Jennifer Poore
Jennifer grew up here in Cookeville, where her parents home-schooled her and her four brothers. Music was not a central focus in their home, but the family was constantly listening to classical and folk music. Jennifer taught herself piano for a couple years before taking up the classical guitar in 9th grade through the inspiration of her older brother. They traveled monthly to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro to study under an incredibly talented master’s student from Venezuela, Salome Sandoval. A wonderful singer and classical guitarist, Salome’s performing and teaching crystallized Jennifer's love of music into a permanent part of her life. After a year of voice lessons during her senior year of high school, she followed her brother to MTSU on a guitar scholarship, majoring in guitar performance and vocal/general education. In college, Jennifer continued to pursue her vocal studies along with her guitar lessons. She discovered the joys of singing in a choir and playing with other musicians, and was introduced to the challenges, terrors, and joys of being a solo classical performer. In 2012, Jennifer graduated and moved back to Cookeville, where she is thrilled to be making a living passing on her love of music to private students, as well as singing in our local community choir, the Mastersingers. When not doing music, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, and attending musical and theatrical performances.
Gena Cohoon
Gena grew up in the Smoky Mountains. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music and Education from Tennessee Technological University in 2007. She studied voice with Dr. Diane Pulte and piano with Dr. Catherine Godes while at Tech. She has taught voice lessons for 13 years and piano lessons for 11 years. She taught at the School of Performing Arts from 2007-2014 and ran an independent studio in her home from 2014-2018. Gena was thrilled to return to the School of Performing Arts in 2018. She has experience in general music and choral conducting as well as working with children with special needs. Gena prioritizes good technique and musicality in her lessons. She loves teaching! Gena lives in Sparta with her husband, two children, and fur baby, Waverly. Gena enjoys reading, cooking, singing/playing, and spending time with her family.