Allison

Meet Allison! 

Teaching Philosophy: I believe that music can be used as a vehicle to enable students to achieve success in the arts and other endeavors that students may have. Music education enhances a student's overall learning and can take them to new heights. As a music teacher, it is my job to acknowledge students' current knowledge and skills and adapt instruction to meet their individual needs.

Experience & Specialties: Allison specializes in saxophone instruction from beginner through advanced levels and piano instruction from beginner through intermediate levels. She has been a music educator for 24 years and currently teaches instrumental music and middle school band with Columbus City Schools, where she has been an educator since 2011.

Allison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Marshall University in 1999, where she was a saxophone major, followed by a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from The Ohio State University in 2001. In 2024, she earned her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Franklin University.

As a performer, Allison is the co-founder and Lead Alto Saxophonist of The Groove City Big Band, a position she has held since 2023. In Fall 2026, she was selected by blind audition to serve as Section Leader (1st Alto Saxophone) with the Pride Wind Ensemble.

Her additional musical experience includes serving as a Saxophone Instructor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, performing as a concerto competition winner at Marshall University, and receiving a music scholarship to Marshall University. She was also a John Philip Sousa Award recipient in high school.

Allison has been teaching private lessons at Pontones Music Studio since 2025, where she currently works with both saxophone and piano students.

Why They Love Teaching: I enjoy seeing the excitement when students are able to perform for the first time on their instruments and play a song for others to enjoy. Music is a gift that I enjoy giving others, and hopefully, they can continue their love of music throughout their lives. 

Fun Fact: My mom actually taught piano lessons at Pontones in the 1970s.