Music Teachers

Li-wen Yao (Janet) learned the piano since the age of four and had taken private piano lessons from famous pianists and professors Panan Chen, Ho-Hui Lin and Lina Yeh in Taiwan. Janet has been a piano soloist, piano accompanist for all kinds of music instruments, solo singing, chorus, Chamber musician with various ensembles since 1987. She had also been an elementary school teacher for 5 years and maintained a private piano studio for more than 7 years.

Hsuan Wen Lin (Karen) is a native of Taiwan and attained her doctoral degree in performance at the University of Minnesota. She is also a registered Suzuki teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Lin has frequently been invited to perform in professional orchestras and local concerts. Her performance, Schulhoff’s Duo for Violin and Cello, was featured in World Journal in 2012. The Minnesota Daily also covered and published her solo recital on, Schuller’s Duologue.

Justin Sheppard was born in the small south Georgia town of Tifton. Showing an aptitude in music throughout middle and high school, he played jazz trombone, concert tuba, and marched the baritone horn. His early love for music allowed him to perform and travel with the local college while in high school, and he also taught private brass lessons on tuba and baritone to middle school students in the area at the time. Justin attended the University of Georgia from 1997 to 2000 studying music performance and music education, where he also worked in supervising and tutoring kids at a local elementary school. He finished his bachelor of Science degree in Classical Performance from the University of Georgia while studying under international performer and Professor of Guitar, Daniel Bolshoy.

Hailing from Kentucky, Justin grew up in his father's hometown guitar store learning all about the music industry and picking the musical brains of local music heroes, learning to play guitar, bass, ukulele, and drums along the way. Upon graduating from the Atlanta Institute of Music in the summer of 2005, he was placed on a national tour in support of American Idol’s Diana Degarmo. After wrapping up touring later that year, he began teaching privately for several Atlanta area teaching studios, directing rock bands for summer camps and aftershool programs, in addition to teaching clinics and masterclasses dealing with music theory and guitar ensemble. In between teaching, Justin has played guitar and bass for several Atlanta based artists as well as writing and performing with his own bands. He has also lent his talents to various Atlanta recording studios most notably doing sessions for Britney Spears and R&B singer, Mya. Currently, Justin is focusing on directing his rock band program and is accepting students to join bands as well as private instruction.

Born in Atlanta in 1998, Dashiell Sisson (Dash for short) is an aspiring classical guitarist who values artistic freedom and expression, while building and expanding on the fundamental techniques of the instrument. After graduating from the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media in 2020 (AIMM), Dash has been studying under the tutelage and mentorship of Dr. Daniel Bolshoy at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgeson School of Music as a music performance major. Dash has performed in numerous concerts overseas and has competed as a finalist in various guitar competitions and symposiums.  In addition to his guitar studies, Dash is an avid runner who regularly competes in long distance races, and studies Portuguese at UGA.

Matteo Staciarine is a multifaceted musician deeply entrenched in the vibrant world of jazz. Born in Atlanta, Matteo’s musical journey began with the piano almost a decade ago and evolved to include bass, guitar and more. Matteo comes from a Brazilian family with creativity being a constant companion throughout his life, evident in his early ventures into music composition and even video game design.  His early piano learning experience was from a family friend in America and Brazilian teacher, Ana Paula Torres.  His jazz playing has been influenced by his piano teacher and mentor of many years, Tyrone Jackson and his bass teacher, Marc Miller.

Matteo is swiftly making his mark as an up-and-coming jazz artist in Atlanta, showcasing his original compositions at venues like The Red Light Cafe. His performances extend beyond traditional venues, including captivating audiences at Georgia Conventions such as Momo Con, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and Comic Con. Additionally, Matteo has lent his musical talents to various churches and collaborated with diverse artists.

Fino Ardhito is currently an undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University, majoring in Music Education. Fino has been playing guitar since the age of six and clarinet since the age of twelve. Fino has been selected to play in four district honor bands during his time at South Forsyth High School, and is currently in the Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble as a clarinetist. One of Fino’s proudest musical accomplishments is performing at Carnegie Hall with the South Forsyth Middle School Symphonic Band when he was in the 8th Grade. Fino has also taken jazz lessons at Kennesaw State University on guitar under the direction of Justin Chesarek, Tyrone Jackson, and Sean Thrower. He is also a proud student of John Warren, clarinetist of the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, at Kennesaw State University. Fino is a firm in helping his students find their voice in music of any style and is always ready to take on any challenge.

Sage Manning was born in Oklahoma and moved at an early age to a town near Athens, Georgia where he was raised. Early in life Sage showed a keen interest in guitar when he picked up his father’s acoustic guitar and committed to learning how to play it. He took private lessons from various teachers throughout middle school and high school. During this time he was given unique opportunities to perform in his local church service. He also frequently volunteered to lead holiday sing-along events where he would accompany with his guitar. This eventually gained him the attention of Dale Monson, the Dean of The University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music. After an introduction by Dr. Monson, he started receiving private instruction in classical guitar technique from professor Philip Snyder until he graduated high school.  From 2019 until today he has studied with Professor Daniel Bolshoy at The University of Georgia. He is nearing completion of a bachelors degree in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Theory.

Blake studied music at the University of Central Florida where he was a soloist and lead trumpet for the UCF jazz ensembles, as well as played in the UCF wind ensemble and orchestra. While in Orlando, he worked as a musician at the Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to playing with local latin bands. Blake also has experience in Drum Corps International where he joined Carolina Crown in 2005. He continued performing with them in 2006, 2008, and as an upper lead in 2010.

Daniel was Born and Bred in St. Louis, Missouri. He recently graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Major in Music Business and Minor in drum-set performance. His musical career dates back to before he could even speak. Ever since he was young he have been playing drums and doing music. He was Influenced by his musical family that dates back to him being in youth choir. He also began playing drums in church in elementary school. By the age of 6 Daniel decided drums would be my primary instrument. He began to study all genres and broaden my horizon as a musician. All throughout high school he studied Jazz, Pop, R&B, soul and funk while maintaining a mild stint in choir. He also played gigs and did studio work.

After high school, Daniel was not only accepted but received a generous scholarship to attend my dream college Berklee College of Music, the only school he applied to. He was blessed with wonderful opportunities such as playing different gigs around Boston, participating in cafe shows, and starring as an Extra in detroit. He accompanied Robert Glasper, and last but not least participated in a promo video for Alesis drums that debuted to thousands of musicians at the world renown NAMM this year! He also have a passion for fashion and photography.
He is now living in Atlanta concentrating on Drums, A&R, Music Production & Engineering as well as the Music Business. 

Ann obtained her bachelor degree in SookMyung Women's University in South Korea majoring in music composition. As a piano teacher with over 20 years of experience, she prioritize building a strong foundation for her students from basics to advanced levels with enjoyable lessons. She understand the significance of building healthy relationships and comprehending emotions with the students instead of merely focusing on typical music education. To ensure that the children learn the proper practical skills and music theory lessons, she cater to all levels whether they're beginners or advanced, or interested in genres like pop, gospel, and church accompaniment. Ann takes pride in forming long-lasting connections with her students and is committed to supporting their musical and emotional growth.

Wilson Tong currently teaches in Academe of the Oaks (High School) as orchestra teacher. He serves as Artistic Director of Atlanta Metropolitan Symphony in 2017 Fall. He graduated with Master of orchestral conducting degree in Georgia State University in 2013, served as an assistant conductor, conducted and played violin in Georgia State University Orchestra under maestro Michael Palmer, Artistic Director of the annual Bellingham Festival of Music. He conducted Pleven Philharmonic of Bulgaria in 2012 under Diane Wittry, music director Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
Read more

Donna Bailey holds a Master of Music degree in Piano and Music Education. She is a retired Georgia music educator, whose experience includes teaching in Douglas,Cobb and Forsyth counties. Mrs. Bailey began teaching private lessons in 1975. She is trained in various methods of music for young children, with a published music curriculum for young children. Teaching lessons in Forsyth and Dawson counties, she has added voice instruction and vocal audition preparation to her teaching.
Mrs. Bailey is a member of GMTA, NFMC and GMEA. This affords her students performance and festival opportunities. She enjoys teaching students of all ages, and levels, from young beginners to adults.
She also continues to study and perform, serving as accompanist for many school choirs in Forsyth County.

Jia Lee has been a certified piano teacher and player for over thirty years and continues to practice and teach to this day. Her studies include a degree in piano-organ performance from Seoul Shindae University (1995) and an organ master’s degree from LSU (1997-1999). Not only is her background education diverse, with training from both in and out of the states, her experiences also range from both formal and informal practices. From performing with the Atlanta Chamber Singers society from 2011-2016 to being both the pianist and organist at the largest Korean church in the southeast (2007- ), she continues to grow her love and knowledge of music everyday. Jia currently works with students of all ages from Fulton and Gwinnett counties as a private piano teacher since 2001. She believes it is never too late to pick up music and has also been working with the seniors of Happiness College of seniors choir in helping elders discover and grow their own love for music every Saturday since 2015 and sometimes indulges in conducting as well.

Her ability to nurture and push students is the driving force behind her extensive work experience. She believes that music is a language itself and has the ability to connect all different types of people. Learning styles are different for every student and Jia is keen on working with each student’s personality and adjusting as it is key in a student’s progress. Her goal is progress over perfection and truly helping each student learn to develop their own relationship with the piano!

Angie earned  her bachelor degree in music at the university of Maryland. She has a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy. She studied under the teaching of Reynold Reyes and N. Jane Tan (pedagogy). She studied abroad at the St. Petersburg State conservatory of music school by Dmitry and Yelena in  Russia. As part of continued dedication for her love of cello, she resume her education with Dr. Dan Shomper. She studied  with Katharine Knight who teaches Lamont music school in Colorado, Denver. She’s is very creative in her teaching method. She use both Suzuki and traditional methods.  She was also part of Anne Arundel Symphony orchestra where members had the privilege of performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, performance in Australia and Spain.

Joy Gilmore is a Taiwanese native who was born into a pastor's family. Joy started to play piano at the age of 7 and then started playing for her father's church at the age of 12. She began her piano teaching career at the age of 18 while she was still attending college. Joy received her Bachelor's degree in piano performance and church music in 1987. Upon receiving her Bachelor's degree, Joy moved on to teach at Glad Tidings Bible College Read more

Originally from Marietta, GA, Adam Stallings is a clarinet performer and educator in the Atlanta area. Adam is a graduate of Georgia State University, where he earned the Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Education, graduating cum laude in 2019. At Georgia State, Adam performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, and performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the 2018 College Band Directors Association Southeastern Conference. He also frequently performed in a number of chamber ensembles and frequently premieres new music for composers, including the Southeastern premiere of Sila: Breath of the World, by the Pulitzer Prize winning composer, John Luther Adams. As an educator, Adam has experience teaching in a number of different settings. He has taught throughout the Atlanta area, and has taught full ensemble, marching band, or clarinet in Cobb, Gwinnett, and Hall counties. Read more

Mina received her Bachelor’s in Music Performance at Georgia State University, where she was the recipient of a University Assistantship and studied trumpet under Hollie Lifshey of the Atlanta Opera. During her studies, she was principal trumpet of the University Orchestra from 2016-2018 and played in other ensembles such as GSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, GSU Opera, and student composition recitals. In addition to her studies, she was also a marching member of 2017 Bluecoats, 2015 Blue Knights, and 2013 & 2014 Atlanta CV. Mina also collaborated with local singer-songwriter Manny Cortes, for whom she wrote and played trumpet parts on his P.O.P. EP for songs “Do Ya Wanna Dance Again?” and “Awesome Sword” with the former also having a music video on YouTube.

Kyung Mi Yang is an experienced, educated and encouraging music teacher. She has been teaching for over 25 years: in the classroom as a professor, overseas as a guest lecturer, private lessons instructor and church choir director. She is currently
conducting Grapevine Youth and Children’s Choir and Klesis senior adult choir. Ms. Yang holds two master degrees, both in choral conducting. Her bachelor’s degree is in vocal performance. She was accepted for the DMA program at Southwestern Seminary.
Ms. Yang’s love for people and love of music intersect at teaching it with heartfelt expertise. She strongly believes that music brings out the best in us; therefore, she pours her affection, passion and skills into the hearts of the students.