussionist, composer, clinician, and owner of Rhythm & Grooves Music Academy in Bartlett, TN. Henson is also the percussion coordinator for Munford Middle and Munford High School in Munford, TN.
As an active performer and educator, Richard has made appearances as a solo recitalist, clinician, and guest performer with assorted musical organizations across the United States. As an ensemble performer, Henson has made appearances with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Macon Symphony Orchestra, Carrollton Symphony Orchestra, Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Mountains, Chattanooga Choral Arts Society, East Tennessee Brass, Cleveland Jazz Quartet, Jamaica Me Happy, Classical Mystery Tour, and Blood, Sweat, & Tears. Henson has presented solo recitals at the University of South Alabama, Ouachita Baptist University, Valdosta State University, the University of Tennessee at Martin, Southern Adventist University, Lee University, and the Amro Music Recital Hall. Richard has presented percussion clinics at the Kentucky State Day of Percussion, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Campbellsville University, Furman University, University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Memphis, University of North Alabama, University of South Carolina, and Tennessee Tech University.
Richard holds the Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from Lee University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. His primary teachers include Dr. Andy Harnsberger, Dr. Julie Hill, and Nancy Matheson.
Richard Henson is a performing artist and clinician for Innovative Percussion, Remo drumheads, and Sabian Cymbals.
Lori Lester-Kovar: Instructor - Piano
Lori Lester-Kovar is a pianist from Memphis, TN. She studied piano privately with Gina Neupert before attending the University of Memphis where she was classically trained under concert pianist Cathal Breslin. She received the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music talent-based scholarship at the University of Memphis where she graduated with honors with a bachelors degree in International Business and double minored in Japanese and Piano Performance. She has performed in concerts and recitals throughout her community and internationally.
Lori has an extensive repertoire of solo and chamber music. She was the pianist for her high school choir during her senior year. Throughout her undergrad, she accompanied voice and string students.
During her free time, Lori is usually reading or hanging out with her husband and their three corgis. She loves to travel and tries to visit a new country every year.
Catherine Joanie Dyer: Instructor - Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet
Catherine Joanie Dyer is an active saxophonist, chamber musician, and educator based in the Memphis area. She is currently studying under Dr. Micheal Shults at the University of Memphis, and has obtained her master’s degree in saxophone performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her bachelor’s degree in saxophone and jazz performance from Shepherd University. During her studies, she has worked directly with saxophonists Nicki Roman, Henning Shroeder, Jeremy P. Koch and Kurtis Adams.
Catherine has performed both as a soloist and in various ensembles all over the eastern panhandle and greater Milwaukee area. As a soloist, Catherine has performed many masterclasses and solo recitals, and was the state representative for Wisconsin in the 2022 MTNA national competition. For chamber work, Catherine has performed all over the greater Milwaukee area with the Cosmo Reed Quintet. The Cosmo reed quintet has been accepted into conferences like North American Saxophone Alliance, and International Double Reeds Association.
As a huge proponent for education, Catherine teaches a private studio for reeds and has taught general and digital music in Milwaukee Public Schools. She is able to work one on one with students as well as a large classroom setting to give them a transformative experience through music.
Lacey Peschel: Instructor - Trumpet and French Horn
Lacey Peschel is an active trumpet performer and teacher based in Memphis, TN. She is currently a second year DMA student at the University of Memphis, holds a Master in Music from Texas A&M University - Kingsville and a Bachelor of Music from Texas Lutheran University. Lacey has performed with many various groups, including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in jazz groups, brass quintets, and performed in several solo recitals. As a teacher, Lacey has held a private studio for five years, with one student advancing to All-State in Texas. During her free time, Lacey enjoys spending time with her two dogs and cat, playing video games, and cooking for family and friends.
- Rhythm & Grooves Music Academy
6769 Stage Rd
Memphis, TN 38134
Call us now: (901) 435-6577
Email: info@rhythmandgroovesmusic.com
