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

GuitarX
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.

James Nunn
James Nunn Portrait

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.

Corrina Lewis
Corrina Lewis Portrait

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.

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!

Shane Burbage
Shane Burbage Portrait

Meet Shane Burbage!

Shane is a multi-instrumentalist with years of experience and a Music Degree from UNC Asheville. He specializes in Music Theory and Music History and loves using his knowledge and passion to teach and jam with students. Shane has experience directing and leading different age groups. Shane’s favorite way to teach music is to find patterns and connections within songs emphasizing universal elements like rhythm, dynamics, and note direction.

Why I Became A Musician

Playing music with my friends growing up! You don't have to be a seasoned pro to start jamming with your best buds...it's a great way to start feeling the music and the sense of community it provides 🎵.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing Radiohead cover Neil Young's "Tell Me Why" at the Hollywood Bowl.

A fun fact about me is...

I have an IMDB page.

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

Keep your ears open! Your ears are your best teacher, so figuring out how to better listen to things like melodies, chord progressions, and song structure can super charge your improvement!

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.

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.

Lisa Weber
Lisa Weber Portrait

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!

Harry Charles
Harry Charles Portrait

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.

Patrick Carr
Patrick Carr Portrait

Meet Patrick Carr!

My initial background started on blues and rock from the 60’s and 70s, but throughout the years I’ve grown my interest in other genres through the various projects I’ve been a part of such as jazz, country/Americana, folk, metal, CCM, and even early music from medieval and Renaissance periods. I also love writing music, whether it’s contributing parts to a song my band is working on to creating full songs of my own.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad lent me a copy of the fourth Led Zeppelin album and I remember hearing "Black Dog" for the first time; I just thought it sounded so cool and all I could think about was how much I wanted to learn how to play it. Not too long after that, I got my first guitar and that became my main focus since then.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Probably the most memorable moment I have from my time as a musician was recording in Nashville. I was able to track electric guitar parts in the same studio used by artists like Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski. A close tie may also be performing at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, which was where I also saw the Black Keys as my first concert.

A fun fact about me is...

I've been to Japan twice now.

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

Focus on gaining a strong foundation on technique and rhythm in the beginning as it will set you up for success when learning more advanced music, but also don't forget to have fun and keep an open mind for creativity.

Jack Erickson
Jack Erickson Portrait

Meet Jack Erickson!

Music is my expression of my creativity. Been a constant in my life since a young age. I love teaching professionally and helping my students grow through both practice and performance experiences!

Why I Became A Musician

My brother.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Building my own guitar!

A fun fact about me is...

I've built my own instruments.

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

Do it for the passion and nothing else!

Nicole Yakovlev
Nicole Yakovlev Portrait

Meet Nicole Yakovlev!

Music has always been a big part of my life! I’m classically trained in piano and voice and self taught in guitar and ukulele. I’ve spent years honing my musical skills through a variety of genres, and am eager to share all I have learned!

Why I Became A Musician

My mom was always playing the piano and guitar when I was a kid and I was entranced by the melodies she played! We were always singing or listening to something and it always gave me such peace. Music’s ability to make you feel connected, healed, seen, and heard is what made me become a musician.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was when a group of friends and I sold out a well known venue in Decatur called Eddie’s Attic! We had been preparing for the show and unsure of how everything would turn out, but the day of the show we found out that we packed the venue and gave a killer performance to a crowd full of eager ears!

A fun fact about me is...

I can do a back bend!

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

To a new music learner, I would recommend finding ways to make it fun! Practice and consistency are key but finding ways to make practicing fun can make you enjoy the learning process a lot more and make you realize how much music can give to you! Whether that’s finally learning a song that has been stuck in your head, making a game out of practicing scales, or writing your own tune, finding creative ways to spark a connection with music will create a life long relationship between you and your craft.

Domenice Elcock
Domenice Elcock Portrait

Meet Domenice Elcock!

Charlotte based singer/songwriter, producer, and teacher – Domenice Elcock has been teaching piano, holistic vocal training, vocal therapy, songwriting, production, and artist development for 10 years. With experience ranging from theatre/musicals, choir directing, composing, live shows, studio recording to doing one on one sessions, she has created and contributed to forming safe spaces for others to explore a vast musical landscape and learn about themselves in the process.

Why I Became A Musician

I remember at the age of six my father came home with a huge bag of cassette tapes. There were Spanish songs, opera, instrumental tracks from India, and even indigenous music from aboriginal tribes in Australia! We would listen to, and sing with them in the car everyday. I fell in love with the language of music. No matter where it came from or how different it was…it all told these beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking stories. I wanted to be able to communicate that way too and so I asked for a keyboard for Christmas!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My very first show that I performed under my artist name. My husband and I did a song that we wrote together. And hearing everyone in the room singing it with us was just pure magic!

A fun fact about me is...

I loooove anime!!! I am currently learning Japanese and Korean so I can watch my favorite shows without subtitles.

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

Keep an open mind. Be kind to yourself while you are learning, and acknowledge that growth doesn’t happen without struggle. Some days will feel better than others but each day you work at it, remember that it’s worth it!

Carrie Sutton
Carrie Sutton Portrait

Meet Carrie Sutton!

I have loved music for as far back as I can remember! I have had the opportunity to learn to play many different instruments which has led me to be able to compete on many different stages (instrumental and vocal categories) starting when I was only four years old. I was able to grasp opportunities that I never thought was possible while also being able to do what I love. I have many different styles of music in my background from classical to bluegrass, and I am thrilled to be able to pass along my love of music to anyone who is interested in learning!

Why I Became A Musician

My grandfather and grandmother traveled and sang to anyone who would listen with just the two of them and a guitar. They used to bring me with them to their shows when I was as young as two years old. Growing up seeing their love of music gave me a passion to follow in their footsteps, and that's why I have never turned down the opportunity to pick up another instrument or pursue another dream in music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I was 18, the vocal ensemble I was privileged enough to be a part of won second place in the nation. I will never forget the excitement that experience brought to me, and I will always be thankful that I was given that opportunity.

A fun fact about me is...

I have LOTS of different kinds of animals! :).

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

It's so worth it! Music is so much fun, and there is always something new to explore. The doors that pursuing music can open will amaze you. Never give up until you reach your goal!

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!

Eric Forbis
Eric Forbis Portrait

Meet Eric Forbis!

I grew up around music with my dad being a choir director and music teacher for my childhood. I have been a full time dueling piano player for 13 years now, and I enjoy performing. I love teaching, and helping spark a love of music in a student.

Why I Became A Musician

Watching my Dad direct choirs definitely inspired me, and helped me realize my love of music. Walking into my first dueling piano bar inspired me to learn the craft, and I have enjoyed it ever since.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I was in the choir that my dad conducted all throughout High School. My senior year at our final chorus concert, my dad and I got to sing a duet. We sang “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor, and I will always remember that performance.

A fun fact about me is...

I love riding motorcycles.

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

Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. Realize that progress happens in ways you may not notice right off the bat. Also, practice consistency is more important than practice length.

Interested in becoming an Instructor? Click here.

Ready to Get Started With Personalized Music Lessons ?