​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 Gavagan

Studio Manager / Instructor- Brass, Woodwinds, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
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- Violin, Viola, Cello
​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- Voice, Piano
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! 

christopher verdecia

Instructor- Voice, Piano
​Hello! My name is Christopher Verdecia. I am a proud graduate of FIU in Early Childhood Education with a minor in music. I am a preschool teacher at ISWA Headstart where I teach 3-5 year olds. I have been playing piano and singing in choirs and Operas for 12 years. I have sung backup in an album and even performed on “Premio De Nuestros”. Some hobbies I enjoy are cooking, camping, reading, music and video games. I have loved tutoring and teaching my whole life and that drove me to get myself an education in education!​

Jacob phillips

Instructor- Guitar, Banjo, Bass, Ukulele
​Jacob Phillips is a lifelong musician born in Charlotte and raised in Monroe, NC. He has been playing guitar since he was eight years old, picking up other instruments such as banjo, mandolin, and bass along the way. He recently graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music studies. Jacob loves teaching, and can't wait to work with you!​

Erika Brown

Instructor- Voice, Piano
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 DelVasto

Instructor- Voice, Piano, Ukulele
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 Wright

Instructor- Guitar, Drums, Banjo, Bass, Ukulele
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 hollins

Instructor- Drums
​​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 Gordon

Instructor- Voice, Piano, Flute, Ukulele
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 MCMEHAN

Instructor- Piano
​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.​

GARY Chudyk

INSTRUCTOR- Guitar, Woodwinds, Drums, Bass
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.

Jamiah Stroud

Instructor- Voice, Piano
​Greetings! I am Miah, a piano and voice instructor from Charlotte, NC. My musical journey began in the third grade at church, where I sang in the choir and played the piano. Since 2022, I have been teaching both piano and voice, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Music Business with a specialization in Piano. I am passionate about helping young minds reach their fullest potential by finding fun and engaging ways to connect with music. I look forward to an exciting and rewarding experience with Encore.

Bud Burke

Instructor-
Hi, I'm Bud. I am a life long musician, playing guitar for over 35 years, as well as bass guitar, drums,
banjo, mandolin, lap steel, pedal steel, and piano. My first love is heavy metal music and playing lightning
fast, but through the years I've come to enjoy many different styles (and tempos), including country,
classical, and jazz. I grew up in San Jose, California, and as a young man I studied music theory and
classical guitar at the University of Santa Barbara. Following my studies, I had the opportunity to travel
the world, touring in a heavy metal band that would take me to over 40 different countries, on 3 different
continents. Throughout my career, I have learned a lot about music and I very much enjoy sharing what
I've learned with others. When I'm not playing one of my instruments, I like watching movies, spending
time with my wife and our 5 cats, and practicing matial arts, as I train for my 4th degree black belt in
Taekwondo.

DAVE FINch

Instructor-
David has been performing and teaching professionally in the greater Charlotte area for several years and has been playing guitar for over a decade. He loves music and seeing his students progress and perform in recitals. You can expect to learn a variety of genres and music styles including blues, jazz, country and more!

Interested in Working With Us?

Join our team today!