Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Music Lessons for All Ages in North Kingstown
Founded in 1988 by Nancy Shanahan, More Than Music has been a cornerstone of music education in Rhode Island for over three decades. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Maddock since 2023, we continue to provide personalized music instruction for students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. Our mission is to foster lifelong musical growth through individualized lessons and a supportive learning environment. With a team of accomplished instructors, we offer expertise in piano, voice, stringed instruments, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Our educators bring decades of professional performance and teaching experience, including classical training, special education integration, and contemporary music applications.Located in North Kingstown, we serve communities across South County, including Exeter, East Greenwich, and Warwick. We emphasize holistic development through music, helping students build confidence, improve academic performance, and cultivate discipline. Our annual spring recital showcases student progress, while flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles. With both in-person and virtual lesson options, we remain committed to making music education accessible and transformative for every student.
Services
Piano Lessons
Voice Training
Guitar Instruction
String Lessons
Percussion Classes
Music Theory
Performance Coaching
Group Singing
Special Education Music
Virtual Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in music education
- Our instructors include university-trained professionals with performance backgrounds
- We offer flexible payment plans with no hidden fees
- We provide both in-person and virtual lesson options
- Our teachers maintain active performance careers in diverse genres
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program develops technical proficiency and musical interpretation for all skill levels. Students learn classical repertoire, sight-reading, and improvisation techniques while building foundational music theory knowledge. Our instructors adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles, whether preparing for recitals or playing for personal enjoyment.
Voice Training
Comprehensive vocal instruction covers breath control, pitch accuracy, and performance techniques across musical genres. Students receive personalized coaching in song interpretation, vocal health, and stage presence to develop their unique voice while preventing vocal strain through proper technique.
String Lessons
Specialized training for violin, viola, cello, and bass focuses on proper bowing technique, finger placement, and ensemble playing. Our Suzuki-trained instructors emphasize posture development and ear training to build strong foundational skills for both classical and contemporary musicians.
Group Singing
Interactive group classes for ages 5-8 develop vocal technique and music literacy through fun exercises. Participants learn harmonization, rhythm patterns, and performance confidence while engaging in collaborative music-making activities tailored to young learners.
Special Education Music
Tailored music programs integrate sensory-motor activities with cognitive development for students with special needs. Our certified educators use therapeutic music applications to enhance communication skills, motor coordination, and emotional expression through structured musical experiences.
People
Elizabeth Maddock
Owner
Classically trained vocalist with 22 years teaching experience in Hawaii's public schools and special education programs. Holds music education degrees from University of Rhode Island and Chaminade University.
Andy Maddock
Owner
Classical guitar performance specialist with software development expertise. Former Hawaii Opera Theatre member who combines technical precision with innovative teaching methodologies for guitar and voice instruction.
Joanne Arnold
Voice Instructor
Classical soprano with extensive performance credentials in opera and musical theater. Holds vocal performance certification and has prepared students for regional theater productions and competitive music festivals.
Jeff Deegan
Bass Instructor
Berklee-trained musician with 27 years in US Navy Band. Jazz ensemble director who has mentored hundreds of students while leading award-winning musical groups for national audiences.
Dennis Hughes
Piano Instructor
Jazz composition expert and founding instructor at More Than Music. Leads popular local band Brass Force while maintaining a private piano studio that has produced multiple All-State Jazz band participants.
Questions
What instruments do you offer lessons for?
We teach piano, voice, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, ukulele, woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments with specialized instructors for each.
How are payments structured?
Tuition is $560-$1120 per 16-week semester depending on lesson length, with optional 4-installment payment plans available for all lesson durations.
Do you have recitals or performance opportunities?
Yes, we host annual spring recitals showcasing student progress and offer group singing classes that culminate in performance presentations for family audiences.
What is your cancellation policy?
One student absence per semester can be made up. Teacher absences are rescheduled. Credits issued only for storm cancellations not made up by semester end.
Are virtual lessons available?
Yes, select instructors offer online lessons through virtual platforms while maintaining the same high-quality instruction as in-person sessions.
Do you teach preschool-age children?
We accept students starting at age 5 with specialized instructors trained in early childhood music education and developmentally appropriate teaching methods.
Reviews (2)
Lisa Tener
Apr 29, 2021
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My son has taken drum lessons at More than Music for several years and with two different instructors (one moved). Both teachers have been excellent--engaged, fun, high quality teaching, supportive and have made it a pleasure. Highly recommended.
Hillary Taylor
Aug 30, 2017
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My 10 year old son took drum lessons here. The people are friendly and the instruction is very good. Best of all my son likes going to lessons! They do offer instructions in lots of instruments but I only have experience with drums.
