Daniel Island Location
Meet our instructors
Braeden Kershner - Co-owner
Braeden Kershner loves everything about music. 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 Summerville Baptist Church and the Charleston Barbershop Chorus. He has been giving private music lessons for 18 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 enjoys obsessively organizing things, guacamole dip, and gel pens. He lives with his beautiful bride, 7-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old rugrat in Summerville, 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 Chas. 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. Braeden is co-founder of The Music Battery 501c3 non-profit charity for kids and co-owner of Black Tie Music Academy.
Braeden taught in the Charleston County public schools for five years and is also the Music Director of Summerville Baptist Church and the Charleston Barbershop Chorus. He has been giving private music lessons for 18 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 enjoys obsessively organizing things, guacamole dip, and gel pens. He lives with his beautiful bride, 7-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old rugrat in Summerville, 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 Chas. 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. Braeden is co-founder of The Music Battery 501c3 non-profit charity for kids and co-owner of Black Tie Music Academy.
Kris Manning - Co-owner
Kris Manning is a percussionist with over 30 years’ experience playing music. From rock and blues to classical and world, she happily plays it all.
Her background includes a Percussion Performance Degree from the University of Connecticut and Music Composition Studies from the Hartt School of Music. She has toured Russia with John Beck and 13 percussionists from the Percussive Arts Society. She has also studied marimba with Leigh Howard Stevens and was one of the winners of the Concerto Competition at the University of Connecticut in 1990.
Kris's teaching style is open and accepting, playing to each student's strengths. She draws out the natural abilities from each student by helping them develop their own personal style and by making learning fun!
Kris specializes in cajon, drum set, orchestral percussion and mallet instruments. She currently gigs in Charleston, SC with various bands and teaches several students piano & drum lessons. You can catch her live in the Charleston area every week. To find out more go to: www.thatgirldrummer.com Kris is co-founder of The Music Battery 501c3 non-profit charity for kids and co-owner of Black Tie Music Academy.
Her background includes a Percussion Performance Degree from the University of Connecticut and Music Composition Studies from the Hartt School of Music. She has toured Russia with John Beck and 13 percussionists from the Percussive Arts Society. She has also studied marimba with Leigh Howard Stevens and was one of the winners of the Concerto Competition at the University of Connecticut in 1990.
Kris's teaching style is open and accepting, playing to each student's strengths. She draws out the natural abilities from each student by helping them develop their own personal style and by making learning fun!
Kris specializes in cajon, drum set, orchestral percussion and mallet instruments. She currently gigs in Charleston, SC with various bands and teaches several students piano & drum lessons. You can catch her live in the Charleston area every week. To find out more go to: www.thatgirldrummer.com Kris is co-founder of The Music Battery 501c3 non-profit charity for kids and co-owner of Black Tie Music Academy.
Morgan Nuss - Vibe Wrangler
Morgan Nuss is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston where she studied Arts Management, Studio Art and Art History. She grew up in Charleston and attended Charleston County School of the Arts where she majored in Visual Arts.
She is interested in nonprofit work, especially in the arts field. She is also an artist who has won awards for pieces done in her preferred medium, colored pencil, and was showcased in Piccolo Spoleto’s Rising Star Program in 2012. Morgan has worked for the Charleston County School District in the Fine Arts office and many other local arts organizations, working closely with prominent artists and arts leaders. Morgan is excited to have graduated this past May and begin making a difference in the art community of Charleston. She’s looking forward to utilizing her Arts Management experience at Black Tie Music Academy as well as learning from everything they have to offer!
She is interested in nonprofit work, especially in the arts field. She is also an artist who has won awards for pieces done in her preferred medium, colored pencil, and was showcased in Piccolo Spoleto’s Rising Star Program in 2012. Morgan has worked for the Charleston County School District in the Fine Arts office and many other local arts organizations, working closely with prominent artists and arts leaders. Morgan is excited to have graduated this past May and begin making a difference in the art community of Charleston. She’s looking forward to utilizing her Arts Management experience at Black Tie Music Academy as well as learning from everything they have to offer!
Todd Craig - Specializing in guitar
Raised on radio, Todd has loved music as long as pretty much anything. From singing as a child in the car with his Nana, to church choir and school chorus, music has been an integral part of life. 10-year old Todd phoned in to win a copy of Billy Joel's "Glass Houses" on the radio and music became real.
A surprise concert by the band, Chicago, introduced him to the electricity of performance and led to the purchase of an acoustic guitar. But seeing guitar legend, Eddie Van Halen, in 8th grade infused him with a love of guitar and a musical spirit that’s been jumping for three decades. An ardent appreciator of all artistic expression, Todd attended SC Governor's School for creative writing and attended the Honors College at University of South Carolina, where he studied music theory, graphic design and liberal arts. During this time he learned from a variety of wonderful guitar instructors, played in bands, and taught guitar at a summer camp in New Hampshire.
A move to London after college saw the beginning of a travel-blessed life and invaluable exposure to the music of our planet. In over 40 countries, Todd has repeatedly learned that music, like love, is a universal language and has had such varied experiences as playing Bedouin guitar in the deserts of Egypt, hitting handmade drums on the islands of Kenya, spinning vinyl as a funk DJ in Greece, diddling Irish jigs in Cork, and covering Lynyrd Skynrd in Beijing. When not playing music, Todd is an avid concert-goer, likes to cook, take pictures, read and dance. He appreciates nature and laughs about stuff...lots of stuff.
Todd's teaching style is relaxed, fun and intuitive to the needs of his students and their goals. Whether rock, pop, country, soul or silly, he believes in establishing and encouraging at every age the self-expression, confidence, connection and joy that music brings to us all.
A surprise concert by the band, Chicago, introduced him to the electricity of performance and led to the purchase of an acoustic guitar. But seeing guitar legend, Eddie Van Halen, in 8th grade infused him with a love of guitar and a musical spirit that’s been jumping for three decades. An ardent appreciator of all artistic expression, Todd attended SC Governor's School for creative writing and attended the Honors College at University of South Carolina, where he studied music theory, graphic design and liberal arts. During this time he learned from a variety of wonderful guitar instructors, played in bands, and taught guitar at a summer camp in New Hampshire.
A move to London after college saw the beginning of a travel-blessed life and invaluable exposure to the music of our planet. In over 40 countries, Todd has repeatedly learned that music, like love, is a universal language and has had such varied experiences as playing Bedouin guitar in the deserts of Egypt, hitting handmade drums on the islands of Kenya, spinning vinyl as a funk DJ in Greece, diddling Irish jigs in Cork, and covering Lynyrd Skynrd in Beijing. When not playing music, Todd is an avid concert-goer, likes to cook, take pictures, read and dance. He appreciates nature and laughs about stuff...lots of stuff.
Todd's teaching style is relaxed, fun and intuitive to the needs of his students and their goals. Whether rock, pop, country, soul or silly, he believes in establishing and encouraging at every age the self-expression, confidence, connection and joy that music brings to us all.
Joseph Dubay - Available for birthday parties
Born and raised here in the lowcountry, Joseph Dubay is a singer/songwriter who has been active in the Charleston music scene for over six years. Joseph's soulful folk rock is as unique as it is varied, no two songs sounding the same.
In 2012 he graduated from Charleston County Schools of the Arts as a published, and award winning poet and author. Joseph is currently working on an Elementary Education degree from College of Charleston and is working as the Youth Minister at Christ Church in Mt. Pleasant.
Just as comfortable with toddlers as he is with adults, Joseph currently runs our daycare program, bringing music, fun, and education to children at local schools and daycare facilities.
Joseph is an easy going and pleasant instructor whose goal is to get his students as excited about music and writing as he is. He teaches Guitar, Ukulele, and Songwriting.
We dare you not to smile while spending time around Mr. Joseph!
In 2012 he graduated from Charleston County Schools of the Arts as a published, and award winning poet and author. Joseph is currently working on an Elementary Education degree from College of Charleston and is working as the Youth Minister at Christ Church in Mt. Pleasant.
Just as comfortable with toddlers as he is with adults, Joseph currently runs our daycare program, bringing music, fun, and education to children at local schools and daycare facilities.
Joseph is an easy going and pleasant instructor whose goal is to get his students as excited about music and writing as he is. He teaches Guitar, Ukulele, and Songwriting.
We dare you not to smile while spending time around Mr. Joseph!
Ryan Flannery - Specializing in guitar
Ryan began playing guitar following an introduction to the music of Led Zeppelin. He has been practicing, writing and performing rock, funk, blues and jazz for the last eight years.
A Pennsylvania transplant, Ryan has lived in Charleston for the last five years, during which he earned an undergraduate degree in music performance under the tutelage of Tyler Ross. Also during this time, he has been performing all over the city, with groups ranging from lounge jazz to rip roaring space funk.
Ryan plans to continue his studies with a masters in music performance. He has been fortunate to study under a wide range of skillful teachers, and understands the importance of thoughtful, individualized instruction whether the student is just starting, or trying to take their craft to the next level.
Ryan teaches guitar, bass, piano, and general music theory. His style brings a laid back and friendly experience to his students young and old.
A Pennsylvania transplant, Ryan has lived in Charleston for the last five years, during which he earned an undergraduate degree in music performance under the tutelage of Tyler Ross. Also during this time, he has been performing all over the city, with groups ranging from lounge jazz to rip roaring space funk.
Ryan plans to continue his studies with a masters in music performance. He has been fortunate to study under a wide range of skillful teachers, and understands the importance of thoughtful, individualized instruction whether the student is just starting, or trying to take their craft to the next level.
Ryan teaches guitar, bass, piano, and general music theory. His style brings a laid back and friendly experience to his students young and old.
Arnold Gottlieb - Specializing in bass, guitar, piano, music theory, brass and woodwinds
Arnold Gottlieb recently moved to Charleston after spending many years in New York City, Dusseldorf Germany, Nashville TN, and "on the road." His mother was a folk musician, and he can’t remember ever not playing an instrument. Now, a full-time Charleston resident, Arnold has performed here at Dock Street Theatre, Footlight Players Theatre, North Charleston PAC, most of the jazz clubs, many bars, and recently with the North Charleston Pops!
Arnold has a BA in Music from Western CT State University. As a lifetime student of music, well after his college years while living in Munich, Germany, he studied tuba with Bob Tucci of the Munich opera orchestra. He has also taken occasional bass lessons with some of the greats in New York City. While in Charleston he has continued to study bass and piano, and may one day finish grad school. Arnold teaches bass, guitar, piano, tuba, trombone, music theory, and occasionally career counseling for artists. Arnold’s teaching style mixes seriousness and fun. He has had a few students go off and do some great things, but he really wants everybody to find the joy in music that he has found, whether they go on to play in their living room or in stadiums.
He has a website, www.arnoldgottlieb.com , with some sounds and pictures.
Arnold has a BA in Music from Western CT State University. As a lifetime student of music, well after his college years while living in Munich, Germany, he studied tuba with Bob Tucci of the Munich opera orchestra. He has also taken occasional bass lessons with some of the greats in New York City. While in Charleston he has continued to study bass and piano, and may one day finish grad school. Arnold teaches bass, guitar, piano, tuba, trombone, music theory, and occasionally career counseling for artists. Arnold’s teaching style mixes seriousness and fun. He has had a few students go off and do some great things, but he really wants everybody to find the joy in music that he has found, whether they go on to play in their living room or in stadiums.
He has a website, www.arnoldgottlieb.com , with some sounds and pictures.
Joel Gunter - Specializing in guitar, piano and drums
Joel Gunter started playing guitar at the age of 12. He has spent most of his life living in the Charleston area where he has pursued his passion for music and education. He has extensive experience with touring and performing his instrument on a professional level, as well as composing, arranging, and recording original songs.
Joel joined the band 'Hundredth' in 2007 and was signed to Media Skare Records in 2008. Hundredth has since released 3 EP's, 3 full length CD's (available on iTunes) and was signed onto Hopeless Records (North Hollywood, California) in 2014. In those years he toured all over the world including Russia, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK.
Whenever Joel wasn't on tour, he worked as an after-school counselor/supervisor at Westview Primary School in Goose Creek, SC where he organized and engaged in recreational activities, as well as established a safe playing environment for children. He was also a teacher assistant in their Head Start program where he was in charge of implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Joel lives in Summerville, SC with his fiancée and son Noah.
Joel joined the band 'Hundredth' in 2007 and was signed to Media Skare Records in 2008. Hundredth has since released 3 EP's, 3 full length CD's (available on iTunes) and was signed onto Hopeless Records (North Hollywood, California) in 2014. In those years he toured all over the world including Russia, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK.
Whenever Joel wasn't on tour, he worked as an after-school counselor/supervisor at Westview Primary School in Goose Creek, SC where he organized and engaged in recreational activities, as well as established a safe playing environment for children. He was also a teacher assistant in their Head Start program where he was in charge of implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Joel lives in Summerville, SC with his fiancée and son Noah.
Andrea Krider - Specializing in voice, piano, musical theatre, and choir
Andrea Krider is in Indiana native, but has called Charleston home for 6 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance from DePauw University where she studied under internationally acclaimed soprano, Pamela Coburn, and was directed by former King's Singer member, Gabriel Crouch.
She began performing at the age of four, and has never stopped. She made her choreographer debut with a piece for DePauw's Percussion Plus Ensemble to the theme of "Aztec Gods and Goddesses," then went on to choreograph and perform in the DePauw Theatre's production of The Who's Tommy. Ms. Krider spent most of her “free” time during summer breaks and post-graduation at her local theatre performing in shows. Some of her favorites include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Stud Terkle’s Working, in which she received a regional theatre award for Outstanding Supporting Female Performance in a Musical.
Ms. Krider spends her days and evenings teaching voice, piano, musical theatre, and choir at Black Tie Music Academy-Daniel Island, but is typically at a rehearsal at night and on the weekends. Her theatre credits in Charleston range from performing (Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof) choreographing (Bent, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum), and directing/musical directing (Legally Blonde, Jr.) She is also a member of The King's Counterpoint and The Charleston Caroling Company, and a Board Member for the North Charleston POPS!
She began performing at the age of four, and has never stopped. She made her choreographer debut with a piece for DePauw's Percussion Plus Ensemble to the theme of "Aztec Gods and Goddesses," then went on to choreograph and perform in the DePauw Theatre's production of The Who's Tommy. Ms. Krider spent most of her “free” time during summer breaks and post-graduation at her local theatre performing in shows. Some of her favorites include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Stud Terkle’s Working, in which she received a regional theatre award for Outstanding Supporting Female Performance in a Musical.
Ms. Krider spends her days and evenings teaching voice, piano, musical theatre, and choir at Black Tie Music Academy-Daniel Island, but is typically at a rehearsal at night and on the weekends. Her theatre credits in Charleston range from performing (Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof) choreographing (Bent, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum), and directing/musical directing (Legally Blonde, Jr.) She is also a member of The King's Counterpoint and The Charleston Caroling Company, and a Board Member for the North Charleston POPS!
Kelly Machado - Specializing in piano, guitar and clarinet
Kelly began her musical career at the age of 12 in Charleston, South Carolina as a woodwind player, studying at Leonard’s School of Music. She later attended Charleston School of the Arts, studying under the guidance of Charles Messersmith of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. In 2007 she won the opportunity to attend the Summer in the City program in New York City, where she stayed at Juilliard School of Music and studied with Pascual Martinez Forteza of the New York Philharmonic. Her college education began at Wheaton Conservatory of Music, where she studied Music Performance for clarinet under the direction of Susan Warner of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Studying abroad several times during her college education, London was her first destination. In London, Kelly studied art history and world music, and also happily took the opportunity to backpack around the United Kingdom after her studies. She later went to Orvieto, Italy to study Italian renaissance art history, ekphrastic poetry, printmaking, and drawing. During all these detours, Kelly never stopped creating music of her own, which lead her to the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN, where she studied with professionals in the contemporary music field. After exploring, Kelly was sure she wanted to finish her college education to become a music therapist. She returned back to Charleston, South Carolina to complete her degree at Charleston Southern University with a BA in Music Therapy, studying with Jennifer Whipple, Julie Stordahl, and many other amazing music therapists.
Kelly fulfilled her music therapy internship requirement with Claire Littlejohn, MT-BC at Trident Health in Charleston, SC, allowing her to become a credentialed music therapist. At Trident Health, Kelly learned about the extensive benefits of music therapy for such a wide variety of clients, ranging from premature infants to hospice. After her internship, Kelly moved to Nashville to pursue her passion and explore the music city. During her time there, Kelly taught music lessons and worked at the Rochelle Center, a care facility for adults with special needs. After two years of living in Music City, Kelly accepted the opportunity to return back home to Charleston, SC to work as an Activity Therapist at Lowcountry Transitions Behavior Health and teach private music lessons at BlackTie Music Academy.
Studying abroad several times during her college education, London was her first destination. In London, Kelly studied art history and world music, and also happily took the opportunity to backpack around the United Kingdom after her studies. She later went to Orvieto, Italy to study Italian renaissance art history, ekphrastic poetry, printmaking, and drawing. During all these detours, Kelly never stopped creating music of her own, which lead her to the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN, where she studied with professionals in the contemporary music field. After exploring, Kelly was sure she wanted to finish her college education to become a music therapist. She returned back to Charleston, South Carolina to complete her degree at Charleston Southern University with a BA in Music Therapy, studying with Jennifer Whipple, Julie Stordahl, and many other amazing music therapists.
Kelly fulfilled her music therapy internship requirement with Claire Littlejohn, MT-BC at Trident Health in Charleston, SC, allowing her to become a credentialed music therapist. At Trident Health, Kelly learned about the extensive benefits of music therapy for such a wide variety of clients, ranging from premature infants to hospice. After her internship, Kelly moved to Nashville to pursue her passion and explore the music city. During her time there, Kelly taught music lessons and worked at the Rochelle Center, a care facility for adults with special needs. After two years of living in Music City, Kelly accepted the opportunity to return back home to Charleston, SC to work as an Activity Therapist at Lowcountry Transitions Behavior Health and teach private music lessons at BlackTie Music Academy.
Karin McQuade - Specializing in strings and piano
Karin McQuade is a graduate of the College of Charleston and studied Music Theory and Composition. She combines her classical and folk background in both her performance and teaching. You may find her singing and fiddling with her bands for local pubs and music halls, or contra dances throughout the southeast.
Thomas Norris - Specializing in guitar and bass
Thomas Norris recently graduated summa cum laude from the College of Charleston, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Guitar Performance. Thomas was born in Charleston, however he has lived all over the country. His musical journey began in kindergarten when he started taking piano lessons, although the guitar became his main focus at the age of twelve. Like many kids playing the guitar, he was initially attracted to rock and metal, however he gradually shifted his musical tastes to the world of Jazz music.
Thomas is now a professional musician in Charleston. When he isn’t playing gigs or practicing, Thomas can be found on the water paddling his kayak. One day, he hopes to complete a Master’s Degree in music and attain a professorship at a university, or attend medical school and become a physician. Whatever happens, music will always be an important part of his life. Whether you are just starting to play an instrument, or you are already practicing for hours every day, Thomas will adapt his teaching style to whatever your musical goals are.
Thomas is now a professional musician in Charleston. When he isn’t playing gigs or practicing, Thomas can be found on the water paddling his kayak. One day, he hopes to complete a Master’s Degree in music and attain a professorship at a university, or attend medical school and become a physician. Whatever happens, music will always be an important part of his life. Whether you are just starting to play an instrument, or you are already practicing for hours every day, Thomas will adapt his teaching style to whatever your musical goals are.
Kristine Peterson - Specializing in art and piano
A creative adventurist, Kristine Peterson began her arts endeavors very young. She grew up in a home with a music studio where her mother, possessing an advanced degree in music, gave private lessons. Music is truly a family affair, as her mother and grandmother both play multiple instruments and with several ensembles. All three generations, including Kristine, have performed together at various venues. In an attempt to distribute and well round her creative energies, Kristine was enrolled in private classical piano and dance lessons between the ages of three and four. While in elementary and secondary school, Kristine was a member of the classical music performance groups “Little Bach” and “Junior Philomel.” She was also called upon to fulfill pianist duties at churches in need of music. She continued her participation in these throughout her college careers.
In her identity, Kristine quickly captured the love for all things creative, leading her to Alfred University where she graduated magna cum laude earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Kristine attended Mansfield University of Pennsylvania to earn her Master of Education in Art Education degree. During her post-secondary educational journey, Kristine continued to play classical piano at each opportunity that arose. While attending graduate school, Kristine also worked as a dance instructor at Melinda’s School of Dance. She moved here from Pennsylvania in 2012 to work as an art teacher in the Charleston County School District. During her very first year she was selected Charleston County School District’s “Rookie Teacher of the Year.” During this time she also devoted herself to extracurricular activities for her students, including resurrecting and directing her school’s steel drum band. She taught in the Charleston County public schools for three years. In addition to teaching piano lessons at Black Tie Music Academy, Kristine is also the Art Director.
In her identity, Kristine quickly captured the love for all things creative, leading her to Alfred University where she graduated magna cum laude earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Kristine attended Mansfield University of Pennsylvania to earn her Master of Education in Art Education degree. During her post-secondary educational journey, Kristine continued to play classical piano at each opportunity that arose. While attending graduate school, Kristine also worked as a dance instructor at Melinda’s School of Dance. She moved here from Pennsylvania in 2012 to work as an art teacher in the Charleston County School District. During her very first year she was selected Charleston County School District’s “Rookie Teacher of the Year.” During this time she also devoted herself to extracurricular activities for her students, including resurrecting and directing her school’s steel drum band. She taught in the Charleston County public schools for three years. In addition to teaching piano lessons at Black Tie Music Academy, Kristine is also the Art Director.
Hamilton Provonsha - Specializing in piano, bass, guitar, voice and music theory
Hamilton studied piano and voice at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. He played piano in the Lee University Jazz Band for four years, and continues to play locally in Charleston. He has also been in several choirs, including Lee University Chamber Chorus, Lee University Chorale, Lee University Choral Union, and Kings Counterpoint.
Hamilton traveled with Kings Counterpoint to Wells England recently as a tenor, bass, and a soloist. He has spent the past year as a church pianist, organist, bassist, timpanist, drummer, and vocalist at St Michael's Anglican Church in downtown Charleston.
Hamilton loves music of all kinds, and loves to talk about it. As a jazz musician, he loves to talk about theory and enjoys teaching people how it works. His philosophy is that all musical ideas are valuable and, with some extra knowledge and technique, can become something great.
Hamilton traveled with Kings Counterpoint to Wells England recently as a tenor, bass, and a soloist. He has spent the past year as a church pianist, organist, bassist, timpanist, drummer, and vocalist at St Michael's Anglican Church in downtown Charleston.
Hamilton loves music of all kinds, and loves to talk about it. As a jazz musician, he loves to talk about theory and enjoys teaching people how it works. His philosophy is that all musical ideas are valuable and, with some extra knowledge and technique, can become something great.
Rich Tassin - Specializing in guitar, drums, bass, piano and ukulele
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’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.
Hannah O-Specializing in guitar, piano and songwriting
Hannah O is a 16 year old singer-songwriter as well as a junior at Academic Magnet. Born in
Miami and raised in Charleston, she began learning piano at age 4, and has loved music ever
since. Picking up guitar, violin, ukulele, banjo, and singing along the way, she now enjoys
writing music and performing around the Charleston area. She has enjoyed working with
Black Tie and other music organizations like Girls Rock Charleston, and attended a songwriting
workshop this summer at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She plays regularly around Daniel Island at the Farmers Market and Refuel wine nights. Hannah studied under BTMA founder and co-owner Braeden Kershner before transitioning to teaching.
Miami and raised in Charleston, she began learning piano at age 4, and has loved music ever
since. Picking up guitar, violin, ukulele, banjo, and singing along the way, she now enjoys
writing music and performing around the Charleston area. She has enjoyed working with
Black Tie and other music organizations like Girls Rock Charleston, and attended a songwriting
workshop this summer at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She plays regularly around Daniel Island at the Farmers Market and Refuel wine nights. Hannah studied under BTMA founder and co-owner Braeden Kershner before transitioning to teaching.
Zach Quillen-Specializing in guitar, piano, voice, and band instruments
Zach Quillen is a multi-instrumentalist with 23 years of performance experience entertaining audiences all over Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Florida, Wyoming, and Colorado. He has been teaching music privately since 2002. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education (Major-Voice, Minor-Piano) in 2006 and completed the coursework for his Master's Degree of Music Theory in 2011 (thesis pending). His main instruments are voice, guitar, and piano, but he has extensive experience on bass, trombone, and steel drums. Special areas of interest include jazz/blues improvisation, songwriting, and non-traditional Schenkerian analysis.
Emmalee Hinson-Specializing in voice and piano
Emmalee received her Bachelor's Degree in Music History from the College Of Charleston, and holds a Master of Music in Choral Music Studies from The University of Cambridge. While at Cambridge, she studied conducting under Stephen Layton and sang with the Gonville and Caius College Choir under the direction of Geoffrey Webber. Since returning to the States, Emmalee has been an active performer in Charleston, most recently as alto soloist in Handel's Messiah and Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. In 2016, she appeared as a soloist on the Taylor Festival Choir’s commercial release of Michael McGlynn's Celtic Mass. She is the Principal Alto Soloist for the Taylor Festival Choir, and Choral Associate at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul.
Audra Claire McCall - Specializing in voice, violin and piano
Audra Claire McCall, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, began doing public violin
performances at age 5. Since then she had done solos with symphonies around the
state including the Civic Metropolitan Orchestra, the Southcoast Symphony, the
Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and the Hilton Head Symphony. She had been a
soloist on multiple concerts with the College of Charleston Concert Series, the
Drayton Hall Plantation Candlelight Concert Series, the Friday Night with the
Classics Series, the Emily Remington Concert Series, the Millennium Music Spotlight
Concert Series, the Hilton Head Symphony Musicale, and the Charleston First Night
Concert Series. Miss McCall has attended the Aspen Music Festival and School for
eight years where she did several performances on the Young Artist Concert Series.
She was also the co-concertmaster of the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry. In 2008 she won the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Concerto Competition. In the same year she also soloed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for the
opening of the Spoleto Festival International. Miss McCall concurrently studied with Paul Kantor of Rice University for eight years and Amos Laurence, the former assistant concertmaster of the Charleston Symphony, for eleven years. Miss McCall
currently gives private instruction and does local performances.
performances at age 5. Since then she had done solos with symphonies around the
state including the Civic Metropolitan Orchestra, the Southcoast Symphony, the
Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and the Hilton Head Symphony. She had been a
soloist on multiple concerts with the College of Charleston Concert Series, the
Drayton Hall Plantation Candlelight Concert Series, the Friday Night with the
Classics Series, the Emily Remington Concert Series, the Millennium Music Spotlight
Concert Series, the Hilton Head Symphony Musicale, and the Charleston First Night
Concert Series. Miss McCall has attended the Aspen Music Festival and School for
eight years where she did several performances on the Young Artist Concert Series.
She was also the co-concertmaster of the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry. In 2008 she won the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Concerto Competition. In the same year she also soloed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for the
opening of the Spoleto Festival International. Miss McCall concurrently studied with Paul Kantor of Rice University for eight years and Amos Laurence, the former assistant concertmaster of the Charleston Symphony, for eleven years. Miss McCall
currently gives private instruction and does local performances.
Joe Evangelista
Joe has over 20 years experience teaching piano to both children and adults. His patient approach to
teaching has fostered long-lasting relationships with his students. He recently relocated from
Connecticut and is now seeking students here in the Charleston area.
His philosophy for successful teaching is simple - make it fun for students! He has proven results with
beginners, using a series of books we stock in our store, to stimulate interest even from the earliest of
lessons. Incorporating songs that children already recognize, while also introducing music theory and
technique, has been instrumental in maintaining his students' interest. He also introduces a wide
variety of musical styles to best hone in on your child's interests and customize lessons as they continue
their study of piano.
With adult students, he can pickup where you once left off or give you your first lesson. He has unique
lesson plans crafted for adult students' needs and interests. Joe says - It's never too late to introduce the
joy of music into your life!
Joe Evangelista is also a management consultant for several non-profit performing arts organizations.
But, his true passion is mentoring those who have an interest in learning to play the piano.
teaching has fostered long-lasting relationships with his students. He recently relocated from
Connecticut and is now seeking students here in the Charleston area.
His philosophy for successful teaching is simple - make it fun for students! He has proven results with
beginners, using a series of books we stock in our store, to stimulate interest even from the earliest of
lessons. Incorporating songs that children already recognize, while also introducing music theory and
technique, has been instrumental in maintaining his students' interest. He also introduces a wide
variety of musical styles to best hone in on your child's interests and customize lessons as they continue
their study of piano.
With adult students, he can pickup where you once left off or give you your first lesson. He has unique
lesson plans crafted for adult students' needs and interests. Joe says - It's never too late to introduce the
joy of music into your life!
Joe Evangelista is also a management consultant for several non-profit performing arts organizations.
But, his true passion is mentoring those who have an interest in learning to play the piano.
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