Recording Arts
Recording Arts
Welcome to Recording Arts
The concept of “partnership” is taken to a whole new level with the teaming of FAFA and the World-Renowned Fame Studios.
Because of this partnership, musicians, song writers and individuals involved in the business side of the commercial music industry share their knowledge and skills with aspiring students at Florence Academy of Fine Arts.
The sky is almost literally the limit as this great joint venture works to enrich the lives of everyone involved in it.
Studio Recording
Studio Recording
The Studio Recording Program at Florence High School offers students a hands-on, real-world experience in the exciting world of music production, audio engineering, and sound design. Designed for students passionate about music, technology, and creative production, this program gives them the opportunity to work with professional-grade recording equipment, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and industry-standard software to produce high-quality recordings.
Students learn the fundamentals of audio recording, mixing, mastering, and sound editing while working in a fully-equipped studio environment. From recording live vocals and instruments to producing original music and podcasts, students gain practical skills that are directly applicable to careers in music production, sound engineering, and content creation.
A unique aspect of the program is its focus on real-world collaboration. Students often partner with the school’s Show Choir, Band, and Chorus to record and produce live performances, creating professional-grade audio mixes that showcase the talent of Florence High School’s music programs. Additionally, students can explore sound effects design, audio for film and video games, and multi-track recording techniques, giving them a diverse skill set in the audio production field.
By the time students complete the program, they will have built a professional portfolio of recorded and produced work, preparing them for careers in studio production, audio engineering, and media content creation. The Studio Recording Program at Florence High School is the perfect place for aspiring music producers, sound engineers, and creative minds to turn their passion for sound into future career opportunities.
Stage Band
Stage Band
The Stage Band Program at Florence High School is a high-energy, performance-driven ensemble that showcases the incredible musical talent of our students. Focused on popular music, the Stage Band offers students the opportunity to perform in a live band setting, developing their skills in instrumental performance, improvisation, and ensemble collaboration.
Open to students who are passionate about playing instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, even brass, and woodwinds, the Stage Band performs at a variety of school and community events throughout the year. Whether backing up the Show Choir’s annual production, performing in school concerts, or taking the stage at community events, the Stage Band always delivers an electrifying performance.
Students in the Stage Band gain experience with live sound, stage presence, and musical versatility, as they perform a wide range of genres including jazz, rock, pop, blues, and funk. This diverse musical exposure helps students expand their skills, understand different musical styles, and develop a deep appreciation for live performance.
A key highlight of the program is the opportunity to collaborate with vocalists, soloists, and other performing groups, creating memorable, high-energy performances that leave audiences wanting more. Additionally, students gain insight into stage production, sound engineering, and musical arrangement, preparing them for future careers in music performance, recording, and live entertainment.
Songwriting
Songwriting
The Songwriting Program at Florence High School offers students a creative outlet to express themselves through original music and lyrics. Designed for aspiring songwriters, musicians, and artists, this program helps students turn their thoughts, feelings, and experiences into powerful and meaningful songs. Whether students dream of becoming professional songwriters, recording artists, or music producers, the program provides them with the tools and guidance to develop their craft.
Students in the Songwriting Program learn the fundamentals of lyric writing, melody composition, chord progressions, and song structure. Students explore all music genres, allowing them to develop their own unique sound and style.
One of the most exciting parts of the program is the opportunity for students to perform or record their original music. Whether it's in a live showcase, studio recording session, or school concert, students get to share their songs with real audiences, gaining valuable performance experience and confidence as artists.
The program also emphasizes collaboration, giving students the chance to work alongside other musicians, vocalists, and instrumentalists to bring their songs to life. Many students leave the program with a strong portfolio of original music, preparing them for future careers in songwriting, music production, and the entertainment industry.
Meet the Instructors
John Jackson
Stage Band & Auditorium Director

Bio
John Jackson has served as Technical Director for Florence High School and the Florence Academy of Fine Arts since 2006 and as Stage Band Director since 2017. During his tenure, he has led an award-winning technical theatre program, training students in scenic design, lighting, and sound for theatrical productions, concerts, and special events. Under his supervision, the program has earned numerous honors across Alabama, including Best Technical Production and Best of Show, and has been featured at the International Thespian Festival.
In addition to his work in technical theatre, Mr. Jackson is an accomplished guitar and stage band instructor. His students have received ongoing recognition for both individual and ensemble excellence and have been invited to perform at notable events such as Troy University’s Mic Check Invitational and Alabama’s Bicentennial Gala.
A professional guitarist, Mr. Jackson has performed and toured with a variety of acts throughout the southeastern United States. He and his wife, Melanie, reside in Florence with their two dogs and enjoy spending time on the Tennessee River and with family.

Lisa Silver
Songwriting

Bio
Lisa Silver is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, (Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week”) with over 50 songs recorded by artists including Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Trained as a classical violinist, she studied at the University Of Michigan School of Music before she moved to Nashville, where she had a successful career as a studio musician, vocalist and songwriter. She has sung on recordings for Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. She has played fiddle for Chet Atkins and violin for Elvis. She is “Baby Looney Tunes” on theme song she co-wrote, produced and sang for the popular cartoon. She is one third of the Cherry Sisters—Nashville’s go-to studio background vocal trio for 2 decades and performed with well-known artists on TV and stage. Lisa and her husband, Musicians Hall of Fame member keyboardist Clayton Ivey, re-located to Florence from Nashville in 2019. Lisa’s goal is to share her many years of experience in the music business with the students at FAFA. www.lisasilversongs.com

Michael Ivey
Studio Recording

Bio
Michael Ivey has been a part of FAFA since 2013. As a graduate of University of North Alabama’s Department of Entertainment Industry, he has worked on both sides of the studio windows as an Engineer, Producer, and Session Musician, as well as years of experience as a Live Audio Engineer, Stage Manager, and Stage Musician. As a freelancer, he has worked in Musical Theatre, Worship Music, and Popular Music settings for nearly 20 years.

Michael Pyle
FMS Guitar

Bio
Michael is the guitar instructor at Florence Middle School and is currently in his 5th year of teaching. He was born in Birmingham, Al. but raised in the musical town of Muscle Shoals. He has worn a lot of hats in the 30+ years he has spent in the music industry and has had success as a musician, songwriter, singer and producer. He feels that his unique life experiences have given him the perfect tools to be able to pass on his love of music to the students. In addition to having a lifelong memory of learning guitar with Mr. Pyle, he hopes students leave his classroom with more inspiration, confidence and motivation than they entered with.