Our Instructors are the best!

Icon_Stamp-of-Approval_02

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!

Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to top

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

Shaniya Simmons
Shaniya  Simmons Portrait

Meet Shaniya Simmons!

Hi! My name is Shaniya Simmons, and I’ve been performing in both Theatre and Voice for over 10 years with three years of teaching experience in those areas, as well. As your voice instructor, our lessons will primarily focus on establishing and maintaining healthy vocal techniques, while insuring that your voice remains authentic to you!

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up in a household built on music, and as I got older, I started to explore other genres that challenged my views on music and vocal performance through watching performances and documentaries about musicians that I admire, such as Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, and even Nirvana. From there, I found joy in exploring music as a form of storytelling with melody, and I knew from that point that this is what I was meant to do!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment is performing at a jazz lounge with a live band in Seattle, Washington back in March. I sang "My Funny Valentine" by Ella Fitzgerald. It was an impromptu jam session, but it felt really good to share my passion with an audience outside of the Carolinas!

A fun fact about me is...

I have an orange tabby cat named Garfield!

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

Study the artists that make music that sounds like you, and study the artists that make music that sounds like something you've never heard before!

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.

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!

Colby Whaley
Colby Whaley Portrait

Meet Colby Whaley!

Colby is a Raleigh native and graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production. He has years of experience playing gigs in several acts as a guitarist as well as occasionally playing bass and drums. Colby also has experience in live sound and production on both the semi and professional level ranging from personal projects to engineering and recording classical and jazz ensembles. He enjoys helping his students explore music and acheive growth through accomplishing their personal musical goals.

Why I Became A Musician

Guitar Hero is the reason I picked up an instrument at a young age. However, learning about the career of Frank Zappa as a teen made me believe that becoming a musician is not only possible, but important and worthwhile.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing the UNCW Battle of the Bands in college with my friends. Incredibly fun lineup of awesome bands and people cheering each other on.

A fun fact about me is...

My band KOMODO plays the Raleigh Museum of Natural Science's "Bugfest" every year.

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

Be consistent! You don't need to practice for 3 hours every single day. You'd be surprised how much growth you can achieve with consistent daily practice for just 10-15 minutes!

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.

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.

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!

Yuxin Chen
Yuxin Chen Portrait

Meet Yuxin Chen!

I’m currently pursuing my DMA degree at UNCG! I have 10 years k-12 piano teaching experience.

Why I Became A Musician

Saw someone play on the stage and loved how inspired they looked performing!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My last recitals final moments. The experience of finishing something you’ve been preparing for a long time.

A fun fact about me is...

I still get nervous when I on the stage.

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

Listen, sing and enjoy it!

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.

Casey D’Eon
Casey D’Eon Portrait

Meet Casey D’Eon!

Massachusetts native and lifelong musician with a deep-rooted passion for music. Now based in Charlotte, NC, my musical journey began at age 8 with piano and music reading, followed by guitar and bass at 13. By 15, I had joined my first band, and at 16, I taught myself to sing and write original songs—marking the start of a creative path that continues to evolve.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired to become a musician because my dad is one too. Growing up, I watched him play in different bands, and seeing the energy, creativity, and joy he shared with other musicians made me want to be part of that world.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first gig was at 15, playing bass in a hardcore punk band called Erroneous Decision. The energy of that night made everything click for me—I knew right then that music was the direction my life was meant to go.

A fun fact about me is...

I have 2 children, a daughter who is 8 and son who is 3.

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

Be kind to yourself. You won’t become a master overnight, and that’s okay. Start slowly, be patient, and remember that you’re capable of far more than you think!

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.

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.

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.

Chase Taylor
Chase Taylor Portrait

Meet Chase Taylor!

I started playing piano, drums and singing in Church, with aspirations to be like Prince. That foundation ultimately led to classical voice, and now I am a 2 time Grammy winner performer at the Metropolitan Opera, and have helped produce music with some of the biggest names in Pop and hip hop.

Why I Became A Musician

Making music feels like speaking a native language.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first performance of Rachmaninov Vespers, followed by my Met debut.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a national champ in Muay Thai, and worked as an underwater gold miner.

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

Fall in love with your instrument.

Phil Pucci
Phil Pucci Portrait

Meet Phil Pucci!

I’ve been writing songs and playing in bands for 25 years. I started teaching and coaching student bands 8 years ago.

Why I Became A Musician

When my older cousin visited my family for a week, and he was constantly playing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin licks on guitar. I asked for my own guitar that Christmas.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My proudest music memories are when I’ve played album release shows. That’s a very accomplished feeling.

A fun fact about me is...

Many years ago, an anonymous person recorded covers of over 10 of my songs and uploaded them to bandcamp. I never found out who it was.

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

Learn songs you already know and like. Have fun playing and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Robin Halferty
Robin Halferty Portrait

Meet Robin Halferty!

I started playing piano at the age of 3 and was exposed to it a lot due to my mother being a piano instructor. Three years later I learned the violin and stuck with it for years to come, and played in multiple rigorous youth orchestras. I play casually now, but continued my passion for music through teaching.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother inspired me to become a musician. I grew up watching her teach her students piano and ended up following in her footsteps.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing in symphony orchestras since I was a young girl. I never knew that so many moving parts could create such a beautiful, unified sound and it was so fun to see (and hear) everything come together.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a fur baby lover. If you have pets, I will always be okay with them sitting in and hanging out during lessons. :).

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

Sometimes learning something new can be hard, but the hard stuff becomes easy eventually. Instead of seeing it as an obstacle, take it on as a challenge! The reward of accomplishing what you once thought was impossible or difficult is the best feeling.

Interested in becoming an Instructor? Click here.

Ready to Get Started With Personalized Music Lessons ?