Chris Jones
Chris Jones Portrait

Meet Chris Jones!

I’ve been a guitar player for 32 years. I started later the most (at age 19) and for the last 23 years I have been a teacher. My main area of study has been in jazz and improvisation. I have been performing for about 24 years. I have a BA in Music Therapy.

Why I Became A Musician

I love music! Pretty simple.

My Memorable Musical Experience

One of the first bands I ever played in was a 60s rock cover band called Indian Joe and the Indian Indians. We used to wear face paint and Indian headdresses.

A fun fact about me is...

I was born in England.

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

Be patient with yourself and know that any skill takes time.

Patrick Carr
Patrick Carr Portrait

Meet Patrick Carr!

My initial background started on blues and rock from the 60’s and 70s, but throughout the years I’ve grown my interest in other genres through the various projects I’ve been a part of such as jazz, country/Americana, folk, metal, CCM, and even early music from medieval and Renaissance periods. I also love writing music, whether it’s contributing parts to a song my band is working on to creating full songs of my own.

Why I Became A Musician

My dad lent me a copy of the fourth Led Zeppelin album and I remember hearing "Black Dog" for the first time; I just thought it sounded so cool and all I could think about was how much I wanted to learn how to play it. Not too long after that, I got my first guitar and that became my main focus since then.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Probably the most memorable moment I have from my time as a musician was recording in Nashville. I was able to track electric guitar parts in the same studio used by artists like Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski. A close tie may also be performing at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, which was where I also saw the Black Keys as my first concert.

A fun fact about me is...

I've been to Japan twice now.

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

Focus on gaining a strong foundation on technique and rhythm in the beginning as it will set you up for success when learning more advanced music, but also don't forget to have fun and keep an open mind for creativity.

Josiah Johnson
Josiah Johnson Portrait

Meet Josiah Johnson!

I went to college for where I studied Voice, Piano and Education. I perform regularly with my band at local charlotte venues. I have been singing and writing music for as long as I can remember.

Why I Became A Musician

My love of music at a young age quickly turned into a huge passion of mine and something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My senior recital capstone for college. I did a variety of Classical music, Musical Theatre, and my band also performed, which was a very unique performance.

A fun fact about me is...

I love dungeons and dragons

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

Never stop and don’t fear failing! You have to fail to succeed sometimes, and you can only get better.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Jeffrey Foster
Jeffrey Foster Portrait

Meet Jeffrey Foster!

Combining my expertise as a multi-instrumentalist with my professional background in educational research and leadership, I offer a unique and holistic approach to teaching music. I view music as a powerful gift that inspires excellence, and I am dedicated to helping every student experience that magic. I am passionate about using my diverse skills to foster a lifelong love for the arts.

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a family of musicians; it was in my blood and all around me.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was performing a duet with the best Grandma in the world.

A fun fact about me is...

In addition to my work in music and leadership, I am a published author with a PhD focused on urban education. I love finding the parallels between the structured world of writing and the creative flow of a musical performance.

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

Trust the process, have fun, and tap into creativity.

Louis Pino
Louis Pino Portrait

Meet Louis Pino!

Louis Pino is a drummer, percussionist, and composer whose work explores time, theatricality, and technology. He regularly performs with his band Duo Cichorium, collaborating with dancers, poets, puppeteers, and game designers on multimedia works. An active educator, Pino has taught drums for over ten years, working with students ranging from age 4 to 60 years old.

Why I Became A Musician

Ever since I was a child, I was constantly tapping on different surfaces (much to the frustration of my school teachers). I started learning piano at 6 years old but desperately wanted to try playing drums. Once I got the sticks in my hand, I knew this was going to be the rest of my life.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Early in my career, I found myself performing in a percussion ensemble, playing in a rock band, sitting in an orchestra, gigging with a wedding band, and teaching lessons, all in one weekend. That variety has stuck with me ever since as one of the best parts of being a musician.

A fun fact about me is...

I have recurring dreams where I'm Spider-Man.

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

My advice to someone starting to learn music is to explore every avenue and genre you can. Try new things, play with different people, and just aim to be a little bit better every day.

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!

Bry McKeon
Bry McKeon Portrait

Meet Bry McKeon!

Growing up Bry began her musical career playing the flute at 11 years old. Through middle and high school, Bry studied privately and was active in her school’s band program. Her passion for music grew as she played music with others in her high school wind ensemble and local honor bands. During her senior year she served as Drum Major. Bry also won numerous awards and scholarships. She followed her passion for music into college.

At UNC Charlotte, Bry graduated with a bachelors of music in Education. Flourishing in her time at UNCC, she was active in many ensembles. In her final two years she worked as principal of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. This opened many opportunities, which included playing in the pit for the theater department. While at UNCC she focused on perfecting flute, as well developing her skills as a music educator. In her college studio Bry became proficient at all wind/brass instruments, as well as piano, which were apart of her general studies.

Currently Bry works as a middle school band director at Martin Luther King Middle School in Charlotte. In her first year, Bry hopes to create a positive environment where students are able to grow as both individuals and musicians.

George Mitchell
George Mitchell Portrait

Meet George Mitchell!

I’m a professional drummer who was taught to read and perform music at an early age.
I enjoy teaching the fundamental mechanics of Modern Drumming to all Ages. I’ve performed in Bands of all types for over 40 years, including Hard Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country, Studio Recordings and Record Albums.

Why I Became A Musician

Growing up in a small town with 2 Professional Trumpet Players who lived on my block. Jazz and Big Band was still popular in the 70's. My Mom arranged for me to take lessons at my school. When the Teacher told me to pick up the Trumpet and blow, I was so shy that I couldn't do it. That was the end of my Trumpet career. Fortunately, I soon realized that I could play the drums without having to speak!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting to sit on stage during a Live "Rush" Concert in Pittsburgh, PA in the mid 1980's

A fun fact about me is...

I originally wanted to play the Trumpet but was too shy.

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

Always remember that the goal is to MAKE MUSIC. Learn to Sing the Music. Dance to the Music. Clap your Hands to the Music. Stomp around your bedroom and find the Beat!

Madison Lucas
Madison Lucas Portrait

Meet Madison Lucas!

I have been a performing indie rock musician and band leader in Charlotte for over 10+ years. In my band I play guitar, synthesizer and piano. I’m also the vocalist and main songwriter. I’m classically trained on piano and trumpet.

Why I Became A Musician

Watching videos of The Beatles, David Bowie, Fiona Apple (to name a few) over and over.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My band opened for a sold out Echo and the Bunnymen show at The Filmore. Highlight of my life!

A fun fact about me is...

My love of music began in the marching band (7 years experience).

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

Your only goal is to be a little bit better than you were the week before. That’s all you ever have to focus on and you’ll always be growing!

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.

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!

Chloe James
Chloe James Portrait

Meet Chloe James!

I first started playing guitar when I was 8 years old after being exposed to music through my parents and guitar hero and rockband. Music is an outlet that has provided me with so many opportunities such as traveling, meeting lifelong friends, and making art that can be shared with people.

Why I Became A Musician

Hearing bands like Pink Floyd, The Cure, and I enjoy a variety of musical styles such as alternative rock, punk, shoegaze, electronic, jazz, classical, and more!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Touring the east coast with my band True Lilith in 2023.

A fun fact about me is...

I have a band named True Lilith!

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

Be, patient, stay dedicated, and always look for inspiration!