Unleash Your Musical Potential with Private Lessons
Our private lessons cater to all ages and skill levels, offering instruction in a variety of instruments and genres, from Metal to Mozart! Whether you’re into metal or classical, we have an instructor who can guide you through the process, tailoring lessons to your interests and goals.
Each student is matched with an instructor based on factors such as teaching style, musical preferences, and learning needs. Our experienced instructors bring years of education and performance experience across various instruments like guitar, piano, drums, violin, cello, banjo, mandolin and voice.
Our Instructors
Austin Draper
Austin Draper
Guitar (Rock, Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, and Country Western)
Kristina Miller
(Classical, Bluegrass)
Kristina Miller
Fiddle, Piano, & Violin (Classical, Bluegrass)
Kristina Miller began her musical journey studying classical violin and piano in Western Pennsylvania. She picked up the viola in high school, performing with the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Pennsylvania All-State Orchestra. Later, she discovered a passion for Bluegrass fiddle and taught herself to improvise using formulaic techniques, enabling her to explore genres like Country and Western Swing. Kristina has performed at festivals and venues across the West Coast and now plays with multiple bands in the Asheville area.
Lessons with Kristina
Kristina offers tailored lessons in classical violin or viola using the Suzuki method, as well as Bluegrass fiddle styles. She adapts her teaching to suit each student’s learning style, fostering a love for music by encouraging them to explore inspiring pieces and express their emotions through music.
Rick Praytor
(Jazz, Rock)
Rick Praytor
Bass & Guitar (Jazz, Rock)
Rick Praytor has been teaching guitar and mentoring up-and-coming bands for 45 years. A graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology, Rick studied under Joe Diorio and further honed his skills with Tim Hayden, as well as studying theory and composition with Bill Gerhardt. He currently performs solo fingerstyle and jazz guitar at various venues across Western North Carolina.
Rick tailors his lessons to each student, getting to know them personally to create a fun and effective approach that aligns with their goals. Whether working on the basics or diving deeper into advanced techniques, Rick ensures students have the freedom to choose their path. He also teaches bass guitar.
Tim Doyle
Tim Doyle
Guitar & Music Theory (Jazz, Metal)
Rock Academy Instructor
Tim is a seasoned guitarist with 23 years of experience, holding degrees from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Indiana State University. Over the past 15 years, he has worked as a professional performer and music educator in Austin, Texas, and the Midwest. Tim is also a dedicated composer, having recorded and produced a CD of original guitar compositions in 2009.
As an educator, Tim has taught privately and led the Terre Haute Guitar Club, a group guitar program influenced by Robert Fripp's Guitar Craft and Guitar Circles. He also developed and directed summer Jazz camps and the annual Rock Camp for the ISU Community School of the Arts. Tim has performed as a bandleader and member of several local and touring bands, including The Leonard Washingtons and Lunes Domingo.
Grant Peterson
(Classical)
Grant Peterson
Cello (Classical)
Grant earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022 from the College of Charleston, where he studied cello performance under internationally renowned cellist Dr. Natalia Khoma and also minored in Studio Art. His passion for the cello began at age 12 when a live orchestra performance captured his heart. Over the years, Grant has performed with the Beaufort Youth Orchestra, College of Charleston Symphony Orchestra, various quartets and ensembles, and in recording studios, weddings, gigs, and as the leader of his own instrumental jazz group. He has also played electric bass in several bands and taught lessons.
As a cello instructor, Grant focuses on both the technical aspects of string playing and the philosophy behind it. He encourages students to truly understand the methodology behind music, drawing from centuries of classical tradition, while fostering a fun, experimental environment where strings can be explored in modern contexts.
In addition to his music career, Grant is also a third-generation oil painter and was featured by the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art for the 2021 Young Contemporaries Series.
John Caldwell
(Rock, Marching Band)
John Caldwell
Drums & Percussion (Rock, Marching Band)
John’s musical journey began at age ten when he started drumming along to Beatles records on the living room furniture. His first band, Asbury Road, was formed in middle school, and rock drumming became his focus. Highlights of his high school years included marching band, rock bands, and attending Governor’s School for Percussion. He later earned a B.A. in Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and played in the rock band Vibe Merchant. In 2002, John moved to Los Angeles, where he played in several rock bands, including the thrash outfit Psychosis. Now living in a 1914 farmhouse in Candler, NC, he enjoys raising chickens and gardening.
Lessons with John
John believes drumming should be fun and customizes lessons to each student. He encourages students to bring examples of their favorite music and focuses on teaching through practical exercises and basic rudimentary work. He emphasizes building a solid foundation through technique, reading, theory, and meter to help students develop their unique drumming voice. Drumming has brought John some of the best moments of his life, and he’s excited to share his passion and expertise with others.
Emily Easterly
(Singer/Songwriter)
Emily Easterly
Guitar & Ukulele (Singer/Songwriter)
Guitar teacher and singer/songwriter Emily Easterly became serious about music at age 13 when she discovered The Beatles. Writing and recording on a 4-track tape machine in her bedroom became her primary focus. Since then, she has released four self-produced albums and toured across the US. Allmusic.com described her work as “a mix of D.I.Y. attitude, guitar proficiency, and songwriting skills modeled after Cat Power and Exile in Guyville-era Liz Phair.” Emily holds a BA in guitar performance from the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, and has taught privately for nine years in cities including Miami, FL, Richmond, VA, New York, NY, and now Asheville, NC.
Lessons with Emily
Emily is a patient, reliable teacher who believes music lessons should be fun and informative, ensuring students feel comfortable. She works with both children and adults, tailoring each lesson to the student’s needs. With experience teaching acoustic and electric guitar in various styles—rock, folk, blues, fingerpicking, and beginning classical—Emily encourages students to learn to read music, guitar tablature, and play by ear.
Jared Gardner
(Rock, Bluegrass)
Jared Gardner
Bass, Guitar, Mandolin (Rock, Bluegrass)
Jared Gardner is a multi-instrumentalist with expertise in a wide range of playing styles, from symphony orchestras to rock ‘n roll, bluegrass string bands, and experimental performances with no musical boundaries. His career as a performer has taken him to stages across the US and internationally, sharing the stage with legendary musicians like Kenny Werner, Tony Trishka, Lake Street Dive, and Chris Eldridge. With over two decades of teaching string instruments, Jared has developed a personal teaching style that fosters the joy of musical discovery, mentoring guitarists and bassists of all ages across New England, California, and now in Western North Carolina.
Ashley Heath
(Americana)
Ashley Heath
Guitar & Voice (Americana)
Ashley Heath, an Asheville-based singer and guitarist, has been captivating Americana fans with her "velvet soul" voice since she began her full-time music career in 2015. Her sophomore album, Where Hope Never Dies, blends sultry blues with anthemic rock ‘n roll, delivering messages of hope and perseverance that resonate with listeners, especially during challenging times. Before the pandemic, Ashley performed at major festivals such as Merlefest, Bonnaroo, and Shakori Hills, and supported artists like Donna The Buffalo, The Del McCoury Band, and Anders Osborne.
As times have changed, Ashley has adapted by embracing live streams and exploring various aspects of the music industry to connect with her fans and sustain her career. Her music, influenced by her upbringing in Madison County and artists like Bonnie Raitt and Eva Cassidy, has earned her recognition in Appalachia and beyond. Her heartfelt lyrics and bluesy sound have led to appearances on WNCW’s Top 100 list and multiple “Best of WNC” awards. After touring Southeast and Northern Europe, Ashley and her band, "Ashley Heath and Her Heathens," are working toward reviving a steady music career and spreading their message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to believe in their ability to achieve their dreams.
James Kylen
(Percussion)
James Kylen
Drums, Piano, Vibraphones (Percussion)
James began his musical journey in December 1988 at the age of 5, when he received an upright piano from Santa. Years of piano lessons and self-teaching by ear helped him develop his skills in rhythm, melody, and harmony. At age 10, he joined the Rosenwald Middle School band in Panama City, Florida, as a first-time percussionist, marking a major turning point as drums became his primary instrument. His experience with concert and marching bands helped foster his passion for music, and he spent much of his time practicing rudiments and solos for competitions.
James continued to hone his skills throughout high school at Rutherford High School in Panama City, where he led the mallet percussion section and later the entire percussion section. His dedication earned him numerous individual honors in judged performances on xylophone, marimba, and snare drum. During this time, he also developed a love for rock music, learning to play the drum set, guitar, and bass by playing along with his favorite albums.
For the past 20 years, James has drummed professionally across many genres, including jazz, big-band swing, rock, funk, fusion, country, blues, hip-hop, experimental, and classical. Currently, he performs with the Aaron Burdett Band, Joshua Messick (national hammered dulcimer champion), the Acoustic Storm, the BJ Leiderman Band (of NPR fame), and the Jeff Thompson Band, among others. James is also working on his first solo album.
Sandy Riccardi
(Pre-School Music)
Sandy Riccardi
Voice & Piano (Pre-School Music)
Sandy Riccardi holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice (with a piano minor) from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, and a Master of Music in Voice (also with a piano minor) from Manhattan School of Music in New York City. After performing extensively in New York City and teaching general music to pre-K through 8th grade students, Sandy discovered her greatest passion for teaching the youngest musicians—infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Sandy trained with The Early Ear and taught at their Lincoln Center area school before moving to California, where she further honed her skills in the Kodály Method at Holy Names University. For 10 years, she used her expertise to teach "Baby Music" at the Petaluma School of Music. Additionally, she taught band and choir at Two Rock Elementary in Petaluma, CA, and Brookside and Wade Thomas Schools in San Anselmo, CA.
There is nothing Sandy loves more than watching young minds bloom through the joy of music!
Alex Travers
(Classical, Rock)
Alex Travers
Fiddle, Viola, Violin (Classical, Rock)
Alex, a graduate of Appalachian State University, has enjoyed a dynamic performance career that spans a wide range of genres, from classical and baroque to rock and metal. Beginning his violin studies at age six, he was a part of the Triangle Youth Orchestra in Raleigh/Durham before attending the Hayes School of Music at ASU. There, he served as concertmaster of the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, performed in chamber groups, gave solo recitals, and was a finalist in several competitions. He also played professionally with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra and attended the Dorothy-Delay Symposium at Juilliard.
After earning a BA in Violin Performance in 2014, Alex spent two years freelancing in Nashville, working with singer/songwriters and doing studio work. Now based in Asheville, NC, he has shifted his focus to teaching.
Lessons with Alex
Alex's passion for music is at the core of his teaching. While many methods focus on rigid principles, he adapts his approach to each student, encouraging natural and comfortable techniques for playing the violin. He believes that a healthy approach to technique is key to long-term success, both musically and in life. Alex emphasizes that technique—whether tone, pitch, or rhythm—serves the ultimate goal of artistic expression, and he strives to guide each student in achieving their personal musical aspirations.
Scott Sprinkle
Scott Sprinkle
Piano and Voice
Scott Sprinkle, a native of Asheville, NC, has been a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina. His musical journey began at a young age; at just 10 years old, he sang the lead role of Amahl in the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. His passion for music and performance only grew from there, leading him to be heavily involved in musical theater throughout his adolescence.
Scott’s formal training in music culminated in his attendance at Mars Hill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Post-graduation, Scott dedicated 23 years to church music, serving as a choral conductor and enriching the spiritual lives of his community. His expertise and leadership extended beyond the church as he conducted both community adult and youth choirs, fostering a love of music in people of all ages.
In addition to his roles as a conductor and educator, Scott is also a talented songwriter. His love for music is boundless, encompassing a vast array of genres and styles. Whether teaching piano and voice privately or creating his own compositions, Scott Sprinkle embodies a deep and enduring passion for the art of music.
Erin Malloy
Erin Malloy
Voice Instructor
Erin has been performing since childhood and began formal vocal training at the age of eleven. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, she launched her professional career touring nationally as Maggie in A Chorus Line, a role she went on to perform with numerous companies across the United States.
During her sixteen years in New York, Erin collaborated with renowned artists including Beyoncé, Josh Groban, and Elaine Stritch, and performed regularly at the acclaimed piano bar Don’t Tell Mama. Her extensive performance career includes engagements with regional theaters nationwide and international appearances as a featured vocalist with RFamily Vacations’ Broadway Cruises.
For the past fourteen years, Erin has been the featured vocalist with the Doug Smith Orchestra at Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains. In addition to her performing career, she has maintained a thriving private voice studio, One Voice Studios LLC, and served as a music educator for the Arts Alive summer program, teaching voice, dance, and musical theatre to high school students.
Now residing in Asheville, Erin is honored to join the faculty of Asheville Music Academy, where she continues to share her passion for excellence in vocal performance and music education.
Kellana Emerald Capers
Kellana Emerald Capers
Voice and Piano Instructor
Kellana Emerald Capers is a voice and piano instructor with more than seven years of professional teaching experience. Classically trained in voice, piano, and music theory, she specializes in Classical, Jazz, R&B, Musical Theatre, and Lead Vocals. Her instruction emphasizes both technical mastery and creative expression, guiding each student toward developing an authentic and confident artistic voice.
Kellana’s performance experience includes collaborations with Opera Carolina Academy and Inspire The Fire, Inc., as well as featured appearances at notable events such as the YMCA MLK Breakfast and halftime at the Spectrum Center.
Dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, Kellana inspires students to explore their full musical potential while cultivating discipline, creativity, and self-assurance.
Garron Chesson
Garron Chesson
Drums, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Piano, and Alto and Tenor Saxophone
Laney Barnett
Laney Barnett
Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, Guitar, Voice, Mandolin, Bass, and Mountain Dulcimer
Laney Barnett began playing violin at age six and has developed a lifelong passion for music shaped by both classical training and Appalachian tradition. She studied violin performance at Florida State University on a full scholarship, serving as Concertmaster of the University Philharmonia, and has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall. Laney has also worked under renowned artists such as Midori and Garrick Ohlsson.
Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she specializes in both classical performance and folk/bluegrass improvisation. A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Laney teaches violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, voice, mandolin, bass, and mountain dulcimer. Trained in the Suzuki Method, she enjoys working with students of all ages, including young beginners and students with special needs. Her teaching style is engaging, joyful, and student-centered, encouraging each musician to build a genuine connection with their instrument.
Outside the studio, Laney performs original music throughout the region with her band, the “LB Band.
Beth Southard
Beth Southard
Voice Instructor
Beth has worked extensively in musical theatre, on Broadway and in National tours. Beth starred on Broadway as Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, a role she also performed in the Vancouver, B.C. production and the National tour alongside her husband, Gary Mauer. She was chosen by Harold Prince to star as Magnolia in his latest revival of Showboat in the First National Tour. She was also seen Off-Broadway in Jack Eric William’s Swamp Gas and Shallow Feelings as Sherlyn.
Beth has been guest soloist with orchestras including the Pittsburgh Symphony with Marvin Hamlisch, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Anchorage Symphony, the Florida Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, the Sarasota Symphony, the Virginia Symphony, the Long Beach Symphony, and the Maui Philharmonic. She also toured throughout Europe and performed at the Opera Comique in Paris.
Beth received her degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College School of Music. She received a scholarship to study at the prestigious American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria and went on to receive first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. In addition to performing and teaching privately, Beth was on the faculty at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she taught voice to musical theatre majors.
Her students that have performed on Broadway and National Tours such as Les Miserables, Frozen, Hadestown, Pirates; a Penzance Musical, Leopoldstadt, School of Rock, Waitress, Christmas Story, Mrs. Doubtfire, Lion King, and Elf. She is so excited to be here at the Music Academy-Asheville and is looking forward to working with the next generation of amazing performers!
Rudy Cortese
Rudy Cortese
Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, & Fiddle (Scruggs Style, Bluegrass, Country)
Each instructor offers a unique style and teaching approach, ensuring that we can meet your needs. Reach out to learn more or to schedule your lesson today!