Exploring your connection to the performance arts
We were just like you when we started—nervous about learning a new instrument or performing in public, but constantly curious. After years of personal training and training others, we’re here to help you start your own musical or performance journey.
Performance SmArts
Core Philosophies
Better people make better performers.
If you want to find success in the arts and beyond, learn how to make your inner monologue your biggest cheerleader rather than your cruelest bully.
Define success on a personal level, and become a champion for all who achieve their version of artistic success, including yourself and your competitors.
In Historic Downtown Defiance, Ohio
Performance SmArts Studios offers private 1-on-1 lessons, group classes and workshops, online instruction, sound recording and production, and hosts a variety of live performances.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Rob Lawson
Owner/Instructor
Instruments
Primary: Acting, Voice, Music Technology
Secondary: Composition, Piano, Ukulele
Experience: Started Suzuki piano in 1985, acted in over 6,000 professional musical theater performances, founded Rob’s Music Studio in 2004
Education: Vocal Performance - Wright State and Ohio Universities
Preferred Ages: All ages
Preferred Ability: All abilities
Specializations: acting, voice, public speaking, unlicensed music therapy
Kevin Clark
Instructor
Instruments
Primary: Voice, Saxophone
Secondary: Piano, Bassoon
Experience: Studied music prior to his conception
Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Education (Vocal) from Bowling Green State University ('15)
Preferred Ages: High school to adult
Preferred Ability: Intermediate to advanced
Specializations: Vocal technique (classical, musical theatre, pop, musical expression, harmony)
Current performing: Competitive barbershop quartet (Praxis Quartet)
Ariel Stehura
Instructor
Instruments
Primary: Piano, Voice
Secondary: Ukulele, Singer/Songwriter
Experience: Studied piano since 2003, studied voice since 2011
Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Education (Vocal) from Bowling Green State University ('18)
Preferred Ages: Elementary and Middle school age
Preferred Ability: Beginner-Intermediate for voice and ukulele, beginner-advanced for piano
Specializations:
Voice: musical theatre, jazz, classical
Piano: jazz, classical, accompaniment
Joshua Storrer
Instructor
Instruments
Primary: Bass, Sax, Voice, Audio Engineering
Secondary: Guitar, Tribal Instruments, Percussion
Experience: Piano lessons began at 8, and everything else since
Education: Vocal Music Education – Ohio State University; Music Technology – ARTI
Preferred Ages: All ages
Preferred Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Specializations: Sax and Voice Technique, Music Theory
Current performing: Various local music venues with solo acoustic guitar set, and playing sax with various regional groups.
“Our daughter came to us a year ago saying she had a passion for singing and wanted to try performing on a stage. Neither my husband nor I have ANY experience in that world. I was lucky enough to know Rob from high school and knew his passion for music was deep, even back in the 90s! I ran into him at a community event and the rest is history. Molli was in a play in December and now her first musical, and her confidence is through the roof! Rob lets his students be themselves and gives positive feedback in a special way. We have seen the most incredible change in our daughter. Her confidence in herself and on the stage is amazing to watch as a parent. We give all of that credit to Rob! He truly is a gift and we are so grateful that he is in our lives! ”
- Brooke McCarrier
Molli McCarrier
Student
In-Person classes and lessons for every level of expertise.
Level 1 —
The Basics
Let the fun begin! Learn the ABC’s of music theory and music appreciation.
Level 2 —
Beginner
At Performance SmArts Studios, we love mistakes, so no judgement!
Level 3 —
Intermediate
You’ve had glimpses of your inner rockstar. Learn the next steps!
Level 4 —
Advanced
Even the most seasoned performers need a coach to keep their chops top notch!
Book a single appointment with our instructors
For interest in recurring lessons, click here.