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.
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.
McKenzie Anderson - Specializing in voice and piano
Soprano, McKenzie Anderson, is a native of Hickory, North Carolina. She graduated The College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance and remains at The College as an Artist Certificate student under the tutelage of baritone, David Templeton. McKenzie is an active performer with the Charleston Opera and College of Charleston Opera. She was most recently featured as Rosalinda in the College of Charleston Opera's production of Die Fledermaus by J. Strauss. In addition to opera performance, McKenzie is an avid concert soloist. She has been a featured soloist with the College of Charleston Madrigal Singers, Concert Choir, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. McKenzie has also appeared in several Piccolo Spoleto concerts on the Young Artist Series. In her most recent concert, she premiered the "Dunbar Songs," a set of three songs by Department of Music Chair, Edward Hart. McKenzie has been awarded several accolades from the National Association for the Teaching of Singing over her nine years of vocal study. The College of Charleston School of the Arts awarded Ms. Anderson with the esteemed Marguerite Elfe Erckman vocal award for outstanding performances and musicianship. She has also just returned from Salzburg, Austria where she was a student of the American-Austrian Mozart academy. She coached with Met Opera stars, Sandra Moon and John Fowler, and participated in a masterclass with the esteemed Austrian Conductor, Manfred Mayrhofer. She also had the pleasure of performing the roles of Zweite Dame and Zweite Knabe in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Ms. Anderson can be seen next portraying Floria Tosca in the stunning and challenging soprano aria “Vissi d’arte” in a scenes production at The College.