Charleston - Bees Ferry Rd Location
Meet our instructors
Ryan Flannery - Specializing in guitar

Ryan began playing guitar following an introduction to the music of Led Zeppelin. He has been practicing, writing and performing rock, funk, blues and jazz for the last eight (or so) years. A Pennsylvania transplant, Ryan has lived in Charleston for the past five years, during which he earned an undergraduate degree in music performance under the tutelage of Tyler Ross.
Also during this time, he has been performing all over Charleston, with groups ranging from lounge jazz to rip roaring space funk. Outside music, Ryan spends his time on the basketball court, messing around, getting triple doubles. He plans to continue his studies to earn a Master's Degree in music performance. Ryan has been fortunate to study under a wide range of skillful teachers and understands the importance of thoughtful, individualized instruction whether the student is just starting, or trying to take their craft to the next level. He teaches guitar, bass, piano, and general music theory.
Also during this time, he has been performing all over Charleston, with groups ranging from lounge jazz to rip roaring space funk. Outside music, Ryan spends his time on the basketball court, messing around, getting triple doubles. He plans to continue his studies to earn a Master's Degree in music performance. Ryan has been fortunate to study under a wide range of skillful teachers and understands the importance of thoughtful, individualized instruction whether the student is just starting, or trying to take their craft to the next level. He teaches guitar, bass, piano, and general music theory.
Arnold Gottlieb - Specializing in bass, guitar, piano, music theory, brass and woodwinds

Arnold Gottlieb recently moved to Charleston after spending many years in New York City, Dusseldorf Germany, Nashville TN, and ‘on the road’. His mother was a folk musician, and he can’t remember ever not playing an instrument. Now, a full time Charleston resident, Arnold has performed here at Dock Street Theatre, Footlight Players Theatre, North Charleston PAC, most of the jazz clubs, many bars, and recently with the North Charleston Pops!
Arnold has a BA in music from Western CT State University. As a lifetime student of music, well after his college years while living in Germany, he studied tuba in Munich with Bob Tucci of the Munich opera orchestra, and in New York City he has taken occasional bass lessons with some of the greats. While in Charleston he has continued to study bass and piano, and may one day finish grad school. Arnold teaches bass, guitar, piano, tuba, trombone, music theory, and occasionally career counseling for artists. Arnold’s teaching style mixes seriousness and fun. He has had a few students go off and do some great things, but he really wants everybody to find the joy in music that he has found, whether they go on to play in their living room or in stadiums.
He has a website www.arnoldgottlieb.com with some sounds and pictures.
Arnold has a BA in music from Western CT State University. As a lifetime student of music, well after his college years while living in Germany, he studied tuba in Munich with Bob Tucci of the Munich opera orchestra, and in New York City he has taken occasional bass lessons with some of the greats. While in Charleston he has continued to study bass and piano, and may one day finish grad school. Arnold teaches bass, guitar, piano, tuba, trombone, music theory, and occasionally career counseling for artists. Arnold’s teaching style mixes seriousness and fun. He has had a few students go off and do some great things, but he really wants everybody to find the joy in music that he has found, whether they go on to play in their living room or in stadiums.
He has a website www.arnoldgottlieb.com with some sounds and pictures.
Karin McQuade - Specializing in strings and piano

Karin McQuade is a graduate of the College of Charleston and studied music theory and composition. She combines her classical and folk background in both her performance and teaching. You may find her singing and fiddling with her bands for local pubs and music halls, or contra dances throughout the southeast.
Thomas Norris - Specializing in guitar and bass

Thomas Norris recently graduated summa cum laude from the College of Charleston, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Guitar Performance. Thomas was born in Charleston, however he has lived all over the country. His musical journey began in kindergarten when he started taking piano lessons, although the guitar became his main focus at the age of twelve. Like many kids playing the guitar, he was initially attracted to rock and metal, however he gradually shifted his musical tastes to the world of Jazz music.
Thomas is now a professional musician in Charleston. When he isn’t playing gigs or practicing, Thomas can be found on the water paddling his kayak. One day, he hopes to complete a Master’s Degree in music and attain a professorship at a university, or attend medical school and become a physician. Whatever happens, music will always be an important part of his life. Whether you are just starting to play an instrument, or you are already practicing for hours every day, Thomas will adapt his teaching style to whatever your musical goals are.
Thomas is now a professional musician in Charleston. When he isn’t playing gigs or practicing, Thomas can be found on the water paddling his kayak. One day, he hopes to complete a Master’s Degree in music and attain a professorship at a university, or attend medical school and become a physician. Whatever happens, music will always be an important part of his life. Whether you are just starting to play an instrument, or you are already practicing for hours every day, Thomas will adapt his teaching style to whatever your musical goals are.