About Tina and Jon
Tina has been a performing musician since 1973 starting on violin. Her passion for music grew over the years helping her spark interest in learning viola, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, piano, and singing! While she began her career as a classical violinist, as years passed she found a passion for other styles of music such as country fiddling, bluegrass, Celtic, jazz , classic rock, folk, and even pop! She has performed with Grammy-winning songwriter, Stephanie Bentley (who wrote “Breathe,” sung by Faith Hill), Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, CMA Hall of Famer Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Darrell Goldman, Mark McKinney, Daron Norwood, The Dirty River Boys, Zack Walther and Matthew Briggs, Tyler Stuckey, Emmanuel Tommes and many other performing artists. She also has a thriving career playing on several recording projects, and is the featured string player on the Hallmark Christmas movie, “A Christmas Miracle.”
Not only is she a well-accomplished performer, she has been sharing her talents as a music teacher since 1985! Bringing out the best in her students is her goal, and helping them enjoy their chosen instrument while they learn is what creates a thriving and positive experience for each student who chooses Tina as their teacher!
Her motto is “Let’s make beautiful music and create special memories together!
Tina and her wonderful husband, Jon Clayton, met in the summer of 1984 in the summer musical, TEXAS, performed in the Pioneer Amphitheater of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located very close to Amarillo TX. It wasn’t until 2014 that they reconnected, and eventually married on October 8, 2016. Their first song they have written together, Hearts Return, will be featured on their first album release! Their first single, G’pa Jones, is now available on your favorite streaming platform for your listening pleasure! Their musical duo, FreeMarie, can be seen all throughout Austin and the surrounding vicinity! Check out their schedule on the “Gigs” link of this website!
Jon began his musical adventures at the young age of 8 years old after being gifted a mandolin! Even then, he knew he had a knack for music! As he grew, he played at church with his family and later discovered his love for guitar, bass guitar, piano, drums and vocals. Any instrument he has touched, he has found that he is able to deeply connect with and learn showing his deep talent for music! Songwriting is also his passion, as he has a true gift with words! His wit, humor and creativity shines with every lyric! He has played with Patrice Pike, Melissa Gail Klein and many other musicians throughout his life! Now, he shares his talent with his lifelong partner and love of his life, Tina! Their musical duo, FreeMarie, fulfills his musical dreams as he hopes to inspire many people throughout their musical career!
