Elliot Shaw
Elliot Shaw Portrait

Meet Elliot Shaw!

I have been playing drums and guitar for over 20 years, playing in multiple bands and in lots of settings. My influences include Danny Carey, John Bonham and Chad Smith on the drums. I can play/teach most styles including rock, pop, jazz, hip hop and more.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents are both musicians and had their own band when I was growing up. Once I started playing drums at 13 years old, they even had me play some shows with them!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing in front of 5,000 people for St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago.

A fun fact about me is...

I got to play impromptu shows with a lead singer of Trans Siberian Orchestra and a former bassist of Stevie Wonder.

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

Take it slow and have fun. Don’t get frustrated if something is hard. You’ll look back in a year or two and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

Bryanna McKeon
Bryanna McKeon Portrait

Meet Bryanna McKeon!

I began my musical journey at 11 in my school band playing flute. In undergrad I majored in music education. I have experience in a classroom setting as well as having taught private lessons on flute and piano for 4 years.

Why I Became A Musician

Listening to my favorite musicians growing up!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing at the college band directors association as principal flute for UNCC wind ensemble.

A fun fact about me is...

I’ve learned almost every instrument!

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

Playing music is hard! It’s okay to make mistakes.

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.

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.

Nicholas Woehrle
Nicholas Woehrle Portrait

Meet Nicholas Woehrle!

I am a musical veteran of 20 years on the drumset. I have played as a freelance drummer for bands throughout Columbia sc and fort Mill SC. As of 2026, I have been teaching percussion for 5 years!

Why I Became A Musician

Queensryche - my favorite band!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing ZZ top at Red Rocks, Colorado during a thunderstorm.

A fun fact about me is...

I will obsess over an album to the point where I will learn the entire album on drums.

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

Instead of practicing your instrument, PLAY your instrument!

Elaina Trent
Elaina Trent Portrait

Meet Elaina Trent!

Elaina Trent is an Atlanta-based singer-songwriter and musician who has been playing piano since childhood and discovered her love for singing and songwriting in high school. She has been performing locally since 2019 as both a solo artist and with her acoustic duo, EK Acoustic. She currently has a residency at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Downtown Atlanta and enjoys performing at various wine bars and restaurants around the city as well.

Why I Became A Musician

I became a musician and a singer-songwriter because music is truly magical. One song can take you back to a certain place and time. Music can also say things and express things that cannot be fully captured by just words. And I wanted to be a part of that.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In July 2025, I had the opportunity to perform my first solo show with all of my unreleased original music. It was truly magical to perform my songs to people and to have them so well received.

A fun fact about me is...

In college, I studied abroad in Ireland for acting and that is when I fell in love with music.

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

Be patient! Learning a new instrument can be challenging and frustrating, so be patient with yourself and just keep trying and growing.

Jackson Harden
Jackson Harden Portrait

Meet Jackson Harden!

Jackson Harden is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer from Utah and now residing in Concord. He got his start in music at the age of eight when he started taking private lessons for guitar, now his primary instrument, specializing in fingerstyle picking and folk & rock music. Over the twenty years since then he has picked up the piano, bass, banjo, harmonica, and lap steel guitar as well. He attended Snow College for music and graduated with a Bachelors of Commercial Music degree in 2019 which provided him with a thorough education of music theory, technique, ear training, composition and wide range of genres and musical styles. Some of his favorite artists include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Arctic Monkeys.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was seven years old my childhood friend gave me several burned Green Day CDs and it rocked my world. I wanted to be just like Billie Joe Armstrong and begged my parents to get me a guitar. On my eighth birthday they got me on and signed me up for guitar lessons and the rest is history!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing my first real concert when I was 12 years old. I saw Jack Johnson in Salt Lake City and I remember thinking that that's what I want to do when I grow up.

A fun fact about me is...

I was an extra in High School Musical 3.

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

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come naturally right away. Practice a little bit every single day rather than letting days go by without practicing. Eventually it will click and then it starts to get really fun!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Jeffrey Foster
Jeffrey Foster Portrait

Meet Jeffrey Foster!

Combining my expertise as a multi-instrumentalist with my professional background in educational research and leadership, I offer a unique and holistic approach to teaching music. I view music as a powerful gift that inspires excellence, and I am dedicated to helping every student experience that magic. I am passionate about using my diverse skills to foster a lifelong love for the arts.

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a family of musicians; it was in my blood and all around me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was performing a duet with the best Grandma in the world.

A fun fact about me is...

In addition to my work in music and leadership, I am a published author with a PhD focused on urban education. I love finding the parallels between the structured world of writing and the creative flow of a musical performance.

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

Trust the process, have fun, and tap into creativity.

Nate Kivett
Nate Kivett Portrait

Meet Nate Kivett!

Originally from St. Louis Missouri, Nate Kivett moved to California in pursuit of his passion for drumming. He studied at the Los Angeles College of Music, under the instruction of department chairmen Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey. After graduating, he spent five years traveling the world aboard cruise ships playing drums for numerous guest singers, instrumentalists, and Vegas style shows. Since moving to Charlotte, he has maintained a busy life playing drums for various original and top 40’s bands in the area. As a drum instructor, Nate prides himself on patiently encouraging and educating each student so that she or he mayĀ realize and expand their passion for drumming.

Erick Esparza
Erick Esparza Portrait

Meet Erick Esparza!

I love sharing my creativity through music for the community. It’s always fun to get great music organized and ready to perform for others. Music makes a moment deeply rich and tasteful.

Why I Became A Musician

I started learning guitar at the age of 13 and every year after I kept getting more and more interested in music. That I realized I wanted to pursue it professionally. I wanted the Guitar to be a part of me. I wanted to have the ability to express myself freely on my instrument.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I heard a band play music all together for the first time. It created a spark in me that inspired me to learn how to play music. I was in 4th or 5th grade and I believe they played something from Star Wars and other arrangements.

A fun fact about me is...

I have a kitten named Lila.

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

It takes a long time to really understand and apply music on your instrument. Don’t let yourself get discouraged easily.

Reggie Sykes
Reggie Sykes Portrait

Meet Reggie Sykes!

I’ve been playing piano for 20 years, singing for 25 years. Teaching for over 10 years. i love to write songs, relax in nature and read the hobbit.

Why I Became A Musician

Witney Houston when I was 8 months. and the very first keyboard that i had when I was 1.

My Memorable Musical Experience

when I sang on tv for the first time.

A fun fact about me is...

I also dj.

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

Enjoy the journey, for its more about the journey than the destination. šŸ™‚