Music Lessons | Joplin

At Palen Music Center, we believe that music makes a difference in the lives of people. One of our great missions is helping others learn how to express themselves through music. Not only are our instructors great teachers but they are also people of great character. Our Performance Week Program gives you the opportunity to perform what you are learning.

Questions? Give us a call! (417) 781-3100

J. Blevins

Guitar

J. Blevins joined PMC in 2019, and he teaches guitar. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts in Music from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. He began playing the euphonium at age 9 and the guitar at age 15. J. took guitar lessons throughout his entire collegiate career from Ron Singleton. He has experience playing jazz, classical, country, and rock, among other genres. He is currently a recording artist with the rock band Blueshell Bombshell. J’s favorite thing about teaching music is passing along knowledge and helping students feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Sandy Durbin

Brass & Woodwind Instruments

Sandy Durbin joined the PMC family in 2016, and teaches all band instruments. She received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Missouri State University. She taught band for 34 years in five different schools including Seneca, Bolivar and Houston, Mo. Sandy says, “My favorite thing about teaching lessons at Palen is hearing my students enjoy making music and being successful in their school programs.”

Jeffrey Yates

Guitar, Fretted Instruments, Brass Instruments, & Piano

Jeff Yates joined PMC in 2012, and he teaches all fretted instruments, piano, brass, woodwinds and upright bass. In addition to teaching at PMC, he is also the Band and Choir Director in Miller, MO. Jeff graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Instrumental Performance, and is currently a member of the Heartland Opera Theatre and Southern Symphony Orchestra as a bassist, and The Ozark Festival Orchestra as the principal tubist. His goal in teaching music is to train up competent and confident musicians and to share the joy music brings.