Bio: Avid chamber music player, New York native recently relocated to Hendersonville, NC, graduate of Brooklyn College (CUNY), 1st-time recipient of prestigious Charles Ives Award for Excellence in Musical Performance, studied graduate level piano accompaniment (vocal & instrumental) at Manhattan School of Music, holds M.M. (A.B.D), has assisted at the Metropolitan Opera House studios, has performed regularly in New York, Europe, Israel and currently in Western North Carolina. Was founder and co-founder of several chamber music ensembles, including The Soiree Sisters, The Urban Stress Trio, and co-founder & Musical Director of Handel With Care. Currently seeking piano students, teach out of my music studio/home.

Email: smgruenhut@yahoo.com

Phone: 646-413-1294

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Asheville, Hendersonville

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Young Children, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Adults, Lessons in your home

Teaching Styles: Classical

Offering Other Music Lessons for: vocal coaching/accompanist

Address: Hendersonville

Bio: Hayward, Anna Haun was Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Piano Pedagogy Program at Georgia State University. Dr. Hayward has also served on summer music festival faculties for the U. of Illinois, the Breckenridge Colorado Music Festival, and the Musique Session Internationale in Grenoble, France. Sponsored by Alfred Music, she has given piano pedagogy workshops in the US, England, Malaysia, and Australia, and has also performed throughout the US, Micronesia, England, Germany, France, and Austria. She was awarded the "Master Teacher Certificate" in Piano by MTNA (1995). She enjoys preparing students for a career in piano performance and/or piano pedagogy as well as teaching students wanting to pursue their passion for learning.

Email: annahayward1011@gmail.com

Phone: 828-225-3801

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Asheville

Offering Piano Lessons for: Advanced, College, Adults, Lessons in your home

Teaching Styles: Classical

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory

Address: Asheville

Bio: Mary Holmes is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University (B. Music - Piano Performance) and The University of Michigan (M. Music). She attended Oakland University in Michigan (M. Music – Piano Performance) while raising her children.

She has taught piano at all levels for over 45 years. In addition, she taught in Detroit at Wayne State University for several years, and has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician. In addition to membership in AAPF, she is on the board of the Asheville Chamber Music Series.

Email: 312mesh@gmail.com

Phone: Home – (828) 505.7008 or Cellphone – (828) 707-6353

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Asheville, Lessons in your home (teacher will travel)

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Adults

Teaching Styles: Classical

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory

Address: Asheville

Bio: Jenna Jaffe graduated cum laude from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a Music Degree in Vocal Performance in 1992. She was also accepted into two Masters of Music programs at the renowned New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Jenna has been teaching private piano, voice, and general music for over 28 years. She specializes in teaching beginning to advanced voice and beginning to intermediate piano students. She is currently accepting new students in her private studio in East Asheville. Jenna is also a passionate performer of dance, performance art, singing in most genres, as well as playing several different instruments. In addition, she is a certified teacher of ESL at Asheville Buncombe Community College and regularly studies languages in her spare time.

Email: jenna.jaffe@gmail.com

Phone: 828-273-2605

Website Addresses:

• https://www.consciouscreating.org/

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/ConsciousCreatingOrg

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8OXTyKdSFg6DcPK9DwNCA

• https://www.instagram.com/jenna_jaffe/

• https://www.facebook.com/consciouscreatingart

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Studio: All of Asheville and online lessons

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Young Children, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Adults

Teaching Styles: Classical, Popular, Jazz, Improvisation

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory, Composition, Voice, Percussion, Music History, Improvisation, Recorder, Composition Arrangements, Diction, Drama Coaching, Energy Healing with Voice

Other Music Related Services: Vocal and Piano Performance for any Events

Address: Asheville

Bio: Classical piano — the foundation of music — for all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced pianists. Instruction is available at a home studio in [City/Area] or online via Zoom. Areas of expertise include classical piano performance, music theory, music literature, chamber music, and professional coaching for piano teachers. With over 35 years of university-level teaching experience, Dr. Kim is dedicated to fostering strong musicianship, artistry, and a lifelong love of music." "Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim — Concert Pianist

Performs solo and chamber music with a focus on classical repertoire. Available year-round by pre-arrangement for recitals and special events, offering programs from 30 minutes to two hours. Requires a well-maintained grand piano; additional technical needs arranged in advance." "Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim is a concert pianist and dedicated music educator with over 35 years of higher education teaching experience at the Manhattan School of Music, Brown University, and the University of North Carolina at Asheville. A full-scholarship graduate of Seoul National University, she earned both her Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, where she later joined the faculty.

Recognized for her creative and engaging teaching, she has inspired students from young beginners to advanced musicians and received the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award in 2023 and 2024.

Beyond teaching, Dr. Kim directs a successful Summer Piano Camp, adjudicates competitions, and performs with orchestras and chamber ensembles. In July 2025, Dr. Kim launched Sonare Music Academy, a local and global center for musical excellence and community engagement, and published You Are Slightly Very Late.

Email: hwajinkimdma@gmail.com

Website Address: Hwa-Jin Kim, PianowithDrKim(YouTube)

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Young Children, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Adults

Teaching Styles: Classical

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory

Address: Asheville

Bio: Principal keyboardist at Greenville Symphony orchestra

Email: lisakiser11@gmail.com

Phone:864-908-4428

Web Site: Kiserpiano.com

Teaching Locations: Greenville, SC

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Young Children, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Lessons in your home (teacher will travel)

Teaching Styles: Classical

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory

Address: Greenville, SC

Bio: Dr. Leonidas Lagrimas, NCTM serves as Associate Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy at Western Carolina University. His duties include coordinating the Class Piano program and teaching Applied Piano.  He has presented his research at numerous local, state, and national conferences.

Dr. Lagrimas’ performance experience includes multiple collaborative piano appearances at Carnegie Hall, and guest artist recitals at numerous universities throughout the East Coast.  He is active as a musical theatre accompanist/keyboardist as well as a choral/church accompanist.  He holds National Certification (NCTM) in piano from MTNA, and a Ph.D. in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy from Florida State University.  

Email: a.lagrimas@gmail.com

Phone: 850-443-2940

Web Site: www.wcu.edu/faculty/llagrimas.aspx

Styles: Classical, Religious

Specializations: Music History, Pedagogy, Theory, Virtual

Address: Sylva

Bio: Rita E. Landrum holds a Bachelor of Music degree in music theory from Furman University where she presented Furman’s first composition recital her senior year. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in music composition from the University of Georgia where she was a student of John Corina. She is a former faculty member of the Brevard Music Center in Brevard NC. Commissions have included works for organ, piano, solo voice, choral groups, and chamber ensembles.

Email: rlandrum@windstream.net

Phone: 828-859-6508

Address: Tryon

Bio: Born in Asheville, I lived here for the first ten years of my life. My family moved to Columbia, SC. In 1963 I graduated from the University of South Carolina, majored in music (piano performance, pedagogy) and member of Delta Omicron. Taught piano and was an organist and choir director at Episcopal churches in Columbia and Cincinnati, substitute organist in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for 29 years in many different churches, accompanied my husband, cellist, in recitals in Cincinnati, member of a choir that toured Italy, Ireland and Canada, travelled extensively in Europe with my husband every year for 42 years.

Email: elenlunn@gmail.com 

Phone: 828-301-0917

Bio: Virginia McKnight has degrees from Stetson University and Florida State University as well as a Certificate from the Neuchatel Conservatory in Neuchatel, Switzerland. She has made a career of collaborative piano including work at Yale University. Ithaca College, Cornell University and in New York City. Before moving to Asheville, Virginia taught and accompanied at Stetson University. In Asheville, She has worked as pianist at the Asheville Community Theater, Haywood Arts Repertory Theater, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, Mars Hill University, UNC Asheville, and Reynold’s High School. Virginia has recently retired from her position of Organist and Music Director at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Email: charlesvirginia@bellsouth.net

Phone: 828-301-7378

Other Music Related Services: Accompanying/coaching; Church Organist

Address: Asheville

Bio: Dan Mozen is a serious hobby pianist trained in both classical and jazz piano traditions. His repertoire spans from composers like Beethoven and Bach to complex jazz transcriptions that honor the original improvisations. He also explores rock piano, bringing a wide stylistic range to his playing. In addition to performing, Dan has experience teaching piano and enjoys sharing his knowledge. He looks forward to connecting with the local music community and contributing to a vibrant, collaborative musical environment.

Performer Info: Play classical piano mostly. Also key in rock band.

Email: platzomat@gmail.com

Address: Asheville

Bio: Studied at University of Michigan, Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill, University d'Aix-en-Provence France. Accompanist at Mars Hill University.

Email: anne.e.parker@gmail.com

Phone: 828-253-7894 or 828-301-4970

Address: Asheville

Bio: I am a concert pianist & violinist and conservatory trained teacher for over 40 years, 15 of which included online lessons. I was educated by professors at the Eastman School of Music, Juilliard & Northwestern University. Visit my website and YouTube channels. I currently perform in local orchestras, churches & special events.  

Email: QuinnMusic@StephanieQuinn.com

Phone: 828-222-3324

For lessons, contact Ms. Quinn through her website.

Website Addresses:

Stephanie Quinn Website

Student Progress Videos

Masterclass / Tutorial Videos

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Globally. YouTube tutorials also available.

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Young Children, Elementary, Middle/High School, College, Adults

Teaching Styles: Traditional and Suzuki

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Ear-training, Solfege, Theory, Composition, Singing. 

Other Music Related Services: Skilled accompanist and chamber musician.

Address: P.O. Box 8932, Asheville, NC 28804

Bio: After completing a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in piano performance from Texas Christian University, Cynthia received a bachelor of science in nursing.  In Texas, she performed chamber music and with orchestra.  Cynthia was a contestant in two of the Cliburn International Piano Competitions for Outstanding Amateurs and was a semifinalist in the Rocky Mountain Amateur Piano Competition. She also studied and performed in Spain. Since moving to North Carolina in 2006, she has given house concerts and performances in retirement homes, country clubs and restaurants.  She also has done benefits for the Hendersonville and Asheville Symphonies.

Email: cynthiarileypianist@gmail.com

Website: https://www.youtube.com/@cynthiariley4033

Phone: 828-447-8886

Address: Lake Lure

Bio: Teaches at Piano Lab in Mills River. I have graduates from a music school in Minsk Belarus. During my college years in the US I have taken lessons from Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim at UNCA. I have taught piano for 18 years, beginner through advanced levels.

Email: elena1apc@yahoo.com

Phone: (863) 398-1988

Teaching Locations: Piano Lab, Mills River, NC

Offering Piano Lessons for: Beginners through Advanced

Teaching Styles: Classical

Address: Mills River

Bio: B.S. Music Ed. piano major, U of Illinois; In New York City: Jazz piano and composition studies with Sir Roland Hanna & Jimmy Guiffre; Electronic music studies with Steve Reich & Philip Glass in Steve Reich's NYC studio and on original Moog module synthesizers in Gershon Kinglsey's studio in NYC; Jazz pianist; composer; BMI Publisher & writer; Church organist; 12 jazz and New Age recordings on the CMR Records label; Currently an Adjunct Teaching Faculty member at Mars Hill University working as collaborative pianist in the Vocal Department and with jazz instrumentalists.

Email: marilynnseits@mac.com

Phone: 561-719-4106

Website Address: mseitsmusic.com

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville

Offering Jazz Piano Lessons for: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Young Children

Teaching Styles: Jazz, Popular, Improvisation, Reading Big Band Charts and Lead Sheets

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory and Composition

Other Music Related Services: Jazz Duo or trio available for parties and events; Church organist; BMI Publisher; original music, original children's songs; recording demos; making CD copies & CD graphics

Address: Asheville

Bio: I have been teaching in the Hickory area for 45 years and teach almost exclusively on the Advanced Level. My students have won major prizes in state and national events. I am very active in the NC Federation of Music Clubs and have held numerous offices for the organization. 

Email: robertrichard@centurylink.net

Phone: 828-962-2269

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Hickory, NC

Offering Piano Lessons for: Advanced

Address: Hickory

Bio: Composer & pianist Nathan Shirley has received over half a dozen national and international awards for his solo, chamber and orchestral compositions since age 21. He is heavily self-taught, but as a teenager was mentored in composition by Olga Harris, the last student of Khachaturian. Mr. Shirley's music has been performed in over a dozen countries around the world. He lives in Western North Carolina with his wife and children.

Email: music@nathanshirley.com

Phone: 828.659.8737

Website: www.NathanShirley.com

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Composition

Address: Marion

Bio: Keyboardist/composer Richard Shulman creates music as a positive influence for himself, audiences and society. -- Richard has recorded 28 of his own albums and collaborated on dozens more. Trained in the classical and jazz fields, he has developed a heartfelt language in these genres while focussing much of his output on music for meditation, healing and inspiration. Shulman has performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the UN, and numerous venues in North America and Europe. Shulman has composed for jazz groups, chamber ensembles, choir, and symphony orchestra and creates Musical Soul Portrait recordings for individuals, couples and groups.  

Read the full bio at https://richheartmusic.com/about/richard-shulman

Email: richheartmusic@frontier.com

Phone: 828-658-9604

Website: https://richheartmusic.com

Studio/Store Location, Serving: Weaverville

Offering Piano Lessons for: Intermediate, Advanced, College, Adults

Teaching Styles: Classical, Jazz

Offering Other Music Lessons for: Theory, Composition

Other Music Related Services: Musical Soul Portraits, Jazz performances, composing, arranging, recording

Address: Asheville

Bio: I'm a retired amateur who studied piano for many years in school. I haven't kept up my skills as much as I would have liked over the years, but recently started playing more seriously again. I enjoy many types of music -- classical, jazz, old standards, show tunes, and more.

Phone: 202-256-0225

Email: masmithcae@gmail.com

Address: Asheville