Matt Stratford - Guitar, Piano, Percussion
Rapidly becoming considered one of the best male vocalist in the Charlotte NC metro area, Matt Stratford is stepping into the spotlight in what is an already great music scene. His music resonates his small town familiarity with a burst of big city culture, to create a genre of music that is all his own. His influences range from soul to classic rock, pop, blues and
anything else that inspires. His live shows are incomparable, and his smooth and bewitching voice entrances its listeners within seconds. Being a songwriter himself, Matt has a unique ability to bring to life the experiences expressed in popular songs in addition to writing amazing original material. Whether the main stage with his full band “Southern Soul” or an acoustic show in a tavern or family restaurant, seeing him sing only once will make you a lifetime fan for sure.
Gillian Schultz-Violin
Gillian has always had a love for music and for teaching. She began playing the violin when she was 8 years old. Having grown up in a family of teachers, teaching was the natural way for her to go. Gillian received her Bachelor's of Music in Music Education in 2001 from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and her Master's of Science in Music Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY in 2003.
Gillian has taught orchestra in the West Irondequoit Central School District in Rochester, NY and general music at Oaklawn Language Academy, part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Gillian has also been teaching private violin lessons for 12 years. She left teaching in the schools after her son was born.
Gillian continues to play her violin as well as the piano which her 1 year old son loves! She also likes to read and spend time with her husband and son in her spare time.
Nyshia Cook (Owner/Director)-Early Music, and Piano
I am still (and always will be) an active student of music myself, which I believe to be a huge benefit to my students. You will be studying with a dedicated musician, who has devoted years and years to developing her craft. I am excited about what it means to be a pianist and I love to pass on the excellent training I have received to my students!.
I believe that learning an instrument is a challenge but should be fun. I hate to see students held down by the "you must do this my way" approach to teaching. Each person is different; therefore the way in which they are taught should be unique to their personality. I am one of the few young piano teachers out there. I believe however, that my youth creates enthusiasm and an understanding that is hard to find over the generation gap.