John O'Leary

John O’Leary

is a professional saxophonist and music educator with over 15 years of performing and teaching experience on piano, saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He received his Bachelors of Music from Florida State University and obtained his Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music both for jazz saxophone performance.

During his time at MSM, he studied directly under many jazz legends and was fortunate to perform in some of the biggest jazz clubs in New York City. Over the years, between playing on cruise ships for a year, and moving between NYC, Miami, and Atlanta, John has had a lot of amazing musical adventures: from teaching summers in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, to playing lead alto for an international Broadway Tour, to holding a weekly Bossa Nova Brunch in South Beach Miami, and touring Canada with a NYC-based funk band. He’s got plenty of stories to tell, and more importantly, many life lessons to share!

As an educator, John is influenced by his work as a contemporary musician with conservatory training. Because of his education and varied performing experience, John puts the focus on practical, real-world techniques that are rooted in traditional methods. This way, you’re not only learning all the “classical” skills like reading music, analyzing theory, and technical mastery; you’ll also develop your ear so you can play without sheet music, you’ll learn about songwriting and improvisation so you can write your own music or jam with others, you’ll study current music styles/trends, so you can understand not only the foundations of music and how to play your instrument, but how to play music like today’s top performers, and how to have all the tools necessary to do anything you want musically!

INSTRUMENTS.

Band Coaching, Clarinet, Composition, Flute, Music Theory, Piano, Saxophone, Songwriting, Woodwinds, Audition/Performance Prep.

STYLES.

Jazz, Rock, Pop, Blues, Funk, R&B, Soul, Brazillian, Classical

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

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TESTIMONIALS.

"His teaching style balances fun and productivity perfectly"

- Jessey

“‘John Woodwinds’ was a great mentor. He taught me a lot about saxophone, jazz performance, and theory."

- Louis

"He was fun, helpful, and renewed my interest in music"

- James

"John is an amazing teacher who has helped me hone in on my skills on tenor sax and build confidence in playing jazz music and improvising."

- Jess

"I loved working with John because he made me feel confident and excited about music and my passion for jazz"

- Rebecca

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Jeremiah Hobbs

JEREMIAH HOBBS

is a teaching artist and songwriter who grew up just down the road in Newnan, GA. Spanning almost a decade now, Jeremiah’s teaching experience started with summer camp (he’s already become an Eclectic Music camp fave) and includes guitar, musical theatre, sports, and art! 

Jeremiah’s career has taken him to New York and back! During his stint in the Big Apple, he wrote a musical that was accepted into the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2015. 

As a teacher, Jeremiah wants to connect with his students, learn what motivates them, and structure lessons around what each student enjoys. He wants to get to know you so that he can encourage you to make the music that brings YOU joy! 

When Jeremiah isn’t at the studio, you can find him at home with his beautiful wife and sweet little tot creating art, blowing bubbles, and making music as a family.

INSTRUMENTS.

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting, and Melodic Percussion.

STYLES.

Pop, Rock, Folk, and Musical Theatre.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

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TESTIMONIALS.

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Rachel Ofotokun

Rachel Ofotokun

is a composer and pianist from Lilburn, Georgia. Rachel comes from a musical family and has been engaging with music and composition since age 6, starting with piano lessons and adding cello to the mix in middle school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition and African studies from Emory University. Rachel enjoys classical, experimental, pop, jazz, gamelan, and afro-influenced music. 

Lessons with Rachel are incredibly flexible and goal-oriented. She focuses on building (and reaching) long and short-term goals based on a student's desires and working as a team to achieve them in the most fun way possible! Rachel believes music lessons should be an outlet and safe space where students can spend time pursuing something they want for themselves. As is our mission at Eclectic Music, Rachel works to decolonize the music classroom. 

Outside of the studio, you can find Rachel crocheting, tending to her plants, redecorating her apartment, and sipping tea. She looks forward to making empathic connections with her students!

INSTRUMENTS.

Piano, Playground, Cello, Songwriting, Compositon, Digital Composition, Music Production, Music Theory.

STYLES.

Classical, Experimental, Pop, Rock, Jazz.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

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TESTIMONIALS.

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Taryn Antrobus

Taryn Antrobus

joins us from Nashville by way of Cleveland. She has had a love for music from a very young age and grew up in an extremely musical environment. After studying Music Business & Entertainment Industry studies, Taryn fell in love with the art of songwriting and performance. She is actively releasing her own music and honing her craft on stage, in the studio, and in songwriting circles.

In her lessons, Taryn promotes a unique learning environment where she focuses on the student's individual needs for their musical development. She believes that teaching opens two avenues - one for the student to expand their mind and form an appreciation for music and one for the teacher to be reminded of why they fell in love with music in the first place. Taryn recognizes that there are equal opportunities for growth for her and her students, both working to recognize potential change in themselves. 

When she’s not performing, writing, or teaching, you can find Taryn experimenting in the kitchen, cozying up with a good book, or enjoying the outdoors. Taryn is excited to help her students nurture their creativity and pursue their natural passion!

INSTRUMENTS.

Guitar, Voice, Piano, Songwriting, Ukulele, Playground, Audition/Performance Coaching, Percussion, and Drums.

STYLES.

Pop, Indie, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Rock, Americana, R&B, and Soul.

REQUIREMENTS.

Taryn works best with students age 7 and older!

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TESTIMONIALS.

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Ian Payne

Ian Payne

has been a musician for most of his life. He began taking piano lessons when he was seven and has continued his studies ever since. In high school, he played piano and electric bass in numerous rock, jazz and bluegrass groups. He also sang in choirs and a capella groups, and acted in a number of musicals with local Atlanta theater companies. Ian went on to receive his BA in Jazz Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May of 2021. At UNC, he played piano in the University Jazz Combos and electric bass in the Carolina Bluegrass Band for four consecutive semesters.

Today, Ian is an experienced jazz and pop/rock pianist, and a practiced bassist and singer. He has been teaching piano, bass, voice, and other instruments for the past three years. When Ian isn’t teaching lessons, he is touring or recording as the keyboardist and singer for the Atlanta-based rock act, Frute. In addition to being the band’s keyboardist and singer, he is also one of their mixing engineers and producers. He has mixed and mastered much of the material off of Frute’s studio albums and is knowledgeable in the field of music production.

Ian believes that allowing a student to pursue and explore their own interests is one of the most important aspects of music instruction. He likes to begin lessons with new students by asking what they would like to learn and what their goals are. He then spends some time in each lesson practicing material chosen by the student to make the lessons fun and engaging. Alongside this student-chosen material, he assigns material based upon the student's strengths and weaknesses to improve their skills and technique.

Ian typically dedicates a portion of a lesson to material that the student is interested in, a portion to material which Ian believes will be beneficial, and then dedicates some time to discussing or practicing exercises to advance their technique, aural skills, and knowledge of music theory. During lessons, Ian always offers positive encouragement for the student. Furthermore, he tries to exhibit his passion and infinite interest in music which he hopes will rub off on the student and inspire a parallel interest.

INSTRUMENTS.

Guitar, Electric Bass, Piano, Songwriting, Instrument and Singing

STYLES.

Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Pop, Funk, Other Contemporary Genres (Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Blues

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

CONNECT.

TESTIMONIALS.

"Ian is very knowledgeable and personable. He allows me the opportunity to
learn at my pace while still challenging me to achieve the goals that we
have set forth. I am loving the progress we are making. Would recommend to
everyone, and am looking to continue working with him in the future for
more lessons."

- Drayton

"Ian is an amazing instructor. He has been working with my four year old
son. Ian is so patient and gentle. He is flexible and works soo well with
my toddler. My son is learning songs and enjoys playing the piano. The
homework assigned is easy for us parents to follow and help my young son."

- Dana

"Ian is knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He is willing to listen to my
desires & goals and cater the lessons to my needs."

- Linda

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Ethan Heyenga

Ethan Heyenga

has spent most of his life making music, since he first touched his family's upright piano at the age of four. Growing up as an only child with two dogs and an endless parade of cats for company, he would amuse himself for long periods of time by improvising scores to imagined films or listening to his parents' CD collection, where Bach and Beethoven bumped elbows with the Beatles, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis.

He often tricked his first piano teacher into playing a piece for him once to demonstrate, listening and learning by ear- he didn't like reading music, and found it easier to learn that way. He would also change notes in pieces he knew, wondering what it would sound like if it were done differently. In middle school, he picked up the saxophone, discovered jazz, and found a new outlet for the creative impulse in improvisation.

A teenage love affair with jazz led to Berklee College of Music and six years spent in Boston, rehearsing and gigging with brilliant musicians and teachers, studying jazz and Celtic music and beginning to write and produce songs. Since leaving Boston in 2017, Ethan has finished five EPs of his own and helped his students record and release a combined three EPs, plus ten or so singles.

Ethan believes that improvisation and composition are essentials for all musicians- analogous to speaking and writing for natural languages. A system of education that fails to develop those capacities in musicians is almost worthless- the same as teaching children to do nothing but recite essays and poems. If the idea is to set someone up for a musical life, they need to be able to follow their ears and express their own ideas.

With that in mind, Ethan aims to help each student develop a project-based practice that includes all four arts of music- improvisation, composition, arranging and performance/interpretation- and the "fifth art," listening. The idea is for each student to become a creative, thoughtful and self-sufficient musician who can fold music into their life and their life into their music- a defender of humanity- and to smile and laugh the whole way through.

INSTRUMENTS.

Guitar, Saxophone, Piano, Songwriting and Voice

STYLES.

Jazz, rock, pop, folk, classical (piano), the various "indie" styles

REQUIREMENTS.

Students ages 6 and up

CONNECT.

TESTIMONIALS.

"I have studied saxophone, jazz piano/theory, and songwriting with Ethan for over 2 years, and he is the best music instructor I've ever had. He cares so much about his students and helps us thrive. Not only is Ethan my teacher, he is a friend and a mentor."

-Isabelle, student (age 17)

"It is not hard to find a teacher who teach your child music notes, piano hand position, and all the theories. But it took me a long time to find Ethan who also teaches my child to feel music, express his feelings through music, and how to enjoy having music in his life."

-Chelsea, parent of Remy (age 6)

"Of all the instructors I have ever had, there has never been one that I felt cared about my growth as a musician as much as Ethan. Not only did he help my growth as a saxophonist, but myself as a musician and enjoyer of music as an art. He helped me find what I wanted to sound like and the music I wanted to make."

-Ethan, student (age 18)

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William Sandberg

William Sandberg

is a multi-instrumentalist and composer. He can always find a way to make music with whatever is available, whether it's an instrument or not (though he has a lot of instruments too). Whether a violin, a cereal bowl, or the sounds of summer cicadas, it's all an instrument to him. He's a fan of musicians like Chris Thile, Imogen Heap, Hiromi Uehara, Motoro Faam, Muse, Prokofiev, Andy Akiho, and so many more!

William graduated with a Masters in Music in Composition from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He is an active composer and performer and has stumbled into performance opportunities in Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei, as well as intentionally in the continental US. He especially loves collaborating with other musicians and sharing in his passion for music with everyone he meets. He likes to tell stories with his music, starting from a core emotion. He loves to listen to his listeners' interpretations of his music, creating their own stories from his music based on their own experiences.

William wants to inspire a love of music and encourage exploration and experimentation in each of his students. He started violin when he was 5 years old taking lessons from a strict Russian teacher because his mom told him to. This granted him a strong technical foundation. However, when he was given an electric guitar at the age of 15, he discovered his own love for music. William's goal as a teacher is to provide the structure and technical skills he learned from his classical training; not as restraints, but as support in guiding his students' on their musical journeys.

INSTRUMENTS.

Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cella, Electric Bass, Ukulele, and Voice

STYLES.

Folk, Rock, Jazz, Indie, Pop, Metal, Classical, and Contemporary

REQUIREMENTS.

Students of all ages & abilities welcome!

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TESTIMONIALS.

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Libby Nation

LIBBY NATION

is a versatile music educator, teaching a multitude of instruments and skills with Eclectic Music and an internationally touring multi-instrumentalist and singer. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Ryman Auditorium, Wembley Stadium, The Hollywood Palladium, The Ellen Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Jay Leno Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and concerts throughout Europe, Japan, and China. She currently performs as guitarist, mandolinist, pianist/keyboardist, and vocalist with the Chuck Nation Band.

Libby is passionate about helping students discover the joy of learning music through lessons that benefit for a lifetime. Her creative teaching methods, success rate with so many students and their families, and her ability to impart joy in learning have made her a favorite, in-demand teacher at Eclectic Music since 2011.

Libby believes that regardless of age, experience, or aptitude, all students can enjoy learning and gain a level of satisfaction on a musical instrument. The learning plan is tailored for each student’s individual interests and needs. The learning environment is comfortable enough for students to ask questions, take on new challenges, build confidence, and learn at an enjoyable pace.

INSTRUMENTS.

Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Voice, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Ukulele, Songwriting, Band Coaching.

STYLES.

Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Americana, Pop, Rock, Singer/Songwriter.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

CONNECT.

TESTIMONIALS.

"Libby has been incredibly inspirational for our daughter. The level of confidence, passion, and drive that our daughter portrays is tremendous. Libby has an amazing way of connecting with children to pull out the best of them as individuals. Libby is truly a part of our daughter's love of music and she holds a dear place in not only our daughter's heart but our hearts as well.”

- Jenna and Ryan, parents of ukulele & voice student, age 8

"Libby has a unique talent for teaching teenagers and knows how to challenge her students. She's really helped my daughter discover the joy of playing piano without the pressure of being perfect. As a result, my daughter's mastery of piano has improved dramatically—she is confident and really enjoys playing, which is a priceless gift.”

- Elizabeth, parent of piano student, age 16

"Ms. Libby has unique teaching methods as well as tailored techniques for the young mind. As a result, my 6 year old, has a pure joy for piano and doesn't see lessons nor practice as a chore or bore but enjoys her daily practice (without reminders, I must say) and weekly lessons with Ms. Libby.  Not only is it Ms. Libby's integration of games, technology balanced with some traditional teaching, it's her sweet, humble, patient and fun spirit that makes her an amazing instructor for kids of all ages!”

- Melissa, parent of piano & voice student, age 6

"I have had several music teachers over the years, but Libby Nation is the best. By far.”

- Dennis, adult mandolin & bass student

"Libby is the best voice teacher I've ever worked with! There is so very much to singing, and I never feel judged or afraid to sing anything. Singing is such a fun thing to do. Libby is so super talented, patient, and kind. It's a pleasure to study under her!”

- Beth, adult voice & guitar student

"Having been impressed with the progress my son was making in his training with Libby, I saw the opportunity to pick up the guitar and begin playing again.”

- Pete, adult guitar student

"Without Libby our children would have lost interest in lessons years ago.”

- Meg, parent of piano students, ages 8 and 9

"We consider Libby to be a part of our family. She has worked with our three kids (ages 8, 10, 12) since the oldest was 6. Libby is an amazing musician who can play anything! She helps your child find the instrument that best suits him or her and in the process challenges them and builds their self confidence. You will not find a finer teacher anywhere!!”

- Jane, parent of piano, guitar, drums, & bass students, ages 8, 10, 12

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Laura Benjamin

LAURA BENJAMIN

is a teacher of piano, voice, and guitar with Eclectic Music and has been involved in music education in various capacities for the past 15 years. She holds her undergraduate degree from Yale University with a major in history, but music has always been her passion; her most formative involvement in college was with her pop a cappella group Out of the Blue. Laura has taught piano, voice, and guitar lessons for many years, specializing in the intersection of singing and playing; many of her students are aspiring performers who learn to sing and accompany themselves. When not teaching young musicians, Laura spends her time raising her 4- and 6-year-old boys and playing music with her husband in their duo “LB Collective” or with their full band; she also enjoys running, biking and playing volleyball.

Laura tries to meet her students where they are at, so they can work together to figure out goals and strategies for attaining those goals. She really enjoys working with students who enjoy playing and singing, either piano or guitar. She is also willing to teach a chordal approach to instruments, especially for singers who really want to learn to accompany themselves effectively, although she will also try to throw in some solid music-reading and theory as well.

INSTRUMENTS.

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Band Coaching.

STYLES.

Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Country, Beginner Classical.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

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Bennett Walton

BENNETT WALTON

is a guitar, bass, mandolin, songwriting, ukulele and band coaching instructor with Eclectic Music! Bennett's passion for music began in their family's living room, listening to their mother's record collection that included a wide range of classics such as Aretha Franklin, Fleetwood Mac, and the Beatles. When they would sing along, dance to the beat, or bang on their old piano unceremoniously, they felt a connection with those old songs that they had found in few other places. One of their favorite things of all was the rare occasion when their grandfather would strum his dusty guitar and sing lovely folk melodies and silly songs; at these times Bennett knew that this, more than anything, was what they wanted to do. Later, they joined the church choir and played handbells to develop their understanding of music. In 2001, Bennett received their first electric guitar; it was then that they felt that they finally had an instrument that was truly theirs.

From 2005 to 2009 Bennett attended the Savannah College of Art and Design where they focused on theatre and earned a BA in Film and Television. At SCAD, they fostered their interest in the narratives we use to spark empathy and explore new perspectives through various mediums. Upon returning to Atlanta, they found a way to bring their passion for narrative and their love of music together by playing guitar for professional musicals in town; they have performed in the band for musicals such as Spring Awakening, Rent, Freaky Friday, A Light in the Piazza, and many others. In 2014, Bennett took the next step in their music career by attending the Atlanta Institute of Music, where they developed their musical talent, dove deeper into music theory, and learned to tell their stories through their six string while capturing a solid understanding of the recording process. They left AIMM in 2016 with an Associates Degree in Music & Technology and a renewed fire to give music their all and spread the love and joy of music through teaching and live performance. When they are not teaching, you can find them in their studio rocking out, with their band or on their own.

Bennett’s teaching style can best be described as adaptable, low key, and centered on engendering a passion for music as a whole. With much of their early instruction being of a self-taught or informal nature, they prefer to listen to the needs of the individual student as opposed to following a strict lesson plan. Learning to play an instrument requires a certain level of dedication, patience, and practice, but first and foremost it should be enjoyable! Bennett works with each student to zero in on the aspect of music that excites them to pick up their instruments, fitting their lessons to their musical taste. Whether they are interested in becoming a six-string shredder, a strumming singer-songwriter, or simply looking for a hobby to further enrich their lives, Bennett is ready to help them along.

INSTRUMENTS.

Guitar, Electric Bass, Band Coaching, Songwriting, Mandolin, Ukulele.

STYLES.

Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Musical Theatre.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

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Michael McGill

MICHAEL MCGILL

teaches guitar, bass, rock singing, band coaching, songwriting and music theory with Eclectic Music. When you cross a huge repertoire with impeccable musical taste and an infectious spirit of fun, what do you get? You get Michael McGill, a singer-guitarist who has played for most of his life. Based in Atlanta but performing and recording across the South, his background and approach range from classic to alternative, alt-country, soul and pop. Michael has played and toured with original bands such as Catatonic Kids, the Viceroys and Garlic, cover projects like the glam-tribute High Heels, and hybrid groups like the Omnivores and the current Sweet Maries, playing a mix of originals and covers. Michael also plays solo, with a repertoire that has caused more than one listener to refer to him as the “human jukebox” or “human iPod.”

He has been teaching professionally in the Atlanta area since 2006 and his students currently range from ages 10 to 64; their level of expertise from beginner to advanced, and their musical taste from classic rock to the newest of the new. Michael offers lessons that center around learning whole songs, thus providing quick musical gratification, while delving into scales, theory and specific techniques as appropriate, so students can go as far as as they see fit. Integrating music the student is eager to learn with his own suggestions, Michael's approach is to individualize the experience for each student, tempered by just the right amount of that infectious spirit of fun!

INSTRUMENTS.

Electric Bass, Guitar (electric & acoustic), Rock Singing, Songwriting, Band Coaching.

STYLES.

Rock, Pop, Contemporary Styles.

REQUIREMENTS.

Students all ages & abilities welcome!

CONNECT.

TESTIMONIALS.

“Michael inspired our daughter to return to the guitar.  He encourages her by having her play the music she likes and then he incorporates the music theory around it. This unique approach keeps her engaged and wanting to learn more!”

- Lee, parent

"Michael probably had every song ever written between 1960 and 2000 memorized and could teach so well that he could make you feel like anyone from Richards to Clapton." 

- Reid, student

“I have been a student of Michael's for 3 1/2 years. With his help, my guitar playing ability has risen to an entirely new level! He is by far the best teacher I have had in my almost 20 years of playing the instrument. His knowledge of theory combined with his uncanny ability to decipher songs by ear and his genuine love of music make him uniquely qualified as an instructor. I highly recommend him to beginning, intermediate and advanced students of all ages!”

- Dina, student

“I have been taking guitar lessons from Michael for almost two years now. We work on some theory, but many times work on songs that I want to learn. I have enjoyed my lessons and highly recommend Michael's teaching style. He is talented, prepared, and really knows what he is doing. I have improved so much thanks to Michael.”

- Julie, student

"As one of Michael’s adult students, I appreciate his patience, encouragement and encyclopedic knowledge. His fluency in rock guitar is amazing. His passion for music, knowledge of theory and mastery of the guitar all make his lessons fun and rich in content.”

- Johanna, student

"My 17 year old son has been taking music lessons for over 8 years, since he was in 4th grade. Michael's encouragement helped push him outside his comfort zone to achieve new depths in playing guitar. Lessons with Michael were always the highlight of his week. We believed Michael’s encouragement and exposure to performing on stage helped Reid to create his own garage band where they perform at venues such as Masquerade, Smith's Old Bar, Center Stage and local ATL festivals. We highly recommend Michael and his many talents as a guitar teacher, especially to kids who want to have fun while playing!" 

- Reagan, parent

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