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!

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.

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!

Chris Mont
Chris Mont Portrait

Meet Chris Mont!

I am a musician who has gained experience in almost every corner of the industry. From beginning with “garage band” roots as a teenager, to playing in marching band, to studying music formally in a conservatory style university, to playing with orchestras, to playing with wedding bands, to composing for musical theatre, to recording in studios, to teaching K-12 students, to providing music therapy for seniors in nursing homes… I have always kept music in my life and I will always keep exploring more. Come join me for private lessons and we can continue the exploration together!

Why I Became A Musician

I was raised in a family that had many different examples of showcasing their love of music. My mother played the piano and gave me an introduction at an early age. Her uncle was a member of a musical group called the Happy Boombadears Club, and he showed me their percussion instruments when I was very young. My older brothers played music in the house all the time, and I used to love going to see the marching band performances. And, then... I heard Rush's song "Tom Sawyer" for the first time. After that I knew I was meant to be a drummer.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Winning my high school talent show and being asked to provide the musical entertainment for our graduation picnic.

A fun fact about me is...

I have seen my favorite band in concert almost 100 times! Can you guess what band it is?

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

Be patient, and understand that failure is a normal and necessary part of the growth process. But also never forget that music should be fun!

Inyoni N’Kosi
Inyoni N’Kosi Portrait

Meet Inyoni N’Kosi!

Hello! My name is Inyoni N’kosi, and I’ve been teaching private music lessons in the greater Atlanta area since 2016.
I earned my music degree from Florida State University, with a minor in Japanese and a focus on Music in Special Education.
If I could go back to school, I’d add ethnomusicology to my degrees.

Why I Became A Musician

My grandmother was my biggest inspiration for being a musician. Her eager and adamant support always keep me happily practicing. I still play the last song she ever got to hear me play to honor her memory.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was writing a piece of piano music with one of my students. It was about dragons, and we are moving on to our third piece together. And the dragons come from the book series I used when I had the privilege of being his reading tutor.

A fun fact about me is...

I've had a wonderful career as a performing musician and as a bard!

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

Pick a reason to love it, and never lose sight of it. Learn the fundamentals of the skill before trying to master it. Trust the process.

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.

Matt Cairns
Matt Cairns Portrait

Meet Matt Cairns!

Matt Cairns is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland and studied at the prestigious London College of Music. He has a bachelor’s degree in music performance and a master’s degree in music management. Throughout his career, he has performed professionally both in bands and as a vocal and guitar soloist. Most recently, he toured as a headline act on several major cruise lines, performing a blend of pop, rock and traditional Celtic music from his homeland. He has previously taught private guitar lessons in his hometown in Scotland, and he enjoys mentoring aspiring guitarists of all ages. He and his wife, moved to Charlotte in 2020, and joined Bold Music in 2024 with the goal of providing top-tier guitar education to students in the South Charlotte area.

Why I Became A Musician

Music was always something I was naturally good at and I found community through playing in bands as a teenager. The feeling of playing live with friends was magic and I wanted to keep doing that for as long as possible.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing my first headline show in the giant cruise ship theatre.

A fun fact about me is...

I've played music on 7 continents!

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

Have patience, it's a long road. Try to enjoy every little improvement you make.

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!

Melissanthi Guthold
Melissanthi Guthold Portrait

Meet Melissanthi Guthold!

I am a Greek-American classical soprano with a B.A. of Music, and I have been involved in many opera productions throughout the years, the most recent of which was the Berlin Opera Academy’s Cendrillon. I love nurturing young minds and watching students explore their own musicality. My approach to vocal technique relies on proprioception and experimentation, so I will use these concepts to tailor lessons to fit each individual singer’s instrument.

Why I Became A Musician

In short, the feelings that music elicits. There is something indescribable about the human condition that can only be expressed with music, and I knew I needed to dedicate my life to that thing. I have never felt so emotional, thoughtful, and enraptured as when I listen to a powerful piece of music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor I had to honor of performing the title role Madame Herz, A.K.A. the most flamboyant diva of all time. The role was just so pompous and joyful. This was also the role that encouraged me to lean into the acting side of opera.

A fun fact about me is...

I can teach you how to make tiny origami stars.

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

It’s okay to sound really terrible. It can be discouraging when you cannot immediately see progress, but you cannot make a beautiful sound without many, many ugly sounds preceding it. I had to practice for 10 years before I ever liked the way I sounded. My advice is to never give up. Even if progress is slow, the value of being immersed in music is immeasurable, nonetheless.

Robert Gabbitas
Robert Gabbitas Portrait

Meet Robert Gabbitas!

Robert is a composer, pianist, conductor, and clarinetist from Salt Lake City, Utah working in the Atlanta area. Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University, graduating in 2024 with Academic Honors and awarded the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Music Graduate.

Why I Became A Musician

I've always loved music's ability to connect people together. Through music I hope to spread more compassion in a world that desperately needs it.

My Memorable Musical Experience

I had the opportunity to play Mahler's 2nd Symphony with over 100 other musicians to a sold-out hall of over 1000 people. It was a concert I'll never forget!

A fun fact about me is...

I've gone rollerblading three times in my life and every time I've broken a bone!

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

Small steps every day are better than big leaps every once in a while.

JT Sutek
JT Sutek Portrait

Meet JT Sutek!

JT is a musician and teacher with a deep passion for anything musical. He first picked up guitar at age seven, and throughout the years has added a variety of instruments into his musical portfolio. He has eight years of experience recording, performing, and teaching music across North Carolina and beyond. You can often find him performing with one of his bands, investigating the local record shops, or enjoying the weather with a book and a cup of tea.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents took me to my first concert, and the rest is history.

My Memorable Musical Experience

The first time I got to see one of my students perform with a band they started. I felt so proud getting to see someone else find their passion for music, and knowing I had even a small part in that!

A fun fact about me is...

My socks never match, but there’s always a theme!

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

You become a real musician the second you pick up an instrument. There is no magical moment where you suddenly become “good enough” to have music be a part of your life - you did that just by starting!

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!!!

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!

Carrie Sutton
Carrie Sutton Portrait

Meet Carrie Sutton!

I have loved music for as far back as I can remember! I have had the opportunity to learn to play many different instruments which has led me to be able to compete on many different stages (instrumental and vocal categories) starting when I was only four years old. I was able to grasp opportunities that I never thought was possible while also being able to do what I love. I have many different styles of music in my background from classical to bluegrass, and I am thrilled to be able to pass along my love of music to anyone who is interested in learning!

Why I Became A Musician

My grandfather and grandmother traveled and sang to anyone who would listen with just the two of them and a guitar. They used to bring me with them to their shows when I was as young as two years old. Growing up seeing their love of music gave me a passion to follow in their footsteps, and that's why I have never turned down the opportunity to pick up another instrument or pursue another dream in music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

When I was 18, the vocal ensemble I was privileged enough to be a part of won second place in the nation. I will never forget the excitement that experience brought to me, and I will always be thankful that I was given that opportunity.

A fun fact about me is...

I have LOTS of different kinds of animals! :).

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

It's so worth it! Music is so much fun, and there is always something new to explore. The doors that pursuing music can open will amaze you. Never give up until you reach your goal!

Grant Dull
Grant Dull Portrait

Meet Grant Dull!

I hold bachelors and master degrees in music education and performance from Georgia Southern University. I have a strong back ground in competitive marching band as a player and instructor.

Why I Became A Musician

When I first joined the elementary school band I fell in love with the ensemble experience.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing Milton High School Marching Band win a marching competition after coaching their clarinet section.

A fun fact about me is...

I play in a professional hand bell choir.

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

Practice your fundamentals at home so you can bring your best to concert and marching ensembles. You will shine!

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.