Testimonials

"I have hired Debra Williams to work as a choral director, vocal soloist in both classical and jazz contexts, piano accompanist for church services, and solo pianist for a piano lounge. In all cases, her professionalism, personality and prowess were top notch. I continue to request her talents whenever her schedule allows and wouldn't hesitate recommending anyone else to do the same."

—Eric Barnhart, House Pianist, The Westin Poinsett

Debra is one of our favorite performers at Cascades Verdae! Her gifts as a pianist and a vocalist are incredible, but I can't really limit her to just entertainment, as she also offers Music Education to our residents in Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care. Debra has taught us everything from the history of Irish/Celtic Folk songs to Elvis's humble roots in Gospel Music, and it's amazing to see our residents light up as she shares from both history and her heart. It's not too difficult to find performers to entertain, but to find ones that use their gifts to engage our elders, offer ongoing education and leave them humming on the way back to their rooms is invaluable!

—Kelly Harris, Activity Director, Cascades Verdae

"Debra has performed at numerous Cheekwood events during the past 10 years. She plays the piano beautifully, and is a favorite at The Angel Gala playing the Steinway piano in the Grand Ballroom of the Cheekwood Mansion each holiday season. In addition, Debra has played for many luncheons and fashion shows in Botanic Hall at Cheekwood. On a personal note, Debra sang at my daughter's wedding - what an amazing vocalist! Debra is one of those rare individuals whose beautiful voice and musical talent is only surpassed by her kind, generous heart and spirit."

—Dixie Powell, Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee at Cheekwood

"We love Debra, our daughter Lily's piano teacher. Lily always looks forward to her lessons, a true testament to great teaching. Debra teaches the technical aspects of music while keeping a close eye on our daughter's unique abilities, and she's great with the Mother/Daughter lessons, too! Thanks, Teach!"

—Lisa, Lily and Clint Black

"Debra is such a great person in general, but she is also an amazing teacher. Our son, Kyle, has been involved in Concert Chorus at David Lipscomb High School for four years and has had a lot of training. When he decided he wanted to go to college and study Musical Theatre we quickly found out that auditions would be necessary. That is when Debra came into the picture. Debra took Kyle to a whole new level in his vocals, breathing, stance and confidence. He also had to learn an Italian Art song for his college auditions. Debra helped him to select an appropriate piece for his voice and of course teach him the correct way to perform it. When we listen to tapes of him before his lessons began and after all auditions were done, it was almost like two different people singing. After all of his training by Debra, we entered a CD of Kyle singing for the Thor Johnson Scholarship of which he was selected as a finalist and was able to do a live audition at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. She really took him to a new level in all aspects of his performances. I would recommend Debra to anyone who wants to grow in many ways musically."

—Linda Pierce

"I originally came to Debra for vocal strengthening. I had been taking vocal lessons for many years and was looking for someone in Nashville to get me back on track with proper vocal techniques. Debra reminded me of the importance, breath support, and warming up the voice properly. She later helped me address issues I was having with vocal exhaustion. She again had the perfect remedy for me to get my voice back to where it needed to be. On top of her extensive vocal knowledge, Debra is also someone who has a heart for her students, and I am blessed to know her."

—Aly Sutton Controy, Country Music Artist

"We have known Debra for close to seven years. During that time she has taught three generations of our family, including my 70 year-old father, myself and husband and all three of my children piano and occasionally voice. The children all began at the age of five and the two older ones are proficient in site reading, scales, theory and several musical genres. Debra has made it a joy for us to learn and she tailors her method of teaching to our individual strengths and weaknesses. Her ability to adjust the curriculum and goals to suit the age and interest is apparent in our increasing mastery of the piano. Most importantly, Debra is a caring, talented and wonderful person whom we have felt fortunate to work with."

—Perian Strang

"Debra has been instructing our children in piano for several years. We have welcomed her into our home and are reminded each week how lucky we are that our children have exposure to Debra's immense musical skill and talent. She has instilled in our children a love of piano through her nurturing and loving approach, yet takes her instruction very seriously and is a true professional. Debra delights in sharing her talent through her teaching and her enthusiasm for her music and the children with whom she works truly shows. The children love Debra and are loving the gift of music she is giving them Our family is so grateful for Debra!"

—Stephanie Conner