Lexington Band Instrument Teachers

The Music Institute of Lexington offers flute lessons, trumpet lessons, clarinet lessons and lessons on all band instruments for students of all ages and experience levels. Each of our band instrument teachers is an experienced musician as well as a music educator. Please call us if you would like to arrange a meeting with any of our faculty members. We are eager to welcome you into our musical family.

Chris Little clarinet		Christopher Little began playing the clarinet at age 12. He received a BM in Clarinet Performance from Missouri State University in 2008, then moved to Lexington to pursue an MM in Clarinet Performance at the University of Kentucky.  Upon arriving, Christopher added an MA in Musicology, which has since transformed into the pursuit of the terminal degree in that field, a PhD. Musical interests include lesser-known clarinet repertoire and composers outside the mainstream classical music canon.  Other interests chiefly involve reading whatever books are in the general vicinity.
Bud McKinley saxophone		Charles McKinley is a graduate of the Eastern Kentucky University music program where he studied saxophone from 1993 to 1997. He has been on faculty at the Music Institute for five years teaching electric bass, saxophone, and Garage Band. Charles frequently performs around the midwest region and across the country. A versatile musician, he can be found in local jazz groups, lounge performances, and in arena and club venues in support of well known acts ranging in style form country to hard rock. Charles has shared the stage with Quiet Riot, Jackyl, Tone Loc, P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell, country artist Billy Currington, The Beach Boys, and The Coral Reefers, to name a few. He is also an experienced studio musician appearing on albums such as Nine Days Wonder (Blue Honey), 2:Twelve (Much Is Given), and I've Got to Move (Tee Dee Young and Scandalous). Currently Charles performs with The Conch Republic Band (conchrepublicband.com), MaxeyFlat, and Ronnie Lawson and Country Law.
Austin Bralley trombone		Austin Bralley is a student at the University of Kentucky finishing his bachelor’s degree in music education. He is originally from Radcliff, KY. During his time at UK, Austin has performed with the UK Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Trombone Choir, Opera Theater, and was a 3-year section leader in the Wildcat Marching Band. Also at UK, Austin performed at the prestigious North Sea and Montreux Jazz festivals in Europe as well as the opening ceremonies’ for the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. In the summer of 2007, Austin marched in the world-renowned Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Rockford, Illinois. Over the past several years, Austin has worked with marching bands all across the state of Kentucky including John Hardin High School, Adair County High School, and Henry Clay High School. In his spare time Austin arranges music for marching band, brass quintet, and trombone quartet.
Rick Stafford french horn		Rick Stafford was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was inspired to play the piano at the age of 7 by his mother who, as an adult, began her studies and developed a love and appreciation for music. This passion also influenced Rick’s brother and sister to take up instruments of their own. Rick started playing the French Horn during 7th grade, studying with several local artists before receiving a B.S. in music from Western Michigan University and a M.A. in horn performance from Eastern Michigan University. Rick served as Minister of Music for several Midwest congregations and currently serves as Senior Minister for the Minorsville Christian Church in NW Scott County. In addition, Rick teaches Music Appreciation at Trinity Christian Academy.