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

Jenn Kaminski-Horak
Jenn Kaminski-Horak Portrait

Meet Jenn Kaminski-Horak!

Jenn is a passionate and versatile professional musician who teaches saxophone, flute, piano, and voice. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN as a saxophonist. During her time in school, she won the Senior Honors Competition and performed the Lars-Erik Larsson Concerto with the Concordia Orchestra. She was also section leader in the Concordia Band and Jazz Ensemble 1, led multiple saxophone quartets, sang in choir, and performed in the SaxArts Festival in Faenza, Italy in 2018 with other musicians from around the world.  As the lead singer, saxophonist, and song writer in the band Short Notice for the past four years, Jenn has shown herself to be fluent in many genres both vocally and on the saxophone. These genres include rock, pop, jazz, alternative and more. As a child, Jenn dreamed of playing in a band, so being a part of Short Notice has been one of her favorite musical experiences! Church music is another aspect of music that Jenn has quite a bit of experience in. She has directed worship bands for the past 5+ years at Atonement Lutheran Church and with the campus ministry Cru, leading on keyboard and vocals. Jenn has a passion for musical excellence and helping her students grow because the skills learned as a musician can be applied to many other aspects of life. Jenn also loves coming alongside her students and watching them discover the beauty, expression, and fun that comes from playing music!

Phil Pucci
Phil Pucci Portrait

Meet Phil Pucci!

I’ve been writing songs and playing in bands for 25 years. I started teaching and coaching student bands 8 years ago.

Why I Became A Musician

When my older cousin visited my family for a week, and he was constantly playing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin licks on guitar. I asked for my own guitar that Christmas.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My proudest music memories are when I’ve played album release shows. That’s a very accomplished feeling.

A fun fact about me is...

Many years ago, an anonymous person recorded covers of over 10 of my songs and uploaded them to bandcamp. I never found out who it was.

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

Learn songs you already know and like. Have fun playing and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

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.

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!

Caroline Belk
Caroline Belk Portrait

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.

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!

Nicole Foo
Nicole Foo Portrait

Meet Nicole Foo!

Nicole Song En Foo is a pianist from Malaysia. She believes music is part of life and everyone can feel the beats. Offering music lessons, she is excited to develop in each student with both the joy of being an artist and the discipline of developing a skill.
Ms. Nicole holds a PAC (Professional Artist Certificate) in collaborative piano in 2020 and M.M in Piano Performance in 2019 at the University of North Carolina School of Arts under the guidance of Professor Margo Garrett and Dr. Polina Khatsko. Her primary mentors included Dr. Dmitri Vorobiev and Dr. Allison Gagnon. She also earned a B.A in Music from the University of Northern Iowa in 2017. As a student, she also earned piano and violin certificates at LTCL (Licentiate Trinity College of London) and ATCL (Associate Trinity College of London) in 2016 and 2011.

Why I Became A Musician

Honestly, no one. I grow up in a music family. Right after high school, I was offered by University of Indonesia to study med and Drake University(Iowa) & University of Northern Iowa to study music. I know deep down music has been a part of my life since birth, that I couldn't and wouldn't give up and I'm proud of that.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Tons of midnight practices with my college friends for upcoming performances. We would attempt to play other's instruments that we are not familiar with and it sounded terrible...yikes!

A fun fact about me is...

I love cats and noodles!

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

Focus on fundamental and be patient throughout the learning process.

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.

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.

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.

Nadya Stratton
Nadya Stratton Portrait

Meet Nadya Stratton!

Nadya is a classically trained flute and piano player who also has great improvisational skills and experience teaching all styles of music!

Why I Became A Musician

I can feel the music and connect with my audience when I improvise with the flute. I knew I would play forever.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing on stage with Nestor Torres, a Latin/Jazz Grammy flute player.

A fun fact about me is...

I enjoy golfing with my family during the summer and skiing in the winter.

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

Enjoy every moment of it. Learn with positivity and patience.

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!

John Jorgensen
John Jorgensen Portrait

Meet John Jorgensen!

I have been playing guitar and bass for 30+ years, keyboard and drums for 15 years. I have a degree in music and dual master’s degrees in the Humanities. I love teaching and do so around 25% of my week and produce music the rest: selling my music to use in TV/Cable/Streaming outlets. I’m currently a guitar player in Valley Range (a Charlotte band), a reggae band and an electronic project.

Why I Became A Musician

The rock/pop/garage music of the 1960s was my first musical love. Bands like The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks, etc were central to me wanting to learn how to play guitar and learn songwriting and later, production (recording & mixing).

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I saw Pat Metheny play. His compositions and mastery of the guitar is spell-binding.

A fun fact about me is...

I love cats, and have two sister cats.

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

Have some music that you love on the instrument that you are learning. The desire to hear that music will be an engine to learn it together with your instrument. Also, take your time and let your mind and fingers develop at your individual pace - all while keeping the joy of music alive.

Chad White
Chad White Portrait

Meet Chad White!

Chad White teaches Trumpet, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Bass and Ukulele. A multi-instrumentalist, Chad is a 2020 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied Music as well as Arts Administration. Chad is a Charlotte resident and has many years of experience playing music professionally and has played in various musical ensembles including the UNCG Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble, as well as other local bands.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was very young around the holidays, I saw a band playing jingle bell rock, which was my favorite holiday song at the time and thought it was super cool! I always loved music and jumped at the opportunity to join band in middle school.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing at the 2019 National Trumpet Competition in with the UNCG Trumpet Ensemble.

A fun fact about me is...

I love hiking!

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

Focus on getting a strong set of basics at first. Memorize all of the musical alphabet, chord tones, and scales. After that you can really start having fun!

Lawrence Bourgeois
Lawrence Bourgeois Portrait

Meet Lawrence Bourgeois!

I began guitar as a casual hobby during my first year of college, but it quickly blossomed into a fervent passion that I now strive to nurture every day. Playing and practicing music every day is something I would do regardless of my circumstances, so an opportunity to teach it professionally is a great privilege.

Why I Became A Musician

A guitar I received from a family bequest & the guitar work of Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, and Django Reinhardt.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Studying with Loyola New Orleans' resident jazz guitar expert, Adam Bock, for the last year of my undergraduate degree.

A fun fact about me is...

I got my undergrad in English Literature and Classical Studies!

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

Patience and persistence will hold steady when notions of "natural talent" and "genius" fail. Consistent effort towards a difficult goal always pays off if you stick with it day-by-day. Anything worth doing is usually difficult.

Peyton Wheeler
Peyton Wheeler Portrait

Meet Peyton Wheeler!

Peyton Wheeler, mezzo-soprano, is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she majored in Vocal Performance and minored in German. She performed the role of Dorabella in Così fan tutte at Opera in the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, AR, before later reprising the role at UNCG. Other roles at UNCG include Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Hata (The Bartered Bride), and Babs (Roman Fever). She also participated in the German for Singers Program at Middlebury College in 2021.

Why I Became A Musician

While I can't name a specific moment, music has been prevalent throughout the ebbs and flows of my life. The enduring joy that music brings to my life is what inspires me to teach and perform!

My Memorable Musical Experience

I think my most memorable musical moment would be making my professional debut with Opera Carolina. I had so much fun preparing and performing the role of Mercédès in Carmen!

A fun fact about me is...

I love sharks!

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

Never stop practicing. Even when it feels like you aren't making progress, you are!

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