Jake M.
Jake M. hails from Cary, North Carolina, where his musical journey began with piano lessons at the age of five. By the end of elementary school, his passion for music had expanded to include the guitar and bass. During high school and college, Jake immersed himself in the musical world, participating in bands, chamber choir, and performing as a singer-songwriter. In addition to these personal pursuits, he started teaching guitar and piano to local students, sharing his love for music with the next generation. Currently, Jake focuses on songwriting and sound engineering with the label frtyfve. As an educator, his primary goal is to equip his students with the tools and confidence to bring their unique musical ideas to life.
Madison N.
Madison is a dedicated musician and educator with 17 years of experience playing the cello. She began her musical journey at age 11, quickly developing a passion for string instruments. Over the years, Madison has expanded her expertise to include violin, viola, string bass, piano, and music theory, giving her a well-rounded understanding of music. Madison studied music performance at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she deepened her knowledge and skills. As a passionate educator, she teaches classical music using the Suzuki method and Essential Elements, focusing on building a solid foundation for her students. Her goal is to inspire students to not only master their instruments but also to enjoy the process of learning and making music. Through her teaching, Madison fosters a love for music that she hopes will last a lifetime.
Jim C.
Jim’s journey with the guitar began as a way to connect with his father, and his passion for teaching led him to pursue music studies at Pellissippi State Community College. He further honed his skills at the University of Tennessee, focusing on Jazz and Studio Music. Jim spent a decade as the guitarist for the local band Kitty Wampus and now performs with Southern Steel. With a deep love for teaching across all musical genres, Jim has been an instructor at the Knoxville Academy of Music for over 10 years!
Adam M.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has studied piano and voice privately for 12 years and has been teaching for 7 years. Over the past 20 years, Adam has performed as a pianist and vocalist in various churches, bands, and ensembles, as well as accompanied choirs and soloists and directed choirs. He believes that with enough desire, practice, and dedication, anyone can learn to play or sing.
Mike C.
Mike brings 30 years of musical experience and 18 years of teaching expertise. His diverse background includes performing in various sub-genres, including funk, blues, hip-hop, break-beats, drum and bass, as well as some country, pop, Latin, and jazz. Mike studied music for two years at Broward College, where he focused on piano, percussion (including concert snare drum, marimba, timpani, and drum set), music theory, ear training, and computer music. During this time, he also performed with the percussion ensemble and jazz band. Additionally, Mike has extensive experience using MIDI hardware to compose, produce, and perform a wide range of electronic music, as well as hip-hop and pop. Notably, he founded, composed for, arranged, and conducted a percussion ensemble at ASM.
Marek R.
Marek has a deep and enduring passion for exploring the relationship between music, sound, and cultural context across different eras. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance, with a concentration in guitar, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In recent years, Marek has shifted his focus toward piano, which has become central to his composing and playing. Over his 30-year musical career, he has performed live across a diverse range of genres, including classic rock, classical, metal, blues, jazz, soul, and folk, with bands such as the Jaystorm Project, Color of Fate, Knox Vegas Ramblers, and Infinite Dominion. He has also filled in for the Souls of Motown dinner show. Marek’s love for electronic music has led him to collaborate with DJs and electronic musicians, and his current interests involve blending classical and jazz techniques with electronic synthesis and programming. He remains passionate about all the musical styles he has studied and is dedicated to teaching and sharing his knowledge with others.
Will R.
Knoxville native Will began his musical journey at just 10 years old, taking guitar lessons at a local music store. By 18, he had transitioned to classical guitar studies at Pellissippi State Community College, eventually shifting his focus to upright and electric bass. He went on to earn a degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Tennessee, graduating cum laude. With over 15 years of experience teaching private lessons, Will also brings his skills to the stage, performing with numerous local bands.
Matt S.
Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Tennessee’s College of Music and has devoted much of his life to the study and appreciation of music. His academic pursuits included theory pedagogy, choir conducting, and the narrative elements of music. A skilled Jazz pianist and keyboardist, Matt has also written, released, and produced music under the name Matt Hyland. He is delighted to teach at Knoxville Academy of Music, where he guides students in exploring their instruments and discovering the enriching power of music in their lives.
Noor C.
Noor is a super-senior at the University of Tennessee, completing her dual degrees in Jazz Piano and English Literature. She began her piano and vocal training at the age of 5, and these skills continue to play a significant role in both her career and personal life. Noor has been teaching professionally for the past three years, with experience across various genres, including funk, R&B, contemporary music, and jazz. Alongside her teaching, Noor is an active musician, regularly performing in and around Knoxville. She brings a broad appreciation and deep understanding of music to her teaching, tailoring her approach to meet each student’s unique needs.
Clay C.
Clay is a skilled pianist and guitarist with a deep dedication to his craft. His passion for music led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Versatile in his musical interests, Clay has performed intricate pieces by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff. He fully understands the discipline and commitment required to excel as an artist and brings this understanding to his teaching. Clay derives great satisfaction from seeing his students grow and develop their own musical abilities. With excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and a strong commitment to teaching, Clay is an exceptional instructor. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Clay holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Memphis and has completed various certification programs and technical boot camps. His goal is to inspire students to develop a lifelong passion for music.
Lesli M.
Lesli has a B.A. in violin performance from Mannes College of Music in New York City and her Suzuki Violin Certification from The School for Strings in NYC. She was Director of Frank and Camille’s School of Music in Huntington, NY for several years before running her own studio on Long Island. Lesli moved to the Knoxville area in 2020 and thoroughly enjoys all the outdoor amenities of East TN!