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 enthusiasm.

Kyle Gavagan

Studio 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. Currently I hold a music degree and is currently continuing her education. 

Jimmy Martin

Instructor
I have been playing guitar for 35 years and have a great passion for music and for guitar playing. I grew up as a teen in the 80’s and lived through some of the best music from the late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s grunge and alternative. Currently I live in Tega Cay with my wife Kelly and 3 sons. I am presently a gigging musician and lead guitarist in the rock band Thirteen:13. I lived on Long Island NY for most of my life and am now proud to call Tega Cay my home. ​

Rodney Garrett

Instructor
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. ​

KASSIDY GAVAGAN

Instructor
Kassidy just got back from her National tour as a Featured Singer with Hit's! The Musical (A new Broadway style musical revue).  She has been performing since she was 6 years old and has shared a passion and love for music ever since. She grew up in Tampa, Florida doing musical theater before becoming a 7-year cast member of Tampa’s prestigious performance ensemble “Entertainment Revue,” where she got to learn the intense lifestyle of being a professional performer and the drive it takes. She has also been a part of several A Capella groups that performed all over the Tampa Bay Area, one of which is Berkeley Preparatory Schools “Mello Divas,” where she received the Best Vocalist Award in New York’s Sing Strong A Capella competition. She currently attends Berklee’s College of Music online and looks forward to sharing her passion for music and performing with others!

Erika Brown

Instructor
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
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
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.”

Interested in Working With Us?

There's no better time to start than now!
​Contact us today to schedule a lesson!