Jonathan Gutierrez
Jonathan  Gutierrez Portrait

Meet Jonathan Gutierrez!

I have played instruments since I was nine years old. I taught myself to play a couple of instruments. I started out learning drums, then quickly moved to guitar and bass. Ever since I have been blessed to be able to play on a live stage with good friends and I love to teach others who wish to achieve that dream as well!

Why I Became A Musician

Many bands inspired me to become a musician. I always loved music so much that hearing it wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn how to play it, this progressed me into becoming a musician.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment is the first time I went on tour with my band. I went to cities I have never been to before and got to play at them. It was an experience I truly never thought I’d get to live and I am super grateful for it!

A fun fact about me is...

I love to cook.

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

Keep going! It will can be a little frustrating at the start. But once you learn your first chord or even a song, it is a very fulfilling feeling.

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.

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.

Joseph “Jay” Riedel
Joseph “Jay” Riedel Portrait

Meet Joseph “Jay” Riedel!

Jay Rydel has been a freelance musician since 2015. Often playing over 100 gigs a year, he performs pop, rock, blues, jazz, R&B, country, folk, funk, soul, hip-hop, and more. Today he focuses on writing, recording, and producing his original music as well as collaborating with other artists and musicians. He started releasing his own music in 2020.

Why I Became A Musician

Feeling the excitement and nerves of performing as a young kid on piano. Jamming with my friends as a teenager (one of them being Bold Music’s co-founder George Ramsay). The process of creating and writing music is my favorite thing in the world.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing D’angelo and the Vanguard at the Ogden Theater in Denver.

A fun fact about me is...

I have chickens.

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

Have fun. Play through mistakes. Rhythm is the most important thing. Understand the difference between practicing and learning. Play music with others.

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.

John Stephens
John Stephens Portrait

Meet John Stephens!

I have bachelor’s in Arts Studies (Music), a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship, and years of experience in various parts the music field. From writing/producing hardcore songs for my solo project to singing Sabrina Carpenter at karaoke, music is always at the forefront of my life!

Why I Became A Musician

At the end of my junior year of high school, a couple of friends came to my dorm room one night to hang out and play guitar; merely a week later, I impulsively bought an acoustic and got my musically-inclined cousins to show me some scales & chords that same summer.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first live performance to debut my solo act’s first EP was surreal; being the center of attention was unfamiliar at the time, but something I’d grow to aspire for above all else. Since then, I‘ve aimed to be able to share my story, provide entertainment, and connect with people through performances on any occasion possible.

A fun fact about me is...

I got my black belt at 16!

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

Take it slow! Progress may not happen as quickly as you’d like, but getting better at slower speeds and at easier music is essential to your foundation as a musician.

Simeon McCray
Simeon McCray Portrait

Meet Simeon McCray!

Education is my career, I teach math and music and I love it! Music is my passion and it’s my favorite creative outlet. I’ve been playing piano my whole life and I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years.

Why I Became A Musician

My Father is my inspiration to be a musician. After catching me plucking around on the piano in our house my Dad immediately decided to get me lessons. Those lessons built my confidence and I was able to cultivate my skill by playing in the church that he pastors. I’m very thankful for him investing into my talent and holding me accountable along the way.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Competing in an international competition for piano!

A fun fact about me is...

I enjoy music production and photography too!

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

Be patient as you learn, set small goals, get comfortable in playing in front of others, but fall in love with playing the instrument all by yourself.

Corrina Lewis
Corrina Lewis Portrait

Meet Corrina Lewis!

Classically trained since age 5. Lead Songwriter and Artist of my own six piece band that performs in Charlotte regularly “Lucid Dreams”. I can teach either classical or contemporary music to any age.

Why I Became A Musician

Music has always been there for me and has been a great big fun adventure. Music makes me happier than anything else, and I love sharing that inspiration with my students!

My Memorable Musical Experience

I love writing music with my band! Starting with just some ideas and taking it all the way to production and across the ‘finish line’ is a very rewarding process!

A fun fact about me is...

I love to play and sing at the same time.

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

It’s a lot of work in the beginning, but it’s worth it for a lifetime of joy.

Marcelo Falconi
Marcelo Falconi Portrait

Meet Marcelo Falconi!

Macelo attended Berklee college of music. The majority of his professional career was spent performing live in Las Vegas! He moved to Raleigh and is now teaching music in public school and private students at night.

Why I Became A Musician

Guns and Roses.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Sharing the stage with my kids.

A fun fact about me is...

I’m from Ecuador.

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

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Robin Halferty
Robin Halferty Portrait

Meet Robin Halferty!

I started playing piano at the age of 3 and was exposed to it a lot due to my mother being a piano instructor. Three years later I learned the violin and stuck with it for years to come, and played in multiple rigorous youth orchestras. I play casually now, but continued my passion for music through teaching.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother inspired me to become a musician. I grew up watching her teach her students piano and ended up following in her footsteps.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment was playing in symphony orchestras since I was a young girl. I never knew that so many moving parts could create such a beautiful, unified sound and it was so fun to see (and hear) everything come together.

A fun fact about me is...

I am a fur baby lover. If you have pets, I will always be okay with them sitting in and hanging out during lessons. :).

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

Sometimes learning something new can be hard, but the hard stuff becomes easy eventually. Instead of seeing it as an obstacle, take it on as a challenge! The reward of accomplishing what you once thought was impossible or difficult is the best feeling.

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.

Dave Spencer
Dave Spencer Portrait

Meet Dave Spencer!

I have been playing and teaching music for almost 50 years! I play a dozen instruments and sing, and have 3 local bands in Raleigh.

Why I Became A Musician

Has to be seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing Jazz Fest and the World's Fair in New Orleans.

A fun fact about me is...

Just bought a sitar - trying to play some scales!

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

Play every day, and keep it 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.

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.

Paulina Quisol
Paulina Quisol Portrait

Meet Paulina Quisol!

I’m passionate about writing and performing music, helping others reach their goals, and learning. Teaching is the most rewarding career for me. It’s the best way to practice my craft daily while helping others achieve new heights.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom and dad are both musicians, somewhere along the way I picked up a guitar and never put it back down again. Singing was my first instrument, then guitar and other stringed instruments, and then, piano.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable moments in music..I had so much fun playing 4-5 nights a week in Charlotte and surrounding cities leading up to Covid. I also made some amazing friends working at Nellie’s and had a lot of fun working for the Jonas family.

A fun fact about me is...

We just released an album! Stream: Confide by Leclère

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

Giving up isn’t in your vocabulary. There will be moments when you’re frustrated - press on. I think that learning a new skill teaches you a lot about yourself!

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!!!