Our Faculty

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Jamie Wright (Vocal Coaching) received her formal training at the NC School of Performing Arts, and has performed with Opera Ebony in New York.  Jamie has studied and performed in a variety of genres including, opera, musical theatre, jazz, R&B, soul and Neo-soul, Funk and Gospel.  Jamie performs locally with her band, the Jamie Wright Project, and has recently released a demo album with plans for an album in the works in the near future. 

April Nurmi (Vocal Coaching), is a graduate of The College for Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL, where she received her Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance. April has performed with the Atlanta Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and completed Young Artist Programs in Chicago and San Francisco. She is an avid music lover and enjoys all genres of music. She believes that art is the breath of life and an avenue for ones passion.

Ryan Kouvolo (saxophone) has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years, and instructing students at the Fine Arts Center of Easley for the past 7 years.   A 1999 graduate of Clemson University, Ryan was a member and featured soloist with the University Jazz Ensemble, and has been involved with the school's alumni jazz group, the Jungaleers.  He has performed locally with Hot as a Pepper, RazzMaJazz, Rendition, and even appeared on stage with Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon. In addition to the above, Ryan has been part of the stage band for Happy Days the Musical at the Foothills Playhouse in Easley, as well as Smokey Joe’s Café and Groovin’: Hits of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s at the Youths Centre for the Performing Arts in Ftn.Inn. 

Mike Retzer (All Band Instruments) is a certified instrumental educator with 30 years of experience with middle and high school bands.  Mike is a member of The National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).  "Music has been a driving force in my life for as far back as I can remember.  It has always been a joy for me to help young people realize their best potential as young musicians!"

Russ Chapman(Drums, Bass, Guitar, Rock Academy Director) began his musical career in middle school band.  He has been performing live and doing session work ever since high school.  Russ has played with Russ Lee (Newsong) and Chris Sligh, toured and recorded with Corey Crowder, and is a full-time member of the Hired Help, the Mark Webb and Katlin Owen Bands.  Russ has been teaching for over 15 years.  "I love to teach.  I feel called to pass on the gift and love of music that I have been given."  Along with traditional music, Russ also reads and teaches the Nashville number system.  Russ currently offers virtual lessons only.

Elizabeth Johnson (violin, viola, cello) studied cello at North Greenville University and has 10 years experience teaching stringed instruments.  Her experience working with children and her knowledge of the instruments of the string family qualify her as an excellent choice for beginning violin and viola players and beginning to advanced cello players.

Gavin Glover (drums, percussion, piano) has been playing percussion and studying music since the age of 6. While he had a lot of formal training, he accredits much of his early musical knowledge to his Brother “Austin” who had many years of piano, violin, saxophone, and guitar experience as well as a wealth of music theory under his belt. Gavin later went on to study percussion at Brevard College under Dr. Laura Franklin where he received honors with a BA General Music degree in 2016. Gavin has teaching experience as an elementary music teacher, a high school percussion director, a marching band percussion tech, a private lesson instructor, and has worked with many special needs children. He has been a guest member in the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra and has toured with a praise and worship band as well. Since moving to Greenville, South Carolina in 2017, Gavin has consistently performed with many local acts that have travelled throughout the south-east. He is currently endorsed by Vater Drumsticks, 1710 Percussion, Vratim, and TNR products. Gavin also enjoys playing the piano,
 

 Paula Murphy (piano) moved here from Michigan where she has been involved in music and the arts her whole life. She was the music director at her church, playing the piano, leading the choir and organizing musical performances. She was a fine arts major and has worked as a graphic artist and illustrator for her other profession. Paula started teaching piano and art classes in 2006. She loves working with all ages. She believes that learning to play the piano should be a joyful adventure.  

Danielle Martin (violin, viola)  Danielle completed her B.M. in violin performance at Stetson University and studied violin performance and Suzuki Pedagogy at East Carolina University.  She has performed professionally with the Clemson University Symphony, Toccoa Symphony and  GLOW Lyric Theatre.   She has taught violin, viola and cello since 1995, and maintains a very busy teaching schedule in the upstate.   

Gregbo Watson (Comic Art & Drawing) - is a professional illustrator and comic book artist.  Gregbo has Associate degrees from the Visual Arts Institute at Greenville Tech and the Greenville Museum School of Art.  Gregbo has done illustration work for Marvel Comics, Upper Deck, Zenescope Entertainment, and many more.   Gregbo makes frequent appearances at Comic-cons and comic books stores around the country.  He also does private commissions and freelance projects.

 Heidi Bishop (Piano and violin) Heidi has always loved music and began lessons at an early age. She graduated from Bob Jones University with her degree in Music Education and has been teaching piano and violin since 2019. She enjoys tailoring each lesson to fit each student's specific learning style so they can enjoy playing music no matter their age or level.