A student focuses on the piano while her instructor demonstrates.

Kat Starr Music

‘Bringing Out the Musician in You’ since 2009, KSM is a family-owned music school based in Cookeville, TN.

We offer private lessons on a wide array of musical instruments, voice, songwriting, music theory, and more!

Open to ages 4 through retired, we specialize in beginner-intermediate players of all ages.

We want to help you on your musical journey!

‘Bringing Out the Musician in You’ means:

  • Music Is Your Birthright. Our slogan is ‘Bringing Out the Musician in You,’ because we believe that everyone is born a musician, capable of achieving great things with the right guidance.

  • We Meet You Where You Are. Beginner or advanced, 4 years old or retired, we tailor lessons to you.

  • We Teach Without Shame. No gatekeeping here, we know that everyone learns best with support.

 

Automatically receive 30% your first trial lesson!

Try a no-obligation Trial Lesson, with the option to book ongoing lessons.

  • Enjoy the option to learn multiple instruments with your instructor

  • Longer 45-minute lessons with a qualified KSM Teacher

  • 60-minute Premier Lessons with Kat Starr

  • Hybrid option available - come in person or online!

Book a 30% Off trial lesson Today
 

TWO Ways to Learn

Premier Lessons with Kat Starr

Premier Lessons with Kat Starr provide customized, multi-instrument instruction focused on building solid technique, eliminating tension, and supporting students who are navigating a complicated relationship with music.

Kat Starr

  • Private music teacher for 19+ years

  • Winner of the Governor’s School for the Arts, Excellence in Teaching Award

  • Holds a degree in Music Education, Instrumental

  • Created and led the Cookeville Community Folk Orchestra, 2014-2018

In Premier Lessons, you'll enjoy:

  • 60-minute lessons 3 X per month.

  • Music theory - Learn what you need to know for a foundation on your instrument.

  • Solid technical foundation - Learn skillful, pain-free movement and release tension WHILE you play.

Tuition - $197/month

KSM Teacher Lessons

Kat Starr Music Teachers have been hand picked for their skill and dedication to bringing out the musician in you.

Most KSM Teachers are former students of Kat Starr, meaning they are imbued with Kat’s values, dedication to shame-free teaching, and have the music theory and technical skills to take you FAR on your instrument!

In KSM Teacher lessons you will receive:

  • 45-minute lessons, almost 4 X per month. Longer lessons than most music schools’ 30 minute standard.

  • Supportive, kind instruction that meets you where you are.

  • Supervision from Head Teacher, Kat Starr - ensuring students are on track for a comprehensive, tailored lesson experience.

  • The songs you love - to help you get where you want to go musically.

Tuition - $148/month

 
 

Why trust us with your musical education needs?

Here’s what our students say:

 

What sets us apart?

Kat and Paige play violin together, all smiles

Longer lesson times

Most schools only teach 30 minute lessons. Enjoy 45 minutes with KSM Teachers, and hour-long Premier Lessons with Kat Starr. This extra time allows for relaxed learning, more instructional time, and thorough understanding of musical concepts!

Kati teaches a virtual banjo/voice lessons. She is demonstrating to the student on her phone.

Online Booking & Hybrid Lessons

Kat Starr Music proudly uses Opus1, a music school management software that allows you to have complete control of your lessons online!

View subscriptions, lessons, and makeup credits from your phone or computer! Opus1 also allows you to attend lessons VIRTUALLY when needed, in addition to coming in-person.

A group of teachers and students play acoustic instruments together.

Switch Instruments without Switching Schools/Teachers

We believe that everything we learn on ONE instrument makes us better musicians on ALL instruments. While most schools lock you into one instrument, we allow (and encourage!) you to learn multiple instruments with us! Our teachers are skillful multi-instrumentalists, and enjoy keeping you engaged in learning.

KSM fall recital group photo - silly version with folks making faces!

Two Formal Recital Opportunities per Year

KSM offers Fall Recital at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center. We make the experience as comfortable as possible, with exceptional teacher support and accompaniment.

Our Spring Virtual Recital gives students the chance to record their performances with teacher support and share them live on Zoom. It’s a favorite for our out-of-town students, and friends and family love being able to ‘attend’ from anywhere.

 
Group Photo Spring VIRTUAL Recital 2023.jpg

Spring VIRTUAL Recital, 2023

 
Register for FREE to view lesson options

Bringing out the musician in you since 2009

Kat Starr Music offers private lessons on


Fiddle, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Guitar, Drums, Piano, Voice, and Flute

Ages 5 Through Retired!