Our Instructors are the best!

Icon_Stamp-of-Approval_02

We ensure that only the best instructors become Bold Music instructors by thoroughly vetting every candidate against our core values and their music ability, guaranteeing that they are an excellent fit for our Bold families.

Our white-glove matching process ensures that we match you and your family with the best instructor for your goals and schedule.

Take a look at all our instructors and if you’re ready to get started simply click below!

Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to top

The Hiring Process

  1. Application Review/Screening
  2. Core Values Exercise
  3. Live Interview with Bold Management Team
  4. Performance/Proficiency Review
  5. Mock Lesson
  6. Reference Reach Out
  7. Background Check
  8. Final Review and Offer!

Meet Our Instructors

Riley Anderson
Riley Anderson Portrait

Meet Riley Anderson!

Hey there I’m Riley, and I have a passion for teaching guitar and beginner piano. My philosophy is what I believe to be the modern music education way: blending growth, success and fun. These 3 make music lessons fun, progressive driven, and fulfilling.

Why I Became A Musician

My first experience playing in a rock band as a teenager is what drove me to say “I want to pursue music as my career.” Funny enough it was performing but now teaching is my passion.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable is when I lived in the UK for grad school and I played in a British brass band. One favorite is playing in the champion brass band competition where I played some really challenging and exposed solos in front of hundreds of people, it was something else. Additionally during Covid, we won the Cory online competition and that was meaningful as well!

A fun fact about me is...

I am a competitive west coast swing dancer.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t need to slave at robotic and bland fundamentals only. It should be a mixture of improvement, but also creative exploration and not being afraid to make mistakes.

David D’Angelo
David D’Angelo Portrait

Meet David D’Angelo!

David D’Angelo is a multiinstrumentalist (piano/guitar/bass), producer, composer, songwriter, performing artist & DJ. His first love is piano, which he has been playing since age 7 and teaching for 15 years now, including over 4 years with Bold Music!

Why I Became A Musician

My mother started teaching me piano! My father also played traditional Peruvian music growing up. So my family and my love for music and being able to create my own songs!

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of my most memorable moments in my music career is performing as an opening act for FKJ, In New Orleans!

A fun fact about me is...

I love Football and spending time outdoors!

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

If you truly love music then start learning and never give up! It may take longer than you think, but the journey is worth it!

Maranda Orrell
Maranda Orrell Portrait

Meet Maranda Orrell!

Maranda is a graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Music Minor (voice). She has been teaching voice and piano with Bold for almost 6 years and loves seeing her students progress and grow as musicians.

Why I Became A Musician

I think a lot of it was due to the fact that my mom made sure I took advantage of the opportunities to learn and perform. Also, she is a pianist, so I was exposed to music and lessons from a young age.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first vocal solo…I was so nervous! But thankfully, I survived and kept singing.

A fun fact about me is...

When I was little, I would try to “teach” my friends to sing.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Learning music isn’t always easy, but it is so worth it.

Allie Kramer
Allie Kramer Portrait

Meet Allie Kramer!

Former teacher who loves all kinds of music! Studied saxophone and education in college, enjoys playing other woodwinds too.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired to become a musician and teacher by my own band directors in middle/high school.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing in musical pit orchestras in college.

A fun fact about me is...

I have three cats!

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be patient with yourself, and make sure to practice.

Jessica Milner
Jessica Milner Portrait

Meet Jessica Milner!

I am a certified music educator with over 13 years of experience. I am classically trained in voice and musical theater. I enjoy making lessons fun and engaging for all of my students.

Why I Became A Musician

My first time singing in Carnegie Hall sparked my passion to become a music educator. The absolute joy it brings me to help my students reach their goals is indescribable.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment would be taking my high school choral students to perform in Spain and Italy.

A fun fact about me is...

I recently performed in Theater Charlotte’s Little Shop of Horrors.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be kind with yourself. Mistakes will happen but that’s all apart of the journey.

Colby Whaley
Colby Whaley Portrait

Meet Colby Whaley!

Colby is a Raleigh native and graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. He has years of experience playing gigs in several acts as a guitarist as well as occasionally playing bass and drums. Colby also has experience in live sound and production on both the semi and professional level ranging from personal projects to engineering and recording classical and jazz ensembles. He enjoys helping his students explore music and acheive growth through accomplishing their personal musical goals.

Why I Became A Musician

Guitar Hero is the reason I picked up an instrument at a young age. However, learning about the career of Frank Zappa as a teen made me believe that becoming a musician is not only possible, but important and worthwhile.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing the UNCW Battle of the Bands in college with my friends. Incredibly fun lineup of awesome bands and people cheering each other on.

A fun fact about me is...

My band KOMODO plays the Raleigh Museum of Natural Science's "Bugfest" every year.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be consistent! You don't need to practice for 3 hours every single day. You'd be surprised how much growth you can achieve with consistent daily practice for just 10-15 minutes!

Domenice Elcock
Domenice Elcock Portrait

Meet Domenice Elcock!

Charlotte based singer/songwriter, producer, and teacher – Domenice Elcock has been teaching piano, holistic vocal training, vocal therapy, songwriting, production, and artist development for 10 years. With experience ranging from theatre/musicals, choir directing, composing, live shows, studio recording to doing one on one sessions, she has created and contributed to forming safe spaces for others to explore a vast musical landscape and learn about themselves in the process.

Why I Became A Musician

I remember at the age of six my father came home with a huge bag of cassette tapes. There were Spanish songs, opera, instrumental tracks from India, and even indigenous music from aboriginal tribes in Australia! We would listen to, and sing with them in the car everyday. I fell in love with the language of music. No matter where it came from or how different it was…it all told these beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking stories. I wanted to be able to communicate that way too and so I asked for a keyboard for Christmas!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My very first show that I performed under my artist name. My husband and I did a song that we wrote together. And hearing everyone in the room singing it with us was just pure magic!

A fun fact about me is...

I loooove anime!!! I am currently learning Japanese and Korean so I can watch my favorite shows without subtitles.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Keep an open mind. Be kind to yourself while you are learning, and acknowledge that growth doesn’t happen without struggle. Some days will feel better than others but each day you work at it, remember that it’s worth it!

JT Sutek
JT Sutek Portrait

Meet JT Sutek!

JT is a musician and teacher with a deep passion for anything musical. He first picked up guitar at age seven, and throughout the years has added a variety of instruments into his musical portfolio. He has eight years of experience recording, performing, and teaching music across North Carolina and beyond. You can often find him performing with one of his bands, investigating the local record shops, or enjoying the weather with a book and a cup of tea.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents took me to my first concert, and the rest is history.

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I got to see one of my students perform with a band they started. I felt so proud getting to see someone else find their passion for music, and knowing I had even a small part in that!

A fun fact about me is...

My socks never match, but there’s always a theme!

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

You become a real musician the second you pick up an instrument. There is no magical moment where you suddenly become “good enough” to have music be a part of your life - you did that just by starting!

Chris Jones
Chris Jones Portrait

Meet Chris Jones!

I’ve been a guitar player for 32 years. I started later the most (at age 19) and for the last 23 years I have been a teacher. My main area of study has been in jazz and improvisation. I have been performing for about 24 years. I have a BA in Music Therapy.

Why I Became A Musician

I love music! Pretty simple.

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of the first bands I ever played in was a 60s rock cover band called Indian Joe and the Indian Indians. We used to wear face paint and Indian headdresses.

A fun fact about me is...

I was born in England.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be patient with yourself and know that any skill takes time.

Jack Erickson
Jack Erickson Portrait

Meet Jack Erickson!

Music is my expression of my creativity. Been a constant in my life since a young age. I love teaching professionally and helping my students grow through both practice and performance experiences!

Why I Became A Musician

My brother.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Building my own guitar!

A fun fact about me is...

I've built my own instruments.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Do it for the passion and nothing else!

Dave Spencer
Dave Spencer Portrait

Meet Dave Spencer!

I have been playing and teaching music for almost 50 years! I play a dozen instruments and sing, and have 3 local bands in Raleigh.

Why I Became A Musician

Has to be seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing Jazz Fest and the World's Fair in New Orleans.

A fun fact about me is...

Just bought a sitar - trying to play some scales!

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Play every day, and keep it fun.

CJ Baker
CJ Baker Portrait

Meet CJ Baker!

I’ve been a full-time musician for 12 yrs. I’ve toured and played with all types of industry artists. Music is my life!

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a musical family.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting called for my first touring gig.

A fun fact about me is...

I'm silly.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Never stop learning, stay ready, and be willing to evolve.

Bry McKeon
Bry McKeon Portrait

Meet Bry McKeon!

Growing up Bry began her musical career playing the flute at 11 years old. Through middle and high school, Bry studied privately and was active in her school’s band program. Her passion for music grew as she played music with others in her high school wind ensemble and local honor bands. During her senior year she served as Drum Major. Bry also won numerous awards and scholarships. She followed her passion for music into college.

At UNC Charlotte, Bry graduated with a bachelors of music in Education. Flourishing in her time at UNCC, she was active in many ensembles. In her final two years she worked as principal of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. This opened many opportunities, which included playing in the pit for the theater department. While at UNCC she focused on perfecting flute, as well developing her skills as a music educator. In her college studio Bry became proficient at all wind/brass instruments, as well as piano, which were apart of her general studies.

Currently Bry works as a middle school band director at Martin Luther King Middle School in Charlotte. In her first year, Bry hopes to create a positive environment where students are able to grow as both individuals and musicians.

Peyton Wheeler
Peyton Wheeler Portrait

Meet Peyton Wheeler!

Peyton Wheeler, mezzo-soprano, is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she majored in Vocal Performance and minored in German. She performed the role of Dorabella in Così fan tutte at Opera in the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, AR, before later reprising the role at UNCG. Other roles at UNCG include Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Hata (The Bartered Bride), and Babs (Roman Fever). She also participated in the German for Singers Program at Middlebury College in 2021.

Why I Became A Musician

While I can't name a specific moment, music has been prevalent throughout the ebbs and flows of my life. The enduring joy that music brings to my life is what inspires me to teach and perform!

My Memorable Musical Experience

I think my most memorable musical moment would be making my professional debut with Opera Carolina. I had so much fun preparing and performing the role of Mercédès in Carmen!

A fun fact about me is...

I love sharks!

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Never stop practicing. Even when it feels like you aren't making progress, you are!

Eric Forbis
Eric Forbis Portrait

Meet Eric Forbis!

I grew up around music with my dad being a choir director and music teacher for my childhood. I have been a full time dueling piano player for 13 years now, and I enjoy performing. I love teaching, and helping spark a love of music in a student.

Why I Became A Musician

Watching my Dad direct choirs definitely inspired me, and helped me realize my love of music. Walking into my first dueling piano bar inspired me to learn the craft, and I have enjoyed it ever since.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I was in the choir that my dad conducted all throughout High School. My senior year at our final chorus concert, my dad and I got to sing a duet. We sang “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor, and I will always remember that performance.

A fun fact about me is...

I love riding motorcycles.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. Realize that progress happens in ways you may not notice right off the bat. Also, practice consistency is more important than practice length.

Phillip Hill
Phillip Hill Portrait

Meet Phillip Hill!

Phillip performed with Opera Carolina among other opera/musical theater companies before obtaining a masters degree in Music Performance from UNCG. He has spent his post-graduate career dedicating himself to his students. Regardless of age or gender, he always works with each individual to help them achieve their goals in a way that works for them. He understands that there is no one way to teach, and each lesson should be individually tailored to the student’s style of learning.

Why I Became A Musician

In High School I wasn't cast in my school's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", so I started taking voice lessons. My teacher at the time was so enthusiastic about singing that it instilled a life-long passion in me and now I hope to spread that joy to others!

My Memorable Musical Experience

After I graduated college, one of the church directors I often worked for wrote a set of songs specifically for me and my voice. It was an unforgettable experience with a 3-night run of recitals, and it was also my first professional recording experience!

A fun fact about me is...

I have a very spoiled cat 🐈.

My advice to someone starting to learn music is...

Be patient with yourself. It's okay (and encouraged!) to make plenty of mistakes on your journey to being a pro!!

Interested in becoming an Instructor? Click here.

Ready to Get Started With Personalized Music Lessons ?