Drizzie Burston
Drizzie Burston Portrait

Meet Drizzie Burston!

Hi, My name is Drizzie and I love to teach! One of my favorite things about teaching is being able to help people reach their untapped potential. I always strive to meet students where they are so that they have fun in the process of learning and grow as a musician!

Why I Became A Musician

Passion drives me to be a musician but the inspiration comes from the people around me. Friends, audiences, and colleagues reminding me of the gift I have and to never give up.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I went to Vicenza Italy to preform my first Opera and it was astonishing!

A fun fact about me is...

I am a local professional opera, and love playing chess in the park on a nice Saturday afternoon!

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

You are enough and YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! Learning music can be very emotional and it is easy to give up but the more you remind yourself of these 2 things it will give you strength enough to keep going.

Jenny Chen
Jenny Chen Portrait

Meet Jenny Chen!

I began playing piano classically at age 5 and violin at age 7 and performed in local competitions and groups for around 12 years until college. In my summers and free time I’d often help teach violin, general music, and lead small rehearsals for local elementary, middle, and high school strings students. I love helping students improve on their current pieces and repertoire.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom always loved music, especially classical, but did not have the opportunity to learn herself, so it inspired me to try and bring that joy into our house!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing the students I helped rehearse with perform at the end of summer music camp every year.

A fun fact about me is...

I love baking bread and reading!

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

Treat it with fun and exploration.

Brad Steed
Brad Steed Portrait

Meet Brad Steed!

Lifelong musician with a passion for spreading the joy and personal growth that comes with learning an instrument. I firmly believe the skills and discipline learned through the pursuit of music resonates with all other aspects of life.

Why I Became A Musician

Hearing my grandfather playing the piano as a child.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Finishing my first self-produced album!

A fun fact about me is...

Peanut butter is my favorite food!

Aubree Boggs
Aubree Boggs Portrait

Meet Aubree Boggs!

Originally hailing from middle Tennessee, Aubree Boggs attended the University of Kentucky to study Arts Administration and Vocal Performance. Her earliest memories include falling in love with Motown music and singing pop hits on her karaoke machine. She began taking voice and piano lessons at the age of 6 and developed her skills through years in high school and collegiate choirs, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. Today, she absolutely loves to teach, lead musical worship at church, and dabbles in songwriting and production.

Why I Became A Musician

I knew from a very young age that music would always be a vital part of my life. I remember watching videos of the Jackson 5 and being in absolute awe of the beauty they created through music. I had a deep sense that my emotional connection to music shouldn't be ignored - the rest is history!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Performing the lead role in my collegiate choir's "Hello, Dolly!" musical production

A fun fact about me is...

I once lost my big toenail in a concert mosh pit!

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

You are ALWAYS capable of learning and applying new skills! Choose to believe that learning how to play your instrument has no prerequisite - only a dedicated attitude is required!

Rushton Loring
Rushton Loring Portrait

Meet Rushton Loring!

I’ve been playing and writing music for 20 years. I currently own, manage and play in the band Heads Up Penny; we’ve been gigging full time for 10 years. I’ve also been a music instructor for about 10 years – I love teaching voice, guitar and songwriting.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad took me to used CD shops in Boston when I was a kid. I fell in love with rock n roll. I couldn’t think of anything cooler than forming a band with my best friends. The rest is history!

My Memorable Musical Experience

A few years ago we played an event that culminated in a speech from the POTUS.

A fun fact about me is...

I have 4 cats 😬.

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

Be patient with yourself, be realistic about how often you can practice, and work towards learning something you love.

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!

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.

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.

Reggie Sykes
Reggie Sykes Portrait

Meet Reggie Sykes!

I’ve been playing piano for 20 years, singing for 25 years. Teaching for over 10 years. I love to write songs, relaxing in nature and reading books!

Why I Became A Musician

Hearing Witney Houston when I was very young was a huge inspiration for me! Also getting my very first keyboard as a toddler!

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I had the opportunity to sing on TV!

A fun fact about me is...

I also dj!

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

Enjoy the journey, for its more about the journey than the destination. 🙂

Emily Greene
Emily Greene Portrait

Meet Emily Greene!

I started playing violin in orchestra in 6th grade and sang in my middle school honors small ensemble, until I moved to my high school’s honors chamber orchestra, which gave me the ability to find other musicians to play string quartets. I played in the Western Piedmont Youth Symphony, where I was asked if I would learn viola in order to join the Western Piedmont Youth Quartet, to which I said “of course!” Along the way I added piano to my instrument list and never looked back!

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up singing in church and loved it, but when I tried to play violin, it sounded so rough. It was like a puzzle that I was determined to figure out, and when I made a few good sounds, they were like radiant glimmers of hope. The community aspect of music is very inspiring to me, because there are so many talented musicians I've been able to work with and look up to, and I cannot wait to make music with more people.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing the finale to the Dvorak 9th Symphony with the Western Piedmont Youth Symphony as I approached the end of high school. There is something so awe-inspiring about all of the musicians who have polished their skills over years and years coming together to perform such a dramatic and moving piece.

A fun fact about me is...

I have two cats and three goldfish! (For those curious: Icarus, Oswald, Ed, Edd, and Eddy!)

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

It is super important to fall in love with the process of learning, because music is a lifelong learning journey! Consistency and time dedicated have no other option but to pay off, so we also keep pushing forward even when it seems difficult! Bit by bit, piece by piece, you will get better.

Kennedy Crawford
Kennedy Crawford Portrait

Meet Kennedy Crawford!

I recieved my Bachelor of Music from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018 and recieved my Masters in Vocal Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in 2020. I currently work as a classroom educator in Madrid, Spain and have been teaching voice and piano for over 8 years. Although I studied opera, nowadays I mainly perform pop and musical theatre.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up in a musical family and started singing in church at a very early age. My grandmother and father are singers and my aunt plays the flute, so music was always around me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was my first year opera production during my masters degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. We performed the opera "Svadba" which is an acappella opera in the Serbian language. The opera was performed in The Queen's House in London, which was an experience of a lifetime.

A fun fact about me is...

I love baking.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is to practice as much as you can and to embrace making mistakes. They are an important part of the learning process!

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!

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!

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.

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!

Mars Licciardi
Mars Licciardi Portrait

Meet Mars Licciardi!

I have them very blessed to have had a 30+ year career Music performing teaching writing. One of my expectations for myself is to pass the torch to the new generation of musicians teaching is a very big part of who I am as a man and as a mentor and artist.

Why I Became A Musician

I came up in the Chicago music scene in the early 90s when there were thousands of bands and I remember being nine years old and watching a Rush video and wanting to be that good.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I’m blessed to still have a lot of musical memories with current gigs performing around the Pacific Northwest with some of the finest venues, but some of the most incredible musicians and people.

A fun fact about me is...

My first band I played in was a hair metal band and have the pictures to prove it!

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

If it is truly in your heart, never quit!!!