MEET Our Teachers
Encore Music Studios prides itself on providing students with top-notch music education taught by experienced and passionate music teachers. Each teacher has a unique approach to teaching, but all share a dedication to helping students achieve their musical goals. Whether it's learning a new instrument, preparing for a performance, or simply developing a love for music, the teachers at Encore Music Studios are committed to guiding students on their musical journey with patience, skill, and FUN!
Kyle GavaganStudio Manager / Instructor
Kyle is the studio director and one of our teachers at Encore Music Studios. He has always been passionate about music and loves sharing his passion with his students. Kyle has been playing trumpet for over 15 years and teaches brass, woodwinds, piano and guitar. |
Miranda Melton
Instructor
Meet Miranda Melton, a Charlotte-native who is excited to be a part of the growing Fort Mill music community! Through a blend of traditional pedagogy and the popular Suzuki Method, Miranda creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can explore and develop their musical abilities. Whether it's teaching beginners the fundamentals or guiding advanced students towards higher levels of mastery, Miranda tailors lessons to meet each student's unique goals and aspirations. With expertise in violin, viola, cello, double-bass, and beginner piano, Miranda provides comprehensive instruction that encompasses both technical skills and a deep understanding of musical concepts. Miranda Melton holds a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where she honed her teaching techniques and gained valuable insights into music pedagogy. For the last 4 years, Miranda was an Orchestra Director in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system where she taught at Jay M. Robinson Middle School and Carmel Middle School. During her tenure, many of her students participated in district and state-sponsored orchestra festivals and have gone on to perform with local youth orchestras such as the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, Youth Orchestras of Charlotte, and the Union Symphony Youth Orchestras. She is also an active musician in the Charlotte area, playing for churches and other private events. Miranda is also an active member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and the American String Teacher’s Association. |
Danielle Dease Instructor
As a 26 year old musician, performer, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, I love everything musical, and aspire to instill that same love in others. I've recorded 4 albums and also been featured on USA Today for the National Anthem. During my musical career I've opened up for various country artists such as Thompson Square, John Michael Montgomery, Eli Young Band, Eric Paslay, etc. My favorite genres are jazz, country, gospel, rock, classical, funk, and pop. Danielle holds a music degree and is currently continuing her education! |
Andrew CumboInstructor
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Andrew is a professional guitarist who has played in a variety of contexts around the world from rock bands to worship groups. Andrew has years of experience teaching students of all ages and experience levels. He is passionate about helping students cultivate a life-long love of music and coaching them to be their best. |
Rodney GarrettInstructor
I have been a product of music since childhood. My passion for music encouraged me to get my bachelor's degree in fine arts and have been teaching ever since. I play multiple woodwind instruments but mainly concentrate on piano and voice. My passion overflows out in my classes which makes learning and teaching fun and creative. I have been a Minister of Music/ Head of Fine Arts for over 25 years and have taught in the public classroom sector as a music teacher as well for 5 years. |
David UrichInstructor
David is a classically-trained pianist with experience in solo, chamber, and ensemble performance alongside composition and music theory instruction. Brought up under the Trinity College London and Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) preparatory programs, David received his bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University in 2023. David believes that a foundation in technique and theory allows pianists to succeed and emphasizes these elements in his lessons. |
Erika BrownInstructor
I've been singing for over 15 years. Music has always been a major part of my life ever since I was a little girl. I'm from the Fort Mill area and recently graduated college specializing in music and theatre. I love singing anything from opera to Disney show tunes to contemporary music. |
Ryan DelVastoInstructor
Ryan is a Charlotte native excited to be part of the Fort Mill music scene! She has been performing in musicals since the age of 5 and started piano soon after. Music appreciation was a large part of her household- being raised on genres from classic rock, pop, classical, and musical theatre. She attended Northwest School of the Arts with focuses in musical theatre and piano. Her love for music as a form of self-expression propels her teaching philosophy- a successful lesson creates an environment for a student to feel that love as well. |
Jacob WrightInstructor
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, I was a child filled with musical dreams playing air guitar to Tom Petty, Bon Jovi and Dire Straits. At the age of 12, the movie School of Rock opened a door inspiring a newfound musical taste as he started listening to Zeppelin, Cream and other classic rock bands that were fresh to his ears. I wanted to form a band with his friends so he saved to buy his first guitar for his 13th birthday. I'm currently playing guitar nationally with Kids in America (80s tribute) opening for multiple well known acts such as Tiffany and Grand Funk Railroad. Now in my 20th year playing music I believe, “Music has the power to heal, bring joy and unite like nothing else. It is true magic.” |
Derrick hollinsInstructor
My name is Derrick Hollins and I am from Jenkinsville, South Carolina. I have recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Media Arts in May 2021. While Growing up, I have been introduced to playing drums through church events. In 8th grade, I joined the high school drum-line where I implemented my skills to playing drum set. I’ve been playing drums for roughly over 20 years and teaching for over 10 years. I enjoy educating students on their drum experience so that they can understand their skills and progress daily. |
Shauana GordonInstructor
Shauna Gordon is an experienced and well-traveled musician who has performed in numerous venues across the globe, from Carnegie Hall in New York City to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. She has previously been a member of multiple professional music groups including choirs, orchestras, and marching bands, and was privileged to study under world-renowned performers including members of the original Broadway casts of ‘Newsies’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’. She has been teaching music for 3 years now, and looks forward to watching her students grow. |
Mandy MCMEHANInstructor
Mandy has a great love for teaching piano and enjoys shaping her students as they pursue music! She began taking piano lessons at age 7 and later provided the same opportunity given by her parents to her own two children who also took piano lessons until college. They are now grown, and as accomplished musicians, enjoy the wonderful world of music in many capacities. Mandy maintains that providing a child with learning opportunities in music is one of the greatest gifts you can give them! As an empty-nester, she has enjoyed participating in various music groups and performing in bands as her love for singing and playing piano is her lifelong passion. |
Jonathan PhippsInstructor
A lifelong musician, Jon views music as an outlet for individual creativity as well as a means of implementing constructive daily habits. As an instructor, it is his goal to help students pursue music of their own interest, while also seeing to it that they continue to improve technically. As a musician, Jon has played in various bands including top 40s cover bands, jazz combos/ensembles, classical orchestras, as well as local broadway musicals. Although he will always put his student's aspirations above his own, it is Jon’s goal to inspire them to achieve a diverse skill set in hopes of becoming well rounded musicians. At the end of the day, it is Jon’s objective to ensure that his students are always learning and, most importantly, always having fun! |
GARY ChudykINSTRUCTOR
Gary Chudyk is a transplant from New York. He owned and operated his own private music lesson studio for four decades. During that time, he worked with 3200 private students. Gary holds music degrees from Nazareth College of Rochester, Berklee School of Music, and Eastman School of Music. Gary's goal in lessons is to have fun and help the students succeed. |