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

Jackson Cini
Jackson Cini Portrait

Meet Jackson Cini!

I studied music at college and have been playing professionally for over ten years. I play various genres of music across the East Coast with my band and other groups.

Why I Became A Musician

From the moment I started playing at a young age, music was fun. I was inspired to chase the feeling you get playing music with others.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing a sold-out show for my band's debut album release.

A fun fact about me is...

I have played with a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra!

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

Listen lots! Music is a language best learned by ear.

George Mitchell
George Mitchell Portrait

Meet George Mitchell!

I’m a professional drummer who was taught to read and perform music at an early age.
I enjoy teaching the fundamental mechanics of Modern Drumming to all Ages. I’ve performed in Bands of all types for over 40 years, including Hard Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country, Studio Recordings and Record Albums.

Why I Became A Musician

Growing up in a small town with 2 Professional Trumpet Players who lived on my block. Jazz and Big Band was still popular in the 70's. My Mom arranged for me to take lessons at my school. When the Teacher told me to pick up the Trumpet and blow, I was so shy that I couldn't do it. That was the end of my Trumpet career. Fortunately, I soon realized that I could play the drums without having to speak!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting to sit on stage during a Live "Rush" Concert in Pittsburgh, PA in the mid 1980's

A fun fact about me is...

I originally wanted to play the Trumpet but was too shy.

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

Always remember that the goal is to MAKE MUSIC. Learn to Sing the Music. Dance to the Music. Clap your Hands to the Music. Stomp around your bedroom and find the Beat!

Eric McClam
Eric McClam Portrait

Meet Eric McClam!

Eric is a dedicated musician and music educator who attended Claflin University as a Music Education major with a concentration in Voice. His passion for music and education drives him to work closely with young musicians, helping them develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Beyond guiding students toward their goals as performers, he values the opportunity to grow alongside them on their musical and life journeys. Eric’s mission is to inspire the next generation to find their voices and skills—both in music and in life.

Why I Became A Musician

What inspired me to become a musician? Honestly, it started with my love for how music makes people feel. Growing up, I saw how powerful it was—how a song could change someone’s mood, bring people together, or give somebody confidence they didn’t know they had. Over time, I realized I wanted to be part of that. Being a vocalist, working with kids, mentoring, and helping others grow just made it even clearer: music isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. Seeing people light up when they learn something new, or when they connect with a song—that’s what really inspired me and keeps me going every day.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing at Carnegie Hall.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to Bowl.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is this: Start with patience and passion. Don’t worry about being perfect right away—focus on building good habits, listening carefully, and practicing consistently. Surround yourself with music that inspires you, ask questions when you don’t understand something, and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. Music is a journey, and the more you stay open, curious, and committed, the further it will take you.

Korena Kraynak
Korena Kraynak Portrait

Meet Korena Kraynak!

I am Korena Kraynak, and I am a life-long, passionate musician. I have been playing piano for over 20 years, and have developed a love of teaching. I absolutely adore children and helping them explore their gifts and talents. I have been teaching for 5 years, and there is nothing better than inspiring the next generation of musicians!

Why I Became A Musician

My piano teacher as a child was so inspiring to me, because she could pick up any piece of music and play it flawlessly! I thought it was the coolest thing and wanted to do that "when I grew up".

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was giving my own local show in my hometown in rural Pennsylvania. The crowd was full of 90 friends, family, supporters, and music lovers. It was a magical moment to share my love of music with people who have watched me from childhood!

A fun fact about me is...

I am from Pennsylvania.

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

Music is such a joy to have in life, but it can take a lot of time to master. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and don't forget to practice!

Vlad Diviziev
Vlad Diviziev Portrait

Meet Vlad Diviziev!

I’ve been performing and teaching piano for over 20 years. Music has always been a central part of my life! I offer a flexible, tailored to your level/interests/personal goals approach to my teaching method.

Why I Became A Musician

The endless creative possibilities.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing ans working in Japan.

A fun fact about me is...

Love to play soccer.

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

Don't give up! Steady practice with quality instruction goes a long way!

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.

Yuxin Chen
Yuxin Chen Portrait

Meet Yuxin Chen!

I’m currently pursuing my DMA degree at UNCG! I have 10 years k-12 piano teaching experience.

Why I Became A Musician

Saw someone play on the stage and loved how inspired they looked performing!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My last recitals final moments. The experience of finishing something you’ve been preparing for a long time.

A fun fact about me is...

I still get nervous when I on the stage.

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

Listen, sing and enjoy it!

Anna Spurrier
Anna Spurrier Portrait

Meet Anna Spurrier!

Music has always been an important part of my life. My dad is a jazz musician here in Charlotte, so I grew up surrounded by it. I started playing piano at age five and have loved it ever since. I enjoy playing classical, jazz, pop, soul and rock, and I love sharing my passion for music with my students.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired to become a musician simply by listening to music. I fell in love with so many styles and knew I wanted to express myself in that same creative way.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When my dad took me to see Esperanza Spalding at the Knight theater when I was 9 years old. She’s an amazing bass players and inspired me to get into more modern jazz.

A fun fact about me is...

I have a Culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University.

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

Keep practicing and consistency is key. Learning anything new is hard and shows little reward in the beginning but with time and practice you will get better!

Patrick Carr
Patrick Carr Portrait

Meet Patrick Carr!

My initial background started on blues and rock from the 60’s and 70s, but throughout the years I’ve grown my interest in other genres through the various projects I’ve been a part of such as jazz, country/Americana, folk, metal, CCM, and even early music from medieval and Renaissance periods. I also love writing music, whether it’s contributing parts to a song my band is working on to creating full songs of my own.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad lent me a copy of the fourth Led Zeppelin album and I remember hearing "Black Dog" for the first time; I just thought it sounded so cool and all I could think about was how much I wanted to learn how to play it. Not too long after that, I got my first guitar and that became my main focus since then.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Probably the most memorable moment I have from my time as a musician was recording in Nashville. I was able to track electric guitar parts in the same studio used by artists like Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski. A close tie may also be performing at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, which was where I also saw the Black Keys as my first concert.

A fun fact about me is...

I've been to Japan twice now.

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

Focus on gaining a strong foundation on technique and rhythm in the beginning as it will set you up for success when learning more advanced music, but also don't forget to have fun and keep an open mind for creativity.

Brad Steed
Brad Steed Portrait

Meet Brad Steed!

Lifelong musician with a passion for spreading the joy and personal growth that comes with learning an instrument. I firmly believe the skills and discipline learned through the pursuit of music resonates with all other aspects of life.

Why I Became A Musician

Hearing my grandfather playing the piano as a child.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Finishing my first self-produced album!

A fun fact about me is...

Peanut butter is my favorite food!

Paulina Quisol
Paulina Quisol Portrait

Meet Paulina Quisol!

I’m passionate about writing and performing music, helping others reach their goals, and learning. Teaching is the most rewarding career for me. It’s the best way to practice my craft daily while helping others achieve new heights.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom and dad are both musicians, somewhere along the way I picked up a guitar and never put it back down again. Singing was my first instrument, then guitar and other stringed instruments, and then, piano.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable moments in music..I had so much fun playing 4-5 nights a week in Charlotte and surrounding cities leading up to Covid. I also made some amazing friends working at Nellie’s and had a lot of fun working for the Jonas family.

A fun fact about me is...

We just released an album! Stream: Confide by Leclère

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

Giving up isn’t in your vocabulary. There will be moments when you’re frustrated - press on. I think that learning a new skill teaches you a lot about yourself!

Robin Halferty
Robin Halferty Portrait

Meet Robin Halferty!

I started playing piano at the age of 3 and was exposed to it a lot due to my mother being a piano instructor. Three years later I learned the violin and stuck with it for years to come, and played in multiple rigorous youth orchestras. I play casually now, but continued my passion for music through teaching.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother inspired me to become a musician. I grew up watching her teach her students piano and ended up following in her footsteps.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing in symphony orchestras since I was a young girl. I never knew that so many moving parts could create such a beautiful, unified sound and it was so fun to see (and hear) everything come together.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a fur baby lover. If you have pets, I will always be okay with them sitting in and hanging out during lessons. :).

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

Sometimes learning something new can be hard, but the hard stuff becomes easy eventually. Instead of seeing it as an obstacle, take it on as a challenge! The reward of accomplishing what you once thought was impossible or difficult is the best feeling.

Donarah Sheppard
Donarah Sheppard Portrait

Meet Donarah Sheppard!

Donarah strives to blend her technical training, academic knowledge, and heartfelt passion to create meaningful and lasting musical experience for her students. Music is not just what she does—it’s who she is.

Why I Became A Musician

The pure joy of expressing myself through a musical instrument inspired me to pursue musicianship.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Some of my most memorable and sentimental musical moments include my time traveling with the Florida A&M University concert chorus during my undergraduate college tenure.

A fun fact about me is...

I was born where everyone loves to vacation…Florida!

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

… what you put in is exactly what you’ll get out!

Manuel Cabruja
Manuel Cabruja Portrait

Meet Manuel Cabruja!

I’m a music student at Central Piedmont Community College pursuing piano performance and audio engineering. I was born in Venezuela and have strong passion for jazz, Latin music, CCM, Gospel, and music theory. I have also studied with famous pianist Carlos Campos who had the opportunity to teach at many prestigious colleges such as Berklee College of music.

Why I Became A Musician

In high school, I took a music theory class just for fun because I wanted to see if music was something I truly enjoyed. Before I even started playing piano, I had already been producing my own music and loved creating melodies and beats. But when I took that class, everything changed. I fell in love with understanding why music works the way it does how every chord, melody, and rhythm has a purpose. I would constantly talk about what I was learning and even try to teach it to my friends. That’s when I realized I wanted to pursue music as a career because I never get tired of learning about it, creating it, or sharing it with others.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing piano for mu church service and seeing peoples reactions to how the music accents the service. As well as the overall collaborative nature of it!

A fun fact about me is...

I love fishing.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is to be patient, stay consistent, and enjoy the process! Focus on building strong fundamentals because later on you will realize how important they are. Explore the music you love, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes they are an important part of learning and growing as a musician.

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.

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!

Interested in becoming an Instructor? Click here.

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