Faculty

Janay Armbrister

Lead Teacher - Piano | Voice

Janay is a passionate music educator and working vocalist serving the Mooresville, Ballantyne, Waxhaw, and greater Charlotte area. She holds an Associate of Fine Arts in Music from Mitchell Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a strong focus in Vocal Performance from Queens University of Charlotte.

With over a decade of musical experience, Janay is dedicated to helping students grow in both

skill and confidence through personalized, encouraging instruction. In addition to her vocal

training, she has studied piano for 15+ years, allowing her to support students with strong

musicianship and well-rounded musical foundations. She brings a strong knowledge of music

theory into her teaching, helping students understand how music works while building confident,

informed musicians.

Janay has traveled and competed in choral competitions around the world, experiences that

have shaped her musical perspective and deepened her appreciation for diverse musical

traditions. As an active performer throughout the Charlotte and Mooresville areas, she brings

real-world vocal technique, musicianship, and performance insight into each lesson, creating a

supportive and inspiring learning experience for every student.

Luke Caruana

Woodwind | Piano

Keith Grimes

Drums | Brass | Piano

Keith Grimes is a musician and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina, holding a bachelor’s degree in music education from Catawba College. There, he developed strong instrumental skills and the pedagogical foundation to teach them effectively. Keith has performed with both Phillip O’Berry’s marching band and Catawba College’s band, bringing real stage experience into every classroom. His methodical, student centered teaching approach has been shaped by hands-on field experience built directly into his college curriculum. Students consistently value his patience and encouragement, and Keith takes genuine pride in watching them grow. Driven by a deep passion for music, he’s committed to making a lasting impact on every student he works with.

Grant Hughes

Piano | Songwriting

Grant Hughes is a classical/jazz pianist, music theorist/composer, and music teacher residing in the Waxhaw area who loves helping students discover the joy of music. He works with students of all ages and believes lessons should be both encouraging and engaging while helping students build strong musical skills.

In lessons, Grant focuses on building a strong foundation in technique, rhythm, and musical understanding while keeping learning fun and motivating. He strives to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable growing at their own pace and developing a lifelong love of music. As well as introducing new music, studying great composers, and finding creative ways to help students connect to the music they play.

Grant holds a BA in Music (Piano Performance) and a Masters in Music Theory. He has teaching experience of all ages including at the university level as a graduate teaching assistant. He has performance experience working with vocalists, jazz ensembles, praise bands, and community/church choirs. He is currently working as Assistant to the Music Director/Pianist at Forest Hill United Methodist Church in Concord. As a composer, Grant has written works ranging from piano/vocal pieces, to chamber ensembles, as well as symphony orchestra. His creative works inform his teaching, helping students understand not just how to play music, but how music works.

Tanis James, MT-BC

Voice | Piano | Guitar | Adaptive music lessons | Music therapy services

Tanis is a Central Florida native, and earned her Bachelor’s of Music from Queens University of Charlotte. While in school Tanis studied voice, guitar, and piano. Tanis is also a Board Certified Music Therapist. As a music therapist Tanis has worked with individuals of all ages and abilities, making music accessible to all through adaptive music lessons.

Alex Jancula

Alex is a multi instrumentalist, and vocalist from the Charlotte area. He has 15 years experience playing live music professionally. Alex likes to break down the structure of how the instrument works to create a more rounded, and well versed lesson for students. This does include theory, however it’s a practical application of how theory works in a live environment. His goal is to teach students how to show up and play with other musicians without having to rely on knowing the material upfront.

Olivia Myer

Violin | Fiddle | Piano

I began playing the violin at age 8 in Mandeville, Louisiana, starting with fiddle before transitioning to classical training. I served as concertmaster of my youth orchestra and led multiple chamber groups, experiences that shaped both my musicianship and leadership skills. I bring that same passion and dedication to my teaching, helping students build strong technique while fostering a love for music. Outside of the studio, I enjoy spending time with my kids, exploring new restaurants—especially sushi—and being outdoors whenever possible.

Michael Narvios

Guitar | Drums | Bass | Voice | Songwriting

Originally from California. Michael grew up performing on stage and on film as a musician and actor. Michael has played in various Worship bands for church playing all different instruments as well as singing lead and background. He's also been in a few bands featuring original music he has written. In 2003, Michael moved to Nashville to pursue his music career. In 2008, he moved to the Charlotte area to help family and began teaching both at local schools and privately which he still does today.

Sabrina Reed

Studio Admin

Trish Deguzman

Studio Director