Meet the Band

Great teachers make great students.  Check.  Crummy teachers make crummy students.  Check, check.  Every single Flying Fingers instructor has earned (or is earning) a college degree in music.  Every. Single. One.  We hire people who are passionate about their love for music – because when they’re working with your child you’ll witness that this passion is more contagious than the measles. 

Of course we fully vet and background check all of our instructors.  We don’t hire any mean teachers or weirdos.  We grill ‘em, press ‘em, and train ‘em before they ever knock on a door.  Each is thoroughly trained in the proven Flying Fingers’ methodology.  They all get access to our extensive resource library of teacher and student materials.  We pay them well with real money and bonuses.  And flextime.  And paid vacations.  Great teachers are hard to find.   They make the difference.  So when we do find them, we take good care of them.  While they’re your consistency, they’re the backbone of our Company.

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow us to introduce you to...

 

IMG_1431 B&WNick

devoted himself to music as an early teenager in the roaring 80's when he brought home his first used drumset from a junk store in Huntington Beach, CA.  By the time he was ready to set off for college on a music scholarship, his curiosity and determination already helped him find his way to the guitar, the bass guitar, and the piano.   He went on to spend the entire decade of the 90's scorching stages all around the southeast and working in recording studios as a session musician, engineer, and producer.  The "long and winding road" as a professional musician eventually led Nick to an unexpected and yet very comfortable place in his life.  Through a career in teaching, he began to realize an unmatched level of fulfillment, showing up and coming musicians the secrets to success with music.

 

Marielle

(Voice/Piano)

was born and raised in the suburban-Chattanooga area, and later moved to Neenah, Wisconsin where she discovered her love for choir, musical theatre, and dance. Marielle pursued a Bachelors of Music in Music Education at Kennesaw State University, where she met her husband. During her time at KSU, she proudly sang for their University Treble Choir and served as the Feature Twirler for "The Marching Owls." Marielle transitioned into a full-time career as a middle school choir teacher upon graduation and served in that role for four years. It was during these four years that she also completed her Masters of Music in Music Education at the University of Georgia, received consistent superiors with her choirs at LGPE, produced four school musicals, and married her husband, Jacob. Marielle now enjoys teaching piano and voice lessons while raising her daughter, Jameson. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, dancing, reading, and of course, singing!

Jordan SommerJordan

(Piano)

began taking piano lessons at a young age.  A little while later, the skills he acquired in his own lessons propelled him to be able to start teaching himself through playing his favorite songs.  Then, in high school, he returned to taking formal lessons.  This added tremendous fuel to his fire and inspired him to pursue a music degree in college specializing in Piano Performance.  Now that he gets to study, perform, and make music every day he's never been more excited about where he is in life, and about his opportunities for the future.  With Jordan's vast and unique musical background and training, he hopes to spread his interest and passion for music to all of his students.  In his free time he likes to write music of his own, for solo piano and various other ensembles.

 

 

Jeremy Beavers 2Jeremy

(Guitar & Beginner Piano)

is a guitar teacher, performer, and songwriter based in the Atlanta, Georgia area.  The product of two musical parents, he and his brothers grew up surrounded by music.  They all fell in love with music and Jeremy was hooked on the guitar at the age of 13.  He studied classical guitar as well as a potpourri of other styles, earning a Bachelor's of Music in Performance in classical guitar from Kennesaw State University.  Jeremy has performed in masterclasses for and received private lessons from renowned guitar performers and teachers from around the world.  He is now an oft-requested performer in the Southeast, both as a soloist and with his rock and roll outfit "Third Sound".  He has a wide range of teaching experience, teaching beginning to advanced guitar and beginning piano.  Jeremy strives to help enable students create positive, healthy experiences with music and to live the soundtrack of their lives more fully and richly.  When not performing or teaching, Jeremy enjoys recreationally competing in powerlifting.

 

Esther

(Violin & Guitar)

was introduced to classical music at a very young age by her parents, who valued fine arts and eagerly encouraged her to dive into the world of music. After starting piano at age five, Esther wanted to try something different, resulting in her discovering her love for the violin - and she has not stopped playing since. Esther has been involved in youth ensembles, including GMEA’s Allstate Orchestra since she was in middle school. She’s held concertmaster positions in her school and county-wide orchestras, played a key role in Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra all throughout high school, and was even a Governor’s Honors Program finalist in 2017 - one of the ten violinists in the entire state of Georgia chosen to attend the program. In addition to her many personal achievements, she’s also taught students throughout the years and has helped them successfully audition for youth orchestras alike. Esther is now studying at Kennesaw State University for an undergraduate degree in Music Education and Violin Performance. She has been concertmaster in the KSU Symphony multiple times and is excited to continue her musical journey. When she is not playing violin, Esther loves to drink coffee, journal, go on outdoor adventures and play the guitar in her church worship band.

Nico Lembo photo

Nico

(Drums & Percussion)

first started rocking the drums at age 11 in the Gulf Coast town of Clearwater, Florida.  Following in the footsteps of his father and his father before him, what really started out as a fun after school activity progressed into an obsession.  This obsession soon lead to studying jazz and classical music at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.  Soon after graduation, he started building his career by teaching students of all ages in the Jacksonville area, and refining his performance skills by playing in clubs and venues across the southeast and the country at large.  After spending a few years on the road, he eventually landed in Atlanta where he has continued his love of performing in venues with original bands and artists and even a few wedding bands.  In his off time, Nico enjoys lifting weights and hiking the beautiful north Georgia hills.

 

 

Tatyana PopovychTatyana

(Piano)

started learning and playing piano at age of 6 in Russia. Upon moving to United States she attended a local Ridgedale School of Fine Arts in Tennessee. Throughout middle and high school, she collected eleven state festival competition wins and performed on several occasions throughout each year. Tatyana graduated with High School Diploma of Fine Arts. Currently she is attending Kennesaw State University pursuing her Bachelors Degree of Music in Piano Performance. Outside of school she likes to spend time with her family, gardening, and going to local concerts and festivals. Tatyana believes that music adds color and excitement to the world and she wants to help her students discover, explore, and enjoy their musical journey.

 

 

Nick JohnsonNick

(Guitar & Bass)

after being inspired by the music of groups like the Beatles and the Who, quickly realized that his dream was to be a musician. He began playing the guitar constantly at age 12. Further into his journey, he became drawn to the music and culture of the South and relocated from his hometown outside of Boston to Atlanta. Nick graduated at the top of his class from the Atlanta Institute of Music in 2007 and soon thereafter became an active member of the Atlanta music scene. While maintaining a busy teaching schedule, Nick has enjoyed performing on the Future of Jazz stage at the Atlanta Jazz festival and has traveled all over the country with acts that include; Col. Bruce Hampton, the Yonrico Scott Band, and the Last Waltz Ensemble. Most recently, Nick has had the privilege of opening for Bonnie Raitt as part of the Randall Bramblett Band. Keep an eye out for Nick playing guitar in the upcoming film Jayne Mansfield’s Car starring Billy Bob Thornton and Robert Duvall!

Courtney

(Piano and Voice)

was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been around music her entire life! Her uncle is a famous gospel singer and her father performed and trained actors on Broadway. She studied piano starting at a young age before discovering her love for singing in the church. At 12 years old, she was the youngest person on the praise team singing every Sunday for both services switching from alto to soprano. She won the title of the 2020 girls soloist champion in her senior year. Courtney then graduated in 2020 from Atlanta Girls’ School where she sang in the honor choir from 8th-12th, performed in musicals starting in 7th grade, and was often chosen to represent the school in regional and national competitions. In 2021, she was asked to be the administrative assistant to the minister of music at her church and now not only sings soprano, alto, and tenor... she warms up the team, and works on the business side of the department. Coutney continues to pursue her own education in music at Georgia State, where she is a vocal performance major, passionate about teaching private voice lessons to individuals who love music and singing just as much as her.

Jimmy SnyderJimmy

(Saxophone & Piano)

first started music taking piano and saxophone lessons when he was 11 years old. It didn't take long for music to become an obsession. Throughout middle and high school, Jimmy dedicated himself to improving on his instruments and found himself playing in all sorts of bands from marching band, community bands, jazz bands and honor bands. Jimmy decided to really commit to music by attending Kennesaw State University pursuing a degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance studying under Sam Skelton. This is where Jimmy really developed not only his playing, but knowledge of music theory and music business. Now Jimmy is a gigging musician and loves to share his passion for music with the next generation.

 

Bethany Johnston - hi resBethany

(Piano, Violin & Voice)

was born and raised in Georgia. She grew up in a musical family and was always playing or singing music. She was and is heavily involved in choirs, orchestras, and small ensembles. She began violin lessons at age 8 and continued with that into her teen years. She played piano by ear on the side and it became her passion. She is currently enrolled at Kennesaw State University pursing a Bachelors in Piano Performance. While she isn’t focusing on violin, she still enjoys playing in the Kennesaw State University Orchestra. When Bethany isn’t doing music she loves trying out new coffee shops, baking, running, hiking, bullet journaling, blogging, drawing, dog sitting, watching football, and hanging out with family and friends.

 

MK GuthrieMK

(Violin/Viola)

has always been surrounded by music.  On her 4th birthday, she begged her parents for a violin.  And luckily, they conceded to plant the seeds that would shape her future.  While she was trained classically with the Suzuki method as a youngster, she developed an eager appetite for fiddle and bluegrass music on the side.  MK has been in numerous orchestras, such as the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Georgia All-State Orchestra, and even sat concertmaster last semester for the Kennesaw State University Orchestra.  In fast pursuit of her degree in Violin Performance with KSU, she has thoroughly enjoyed her first few years of teaching students ranging from 5-16 years old.  In addition to violin, MK loves sports, cosmetology, and her German Shepherd, Wolfgang (who happens to bark with perfect pitch).

Paul MillerPaul

(Guitar)

Paul grew up amongst the sunsprinkled waves and gentle swaying palm trees of the Salsa music capital of the universe, Miami FLA.  As a youngster he participated in his elementary school band, trying to decide if his future was going to be with the clarinet or “bari” sax.  It was around his 12th birthday when he finally “picked” the guitar.  Like most of his guitar playing peers, he was excited about the classic rock riffs and great music he heard on the radio.  But someone handed him a CD from the band Phish in high school and a spark was ignited in him that sent him off in a far more interesting direction.  From there, Paul went on to study Jazz guitar at The University of North Florida.  He’s since had the great privilege of sharing the stage with everyone from John Popper (Blues Traveler) to George Clinton (Parliament Funkadelic). Now in his 10th year of spreading his musical germs amongst a new generation of guitar students, Paul continues to enjoy the rewards of watching his students’ fingers fly. When he’s not teaching or on a stage somewhere, you may spot him at a local gym, on a hiking trail or even attempting to impress his friends with his cooking (key word ATTEMPT).

 

IMG_6516 newJa'Bree

(Piano & Voice)

has had a strong love for music as far back as she can remember. Singing seemed to come naturally to her at a very young age, and she quickly found herself competing and winning a variety of talent shows and show cases. After joining a piano class at 10 years old, a new world was opened up to her where she became able to join singing and piano together.  The excitement of being able to learn her favorite songs and create made her the star of the household.  It wasn’t long before her siblings were begging her to teach them all she was learning, planting the seeds that would ultimately lead her toward a rewarding teaching career.  In the 8th grade, Ja’Bree auditioned and found herself a home in the school choir, and was recommended into the advanced women’s choir, All state choir, District Honors Choir, and LGPE. This inspired her to go even further and pursue a degree in music performance (vocal) at Georgia State University and sing in the Gospel Choir. Aside from music I just love to have a good time and laugh.

Side story….. I’ll never forget the day I was in 5th grade, and I wrote on a piece paper that one of my goals was “to sing the national anthem in front of a bunch of people”.  By the time I graduated highschool I was a regular performer at high school sports games and even sung at my graduation. This is one of my favorite memories just to help me remember that you can do anything and to always have patience.

 

Daniel 1Daniel

(Guitar, Bass & Recording)

began slinging the strings at the young age of 9.  It would be only 4 more years before he was jamming on stages around the Atlanta area at age 13.  As he continued to hone his fretboard skills, Daniel knew that a career in music was going to become his destiny.  He went on to study the guitar intensely and graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music in the summer of 2003.  Afterwards, he began teaching students, touring with bands, and recording with Grammy Award winning artists such as India Arie, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, and Nas.  While playing with his band, I.O.Z, and backing up other artists, he has had the opportunity to share the stage with bands like Galactic, Fishbone, Col. Bruce Hampton, and many more.

 

 

Chase

(Guitar)

began his musical journey right here in Atlanta, Georgia…and raised on a steady diet of classic rock and blues.  Growing up in a musical family, he showed an interest in music from a young age by participating in his church and middle school choirs.  But soon became obsessed with the six-stringed instrument he heard in the rock music he so loved.  Having a guitar playing father, it was only a matter of time before Chase fell down that rabbit hole.  He would play guitar and rock out all day, much to the dismay of his parents and neighbors, copying licks from his guitar heroes Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and David Gilmour.  As he continued to improve and hone his craft, he decided that music was the only the only career for him.  Having an affinity for working with kids and an obsession with the guitar, he saw teaching guitar as a no-brainer.  Chase strives to create a fun, engaging, and approachable musical environment where students can learn and be inspired - one that is catered to the needs and musical interests of each student.  Chase is currently an undergraduate student and hopes to one day to pursue a music degree at the Georgia State University School of Music.  When he’s not playing guitar, he enjoys listening to music, hiking, watersports, and cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. 

Jack

(Guitar & Piano)

Born and raised right here in Atlanta, Jack has been a lifelong lover of music. Growing up, his dad exposed him to a wide variety of great music on the stereo. However, everything changed when he first heard Van Halen's first album. What started as an interest soon turned into an obsession, and he found himself spending just about all his free time learning how to play his favorite songs on the guitar. Throughout high school he found himself in a variety of bands. From being a bassist in a praise band to lead guitarist in his own rock band, wherever there was a chance to play music, he was there. Nowadays when he's not teaching up and coming guitar students, you can find Jack making music with his band and playing local gigs around town.

Bernie

(Piano)

found music on the frontier of every dream and reverie, every song spinning its own story in his head. Fantasy and music were nearly one and the same, and upon discovering video games and animation, he found the fusion he was looking for. Born to musical, immigrant parents, he grew up playing piano and listening to music and languages from around the world. Through his classical training he saw state and nationwide success as a young composer.  And he found tremendous personal satisfaction performing with youth orchestras and attending prestigious musical programs before deciding to take a much needed break. Coming back to music was a journey of its own, blending the magnetic rapture of a musical childhood with the deliberation and ambition of a matured mind. He's nearing the end of his degree at Georgia State University in Music Composition and cultivating his passion for sharing the piano with the next generation of young talent. 

Alex

(Piano & Voice)

Thanks to his parents, Alex began his studies in classical piano when he was only four years old, engraining his love for music deep in his soul. His early studies with Russian native, Aza Boguslavskiy, led him to compete at a very young age in annual, in-state competitions. He received top ratings in local and state-wide competitions from the Georgia Teachers Association and Georgia Music Educators Association. He went on to further his studies in college with Ike Stubblefield, modern master of the Hammond B3 organ, who’s played keyboards with the Motown review, including the Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and a long list of noteworthy acts. Graduating from Georgia State University, Alex completed a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies in Media Entrepreneurship focusing on Music Technology. Alex has performed at the 20th Annual Ultra Music Festival with live act ‘Kevens‘ and resides as the band’s professional touring keyboardist. Even before his formal education in music, straight from school, Alex started a progressive, ambient rock band and toured the United States for seven years performing 75+ shows a year. An accomplished vocalist, Alex has been singing all his life and is currently working on his first solo album. His voice has been featured in countless choral groups ranging from 60+ ensembles, quartets, chamber choruses, and accapella groups. Alex hosts a monthly radio show, DreamChaser Radio, DJ-ing on the leading worldwide Electronic Music Internet Radio Broadcast, AfterHours FM. Whether you are looking to perfect your skills or you are just getting started, Alex can provide you with the expert direction for your individual needs. Alex says, “I cannot imagine life without music and sharing my passions and expertise with my students. This is where my heart is in teaching. Music has the power to build strong personal character skills and the power to unite complete strangers. With the right foundation and instructor, I know music can be played and enjoyed by all.”

 

Troy

(Drums & Piano)

Troy's mom booked his first music lesson when he was a much smaller version of himself.  Little did she know at the time what a healthy seed she had sewn.  The drum set and piano quickly became an obsession for young Troy.  His very first teacher, John Lamattina, showed him just how fun learning a musical instrument could be.  So Troy was truly honored when this former mentor gave him his first gig subbing as an music instructor apprentice.  By age 14, he found himself playing in rock, jazz, and hip-hop bands all over Georgia, been a substitute drummer for the Atlanta Blue Notes, and composing his own sophisticated arrangements.  Troy is currently studying Music Management at Georgia State University while playing with the Jazz Combos at the school.  He really enjoys working with kids and spends his Sundays volunteering with the 3rd and 4th graders at the Woodstock City Church. He hopes that he can return the favor given to him and share the love and joy that can be found in music.

Griffin

(Piano, Guitar, Bass & Drums)

began taking lessons on upright bass at only 10 years old, when the considerable size of this instrument made him feel kind of like a remora fish stuck to the side of a whale.  It wouldn’t be too long before he developed and ear for jazz music.  While continuing to play classically, Griffin shifted his focus toward studying jazz theory and improvisation.  Then around 15 years old, he started to branch out to other instruments such as piano, guitar, and drums.  Soon enough, all his practicing and commitment landed him a spot in the very selective Governors Honors Program, Georgia State University's top Rialto group, as well as high profile gigging work around Atlanta.  He has spent the last 5 years in Athens working as a chef and gigging to pay his way through college at UGA studying Physics & English.  Now residing in Atlanta, one of Griffin's core beliefs is that creativity is a part of everything, not just limited to the arts… and that interdisciplinary practice and study facilitates understanding in seemingly unrelated fields.

Lola

(Voice, Guitar & Piano)

began where we all start, confidently singing her heart out in the shower.  Her mother enrolled her in the church choir, and she’s been entangled in music ever since.  She was the first to join the band in middle school playing the flute and started guitar lessons soon after.  Throughout high school, Lola eventually became a drum major for her high school marching and was bestowed the assistant choir director position for the children/s choir, a young soprano for the adult choir, guitarist/singer/bassist for the church rock band and a member of three band classes playing flute, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone.  Nowadays, Lola lives a quieter life as an honor’s student at Georgia State University studying Music Technology, and when she’s not learning a new aria or practicing piano, she’s off traveling the world determined to find the country with best kebabs.

Dalton HancockDalton

(Piano, Guitar, Bass & Drums)

has had a broad swath of musical experiences in his day. He began with piano lessons around age ten, but his love for music really took hold of him when he encountered the electric bass over the game Wii Music. He bought a bass that looked exactly like the one from the game at the age of fourteen and began lessons immediately. Eventually, he found himself pursuing an Associate’s degree in Music from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton where he grew up. He’s now at Kennesaw State studying General Music, and he’s kept up his studies in piano and bass. He’s also taught himself the way around a drum set and six string guitar. Additionally, he’s had experience playing in churches, being a part of 4-H’s Clovers and Company band, playing in collegiate jazz ensembles, and singing in choirs. When he’s not doing something musical, he likes listening to podcasts, reading, running, and eating comfort foods….just not all at the same time.

 

John

(Piano)

grew up around music lessons.  As a matter of fact, his mother taught guitar lessons and his grandfather taught bluegrass violin and banjo.  When John turned 6 years old, his musical flame was sparked with the acquisition of a baritone ukulele.  Right away he started playing chords to accompany singing.  The guitar and piano weren't far behind when he began formal lessons at age 10.  As the flame grew, John spent his teen years studying percussion in school band and jamming with his friends in various garage bands on keyboards.  You could say it all turned into a roaring fire by the time he reached his college years.  At Georgia State College, John earned himself a bachelor's and master's degree in music composition, with emphasis in pedagogy, jazz, and electronic music.  Teaching music lessons in Atlanta for 15 years now, John continues to push himself to new levels with performing, arranging, and improvising on the piano.  When John is away from the keyboard, he can be found dragon taming (his pet Iguana, Pedro), tinkering with his Theremin (you'll have to ask him about this unique pastime), and playing racing games with online friends in triple wide aspect on 3 monitors.

Claire PappasClaire

(Piano & Voice)

was born and raised in Cumming, Georgia.  Growing up with an old wooden piano and a karaoke machine, she decided at a young age that she wanted to live a life surrounded by music.  So, she set forth to find her way into every choir and theatre production around, on and off stage, whether it was performing, teaching, or costuming.  You may have even seen her on WSB-TV when she was nominated for Best Actress at the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards.  After being so positively impacted by her music teachers, she decided that she wanted to have the same influence for future budding musicians.  Claire is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education at Kennesaw State University where she serves as the Vocal Music Education Representative on the School of Music Student Advisory Council.  Since arriving at college, she has become heavily involved in local children's community theatre and fallen in love with young minds and their passion for the arts.  When Claire is not singing or studying you can find her painting, cooking, hiking or watching the Georgia football game on the weekends.

 

 

Matthew BoehnleinMatt

(Guitar & Piano)

started his musical journey at a young age with piano lessons, eventually discovering a love for rock 'n roll and the guitar a few years later. While attending high school here in Atlanta, he continued to nurture this passion by joining the marching band, jazz band, and of course jamming with friends as often as possible. Having been blessed with the opportunity to study under some inspiring and motivational music instructors of his own, Matt found his own passion for teaching while earning a degree in music from Georgia State University. While he loves getting up on stage and performing, Matt gets the most enjoyment out of helping students of all ages and skill levels have fun while discovering and achieving their own musical goals. If you manage to find Matt off stage and outside of his studio, he is most likely out back grilling up some BBQ or playing retro video games with friends.

 

JustinJustin

(Violin)

can barely remember life before violin.  Having been assigned a chair in the 5th grade orchestra, he quickly let this beautiful and expressive instrument become his favorite pastime.  By high school though, it became clear to him that it was time to get serious and stop fiddling around.  If he wanted to get further, finding an inspiring teacher would be essential.  Once he threw himself into his own private lessons, the possibilities opened up for Justin.  He would go on be a featured member of the All-State Honors Orchestra, the First Baptist Atlanta Workshop Orchestra, The KSU Symphony Orchestra, and many others.  You may even spot him around town from time to time playing at weddings and parties.  After over a decade of intense classical training, Justin has broadened his horizons to include modern forms of music in which you will find the violin singing along - like jazz, soundtrack, world music, and even pop.  If you have a chance, you must to catch a show from his band called “Bandi Orgistra”, always offering a refreshing contrast to mainstream music.   When not with a bow in his hand, Justin loves biking, swimming, and playing video games.  Signing up for lessons with Justin, also grants you unrestricted permission to tease him about his obsession with playing Pokemon Go!

 

Jin Jung altJin

(Piano)

was raised in the “Queen City”, Charlotte, NC where about three quarters of the NASCAR teams call home.  Jin was not unlike many other 8 year old kids, who’s parents enrolled them into piano lessons at an early age.  In fact, it took him a little while to decide if he really liked studying piano in the beginning.  Nevertheless, the fever slowly overtook him and before he knew it, he was an appointed as a regular accompanist at his church, with his youth group band, and even for his high school choir where he continued to play throughout his high school and early college years.  Jin loves listening to Jazz, Classical, Opera and Pop music.  He enjoys spending time with his small Yorkshire Terrier, hanging out with friends, traveling new cities/countries, playing computer games and acrylic painting.  He loves that music brings people together, teaches how to overcome challenges with difficult pieces, and awards with awesome feeling of accomplishing something.  Jin believes that everyone's life can be made better through music.

 

 

Matt Henderson 1Matt

(Piano, Tutoring in Math and Sciences)

has been around music his entire life thanks to his wonderful mother. He began taking piano lessons at an early age but did not realize his full passion for music until his teenage years and has been obsessed ever since! After diving into an assortment of different instruments, he naturally found his way back to the piano during college at the University of Georgia. While studying Music Business and playing in bands touring all over the southeast, Matt was able to study and explore not only piano, but also the Hammond organ and all types of synthesizers. Matt firmly believes that music is supposed to be fun and joyful for everyone involved. His main goal is to connect with students and find out what motivates and inspires them individually, and build from there no matter what the skill level. And finally, if your child needs a boost in their math or science studies (or even SAT prep), Matt loves to encourage students to study and learn regardless of the subject!

 

 

Cornel Schenk PicCornel

(Piano, Flute & Harp)

Cornel Schenk is originally from South Africa and grew up in a musical family. Her parents were also performers and involved in the music business for over 30 years. At the age of 3, her mother started her with piano lessons and taught herself how to play the organ. By 7 years old, Cornel was already performing professionally and was broadcast live on television. She has won many Eisteddfod competitions throughout elementary and high school and performed at many different events. Additionally she learned the harp and the flute at a young age. Cornel has a strong classical background and has a BA degree in Performance Arts from the “Pretoria Technikon” in South Africa. After she received her degree in SA she moved with her family to the US. She has been living in Atlanta, GA for a long time and calls it her second home. In addition to playing professionally for 30 years, Cornel has performed at weddings, Christmas events, corporate functions as a solo artist and with duets and trio's. As a keyboard/synthesizer player she has performed with numerous jazz, pop, rock, rock fusion bands in Atlanta, Denver CO and North Georgia as well as at numerous churches. Through the years all her students has brought her so much joy seeing them grow and learn in their own unique musical capabilities. In her spare time she composes, records her own songs, collaborating with professional musicians while still making time for her friends, hiking, horseback riding and cuddling with her pet rabbit.

Loren HaeferLoren

(Guitar, Bass, Trombone & Piano)

has been playing music nearly every day for most of his life.  After beginning trombone in his school band at age 10, he's never been able (or willing?) to restrict himself to just one instrument.  In order to play the rock & roll music he grew to love as a teenager, Loren learned his way around the guitar.  He was recruited by his high school jazz choir as a bassist and by a cover band as a lead guitarist.  Spending his time at the University of Idaho solidifying his music theory background and honing his skills as a trombonist, he held down the low end in a couple of alternative rock bands and did freelance studio work through most of the '90s.  In addition to freelancing, Loren currently plays trombone in the Atlanta Wind Symphony and the Usual Suspects (big band jazz) as well as bass in local original rock bands Evered and the Wayward Hounds.  What little free time he has is usually occupied with sci-fi, animated comedies & nerdy websites like physorg.com & jpl.nasa.gov.