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

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.

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 may realize and expand their passion for drumming.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nadya Stratton
Nadya Stratton Portrait

Meet Nadya Stratton!

Nadya is a classically trained flute and piano player who also has great improvisational skills and experience teaching all styles of music!

Why I Became A Musician

I can feel the music and connect with my audience when I improvise with the flute. I knew I would play forever.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing on stage with Nestor Torres, a Latin/Jazz Grammy flute player.

A fun fact about me is...

I enjoy golfing with my family during the summer and skiing in the winter.

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

Enjoy every moment of it. Learn with positivity and patience.

John Jorgensen
John Jorgensen Portrait

Meet John Jorgensen!

I have been playing guitar and bass for 30+ years, keyboard and drums for 15 years. I have a degree in music and dual master’s degrees in the Humanities. I love teaching and do so around 25% of my week and produce music the rest: selling my music to use in TV/Cable/Streaming outlets. I’m currently a guitar player in Valley Range (a Charlotte band), a reggae band and an electronic project.

Why I Became A Musician

The rock/pop/garage music of the 1960s was my first musical love. Bands like The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks, etc were central to me wanting to learn how to play guitar and learn songwriting and later, production (recording & mixing).

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I saw Pat Metheny play. His compositions and mastery of the guitar is spell-binding.

A fun fact about me is...

I love cats, and have two sister cats.

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

Have some music that you love on the instrument that you are learning. The desire to hear that music will be an engine to learn it together with your instrument. Also, take your time and let your mind and fingers develop at your individual pace - all while keeping the joy of music alive.

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!

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.

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.

Matthew Johnston
Matthew Johnston Portrait

Meet Matthew Johnston!

I was self-taught on the guitar until I went to Winthrop University for Guitar Performance with a focus on Jazz. After college, I began teaching privately and playing gigs in the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. I’ve had the opportunity to play as a soloist, duo, trio, and even with a 40-piece orchestra. I now teach Elementary Music to Pk-5th grade students, as well as, play gigs as they arise. I also started a Youtube channel, Tune Time with Mr. Johnston, to help create kid-friendly resources.

Why I Became A Musician

I've always known music was my passion and knew I wanted to be involved in it in any way that I could. Neither of my parents are musicians so I've had to make and find my own path. My inspiration comes from wanting to always work hard at whatever I do and I feel that music gives my life focus.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting to play in downtown Nashville at Tootsies with a country band. Releasing an album with my band. Playing at the Blumenthal Theater with a 40-piece orchestra for 3 sold out shows.

A fun fact about me is...

I have a twin brother.

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

Listen to what you want to play all the time. Find someone who inspires you on your instrument and try to learn all their ideas as best as you can. Take every opportunity you can to play live.

Georgette Class-peters
Georgette Class-peters Portrait

Meet Georgette Class-peters!

Georgette Class-Peters is an award-winning singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and educator with over 10 years of experience helping students discover the power of their voice. A Ghana Music Awards winner who has performed alongside artists like Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson, she brings both professional artistry and heartfelt mentorship to every lesson. Her mission is to empower singers to grow in confidence, skill, and authentic expression through faith and music.

Why I Became A Musician

I used to have a serious stutter. And then I realized that when I was singing, I was not stuttering by the time I became adept at speaking. I realize that music was a love that I could not shake. It was a spark that changed my life and saved it in so many instances.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I won a Ghana music award as well as singing back up for some of my favorite artists.

A fun fact about me is...

I love coffee.

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

Consistency is key! Trust the process keep practicing every day and you’ll become a better musician day by day. Before you know it you’ll love your voice more than ever.

Jenn Shaw
Jenn Shaw Portrait

Meet Jenn Shaw!

I am a lead singer and saxophonist with the wedding band Heads Up Penny, and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone. I have been teaching with Bold since 2023. Performing is my passion, and I have experience across a wide variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, and more.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad played in jazz band when I was a kid, and I always thought it looked so fun!

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I ever got to walk along the beach during a break in our set -- It can't get any better than that! Music can take you to some special places.

A fun fact about me is...

I'm from Minnesota.

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

Remember that anything you want to be good at takes time and practice!

Jonathan Gutierrez
Jonathan  Gutierrez Portrait

Meet Jonathan Gutierrez!

I have played instruments since I was nine years old. I taught myself to play a couple of instruments. I started out learning drums, then quickly moved to guitar and bass. Ever since I have been blessed to be able to play on a live stage with good friends and I love to teach others who wish to achieve that dream as well!

Why I Became A Musician

Many bands inspired me to become a musician. I always loved music so much that hearing it wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn how to play it, this progressed me into becoming a musician.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment is the first time I went on tour with my band. I went to cities I have never been to before and got to play at them. It was an experience I truly never thought I’d get to live and I am super grateful for it!

A fun fact about me is...

I love to cook.

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

Keep going! It will can be a little frustrating at the start. But once you learn your first chord or even a song, it is a very fulfilling feeling.

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.

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