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.  

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.

 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. 

Andrew Mullin (Voice, guitar/bass, piano, other instruments)  holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Belhaven University. His aim in earning this degree was to study acting, music and performance interdependently with one another. Whether it’s playing in bands, singing in ensembles, taking on new acting roles, teaching, arranging, composing, or studying a new instrument, Andrew is constantly expanding his horizons. Since graduating in 2019, he has continuously worked in the arts despite the pandemic. He worked in Philadelphia, PA at the Walnut Street Theatre during the 2019-2020 season, composed accompaniment for a musical, and is a core member of the Vienna Light Orchestra with whom he currently travels the US singing and playing guitar. He has worked in regional theatre, acting in roles and arranging music, and at First Presbyterian Church singing and writing music under Dr. Daniel Cole. Andrew’s vision is to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Sarah Cantú (Flute) has been learning, playing, and teaching music for most of her life. She studied the flute at Bob Jones University, where she earned a B.Mus in Flute Performance in 2020.  In addition to teaching flute and piano in the Upstate, Sarah is an active church musician, working in her congregation as a flutist, substitute pianist, and ensemble director. Sarah is passionate about helping flutists of all ages and abilities find their voices as strong, creative musicians and is excited to be joining the Fine Arts Center of Easley family as a flute instructor in the Summer of 2023.