KAT STARR MUSIC
...was established in 2009 with the simple mission of
Bringing out the musician in you
We pride ourselves on meeting each student exactly where they are, helping them build a working knowledge of music theory, and making sure your technique (posture, movement, etc.) is healthy and creates a beautiful sound - all while helping you make the music you love!
Kat Starr
Owner/Head Teacher
Kat Starr began playing viola at the age of nine and knew that sharing a passion for music would be a lifelong joy. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, Kat performs a wide range of musical genres from the Celtic and Appalachian traditions to classical, blues and jazz. She lives and teaches in Cookeville, TN, with her husband, Clay Faris, two kitties. Kat is also the Co-Founder of RECLAIM ~ Curate the Life You Love, along with Kati Woods!
Kat teaches:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Voice
paige ferrell
Paige started her journey into music twenty years ago at the age of seven, by attempting to teach herself piano. She practiced piano until she was eleven, when she joined the Prescott Middle School band as a flutist. Paige continued her musical studies through high school and played in the Marching and Concert band at Cookeville High School.
In 2018, after a few years away from piano, Paige met and started taking piano lessons from Kat Starr. During this time, she also explored violin, guitar, and voice. However; most importantly, Paige learned to relax and enjoy music again!
Paige graduated Tennessee Tech in December 2019 with a degree in elementary education. She loves working with children and watching them learn and achieve the “lightbulb moment”.
Starting in Fall 2022, Paige will return to Tech to pursue a degree in flute performance.
clay faris
Owner/Operator
Clay Faris is an eclectic bassist, playing acoustic bass guitar, electric bass, as well as upright/double bass. His love of low tones began early in life with the trombone, but he soon switched to the string family for its versatility
He has studied with Jim Wood, 3 time Tennessee state fiddle champion, David Odegaard of TTU. Principal bassist of the Cookeville Community Folk Orchestra 2014-2017. Bassist of Ditty Road, performing at Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s.
Clay teaches:
Upright & Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitar
Soñée Newman
Soñée Newman was born and raised in Southeast Pennsylvania. She grew up in a small community of faith and music. She began her musical journey in the womb as her parents, grandparents, and other family sang and played music.
Soñée has had the privilege of taking private vocal training from Dr. Lloyd Mallory. He is currently the executive director of Choral Activities at Talladega College in Alabama.
Soñée can’t wait to help you grow into the musician you want to be!
Soñée teaches:
Voice
Caleb Farris
Caleb is a Cookeville native and a practitioner of the guitar since 2002. With almost two decades of experience, he brings a passion for teaching his love of music. The electric guitar offers an outlet for expressing a wide range of emotions. Caleb is a musical ‘natural’, but also has an innate understanding of how to bring others to music. His patience and kindness are unparalleled.
Caleb teaches Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano, Ukulele.
Kati Woods
Kati began her banjo journey in 2006 when started lessons with Harry Trott of Florida who lived on the Withlacoochee River. He was a colorful, elderly gentleman who always wore overalls and declared at the first lesson “we don’t play scales, we play songs.” Kati loves the bright sound of the banjo, how you just can’t hear it and be sad. Her favorite song (currently!) is Salem Town and the first song she ever learned was Cripple Creek. Kati loves teaching students how versatile the banjo is - it’s not just for bluegrass, but also appears in Scotch/Irish music as well as Americana! She also ran a foreign language education business, the SLA Cafe, and is a homeschool mom. Kati is also the Co-Founder of RECLAIM ~ Curate the Life You Love, along with Kat!