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

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.

Gabrielle Murray
Gabrielle Murray Portrait

Meet Gabrielle Murray!

I’ve been playing piano since I was 7 years old and I started teaching when I was 16! I went to Northwest School of the Arts for Piano and Band. I have continued my studies and love passing along my inspiration to all of my students!

Why I Became A Musician

I love listening to music and I wanted to learn how to create it for myself. Playing your favorite song feels so much better than simply listening to it.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment was watching my middle school students perform their first winter recital! Seeing how far they had all come I was just so incredibly proud of them and their dedication.

A fun fact about me is...

I can proficiently play 8 instruments!

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

My advice to someone just starting to learn music is to take it slowly. No one starts playing like Mozart from day one, dedication and consistency are important!

Gabriel Mejia
Gabriel Mejia Portrait

Meet Gabriel Mejia!

Gabriel’s love for the piano runs deep. Growing up in a household filled with a diverse mix of rock, pop, funk, jazz, classical, and merengue, he developed a passion for music at an early age. He began piano lessons at six and never looked back, eventually finding work in various recording studios throughout Charlotte and playing gigs across the state.
In his free time, he enjoys camping, building musical instruments, and spending time with friends and family.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad introduced me to jazz music when I was a kid, which lead me to pick up the piano. I've been hooked ever since!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Trying busking (playing music as a street performer) for the first time.

A fun fact about me is...

I can name all the carpal bones of the hand.

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

Don't rush into the learning the hardest songs you can think of! Challenge yourself, but also learn to have fun at the level you're at.

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!

Ben Bourne
Ben Bourne Portrait

Meet Ben Bourne!

Ben is a multi-instrumentalist who has been performing live in the Charlotte area for close to 20 years, both as a solo artist and a band member. He currently hosts weekly full-band improvisational nights (jam sessions) and also performs live as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist with his band that plays regularly throughout the southeast.

Why I Became A Musician

My oldest sister introduced me to a lot of music that I still listen to today, and when she began to learn guitar, it was inevitable that I'd want to follow after her. I started playing guitar when I was twelve, after she was kind enough to show me how to play a Michelle Branch on her nylon stringed classical guitar. But I ultimately wanted to play pop-punk music like my first favorite band, New Found Glory, and that was where I initially gravitated.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first time going on tour. I played drums at the time, and we went from NC out to Austin, TX for South by Southwest. It was always a dream of mine to travel with music, and I made lifelong friends and musical collaborators in the process.

A fun fact about me is...

I refer to myself as a chronic hobbyist; my interests span very far and I love to tinker with anything from plants to cars to electronics repairs.

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

Identify the artists, songs, or styles of music that motivate you to want to learn to play, and focus the majority of your efforts there. There are countless paths to learning music, but the one that works best for you is the one that keeps you picking up your instrument not because you feel you should, but because you have a desire to.

Michael McKeithen
Michael McKeithen Portrait

Meet Michael McKeithen!

Pianist, composer, and educator seeking to empower the next generation of musicians and artists.

Why I Became A Musician

Being able to express emotion without words/convey a message with only sound.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first recital I ever played.

A fun fact about me is...

Really enjoy AI.

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

Practice at your own pace.

Donarah Sheppard
Donarah Sheppard Portrait

Meet Donarah Sheppard!

Donarah strives to blend her technical training, academic knowledge, and heartfelt passion to create meaningful and lasting musical experience for her students. Music is not just what she does—it’s who she is.

Why I Became A Musician

The pure joy of expressing myself through a musical instrument inspired me to pursue musicianship.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Some of my most memorable and sentimental musical moments include my time traveling with the Florida A&M University concert chorus during my undergraduate college tenure.

A fun fact about me is...

I was born where everyone loves to vacation…Florida!

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

… what you put in is exactly what you’ll get out!

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!

Mckeila Ortiz Glaum
Mckeila Ortiz Glaum Portrait

Meet Mckeila Ortiz Glaum!

Mckeila Ortiz Glaum is a passionate singer and music educator who brings over ten years of piano experience, five years of classical vocal training, and active performance work to her teaching. She specializes in piano and voice and loves building a warm, student-centered space where musicians can grow with confidence.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up surrounded by music, from choir rehearsals to playing piano at home, and over time, I realized how deeply it connects people and how meaningful it felt to be part of that experience. That blend of expression, community, and purpose is what inspired me to make music-making a meaningful part of my everyday life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of my most memorable moments was performing with Opera Carolina for the first time and seeing students’ faces light up during the show. It reminded me how powerful and joyful music becomes when it’s share, and why music education matters so deeply.

A fun fact about me is...

I have performed in 8 operas.

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

Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace and enjoy the process. The small, consistent steps matter more than perfection.

Alex McKeel
Alex McKeel Portrait

Meet Alex McKeel!

I grew up playing and studying classical music in South Carolina, performing in a variety of ensembles and orchestras, both professional and amateur. In college I began studying jazz and improvisation performing both solo and in Clemson’s jazz ensembles, as well as forming a few informal groups with other students. I now live in Atlanta, teaching private lessons and performing and recording as much as I can!

Why I Became A Musician

When I was younger, playing music in my local community, I found it brought everyone a lot closer together. I look at music as a community building tool, and that is why I will always keep it in my life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I had a regular gig in college playing long solo piano sets in this historic dinner club in Aiken’s horse district. It was a very great experience as a young person to play for an older crowd like this who had lived through the eras I was playing music from. I learned a lot from their stories and their connection to jazz from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to cook.

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

Get to your instrument every single day, even if just for a minute or two!

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.

Joseph “Jay” Riedel
Joseph “Jay” Riedel Portrait

Meet Joseph “Jay” Riedel!

Jay Rydel has been a freelance musician since 2015. Often playing over 100 gigs a year, he performs pop, rock, blues, jazz, R&B, country, folk, funk, soul, hip-hop, and more. Today he focuses on writing, recording, and producing his original music as well as collaborating with other artists and musicians. He started releasing his own music in 2020.

Why I Became A Musician

Feeling the excitement and nerves of performing as a young kid on piano. Jamming with my friends as a teenager (one of them being Bold Music’s co-founder George Ramsay). The process of creating and writing music is my favorite thing in the world.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing D’angelo and the Vanguard at the Ogden Theater in Denver.

A fun fact about me is...

I have chickens.

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

Have fun. Play through mistakes. Rhythm is the most important thing. Understand the difference between practicing and learning. Play music with others.

Drizzie Burston
Drizzie Burston Portrait

Meet Drizzie Burston!

Hi, My name is Drizzie and I love to teach! One of my favorite things about teaching is being able to help people reach their untapped potential. I always strive to meet students where they are so that they have fun in the process of learning and grow as a musician!

Why I Became A Musician

Passion drives me to be a musician but the inspiration comes from the people around me. Friends, audiences, and colleagues reminding me of the gift I have and to never give up.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I went to Vicenza Italy to preform my first Opera and it was astonishing!

A fun fact about me is...

I am a local professional opera, and love playing chess in the park on a nice Saturday afternoon!

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

You are enough and YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! Learning music can be very emotional and it is easy to give up but the more you remind yourself of these 2 things it will give you strength enough to keep going.

Bry McKeon
Bry McKeon Portrait

Meet Bry McKeon!

Growing up Bry began her musical career playing the flute at 11 years old. Through middle and high school, Bry studied privately and was active in her school’s band program. Her passion for music grew as she played music with others in her high school wind ensemble and local honor bands. During her senior year she served as Drum Major. Bry also won numerous awards and scholarships. She followed her passion for music into college.

At UNC Charlotte, Bry graduated with a bachelors of music in Education. Flourishing in her time at UNCC, she was active in many ensembles. In her final two years she worked as principal of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. This opened many opportunities, which included playing in the pit for the theater department. While at UNCC she focused on perfecting flute, as well developing her skills as a music educator. In her college studio Bry became proficient at all wind/brass instruments, as well as piano, which were apart of her general studies.

Currently Bry works as a middle school band director at Martin Luther King Middle School in Charlotte. In her first year, Bry hopes to create a positive environment where students are able to grow as both individuals and musicians.

Chris Jones
Chris Jones Portrait

Meet Chris Jones!

I’ve been a guitar player for 32 years. I started later the most (at age 19) and for the last 23 years I have been a teacher. My main area of study has been in jazz and improvisation. I have been performing for about 24 years. I have a BA in Music Therapy.

Why I Became A Musician

I love music! Pretty simple.

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of the first bands I ever played in was a 60s rock cover band called Indian Joe and the Indian Indians. We used to wear face paint and Indian headdresses.

A fun fact about me is...

I was born in England.

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

Be patient with yourself and know that any skill takes time.

Joseph Levi
Joseph Levi Portrait

Meet Joseph Levi!

I’ve been teaching and performing in the Charlotte area for the past eight years. Whether through vocal, instrumental, or composition lessons, I take great joy in guiding students who are eager to deepen their skills and grow within the world of music.

Why I Became A Musician

My grandfather. He played the guitar. At an early age, whenever I would visit his house, he would share songs and chords that I didn't know. Those moments shaped how I approach music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Recording, mixing, and mastering an entire album from my home studio. Some of the tracks were also captured live, which preserved that raw footage.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a cat dad.

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

Practice for a bit, and if you start getting frustrated, step away for a moment. Rome wasn't built in a day!

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