OWNER/FOUNDER/TEACHER

Jamie Stephens is a professional musician, songwriter, and music teacher, currently based in Hickory, NC. He’s performed and recorded music with several bands across America for the past 20+ years, playing guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, banjo, drums, and other various forms of percussion.

With over 12 years of experience teaching music to students of all ages, Jamie’s been perfecting his craft and sharing his love of music both in-person and online for quite some time. He’s one of the founding members of 12 Tone Music School in Glenview, IL (formerly known as the Rock House), in addition to teaching private in-home music lessons throughout the Chicagoland area.

Jamie studied Performance and Music Education at the Musician's Institute (Guitar Institute of Technology) in Hollywood, CA from 2003-2005. During this time he was a session musician at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles, CA, where he also joined the band, Tomorrow's Cry, and later embarked on multiple nationwide tour.

In 2009, Jamie moved to Chicago, IL and played guitar, bass, piano, and drums as a sideman for several locally popular bands at venues, big and small, across the city. In recent years, he’s been playing guitar, keyboard, mandolin, and lap steel for the Chris Karabas Band (a.k.a. Lonesome Rodeo), while simultaneously manning the drums for the beloved Chicago indie folk rock trio, Owen & The Ghosts.

Jamie is available for:

-Guitar

-Bass

-Piano

-Mandolin

-Ukulele

-Banjo

-Drums

-Percussion

-Stage Craft Classes

-Band Instruction

-Drums

-Songwriting

-Theory

-Music Reading

TEACHER

Music has been a part of Tyler’s life since early childhood, where he began piano lessons at the age of 5. Growing up near Winston-Salem, Tyler and his family all had a passion for music; his father and mother had a handful of spare instruments that they had played in the past, and his older brother had developed a talent for the piano and drums. Tyler broadened his skills with drum lessons, playing percussion in his middle school concert band. At 13, Tyler began to teach himself to play the electric guitar, and by 15 he had expanded to the acoustic guitar, which he began to prefer as his primary instrument. Throughout high school, he continued with the concert band as a percussionist, and would perform at both school recitals and state-level competitions.

In 2017, Tyler moved to Hickory, NC, to be closer to his wife’s family. After relocating, Tyler joined a local band, performing a few times publicly before shifting his focus to his solo project, Nulsun. He continues to share his love of music with his daughter Lucy, age 7, who is now learning piano under his guidance.

Tyler is available for:

-Stage Craft Classes

-Band Instruction

-Drums

-Vocals

-Piano

-Guitar

-Songwriting

-Theory

-Music Reading

TEACHER

Since she could walk, Ashlen has been a lover of music and is hoping to share that passion with her students! Specializing in vocal technique, Ashlen is excited to help others pursue their love of music and find their own unique voice.

Starting in dance classes and choir in elementary school, Ashlen realized that music, and especially singing, is what she needed in her life and has been involved in it ever since. Whether singing on stage or blending voices in a choir, Ashlen has been honing her craft for almost two decades.

After moving to Hickory, NC from Orlando, FL in 2017, Ashlen decided to go back to school and received her Associated in Fine Arts Music. Now she is excited to be able to help other kids and adults like her follow those dreams of singing no matter the experience!

Ashlen is available for:

-Musical Theater Vocals and Coaching

-Vocals

-Piano

-Beginner Guitar

TEACHER

Eric is a dedicated music educator, performer, and director with a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts. Since early childhood, he has been deeply involved in singing and learning a wide variety of musical instruments. His passion for music led him to perform in several bands as well as develop as a solo artist, gaining experience across multiple musical styles and performance settings.

During his service in the United States Navy, Eric had the opportunity to perform internationally throughout countries including Japan, Guam, China, Russia, Singapore, and Saipan. These experiences broadened his musical perspective and strengthened his appreciation for the cultural impact of music around the world. While stationed in the Pacific Islands, he developed a particular interest in the ukulele, studying the instrument and incorporating its unique style and traditions into his musical background.

Eric earned his Associate of Fine Arts degree from Catawba Valley Community College in 2012 before continuing his education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 2015. Throughout his academic and professional career, he has remained committed to fostering creativity, confidence, and musical excellence in students of all ages.

With more than twenty years of experience teaching private music lessons, Eric has worked extensively with students in voice, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, piano, bass, drums, musical theatre, and music theory. In addition to private instruction, he has spent the past four years teaching music in public schools, where he has focused on building engaging and inclusive music programs that encourage artistic expression and collaboration.

Eric currently serves as the Choral and Theatre Arts Director at Jimmy C Draughn High School in Valdese, North Carolina. In this role, he directs choral ensembles, teaches theatre arts, and works to inspire students through performance, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. His teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to develop both their artistic talents and personal confidence.

Eric is available for:

• Voice

• Guitar

• Ukulele

• Mandolin

• Piano

• Bass

• Drums

• Musical theatre

• Music theory

• Songwriting

• General music

• Band Instruction

TEACHER

Maria Elisa Grosso (Megviolin) is a musician and teacher from Italy. Maria is classically trained at Italian music conservatory with a bachelor degree in violin performance, viola and opera voice. She also enjoyed fiddle music, rock and metal. Maria teaches all levels from ages 4 years old and up and offers her students many performance opportunities throughout the year. Maria speaks fluent English, Spanish and Italian.

Maria is available for:

-Violin

-Opera Voice

-Piano

-Viola

TEACHER

A seasoned violin player with more than 12yrs. experience. I am able to play and teach multiple styles on the instrument. Currently studying to become a music producer.

-Violin

TEACHER

Hey everyone! My name is Daniel Whitener. I am predominantly a jazz saxophonist however I also have backgrounds in funk, R&B, and blues.

I also play bass as well as piano. I received my associates degree in fine arts and music from Caldwell community college and technical Institute in 2024.

I am continually pursuing new musical knowledge and look forward sharing music with you.

Daniel is available for:

-Saxophone

-Piano

-Bass