Jennifer Jess
Jennifer Jess Portrait

Meet Jennifer Jess!

I’ve been regularly teaching for about 3 years and off and on for a decade. I originally went to school for opera and left early to pursue my own music career. I later trained with Jan Smith Studios and discovered my true pop voice there.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother and my grandmother who were also singers.

My Memorable Musical Experience

In my early twenties I was a part of a local competition. At the time, I was dealing with daily anxiety and I was doubting whether I should continue to pursue a music career. I told myself that if I could get up in front of this crowd of 5,000 people and feel at peace on stage, then I was meant to do this. I stepped up on the stage and I felt nothing but an overwhelming peace. I knew I would never question my pursuit in music after that.

A fun fact about me is...

I sang live in front of an audience for the first time when I was 10 years old--all a cappella.

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

Consider the genre of music you're interested in learning and also what your specific goals are. Know that it takes time, patience and dedication to get really good at your craft.

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. 🙂

Dillon Taylor
Dillon Taylor Portrait

Meet Dillon Taylor!

Dillon’s passion for music began at an early age, growing up in a home filled with musical toys and instruments. Their formal musical education started in elementary school orchestra and expanded through private guitar lessons and like-minded friends. From performing in string quartets and rock bands to recording and producing music, Dillon enjoys exploring all parts of music.

Why I Became A Musician

The seemingly endless sounds that even a single instrument can make. I was fascinated by how something as deceptively simple as a guitar could always surprise me with something new.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing a live performance of Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble - they were all such amazing musicians who exuded not only talent but joy as well.

A fun fact about me is...

I still have all of my widsom teeth.

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

Follow your curiosity and whatever you find fun! There are so many ways to enjoy music, and chances are it will take some exploring before you find something that speaks to you.

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.

Benjamin Faye
Benjamin Faye Portrait

Meet Benjamin Faye!

I’ve been a gigging and recording musician since 2003. I have a wide range of experience as a music director, songwriter, and engineer. Currently, I play in two bands: Bass with the alt folk group Logan & The Misadventure, and guitar in the upcoming 80’s cover band Boombox Legends.

Why I Became A Musician

In around 1995, I saw an episode of The Secret World of Alex Mack, a classic Nickelodeon show from the mid 90's where the main character started a band. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. And from that moment on, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable music moment was getting the opportunity to play the historic Trocadero Theatre in 2012 in my hometown of Philadelphia.

A fun fact about me is...

I have perfect pitch!

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

Give yourself grace and don't compare. Everyone is starting from a different place with a different learning style. It's not a competition. Music is supposed to be fun!

Jessica Milner
Jessica Milner Portrait

Meet Jessica Milner!

I am a certified music educator with over 13 years of experience. I am classically trained in voice and musical theater. I enjoy making lessons fun and engaging for all of my students.

Why I Became A Musician

My first time singing in Carnegie Hall sparked my passion to become a music educator. The absolute joy it brings me to help my students reach their goals is indescribable.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment would be taking my high school choral students to perform in Spain and Italy.

A fun fact about me is...

I recently performed in Theater Charlotte’s Little Shop of Horrors.

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

Be kind with yourself. Mistakes will happen but that’s all apart of the journey.

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!

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.

Chase Taylor
Chase Taylor Portrait

Meet Chase Taylor!

I started playing piano, drums and singing in Church, with aspirations to be like Prince. That foundation ultimately led to classical voice, and now I am a 2 time Grammy winner performer at the Metropolitan Opera, and have helped produce music with some of the biggest names in Pop and hip hop.

Why I Became A Musician

Making music feels like speaking a native language.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first performance of Rachmaninov Vespers, followed by my Met debut.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a national champ in Muay Thai, and worked as an underwater gold miner.

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

Fall in love with your instrument.

Joseph Levi
Joseph Levi Portrait

Meet Joseph Levi!

I’ve been teaching and performing in the Charlotte area for the past eight years. Whether through vocal, instrumental, or composition lessons, I take great joy in guiding students who are eager to deepen their skills and grow within the world of music.

Why I Became A Musician

My grandfather. He played the guitar. At an early age, whenever I would visit his house, he would share songs and chords that I didn't know. Those moments shaped how I approach music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Recording, mixing, and mastering an entire album from my home studio. Some of the tracks were also captured live, which preserved that raw footage.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a cat dad.

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

Practice for a bit, and if you start getting frustrated, step away for a moment. Rome wasn't built in a day!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!