Our Teachers

Hannah George - Piano, Guitar, Voice, Strings, Harp
​Hannah teaches piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, and string instruments. She has performed Internationally and Nationally in Performance venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Paris, Ireland and more. She has participated in many national and international competitions and has won top awards. She has her degree in Music Performance and a Diploma from The Juilliard School of Music. She loves sharing the joy of music with her students. She customizes her teaching to meet her student’s needs. She provides her students with a fun and educational musical experience. She also provides instruction in all styles of music. She teaches students of all ages!

Chris George - Piano, Voice, Brass
Passing on the love of music to others is very important to Chris. Music can enrich our lives so much, and Chris would hate to see people go without understanding it and fully enjoying it. He teaches all genres, and  tailors his teaching style to your specific goals. For example, he has have taught seniors to play praise music, adults to play pop songs, and some students to learn music theory and harmony only. Chris likes challenges and always tries to keep it fun. He has his Bachelors of Music  from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Masters of Music from Indiana University. He has been playing piano since the 2nd grade. Chris has taught 20+ students a week for 10+ years but now he mostly helps run OnStage with his wife Hannah. He also performs with 4 area orchestras.

Jon Jamison - Guitar, Ukulele
Jon is a native to Charlotte, NC and found an interest in music at a young age.  When he was 10, his Aunt stored her organ at his mother's house and lucky for him it was kept in his bedroom.  Jon would sit at the organ and sound out his favorite Christmas tunes and movie theme songs.  Jon didn't start taking music seriously until high school when he inherited my best friend's "Hondo" acoustic guitar.  He was self taught until college when he begin his music education with a brilliant instructor, Mike Pitts.  With Mike, Jon laid the foundation for what has become a fruitful experience with music and the guitar.  With much encouragement he decided to attend Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and study music performance with a focus on jazz guitar.  Jon earned his BA in Music Performance in 2008.  His music experience has continued since then in my performing and playing locally.  In 2010 he decided to set his eyes on teaching at the elementary level.  Jon earned my North Carolina Teacher's license in 2011 and was hired as a second grade teacher at Reedy Creek Elementary School in Charlotte where he taught for 2 years.  Unfortunately his mother became ill and Jon had to leave teaching to be close to home.  Jon works as a deli and bakery manager for Harris Teeter during the day, but his passion is teaching music at OnStage in the evenings.  His students describe him as energetic and fun-loving.

Johnny Harmon - Voice, Piano
Johnny Harmon received his Bachelors of Music and Masters of Music from Appalachian State University.  He has sung lead roles with Opera Xpress, Opera Carolina's youth outreach touring program, Mosaic Arts, Opera Unlimied, and The Little Opera Company of Charlotte.  I addition to operatic roles, Johnny has performed the oratorio works of Mozart, Handel, Dubois, Saint-Seans and Mendelssohn in concert halls and churches across the East and South East U.S. Johnny has made his stage role debut as Il Postiglione this season in Opera Carolina's production of Puccini's La Fanciulla del West.

​Johnny found his passion for teaching in college and has been teaching privately ever since.  He continues to study the voice daily and strives to find the true and most healthy voice of children and adults of all ages.  Johnny's is an energetic guy who's lessons are tailored to the students needs and desires. He strives to keep things fun and teaches all genres!

Emily Buchanan - Voice, Piano
Ms. Buchanan is a North Carolina resident, formerly from the Mint Hill area. She holds a Bachelor's of Elementary Education with a minor in Music, from Catawba College. She is passionate about the power and beauty of music, and it's ability to reach students in ways other activities cannot. She sees music as a teaching tool in and of itself for many important life lessons, and strives to make her instruction an informative and fun experience, focusing on both technical skill and creativity.

Ms. Buchanan, nearly always called "Ms. B" by her students, is the pianist at Wilson Grove Baptist Church, and a former CMS general music teacher. She began her musical journey at age 4, when her father recruited her to sing a solo in their church's Christmas production. At age five, she began teaching herself to play piano, and began formal piano lessons at the age of eleven. At age 13, she assisted her mother in teaching private group lessons to children via a church music program, taking over as Preschool Choir Director at age 17. She has directed several musicals and recitals in this and other capacities, including a musical she composed herself entitled "Merry Christmas, Mr. Grumble". She currently has a second musical theatre composition, "Startown", in the preproduction process. 

Ms. Buchanan has herself been a part of several musical ensembles and choruses, including earning a place as a soprano in the acclaimed Catawba College Chamber Choir. She also took part in the Salisbury Symphony's productions of "Les Miserables" and Verdi's "Messa di Requiem", and currently is the only student to have an original choral composition chosen to be performed at a Catawba College Annual Lessons and Carols service, in the nearly 30 years this event has been a staple of the college's repertoire. She hopes her own passion for music will be transferred to her students, opening their eyes to the wonderful possibilities music holds for them.

Kayleigh Knight - Voice, Piano
​Kayleigh  has recently moved to the Charlotte area after growing up outside of Atlanta. She began taking piano lessons at age seven and has been singing since she could talk. Her love for music led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at Piedmont College, where she studied voice with Dr. Andrea Price. During her time at Piedmont,  Kayleigh  also participated in multiple vocal ensembles and spent a semester as the assistant conductor of the Piedmont Chorale. She believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn to sing or play an instrument and discover how music can transform their life. Music has brought so much joy to  Kayleigh’s life and she is passionate about sharing that joy with others! 

Avery Callstrom - Piano
Avery began playing piano and taking lessons privately when she was 10 years old and always knew it was a skill she would carry with her for the rest of her life.  Avery often accompanied the teacher when creating lesson plans for her piano class in high school.  She also assisted with the teaching of the students in her piano class.  It was here that she realized that teaching piano was her passion and is enrolled at CPCC to study piano performance.  For Avery,  teaching students is an eye opening experience and nourishes the student and the teacher alike. She believes that it’s not just about a book and a private lesson, but an experience to pass down.  She wants to pass on a beautiful sound and skill to her students in a fun and entertaining way.

Carolyn Blalock - Guitar, Piano
Miss Carolyn is passionate about music. She played piano and organ at a young age. Her love for music accelerated as a teen. She played the clarinet in high school band, and participated in competitions and ensembles including the touring group, Sounds of America where she was a featured instrumentalist. She teaches piano, guitar and ukulele. Her joy is teaching young students music fundamentals and a solid  technique enabling them to grow into advanced musicians. She loves teaching and drives from Shelby, North Carolina to the Fountains to teach at OnStage. She enjoys teaching students in their homes in the Ballantyne area.

Jovan Adams - Voice, Piano
Jovan is a Charlotte native who actively performs and teaches in the area. He received both his bachelors and masters degree in Music Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jovan is currently teaching with Charlotte Mecklenburg schools and is currently the Choral Director at Francis Bradley Middle School. When he is not teaching at Bradley Middle School. Jovan is an active musician in the charlotte area when he is not teaching voice and piano.

Alexis Croy - Voice, Piano, Woodwinds
Alexis Croy is a coloratura soprano originally from Charleston, South Carolina. Her journey with music began at 14 where she began taking private lessons to set a foundation for her vocal growth. She moved to Rock Hill and received her Bachelor's in Music Performance after graduating from Winthrop University in 2016.

In her early years, she performed in her middle school and high school bands amd choirs. She started out playing Alto Saxophone then later picked up Tenor, Baritone, and Soprano Saxophones as well as Oboe and English Horn. As a young artist, she has been active in the York County and Charlotte area doing performances with Central Piedmont opera theatre performing as Adina for their production of Elisir d'amor as well as Musetta in their most recent production of La Boheme. She has been a featured soloist with the York County Choral Society for large works such as Carmina Burana as well as the Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Ms. Croy sang with the Austrian American Mozart Association in their production of Der Schauspeildirektor where she performed as Frau Silberklang as well as covered the role of Queen of the Knight in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte.

Ms. Croy has been employed as a Soprano Section Leader with Harrison United Methodist and is an active church musician. She shares great love in performing sacred music alongside secular music. Alexis plans to further her education by receiving her Masters in Performance before eventually pursuing a doctoral degree in vocal pedagogy.

​Alexis Croy learned to play piano at Winthrop as piano proficiency is a required skill to graduate.  It has proven to be a useful skill as she can accompany herself at the piano and play through scores.

​Alexis' brings her passion for music into her teaching.  She focuses on the fundamentals while keeping the lessons fun!  She likes to teach all genres of music.  There is plenty to learn in Disney, Pop and Musical Theater as well as Classical music!  Alexis is a caring and patient teacher that loves to see her students grow to love music as she does.

Mario Barragan - Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
Mario Barragan was born in Colombia. His musical journey began with him playing traditional Colombian music at the age of 14.

Mario held an Associated Degree in Fine Arts from Central Piedmont Community College and he is currently a student at Queens University of Charlotte working towards his Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an emphasis on classical guitar, under the instruction of Robert Texeira.  He has also taken master classes with Mary Akerman, Adam Holzman and many acclaimed musicians. He is currently a member of Queens University Guitar Ensemble conducted by Robert Texeira.

Mario also won the Charlotte Music Club Scholarship in 2014.  He has over 10 years of performing experience including performances at the Cundinamarca State Government and the Bogota D.C. City Hall, both located in Colombia. Mario has several years of teaching experience with all kind of students. Mario loves Performing any kind of guitar music!

David Finch - Guitar, Bass
While attending UNCC, David taught private in-home guitar lessons for 3+ years — custom-tailoring each lesson to his students' goals and covering a wide-array of genres, including: blues, country, pop, rock, and so on. Although improvisation is an integral part of David's teaching methods, he intertwines learning theory with his students' specific needs. Experiencing the joy and fun of music is the most important thing!

​After receiving his bachelor's degree in history, he has been gigging full-time with his band around Charlotte and pursuing a career as a session musician. David's a Charlotte native and makes a conscience effort to be a part of the local music scene — whether it be teaching or playing out.

Ryan Namkoong - Piano, Vocie, Theory, Ear Training, Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass), Winds (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone), Brass (Trombone)
Ryan's students will tell you that they leave lessons feeling excited and eager to learn more.  Ryan is somewhat of a Swiss army knife when it comes to teaching music.  He has experience teaching many instruments privately and in group settings.

Ryan Namkoong currently serves as the founder and artistic director for Carolina Choral Society, Carolina Chorale, and music director for the First Korean Presbyterian Church (Charlotte, NC).  Ryan is the Orchestra director at South Charlotte Middle School.

​Ryan Namkoong earned a Bachelor of Music in violin performance and Master of Music in choral conducting with Dr. David DeVenney from West Chester University where he served as graduate assistantship, concertmaster of WCU orchestra, conductor of the WCU opera productions, Jazz Vocal Choir sound system director, Lotus String Quartet leader, and served on the WCU Composition Competition Committee.

Namkoong is a pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting at the University of South Carolina with Dr. Larry Wyatt. In addition to his academic achievements, he is a performer; an active violinist, violist, singer, teacher, and conductor. He led a successful teaching career where he taught choral music, orchestra conductor, instrumental professor, and coordinator of academic affairs for the Chun University.

​In 2007 he commissioned and premiered “Helen Keller” a ballet for the Rebecca Davis Ballet Company, Philadelphia. He was also served as assistant conductor of Asia Pacific Youth Choir in Beijing 2012 with Dr. Hakwon Yoon. Additionally, he was an active staff of ACDA national conference 2015 in Salt Lake City, also, worked as International Conductors Exchange Program coordinator of 2016, as well as ACDA International Strategic Working Group of Korean representative. Namkoong is currently President of Seoul Chorus Center in USA.

Music is the gift of emotional language that one can pass along to one another. This is his philosophy of music.   

Rebecca Osmund - Piano, Voice
Rebecca began her musical journey at just 6 months old through the Kindermusik program. At 4, she began piano lessons through the Yamaha program but soon began private studies in classical piano and music theory. At 16, Rebecca attended her first semester of college at North Carolina School of the Arts during the summer and was invited back by her mentor, Dr. Manwarren to continue her studies with a focus in piano performance.  Though her focus is on piano, she has experience with several other instruments, including guitar, recorder, clarinet, voice, and various percussion instruments.

Rebecca first experienced her love of teaching music at the mere age of eight, when she assisted her mother in teaching Kindermusik classes. Since then, she has immersed herself in as many musical experiences as possible. She was consistently a musical and creative leader throughout her years of schooling, including playing clarinet in band, joining multiple choral ensembles, and working tirelessly on all aspects of the musical theatre productions. She participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs “Young Artists Festival” in its entirety, tucking several awards and medals under her belt along the way. While she has a multitude of experience with performing, she also has experience as a composer and lyricist for a private recording arts studio & school of composition.

During the day, Rebecca works as a Social Media Marketing Agent, managing the visual aspect side of social media marketing for several companies. In addition to working with On Stage School of the Performing Arts, she also teaches piano and guitar as an after-school program held at various CMS elementary schools. 

​Also, my last name is Osmond, however my students usually call me Ms. Joy (it's easier for them to remember, plus...the Joy of music!)

Hannah Hoyt - Voice, Violin, Piano
Hannah is a company member of Opera Carolina, and holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music. Recent opera engagements include Barbarina (The Marriage of Figaro) with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar (Germany debut), Lucy (The Billy Goats Gruff) and Annina (La Traviata) with Opera Carolina, Adele (Die Fledermaus) with Little Opera Company of Charlotte, and Despina (Cosi fan Tutte) with Mosaic-Arts. Hannah is the Artistic Director of Little Opera Company of Charlotte and a member of the Charlotte Art Song Association. 

Also a violinist and composer, Hannah's music can be heard in the art education video game "Mondrian: Abstraction in Beauty," as well as in the literary webseries' "In Earnest," "REX," and the film "Ariel" at Gen Con Film Festival. Hannah can be heard playing violin on the TV series "Everyday Women," "Raising an Amazing Generation," and "Think it Thru" on INSP, the music video "The Avatars" shared online by the creators of Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and the video game album "Harmony of Heroes." She has worked under the baton of composer George S. Clinton (Austin Powers,) Keith Lockhart (The Boston Pops) and Joey Newman (The Mentalist, The Middle), and has performed at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, with the Charlotte Folk Society, the Audire Soundtrack Orchestra, the Mariachi Multiculturales, Fahrenheit 401 Chamber Ensemble, The SSP Orchestra, and the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra. Hannah also has her own violin album available on iTunes: "A Violin For Christmas."

Hannah's career in education started as a foreign education evaluator for UNCC and CPCC students. A former CMS volunteer, and a current music teacher at Reedy Creek Community School, Hannah has taught 18 children a week in both classroom and private settings. She loves bringing the fun into whatever subject the student is learning, whether nature science, mathematics, history, art appreciation, Shakespeare, or music. A former speaker at the Charlotte Mason Institute teacher conferences and newsletter contributor, Hannah believes strongly in the individuality of each student and is dedicated to catering to their specific needs and interests.

Scott Brower - Drums, Percussion
Scott has been playing drums since the early age of 18 months when his mother had him banging pots and pans. He joined the school bands in 6th grade and by 7th grade he had gained honors in All-District band and NC Honors band which continued throughout his middle and high school years. He received his high school’s top award, the John Phillip Sousa Award in 12th grade. After high school he attended East Carolina University and studied music under the tutelage of Mark Ford, Harold Jones, and many others. As a part of the Marching Pirates, he was multi-tenor captain for 4 years.  He began his percussion teaching at Smithfield-Selma H.S. and Trinity H.S, winning many top awards for drum line. Soon after college he joined the top-40/beach music band U.B.U. and has toured up and down the east coast. Upon relocating to Charlotte he began playing in local jazz and rock clubs, and resumed teaching at Porter Ridge HS, Vance HS, & Weddington HS marching bands, as well as private lessons. He was a founding member of the all-original jazz/fusion group Actual Proof with whom he recorded and produced 2 CD's. While he’s not performing or teaching, Scott is a free-lance sound engineer at Queen’s University and with Hindu Center of Charlotte.

Playing Styles: Rock, jazz, fusion, Latin, blues, R&B, funk, dance, classical, Indian classical-fusion.

Influences: Jeff Porcaro (Toto), Phil Collins (Genesis), Dave Weckl (Chick Corea), Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Jeff Beck), Neil Peart (Rush)

Gary Chudyk - Piano, Guitar, Bass, Woodwinds
Education
1972-1976 Nazareth College of Rochester, Bachelor, Music Education
1976-1980 Nazareth College of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Master, Education
Gary has taught 2200 students one on one at Total Music Lessons in New York.
Instruments include guitar, piano, bass, drums, mallet percussion, sax, clarinet and flute.
Styles include rock, jazz, country and religious.
Jazz and rock improvisation are also an option, as well as band coaching.

Jeffery Coombs - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Originally born in New York, Jeff was raised by two parents who migrated to America from Jamaica. Jeff grew up listening to a lot of reggae but developed a taste for classical music when he began to play viola in elementary school. While continuing to play the viola in high school orchestra, Jeff developed in interest in guitar and began to teach himself how to play various styles including rock n roll, blues, and funk.

Shortly after graduating high school Jeff played electric guitar in an alternative rock band and performed in various venues in Charlotte NC.

​Jeff eventually left the band to focus on receiving a degree in music. Jeff went to study music at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and graduated with an associate’s degree in fine arts. After graduating from CPCC he then auditioned and received a scholarship to study at the University of South Carolina and is currently studying music performance with a focus on classical guitar. Jeff has one more class and a senior recital requirement to complete in fall 2019 before he graduates.

Mark Griffith - Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
​ "Hi, my name is Mark Griffith and teaching is my most favorite thing in the world to do! 

After acquiring my Master's Degree from Coastal Carolina University, I decided to teach high school English and I absolutely love to teach young people how to get better at reading and writing. I also grew up loving music and set my sights on teaching music to young aspiring talents as well. I'm coming up on my third year of teaching and there's always something new to learn everyday! 

I was born on Mother's Day in May of 1984 so I hope my mom is still enjoying her gift! Also, I have a profound interest in the art of pizza. It's my favorite food by far and you should try Tony's Pizza sometime. Also, I love punk rock, skateboarding/surfing, video games, and just being young at heart."

Karen Ferguson - Piano, Voice, Violin
​Karen was born and raised in Indiana.  Music has been a part of Karen’s life from a very young age.  Karen started Kindermusik when she was 3 years old and started piano lessons at the age of 4. She also enjoyed singing as soon as she could talk.  It didn’t take long for Karen to start singing in choirs and musicals every chance she could get.  When she was in 5th grade, she started taking violin lessons and played in an orchestra for several years.  As a vocalist, Karen studied at Interlochen Arts Camp, sang in Carnegie Hall as a choir member, earned a place as an alto in Indiana University’s Symphonic Choir, and even performed in Charlotte’s very own Carolina Voices as a soprano.  Karen has enjoyed various performance opportunities such as playing piano at anniversary parties and accompanying singers.  She even participated in National Piano Playing Auditions every year where she was declared a local, district, and state winner.  Karen’s passion for helping and sharing her knowledge with others led her to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana University.  She loves being able to share her passion for music with her students at OnStage, and she is dedicated to providing a positive environment for students to learn and grow.

Elizabeth Riley - Voice, Piano
​Elizabeth is a music educator from Hickory, NC. She has a bachelor's degree in music education from Gardner-Webb University. Elizabeth's primary instruments are voice and piano, and she is experienced in teaching music in public schools and in private settings. Elizabeth also enjoys being involved with music in church settings through directing children's musicals, playing handbells, and singing in the church choir. Elizabeth is passionate about instilling a love of music in others, and she is excited to work with students as a part of the OnStage team!

Nataliya Vilousova - Piano
Born in Ukraine, NATASHA BILOUSOVA has been playing for fifty years and teaching for thirty-seven. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in music from Severondonetsk State Music College. She also received a Master’s Degree in music/piano from Prokofiev Music Academy in Donetsk, Ukraine. Natasha’s favorite musicians, bands, and composers are Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurice Ravel, Frédéric Chopin, Ástor Piazzolla, and jazz music.

Chrysalis Carlyle - Piano, Voice, Violin
​Chrysalis earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Gardner-Webb University, with a focus on piano as her primary instrument. She also has performed percussion and violin in the Gardner-Webb University orchestra and symphonic band. With a passion for working with children of all ages, Chrysalis has taught private piano lessons for nine years and has also taught in public school settings. She has experience teaching children of various backgrounds and learning styles, including students with special needs and at-risk/troubled youth. Some of Chrysalis’ favorite classical composers include Bach and Mozart, and she also enjoys listening to Christian worship music and Russian pop. Music of many genres sparks joy for her, and she desires to share that with others through her teaching!