Braeden Kershner is a South Carolina native. After high school, Braeden enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the 2nd Marine Division Band in Camp Lejeune, NC. After serving in the Marines, he attended Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC and earned a BS in Music Education. He then earned his Masters in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Braeden taught in the Charleston County public schools for five years and is also the Music Director of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Director of the Citadel Gospel Choir. He has been giving private music lessons for 14 years and plays all of the instruments. His professional affiliations include the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME, formerly MENC), and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). He lives with his beautiful bride and 2-year-old rugrat in Charleston, SC.
In 2001, Braeden served as guest conductor of the Boston Pops.
See the story here.
In June 2011, Braeden was Huffington Post's "Greatest Person of the Day."
See the story here.
In 2011, Braeden was named runner-up for Charleston County Teacher of the Year. See the story here.
In 2010, Braeden was awarded the Professional Excellence Award for Education from Southern Wesleyan University. See the story here.
In 2009, Braeden completed a lifelong goal of smashing a Guinness World Record! See the story here.
In 2001, Braeden served as guest conductor of the Boston Pops.
See the story here.
In June 2011, Braeden was Huffington Post's "Greatest Person of the Day."
See the story here.
In 2011, Braeden was named runner-up for Charleston County Teacher of the Year. See the story here.
In 2010, Braeden was awarded the Professional Excellence Award for Education from Southern Wesleyan University. See the story here.
In 2009, Braeden completed a lifelong goal of smashing a Guinness World Record! See the story here.
Rich Tassin
Born in Charleston South Carolina, to a family of musicians and teachers, Rich started
playing music at an early age joining the“Charleston Youth Symphony” in
6th grade. In high school he became the drum major of the high school band.
Later, Rich studied music education at Newberry College. Rich’s love for music
turned into a career in radio. He worked for legendary stations like “96 wave”
and "the [email protected]”, while at the same time playing and honing his performing
skills in Charleston’s music scene. Rich had the pleasure to meet, interview,
and play with greats like Mike Gordon of Phish, Warren Haynes of “The Allman
Brothers” and “Gvt Mule” , Blue Lou Marini of “The Blues Brothers Band” and JJ
Grey. Rich is now married and owns a house on James Island where he and his
beautiful wife live. No kids yet but they’re crossing their fingers. Rich teaches guitar and is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm.
playing music at an early age joining the“Charleston Youth Symphony” in
6th grade. In high school he became the drum major of the high school band.
Later, Rich studied music education at Newberry College. Rich’s love for music
turned into a career in radio. He worked for legendary stations like “96 wave”
and "the [email protected]”, while at the same time playing and honing his performing
skills in Charleston’s music scene. Rich had the pleasure to meet, interview,
and play with greats like Mike Gordon of Phish, Warren Haynes of “The Allman
Brothers” and “Gvt Mule” , Blue Lou Marini of “The Blues Brothers Band” and JJ
Grey. Rich is now married and owns a house on James Island where he and his
beautiful wife live. No kids yet but they’re crossing their fingers. Rich teaches guitar and is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm.
Ben Meyer
Ben Meyer was the valedictorian at his high school. Impressive. What's even cooler is that he went on to coordinate the Virginia Arts Festival, sub with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and earn a Master of Music from Miami University. He has taught music here in Charleston for 8 years and is currently teaching lessons, freelancing, and being awesome in his spare time. Ben teaches guitar, bass guitar, drums, and steel drums. He is available for lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm.
Eric Vaughn
Eric fell in love with music at an early age, receiving his first drum set at age 3. In high school, he performed nationally and internationally with both choral and band ensembles; performing at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and Giants Stadium to name a few. In his summers, he toured 3 years with the DCI (Drum Corps International) Circuit, serving as a drum major for Carolina Crown and winning the World Championship with the Cadets in 2000. He received a Bachelor's in Music Education from USC where he specialized in trumpet and instrumental music. Eric has worked extensively as both an instructor and consultant to high school marching bands such as Irmo, Sumter, and Gilbert. Over the last 12 years, he has worked as a performing drummer, guitarist, and trumpet player. He has 13 years of private teaching experience and can play every instrument. Eric is also a SC state-certified music educator and currently teaches instrumental music and theater in the Charleston County School District. He is available for lessons M, T, & TH from 5-8pm and Saturday morning from 9am-1pm.