About Us

Music Teachers

Anne Pengilly

Music Director

Anne was born in Akron, Ohio into a musical family of teachers, composers, and performers. She studied piano and violin at the Cleveland Institute, her talent and dedication eventually leading her to Carnegie Hall with the Akron Youth Symphony. Anne’s musical path brought her to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where she received her Bachelor’s of Music degree in Piano Performance.

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Anne Pengilly

In her hometown of Akron, Ohio, Anne was born into a musical family of teachers, composers and performers. She studied piano and violin at the Cleveland Institute, her talent and dedication eventually leading her to Carnegie Hall with the Akron Youth Symphony. Anne’s musical path brought her to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where she received her Bachelor’s of Music degree in Piano Performance. After this, she continued her studies – earning a post-baccalaureate certificate in Music Education from West Chester University. While living in Philadelphia, Anne worked as a music teacher and office administrator at a local music school for five years and was a member of The Brandywine Singers, Chester County’s premier choral group, giving her the opportunity to perform at The White House. Anne is so excited to be in Charlotte, North Carolina, after years of enduring the frigid northern winters, and looks forward to growing an amazing music program!

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David Clark

Voice & Piano

David Brian Clark completed Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at Appalachian State University and received a Graduate Performance Diploma at The Boston Conservatory.

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David Clark

David Brian Clark completed Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at Appalachian State University and received a Graduate Performance Diploma at The Boston Conservatory. As a performer, David has been heard in a variety of venues and styles both nationally and internationally. David has twice been a participant of the American Singers’ Opera Project, and has been an award winner in the Charlotte Opera Guild competition, the Rosen Schaffel Young Artist Competition, and a North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS winner. A dedication to understanding how the voice works best lead David to advanced studies in vocal pedagogy at both Appalachian State and Boston Conservatory. Former students have been cast in leading roles in musical theater productions, and have been accepted into voice programs and auditioned vocal ensembles at Appalachian State University and Shenandoah Conservatory.

Johnny Harmon

Voice & Piano

Johnny Harmon has a Masters of Music from Appalachian State University.  Credits include: Opera Carolina, lead roles with Opera Xpress, Opera Carolina's youth program, Mosaic Arts, and The Little Opera Company of Charlotte.

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Johnny Harmon

Johnny Harmon received his Bachelors and Masters of Music from Appalachian State University. He has sung main stage roles and in the chorus at Opera Carolina, lead roles with Opera Xpress, Opera Carolina's youth outreach touring program, Mosaic Arts, Opera Unlimied, and The Little Opera Company of Charlotte. In 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 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.

Joan Kleinmann

Voice, Guitar & Piano

She received a BA from UNC-Greensboro in Therapeutic Recreation with a Vocal Performance Minor, and then attended Queens University of Charlotte where she received a second BA in Music Therapy.

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Joan Kleinmann

Joan Kleinmann is a native of Charlotte who is passionate about music and the way it enriches people’s lives. She received a BA from UNC-Greensboro in Therapeutic Recreation with a Vocal Performance Minor, and then attended Queens University of Charlotte where she received a second BA in Music Therapy. Joan completed her internship with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, and is a board certified Music Therapist as well as nationally certified and state licensed recreational therapist. Her utmost passion is for teaching pre-school music and private lessons to students of all levels and ages.

John Paul Lepeley

Piano & Guitar

Bilingual in English and Spanish, John previously served as the musical director at The Valley Christian School, The Carden West Elementary School and the principal music teacher for the San Ramon Unified School District in California.

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John Paul Lepeley

John Paul is bilingual in English and Spanish. He has over thirty years of experience teaching piano, electric/acoustic guitar, bass and drums, among other instruments (clarinet, saxophone, violin), to students of all ages. In the past he recorded in studio for other bands and performed professionally for about 10 years. During the same time he served as the musical director at The Valley Christian School and The Carden West Elementary School in California. Most recently, he was the principal music teacher for the San Ramon Unified School District. During his years in California he also served as a Hispanic Choir director at several churches in the Bay Area. Before moving to Charlotte, NC John created a music program for low income families in Livermore, for which he wrote and produced several Christmas programs along with various other musicals. John Paul is a confident and concise communicator, able to teach with clarity and humor!

Jennifer McQueen

Piano

Jennifer has earned multiple music degrees, including degrees in piano and choral conducting. Jennifer has served as both a classroom teacher and an Elementary Music teacher in the public school system.

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Jennifer McQueen

Jennifer was born and raised in Gaston County and has been playing the piano since she was six years old. Jennifer has earned multiple music degrees, including degrees in piano and choral conducting. In addition to the piano, Jennifer plays five other instruments: flute, piccolo, harpsichord, organ, and ukulele. Jennifer has served as both a classroom teacher and an Elementary Music teacher in the public school system. Jennifer has a passion for music and sharing the love of music with students of all ages.

Kateryna Topchii

Voice & Piano

Kateryna has been singing since the age of 6.  In 2007 she received her Bachelors degree in Music Education from Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Ukraine. She has been working as a vocal and piano teacher since 2005.

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Kateryna Topchii

Kateryna has been singing since she was 6 years old. At the age of 10, she became a member of the municipal choir “Spring Voices”, which is well known in many countries all over the world. From 2001- 2004, she pursued a degree as a Choral Conductor. Additionally, in 2007 she received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Ukraine. She has been working as a vocal and piano teacher since 2005. “Singing is very significant in my life, and I love my job. When I sing, my souls sings along with me.

When I teach, I try my best to inspire my students to express not only beautiful melody, but also their feelings, their emotions, and their souls. I inspire them to love singing as much as I do.”

Vanessa Corrigan

Voice & Piano

Originally from Long Island, NY, Ms.Vanessa Corrgian received a BA in Jazz and Commercial Music Composition from Five Towns College where she received training from Industry Leaders.

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Vanessa Corrigan

Ms. Vanessa hails from Long Island, NY, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz and Commercial Music Composition from Five Towns College. During her time there, she was able to participate in a highly-selective composition and performance workshop that gave her valuable feedback and musical encouragement from industry leaders, utilizing her vocal talent and piano skills to share original pieces. In 2007, Ms. Vanessa entered a worldwide online singing competition hosted by EA Games and was handpicked by recording artist Lily Allen to fly out to California and provide vocals for the popular video game series “The Sims 2” for their “Teen Style Stuff” expansion pack. This experience eventually fueled her move to CA- while there, she performed briefly with a classic rock band called The River City Band, taught Voice, Piano and Art lessons with all age groups with an independent music and art studio in Santa Rosa and even advised a group of young K-pop lovers into creating their own dance troupe at her most recent gig at Tomales High School. Ms. Vanessa brings her history of jazz, classical and musical theater knowledge with her into performances, encouraging her students to utilize the meaning behind the notes and lyrics to convey the drama within a piece, whether just learning the piano or belting a Broadway tune. She is grateful to be back on the east coast and is excited to share her musical and life experiences with a new group of students!

Inna Kolesnikov

Piano

Received her Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and music pedagogy from Volyn State Institute of Arts and Music in Ukraine. Inna received her Master’s degree in piano performance from Kansas State University.

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Inna Kolesnikov

Inna Kolesnikov was born and raised in Ukraine. Growing up in a musical family, Ms. Kolesnikov’s childhood was surrounded by the beauty of classical music. While her father sang in a local church choir, her mother played piano and accordion. At a very young age, Ms. Kolesnikov attended music school to study piano, music theory and literature. She received her Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and music pedagogy from Volyn State Institute of Arts and Music in Ukraine. After moving to the United States she received her Master’s degree in piano performance from Kansas State University. For the past 20 years she actively collaborated with instrumentalists and vocalists in chamber music settings while teaching children and adults of various levels of training. Music has always been her passion and sharing it with others gives her great joy and satisfaction.

Bryan Macke

Violin & Piano

He studied music at Indiana State University where he also received his Masters in Education. While in Indiana, he played with The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, The Terre Haute Sinfonietta, and The Indianapolis Philharmonic.

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Bryan Macke

Bryan Macke is a native of Indiana where began his musical studies on the viola at the age of 10. Later, as a teenager, he added violin, piano, and cello. He studied music at Indiana State University where he also received his Masters in Education. While in Indiana, he played with The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, The Terre Haute Sinfonietta, and The Indianapolis Philharmonic.

Before moving to North Carolina, Bryan lived in Tampa, Florida where e played with the Suncoast Symphony Orchestra, The Pinellas Park and Community Orchestra. He has been teaching for over twenty years and has taught in the public school system for sixteen years.

Steve Thweatt

Piano

Studied music at the University of Memphis where he was awarded the Feature Pianist award. Since that time, he has served as a free lance artist playing for the likes of high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

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Steve Thweatt

Steve Thweatt received his university training at the University of Memphis where he was awarded the Feature Pianist with their Orchestra award. Since that time, he has served as a free lance artist playing for the likes of high-ranking officials, dignitaries and numerous music icons and legends. His greatest passion is sharing his piano knowledge with his students, beginners through advanced. “I make learning piano fun and easy while imparting excellence.”

2 Locations Near You

Charlotte-Dance-Studio-NC

Charlotte Studio

Piedmont School of Music & Dance
3220 Prosperity Church Rd #103
Charlotte, NC 28269
Phone: (704) 971-2011

Concord Dance School NC

Concord Studio

Piedmont School of Music & Dance
1605 Old Earnhardt Rd
Kannapolis, NC 28083
Phone: (704) 932-8888