Staff & Teachers

Meet the team at Bach to Rock®, including our roster of local music teachers!

Staff & Music Teachers at Bach to Rock Nashville West

At Bach to Rock, we’ve assembled an amazing team of music teachers! Our instructors include classically trained musicians, as well as working professionals who tour and record with major artists. Meet our owners, our behind-the-scenes talent, and our music teachers for piano, guitar, drums, voice, and more!

Joey DePrizio

Joey DePrizio - Joey has been a DJ, Producer and Audio Engineer for over 10 years. His experience ranges from professional sports teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Milwaukee Brewers to working with corporate clients such as Ford, G.E., P&G, Oakley and more. He has also traveled and performed at nightclubs all over the US. Currently his ability to produce and engineer music has gotten him on Music Row working with many artists as a Studio Engineer. He loves dancing, sports, music and having fun!

Sheldon Smith

Sheldon Smith - Sheldon Smith is a recording and performing artist based here in Nashville and has been with Bach to Rock since February 2024! He recently graduated from Belmont University’s Commercial Music program in May of 2024. Since graduating, he’s been working on recording his new EP will go on tour starting at the end of July! Sheldon has played iconic Nashville venues such as The End, City Winery, and The East Room, and has opened up for and sung with artists such as Stephen Day, Amy Grant, and more. Sheldon is excited to be part of the team at Bach to Rock and honored to help enrich the budding musical minds of the next generation!

Esther O

Esther O - Esther is a native Nashvillian and current student at Belmont University. Her passion for singing has been apparent since she was 3 years old. She grew up singing gospel in church, rock and pop in high school, and now Americana and R&B in college. She plays in Nashville with her band, Fly to the Sun and loves to co-write with new folks. She is ecstatic to be a part of your child’s musical development!

Ian G

Ian G - Ian G. was born in Spring Lake, Michigan where he performed in musicals, plays, and choirs. He began directing children’s theater early in high school and through college. Ian went on to graduate from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2021 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theater with an emphasis in songwriting. He’s thrilled to bring his love of music to the wonderful students of Bach to Rock!

Julia M

Julia M - Julia is currently a rising junior at Belmont University, majoring in songwriting. Julia has always had an undeniable passion for music and began performing at age six. Coming from growing up in a small suburb outside of Boston, she came to Nashville to chase her dream and pursue a career in music. She is so excited to see what the future holds for her in music city.

Lauryn V - Lauryn VonAhnen always knew she wanted to pursue music and has been singing and writing songs since the time she could talk. She learned piano and guitar in elementary school and was gigging and recording music by late middle school. Lauryn continued to write and record through high school, earning residencies at many local music venues. She recently attended Berklee College of Music where she majored in Songwriting and fronted two bands. She is now pursuing a career in country music and hopes to share her near-decade of industry experience with anyone willing to learn. Lauryn believes that no dream is too big, and consistency is the key to success no matter where you start.

Matthew R

Matthew R - Matthew Rock is a music instructor, freelance guitarist, songwriter, composer and producer. Matthew graduated with a degree in Composition and Guitar Performance from Belmont University, where he was a member of Phoenix, Belmont’s premier Pop Rock ensemble. Matthew has performed with numerous artists, including several American Idol and The Voice contestants. In addition to his passion for teaching, creating and performing music, Matthew enjoys ultimate frisbee and indoor rock climbing.

Olivia D

Olivia D - Olivia has been an artist, producer, and DJ for 6 years. She has produced for numerous artists spanning multiple genres, from Hip-Hop to Americana to Commercial Pop. As a DJ, she has worked with corporate clients such as L’Oreal, SPCA, The Cincinnati Bengals and more. Music has been her passion since childhood, and she can’t wait to help kids just like her discover the power of music!

Tanir M

Tanir M - Tanir M. was born in Pennsylvania and started taking drums lessons when he was six years old. He continued his passion for music by attending Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School during his high school years and later moved to Boston to continue his studies at the Berklee College of Music. There he discovered his passion for music production, technology, and songwriting and created a production company just before moving down to Nashville. Tanir spends most of his free time songwriting, recording, engineering, mixing, and producing for various artist around the nation. At Bach to Rock Tanir teaches DJ / Production classes along with teaching Drum kit and engineering in the Studio. He’s always excited to grow the passion of his students the same way all of his amazing teachers did for him!

Todd M

Todd M - Todd has more than 25 years of experience in the music industry, and he has a range of other experience that makes him a great fit at Bach to Rock Nashville West. Specifically, he has general teaching experience, and when it comes to music, he's got an extensive background in live performance, studio sessions, booking, and management. With a B.A. in Marketing, Music, and Communication, his credentials are as varied as his experience!

Amari M - Professional musician and educator, Amari is a current student at Belmont University. Born in Memphis, TN, Amari moved to Nashville in 2020 to pursue a higher education and begin his career in music. Studying Classical Performance with a vocal emphasis and graduating fall of 2024, Amari also ministers at numerous churches throughout Nashville. He currently serves as the Music Director and Keyboardist for Bethesda House of Healing, as well as the organist for The Vision Church of Nashville. Having experience directing choirs and bands, as well as currently teaching introductory piano and vocal skills, Amari intends to further pursue a graduate career in Music Education.

Beth S

Beth S - Beth S. has been a musician and songwriter for most of her life. She’d written her first song by the age of 12, and she formed her first duo, writing and performing her own original songs, when she was in the 8th grade. After attending Berkeley College of Music, studying composition while sharpening her writing and piano playing skills, she went on to get a a publishing deal right out of college. With decades of experience as a writer and as a teacher, Beth has taught hundreds of students, including some hit songwriters and performers, and she’s had her own hits along the way!

Brynne H - Brynne Hardman is a passionate vocalist with a vibrant personality, blending artistic talent and enthusiasm in every aspect of music. With a Bachelors of Arts in Music with a vocal concentration from Coastal Carolina University, she has honed her craft in various musical genres, particularly pop, musical theater, classical, and jazz. She participated in different ensembles during college including Choir, Chamber Choir, Calliope Chorus, Big Band, and a concert musical, The Light in the Piazza. Her favorite ensemble to sing in was POP 101, we paid a tribute to different bands such as Steely Dan, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. In addition to voice, she has studied guitar and piano during her time in college.

Daisy S - Daisy Sellas moved here from Southern California to attend college at Belmont University. After successfully graduating with a major in songwriting and a minor in creative writing, she began working on lower Broadway here in Nashville as a full time musician. Improving her stage presence and garnering some important life lessons along the way, she now teaches music full time and still performs regularly around Nashville. Daisy also founded a non profit organization last year called Anthems Against Abuse, an annual benefit concert that raises money and awareness for victims of domestic violence. When she’s not doing music or working for Anthems, Daisy loves reading, running, traveling and spending time with her family.

David B - David is from Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is a current student at Belmont University pursuing a degree in Commercial Music. David grew up singing and playing piano in his home church and has 15+ years of training in voice and piano, with emphases in both classical and commercial techniques. David is an experienced ensemble director recognized by the American Choral Director’s Association and has sung with artists such as Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, and Cody Fry. He loves reading, walking, and is excited to mentor your child in their musical journey!

Elena G

Elena G - Elena Gentleman is a board-certified music therapist based in Nashville, TN. Elena gradated with her B.M. in Music Therapy with a Voice principal from Belmont University. She has worked within Metro Nashville providing music therapy groups for students all over Nashville. Gentleman is currently working on her M.A. in School Psychology at MTSU. Outside of music therapy, Gentleman is passionate about songwriting and performance, plant care, and spending time with friends and family.

Katie R - Ms. Katie is so happy to be teaching at Bach to Rock! She has a Master's Degree in Music Education: Music Studies. She also possesses a current TN Teacher's License with a certification in Music K-12. She has been teaching private voice and piano for 19 years and has taught Pre-K music and movement for 4 years. She arranges and writes children’s songs and folk rock. She loves teaching children and adults how to enrich their lives through music!

Noah J - From Atlanta and new to Nashville, started playing guitar when he was accidentally put into guitar class in middle school and fell in love with it. Ever since, he calls it the best accident he’s ever had! After that, he began taking private guitar lessons throughout high school, where he had the opportunity to perform at the Hard Rock Café in Atlanta and the Duluth fall festival multiple times. He is currently involved in a number of other musical projects outside of B2R and is excited to help inspire and teach the next generation of musicians. Noah teaches guitar, bass, piano, and recording at B2R!

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Why Choose Us

The Bach to Rock Method

At Bach to Rock, we know that students learn music more quickly when they’re having fun! Our step-by-step curriculum keeps students engaged and rewards achievement at each level. Students get to choose which songs they play, learn from music pros, and perform with peers at live events!

Music Made Fun!

At Bach to Rock, students choose which songs and genres they want to play, making lessons more fun!

Band & Glee Programs

Through our Band and Glee Club programs, students get to play music with peers, a key skill for growing musicians!

Live Performances

Bach to Rock gives students the chance to perform live at local music venues, helping students build confidence on stage!

One-on-One Lessons

In private music lessons, our students learn one-on-one from some of the most talented music educators in the area.

Early Childhood Classes

Music is valuable for early childhood development! We offer programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students.

Music Lessons, Camps & Parties

At Bach to Rock, we offer music lessons and group classes for kids and adults, plus camps and birthday parties! With our fun and beginner-friendly approach, it's never too early or too late to get started with music!

Lessons

Bach to Rock offers music lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our private lessons include piano, guitar, drums, voice, and a wide range of other instruments. We also offer beginner classes and ensemble programs like Band and Glee Club. Anyone can learn to play music with Bach to Rock — even if you've never played an instrument before!

Camps

Our camps are a perfect choice for students who love music! We offer full-day and half-day summer camps, spring camps, and winter camps for kids, plus camps on school holidays. Our camps are great for students who want to start learning music and see what it's like to perform!

Parties

Birthday parties at Bach to Rock give kids a chance to be rock stars for a day! With themes like Karaoke Birthday and Rock Birthday, partygoers get to perform and record songs by their favorite artists. We also offer birthday party packages for younger children and corporate teams!

Meet Our Music Teachers

A great music teacher can make a world of difference when learning to sing or play an instrument.

At Bach to Rock, our instructors include a mix of classically trained musicians and working professionals. Our teachers actively tour, perform, and record as independent artists or as backing musicians for other musicians and bands.

By working closely with students in one-on-one lessons, our teachers make it easy to learn music and build performance skills!

Wall of Fame

Standout Students & Future Stars

Discover talented students at Bach to Rock! Our Wall of Fame includes featured students and bands, as well as winners from events like Battle of the Bands.

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