What people are saying.

  • As a "Suzuki kid" myself, it was important to me to find a Suzuki instructor for my own children when they expressed interest in strings. Finding Clay for my two budding cellists (one preteen, one a very young beginner) was serendipitous. In addition to being an accomplished cellist himself, Clay's teaching style encompasses the best of several worlds - the technical mastery of the Suzuki method, combined with the aim of reaching students where they are and how their generation best engages (we have genuinely enjoyed and gleaned so much from the TikToks and YouTube videos)! Given my somewhat militant experience in the Suzuki method, it has been so refreshing to see the fun and personalization that Clay brings to his lessons, breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps, making it easier for students to understand and master them. My kids have been able to truly enjoy gaining confidence in their abilities, paired closely with the ever-important, often overlooked technical building blocks that will set them up for success as they progress. We consider ourselves very lucky to strike gold with our first go at finding a cello instructor.

    - Denise, Suzuki Parent and former Suzuki Student

  • "I discovered Clay through his YouTube channel, and found great value in his content. I signed up for a course of submission videos with him, and they have been a wonderful addition to my practice. Clay is a very pragmatic teacher with great attention to details, and brilliant problem-solving skills. His time stamps on the submitted videos of my playing are a very helpful way to spot and address issues that I would otherwise neither notice, nor really understand. He also sends the link of pre-made videos that directly address the issue. I am very impressed by the quality of the feedback and the advice I received with each submission."

    — Elle P. Cello Student, Thailand

  • “Inspiring and fun teacher who made the students enjoy orchestra and stick with it through the years. Mr. McKinney is a beloved teacher who will change your life forever!”

    — Vanessa, Violinist Cello Parent and Orchestra Parent, Australia

  • “Clay taught me how to practice efficiently and effectively. He puts just enough pressure on me to motivate me to get better without making me feel overwhelmed, and he’s also just a fun guy to be around.”

    — Preston, Cello Student

  • "Clay was my son’s first cello instructor and he was the perfect fit for my child. His lessons were positive, motivating, and fun and my child grew tremendously as a musician and as a human under Clay’s guidance! As an orchestra teacher myself, I have referred numerous students to Clay with the same results. Students who work with Clay have a deep understanding of how to play the instrument, HOW to PRACTICE and improve their own playing, as well as a comprehensive understanding of solid musicianship. Clay is absolutely the right teacher for students of any age or ability or learning style. He is a skilled master teacher who can truly meet any student where they are and work with them to take them where they would like to be. "

    — Mary, Cello Parent and High School Orchestra Director

  • "Mr. McKinney is an insightful sectional clinician. Working with small groups of student cellists (age 7-19), he engages their interest, improves their technical ability, teaches them musical nuances, and helps them to play as a cohesive group. Mr. McKinney has a welcoming attitude towards all students and has won the respect of administrators, conductors, and fellow musicians. I greatly appreciate his willingness to share his knowledge with our students."

    — Gina, Ensemble Representative Community Music School Webster University

  • “Our family met Mr. McKinney during our transition from Florida to Missouri. Our daughter, a violinist, needed a school with a strong orchestra program to continue her passion. After joining Mr. McKinney's orchestra class, he became an incredible supporter of her musical journey. When an opportunity came available to play double bass, my daughter took an interest. Recognizing her potential and confidence, Mr. McKinney fully supported and encouraged the switch from the violin to the double bass, an instrument she had never even played before. This turned out to be an excellent decision, leading to an amazing adventures for her. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities that not only this switch has provided but the musical journey path he has help create. Mr Mckinney is an exceptional instructor with a great passion for music and his students.

    — Krystle, Orchestra Parent

  • "Mr. McKinney has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my musical journey. When I decided to start playing the double bass, he helped me adjust to the new environment after I moved to Missouri a few months before my 7th-grade school year began. I thoroughly enjoyed having Mr. McKinney as my orchestra teacher during my last two years of middle school. His great sense of humor and ability to say the right things to encourage and motivate us made a significant impact. The music he selected always kept us engaged, making orchestra class both entertaining and educational. Without Mr. McKinney's generous support, I wouldn't have known about some of the programs available here or how enjoyable orchestra class could truly be. I can't thank him enough."

    — L.G. Sphinx Performance Academy Participant and former Orchestra Student https://www.sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-performance-academy

  • Clay has been a close colleague and friend for 10 years. His passion for musical excellence shines through his students. They are always enthusiastic to learn and Clay is always pushing them to challenge themselves beyond what they think possible. Musical excellence is always the result as shown through artistic, beautiful, and accurate performance!

    - Chris, Music Educator