Meet Our Teachers

He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Jazz Performance from the University of TN, Knoxville, with a concentration in guitar and secondary concentration in ethnomusicology. He started on clarinet at 10 years old and started classical guitar at 13. ) Afterwards he became fascinated by jazz, rhythm and blues, electronic and world music. For the next decades his musical projects consisted of everything from playing live with EDM DJ’s to live Hip Hop, Funk, Jazz, early New Orleans style Dixieland, Blues, Reggae, and Funk. He has gigged extensively in the region and now enjoys a less strenuous travel schedule by focusing on teaching, making music in his home studio, and playing locally. Other than guitar, he spends his time exploring piano and synthesizer, and enjoys making his own sleep meditation music at home. He also can play ukulele and bass, and played bass (in addition to guitar) for some of the university jazz small groups when he was getting his degrees. He’s also taken lessons in Northern Indian classical music but with so many pursuits, he hopes to expand on that knowledge in the future. These days he is interested in teaching ways to foster creativity and expression in all age groups, and the way these aspects can enrich our lives holistically. As such he enjoys learning about the latest findings on the intersection between neurology, health, and sound. He feels that everyone is creative, they may just not know it yet.

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 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.

While becoming established in Nashville’s music community, Ryan spent three years as a substitute teacher for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, accepting music teaching assignments in approximately 14 of the district’s 38 middle schools. After marrying in 2012, he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he joined the faculty at Knoxville Academy of Music in 2014 as a private music instructor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan returned to his home state of New Hampshire. As Knoxville Academy of Music transitioned to virtual instruction, he continued teaching remotely and remained an online instructor even after in-person lessons resumed. Today, Ryan teaches students exclusively online through Knoxville Academy of Music. His students have come from across the United States, including New Hampshire, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and California. He has even taught students internationally, providing lessons to students in India while they were visiting family. Ryan continues to bring his experience and passion for music education to students nationwide through engaging, personalized online instruction.

Emma performs regularly with Symphony of the Mountains and the Brevard Philharmonic and serves as Concertmaster of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Johnson City Orchestra and Sequoia Symphony, and has appeared at venues such as Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Disneyland Parks. Originally from Fresno, California, Emma began studying violin at age seven and has been performing professionally since high school. In addition to performing, she is a dedicated educator, teaching group classes and private lessons in the Knoxville area. She has worked with programs including the NHCOM String Program and Fine Arts Connection, and previously taught at Sequoia Lake Music Camp and We Got The Beat Youth Percussion Group. A multi-instrumentalist, Emma also plays piano and percussion and performs with the UT Steelband. Her honors include the Fresno Arts Council Horizon Award, first prize in the TMTA Collegiate Strings Competition, and participation in the 2025 Clazz International Music Festival in Italy. She is passionate about building community through music and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

As a professional soprano, Edie has performed with opera companies and ensembles throughout her career. Her extensive teaching experience spans elementary through graduate levels, including serving as Adjunct Conducting Faculty for the American Kodály Institute, where she taught graduate music educators in conducting, vocal pedagogy, and musicianship. Students receive personalized instruction in classical, musical theater, and contemporary styles, with an emphasis on healthy vocal production, confidence, musicianship, audition preparation, and performance skills. Whether preparing for auditions, school performances, musical theater roles, honors ensembles, or simply wishing to develop their voice, students benefit from a supportive environment that helps singers discover their unique sound and artistic potential. Edie’s philosophy is simple: every voice deserves to be heard, and every singer can grow through thoughtful instruction, dedicated practice, and a love of music.

This breadth of experience allows him to bring a well-rounded and flexible approach to his teaching. Caden works with students of varying ages and skill levels, focusing not only on technical development but also on musical creativity and self-expression. He is passionate about helping students build a strong foundation while encouraging them to explore their own musical interests and develop their unique style.

With six years of classroom experience teaching general music and more than a decade of private instruction, Dax brings both educational expertise and a genuine love of helping students grow. Lessons emphasize strong musical fundamentals while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and personal expression. Exploring new genres and stepping outside of familiar musical territory has always been an important part of Dax’s own journey. That same spirit of exploration is encouraged in every lesson, giving students the confidence to take risks, think creatively, and discover their own musical voice. Whether a student is excited to learn today’s popular songs, traditional repertoire, or a blend of both, Dax believes lessons should reflect each student’s unique interests and goals. The ultimate aim is to help students become confident musicians and lifelong learners who enjoy exploring everything music has to offer.

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.

In addition to voice, she enjoys playing piano and pipe organ, and has participated in numerous musicals and operatic productions throughout the Knoxville area. Vada has a strong passion for working with children and helping students grow in both confidence and musicianship. She has worked with young musicians through organizations including Knoxville Opera, the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, and Faith Lutheran Church. Her warm, encouraging teaching style helps students feel comfortable while discovering their own unique connection to music. Whether teaching beginning students or helping experienced singers refine their skills, Vada strives to make lessons engaging, inspiring, and personalized to each student’s goals. She believes music should be a joyful and meaningful experience that encourages creativity and self-expression. Outside of music, Vada enjoys art, reading, and spending time in nature.

She currently performs with Totality Entertainment’s Jingle 5 and is a proud member of the Knoxville Choral Society.

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.

Nicholas works with students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced vocalists, and is known for his ability to adapt his teaching style to meet each student’s individual goals. He has specialized experience working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, creating a supportive and structured environment that helps every student build confidence and make meaningful progress. His lessons focus on developing healthy vocal technique, musicality, and performance skills, while remaining flexible to each student’s interests, whether that includes classical training, contemporary styles, or personal enrichment.