Michael McKeithen
Michael McKeithen Portrait

Meet Michael McKeithen!

Pianist, composer, and educator seeking to empower the next generation of musicians and artists.

Why I Became A Musician

Being able to express emotion without words/convey a message with only sound.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first recital I ever played.

A fun fact about me is...

Really enjoy AI.

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

Practice at your own pace.

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!

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.

Jackson Cini
Jackson Cini Portrait

Meet Jackson Cini!

I studied music at college and have been playing professionally for over ten years. I play various genres of music across the East Coast with my band and other groups.

Why I Became A Musician

From the moment I started playing at a young age, music was fun. I was inspired to chase the feeling you get playing music with others.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing a sold-out show for my band's debut album release.

A fun fact about me is...

I have played with a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra!

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

Listen lots! Music is a language best learned by ear.

Kyle Schneider
Kyle Schneider Portrait

Meet Kyle Schneider!

Ever since he heard the blistering drum groove at the start of “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen, Kyle knew that drumming was something he wanted to pursue. After many years of mastering the drums on Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Kyle’s Dad surprised him with a busted drum set that he has since renovated extensively.
Kyle’s love for genre playing has evolved heavily, beginning from an interest in classic rock music to Jazz and improvisational skill in his high school years. Kyle also applied his inherent and rhythmic musical talents to the piano, expanding his reach instrumentally. Kyle then made the big leap after graduation to study music academically at ECU as a Music Performance Major.
Kyle is currently attached to two big musical projects, the Chapel Hill based Rock band “Alice Blue” as well as the Durham Jazz Collective “SMYA” where he and the other members contribute their own compositions. Kyle is also a skilled audio engineer, with many of his self produced drum recordings appearing for artists around the Triangle.

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.

Brittany Winans
Brittany Winans Portrait

Meet Brittany Winans!

I began my musical journey with piano lessons at the age of 5 and have been doing some form of music ever since then! In 2019, I received my music degree in Vocal Performance at Winthrop University. When I’m not teaching, you can find me making music with my husband or singing in non-profit choirs in the Charlotte area!

Why I Became A Musician

My mother is a classically trained pianist and organist; she is easily the reason I am a musician! Growing up, I saw her playing music every day at church and at home. She is still enjoying her art and still inspires me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment would have to be my senior voice recital in college. I sang over an hour of solo music by composers Debussy, Mozart, Schumann, and more! The recital was entirely memorized and it took over a year of practice and preparation.

A fun fact about me is...

in the morning I teach yoga and in the afternoon I teach music!

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

Have fun and be patient with yourself. It is good to learn music you know, but you should also be open to new music and expand your horizons!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Jacob Rasbornik
Jacob Rasbornik Portrait

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.

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!

Jacin Prevatte
Jacin Prevatte Portrait

Meet Jacin Prevatte!

I have a degree in music from Winthrop University where I focused on voice, piano, and audio production. I was classically trained for opera all 4 years of college as well as for musical theatre and jazz. I’ve been singing and performing musical theatre for over 10 years. I have also been teaching private lessons and performing in gigs around Charlotte for the last 4 years, both of which include a variety of repertoire from the 50s to today.

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a family of musicians and I always gravitated towards performing. I love singing and making music, and I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My senior recital for college was pretty memorable! I spent all year preparing for it and it included a variety of songs from Handel to Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Bareilles. I even included one of my original songs, “Swap Keys”.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to help my students with songwriting!

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

We will always have more to learn, so it’s never too late to start learning! Practice makes progress, and everyone is capable of getting better!

Gabrielle Murray
Gabrielle Murray Portrait

Meet Gabrielle Murray!

I’ve been playing piano since I was 7 years old and I started teaching when I was 16! I went to Northwest School of the Arts for Piano and Band. I have continued my studies and love passing along my inspiration to all of my students!

Why I Became A Musician

I love listening to music and I wanted to learn how to create it for myself. Playing your favorite song feels so much better than simply listening to it.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment was watching my middle school students perform their first winter recital! Seeing how far they had all come I was just so incredibly proud of them and their dedication.

A fun fact about me is...

I can proficiently play 8 instruments!

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

My advice to someone just starting to learn music is to take it slowly. No one starts playing like Mozart from day one, dedication and consistency are important!