For your musical needs, go where Music Matters!

"When words fail, music speaks".

Here at Music Matters we view music as a specialized tool that allows us to communicate in a way that words can’t. While our focus may be learning a new skill or performance, we approach music in a holistic way that allows for the freedom of social, emotional, spiritual, and creative expression.

Whether you're an aspiring musician or looking to add a musical element to your event, Krista Marie can help bring a sense of comfort and confidence. With a current national board music therapy certification, Krista Marie uses her musical knowledge and therapeutic training to bring experiencing and learning about music fun and meaningful.

Discover the joy of music and unleash your inner artist with Music Matters today!

Services

You're never too ______ for music!

Personalized lessons. Group classes. Performance. Music Therapy. Krista Marie has a wide range of instruments and services to choose from, including music enrichment (for the young learner), music theory, voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele.

Schedule a Class!

Individual Music Lessons
Voice, Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele

Flexible scheduling, competitive pricing, adaptive lessons, in-person and virtual options available

Schedule a Class

Weekly Group Music Classes

Growth Focused Fun.

Theory, Improv, and More!

Best for pre-schools, assisted living facilities, and afterschool groups

Schedule a Group Class

Singer for Hire

Alto/Mezzo Soprano

Skilled singer and musician available for weddings, funerals, and group events.

Contact me to Schedule an Event

About

Meet Krista Marie

Krista Marie is a Music Instructor, Performer, and Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). She earned her bachelor's degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University and practiced as a MT-BC for four years in multiple states. After moving back to her hometown and marrying her sweetheart, Krista began privately teaching music and singing professionally with local choirs. When she isn’t teaching or rehearsing, Krista loves to play with her two cats and travel with her partner, Robby.

As a Performer, Krista has sung under prominent directors such as Jim Bumgardner, Linda Tedford, Dr. Michael Dodds, Dr. Bill Young, and Dr. Christopher Gilliam. She currently sings with several esteemed and local choral groups. Please look under "Performance" for upcoming performance dates and more info.

As a Music Therapist, Krista has experience working with people living with autism, anxiety, down syndrome, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s and many other "diffabilities". She is passionate about working with all kinds of people to help make music accessible to all. Ask me about adaptive lessons today!

FAQ's

Classes

What curriculum do you use?

For Chordal Piano (lead sheets) and Voice: Individualized based on musical preferences
For Traditional Piano (sheet music): Piano Adventures
For Guitar: Essential Elements for Guitar and Individualized preferences

For Ukulele: Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book and Individualized preferences

What if I need to miss a lesson?

That's okay! As long as you give me 2 hours notice, you can re-schedule or cancel as much as you need.

Please see my "Make up" and "No call, No show" policies listed below:

Make up policy:

Clients may have unlimited make ups (meaning they can always reschedule their original lesson). However, if the client misses their make up lesson, that cannot be made up.

“No call, no show” policy

Clients will be charged half of their lesson fee if they: 1. Do not show up to their lesson and/or 2. Have not given at least a 2 hours’ notice before their lesson time to Krista Marie that they will be absent. No charge will be applied if clients have given Krista Marie proper notice (2 hours) before their lesson. This policy is subject to Krista Marie’s judgment.

How often should I be practicing?

At least once a day for 10-15 minutes or 2 hours a week is a good goal to have. Forgive yourself if it doesn't happen but always try again! Skills will come faster with time and practice.

How often should students have a lesson?

It depends! The student's level of commitment, age, experience, and individual needs are all factors when determining the frequency and length of lessons. The best thing is consistency when it comes to lessons and practicing. This results in longer skill retention. As a standard, a typical lesson is a half hour every week or an hour every other week. But Music Matters is flexible! Let me know what I can do to help make it work for you.

Cost and Payment

How much are lessons/services?

My prices have a wide range depending on your financial needs, the service, and the number of lessons/services. For more details, please contact me directly for a free estimate.

But how much are they really?

Except covering the cost of your materials, what you see is what you pay. No registration fee, cancellation fee, or recital tickets.

What are your accepted forms of payment

Cash, Check, Zelle, Debit/Credit Card via Square, or PayPal/Venmo @ MusicMattersKM

Getting There

Where are you located?

First Presbyterian Church, 300 N Cherry St, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101

Is there parking available?

Yes. There are paid lots at the church and at the parking deck on Cherry St.

Additionally, there is free parking on the street after 5pm or a free lot on the corner of Second St. and Cherry St. (If you're traveling on Cherry, the entrance is located on the left before you get to Second St)

Is the location ADA accessible?

Yes! There are ramps and elevators available to access the Music Matters office.

Performances

I'm interested in hiring you as a performer. What songs/genres can I expect?

Great question! My song selections are hand-tailored to your event. Requests are encouraged and most songs are possible. Please reach out to me directly to discuss.

Can I hear you before I hire you? When are you performing?

Absolutely! I would be happy to send a video or recording of a preferred song. Alternatively, you can come hear me perform live at these locations:

Traditional Church Service - Every Sunday. 9:30-10:30am. First Presbyterian Church in Winston Salem - First Presbyterian Church | Winston-Salem, NC (1stpres.com)
Transfiguration Evensong - Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. 7:30. First Presbyterian Church in Winston Salem - First Presbyterian Church | Winston-Salem, NC (1stpres.com)
"Sweet Lovers Love the Spring" Concert with The Winston Salem Choral Artists- Friday, March 21st and Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. 7:30. First Presbyterian Church in Winston Salem. - Home - Winston-Salem Choral Artists (wschoralartists.org)
"Creation" by Dan Forrest Concert with The Winston Salem Choral Artists- Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. 7:30. Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston Salem. - Home - Winston-Salem Choral Artists (wschoralartists.org)
Eastertide Evensong - Sunday, May 18th, 2025. 7:30. First Presbyterian Church in Winston Salem - First Presbyterian Church | Winston-Salem, NC (1stpres.com)

Music Therapy

I'm interested in music therapy. Where can I learn more?

That's awesome! I'd love to talk with you about that. Alternatively, more information can be found at: American Music Therapy Association | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Are you accepting music therapy clients?

I am accepting music therapy clients as a provider through NCSEAA. This is a program available to meet the needs of students with disabilities. To learn more, please contact me or check out: Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program - NCSEAA

Office Information

What are your working hours?

My schedule can change drastically from week to week. Please see my current availability by clicking "Schedule A Class".

I've reached out and haven't heard back. Why?

My office hours are on Monday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, and Friday mornings. Please allow at least 48 hours for a reply before re-submitting requests. Please label your email URGENT if it time sensitive and I will respond accordingly.

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