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and she has been teaching for about 20 years. She studied violin performance and music education at the Hartt School of Music, and she studied at the University of Delaware. “After my daughter was born in November, I was looking for somewhere closer to my home in Townsend to teach lessons, so naturally I did a little online research,” Whitcraft said. “I was overwhelmed with positive reviews of S Music Studio. People loved the way it felt like a second home, rather than a strict, unapproachable institution.” Whitcraft said that she visited the studio for the first time and remembers thinking that it felt as comfortable as her own living room. “Sherry and all of the instructors have made me feel so at home,” Whitcraft said. “I am not talking only myself, but all of the students who come for lessons. It truly is the ideal environment for families and teachers.” Ellen Arrighi has two children, a son and a daughter, who study at S Music studio. Her son Ian, who is 12, began taking drum lessons in 2013. Her daughter Anna, who is 9, now takes guitar lessons. “I took piano lessons as a child, and have nothing negative to say about my experience,” Arrighi said. “However, my experience does not compare to that
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of my children’s. This studio really does have it all -- knowledgeable, approachable teachers who know how to work with children, and a warm and friendly environment that is not just for the students, but for the entire family.” Chris Everett, former executive director at the Everett Theatre and co-founder of St. Georges Griffin Theatre, started working for Miller in the spring of this year. He and Miller contacted one another after he left the Everett. He has taught for various conservatories, including Premier Centre For the Arts, which was in Middletown. Everett, who has a degree in vocal performance, said that he thinks the studio is a great experience for anyone interested in learning. “A family atmosphere is not always common when taking individual lessons,” Everett said. “All of the teachers I have met are pretty top notch. There is definitely a lot of variety, from ukulele to advanced piano and voice. There is something there for everyone, from beginner to advanced student.” Bill Jenkins, 56, of Middletown, has been teaching at the studio since November 2016. He learned about the studio from a friend of Sherry’s daughter, Heather, Continued on page 108