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

Kennedy Crawford
Kennedy Crawford Portrait

Meet Kennedy Crawford!

I recieved my Bachelor of Music from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018 and recieved my Masters in Vocal Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in 2020. I currently work as a classroom educator in Madrid, Spain and have been teaching voice and piano for over 8 years. Although I studied opera, nowadays I mainly perform pop and musical theatre.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up in a musical family and started singing in church at a very early age. My grandmother and father are singers and my aunt plays the flute, so music was always around me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was my first year opera production during my masters degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. We performed the opera "Svadba" which is an acappella opera in the Serbian language. The opera was performed in The Queen's House in London, which was an experience of a lifetime.

A fun fact about me is...

I love baking.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is to practice as much as you can and to embrace making mistakes. They are an important part of the learning process!

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!

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.

Dave Spencer
Dave Spencer Portrait

Meet Dave Spencer!

I have been playing and teaching music for almost 50 years! I play a dozen instruments and sing, and have 3 local bands in Raleigh.

Why I Became A Musician

Has to be seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing Jazz Fest and the World's Fair in New Orleans.

A fun fact about me is...

Just bought a sitar - trying to play some scales!

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

Play every day, and keep it fun.

Grant Dull
Grant Dull Portrait

Meet Grant Dull!

I hold bachelors and master degrees in music education and performance from Georgia Southern University. I have a strong back ground in competitive marching band as a player and instructor.

Why I Became A Musician

When I first joined the elementary school band I fell in love with the ensemble experience.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing Milton High School Marching Band win a marching competition after coaching their clarinet section.

A fun fact about me is...

I play in a professional hand bell choir.

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

Practice your fundamentals at home so you can bring your best to concert and marching ensembles. You will shine!

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!

Jacob Rasbornik
Jacob Rasbornik Portrait

Meet Jacob Rasbornik!

I have been playing the guitar for 22 years. I’ve played in multiple bands (blues, jazz, rock, indie). I record original music and always continue to find new ways to explore sound.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents introduced me to the fun of music, then came Stevie Ray Vaughan and I wanted to learn how to express myself with the guitar like him. Many other inspirations along the way like Chuck Loeb, John Williams, Jacob Collier, etc. keep me inspired.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Back in 2010, I had a very exciting experience opening for Bruno Mars at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles before he became famous. It was a very fun and exciting performance/experience!

A fun fact about me is...

I have built 2 guitars.

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

Stay very curious, logical and enthusiastic.

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.

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!

Simeon McCray
Simeon McCray Portrait

Meet Simeon McCray!

Education is my career, I teach math and music and I love it! Music is my passion and it’s my favorite creative outlet. I’ve been playing piano my whole life and I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years.

Why I Became A Musician

My Father is my inspiration to be a musician. After catching me plucking around on the piano in our house my Dad immediately decided to get me lessons. Those lessons built my confidence and I was able to cultivate my skill by playing in the church that he pastors. I’m very thankful for him investing into my talent and holding me accountable along the way.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Competing in an international competition for piano!

A fun fact about me is...

I enjoy music production and photography too!

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

Be patient as you learn, set small goals, get comfortable in playing in front of others, but fall in love with playing the instrument all by yourself.

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!

Miasol Yara
Miasol Yara Portrait

Meet Miasol Yara!

I grew up in a musical family taking lessons in cello, violin, and piano as well as participating in musical theater and choir. I picked up guitar and ukulele when I was around 9 years old, the same time I joined my first pop/rock band. During middle school I started teaching music, and I later was a member of a funk band and another rock band. During college, I joined and music directed an a capella group and continued to teach music.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents are musicians and filled our lives with music as children, so it has always been a natural part of my life. I found a particular love for singing to the point where I feel I can't go without it, and a lot of my motivation to grow my instrumental skills is to accompany that love.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting to play Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with Legacy Theater!

A fun fact about me is...

I have lots of other interests including art, creative writing, and animals- I even have a pet snake!

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

The more tools you have to work with, the more you can create. So many of my skills have come not just from lessons, but from expanding my listening and personal practice into a huge variety of music. Even more importantly, you have to consistently use the tools you have so they don't get rusty. Figure out what kind or what part of music draws you in the most, and create your own standards. Nobody is born a musician, and anyone can become one.

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.

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.

Madison Lucas
Madison Lucas Portrait

Meet Madison Lucas!

I have been a performing indie rock musician and band leader in Charlotte for over 10+ years. In my band I play guitar, synthesizer and piano. I’m also the vocalist and main songwriter. I’m classically trained on piano and trumpet.

Why I Became A Musician

Watching videos of The Beatles, David Bowie, Fiona Apple (to name a few) over and over.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My band opened for a sold out Echo and the Bunnymen show at The Filmore. Highlight of my life!

A fun fact about me is...

My love of music began in the marching band (7 years experience).

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

Your only goal is to be a little bit better than you were the week before. That’s all you ever have to focus on and you’ll always be growing!

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!

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