Fine Arts Community School (FACS)
Everything Is An Art
Dedicated to providing quality fine arts instruction to the community since 1993, BU’s Fine Arts Community School (FACS) is a community service outreach program that enables local families and students of all ages and interests, including home-schoolers, to explore and study the arts with the guidance of mentors and professionals who have appropriate training and experience. Expanding beyond the arts in recent years, FACS also offers instruction in a variety of other trades and skills to reach an even broader audience of those who enjoy learning and experiencing new interests.
FACS offers classes, lessons, programs, and workshops each semester during the academic year, along with week-long camps during the summer.
FACS Offerings
These offerings are typically available year-round
Private Music Lessons
Cello, Piano, Voice, Violin, etc
FACS Instructors
Specialized instructors, personalized lessons
Cello Instructor
Michael Ball is a cellist and teacher based in SWVA. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Performance with an emphasis in Strings and minor in Music Technology from Chapman University in Orange County, California, where he studied closely with Dr. Yoshika Masuda. With experience performing in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo recitals, he brings both technical expertise and a passion for expressive music-making to his teaching. Michael enjoys working with students of all ages and backgrounds, helping them build a strong foundation while fostering creativity and confidence in their playing. Michael’s goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment that helps each student discover their unique voice on the cello.
Piano Instructor
Susan Frazier Allen is a dedicated piano educator with many years of experience in teaching, accompanying, and directing. She holds a Master of Arts in Music (Accompanying) from Radford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Mount Vernon Bible College. Susan taught at Bluefield University for 25 years, where she accompanied vocal and instrumental ensembles and instructed courses in piano, ear training, and sight-singing. Currently serving as Music Director and Worship Leader at Virginia Avenue Methodist Church, Susan continues to share her love of music through piano and organ performance. Her teaching philosophy centers on sparking joy and discovery—she finds true fulfillment when students begin to love music and experience those “lightbulb moments” that lead to lasting growth.
Piano Instructor
Becky is a dedicated piano instructor with years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. A 2006 graduate of Bluefield University and licensed Virginia educator, she has taught piano in a variety of settings, always with a focus on nurturing musical growth and personal development. Her passion lies in sacred and classical music, and she especially enjoys sharing hymns and traditional repertoire with her students. Becky has also led Musikgarten Mommy & Me classes and performed extensively in worship services with her family. She believes music is a vital part of education—therapeutic, enriching, and deeply joyful—and is honored to continue mentoring aspiring musicians through her role at Bluefield University’s Fine Arts Community School.
Violin Instructor
Bethany loves studying and teaching the violin. She has had the opportunity to perform as a soloist for special events as well as accompany vocalists and ensembles. Her focus for professional development has been on solo coaching and ensemble music through various string intensives, music camps and masterclasses. Bethany has also been a member of the WV All State Orchestra, the WVU Honors’ Orchestra, and other orchestras/ensembles. Bethany uses impactful teaching techniques to inspire her students to progress in their music studies.
Voice Instructor
Dr. Jeremy Yowell is a seasoned vocalist, conductor, and music educator with advanced training in choral conducting and vocal pedagogy. He co-founded Eighty-Eight Keys in 1995, a private studio offering voice and piano lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. Currently serving as Professor of Church Music & Worship Arts at Bluefield University, Dr. Yowell emphasizes vocal technique, musical expression, and mentorship, preparing students for both performance and ministry settings.
Piano & Voice Instructor
Melissa Yowell holds a Master of Music Education degree with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy. She serves as a piano and voice instructor as well as the Fine Arts Community School (FACS) Coordinator. She has been on the music faculty of Bluefield University since 2019 but has taught all levels - from beginning to advanced - since teaching her first lesson in her home studio in 1995. As a committed music educator, she helps students develop musically while fostering a love for the arts. She also serves as the K-8 music educator at Summit Christian Academy and a collaborative pianist for several ensembles in the Princeton and Bluefield area.