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

Paulina Quisol
Paulina Quisol Portrait

Meet Paulina Quisol!

I’m passionate about writing and performing music, helping others reach their goals, and learning. Teaching is the most rewarding career for me. It’s the best way to practice my craft daily while helping others achieve new heights.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom and dad are both musicians, somewhere along the way I picked up a guitar and never put it back down again. Singing was my first instrument, then guitar and other stringed instruments, and then, piano.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable moments in music..I had so much fun playing 4-5 nights a week in Charlotte and surrounding cities leading up to Covid. I also made some amazing friends working at Nellie’s and had a lot of fun working for the Jonas family.

A fun fact about me is...

We just released an album! Stream: Confide by Leclère

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

Giving up isn’t in your vocabulary. There will be moments when you’re frustrated - press on. I think that learning a new skill teaches you a lot about yourself!

Meredith Corrales
Meredith  Corrales Portrait

Meet Meredith Corrales!

I’m a music educator who teaches piano and violin, and I also play viola and cello. I love introducing students to different instruments and making music learning diverse and fun.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired by my family. My sisters and my parents are musicians, so music has always been a big part of my life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was performing a concerto with an orchestra for the first time. It was a life-changing experience that deepened my passion for teaching and performing.

A fun fact about me is...

A fun fact about me is that I can switch between four instruments pretty easily, and I enjoy teaching in both English and Spanish.

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

My advice is to be patient and enjoy every step. It’s not about being perfect, but about having fun and growing little by little.

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.

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!

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.

Nate Kivett
Nate Kivett Portrait

Meet Nate Kivett!

Originally from St. Louis Missouri, Nate Kivett moved to California in pursuit of his passion for drumming. He studied at the Los Angeles College of Music, under the instruction of department chairmen Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey. After graduating, he spent five years traveling the world aboard cruise ships playing drums for numerous guest singers, instrumentalists, and Vegas style shows. Since moving to Charlotte, he has maintained a busy life playing drums for various original and top 40’s bands in the area. As a drum instructor, Nate prides himself on patiently encouraging and educating each student so that she or he may realize and expand their passion for drumming.

Miasol Yara
Miasol Yara Portrait

Meet Miasol Yara!

I grew up in a musical family taking lessons in cello, violin, and piano as well as participating in musical theater and choir. I picked up guitar and ukulele when I was around 9 years old, the same time I joined my first pop/rock band. During middle school I started teaching music, and I later was a member of a funk band and another rock band. During college, I joined and music directed an a capella group and continued to teach music.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents are musicians and filled our lives with music as children, so it has always been a natural part of my life. I found a particular love for singing to the point where I feel I can't go without it, and a lot of my motivation to grow my instrumental skills is to accompany that love.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting to play Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with Legacy Theater!

A fun fact about me is...

I have lots of other interests including art, creative writing, and animals- I even have a pet snake!

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

The more tools you have to work with, the more you can create. So many of my skills have come not just from lessons, but from expanding my listening and personal practice into a huge variety of music. Even more importantly, you have to consistently use the tools you have so they don't get rusty. Figure out what kind or what part of music draws you in the most, and create your own standards. Nobody is born a musician, and anyone can become one.

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.

Bryanna McKeon
Bryanna McKeon Portrait

Meet Bryanna McKeon!

I began my musical journey at 11 in my school band playing flute. In undergrad I majored in music education. I have experience in a classroom setting as well as having taught private lessons on flute and piano for 4 years.

Why I Became A Musician

Listening to my favorite musicians growing up!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing at the college band directors association as principal flute for UNCC wind ensemble.

A fun fact about me is...

I’ve learned almost every instrument!

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

Playing music is hard! It’s okay to make mistakes.

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.

Jackson Harden
Jackson Harden Portrait

Meet Jackson Harden!

Jackson Harden is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer from Utah and now residing in Concord. He got his start in music at the age of eight when he started taking private lessons for guitar, now his primary instrument, specializing in fingerstyle picking and folk & rock music. Over the twenty years since then he has picked up the piano, bass, banjo, harmonica, and lap steel guitar as well. He attended Snow College for music and graduated with a Bachelors of Commercial Music degree in 2019 which provided him with a thorough education of music theory, technique, ear training, composition and wide range of genres and musical styles. Some of his favorite artists include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Arctic Monkeys.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was seven years old my childhood friend gave me several burned Green Day CDs and it rocked my world. I wanted to be just like Billie Joe Armstrong and begged my parents to get me a guitar. On my eighth birthday they got me on and signed me up for guitar lessons and the rest is history!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing my first real concert when I was 12 years old. I saw Jack Johnson in Salt Lake City and I remember thinking that that's what I want to do when I grow up.

A fun fact about me is...

I was an extra in High School Musical 3.

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

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come naturally right away. Practice a little bit every single day rather than letting days go by without practicing. Eventually it will click and then it starts to get really fun!

Riley Anderson
Riley Anderson Portrait

Meet Riley Anderson!

Hey there I’m Riley, and I have a passion for teaching guitar and beginner piano. My philosophy is what I believe to be the modern music education way: blending growth, success and fun. These 3 make music lessons fun, progressive driven, and fulfilling.

Why I Became A Musician

My first experience playing in a rock band as a teenager is what drove me to say “I want to pursue music as my career.” Funny enough it was performing but now teaching is my passion.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable is when I lived in the UK for grad school and I played in a British brass band. One favorite is playing in the champion brass band competition where I played some really challenging and exposed solos in front of hundreds of people, it was something else. Additionally during Covid, we won the Cory online competition and that was meaningful as well!

A fun fact about me is...

I am a competitive west coast swing dancer.

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

You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t need to slave at robotic and bland fundamentals only. It should be a mixture of improvement, but also creative exploration and not being afraid to make mistakes.

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!

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.

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.

John Stephens
John Stephens Portrait

Meet John Stephens!

I have bachelor’s in Arts Studies (Music), a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship, and years of experience in various parts the music field. From writing/producing hardcore songs for my solo project to singing Sabrina Carpenter at karaoke, music is always at the forefront of my life!

Why I Became A Musician

At the end of my junior year of high school, a couple of friends came to my dorm room one night to hang out and play guitar; merely a week later, I impulsively bought an acoustic and got my musically-inclined cousins to show me some scales & chords that same summer.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first live performance to debut my solo act’s first EP was surreal; being the center of attention was unfamiliar at the time, but something I’d grow to aspire for above all else. Since then, I‘ve aimed to be able to share my story, provide entertainment, and connect with people through performances on any occasion possible.

A fun fact about me is...

I got my black belt at 16!

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

Take it slow! Progress may not happen as quickly as you’d like, but getting better at slower speeds and at easier music is essential to your foundation as a musician.

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