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.

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!

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.

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!

Phillip Hill
Phillip Hill Portrait

Meet Phillip Hill!

Phillip performed with Opera Carolina among other opera/musical theater companies before obtaining a masters degree in Music Performance from UNCG. He has spent his post-graduate career dedicating himself to his students. Regardless of age or gender, he always works with each individual to help them achieve their goals in a way that works for them. He understands that there is no one way to teach, and each lesson should be individually tailored to the student’s style of learning.

Why I Became A Musician

In High School I wasn't cast in my school's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", so I started taking voice lessons. My teacher at the time was so enthusiastic about singing that it instilled a life-long passion in me and now I hope to spread that joy to others!

My Memorable Musical Experience

After I graduated college, one of the church directors I often worked for wrote a set of songs specifically for me and my voice. It was an unforgettable experience with a 3-night run of recitals, and it was also my first professional recording experience!

A fun fact about me is...

I have a very spoiled cat 🐈.

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

Be patient with yourself. It's okay (and encouraged!) to make plenty of mistakes on your journey to being a pro!!

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!

Erica Wright
Erica Wright Portrait

Meet Erica Wright!

Dedicated teacher with 30 years experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. I am passionate about inspiring a love for piano and highly skilled at using each student’s accomplishments to stimulate self-motivation, encourage independence and, above all, create a desire to continue learning.

Why I Became A Musician

My mother had a piano in our home from the time I was born. I was always drawn to it and enjoyed performing songs for the family!

My Memorable Musical Experience

My most memorable musical moment is playing my senior recital in college. The energy I felt was electric and knowing the audience was all there to listen to me energized my playing.

A fun fact about me is...

I love to grow tomatoes!

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

Understand that it will be a challenge. Commit yourself to regular practice and stay connected to the music YOU love.

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.

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!

Casey D’Eon
Casey D’Eon Portrait

Meet Casey D’Eon!

Massachusetts native and lifelong musician with a deep-rooted passion for music. Now based in Charlotte, NC, my musical journey began at age 8 with piano and music reading, followed by guitar and bass at 13. By 15, I had joined my first band, and at 16, I taught myself to sing and write original songs—marking the start of a creative path that continues to evolve.

Why I Became A Musician

I was inspired to become a musician because my dad is one too. Growing up, I watched him play in different bands, and seeing the energy, creativity, and joy he shared with other musicians made me want to be part of that world.

My Memorable Musical Experience

My first gig was at 15, playing bass in a hardcore punk band called Erroneous Decision. The energy of that night made everything click for me—I knew right then that music was the direction my life was meant to go.

A fun fact about me is...

I have 2 children, a daughter who is 8 and son who is 3.

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

Be kind to yourself. You won’t become a master overnight, and that’s okay. Start slowly, be patient, and remember that you’re capable of far more than you think!

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.

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.

Shane Burbage
Shane Burbage Portrait

Meet Shane Burbage!

Shane is a multi-instrumentalist with years of experience and a Music Degree from UNC Asheville. He specializes in Music Theory and Music History and loves using his knowledge and passion to teach and jam with students. Shane has experience directing and leading different age groups. Shane’s favorite way to teach music is to find patterns and connections within songs emphasizing universal elements like rhythm, dynamics, and note direction.

Why I Became A Musician

Playing music with my friends growing up! You don't have to be a seasoned pro to start jamming with your best buds...it's a great way to start feeling the music and the sense of community it provides 🎵.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing Radiohead cover Neil Young's "Tell Me Why" at the Hollywood Bowl.

A fun fact about me is...

I have an IMDB page.

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

Keep your ears open! Your ears are your best teacher, so figuring out how to better listen to things like melodies, chord progressions, and song structure can super charge your improvement!

CJ Baker
CJ Baker Portrait

Meet CJ Baker!

I’ve been a full-time musician for 12 yrs. I’ve toured and played with all types of industry artists. Music is my life!

Why I Became A Musician

I come from a musical family.

My Memorable Musical Experience

Getting called for my first touring gig.

A fun fact about me is...

I'm silly.

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

Never stop learning, stay ready, and be willing to evolve.

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!!!

Jenny Chen
Jenny Chen Portrait

Meet Jenny Chen!

I began playing piano classically at age 5 and violin at age 7 and performed in local competitions and groups for around 12 years until college. In my summers and free time I’d often help teach violin, general music, and lead small rehearsals for local elementary, middle, and high school strings students. I love helping students improve on their current pieces and repertoire.

Why I Became A Musician

My mom always loved music, especially classical, but did not have the opportunity to learn herself, so it inspired me to try and bring that joy into our house!

My Memorable Musical Experience

Seeing the students I helped rehearse with perform at the end of summer music camp every year.

A fun fact about me is...

I love baking bread and reading!

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

Treat it with fun and exploration.