Endorsements for Brenda Wright Sheppard
Clark Beckham
(American Idol Runner-Up Season 14)
"Brenda's piano playing is something I've grown up listening to and to hear that she's opening up lessons that focus on the way I myself have learned to play piano really excites me. It's sure to be a great program."
Clark Beckham is a singer from White House, Tennessee who was the runner-up on season 14 of American Idol. Before trying out for Idol, Clark graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee and was also working as a street musician.
Glen Dickerson
(Grand Ole Opry Musician, 25 years)
"As a working professional musician in the Nashville area since 1983, I am often reminded of how vital it is to be able to utilize what is often called the “Nashville number system”. For several years, I had the privilege of working with Brenda Sheppard in a modern praise and worship band. Her knowledge of basic music theory was obvious, but what became more important was her ability to utilize the concepts of the “Nashville number system” to read, transpose, or perform a new song with very little rehearsal. As a gifted piano teacher, Brenda is able to not only provide a student with the proper foundation of music theory but also the concepts of reading, writing, and performing utilizing this shorthand system of music notation that has become such a necessary element of musicianship today."
As a working musician in Nashville since 1983, Glen Dickerson has performed both live and in the studio with numerous artists. He began working with country legend and Hall of Fame inductee, Jean Shepard in 1990 and plays guitar regularly on WSM's "Grand Ole Opry." In 25 years of association with the Opry, he has performed with, and alongside, the legends of country music as well as many of the newer hit-makers of the day.
Mike Douchette
(Professional Musician)
"Brenda is one of the most talented musicians I've ever had the opportunity to work with. Her overall music knowledge is extensive, her understanding of the Nashville Number System is excellent, and she has what it takes to lead a project to successful completion. Her work ethic is terrific, and her ability to communicate what she needs is outstanding. She is a joy to work with. Strong Christian faith, and a great personality. One of the best I know."
Mike Douchette had more than 35 years of studio experience playing steel guitar, harmonica and acoustic guitar. Mike's experience enabled him to find the layers of harmony and counterpoint that make the difference between a good recording and a great one. He played sessions for Tammy Wynette, Ronnie McDowell, Billy Joe Royal, Bill Hanff, The Perrys, and Tammy Vice. Mike passed away in 2020.
Dan Smith
(Lead Pastor and Worship Leader)
"For approximately twenty years, Brenda Sheppard served in church music with me. She played keyboard, piano, and organ for choirs, worship teams, soloists, and background music. She worked with the band and vocals, writing charts, and performing administrative tasks related to the worship team. She also mentored musicians from our church in learning to read number (Nashville Number System) charts, and assisted me in managing band and vocal rehearsals."
Dan Smith is the Lead and Worship Pastor at UNITED Church in Gallatin, TN. After serving in the military, he earned his Bachelor's degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University studying Music and Christian Education. He was both Christian Education Pastor and Worship Pastor at Cornerstone Church for eight years. He also served dual roles of Lead Pastor and Worship Pastor at Northridge Church for three years.
Jason Street
(Professional Musician)
"I had a great career playing and touring with country artists Craig Morgan, Easton Corbin, and Dustin Lynch. The Nashville Number System was used on every gig, every showcase, and every session. As a working musician in Nashville, it is rare that someone asks if you know the number system. It's just something you are expected to know. When you play in clubs, other musicians will speak or signal numbers for songs you don't know. For shows and sessions, you are handed number charts along with the music. Here, it's just like a second language. Brenda is a great chart reader and has great knowledge and experience with the number system."
Jason Street is a North Carolina native, who moved to Nashville to play professionally. He has played and toured for a number of country singers as he mentions above. He also plays in the band at his church. Currently, he owns and operates a commercial electrician company, homeschools his three children with his wife, and occasionally plays gigs.
