THE TEAM
John Johnson, Executive Director & Instructor
John has over 35 years in business leadership & individual contributor roles in the music business, with 20+ years p/l accountability managing multi-million dollar budgets and staff of more than 150 nationwide. John has spent much of his career supporting songwriters and publishers by protecting their public performance rights, including 4 years at SESAC, Inc. and 27 years at ASCAP where he was head of the General Licensing Division.
John grew up in Dickson County and learned to play guitar in 5th grade. Music became his passion and he has played, taught music, and traveled across the country speaking on panels about the business of music, focusing on songwriting and intellectual property rights. After graduating from Dickson County High School, he worked at several local radio stations, then went back to school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Human Relations with a MBA in Management from Trevecca Nazarene University. John is excited to be back home, helping the children of this region develop discipline and tools that the arts can bring to not only enrich their lives, but to make a positive change in the world around us.
Neil Brock, Instructor, Keyboards, Banjo, Ukulele, Guitar, Drums
My name is Neil and I’m a Dickson County native. I earned a BS in Music at Austin Peay State University and taught music for 31 years in the Dickson County Public School system. I love music and I love inspiring kids with music, especially kids who aren’t motivated by much. My approach is to try to reach students where they can connect on a personal level, understand the material and feel a sense of accomplishment for their efforts. I want to give them the key to the car and let them drive as fast and far as they want to go! I first learned about the Quest Center during their after-school music program at Dickson Elementary School, and I saw a similar passion and similar approach for getting kids excited about learning, playing music and making new friends. Together we're a great fit!
Corinne Brown, Student Teaching Assistant
My name is Corinne, and I am a 15 year old sophomore. I am attending Dickson Christian Academy, where I also play volleyball and run on the track team. I started taking guitar lessons at the Quest Center 3 years ago, and before that I took piano since I was 6 years old. I’ve also taken voice lessons with the Quest Center. I enjoy painting and playing my guitar in my free time. I am excited to take what I’ve learned, and use my knowledge to help others.
Heather Connor, Instructor, Enriching Lives Through Music. MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist & Certified Neurologic Music Therapist
Heather earned an associates degree in music from Northwest Shoals Community College in Phil Campbell, AL and a bachelors degree in music therapy from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. She completed her internship at the STAR Center in Jackson, TN and has been a board certified music therapist since March 2009.
Russell Faulk, Instructor, Fiddle/Violin
Russell is a graduate of Belmont College with a major in Commercial Guitar. He began playing piano and guitar at ages 12 and 15, respectively. Through high school he played in the school jazz band (guitar & bass), concert band (french horn) and marching band (alto horn). A musical omnivore, Russell’s performed as a singer/songwriter and has played with various rock bands, country bands, Irish dance bands, old-time string bands, a bluegrass band and as a utility member of various worship groups. His early career included gigs at Nashville Songwriter’s Association and Cornelius Publishing.
Ian Faulkner, Teaching Assistant, Enriching Lives Through Music.
My name is Ian. I’m 25 years old, a graduate of Creek Wood High School and I currently work at the Dickson County Public Library. I love reading, playing video games and being around people. My Tuesday night music class at the Quest Center is one of the highlights of my week, and now I’m very excited to be sharing my love for people and music with our Monday evening youth group!
Mykie Hill, Student Teaching Assistant
Hello! My name is Mykie. I’m 15, a junior in high school and the proud owner of two rabbits and a toy fox terrier. I’m also a dancer and love going to Ms. Amy’s Competitive Edge. I’ve always loved music and learning. Pitches that sound good together are amazing. I’m excited for this opportunity to share my love of music with others.
Cooper Karnes, Student Teaching Assistant
Hi, my name is Cooper Karnes. I’m 12 years old and I attend William James Middle School. I’ve been a student with The Quest Center for over two years now. My favorite instrument to play is bass guitar. I also enjoy acoustic and electric guitar. My favorite band is They Might Be Giants. I’m excited to have the opportunity to assist other students playing music with The Quest Center. Editor note: The Quest Center’s Pathway Program gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, communication & engagement skills as Teaching Assistants in a classroom environment.
Jim Lutz, Founder, Associate Director & Instructor
Jim has over 40 years in business leadership & individual contributor roles, with 20+ years P/L accountability managing budgets in excess of $55M and a global staff of more than 250. Throughout his career, Jim has supported diverse industries including music, sports, financial services & social services. Jim recognized his passion for teaching music in mid-1970’s, when he developed music education & enrichment programs for at-risk youth living in a residential treatment setting. Since then, he’s spent most of his career in the corporate arena, leading both emerging & successful organizations to their next level of growth. As a member of the digital pioneer echomusic’s executive team, his 300+ client roster included Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Diddy, Dierks Bentley, Janet Jackson, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, Brooks & Dunn and corporate clients such as Clorox Corporation, Disney, Sony Music, RIM, Vee Corp, General Motors and the Professional Bull Riders. Jim’s demonstrated successful performance in organizations ranging from early stage to $4 billion in revenue.
Deondra Marowa, Instructor, Vocal Programs
My name is Deondra Fae Marowa. I'm originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana and have resided in Indiana, Florida and Tennessee. I am married to my college sweetheart, Archibold, from Zimbabwe, Africa. I grew up around music, and I love music. I love to sing, and I am blessed that it is my calling. Through God and singing, I have been humbled to mentor youth as an Alumna through Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Fort Wayne, IN. Along with them I toured Europe, performed at the Vatican in Rome and lead the National Anthem at an Indiana Colts vs. Kansas Chiefs (NFL) football game. I’m excited to join the passionate team at the Quest Center, and I look forward to further serving and inspiring young people through music.
Emily Matlock, Assistant Instructor
Emily earned her BA in Music with a vocal major and a piano minor from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During those years, she twice traveled to Italy as a member of full choir as well as a small acapella ensemble. She has a background in multiple instruments including piano, guitar, clarinet, and bass clarinet, but currently performs with vocals as her main instrument. Emily is currently an elementary librarian in Dickson County and has found a passion for helping students become well-rounded citizens in all areas of their lives including the fine arts as well as literacy and academics.
Saralyn Miller, Teaching Assistant
My name is Saralyn Miller and I am excited to officially join the Quest Center team! Growing up, music was a constant staple in my home. After dabbling in the guitar for a few years, I committed to the fiddle at age 12. After many years in various bands with family, friends, classmates, and coworkers, I continue to find teaching one of the most rewarding parts of musicianship and am excited to invest in the next generation of Tennessee-bred players.
Lisa Zimdars, Instructor, Keyboards
Lisa began her musical studies as a piano and vocal student at Dickson County High School (DCHS), and was a member of the All-State choir during her senior year, accompanying for all DCHS vocal ensembles. Lisa attended Central Bible College (now Evangel University) where she toured the U. S. and Canada as the keyboardist for Revivaltime Radio Choir. Lisa earned a B.A. in Music and a Master of Education. Between 2010-16, she served as the choral director and class piano instructor at Creek Wood High School in Dickson County.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrea Bledsoe, ED.S.
Andrea is a career educator and has held Principal, Assistant Principal and teaching positions in both Dickson & Cheatham County public schools. We’re extremely excited to welcome such a respected community leader committed to the education, development and well-being of our youth.
A native of Nashville, Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Austin Peay State University in 2007. Since then she has earned her Masters in Education and an Educational Leadership Degree from MTSU. She has served in the school system for 16 years and is currently Principal at White Bluff Elementary School. Andrea studied piano and saxophone as a child and has always enjoyed the arts. Allowing students the opportunity to experience the arts is something that she is passionate about. Andrea has been married for 25 years and has 4 children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Andrew Davies
Andrew has a lifelong love of music and is inspired by the opportunity to work with and help further the mission of the Quest Center!
Following more than 15 years as Vice President of Financial Crime Risk Management at Fiserv, Inc, a $15B global technology & services provider, Andrew is Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at ComplyAdvantage. Andrew has worked in the software industry for more than twenty-five years, partnering with many of the world’s largest financial institutions in the areas of real-time payments, front-office trading, financial crime risk mitigation, settlement risk and more. Andrew currently works with a institutions around the world, public and private, helping them manage financial crime risk with particular focus on compliance, money laundering and fraud.
Andrew studied Pure Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Wales. He is an expert in fighting financial crime such as money laundering, fraud, human trafficking and drug trafficking and has worked with customers in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He is a respected industry speaker, having presented at SIBOS, ABA events, CBA events, numerous webinars and he is a frequent writer on industry issues. His articles have appeared in the American Banker, Credit Union Journal, finextra.com, PYMNTS.com and many others.
Bradford Diehl
Brick and ironworks artist; owner of the beautiful brick structure that houses the Quest Center. An early adopter and champion, Bradford continues to invest significant time, talent and resource in the program.
Jim Lutz
Jim is the Founder & former Executive Director of the Quest Center. He envisioned the Quest Center in 2010, combining his passions for music, education and equal opportunities for underserved children. The result? In 2021, Quest Center programs served over 1,500 students from 7 Middle Tennessee counties, including over 350 children enrolled in weekly music classes. Jim’s detailed bio can be found above.
John A. Marshall, PhD, LFACHE
John spent more than 40 years in the healthcare industry, including over 12 years as the Chief Executive Office of Tristar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson TN, an HCA facility. He also served as CEO at healthcare facilities throughout the southeast, Clinician at the bedside (Registered Respiratory Therapist), Consultant, Instructor, Speaker, Adjunct Professor and Author. John holds a Masters' Degree in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Warren National University. He was appointed by the governor of TN to serve as board member on the Tennessee State Board for Licensing Healthcare Facilities, was a board member for the Tennessee State Trauma Care Advisory Council and was the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Hospital Association. John retired in February 2015 and is now an Adjunct Faculty Professor at Belmont University. “I grew up in Erie Pennsylvania with two hard working parents who both believed in the importance of music education. They were able to afford me piano and guitar lessons. I always enjoyed performing in recitals and, as an adult, I worked my way through college performing in local pubs singing and playing my guitar. I continue to play my guitar and fortunately married someone who loves to sing with me.” John is also an avid sailor and golfer. His wife Beth is a retired Elementary School Teacher and active community volunteer, serving as Chair and founding board member of the local YMCA and President of the Dickson High Noon Rotary Club.
ADVISORY BOARD
Music executive, producer, artist manager, songwriter, educator.
Angela Moore
Rotarian; radio personality; community activist.
Singer/songwriter/performer, Nashville, TN
Executive Director, W.O. Smith Music School, Nashville, TN
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist & performer, Nashville, TN
Vice President at Springboard Landings Inc., Nashville, TN