Our Teachers

Hi, my name is McKenna! I am a passionate music teacher with lifelong involvement in music - proficient in piano, guitar, and singing. With four years of experience teaching piano and guitar to children in Chattanooga, I am also trained in music therapy, education, and early childhood development. I work full-time as a Montessori preschool assistant, and enjoy my daily interactions with younger children. I believe in the power of music to foster qualities like independence, self-discipline, creativity, and social-emotional skills to name a few - emphasizing enjoyment as a crucial part of the learning process. I am so excited to share my love for music with your children!

My name is John Arnold, and I have been a drums and guitar instructor for six years. In my lessons, you will find I have a passionate focus on preparing students for both live show and in-studio opportunities through attention to ear-training, recognizing music notation and theory, and providing fun activities and games relating to overall music knowledge. My musical wheelhouse is in the heavy metal and classic rock genres, but I am also experienced in soul, folk, jazz fusion, and country and western over a period of 15 years spent playing on stages and in studios throughout the United States. Aside from teaching and performing music, I am a very avid lover of cooking, hiking, classic cinema and travel.

I started my passion for music at 12 years old, playing the guitar, and then bass. I have experience playing in bands, recording and performing. In college, I found that I enjoy working with kids, and decided to study music so that I could learn to be an inspiring instructor! I have a bachelor’s degree in Music and over 14 years of experience on my instruments, and 5+ years of experience working with kids. When I am not playing music I enjoy reading, watching sports, and most importantly spending time with my family and cats! 🐈

Carter Vandiver, a music teacher in Chattanooga, holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Composition with a focus on piano from the University of West Georgia. Though new to professional teaching, he has already imparted his musical knowledge informally to friends. Specializing in piano, guitar, and ukulele, Carter is passionate about working with early learners, kids, and adults. His friendly and enthusiastic demeanor, coupled with a deep love for music, makes him an ideal guide for those eager to explore the musical arts.

Meet Abigail – Violin Instructor Originally from Wisconsin and now based in Chattanooga, Abigail is a passionate violinist and dedicated teacher with over 10 years of experience. She has taught with organizations like El Sistema and the Waukesha County Conservatory of Music and performed with symphonies including Beloit-Janesville, Sheboygan, and Quad-City. Holding a Bachelor’s in Violin Performance (Honors) from Carroll University and a Master’s from UW–Madison, Abigail combines her performance expertise with a caring, student-centered teaching approach. Her lessons, rooted in the Suzuki method, are tailored to each child’s unique learning style—helping students of all ages discover their musical voice and love for music. 🎶

Hi There! My name is Mikaila Burdge. I graduated from Kennesaw State University in December 2024 with my Bachelor's in Music Education. I have 14 years of performing experience in Vocal, choral, and theatrical ensembles and 1 1/2 years of experience in teaching students ages 10-18. I play the guitar, piano, violin, ukulele, banjolele, mandolin, dulcimer, harmonica, and kalimba. Right now, I am working on my teaching certification, and I teach as a substitute in local counties. When I am not teaching, you can usually find me baking, cooking, crafting, painting, or playing video games. I believe learning music should be fun, creative, and personal, and I love helping students of all ages find their unique voice and confidence.

welcome Haley Roe ✨ Haley has been passionate about music since childhood — starting piano at just 7 years old and mastering the flute through middle school, high school, and college. She’s a Lee University graduate with a degree in Elementary Education (K–5) and a minor in Music with a flute emphasis. After teaching 4th grade for four years, Haley is thrilled to return to her first love — teaching music! 🎶 She also brings a creative flair from her experiences performing in community theater in Chattanooga and loves singing and making music with others whenever she can.

Wesley Cepin -A true master of many instruments — including piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, voice, and saxophone — Wesley brings an incredible depth of musicianship and passion to every lesson. A Lee University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Vocal Performance), Wesley has over 30 years of experience as a performer, teacher, and lifelong learner. From classical piano to contemporary styles, he’s worked with a diverse group of teachers and students, always inspiring creativity and confidence through music. Wesley also serves as pianist at Westwood Baptist Church and runs his own local music space, Cepins on Central. He loves helping students of all ages discover their talent!