Chris Mont
Chris Mont Portrait

Meet Chris Mont!

I am a musician who has gained experience in almost every corner of the industry. From beginning with “garage band” roots as a teenager, to playing in marching band, to studying music formally in a conservatory style university, to playing with orchestras, to playing with wedding bands, to composing for musical theatre, to recording in studios, to teaching K-12 students, to providing music therapy for seniors in nursing homes… I have always kept music in my life and I will always keep exploring more. Come join me for private lessons and we can continue the exploration together!

Why I Became A Musician

I was raised in a family that had many different examples of showcasing their love of music. My mother played the piano and gave me an introduction at an early age. Her uncle was a member of a musical group called the Happy Boombadears Club, and he showed me their percussion instruments when I was very young. My older brothers played music in the house all the time, and I used to love going to see the marching band performances. And, then... I heard Rush's song "Tom Sawyer" for the first time. After that I knew I was meant to be a drummer.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Winning my high school talent show and being asked to provide the musical entertainment for our graduation picnic.

A fun fact about me is...

I have seen my favorite band in concert almost 100 times! Can you guess what band it is?

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

Be patient, and understand that failure is a normal and necessary part of the growth process. But also never forget that music should be fun!

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!

Jenn Kaminski-Horak
Jenn Kaminski-Horak Portrait

Meet Jenn Kaminski-Horak!

Jenn is a passionate and versatile professional musician who teaches saxophone, flute, piano, and voice. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN as a saxophonist. During her time in school, she won the Senior Honors Competition and performed the Lars-Erik Larsson Concerto with the Concordia Orchestra. She was also section leader in the Concordia Band and Jazz Ensemble 1, led multiple saxophone quartets, sang in choir, and performed in the SaxArts Festival in Faenza, Italy in 2018 with other musicians from around the world. 

As the lead singer, saxophonist, and song writer in the band Short Notice for the past four years, Jenn has shown herself to be fluent in many genres both vocally and on the saxophone. These genres include rock, pop, jazz, alternative and more. As a child, Jenn dreamed of playing in a band, so being a part of Short Notice has been one of her favorite musical experiences!

Church music is another aspect of music that Jenn has quite a bit of experience in. She has directed worship bands for the past 5+ years at Atonement Lutheran Church and with the campus ministry Cru, leading on keyboard and vocals.

Jenn has a passion for musical excellence and helping her students grow because the skills learned as a musician can be applied to many other aspects of life. Jenn also loves coming alongside her students and watching them discover the beauty, expression, and fun that comes from playing music!

Nicole Yakovlev
Nicole Yakovlev Portrait

Meet Nicole Yakovlev!

Music has always been a big part of my life! I’m classically trained in piano and voice and self taught in guitar and ukulele. I’ve spent years honing my musical skills through a variety of genres, and am eager to share all I have learned!

Why I Became A Musician

My mom was always playing the piano and guitar when I was a kid and I was entranced by the melodies she played! We were always singing or listening to something and it always gave me such peace. Music’s ability to make you feel connected, healed, seen, and heard is what made me become a musician.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was when a group of friends and I sold out a well known venue in Decatur called Eddie’s Attic! We had been preparing for the show and unsure of how everything would turn out, but the day of the show we found out that we packed the venue and gave a killer performance to a crowd full of eager ears!

A fun fact about me is...

I can do a back bend!

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

To a new music learner, I would recommend finding ways to make it fun! Practice and consistency are key but finding ways to make practicing fun can make you enjoy the learning process a lot more and make you realize how much music can give to you! Whether that’s finally learning a song that has been stuck in your head, making a game out of practicing scales, or writing your own tune, finding creative ways to spark a connection with music will create a life long relationship between you and your craft.

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.

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.

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!

Kyle Schneider
Kyle Schneider Portrait

Meet Kyle Schneider!

Ever since he heard the blistering drum groove at the start of “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen, Kyle knew that drumming was something he wanted to pursue. After many years of mastering the drums on Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Kyle’s Dad surprised him with a busted drum set that he has since renovated extensively.
Kyle’s love for genre playing has evolved heavily, beginning from an interest in classic rock music to Jazz and improvisational skill in his high school years. Kyle also applied his inherent and rhythmic musical talents to the piano, expanding his reach instrumentally. Kyle then made the big leap after graduation to study music academically at ECU as a Music Performance Major.
Kyle is currently attached to two big musical projects, the Chapel Hill based Rock band “Alice Blue” as well as the Durham Jazz Collective “SMYA” where he and the other members contribute their own compositions. Kyle is also a skilled audio engineer, with many of his self produced drum recordings appearing for artists around the Triangle.

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.

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!

Benjamin Pearson
Benjamin Pearson Portrait

Meet Benjamin Pearson!

I am a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with over 16 years of piano experience, alongside guitar and bass expertise. My repertoire spans classical, jazz, hymns, and contemporary Christian music, shaped by years of performing for local churches, gospel choirs, and live shows across Charlotte, NC and Williamsburg, VA. I majored in music at the College of William & Mary and love to share my love for music through teaching, conversation, and demonstration.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom inspired me. She grew up playing the bagpipes and piano and initially taught me piano.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In high school I sang Wellerman with two of my best friends for a talent show. We walked off the stage thinking we bombed and were pretty hard on ourselves but when the awards were being announced, we received 2nd place. It's memorable because it taught me not to be too critical of my own ability and skillset; if I work hard, practice, and pour myself into a performance, it will be evident.

A fun fact about me is...

I know Morse code!

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

You are not bad, you're inexperienced. Even the best musicians started as beginners. Time + practice = skill.

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.

Meredith Corrales
Meredith  Corrales Portrait

Meet Meredith Corrales!

I’m a music educator who teaches piano and violin, and I also play viola and cello. I love introducing students to different instruments and making music learning diverse and fun.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired by my family. My sisters and my parents are musicians, so music has always been a big part of my life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was performing a concerto with an orchestra for the first time. It was a life-changing experience that deepened my passion for teaching and performing.

A fun fact about me is...

A fun fact about me is that I can switch between four instruments pretty easily, and I enjoy teaching in both English and Spanish.

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

My advice is to be patient and enjoy every step. It’s not about being perfect, but about having fun and growing little by little.

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.

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.

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.