Our President and Instructors
Dr. David Sexton
President
Brilliant, AL
Dr. Sexton is a retired educator with 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. He holds a B.S. Degree from the University of Alabama, a MED Degree from the University of Montevallo, and an EdD from the University of Alabama. Dr. Sexton comes from a singing family. He traces his singing heritage back at least five generations. He considers it an honor to be part of efforts to continue our singing heritage.
Mr. Tom Powell
Director of ASGM
Classroom Instructor
Ms. Tracey Phillips
Classroom and Private Instructor
ASGM Pianist
Tracey’s love for music began at a young age of three. Her mother, Eloise, would listen as Tracey played along on the autoharp and noticed that she would change chords in the right places. Eloise then decided to start Tracey in piano lessons which she quickly accomplished and became the church accompanist at age nine.
Tracey attended numerous singing schools throughout her childhood until she started teaching. Tracey is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and has been featured in numerous Gaither Homecoming Videos and worked with several Southern Gospel Artists. She received a Dove Award for her own Christmas CD in 2014, and has been nominated for Dove Awards for her work on Daywind's instrumental series.
Mr. Derek Meler
Mrs. Becky Walker
Mr. Derek Meler
Classroom and Private Voice Instructor
Derek’s love for gospel music began at a young age when Derek would lead songs with his great-grandfather at church. He attended southern gospel schools of music throughout his childhood. Derek is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated with a degree in vocal performance. During his time in Nashville, he sang with several different church organizations and with the Nashville Opera. Derek has worked in several singing schools throughout the southeast and is currently perusing his masters degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mrs. Becky Walker
Private Instructor
Alias: "BWOK"
Albertville, AL
Mrs. Walker was born and raised in Tupelo, MS. She is a graduate of MS State University with a degree in Music Education. As she starts her 44th year of teaching, she continues to serve as the choral director at Douglas High School. Becky attends Fellowship Baptist Church where she serves as pianist for the choir. Her motto is "Success comes in cans, not CAN'Ts!"
Dr. Lisa Powell
Classroom Instructor
Mr. Eric Tippens
Classroom and Private Instructor
Ball Ground, GA
Mr. Tippens joined the ASGM staff in 2014 serving as a private piano and later as a classroom instructor. After attending singing schools as a teen, he went on to study and obtain a Master of Church Music degree from Lee University. Currently, Eric serves on the ministry staff as worship leader at Concord Baptist Church in Cumming, GA and gives private piano lessons. His heart is to see students of all ages discover, develop, and dedicate their musical talents and gifts as an offering to the Lord in their local church and throughout gospel music.