Our Instructors are the best!
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!
The Hiring Process
- Application Review/Screening
- Core Values Exercise
- Live Interview with Bold Management Team
- Performance/Proficiency Review
- Mock Lesson
- Reference Reach Out
- Background Check
- Final Review and Offer!
Meet Our Instructors
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.
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.
Meet James Nunn!
I have been a full time musician for the past several years, writing, recording, and touring with various acts across the Carolinas. I currently perform with traditional country group Jason Moss & The Hosses and a rock n roll band The Girls.
Why I Became A Musician
Watching The Eagles on video made me really get into music. Watching Led Zeppelin on DVD made me want to get a guitar.
My Memorable Musical Experience
Playing to a packed club in Atlanta, Georgia opening for some of my favorite rock bands.
A fun fact about me is...
I love to cook!
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Practice, practice, practice.
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.
Meet Jeremy Vega!
I picked up guitar when I was 8 years old! I played at church all my life and I have played with my band for about 4 years now so I have experience playing with others. Currently, I am always striving to improve on my instruments but I also dabble with production, sound design and songwriting.
Why I Became A Musician
The learning process. Music is a hobby where you can learn indefinitely and create a relationship with it that gets as deep as you want it to. You not only keep learning if you let your curiosity lead you, but you also learn to appreciate music by cultivating a more discerning ear.
My Memorable Musical Experience
My most memorable musical moment was being able to write and produce my very first song on my own. It’s one thing to write a song, but it’s another to be able to have it recorded and mixed and ready to listen to by yourself and with others. It’s so rewarding to see your effort finally pay off!
A fun fact about me is...
I’m a big Nintendo fanboy.
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Strive to be better but have fun while doing it. I spent too long striving for my musical goals only to realize years later that I had forgotten to enjoy the process. My goal as a teacher is to remove every variable besides effort, which is left to the student as a way to facilitate enjoyment throughout the learning process and to reduce frustration.
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!
Meet Harry Charles!
Harry Charles is a multi-instrumentalist from Rock Hill, South Carolina. He began playing piano in his early teens and has developed a high musical proficiency and repertoire spanning many genres and styles. He has performed extensively throughout the southeast with his award-winning musical variety show “Harry & Harrison.” Harry believes that with the right instruction, anyone can become a musician and unlock their own potential.
Why I Became A Musician
There's always something so magical about watching somebody operate a musical instrument with precision & passion. I can remember as a kid having countless experiences of seeing live musicians in restaurants or busking on the streets and knowing that if it was possible for me to find a way to do that for the rest of my life, I was going to find that way.
My Memorable Musical Experience
When I learned my first song on the piano and played it over and over again because of how proud I was!
A fun fact about me is...
I love cooking!
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Don't be afraid to mess up! To be a great musician you have to be patient with yourself and with the process; learning to command rhythm melody & harmony is like learning a new language and no one can do that in a day, it takes time. Remember this because it's important- 10 minutes of practice every day is far more beneficial to your learning than cramming for an hour once a week.
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.
Meet Corrina Lewis!
Classically trained since age 5. Lead Songwriter and Artist of my own six piece band that performs in Charlotte regularly “Lucid Dreams”. I can teach either classical or contemporary music to any age.
Why I Became A Musician
Music has always been there for me and has been a great big fun adventure. Music makes me happier than anything else, and I love sharing that inspiration with my students!
My Memorable Musical Experience
I love writing music with my band! Starting with just some ideas and taking it all the way to production and across the ‘finish line’ is a very rewarding process!
A fun fact about me is...
I love to play and sing at the same time.
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
It’s a lot of work in the beginning, but it’s worth it for a lifetime of joy.
Meet Joseph Bastian!
Always creating something. Always looking to grow, and learn. And teach, of course!
Why I Became A Musician
Rockband 3 on XBox 360.
My Memorable Musical Experience
That feeling I got when I finally figured out how to mix and get a song to sound exactly the way I want it.
A fun fact about me is...
I have music out on all streaming! JOEYB.
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Go slow. Practice. Be patient with yourself, and let it develop in your brain over time. Trust the process!
Meet Dillon Taylor!
Dillon’s passion for music began at an early age, growing up in a home filled with musical toys and instruments. Their formal musical education started in elementary school orchestra and expanded through private guitar lessons and like-minded friends. From performing in string quartets and rock bands to recording and producing music, Dillon enjoys exploring all parts of music.
Why I Became A Musician
The seemingly endless sounds that even a single instrument can make. I was fascinated by how something as deceptively simple as a guitar could always surprise me with something new.
My Memorable Musical Experience
Seeing a live performance of Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble - they were all such amazing musicians who exuded not only talent but joy as well.
A fun fact about me is...
I still have all of my widsom teeth.
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Follow your curiosity and whatever you find fun! There are so many ways to enjoy music, and chances are it will take some exploring before you find something that speaks to you.
Meet Inyoni N’Kosi!
Hello! My name is Inyoni N’kosi, and I’ve been teaching private music lessons in the greater Atlanta area since 2016.
I earned my music degree from Florida State University, with a minor in Japanese and a focus on Music in Special Education.
If I could go back to school, I’d add ethnomusicology to my degrees.
Why I Became A Musician
My grandmother was my biggest inspiration for being a musician. Her eager and adamant support always keep me happily practicing. I still play the last song she ever got to hear me play to honor her memory.
My Memorable Musical Experience
My most memorable musical moment was writing a piece of piano music with one of my students. It was about dragons, and we are moving on to our third piece together. And the dragons come from the book series I used when I had the privilege of being his reading tutor.
A fun fact about me is...
I've had a wonderful career as a performing musician and as a bard!
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Pick a reason to love it, and never lose sight of it. Learn the fundamentals of the skill before trying to master it. Trust the process.
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.
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.
Meet Lisa Weber!
Lisa Weber has been teaching in and around the Charlotte area for over 13 years. She specializes in piano, voice, guitar and composition. She earned her Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Music at Central Piedmont Community College. There she specialized in classical piano and voice, while also studying guitar, composition, and audio engineering. She is currently teaching, composing and continuing her education. Lisa’s main interests now are to assist others in developing their own talents and passion for music.
Why I Became A Musician
I loved watching musicians on television during early childhood, and asked for a keyboard at the age of 5. I absolutely love seeing others explore their own musical journey!
My Memorable Musical Experience
It's hard to choose just one!
A fun fact about me is...
I have a Great Pyrenees named Izzy!
My advice to someone starting to learn music is...
Consistent practice is key! The more you practice, the more you become familiar with your instrument. We all learn differently, and I believe that offering lessons customized to your learning style and interests is essential. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the learning process!
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.
