At Kairette Studios, we teach skills that go beyond fundamentals. Our programs nurture an understanding of music and art as a means of personal growth and a way to build community. Students discover their creative purpose and the power of artistic collaboration.

Kairette Studios offers an inclusive, empowering approach to art and music education. We open the doors of creativity and culture to people from all backgrounds through our diverse range of courses, events, and community partnerships. Our mission is to support the area's artistic renewal by cultivating new generations of talent.

Matthew is an accomplished musician with over two decades of musical and artistic experience.

His musical journey started in 4th grade where he played alto and tenor sax in concert band until 7th grade. At age 12 Matthew picked up guitar and had guitar classes 1-4 in high school as well as a short period of private lessons in classical guitar.

 Matthew has played lead guitar in several bands playing shows in the tri-state area, where most of the music was composed by Matthew himself. In the process he learned recording software such as FL Studio, Garage Band, and Logic pro. Matthew then went to Wilmington University for game design and development furthering his musical education as well by studying soundtracks to film and games, sound effects, aspects of sound design and setting the scene, which involved extensive use of Pro-Tools the professional standard music recording software today.  

Currently Matthew has extensive knowledge of composition with a multitude of instruments, though his primary instrument is guitar, and is a lead guitarist for Reach church in Bear, and the owner/director of Kairette Studios.
   
 While teaching music and arts his goal is to give students an experience learning music that is fun, engaging, and prepares them well for whatever musical paths they may choose in life.

Alexander Dunford has been involved in music since he was a very small boy. Attending his first concert at age 4, 

Courtney Johnson is a K-1 teacher of students with autism and severe disabilities. She  grew up in theatre, along with  

he quickly grew to love music and his father, a drummer himself, gave him his beginnings on his drum set in their basement. Always an avid musician, Alex was a member of Delaware All-State Choir, and student at Cab Calloway School of the Arts as a vocal major.

Through Alex's career with Cab Calloway, he performed in, competed, and won many choral competitions performing works in Italian, Mongolian, French, and German, as well as solo performances with both classical and Broadway music.

Alex has loved the deep connection he has with music and looks forward to sharing his skills and knowledge with the next generation of young musicians so that they might experience some of the joy that playing, writing, and performing music has brought into his life.

her 6 other siblings, and has a heart for music and performance.

She has utilized both of these skills to create a specialized music program for young children with disabilities. She believes that music is one of the things that connects us the most and can be utilized to grow speech, behavior, learning, self awareness, and emotions. Courtney designs sessions to suit your child’s unique needs.

Aside from theatre performances and work as a special needs educator, Courtney is a professional Disney princess and superhero cosplayer, as well as a professional mermaid. Courtney’s other hobbies include circus arts, such as aerial arts, and both singing and songwriting.

Wilson Forney is a husband, father, local ministry leader and musician; he is excited to be 

director, minister, and a music teacher.

Jamie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Choral/General Music Education from the University of Delaware, and she brings an abundance and diversity of performance experience. Since she was a young child, she has performed vocally and on piano in competitions, festivals, and recitals, and has performed many leading roles in musicals, including “Annie”, “Shrek the Musical”, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, and “Grease”. She has worked in entertainment for local venues and events including Chaddsford Winery and Back Creek Golf Club, and she recently began character acting with Sew Classy Royal Events. Jamie has taught piano, voice, ukulele, and songwriting from her home, and she has taught in the classroom of both public and private schools directing musical theater, choir, a cappella, and teaching general music. She also works with her husband Wilson to direct the music of Reach Church and lead worship every Sunday morning.

Jamie is particularly gifted in engaging students of a host of different ages and ability levels, and she is passionate about helping each individual work through their insecurities to develop confidence in their natural ability and hard work, as well as foster intrinsic motivation to reach their musical goals.

working with Kairette Studios to spiritually and musically grow the community.  

Wilson has been musically engaged since childhood. He played the saxophone from elementary to high school, and picked up guitar in high school. Wilson has been singing all of his life between his family, church, and school. He has sung in award-winning choirs and a barbershop quartet in high school, and was a member of the Deltones, a premiere a cappella group at the University of Delaware, where he met his lovely wife Jamie. He was also a worship leader with InterVarsity Chrisitan Fellowship at UD as well.

He currently serves as the Worship Pastor of Reach Church. In his role as Worship Pastor, he plays acoustic guitar and sings with the band, as well as write songs for the church.

Wilson is also one of the directors of the Bible Department at Red Lion Christian Academy. At Red Lion, he leads the Chapel Team where he trains and guides the students in worship leading with modern instrumentation and voice.  

Wilson is very excited to be involved with Kairette Studios!