Music Instructors

Director

As the Director of Nashville Music Academy, West Virginia native Tatia Rose also serves as a classical piano instructor whose teaching style reflects classical training since age 7, a Bachelor’s in Music from West Virginia University, and 15 years of teaching experience. Rose has also developed a unique music program for children and adults with Special Needs, which was inspired by advocacy work with Autism Speaks. In 2013, she received an award from the Office of The Mayor of Nashville - (Artist Award, presented by Mayor Karl Dean) issued by the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities. She is also an active member of the National Recording Academy and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Nashville Acting Coach / Vocal Teacher

Janine Le Clair is among Nashville’s best as an Acting Coach and Vocal Teacher, having built a solid reputation over the last number of years as a Music Row resident talent. On stage, Le Clair has played leading-lady for professional musical and productions internationally, such as The Sound of Music, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Secret Garden, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Annie to name just a few. Le Clair also has vast on-camera talent experience acting in network television commercials for financial institutions, home furnishings, restaurants and tourist destinations as far away as Australia. At her roots, Janine Le Clair hails from Ontario Canada where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theater degree. She was in good company as one of just 17 individuals accepted from across the country into this triple honors program in acting, voice and dance. From a humble small town upbringing, Le Clair earned her education through a scholarship based on her exemplary achievements. Janine Le Clair excels as a teacher herself and now marries her talent and enthusiasm to help others. Sharing her time and experience as a professional Acting Coach and Vocal Teacher  is just one way in which she gives back to the community and honors all of her great teachers and mentors. She teaches under the principles of Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Meisner and specializes in improvisation and comedy. Le Clair's personality is warm and inviting and her professional coaching style is patient, fun and goal effective.

Drum, Piano, After School Programming

Jenna Kopitske is a drummer, pianist, composer and songwriter originally from Appleton, Wisconsin. In January 2023, she moved to Nashville and after a few months, she picked up her first national tour drumming/band leading with Hawaiian country artist Waylon Nihipali. While in Nashville, she landed endorsements with Paiste Cymbals and Vater Drumsticks. Within a year, she was invited to perform at the Montisi-Nashville Indie Music Festival in Italy, drum at the Grand Ole Opry, and write an original score to a horror short film entitled “Pure Evil” directed by Walter J. Buck. As a performer, Ms. Kopitske has recorded many projects on drum-set, percussion, organ and piano in an array of styles. Commonly compared to the late piano composer George Winston, she similarly writes in the style of new age-contemporary with a wide, uplifting, and ambient nature. She released her debut EP in 2018 entitled Unheard Of. In 2021, she released her sophomore piano EP entitled Pride & Joy with an introduction to blues tunes. A year later, she released her first single entitled “Losing Light” with a dark, sync intended focus. Ms. Kopitske received her bachelor’s degree in music industry with an emphasis of music business at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in May 2023. She also studied percussion at the university. Her studies included a hybrid music publishing/sync internship at Primary Wave based in Los Angeles and New York City. Since living in Nashville, Ms. Kopitske has taken on the role of songwriter and pitches her songs to be used in film and television. Besides drumming on tour, Ms. Kopitske is also anticipating a career as a composer in the film scoring industry. She plans to begin recording her third studio album in 2024.

Violin and Piano Instructor

Trained within the academic music environment from her early days, Inti Hayna, a violinist, electronic music performer, and producer, embarked on a journey to explore new musical horizons while pursuing her bachelor's degree in violin at the Conservatorio de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. It was during this time, in 2017, that she discovered house music as the perfect avenue to showcase her interpretive skills within an atmosphere of diversity, celebration, and dance. Here, she also delved into singing, technology, and incorporating the native rhythms and instruments of her homeland, Colombia. In 2018, she commenced the composition, production, and recording of her debut EP: "LETAL," featuring five songs spanning various house subgenres such as deep house, electro house, and tribal house. This endeavor culminated in 2020, the same year she embarked on a master's degree program in violin performance at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. In early 2021, she unveiled the first single from her EP, "La Rosa," a deeply personal exploration of emotions encompassing fear of failure, dreams, and the cultivation of inner strength, with a heartfelt dedication to her parents. That year marked her foray into DJing, which would become an integral aspect of her musical journey and significantly shape its trajectory. By 2022, Inti Hayna had transitioned to working full-time on composing, producing, and performing new projects and shows, alongside managing all aspects of her artistic endeavors. Currently based in Nashville, she is pursuing her M.F.A. in Recording and Technology at MTSU while actively engaging in music as both a performer and producer, and collaborating with emerging artists. Inti is a bilingual instructor and is fluent in Spanish

Piano, Songwriting, Cello

Kelsey Blackstone's groovy soul-pop and rock sound presents heart-felt sentiments with an old-school, live-instrument quality. She’s a Berklee College of Music graduate, an award-winning songwriter, and avid performer playing solo shows self-accompanied with her piano or with her 6-piece band to sold-out rooms across the country. She strives to give her audiences an inspiring, unifying and energizing experience: reviews have compared her music to the likes of Joss Stone, Sara Bareilles, and Lawrence. Garnering hundreds of thousands of streams independently and hitting the road for her second national tour, this year is proving to be Kelsey's biggest yet. Weaving her world with colors, bubbles, sass, and fun, Kelsey uses vibrant nostalgia with contemporary soul to create her magnetic sound. As a dedicated music teacher of more than 4 years in both private and school settings instructing students of all ages on voice, piano, and cello, Kelsey believes that anyone can be a musician through healthy challenges and encouragement.

Brass / Trumpet Instructor

After high school, Rob attended Virginia commonwealth university studying jazz performance. After his first year of college, Rob was recruited as a soloist for the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps. Upon completing college, he played in a number of bands touring around the world. Some of the names that he has played/recorded with are, Jason Mraz, K.D Lang, Christina Perry, Bon Iver, Sujian Stevens, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Francis and the Lights, Hiss Golden Messenger, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, GWAR, Cocoon, Foxygen, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, The Diamonds, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Daniela Darcourt, Fruko Y Ses Tesos, and Tony Vega. Rob moved to Nashville in 2020 and continues to stay busy between touring and recording.

Guitar, Ukulele, Drum & Piano Instructor

Cris Gonzalez is a graduate of Berklee College of Music who has been teaching for 10 years. His dad opened a Rock Academy in his home town of Sugar Hill GA in his youth, where they gave lessons and arranged bands for kids to get jamming and even go out and gig! He’s taught at various schools in Georgia as well as Boston. His philosophy is preserving the fun of music and getting kids (and adults!) in to the rhythm of things by prioritizing feel in performance, quick ways to reach goals, and getting to the heart of why music can be a powerful tool for everyone to be able to express themselves, and light up places in the brain and body that may have been idling in the past.

Woodwinds Instrument Instructor

Originally from Peru, Nashville-based Michael Gutierrez has 20+ years of training, professional gigs, and teaching experience with woodwinds including saxophone,flute, and clarinet. Studying under Belmont’s Associate Dean of Music Dr. Jeff Kirk, the Head of Jazz Studies at MTSU Don Aliquo, and University of Maryland’s Head of Jazz Studies Chris Vadala, Michael has developed a broad range of classical technique, jazz theory, and improvisational skills that place him at the forefront of Nashville’s music scene as a woodwind instruments coach. Michael has performed and/or recorded with such artists and bands as 5-time Grammy winner Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Steve Cropper, Black Mozart Ensemble, and the Nashville Symphony and has performed at such venues as the Kennedy Center, the Schermerhorn, Opryland Hotel, Live on the Green, and TPAC. Bringing his passion for all musical styles to each lesson, Michael shares his knowledge and talent with each student, enabling them to gain confidence and master any musical situation they encounter!

Piano & Organ Instructor

Hello, I'm Kery KG Greene. As a teacher, I strive to give my students a reliable framework of theory and comfort at the piano, leading to greater musical impact on every level of their musicianship. I have 20 years experience in studio and stage performance, and have toured the world as keyboardist and background vocalist. Additionally, I am a creative, musician and artist, specializing in Blues, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Country, Funk and Hip Hop genres.

Drum & Percussion Instructor

Ben Hans is a Nashville based musician and music instructor who keeps a busy performance schedule performing many genres of music. Ben has shared the stage with a diverse list of artists such as singer/composer and Grammy nominated artist Kip Winger, Eric Martin the voice of Mr. Big, Steve Brown and PJ Farley of Trixter, Anthony Corder the voice of Tora Tora, Todd Kerns (of Slash), guitar virtuosos Reb Beach, John Roth, Jorge Salan and Donnie Wayne Smith, Rock Vocalist Fiona Flanagan, the late great Jazz Pianist Barry Harris, celebrated Jazz saxophonists Eric Morones, Johnny Padilla, Berkeley Fudge, Aaron Gardner and Jesse Lee Montijo, Jazz guitarists Jack Grassel, Scott DuBois, Jeff Schroedl, Steve Peplin, Kirk Tatnall, Mike Standal, Michael Arnold, Pete Billman and Roger Brotherhood as well as many more great Jazz artists such as swing clarinetist Chuck Hedges, vibraphonist Rick Embach, bassists Tom McGirr, John Babbitt, Mark Solveson, Hal Miller, Mark Lewandowski and Vince Oglesby, pianists Kevin Kostick and Dean Lea, Jazz vocalists Jeannine Rivers and Anita Stemper, Swing Nouveau, in addition to Blues artists Altered Five, Jonny T-Bird and the MPs as well as Tallan Latz. Ben has worked with Legendary Rudimentalists John S. Pratt, Dominick Cuccia and Mitch Markovich, as well as Percussionists Jim Sewrey, Jeff Salisbury, Kaili Francisco and many more. As an author, Ben has released the amazon bestselling book “How to Play Drums in 14 Days” from Troy Nelson Music.  Ben is also an author, proofreader, freelance editor and session performer for Hal Leonard Publishing, with published works including: “Workin’ Drums – 50 Solos for Drum set,” “40 Intermediate Snare Drum Solos,” “Rudimental Solos for the Marching Snare Drummer,” “Modern School for Mallet Keyboard Instruments,” “Hal Leonard School for Snare Drum,” transcriptions of Ray Luzier’s “Double Bass Drum Techniques”, the compilation book “First 50 Solos You Should Play on Snare Drum,” as well as performing on and writing for the Hal Leonard DVD “Traditional Rudimental Drumming” by John S. Pratt. With over three decades of experience as an educator and clinician, Ben currently instructs private studio lessons in Nashville, TN privately and through the Nashville Music Academy. Ben has also enjoyed working with his students at his former music instructor positions at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Wisconsin Lutheran College, the Wisconsin Academy of Music, SAE Institute – Nashville and Metro Nashville Public Schools. Ben is a Yamaha Performing Artist who also endorses Aquarian Drumheads, Mike Balter Mallets, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Tycoon Percussion and Impression Cymbals.  Ben is a member of ASCAP and John S. Pratt’s ‘International Association of Traditional Drummers’.

Guitar, Piano & Voice Instructor

Rachel is a recent Berklee College of Music graduate who loves sharing her joy for music with others. As a certified tutor with plenty of teaching experience, she creates a fun and safe environment for students to grow at their own pace. In addition to being a voice/piano instructor, Rachel also teaches guitar and ukulele. Rachel is also an active singer/songwriter with lots of performing experience as a solo artist and as a band leader. She has played venues across the U.S. including several state fairs, theaters, and the Hard Rock in Boston. Rachel firmly believes that her experience playing live is invaluable to teaching and preparing students for a future in the music industry.

Banjo, Mandolin & Guitar Instructor

Graham has over 10 years of experience as a professional multi-instrumentalist. He has played banjo, guitar, dobro, and lap steel in several different bands since 2012. He graduated from Berklee College of Music summa cum laude in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Writing and Production. Graham has been enrolled in well over a decade’s worth of music lessons, including piano, viola, and voice lessons, as well as 4 years of private banjo instruction from Greg Liszt and ensemble classes at Berklee. The diverse experiences he has had as a music student have given him an understanding of the tools and techniques he can employ to help students set and achieve their musical goals.

Violin, Piano and Guitar Instructor

Originally from Chattanooga, Alexia is a talented musician with over 15 years of musical training as both a pianist and violinist. She currently studies music at Belmont University and has over 5 years of teaching experience. Her teaching style focuses around developing a passion for music and exploring different styles, while also learning fundamental technique and theory. While she is primarily classically trained, Alexia teaches many styles of music including but not limited to, Fiddle and Folk music, Pop, Rock, Blues, Ragtime, Gospel and Country. Additionally, as a performer, Alexia has played in a number of ensembles including Religious Bands, the Chattanooga Youth Orchestra, the Orchestra at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Belmont University’s Chamber ensemble, and several classical quartets. As a musician, she believes that putting practice to performance is an essential skill for any musician. Alexia is great at adapting to the learning style of any student in order to give them a personalized and well rounded musical education.

Guitar & Mandolin Instructor

Charlie Jack Fuertsch is a guitarist and singer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Although firmly rooted in bluegrass and classic country, his playing incorporates elements from all facets of American roots music, drawing inspiration from jazz, blues, rockabilly and old-time. Charlie has played guitar as a sideman for a variety of different Americana artists including Jobi Riccio, Olivia Ellen Lloyd, and Megg Farrell. He has played at festivals and stages around the country including, The Freshgrass Festival, Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, and Americana Fest in Nashville. In addition to being an in demand guitarist, Charlie leads a group called The Golden Barrel Band which specializes in the music of The Byrds, Gram Parsons, The Flying Burrito Brothers and other California Country Rock artists from the 1970s. He also performs solo acoustic music at a variety of different restaurants and bars in the greater Nashville area. Charlie graduated from Columbia University with a BA in American History and a BA in Music Theory. He also earned a diploma in Guitar Performance from Berklee College of Music. During his time in school Charlie studied with a variety of master musicians including Jake Workman, Michael Daves, Bruce Molsky, Greg Liszt, Joe K. Walsh, Kevin Barry and Lyle Brewer.