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

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.

Korena Kraynak
Korena Kraynak Portrait

Meet Korena Kraynak!

I am Korena Kraynak, and I am a life-long, passionate musician. I have been playing piano for over 20 years, and have developed a love of teaching. I absolutely adore children and helping them explore their gifts and talents. I have been teaching for 5 years, and there is nothing better than inspiring the next generation of musicians!

Why I Became A Musician

My piano teacher as a child was so inspiring to me, because she could pick up any piece of music and play it flawlessly! I thought it was the coolest thing and wanted to do that "when I grew up".

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was giving my own local show in my hometown in rural Pennsylvania. The crowd was full of 90 friends, family, supporters, and music lovers. It was a magical moment to share my love of music with people who have watched me from childhood!

A fun fact about me is...

I am from Pennsylvania.

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

Music is such a joy to have in life, but it can take a lot of time to master. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and don't forget to practice!

Eric McClam
Eric McClam Portrait

Meet Eric McClam!

Eric is a dedicated musician and music educator who attended Claflin University as a Music Education major with a concentration in Voice. His passion for music and education drives him to work closely with young musicians, helping them develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Beyond guiding students toward their goals as performers, he values the opportunity to grow alongside them on their musical and life journeys. Eric’s mission is to inspire the next generation to find their voices and skills—both in music and in life.

Why I Became A Musician

What inspired me to become a musician? Honestly, it started with my love for how music makes people feel. Growing up, I saw how powerful it was—how a song could change someone’s mood, bring people together, or give somebody confidence they didn’t know they had. Over time, I realized I wanted to be part of that. Being a vocalist, working with kids, mentoring, and helping others grow just made it even clearer: music isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. Seeing people light up when they learn something new, or when they connect with a song—that’s what really inspired me and keeps me going every day.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing at Carnegie Hall.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to Bowl.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is this: Start with patience and passion. Don’t worry about being perfect right away—focus on building good habits, listening carefully, and practicing consistently. Surround yourself with music that inspires you, ask questions when you don’t understand something, and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. Music is a journey, and the more you stay open, curious, and committed, the further it will take you.

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.

Melissanthi Guthold
Melissanthi Guthold Portrait

Meet Melissanthi Guthold!

I am a Greek-American classical soprano with a B.A. of Music, and I have been involved in many opera productions throughout the years, the most recent of which was the Berlin Opera Academy’s Cendrillon. I love nurturing young minds and watching students explore their own musicality. My approach to vocal technique relies on proprioception and experimentation, so I will use these concepts to tailor lessons to fit each individual singer’s instrument.

Why I Became A Musician

In short, the feelings that music elicits. There is something indescribable about the human condition that can only be expressed with music, and I knew I needed to dedicate my life to that thing. I have never felt so emotional, thoughtful, and enraptured as when I listen to a powerful piece of music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor I had to honor of performing the title role Madame Herz, A.K.A. the most flamboyant diva of all time. The role was just so pompous and joyful. This was also the role that encouraged me to lean into the acting side of opera.

A fun fact about me is...

I can teach you how to make tiny origami stars.

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

It’s okay to sound really terrible. It can be discouraging when you cannot immediately see progress, but you cannot make a beautiful sound without many, many ugly sounds preceding it. I had to practice for 10 years before I ever liked the way I sounded. My advice is to never give up. Even if progress is slow, the value of being immersed in music is immeasurable, nonetheless.

Jeremy Vega
Jeremy Vega Portrait

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.

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!

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!

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!

JT Sutek
JT Sutek Portrait

Meet JT Sutek!

JT is a musician and teacher with a deep passion for anything musical. He first picked up guitar at age seven, and throughout the years has added a variety of instruments into his musical portfolio. He has eight years of experience recording, performing, and teaching music across North Carolina and beyond. You can often find him performing with one of his bands, investigating the local record shops, or enjoying the weather with a book and a cup of tea.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents took me to my first concert, and the rest is history.

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I got to see one of my students perform with a band they started. I felt so proud getting to see someone else find their passion for music, and knowing I had even a small part in that!

A fun fact about me is...

My socks never match, but there’s always a theme!

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

You become a real musician the second you pick up an instrument. There is no magical moment where you suddenly become “good enough” to have music be a part of your life - you did that just by starting!

Melody Jackson
Melody Jackson Portrait

Meet Melody Jackson!

I have over 25 years of experience with piano and voice. I’ve taught music for over 5 years.

Why I Became A Musician

I’ve been a musician my whole life. That’s how God made me! My parents are artists as well, so they encouraged that gift too.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Working on music at my church has been a joy. We’ve written many songs, released an album, and a few singles so far!

A fun fact about me is...

I love the color orange.

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

Stay consistent and have fun! Explore to find what works for you, but know that skill come with discipline.

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.

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.

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!

Georgette Class-peters
Georgette Class-peters Portrait

Meet Georgette Class-peters!

Georgette Class-Peters is an award-winning singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and educator with over 10 years of experience helping students discover the power of their voice. A Ghana Music Awards winner who has performed alongside artists like Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson, she brings both professional artistry and heartfelt mentorship to every lesson. Her mission is to empower singers to grow in confidence, skill, and authentic expression through faith and music.

Why I Became A Musician

I used to have a serious stutter. And then I realized that when I was singing, I was not stuttering by the time I became adept at speaking. I realize that music was a love that I could not shake. It was a spark that changed my life and saved it in so many instances.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I won a Ghana music award as well as singing back up for some of my favorite artists.

A fun fact about me is...

I love coffee.

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

Consistency is key! Trust the process keep practicing every day and you’ll become a better musician day by day. Before you know it you’ll love your voice more than ever.

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!

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