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

Ethan Ricks
Ethan Ricks Portrait

Meet Ethan Ricks!

Taken by music and creativity from a young age, I’ve been fortunate to be a professional touring, gigging and studio musician for over 20 years. Music has brought me on stage at some of the biggest festivals in the world, to the corner of tiny bowling alleys…sometimes in the same weekend.

Why I Became A Musician

Music on the radio in the mid 90s and my parent’s record collection - plus the idea of being in a band.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Hard to pick just one. Getting the call is always a great moment - the fact that someone trusts me with their music on a record or gig, or to be their instructor, never gets old to me.

A fun fact about me is...

I’m something of a unicorn in that I’m a native Charlottean!

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

Follow what really grabs you, be patient with yourself and be persistent. This is a journey that can last a lifetime, which can be amazing and intimidating at once.

Donte Washington
Donte Washington Portrait

Meet Donte Washington!

In my journey as a Musician I have found the art to be one of the most enjoyable things in my life. There is nothing like approaching a challenge and knowing that you have the wherewithal to overcome it. I just hope that I am able to share the love for music with all those who see that value in it.

Why I Became A Musician

When I think about my inspiration to become a musician, I can only think of how i just kept coming back to it. Throughout my life it has been a constant that melts its way into everything I do. I didn't start to take myself seriously until after I went through professional voice training and realized that this music thing is no joke. But its really fun and I'm proud to call myself a musician.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was when I was in Band class and I had to play the Oboe solo in the piece "Frozen" and this was directly after it came out. I had practiced it for a very long time and it was difficult to put together but when I had performed it in class my director had to get on all of the other instruments because she said they were "dulling the sound of the oboe solo.” This recognition was a testament to my hard work and I will never forget the reason why I practice.

A fun fact about me is...

I like to go on 5 mile runs at least 3 times a week.

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

Good music takes time and good musicians know that. Don't always expect to get it right on the first try and be patient with yourself. The good music is the type of music that makes you feel good so lets chase after that.

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.

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!

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.

Anna Spurrier
Anna Spurrier Portrait

Meet Anna Spurrier!

Music has always been an important part of my life. My dad is a jazz musician here in Charlotte, so I grew up surrounded by it. I started playing piano at age five and have loved it ever since. I enjoy playing classical, jazz, pop, soul and rock, and I love sharing my passion for music with my students.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired to become a musician simply by listening to music. I fell in love with so many styles and knew I wanted to express myself in that same creative way.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When my dad took me to see Esperanza Spalding at the Knight theater when I was 9 years old. She’s an amazing bass players and inspired me to get into more modern jazz.

A fun fact about me is...

I have a Culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University.

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

Keep practicing and consistency is key. Learning anything new is hard and shows little reward in the beginning but with time and practice you will get better!

Jacin Prevatte
Jacin Prevatte Portrait

Meet Jacin Prevatte!

I have a degree in music from Winthrop University where I focused on voice, piano, and audio production. I was classically trained for opera all 4 years of college as well as for musical theatre and jazz. I’ve been singing and performing musical theatre for over 10 years. I have also been teaching private lessons and performing in gigs around Charlotte for the last 4 years, both of which include a variety of repertoire from the 50s to today.

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a family of musicians and I always gravitated towards performing. I love singing and making music, and I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My senior recital for college was pretty memorable! I spent all year preparing for it and it included a variety of songs from Handel to Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Bareilles. I even included one of my original songs, “Swap Keys”.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to help my students with songwriting!

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

We will always have more to learn, so it’s never too late to start learning! Practice makes progress, and everyone is capable of getting better!

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!

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.

Frances Nieves
Frances Nieves Portrait

Meet Frances Nieves!

I have been playing instruments for over 20 years and spent more than half of that time studying classically. I have worked in Music Supervision (Soundtracking) and scored for a short film. I have been a part of many ensembles including youth orchestra. During my time in University I studied Viola under Leilehua Lanzilotti and released music independently as part of a band. I have been teaching privately since college and love to help others find the joy that music brings.

Why I Became A Musician

I've been playing since I was so young that I'm not sure there is one thing exactly. My dad used to play guitar to my mom when she was pregnant of me and then I had one in my hands by age 7. I've just always known that no matter what I did for the rest of my life, music had to be a part of it... Also Continuum by John Mayer 🙂

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I was at NYU my band was asked to play for the next freshmen class of Steinhardt Students and their parents. We played a venue called Kimmel and there were almost a thousand people there. It was electric and we felt so cool. It was also the biggest crowed I've played for.

A fun fact about me is...

My high school orchestra played Beethoven's 5th when I was 17 in the original arrangement.

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

Follow your heart and your ears. Trust that you will learn what you need to know so long as you are in line with what you want to get out of playing and also what sounds good to you. Technique can be learned but true music is made with feeling. Dedicate how you can but do so with consistency. Be patient. Trust the process.

Mars Licciardi
Mars Licciardi Portrait

Meet Mars Licciardi!

I have them very blessed to have had a 30+ year career Music performing teaching writing. One of my expectations for myself is to pass the torch to the new generation of musicians teaching is a very big part of who I am as a man and as a mentor and artist.

Why I Became A Musician

I came up in the Chicago music scene in the early 90s when there were thousands of bands and I remember being nine years old and watching a Rush video and wanting to be that good.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I’m blessed to still have a lot of musical memories with current gigs performing around the Pacific Northwest with some of the finest venues, but some of the most incredible musicians and people.

A fun fact about me is...

My first band I played in was a hair metal band and have the pictures to prove it!

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

If it is truly in your heart, never quit!!!

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!

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!

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!

Brittany Winans
Brittany Winans Portrait

Meet Brittany Winans!

I began my musical journey with piano lessons at the age of 5 and have been doing some form of music ever since then! In 2019, I received my music degree in Vocal Performance at Winthrop University. When I’m not teaching, you can find me making music with my husband or singing in non-profit choirs in the Charlotte area!

Why I Became A Musician

My mother is a classically trained pianist and organist; she is easily the reason I am a musician! Growing up, I saw her playing music every day at church and at home. She is still enjoying her art and still inspires me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment would have to be my senior voice recital in college. I sang over an hour of solo music by composers Debussy, Mozart, Schumann, and more! The recital was entirely memorized and it took over a year of practice and preparation.

A fun fact about me is...

in the morning I teach yoga and in the afternoon I teach music!

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

Have fun and be patient with yourself. It is good to learn music you know, but you should also be open to new music and expand your horizons!

Darius Brandenburg
Darius  Brandenburg Portrait

Meet Darius Brandenburg!

I began playing drums and producing electronic music at 16 years old, played in bands and DJed in Berlin for 5 years, studied Ethnomusicology focusing on traditional African instruments in Windhoek, Namibia. I am bilingual (German and English), love all forms of music and have over 15 years of childcare experience. I specialize in percussion instruments including drum kit, djembe and hand pan but have experience with many other instruments such as; guitar, marimba, kalimba, ukulele, guitar & piano.

Why I Became A Musician

My father is a pianist, composer and musical director & my mother is a singer, so I've always had a close relationship with music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing and hosting festivals in Namibia

A fun fact about me is...

I like to rollerblade.

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

Practice everyday and keep it fun!

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