Inyoni N’Kosi
Inyoni N’Kosi Portrait

Meet Inyoni N’Kosi!

Hello! My name is Inyoni N’kosi, and I’ve been teaching private music lessons in the greater Atlanta area since 2016. I earned my music degree from Florida State University, with a minor in Japanese and a focus on Music in Special Education. If I could go back to school, I’d add ethnomusicology to my degrees.

Why I Became A Musician

My grandmother was my biggest inspiration for being a musician. Her eager and adamant support always keep me happily practicing. I still play the last song she ever got to hear me play to honor her memory.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was writing a piece of piano music with one of my students. It was about dragons, and we are moving on to our third piece together. And the dragons come from the book series I used when I had the privilege of being his reading tutor.

A fun fact about me is...

I've had a wonderful career as a performing musician and as a bard!

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

Pick a reason to love it, and never lose sight of it. Learn the fundamentals of the skill before trying to master it. Trust the process.

Chad White
Chad White Portrait

Meet Chad White!

Chad White teaches Trumpet, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Bass and Ukulele. A multi-instrumentalist, Chad is a 2020 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied Music as well as Arts Administration. Chad is a Charlotte resident and has many years of experience playing music professionally and has played in various musical ensembles including the UNCG Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble, as well as other local bands.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was very young around the holidays, I saw a band playing jingle bell rock, which was my favorite holiday song at the time and thought it was super cool! I always loved music and jumped at the opportunity to join band in middle school.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing at the 2019 National Trumpet Competition in with the UNCG Trumpet Ensemble.

A fun fact about me is...

I love hiking!

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

Focus on getting a strong set of basics at first. Memorize all of the musical alphabet, chord tones, and scales. After that you can really start having fun!

Kay Millward
Kay Millward Portrait

Meet Kay Millward!

I’m a lifelong pianist and experienced teacher who loves helping students reach that “I can actually play this!” moment. I keep lessons relaxed, supportive, and centered around music each student is excited to learn. My goal is to make playing piano feel fun and doable for anyone.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up surrounded by musicians, like my piano teacher/alto/cellist mother, pianist/tenor father, and piano teacher/drummer/composer/producer brother. I couldn't help but be inspired by the creativity and musicality of my wonderful family.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I was 10, I sat down at the piano in front of a crowd of parents to perform my recital piece. I started playing, but I just couldn't get past the first couple of bars. I knew that piece so well, but my fingers all of a sudden forgot. Luckily, I also had a Scott Joplin piece memorized that I decided to try instead, and my fingers remembered that one just fine. In the end, Scott Joplin turned out to be more of a crowd pleaser than Bach probably would have.

A fun fact about me is...

I love knitting!

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

Find a song you really want to know how to play, whether that be the Succession theme song or Pagliacci. Set that goal and work towards 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.

Catarina Sanchez
Catarina Sanchez Portrait

Meet Catarina Sanchez!

I started out playing saxophone in middle and high school, then joined choir in high school and decided I wanted to teach. At WCU I was apart of the marching band, symphonic band, concert choir and chamber choir. Now, I play piano and sing whenever I get the chance to, teach as much as I can, and learn every day.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was young, my oldest brother was a trombone player and encouraged me to learn an instrument. When I got older, I just absolutely loved the feeling of creating and sharing beautiful music with a group of people.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Singing Poulenc's Gloria with my college choir and a visiting orchestra from New York.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to sew and crochet.

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

Get your fingers on the instrument, or sing, as much as possible. Even if it's for 5 minutes!

Robert Gabbitas
Robert Gabbitas Portrait

Meet Robert Gabbitas!

Robert is a composer, pianist, conductor, and clarinetist from Salt Lake City, Utah working in the Atlanta area. Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University, graduating in 2024 with Academic Honors and awarded the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Music Graduate.

Why I Became A Musician

I've always loved music's ability to connect people together. Through music I hope to spread more compassion in a world that desperately needs it.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I had the opportunity to play Mahler's 2nd Symphony with over 100 other musicians to a sold-out hall of over 1000 people. It was a concert I'll never forget!

A fun fact about me is...

I've gone rollerblading three times in my life and every time I've broken a bone!

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

Small steps every day are better than big leaps every once in a while.

Ethan Ricks
Ethan Ricks Portrait

Meet Ethan Ricks!

Taken by music and creativity from a young age, I’ve been fortunate to be a professional touring, gigging and studio musician for over 20 years. Music has brought me on stage at some of the biggest festivals in the world, to the corner of tiny bowling alleys…sometimes in the same weekend.

Why I Became A Musician

Music on the radio in the mid 90s and my parent’s record collection - plus the idea of being in a band.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Hard to pick just one. Getting the call is always a great moment - the fact that someone trusts me with their music on a record or gig, or to be their instructor, never gets old to me.

A fun fact about me is...

I’m something of a unicorn in that I’m a native Charlottean!

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

Follow what really grabs you, be patient with yourself and be persistent. This is a journey that can last a lifetime, which can be amazing and intimidating at once.

Jennifer Jess
Jennifer Jess Portrait

Meet Jennifer Jess!

I’ve been regularly teaching for about 3 years and off and on for a decade. I originally went to school for opera and left early to pursue my own music career. I later trained with Jan Smith Studios and discovered my true pop voice there.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother and my grandmother who were also singers.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In my early twenties I was a part of a local competition. At the time, I was dealing with daily anxiety and I was doubting whether I should continue to pursue a music career. I told myself that if I could get up in front of this crowd of 5,000 people and feel at peace on stage, then I was meant to do this. I stepped up on the stage and I felt nothing but an overwhelming peace. I knew I would never question my pursuit in music after that.

A fun fact about me is...

I sang live in front of an audience for the first time when I was 10 years old--all a cappella.

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

Consider the genre of music you're interested in learning and also what your specific goals are. Know that it takes time, patience and dedication to get really good at your craft.

Bryan Hansen
Bryan Hansen Portrait

Meet Bryan Hansen!

I have spent my life learning how music works and performing. I play regularly with local orchestras and seek out opportunities to grow and improve. I am also a founding member of the CinciSon Latin group in Cincinnati, OH.

Why I Became A Musician

I was in Fifth Grade Orchestra and the cello was too small for me, so the teacher pulled out the biggest instrument I'd ever seen.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I got to be part of orchestras supporting Edgar Meyer and Ben Folds.

A fun fact about me is...

I play Dungeons and Dragons!

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

Find something you want to learn and start there, and don't give up. A little bit every day is better than a lot all at once. Take notes! Write things down! Keep the ball rolling!

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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!

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.

Mckeila Ortiz Glaum
Mckeila Ortiz Glaum Portrait

Meet Mckeila Ortiz Glaum!

Mckeila Ortiz Glaum is a passionate singer and music educator who brings over ten years of piano experience, five years of classical vocal training, and active performance work to her teaching. She specializes in piano and voice and loves building a warm, student-centered space where musicians can grow with confidence.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up surrounded by music, from choir rehearsals to playing piano at home, and over time, I realized how deeply it connects people and how meaningful it felt to be part of that experience. That blend of expression, community, and purpose is what inspired me to make music-making a meaningful part of my everyday life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of my most memorable moments was performing with Opera Carolina for the first time and seeing students’ faces light up during the show. It reminded me how powerful and joyful music becomes when it’s share, and why music education matters so deeply.

A fun fact about me is...

I have performed in 8 operas.

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

Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace and enjoy the process. The small, consistent steps matter more than perfection.