Dr. Charles Novell – Dr. Charles Novell was a graduate of the world famous Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and
held a doctorate of music degree.  He was involved in Gospel Music as a songwriter, arranger, recording producer, and performing for several decades.  He produced over 2,500 albums in his career and has arranged and been a vocal coach for numerous groups, soloists and choir over the years.  In 1962 Charles was hired by James Blackwood and JD Sumner to teach for the Stamps Conservatory of Music.  Charles continued teaching and became the Dean of the school in the 1970's.  In 1978 JD Sumner handed the school over to Charles.  The school went through several name changes and in 2005 the name became the Charles Novell School of Music.  Charles kept the heritage and history of the school for all these years.  CNS now runs under the direction of Charles's son, Rob Novell, who leads from the same vision his father taught and placed within him.   To honor the legacy of our name sake and patriarch we have a Charles Novell Legacy
Scholarship available.  To apply click here .

Jeff Stice -Jeff made his mark in gospel music by his love of the piano and of Southern Gospel music, Jeff was the pianist for Triumphant Qt, Kingdom Heirs, Perfect Heart, the Blackwood Brothers and the Nelons.  Jeff won awards as Musician of the Year for The Singing News Fan Awards and is a member of The Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  Jeff was a
member of this staff for 40 years and his mark on this school will be felt and remembered each and every CNS.  Jeff was the ultimate encourager and to continue his giving spirit there is a Jeff Stice Scholarship available for new students to pursue their Gospel Music future.  To apply click here.

Rob Novell -   Rob is the son of Dr. Charles Novell and is the Director of CNS.  Rob grew up in this music school attending classes and learning from the great faculty and instructors in the school's rich history.  Rob is an accomplished musician and studio producer.  He traveled with Perfect Heart and has played with Triumphant Quartet and the Nelons.  Rob is currently involved in a solo ministry and ministers through song and speaking.  Rob owns Counterpoint Recording Productions and Counterpoint Music Group in Atlanta, GA.  
 
Billy Blackwood -Billy is the youngest son of Legendary James Blackwood.  Billy currently runs the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.   Billy played drums for J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet at the age of 14. He also played for the Blackwood Brothers, Gordon Jensen and Sunrise, and Andrus/Blackwood & Company and toured with Voice, the
opening act for the Elvis Presley show.
 
Tara Jackson – With a vivacious laugh and warm personality that instantly illuminates a room, Tara Jackson is the
friend you've always known. A consummate people person, her engaging spirit befits the calling to ministry and outreach she has long embraced.  But then she opens her mouth to sing, and it's obvious what Tara was ultimately born to do.
 
Aleah Novell - Aleah has grown up in a musical family and carries on the family tradition of teaching music.  She is a private instructor by profession and teaching Music Theory and private lessons at CNS.

Corry Isel - Coordinator of Events and Students Activities.  Corry is our go to person during the conference.  If you
have a question, she has your answer.  Corry is a gifted vocalist and has the performance skills to deliver a great performance.  

Shannon Newman – Shannon has been involved in Christian Music and Church Music for many years.  He is an accomplished singer and studio producer.

Keith Barkley -   Keith began singing and playing at an early age traveling with his family ministry.  He has kept that tradition alive now traveling and ministering with his own family.  Keith is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and studio producer.  

Pastor Jon Groves - Pastor Jon Groves heads up Pastor's Retreat for CNS.  He is the Pastor of Victory Baptist in Inverness, FL.  Jon's deep knowledge of the Bible, his genuine love for people, and his creativity allow him to find unique ways to bring forth God's word by constantly changing the method without changing the message.

Paul Secord- Paul runs Godsey Media Mangagement in Nashville TN.  He also is a vocal and business coach for ministries all across America. His unique presentation of years of experience and knowledge, and his heart and desire
to share with other Artists are what has made him one of most sought after coaches in the field of Christian Music.

Becky Carver - A graduate of Mississippi State University Becky brings a qualified level of teaching with her Music Degree.   Becky and her husband Steve Carver have an active ministry in music.  She teaches Theory, Piano and Voice.

Jim Quales- Jim comes from Michigan and has an active solo ministry in Gospel Music.  Jim has performed in various
groups and ran a Quartet, 4 One Quartet, for over 7 years.  Jim has a unique call on his life to minister to our Seniors and will perform in hundreds of Senior Care facilities all across the country in a given year.  Jim helps us with Sound Systems, guitar and Performance Training and is a private instructor.  

Dana Simpson - Dana is a gifted pianist and vocalist.  She teaches one of our Music Theory classes and is also involved in our Performance Training Class.  Dana's talent is only trumped by her heart and genuine spirit.  

Jim Sheldon- Jim is known as the "Positive Cowboy".   Jim is an award winning solo artist in the Country Gospel field.
Jim brings years of experience to the table and is willing to help our students anyway he can.

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James Rainey- James has been playing piano his entire life.  God has used his talents through the years to play piano

for the Hoppers, the Singing Americans, the Greenes, the LeFervre Qt., and Jonathan Wilburn.  In addition to being a gift-

ed musician James is a arranger and studio producer.

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Mary Anne Oglesby Sutherly- With more than 20 years of experience in Health and Senior Care Industries,

Mary Anne is a strong advocate for our senior communities.  In addition to this call on her life she has been singing Gospel

Music her entire life, and she is a sought after vocal coach in the Gospel Music Industry.

 

Tim Owens- Tim is a Pastor, Author, and an Award-Winning Gospel Music Recording Artist who travels in Evangelism

to spread the good news of the Gospel of his wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.  Tim teaches voice an helps us with various

seminars, devotions, and performance training.

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