Justin Crenshaw
About
Hello! I am a professional, fully licensed K-12 Music Educator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), holding a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Composition. I have over 10 years of professional teaching experience spanning public school classrooms, the Ballantyne School of Music, and private lessons.
My teaching career covers a truly diverse age range—I have successfully taught students from ages 6 to 75! To me, age does not matter; if you are willing and eager to learn, I can teach you. Whether helping a child build foundational skills or helping an adult revisit a lifelong passion, I adapt my pacing to match you perfectly.
Because of my advanced background in theory and composition, I do not just teach students how to read notes—I teach them how music works. I customize every lesson to fit each student's unique learning style, and I also write my own custom exercises to supplement standard curricula when a student needs a tailored challenge. Let’s unlock your musical potential!
Teaching Style
My teaching style is collaborative, student-centered, and deeply rooted in building both technical proficiency and creative autonomy. I believe in equipping students with strong foundational skills—such as rhythmic precision and structural awareness—while maintaining an open, supportive space for artistic exploration. Rather than enforcing a rigid curriculum, I act as a guide and mentor, offering tailored feedback, practical tools, and diverse repertoire to help students achieve their unique musical goals. Ultimately, my mission is to inspire a lifelong passion for music by empowering students to take full ownership of their learning and creative expression.
Curriculum
Method for Piano and Trombone:
My instructional method for beginning piano and trombone students builds a strong foundation in rhythmic accuracy and pitch literacy. Once these core skills are established, I progressively introduce expressive elements—such as advanced dynamics and musical phrasing—to bring the music to life. While my curriculum incorporates classical repertoire to develop fundamental techniques, I actively encourage students to explore their personal musical passions by integrating their favorite pieces into our lessons.
Method for Songwriting and Composition:
When teaching songwriting and composition, I view the creative process as solving a complex, rewarding puzzle. My role is to guide students by offering strategic suggestions to elevate their melodies, chord progressions, and orchestration. While I provide targeted feedback and analyze real-world examples to spark inspiration, I firmly believe that artistic ownership belongs entirely to the student. I offer the structural tools and creative options, but the ultimate compositional decisions always remain theirs.
Recommended Student Texts:
Piano: Faber Piano Adventures, Bastien, and Alfred's Basic Piano Library
Trombone: Rubank Elementary, Essential Elements, Melodious Etudes for Trombone (Bordogni), and Arban's
Credentials & Affiliations
Education
- Master of Music in Composition – University of Kentucky (GPA: 4.0)
- Bachelor of Music Education – Mississippi State University
Teaching Experience
- Music Educator – Berryhill School, Charlotte, NC (2019–Present)
- Music Educator – Indian Land Elementary School, Indian Land, SC (2018–2019)
- Music Educator – Cardozo Middle School, Jackson, MS (2016–2018)
- Piano & Trombone Instructor – Ballantyne School of Music (2018–2019)
- Private Studio Instructor – Piano pedagogy in Lexington, KY and Charlotte, NC
Performance & Ensemble Experience
- Collaborative Pianist – The Charlotte Church Worship Band, Charlotte, NC (Active)
- Ensemble Musician – Mississippi State University Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Trombone Ensemble
- Ensemble Member – Mississippi State Lions Band (2005–2006)
- International Champion – Two-time international competition winner with the MS Lions Band
Composition & Commissions
- Composed & Arranged – Over 50 original works specifically tailored for educational ensembles
- Commissioned Arranger – Created a custom 15-minute production scale for small band and choir
- Commissioned Composer – Wrote ’Twas the Night Before Christmas for piano, tenor, and baritone; featured by the Lexington Opera Society
