Meet The Staff
Owner
Dana McKinney
Dana McKinney is the Owner, Director, and an Accredited Kindermusik Educator at Jonesboro Music LLC, where she has been inspiring children and families through the power of music since 1996. Her lifelong passion for music and the performing arts began in childhood and continued throughout high school, where she was an All-Region and All-State Choir member and actively involved in theatrical productions. She proudly served as the lead in her senior musical production of Hello, Dolly! and continued her involvement in theatre while attending Arkansas State University.
A graduate of Arkansas State University, McKinney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and studied vocal music for three years. She combines her background in music, education, and communication to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that nurture the whole child and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
When McKinney founded Jonesboro Music in 1996, the program began with just 10 students and two Kindermusik classes. Through her vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence, the studio has grown to serve more than 250 students each week through 29 Kindermusik classes and a thriving private lesson program offering piano, voice, violin, guitar, banjo, and harp instruction.
Since 2001, Jonesboro Music has proudly been recognized each year by Kindermusik International as one of the world's premier Kindermusik programs, consistently ranking among the top 1% worldwide. (Ranked #31 in the world of over 5000 programs) This prestigious distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional early childhood music education and has earned Jonesboro Music the honor of being the #1 Kindermusik program in Arkansas. Families can trust that they are learning from a program recognized globally for excellence, innovation, and outstanding educational experiences.
In addition, Jonesboro Music has been voted Best Kid’s Music Program by Jonesboro Kid’s Occasions magazine nine times in the past ten years, reflecting the studio’s longstanding commitment to excellence and its trusted reputation within the community.
McKinney remains dedicated to providing exceptional music education that fosters confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music and learning. Her greatest joy comes from watching students grow, discover their musical gifts, and experience the many benefits that music brings to their lives.
Dana and her husband, Rick, reside in Jonesboro and are the proud parents of two adult children, Rachel and Cameron, and daughter-in-law, Laicee. Contact Dana McKinney at jonesboromusic2022@gmail.com
Teacher
Kari Vanderbilt
Mrs. Kari Vanderbilt is a Jonesboro native and graduate of Jonesboro High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Arkansas State University and brings extensive experience in early childhood and elementary education. Following graduation, Kari began her teaching career in a private preschool setting before transitioning to public education, where she dedicated 13 years to educating and inspiring students.
Kari’s passion for music began at an early age through participation in junior high, high school, and church choirs. She also has a strong background in dance and taught for four years at a Jonesboro dance studio, incorporating movement, creativity, and musical expression into her teaching. In March 2023, Kari earned her Kindermusik Accreditation and currently teaches Foundations and Levels 1–4 classes at Jonesboro Music.
Beyond the classroom, Kari is an integral member of the Jonesboro Music team, contributing her talents through marketing, social media management, and administrative support. She also enjoys creating special memories for families by leading birthday celebrations for currently enrolled Kindermusik students.
Kari and her husband, Steven, enjoy spending time with their children, Caleb and Blakely, as well as their bonus children, David, Gregory, and Abigail. She enjoys swimming, traveling, reading, and spending time near the water, especially at the lake or the beach.
Jonesboro Music is honored to have Mrs. Kari as the lead Kindermusik educator, marketing manager, and administrative assistant. Her dedication to students, creativity, professionalism, and commitment to serving families in every aspect of the studio make her an invaluable part of the Jonesboro Music experience. To contact Kari email her at karivanderbilt831@gmail.com
Teacher
Elaina Brock
Elaina Brock is an accredited Kindermusik Educator at Jonesboro Music who is passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of music in children of all ages.
Mrs. Brock earned her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education from Harding University. Her musical journey began in kindergarten and continued through college as an active member of various choirs. She also studied cello from fourth through seventh grade, is a self-taught ukulele player, and has continued developing her piano skills since college. In addition to teaching classroom music, she has provided private voice instruction to multiple students and has also taught piano lessons.
For the past three years, Mrs. Brock has served as an elementary music teacher at Jonesboro Public Health and Wellness Magnet School. During her college training, she completed her student teaching with both junior high and high school choirs, gaining valuable experience working with students across a wide range of ages and abilities.
Mrs. Brock has also enjoyed performing in musical theater productions from elementary school through college. As a vocalist, she earned third place in the Arkansas National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition, recognizing her dedication and artistry.
Mrs. Brock is deeply committed to helping the next generation of musicians discover the joy and confidence that music can bring. She believes every child can benefit from a quality music education and loves creating engaging, encouraging learning experiences for her students.
We are thrilled to have Mrs. Brock as a member of the Jonesboro Music teaching staff. She and her husband, Ben, reside in Jonesboro.
Teacher
Madison McDonald
Madison McDonald is an accomplished violinist, vocalist, and music educator who brings a passion for musical excellence and a dedication to inspiring students to Jonesboro Music. She is a graduate of Belmont University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and developed her skills as both a performer and educator.
Madison’s love for music began when she started playing violin in sixth grade. Inspired by the mentorship and encouragement of her orchestra teacher, she discovered her passion for music education and the impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student’s life. During high school, Madison participated in six All-Region Orchestra Conferences, served as concertmaster during her senior year, and was selected to participate in two All-State Orchestra Conferences.
While attending Belmont University, Madison performed with the Belmont Symphony Orchestra and the Belmont Strings Chamber Orchestra, gaining extensive experience in orchestral and chamber music performance. Her performance experience also includes playing with an orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as performing with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra during their July 4th Pops on the River concert.
Beyond the concert stage, Madison continues to share her love of music through worship ministry, where she sings and plays violin weekly at First United Methodist Church. She has taught private violin lessons for several years and currently serves as a violin instructor with Nettleton Public Schools, where she helps guide and develop young orchestra students.
Madison is passionate about creating a positive, welcoming, and encouraging learning environment where students feel supported, confident, and inspired to grow as musicians. Jonesboro Music is thrilled to welcome Madison to our teaching team and looks forward to the creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm she brings to her students.
Madison and her husband, Nathaniel McDonald recently married and reside in Jonesboro. To contact Madison email her at madisonstroth@gmail.com
Teacher
Ella Murray
Ella Murray is a Vocal Music Education major at Arkansas State University with a lifelong passion for music and teaching. Her love for choral music began in seventh grade, inspiring her goal of becoming a music educator.
During her high school career, Ella participated in four All-Region and four All-State Choir conferences, where she had the opportunity to learn from and perform with some of the nation’s most respected choral directors. She currently serves as Treasurer for Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity dedicated to supporting American composers and providing opportunities and resources for musicians of all abilities.
At Arkansas State University, Ella has performed with the Concert Choir and Scarlet Voices and has participated in choir tours throughout Arkansas and Mississippi. She recently performed a leading role in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with the A-State Opera Theater. In addition to voice, Ella has studied piano as a secondary instrument and will serve as a collaborative pianist for instrumentalists.
Ella also serves as the Music Director for St. John Newman University Parish and plans to continue her studies at Arkansas State University, pursuing master’s degrees in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance. Her future goals include becoming a collegiate choral director and private vocal instructor.
Passionate about helping students discover the joy and benefits of music, Ella strives to create an encouraging environment where students can grow emotionally, cognitively, and musically. She is excited to share her love of music and is honored to be part of the team at Jonesboro Music, LLC. To contact Ella email her at ellammurray23@gmail.com
Teacher
Dr. Alaina Graiser
Dr. Alaina Graiser is an accomplished harpist, pianist, educator, and performer who brings exceptional experience and a genuine love of teaching to every lesson. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Harp Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and has taught at Arkansas State University, Rhodes College, Sam Houston State University, and other respected institutions.
Known for her encouraging, engaging teaching style, Dr. Graiser enjoys helping students of all ages and skill levels develop confidence, strong musicianship, and a lifelong appreciation for music. In addition to maintaining a thriving private studio, she performs regularly with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Delta Symphony Orchestra, and South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, while sharing the joy of music throughout the community.
For more information about harp lessons or piano lessons with Dr. Graiser contact us at 870-761-6570 or visit her personal website www.alainagraiser.com
Teacher
Randy Lawrence
Mr. Randy Lawrence is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and experienced music instructor with a passion for sharing the joy of music with students of all ages. With years of performance experience and a diverse musical background, Randy brings expertise, patience, and encouragement to every lesson.
Randy specializes in teaching a wide variety of instruments, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, banjo, ukulele, and dulcimer. His broad knowledge of stringed instruments allows him to provide students with a well-rounded musical foundation while helping each individual develop confidence, creativity, and their own unique musical style.
As both a musician and educator, Randy is dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students can grow at their own pace while developing strong technical skills and a lifelong appreciation for music. His ability to connect with students and share his love of music makes him a valued member of the Jonesboro Music teaching team.
Beyond his role as an instructor, Randy is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life experiences and genuine love for music enrich the lessons he provides and allow him to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds.
Jonesboro Music is honored to have Randy Lawrence as part of our teaching staff and appreciates the experience, talent, and passion he brings to our students and families. Randy resides in Brookland with his wife.
For more information about lessons with Randy in guitar, bass guitar, banjo, ukulele, or dulcimer, please contact him at ridge368@gmail.com.
Teacher
Mrs. Carolyn Capparella
Mrs. Carolynn Capparella is a talented instrumentalist, educator, and Accredited Kindermusik Educator who brings a wealth of musical experience and a passion for inspiring students of all ages. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Carolynn has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and engaging musical experiences for children and families.
Carolynn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Clarinet Performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her extensive training as both a performer and educator has allowed her to develop a diverse skill set and a unique ability to connect with students through individualized instruction.
Most recently, Carolynn served as a music educator at The Cincinnati School of Music, where she taught piano, clarinet, and violin to students of all ages and skill levels. She also taught at St. Anne’s Catholic School in Cincinnati, providing music education for students in Pre-K3 through 8th grade. Her experience working with both early childhood and older students has strengthened her ability to create positive, developmentally appropriate learning environments.
As an Accredited Kindermusik Educator, Carolynn shares the joy and benefits of early childhood music education with preschool students throughout Jonesboro at several respected community schools. Her warm, encouraging teaching style and enthusiasm for music help young children develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Jonesboro Music is honored to have Mrs. Carolynn Capparella as part of our educator team. Her musical expertise, professionalism, and genuine passion for teaching make her a tremendous asset to our students and families.
For more information about piano lessons or Kindermusik classes with Carolynn, contact her at carolynncapparella@gmail.com.
Teacher
Jaden Frye
Jaden Frye is a classically trained violinist and accomplished music educator based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Oklahoma City University and a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Oklahoma.
An experienced chamber and orchestral musician, Jaden has performed with a variety of distinguished ensembles, including World on a String Quartet, Painted Sky Opera, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Her performance background reflects her passion for collaboration, expressive musicianship, and bringing music to life through live performance.
Jaden has been teaching violin and viola since 2017 and enjoys helping students develop strong technique, musical confidence, and a genuine love for their instrument. She is excited to share her experience and enthusiasm with the young musicians of Jonesboro Music while encouraging each student to grow and reach their individual musical goals.
We are delighted to welcome Jaden to the Jonesboro Music instrumental instructor faculty and are excited for the talent, experience, and dedication she brings to our students and studio community.
To contact Jaden about violin or viola lessons, email her at:
jadenlfrye@gmail.com