Our Instructors are the best!

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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!

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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

Emmajoy Grawehr
Emmajoy Grawehr Portrait

Meet Emmajoy Grawehr!

I took classical piano lessons since I was 5 years old, I play keys in a band and do various side projects. I am self taught on Ukulele, and have been taking voice lessons and participating in choirs and solo projects since high school and have done voice coaching as my main since. I have been teaching with Bold for over a year.

Why I Became A Musician

The community around it and the necessity of it in my daily life. When I’ve been at my lowest, music was one of the only things I had energy for. It gives me purpose to pass down the skills that give me a way to fully express myself. I genuinely enjoy each student’s take on each piece because it’s always a little different and I enjoy adapting to each learning style, it keeps it interesting.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first classical solo when I was 17 and conquered my stage fright and I knew I wanted to commit to music as my career.

A fun fact about me is...

One of my biggest hobbies is thrifting and putting together outfits which fully express myself.

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

Balance structure with your interests. If you hate your work you lose the soul of it and if it’s something being performed, the audience picks up on it. But without structure, it’s like trying to paint a picture with only white paint. You need proper tools to create something cohesive.

Nadya Stratton
Nadya Stratton Portrait

Meet Nadya Stratton!

Nadya is a classically trained flute and piano player who also has great improvisational skills and experience teaching all styles of music!

Why I Became A Musician

I can feel the music and connect with my audience when I improvise with the flute. I knew I would play forever.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing on stage with Nestor Torres, a Latin/Jazz Grammy flute player.

A fun fact about me is...

I enjoy golfing with my family during the summer and skiing in the winter.

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

Enjoy every moment of it. Learn with positivity and patience.

Phil Pucci
Phil Pucci Portrait

Meet Phil Pucci!

I’ve been writing songs and playing in bands for 25 years. I started teaching and coaching student bands 8 years ago.

Why I Became A Musician

When my older cousin visited my family for a week, and he was constantly playing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin licks on guitar. I asked for my own guitar that Christmas.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My proudest music memories are when I’ve played album release shows. That’s a very accomplished feeling.

A fun fact about me is...

Many years ago, an anonymous person recorded covers of over 10 of my songs and uploaded them to bandcamp. I never found out who it was.

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

Learn songs you already know and like. Have fun playing and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Benjamin Faye
Benjamin Faye Portrait

Meet Benjamin Faye!

I’ve been a gigging and recording musician since 2003. I have a wide range of experience as a music director, songwriter, and engineer. Currently, I play in two bands: Bass with the alt folk group Logan & The Misadventure, and guitar in the upcoming 80’s cover band Boombox Legends.

Why I Became A Musician

In around 1995, I saw an episode of The Secret World of Alex Mack, a classic Nickelodeon show from the mid 90's where the main character started a band. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. And from that moment on, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment was getting the opportunity to play the historic Trocadero Theatre in 2012 in my hometown of Philadelphia.

A fun fact about me is...

I have perfect pitch!

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

Give yourself grace and don't compare. Everyone is starting from a different place with a different learning style. It's not a competition. Music is supposed to be fun!

Danielle Skalsky
Danielle Skalsky Portrait

Meet Danielle Skalsky!

Danielle graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in Opera Performance from the University of Southern California. She toured with VOX Lumiere’s Phantom of the Opera throughout Canada, Portugal and the United States. She worked as a production singer on board Princess Cruise Lines, where she discovered her joy for teaching. Danielle had the privilege of coaching students in Middle, and High Schools and directing an after-school musical program and continues to enjoy teaching new talent and providing performance opportunities.

Why I Became A Musician

It was just always apart of me. I couldn’t not do it!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Singing in the Ordway theater in St. Paul Minnesota and singing the national anthem at Dodger’s Stadium.

A fun fact about me is...

I’m a mom.

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

Get into the Habit of practice.

Terrance Shepherd
Terrance Shepherd Portrait

Meet Terrance Shepherd!

Terrance Shepherd is a genre-blending pianist, composer, and educator whose work spans classical, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary styles. His experience includes performing on Alicia Keys’ Instagram, directing Hip Hop Orchestrated, and contributing to *Bach to Tupac* a project that bridges classical music with hip-hop culture. He now teaches at Central Piedmont Community College and is an active member of the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum, supporting students as they grow in confidence and creative expression.

Why I Became A Musician

Alicia Keys.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Having the opportunity to play for Alicia Keys on Instagram live in 2020.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a trained dancer.

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

Start out small and set clear goals, letting practice become your daily rhythm. With each repetition, you grow. Focus on the process before the product—your artistry lives in the journey.

Rushton Loring
Rushton Loring Portrait

Meet Rushton Loring!

I’ve been playing and writing music for 20 years. I currently own, manage and play in the band Heads Up Penny; we’ve been gigging full time for 10 years. I’ve also been a music instructor for about 10 years – I love teaching voice, guitar and songwriting.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad took me to used CD shops in Boston when I was a kid. I fell in love with rock n roll. I couldn’t think of anything cooler than forming a band with my best friends. The rest is history!

My Memorable Musical Experience

A few years ago we played an event that culminated in a speech from the POTUS.

A fun fact about me is...

I have 4 cats 😬.

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

Be patient with yourself, be realistic about how often you can practice, and work towards learning something you love.

Nishanth Konduru
Nishanth Konduru Portrait

Meet Nishanth Konduru!

I’ve played the piano for over 12 years. It has consistently played a key role in my life, as I use it as an outlet to unwind and get into my own world!

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired by watching an old TV show. The music I heard spoke to me in a different way and I was drawn to the piano.

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I performed in front of a live audience was unforgettable. The nerves faded as soon as I started playing, and the energy boost I had made it feel effortless. I realized I was able to connect with everyone in the room through music.

A fun fact about me is...

I am originally from Brooklyn.

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

It starts off difficult when you are learning the basics, but once you have the foundation and are able to learn familiar tunes it will become so enjoyable.

Marcelo Falconi
Marcelo Falconi Portrait

Meet Marcelo Falconi!

Macelo attended Berklee college of music. The majority of his professional career was spent performing live in Las Vegas! He moved to Raleigh and is now teaching music in public school and private students at night.

Why I Became A Musician

Guns and Roses.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Sharing the stage with my kids.

A fun fact about me is...

I’m from Ecuador.

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

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Anthony Winkelman
Anthony Winkelman Portrait

Meet Anthony Winkelman!

Musician for 20 years, classically and jazz trained on keyboards, specializing in rock, blues and jazz on guitar and bass with experience on brass and percussion in wind and jazz bands.

Why I Became A Musician

Passion is my biggest drive to be a musician. Figuring out a new song/piece and hearing a song come together is my favorite part of music, and seeing others find it as well fills me with joy.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment was playing bass at a summer camp when I was 9-ish, it was my first time really playing live. The set list included everything from funk to three days grace.

A fun fact about me is...

I spent six years in the Army doing cybersecurity.

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

Stick with it and make practice a regular part of your routine.

Corrina Lewis
Corrina Lewis Portrait

Meet Corrina Lewis!

Classically trained since age 5. Lead Songwriter and Artist of my own six piece band that performs in Charlotte regularly “Lucid Dreams”. I can teach either classical or contemporary music to any age.

Why I Became A Musician

Music has always been there for me and has been a great big fun adventure. Music makes me happier than anything else, and I love sharing that inspiration with my students!

My Memorable Musical Experience

I love writing music with my band! Starting with just some ideas and taking it all the way to production and across the ‘finish line’ is a very rewarding process!

A fun fact about me is...

I love to play and sing at the same time.

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

It’s a lot of work in the beginning, but it’s worth it for a lifetime of joy.

Brittany Winans
Brittany Winans Portrait

Meet Brittany Winans!

I began my musical journey with piano lessons at the age of 5 and have been doing some form of music ever since then! In 2019, I received my music degree in Vocal Performance at Winthrop University. When I’m not teaching, you can find me making music with my husband or singing in non-profit choirs in the Charlotte area!

Why I Became A Musician

My mother is a classically trained pianist and organist; she is easily the reason I am a musician! Growing up, I saw her playing music every day at church and at home. She is still enjoying her art and still inspires me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment would have to be my senior voice recital in college. I sang over an hour of solo music by composers Debussy, Mozart, Schumann, and more! The recital was entirely memorized and it took over a year of practice and preparation.

A fun fact about me is...

in the morning I teach yoga and in the afternoon I teach music!

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

Have fun and be patient with yourself. It is good to learn music you know, but you should also be open to new music and expand your horizons!

Dillon Taylor
Dillon Taylor Portrait

Meet Dillon Taylor!

Dillon’s passion for music began at an early age, growing up in a home filled with musical toys and instruments. Their formal musical education started in elementary school orchestra and expanded through private guitar lessons and like-minded friends. From performing in string quartets and rock bands to recording and producing music, Dillon enjoys exploring all parts of music.

Why I Became A Musician

The seemingly endless sounds that even a single instrument can make. I was fascinated by how something as deceptively simple as a guitar could always surprise me with something new.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing a live performance of Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble - they were all such amazing musicians who exuded not only talent but joy as well.

A fun fact about me is...

I still have all of my widsom teeth.

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

Follow your curiosity and whatever you find fun! There are so many ways to enjoy music, and chances are it will take some exploring before you find something that speaks to you.

Joel Desjardins
Joel Desjardins Portrait

Meet Joel Desjardins!

I’ve been playing since 13, music is truly my passion in life. Guitar is my main instrument and I enjoy playing music of all genres – I believe music is the language of the world. I got my start playing in alternative bands and have grown to love playing rock and roll, blues, jazz, pop, soul, the list goes on. Most recently, I’ve played in a wedding and events band. Anytime I have an instrument in hand is a great day!

Why I Became A Musician

Freedom of expression through self and feeling part of a community, leaning on a team to create something bigger than oneself.

My Memorable Musical Experience

What comes to mind is my first band in high school was on a bill with other bands at a VFW hall. The place was fully packed out and it was my first time seeing strangers dance and have fun from music I created. That’s when I knew I was hooked.

A fun fact about me is...

I once played guitar with Ace Frehley from KISS.

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

Learning to play music is a long term investment your older self will be incredibly thankful you started. It isn’t always easy and it’s a discipline that you choose every day, but you can choose to make it fun. It’s so worth sticking with it!

Caroline Belk
Caroline Belk Portrait

Meet Caroline Belk!

I’ve been playing and writing music since I was 10 years old. I’ve played and toured in bands and also write, record and produce my own solo music. I have a BA degree from Berklee College of music in Songwriting and Producing Music with Summa Cum Laude honors. It is such a joy for me that I now get to teach music!

Why I Became A Musician

My older brother teaching me Nirvana songs on the guitar when I was 10.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Going on tour in Europe last minute for 3 weeks with an old band I was in many years ago.

A fun fact about me is...

I love analog synthesizers!🎹

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

Be patient with the journey and don’t forget to have fun all along the way. Music has a place for everyone.

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.

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