Starling Music

Fourteen years ago, a chance encounter in Nashville, Tenn., set the stage for a new life chapter for one aspiring musician. After meeting her husband in Music City, Sally traded the bustling streets of Nashville for the warm community of Saline County. Little did she know, her passion for music and education would lead to a thriving business that would touch hundreds of lives.

Sally spent 13 years in Nashville honing her craft before moving to Arkansas. A Belmont University graduate, she immersed herself in the heart of country music—touring as a singer-songwriter, working on Music Row, and even starring in a reality show. Her journey into music began long before college, growing up in the Calvin Opera House in Washington, Missouri, a theater her family owned. 

“My dad played the banjo and opened for big-name bluegrass acts,” Sally recalls. “Music was a family affair.” Her formal education included studying opera at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri–Kansas City before transferring to Belmont to pursue her love of country music.

Upon moving to Saline County, Sally spent nine years teaching at a Little Rock music studio. During that time, she noticed a significant gap in local opportunities for music education. Armed with her extensive background, she decided to fill that void, and in January 2019, she opened Starling Music Studio.

“We started with six instructors and 88 students,” Sally says. “Now, we have 13 instructors and nearly 300 students. It’s been an incredible journey.” 

Starling’s instructor lineup is impressive with an array of talents and specialties. Each is unique in his or her expertise, backed with years of experience, academic degrees, and certifications. 

These highly skilled professionals bring diverse musical backgrounds to the table, ranging from classical training to contemporary performance. Their collective knowledge spans various instruments and styles, allowing the studio to provide well-rounded instruction tailored to every student’s goals. 

Whether it’s mastering a Mozart sonata, learning the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, or perfecting vocal techniques for modern pop hits, Starling’s instructors are equipped to inspire and guide students of all levels. These instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to their lessons, ensuring that every student receives personalized and professional guidance. The diversity in their specialties allows the studio to cater to a wide range of interests, from classical violin to contemporary songwriting.

Starling Music Studio offers private lessons for all ages and skill levels in a wide variety of instruments, including voice, piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, violin, and more. The studio also specializes in pre-kindergarten music education and songwriting. The goal is to advance students regardless of what level they’ve reached when they firstenter the studio. “It is our mission to set goals with each student and help them achieve everything they desire,” as the website states.

“The instructors focus on building a musical foundation by teaching sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. We believe it is important that students know why and what they are playing, not just how [to play it].” 

What sets Starling Music Studio apart is its commitment to comprehensive music education. “We teach our students to truly know their instrument and understand music theory,” Sally explains. “It’s not just about learning chords or reading lead sheets. We build a strong foundation so students can excel in any musical endeavor.”

As a former touring musician, Sally brings a unique perspective to her teaching, particularly for voice students. “I focus on helping students sing correctly to keep their vocal cords healthy and strong,” she says. Her favorite moments are witnessing shy students transform into confident performers. “Watching someone who couldn’t sing a note in front of others belt out their favorite songs with pride is the most rewarding part of my job.”

The studio’s growth has been a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for music education. Recently, Starling Music Studio expanded its facilities to accommodate the increasing demand. “God continues to bless us with amazing instructors and families,” she says. “Our instructors—all with professional training and experience—share a love and passion for music that resonates with every student.”

Beyond technical instruction, the studio emphasizes the cognitive and emotional benefits of music education. “Music improves math skills and IQ levels, and stimulates both sides of the brain,” Sally notes. “For adults, it’s a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp or finally fulfill a lifelong dream of learning an instrument.”

As Starling Music Studio continues to thrive, its founder dreams of a future where Saline County becomes a hub for musical talent. “Our hope is to cultivate generations of amazing musicians right here,” Sally says. “We’re honored to be part of our students’ journeys and to witness their growth, both musically and personally. Building relationships with our students is the heart of what we do.”

From the stages of Nashville’s to the Saline County community, Sally Howell’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and her unwavering commitment to sharing it with others. νJillian Jacuzzi  Fourteen years ago, a chance encounter in Nashville, Tenn., set the stage for a new life chapter for one aspiring musician. After meeting her husband in Music City, Sally traded the bustling streets of Nashville for the warm community of Saline County. Little did she know, her passion for music and education would lead to a thriving business that would touch hundreds of lives.

Sally spent 13 years in Nashville honing her craft before moving to Arkansas. A Belmont University graduate, she immersed herself in the heart of country music—touring as a singer-songwriter, working on Music Row, and even starring in a reality show. Her journey into music began long before college, growing up in the Calvin Opera House in Washington, Missouri, a theater her family owned. 

“My dad played the banjo and opened for big-name bluegrass acts,” Sally recalls. “Music was a family affair.” Her formal education included studying opera at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri–Kansas City before transferring to Belmont to pursue her love of country music.

Upon moving to Saline County, Sally spent nine years teaching at a Little Rock music studio. During that time, she noticed a significant gap in local opportunities for music education. Armed with her extensive background, she decided to fill that void, and in January 2019, she opened Starling Music Studio.

“We started with six instructors and 88 students,” Sally says. “Now, we have 13 instructors and nearly 300 students. It’s been an incredible journey.” 

Starling’s instructor lineup is impressive with an array of talents and specialties. Each is unique in his or her expertise, backed with years of experience, academic degrees, and certifications. 

These highly skilled professionals bring diverse musical backgrounds to the table, ranging from classical training to contemporary performance. Their collective knowledge spans various instruments and styles, allowing the studio to provide well-rounded instruction tailored to every student’s goals. 

Whether it’s mastering a Mozart sonata, learning the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, or perfecting vocal techniques for modern pop hits, Starling’s instructors are equipped to inspire and guide students of all levels. These instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to their lessons, ensuring that every student receives personalized and professional guidance. The diversity in their specialties allows the studio to cater to a wide range of interests, from classical violin to contemporary songwriting.

Starling Music Studio offers private lessons for all ages and skill levels in a wide variety of instruments, including voice, piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, violin, and more. The studio also specializes in pre-kindergarten music education and songwriting. The goal is to advance students regardless of what level they’ve reached when they firstenter the studio. “It is our mission to set goals with each student and help them achieve everything they desire,” as the website states.

“The instructors focus on building a musical foundation by teaching sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. We believe it is important that students know why and what they are playing, not just how [to play it].” 

What sets Starling Music Studio apart is its commitment to comprehensive music education. “We teach our students to truly know their instrument and understand music theory,” Sally explains. “It’s not just about learning chords or reading lead sheets. We build a strong foundation so students can excel in any musical endeavor.”

As a former touring musician, Sally brings a unique perspective to her teaching, particularly for voice students. “I focus on helping students sing correctly to keep their vocal cords healthy and strong,” she says. Her favorite moments are witnessing shy students transform into confident performers. “Watching someone who couldn’t sing a note in front of others belt out their favorite songs with pride is the most rewarding part of my job.”

The studio’s growth has been a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for music education. Recently, Starling Music Studio expanded its facilities to accommodate the increasing demand. “God continues to bless us with amazing instructors and families,” she says. “Our instructors—all with professional training and experience—share a love and passion for music that resonates with every student.”

Beyond technical instruction, the studio emphasizes the cognitive and emotional benefits of music education. “Music improves math skills and IQ levels, and stimulates both sides of the brain,” Sally notes. “For adults, it’s a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp or finally fulfill a lifelong dream of learning an instrument.”

As Starling Music Studio continues to thrive, its founder dreams of a future where Saline County becomes a hub for musical talent. “Our hope is to cultivate generations of amazing musicians right here,” Sally says. “We’re honored to be part of our students’ journeys and to witness their growth, both musically and personally. Building relationships with our students is the heart of what we do.”

From the stages of Nashville’s to the Saline County community, Sally Howell’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and her unwavering commitment to sharing it with others. νJillian Jacuzzi