Elliot Shaw
Elliot Shaw Portrait

Meet Elliot Shaw!

I have been playing drums and guitar for over 20 years, playing in multiple bands and in lots of settings. My influences include Danny Carey, John Bonham and Chad Smith on the drums. I can play/teach most styles including rock, pop, jazz, hip hop and more.

Why I Became A Musician

My parents are both musicians and had their own band when I was growing up. Once I started playing drums at 13 years old, they even had me play some shows with them!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing in front of 5,000 people for St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago.

A fun fact about me is...

I got to play impromptu shows with a lead singer of Trans Siberian Orchestra and a former bassist of Stevie Wonder.

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

Take it slow and have fun. Don’t get frustrated if something is hard. You’ll look back in a year or two and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

Yahyah Corbett
Yahyah Corbett Portrait

Meet Yahyah Corbett!

Yahyah is a trumpet/piano player and music instructor with a strong background in jazz and performance. He loves helping students build confidence, develop their musical skills, and discover the joy of playing music in a fun and supportive environment.

Why I Became A Musician

I grew up in a house that had either an instrument or a stereo in every room, so all day I was surrounded by all types of music. I started playing the Trumpet at 10 and I was hooked!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Meeting and playing for the late Dolly Parton. Winning the 2023 Jack Rudin Collegiate Jazz Championship. Performing in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade.

A fun fact about me is...

I love hosting musical tea parties.

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

My advice is to remember that you are learning a new skill which can be very difficult. Do not get frustrated, just practice. If you think you've practiced enough, practice some more!

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!

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. 🙂

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!

Catarina Sanchez
Catarina Sanchez Portrait

Meet Catarina Sanchez!

I started out playing saxophone in middle and high school, then joined choir in high school and decided I wanted to teach. At WCU I was apart of the marching band, symphonic band, concert choir and chamber choir. Now, I play piano and sing whenever I get the chance to, teach as much as I can, and learn every day.

Why I Became A Musician

When I was young, my oldest brother was a trombone player and encouraged me to learn an instrument. When I got older, I just absolutely loved the feeling of creating and sharing beautiful music with a group of people.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Singing Poulenc's Gloria with my college choir and a visiting orchestra from New York.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to sew and crochet.

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

Get your fingers on the instrument, or sing, as much as possible. Even if it's for 5 minutes!

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!

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.

Ben Bourne
Ben Bourne Portrait

Meet Ben Bourne!

Ben is a multi-instrumentalist who has been performing live in the Charlotte area for close to 20 years, both as a solo artist and a band member. He currently hosts weekly full-band improvisational nights (jam sessions) and also performs live as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist with his band that plays regularly throughout the southeast.

Why I Became A Musician

My oldest sister introduced me to a lot of music that I still listen to today, and when she began to learn guitar, it was inevitable that I'd want to follow after her. I started playing guitar when I was twelve, after she was kind enough to show me how to play a Michelle Branch on her nylon stringed classical guitar. But I ultimately wanted to play pop-punk music like my first favorite band, New Found Glory, and that was where I initially gravitated.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first time going on tour. I played drums at the time, and we went from NC out to Austin, TX for South by Southwest. It was always a dream of mine to travel with music, and I made lifelong friends and musical collaborators in the process.

A fun fact about me is...

I refer to myself as a chronic hobbyist; my interests span very far and I love to tinker with anything from plants to cars to electronics repairs.

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

Identify the artists, songs, or styles of music that motivate you to want to learn to play, and focus the majority of your efforts there. There are countless paths to learning music, but the one that works best for you is the one that keeps you picking up your instrument not because you feel you should, but because you have a desire to.

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.

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!

Darius Brandenburg
Darius  Brandenburg Portrait

Meet Darius Brandenburg!

I began playing drums and producing electronic music at 16 years old, played in bands and DJed in Berlin for 5 years, studied Ethnomusicology focusing on traditional African instruments in Windhoek, Namibia. I am bilingual (German and English), love all forms of music and have over 15 years of childcare experience. I specialize in percussion instruments including drum kit, djembe and hand pan but have experience with many other instruments such as; guitar, marimba, kalimba, ukulele, guitar & piano.

Why I Became A Musician

My father is a pianist, composer and musical director & my mother is a singer, so I've always had a close relationship with music.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Playing and hosting festivals in Namibia

A fun fact about me is...

I like to rollerblade.

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

Practice everyday and keep it fun!

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.

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!

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!

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.