Bobby is a versatile percussionist/multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and collaborator who loves working with other artists on various interesting multi-disciplinary projects. Bobby and his group Knowne Ghost were featured as the June 2015 issue cover story in Lake Norman Magazine for their contributions to the growing local music scene. Knowne Ghost has performed as a headlining act in major North Carolina cities. Bobby drummed for the award-winning University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Jazz Ensemble from 2016–2019. He performs weekly as the percussionist for First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem and remains a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS). Bobby has recently performed with The Union Symphony Orchestra, UNCSA’s Acting Out! (musical theatre), as a dance accompanist, and with various chamber groups, rock bands, and jazz combos, all while maintaining his private teaching studio. Recent collaborative highlights include recording for the video and soundtrack of the UNCSA Powering Creativity campaign video (2019), collaborating with UNCSA School of Dance’s Dean, Brenda Daniels, as percussion accompanist for her original composition, Mondrian Duets (2019). Bobby starred in a documentary detailing UNCSA’s all–school collaborative performance of Bernstein’s Mass (2018). Additionally, his jazz combo, Relish Blues, performed at UNCSA’s high profile donor’s event and showcase, NextNow (2019). As an educator, Bobby Thomas believes in using the music that the student loves to aid them in their musical journey, while cleverly applying the tried and true pedagogical necessities within. Bobby tailors to the student’s individual needs and interests with a custom curriculum, while never neglecting the fundamentals and technical aspects of musicianship, to aid in leading the student to a healthy and lifelong love of music. In his free time, Bobby composes, records, plays other instruments and goes skateboarding. Bobby Thomas is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, having studied under John R. Beck. 

Benny Hagerty, a singer-songwriter originally from Wall, NJ, relocated southward four years ago. Proficient in various instruments, guitar remains Benny's primary focus. He has been honing his skills in guitar, vocals, and songwriting since the age of 13.

Influenced by the likes of Tyler Childers, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles, Benny draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres. However, his heart lies particularly with folk and bluegrass. Benny is thrilled to join the Learn Music team, eager to share his passion and expertise.

When Benny is not teaching at Learn Music, you can catch him playing gigs all over North and South Carolina.

Corey Chambers is a pianist, organist, music producer, and sound engineer. He has been playing the piano since the age of 9, initially teaching himself before starting formal lessons at 13, where he received classical training. Throughout middle school and high school, Corey studied classical, gospel, and jazz music.

After high school, Corey attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he studied music production & engineering, piano, and composition/songwriting. He later transferred to Appalachian State University, where he earned his degree in Music Industry Studies with a concentration in Production & Recording.

After college, Corey developed a passion for gospel, jazz, smooth jazz, R&B, and pop music. He began playing for local artists, various bands, and churches in the area. He has also performed in several musical plays in North and South Carolina. In 2018, Corey formed his band, Four40, where they play various genres of music. Corey has had a love for music since the age of 5 and it has been a significant part of his life ever since. In addition to being an active musician, he loves teaching piano and music theory.

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, trumpeter and educator Dante Fowler has spent his career across the US and internationally playing a vast repertoire spanning from early traditional New Orleans music to a variety of classical, funk, salsa, and swing music. He has made appearances at the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, Charlotte Jazz Festival, and the 2022 Jack Rubin National Jazz Championship at Lincoln Center in New York City. Dante attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he studied Music Performance in the prestigious Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program. During this time, he and the program provided multiple concerts, music education courses, and outreach opportunities throughout the NC Triangle area.

Dante began his career as an educator at the French Woods Festival of Performing Arts in New York, teaching students of all ages and skill levels, fulfilling his passion for music and education by spreading the joy of music to today's youth and tomorrow's musicians. Now a permanent Charlotte resident, Dante can be found performing and teaching throughout the North Carolina music scene.

Dante credits many artists as being influential to his musical identity, with notable mentions including Fats Navarro, Louis Armstrong, Tito Puente, Conrad Gozo, Allen Vizutti, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Dave is a Canadian born guitarist/producer/song writer/guitar pedal and effects enthusiast/and a founding member of the band Dub Trio.  Started playing the guitar at the age of 8 and has played in bands since the age of 9.  David studied as many styles of music as he could, and then went on to further his musical  studies at Berklee College of Music.

Post college David moved to NYC to further his musical endeavors.  During his 13 years there he recorded,wrote and/or performed with many artists such as, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Mike Patton, Matisyahu, Young Buck, Z Trip, Simply Red, DJ Hi Tek, Trick Daddy, Lloyd Banks and Producer Joel Hamilton.  David has also toured around the world with his own band Dub Trio,  Matisyahu, and Mike Patton.

David has many years experience teaching music and can teach any style, from rock, indie, folk, country, metal, jazz, etc.

He has a love for teaching, and helping guide others on their musical journey.

David's passion for music was ignited during his early years as a passenger in his father's car, where he was captivated by the melodies of bands like Stryper and Metallica. His musical journey took a significant turn when, at the age of 12, he acquired his first drum set after joining a band and convincing his friends of his drumming abilities. Within months, David was performing live shows and relishing the exhilarating experience of playing for an audience. David is a integral member of the Charlotte music community and has played in many different rock and metal bands, as well as playing at local churches.

In addition to his work in the music local music community, he has been teaching drums, music production, and coaching bands for the last 10 years, driven by the desire to empower others to express themselves through music. By sharing his skills and knowledge, he hopes to enable aspiring musicians to experience the same indescribable joy he has found in his own musical journey.

Grayson Drum holds a degree in music from Gardner Webb University. He is an experienced player of violin, mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Given that set of instruments, his sensibility lends itself to a diverse range of genres. He has played in many different contexts live and in Nashville studios. Grayson is an avid songwriter who is motivated to inspire all to have fun while learning and making music. 

From the moment I picked up drumsticks, music has been my world. With nine years of rhythm and beats under my belt, I've spent the last two years sharing my passion as a teacher. My journey through music has been transformative, and there's nothing I enjoy more than helping others embark on their own musical adventures. Whether it's rock that gets your heart pounding or pop that gets your feet moving, I'm here to guide you. As a proud member of Momophobia and having rocked stages with Moving Boxes, I bring real-world experience to each lesson. I'm eager to meet every new student, discovering your unique musical tastes, and making our learning journey the highlight of our days. Let's make music, learn, and most importantly, have a blast doing it!

Grace is a senior at Gardner-Webb University, pursuing her B.M. in Music Business with a vocal concentration. During her time at GWU, she was a member of the university’s flagship choral ensemble, the Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir, and was both a featured soloist and student conductor. In addition, Grace performed with the university’s Opera/Musical Theatre group, with her most notable productions including Quilters and British Invasion. She has been asked to perform in various capacities around campus and in the greater Charlotte community.

She owes her love of music to car rides with her dad, who couldn’t carry a tune if it had a handle but adored classic rock. Her musical interests span a wide range, from rock to classical to folk tunes, and she loves exploring songs in other languages. Her most recent interests are Spanish and Irish Gaelic.

Grace is honored to be a part of the Learn Music community and is excited to help students expand their musical interests and find the genres that inspire them most.

Joe Estock is originally from Auburn, IL and is a 2008 graduate of Lincoln Land Community College’s Associate in Fine Arts (Music Performance) Program and a 2011 graduate of Western Illinois University’s Bachelor of Music (Music Education) Program. His early musical experiences included singing in church and school music programs, taking piano lessons from Jean Ramsey, playing trombone in a band, and beginning to learn guitar on his 8th grade graduation gift – a black Squier Strat. Playing songs by Kiss, The White Stripes, and Green Day on that are some of his favorite early guitar memories. At WIU, as a trombonist, he received scholarships from the School of Music Talent Grant Committee, performed in various ensembles, served as a pit instrumentalist, and played a concert with the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra at NYC’s Carnegie Hall in 2010 (which featured Italian musicians Marco Renzi, Bepi D’Amato, and Mauro De Federicis).

Over the years, Joe has enjoyed teaching a variety of musicians, including elementary general music and guitar students, junior high and high school band students, junior high choir students, and even an adult handbell choir at his home church. Although he likes many genres of music, Rock has always been his favorite.

Joe is excited to be working with a new group of students and looks forward to playing great music together!

From an early age, my passion for music was spiked by the  rock music my father's music that we would listen to while driving in his car. Bands such as Sleeping With Sirens, Hawthorne Heights, and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus became my inspiration, fueling my aspirations to emulate their talent and eventually create my own music.

At the age of 9-10, I embarked on my musical journey by learning to play the guitar. Over the years, this journey has led me to collaborate with several bands and perform at various gigs within the Huntersville/Cornelius area. My dedication to music has also found expression through teaching guitar, providing me with a means to not only share my expertise but also to express my profound love for the art.

There is nothing more gratifying than witnessing the transformative power of music in my students' lives and forming deep bonds with them as we embark on this musical journey together. The prospect of meeting new students and fostering a connection through our shared passion for music fills me with immense excitement and enthusiasm.

I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to guide and inspire my students, nurturing their musical abilities, and instilling in them the same sense of fulfillment and joy that music has brought to my life. 

I've always been drawn to music. I started playing piano when I was 12, and it didn't take long for me to fall in love with it. I learned to play using the Suzuki method, which instilled a passion for studying and analyzing classical pieces. I have also expanded my love for music by studying other musical instruments such as voice, guitar, bass, and ukulele. I am also studying music for college to deepen my understanding of it.

I love to teach people about music. My favorite part about teaching is seeing the spark in a student's eyes when what I've been explaining clicks into place; it's like they've unlocked a new level to a game they love! I can't wait to share my love with each student I get to teach!

Kierstin has dedicated herself to the pursuit of singing throughout her entire life, with a notable emphasis on the past 8 years of rigorous vocal study. She had the privilege of receiving instruction from the esteemed vocal coach Kim Wood Sandusky, renowned for her collaborations with distinguished artists including Beyoncé, Garth Brooks, and Pam Tillis.

Kierstin actively participates in the thriving music scene of Charlotte and remains a prominent fixture, captivating audiences with her performances at local venues in the vibrant vicinity of Lake Norman. She pursued her academic aspirations at Mitchell Community College, successfully earning an Associate in Fine Arts. Recently, she undertook a certification program in vocal teaching offered by the esteemed organization Bast, hailing from the United Kingdom.

When Kierstin is not engaged in the art of teaching or diligently refining her own vocal abilities, she dedicates her time and energy to advancing her musical proficiency on the ukulele and guitar, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her craft.

Terrance C. Shepherd is a classically trained pianist who graduated from Radford University with a Masters of Arts in Music concentrating in piano and music composition. He received his Bachelor of Art in music performance and piano in Spring 2018 at Queens University of Charlotte. Terrance has studied music composition with Dr. Zach Zubow, piano with Dr. Lawrence-White, and Roxanne Holt Watson at Central Piedmont Community College. As a pianist, he loves to blend Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary music into a lush sound of harmonious melodies while incorporating classical riffs, hip hop, and r&b melodies. He was the music director and pianist for Hip Hop Orchestrated, a non-profit organization in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a composer, he has explored the possibilities of electroacoustic music through tape music and experimental sounds. His most recent moment was playing for Alicia Keys on Instagram live while promoting her 7th album. He strives to bring the best creative environment that challenges and enlightens his students. He believes the best approach for his student's growth and self-confidence is through passion and process, which develops their knowledge and Musicianship overall.

Amy is an experienced pianist, organist, guitarist, and vocalist. She began piano lessons at eight years old and continued through her undergraduate years at the South Carolina School of the Arts in Anderson, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, focusing on classical music. Amy furthered her studies at Western Michigan University, earning a Masters of Music Therapy and becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist.

Passionate about providing students of all ages and backgrounds with a strong musical foundation, Amy enjoys teaching music performance, theory, and the holistic benefits of music-making on the mind and body. Drawing from her music therapy background, she customizes her teaching approach to match each student's preferred learning styles and strengths.

Amy has performed in various settings, including local and college theater productions of Sweeney Todd and Walt Disney's Mary Poppins, at weddings, memorial services, hospice veteran pinning ceremonies, and with the Anderson University piano ensemble, Noteworthy. She also served as the musical director, pianist, and organist at St. George Episcopal Church in Anderson.

For 18 years, Adam Wilson has taught guitar to hundreds of students in private and group settings. With a love for teaching and a passion for music, Adam founded Learn Music with his wife, in Janurary of 2014. Learn Music aimse to provide exceptional musical instruction to students of all levels and ages, creating a positive and encouraging environment where students can develop their skills and leave feeling inspired and excited about playing music. Adam's expertise and dedication to teaching have helped countless students achieve their musical goals, regardless of their skill level or musical background. When Adam is not at Learn Music, you can catch him hanging at a local coffee shop with his wife, and three kids or gigging in the community.

From a young age, I was introduced to the world of rock and metal music by my father, who got me hooked on bands like Def Leppard, Poison, and Metallica. By the time I was nine years old, I received my first guitar, and my passion for music has only grown since then. In addition to my love for rock and metal, I also have a keen interest in classical music, actively participating in the Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles at school. As I entered middle school, I began exploring other instruments such as drums, bass, ukulele, piano, and cello. My diverse instrumental background allows me to bring a unique perspective to my music, and I’m passionate about sharing my love for music with others. My ultimate goal is to help others find the same joy and fulfillment in music that I have experienced. Whether it’s teaching a beginner how to strum their first chord or collaborating with other musicians to create new and exciting sounds, I am committed to inspiring others to pursue their musical dreams.