Mission Statement
To enable students to lead or participate in worship to the best of their musical ability by providing excellent teachers who give group or private lesson in a God-honoring environment.
Courses Offered
The School of Worship Arts offers lessons in drums, guitar, piano, and ASL (American Sign Language) to students kindergarten and up. Our lessons are available in both private or group settings on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Tuition Rates
1 Semester Commitment
Administration fee $5
30 minute lesson – $35
45 minute lesson – $52.50
60 minute lesson – $70
Resources
Registration
If you are a New or Returning Student, please complete the online registration form. You will be required to pay the $150.00 non-refundable registration fee for your registration to be accepted.
Administrators
Email -SOWA@Fbcuc.org
Lori A Smith
210-649-5909
SCHOOL OF WORSHIP ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Callie Bender
Guitar
Hello, my name is Callie!
Born and raised in San Antonio, my passion for music has been lifelong. At around eight-years-old, I expressed interest in learning the piano, and quickly began taking lessons at a local music store. A few years later, I joined concert band in middle school and played flute up until my freshman year. Throughout the rest of high school, I continued to practice music on my own, and picked up the guitar in full during my senior year.
From Fall 2018 to Fall 2022, I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. In addition to my studies, I also attended weekly guitar lessons, and persisted in learning and practicing as much as I could.
After obtaining my Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification, I landed my current full-time position as a Transportation EIT at Pape-Dawson Engineers. However, my love for music has also brought me to teaching part-time at SOWA!
I am grateful to the Lord for where He has led me. The opportunity to help guide others in their own path of musicianship alongside making a positive impact in engineering is a blessing I do not take for granted!
Carlos Benson
Percussion
Dr. Carlos Benson is a percussion educator, artist and composer with an extensive and diverse background. As a high school percussionist, he played with the No. 1 band program in the U.S. Benson won every top honor in Kentucky and the U.S. Upon graduating from high school, he received numerous scholarships, but started his collegiate percussion education with Dr. Robert Schietroma at Morehead State University where he played in Big Band 1 and marched center snare. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music composition at the Berklee College of Music and his master’s and doctorate degrees at Liberty University. Benson has also studied in New York City with Tony Williams (Miles Davis’ drummer) and Jim Chapin.
Shon Comparin
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Beginning Drums, Artist Development, Audio Production
Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Shon describes himself as first and foremost, a Christ follower, then husband, father and pastor. Both he and his wife are ordained ministers and are founders of Deep Calls, a traveling worship ministry, emphasizing prayer and revival. Their son Jedidiah serves with them on vocals and drums. Shon also enjoys producing and recording for various artists and church leaders throughout the United States. An accomplished musician, Shon plays the guitar and drums. He enjoys teaching both guitar and drums as well as raising up budding musicians to serve in live worship and praise.
Teresa Comparin
Piano
Singer, songwriter, recording artist, worship leader, and ordained minister, Teresa Comparin has worked in the worship and music field for over 20 years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Tau Sigma Honor Society. Teresa is co-founder of Meek Music Productions, and Deep Calls School of Worship. She has experience as an elementary music teacher, middle school choir director, and a piano instructor. She has a passion to raise up generations of worshipers for Jesus. Teresa currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Shon of 20 years. They have two children, Jedidiah and Makayla.
Monica Kiss
Voice / Piano
Monica Kiss is a native of Memphis, Tennessee raised in a conservative, Christian home and educated in a private Christian school. She has studied private voice since age sixteen and performed music for over thirty years. Her performance resume includes organizations such as Opera Memphis and Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble. She also served as assistant to the choir director and interim choir conductor at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. Ms. Kiss has taught private voice and piano since the earning of her music degree in 2008. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a concentration in voice from Texas State University and an all-level teaching certification in the state of Texas. She is active in music ministry at her church playing piano and singing on the worship team weekly. Currently, she maintains a private home studio. She teaches private piano for beginners and voice with First Baptist School of Worship Arts.
Amber Petrosky
American Sign Language
Hi! I’m Amber Petrosky; I am a born and raised San Antonian! I attended Judson High School, where I first took and fell in love with American Sign Language (ASL). After graduating I attended San Antonio College for the Interpreter Training program & the Deaf Support Specialist Program. I then worked for NEISD for 4 years as a Deaf Support Specialist where I worked hands on with the students in classes and extra curricular activities. God then opened the amazing opportunity for me to be a stay at home foster momma. In 2017 we fostered to adopt our oldest 2 kids; in 2020 we said yes to adoption again and adopted our twins. . My family attends Camelot Christian Center, where my husband and I met and serve in several areas. I believe using ASL to worship allows those of us who are musically challenged to express ourselves in a beautiful way to our Savior. I’m so excited to teach this beautiful language to y’all!
Carolyn Webb
Piano
Originally from Tennessee, Carolyn began playing the piano as a child and started singing and playing in church as a teenager. She gave her heart to Jesus at age 13 and began to grow and develop a love for God’s Word and a desire to serve Him. At age 16, she surrendered her life to full time Christian ministry.
She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Howard Payne University with a major in voice, where she was pianist/arranger for singing groups and choirs. Carolyn and her husband, Pat, began their life together 46 years ago, and have continued ministering through innovative music, worship, choral and contemporary church ministry, and are church planters. Carolyn has a heart for prayer and helping others grow in Christ.
After being a choral pianist in public school for 17 years in Dallas, they relocated to San Antonio in 2018, and she began teaching at the Christian Music Conservatory at Castle Hills.
Carolyn has more than 30 years of experience teaching piano, music, and accompanying music groups on piano and keyboard. Her teaching includes classical music, worship songs, pop music, piano improvisation, and music theory. She has a passion to train worship pianists and artists to maximize their musical gifts through serving God.
As a couple, they have a desire to encourage pastors and their spouses, and for God to use their story of reconciliation to benefit ministers struggling in marital relationships.
Her Tennessee upbringing instilled in her a love for camping and all things outdoor. Hobbies are treasure hunting for vintage items, back-road traveling with family and friends, and climbing trees with their 5 grandchildren.