top of page
Coming Together Through Music
Where It All Began
Founder, Amanda Watson Bailey, began Amanda Bailey Studios, over ten years ago, with a vision: to empower people, of all ages, to reach their highest potential as a musician through quality instruction. Since its inception, the core values of patience, persistence, and perseverance have allowed Amanda Bailey Studios to grow and expand throughout the Greater Raleigh area.
Amanda Watson Bailey
Bio: Amanda Watson Bailey is an accomplished soprano who enjoys performing a wide array of genres such as opera, sacred, and musical theatre. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Music degree and a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree. Amanda served as Miss North Carolina 2008 and had the honor of representing the Tar Heel state at Miss America and performing at renowned venues nationwide. After completion of her year of service, Amanda taught elementary music in the Wake County Public School System where she was awarded the Diane Kent Parker Teacher of the Year Award for her work with her students. In addition to being the owner of Amanda Bailey Studios, she currently serves as an adjunct professor of piano at William Peace University. Amanda finds immense joy in helping her student to develop a genuine love of music.
Our Teachers
Click on the photo to read the complete bio.
Lexi Batchelor
Meet Lexi Batchelor: Passionate Music Instructor and Performer
With over five years of dedicated experience in teaching piano and voice, Lexi Batchelor brings a vibrant energy to her lessons that inspires students of all ages. Her love for music ignited at a young age, nurtured by her grandmother, a talented piano teacher. This early connection to music has blossomed into a rewarding journey spanning over 18 years of vocal and piano study, which she now shares with her students.
Lexi holds a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from UNC Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, specializing in industrial and organizational psychology. This unique combination of music and psychology allows her to connect with her students on both artistic and personal levels.
Outside of teaching and studying, Lexi is actively engaged in the local music scene. She sings in various community choirs, plays piano in community bands, and performs at special events, showcasing her commitment to the art of music. In Lexi's lessons, learning music is not just about practice—it's an exciting adventure! She often incorporates fun games into her lessons, ensuring that techniques and theory are engaging and interactive. Understanding that every student is unique, Lexi tailors her lesson plans to cater to individual learning styles and motivators, making each session productive and enjoyable.
Join Lexi in discovering the joy of music and unlocking your potential in a supportive and dynamic learning environment!
With over five years of dedicated experience in teaching piano and voice, Lexi Batchelor brings a vibrant energy to her lessons that inspires students of all ages. Her love for music ignited at a young age, nurtured by her grandmother, a talented piano teacher. This early connection to music has blossomed into a rewarding journey spanning over 18 years of vocal and piano study, which she now shares with her students.
Lexi holds a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from UNC Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, specializing in industrial and organizational psychology. This unique combination of music and psychology allows her to connect with her students on both artistic and personal levels.
Outside of teaching and studying, Lexi is actively engaged in the local music scene. She sings in various community choirs, plays piano in community bands, and performs at special events, showcasing her commitment to the art of music. In Lexi's lessons, learning music is not just about practice—it's an exciting adventure! She often incorporates fun games into her lessons, ensuring that techniques and theory are engaging and interactive. Understanding that every student is unique, Lexi tailors her lesson plans to cater to individual learning styles and motivators, making each session productive and enjoyable.
Join Lexi in discovering the joy of music and unlocking your potential in a supportive and dynamic learning environment!
Renzo Caceres
Renzo Caceres is originally from Argentina and moved to the US in 2006. God blessed him with the opportunity to be part of a missionary family that served for many years teaching within the the deaf community of South America. After finishing high-school Renzo attended UNC-Charlotte to pursue a degree in Music Performance. After graduating with his music degree, he moved to Wake Forest where he is currently studying for his Masters Degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Renzo says that teaching is one of his greatest passions alongside performing and rooting for the Argentinian national soccer team! Renzo teaches cello and piano.
Renzo says that teaching is one of his greatest passions alongside performing and rooting for the Argentinian national soccer team! Renzo teaches cello and piano.
Danica Creaghan
Danica Creaghan studied music education at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. She has been playing the piano for eighteen years including formal classical training for ten years. In addition to her classical foundation, Danica has also had training/experience playing contemporary musical styles such as jazz, popular, musical theatre and blues. For a brief period of time in 2019 Danica was the keyboardist for Edward’s Mountain, a local blues/jazz ensemble based out of Chapel Hill. Danica also has eight years of experience with the art of songwriting.
Danica has taught private piano lessons to beginner/early intermediate students for six years. She has worked with students ranging from preschool age to adult beginners/intermediate. Danica teaches technique, repertoire, sight reading, theory, composition, ear training, RCM examinations (if the student is interested), improvisation, composition and performance. Most importantly, Danica’s philosophy as a music instructor is to help foster each students’ individual sense of expression and creativity. In addition to her piano studies, she also has had formal vocal training. She has been singing for eleven years and has training in classical, jazz, musical theatre, folk and popular styles of vocal music. She has performed in several choral ensembles over the years and is currently working on her own compositions and lyrical development.
Lacie Eades
Lacie is a Ph.D. candidate in musicology at Duke University. She also holds a Master's degree in musicology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Master of Education with an emphasis in teaching and technology from William Woods University, and a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in voice and piano from Southeast Missouri State University.
Before her graduate studies, she taught for over a decade in the Missouri public school system, and it was this time in the classroom that prompted her interest in pursuing musicological studies. Lacie loves working with students and building relationships through music. She is very excited to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios!
Before her graduate studies, she taught for over a decade in the Missouri public school system, and it was this time in the classroom that prompted her interest in pursuing musicological studies. Lacie loves working with students and building relationships through music. She is very excited to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios!
Lydia Salett Dudley
Lydia Salett Dudley is a jazz pianist, singer, composer and arranger in Raleigh, NC. She received her Master of Music in Jazz Composition From North Carolina Central University and currently sits on the board of the Heart of Carolina Jazz. She is the bandleader for the group Jazz Xpressions. In 2011, her passion for music education eventually led her to start The Salett Art Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide music enrichment for underserved youth. She has performed for many occasions. Her most memorable performance was the opportunity to perform at the childhood home of Nina Simone in Tryon, NC, which was declared a National Treasure in 2018. She received a female-led bandleader grant from Chamber Music America in 2021.
Maggie Fox
Maggie Fox currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. She received a Master’s in Vocal Performance at the University of Kansas City Missouri in December of 2022. During her time at UMKC she played the role of Nina in Massenet’s “Chérubin”. In addition to classical repertoire, Maggie has performed roles in several musicals such as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins” and Eponine in “Les Miserables”. Her most recent summer endeavors include participating in the first year of Kansas City’s Vocal Arts Intensive (VAI) as well as playing Margaret Johnson in the musical "Light in the Piazza" by Adam Guettel at Red River Lyric Opera in July of 2023. She is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) which enabled her to judge for the 2023 NATS Musical Theater competition at Meredith College. Her philosophy for teaching is centered around creating a safe and fun environment where the student can explore their love for singing!
Kara-Gray Gentry
Kara-Gray Gentry is an accomplished music teacher of over eight years. She has served as the middle and high school band director for High Point Christian Academy and most recently she served as the middle school band director at Burlington Academy. Kara earned her Bachelor of Arts from North Greenville University with a double music education major in piano and flute. She loves all styles of music, but most especially jazz! During, and since, college, she has enjoyed being a piano accompanist for many recitals, performances, and musicals. Kara has a strong ability to build relationships with her students that help them to not just learn the music but to fall in love with it as well.
Kathryn Goretzka
Kathryn Goretzka is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of UNC-Charlotte where she double majored in Music and Religious Studies. She is currently studying to obtain her masters of Divinity at Southeastern Seminary. She is the current worship leader at Pilot Baptist Church in Zebulon where she has the wonderful opportunity to work with everyone, from young children to adults, teaching music and creating a beautiful worship environment for all in attendance.
Kathryn has participated in opera productions and community theater, university choir and special ensembles, plays, and musicals and so much more. She has a unique love for music that she hopes to continue to share with others.
Kathryn is delighted to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios and is excited to be able to facilitate a fun and safe learning environment for all of her students wanting to further their appreciation and excitement for music!
Kathryn has participated in opera productions and community theater, university choir and special ensembles, plays, and musicals and so much more. She has a unique love for music that she hopes to continue to share with others.
Kathryn is delighted to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios and is excited to be able to facilitate a fun and safe learning environment for all of her students wanting to further their appreciation and excitement for music!
Edith Lester
Hi! My name is Edith Lester, and I graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Music in December 2019. I have 18 years of experience as a violinist and 9 years as a pianist.
Since the age of 17, I have been hired to perform at various events, including weddings, nonprofit concerts, talent shows, and funerals. I am also a chorister in my religious organization and have worked my way up to hold the positions of Head Chorister and Choir Superintendent in my local church.
I have taught violin in several states, primarily Connecticut and North Carolina. My most recent teaching position was at Camp MusArt in Apex during the summer of 2023. Additionally, I have extensive volunteer experience teaching music and violin since high school, working with elementary school youth as well as individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
My lessons are both fun and engaging, but most importantly, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where students—especially youth—can explore their creative side while developing their musical skills. I firmly believe that anyone can play an instrument if they put their mind to it.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with Amanda Bailey Studios, where I can share my passion for violin and piano with children. This role not only allows me to help students grow musically but also enhances my own journey as an educator and musician.
Since the age of 17, I have been hired to perform at various events, including weddings, nonprofit concerts, talent shows, and funerals. I am also a chorister in my religious organization and have worked my way up to hold the positions of Head Chorister and Choir Superintendent in my local church.
I have taught violin in several states, primarily Connecticut and North Carolina. My most recent teaching position was at Camp MusArt in Apex during the summer of 2023. Additionally, I have extensive volunteer experience teaching music and violin since high school, working with elementary school youth as well as individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
My lessons are both fun and engaging, but most importantly, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where students—especially youth—can explore their creative side while developing their musical skills. I firmly believe that anyone can play an instrument if they put their mind to it.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with Amanda Bailey Studios, where I can share my passion for violin and piano with children. This role not only allows me to help students grow musically but also enhances my own journey as an educator and musician.
Nathan Maras
Nathan Maras is a vocalist with a degree in Music Education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Nathan had experience teaching in both classrooms and individual settings. As a musician, Nathan has experience in varied choral settings, including chamber ensembles, master works, church music, and small ensembles. He has a passion for developing personal expression and confidence among singers, and his favorite memories include traveling and singing internationally. In all his teaching he brings a high level of dedication, technical skill, and enthusiasm for music and all it brings to the individual. Outside of teaching voice lessons, Nathan is a dedicated piano teacher with experience teaching individual lessons to students of different ages and class piano to high school students. Outside of music Nathan loves being outside in nature and watching his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs! He is excited to get married with his fiancé Zoe in October and start their life in NC.
Ernesto Jesus Andino Perez
Ernesto began studying music at a very early age, following the encouragement of his
mother who noticed his gifting and aptitude for piano. He studied piano for seven years at the Vocational School of Arts in Cuba, where he studied under the tutelage of wonderful teachers who showed great passion for music and for teaching!
Following in the footsteps of his teachers, Ernesto decided to enter the National School of Arts in Havana, Cuba where he obtained his Associates Degree in Music with a speciality in piano, accompanist pianist, and ensemble practice. He had the blessing of being a pianist and music director at his church in Cuba, while also serving as the arranger for the choir and praise team.
After graduating in 2010, Ernesto has had the opportunity to teach students of all ages,
from young children through adults. He says it best: “I have enjoyed watching how each
individual student has progressed in their musical knowledge, especially in mastering the piano without missing out on the fun, satisfaction and enjoyment that this great instrument can bring!"
mother who noticed his gifting and aptitude for piano. He studied piano for seven years at the Vocational School of Arts in Cuba, where he studied under the tutelage of wonderful teachers who showed great passion for music and for teaching!
Following in the footsteps of his teachers, Ernesto decided to enter the National School of Arts in Havana, Cuba where he obtained his Associates Degree in Music with a speciality in piano, accompanist pianist, and ensemble practice. He had the blessing of being a pianist and music director at his church in Cuba, while also serving as the arranger for the choir and praise team.
After graduating in 2010, Ernesto has had the opportunity to teach students of all ages,
from young children through adults. He says it best: “I have enjoyed watching how each
individual student has progressed in their musical knowledge, especially in mastering the piano without missing out on the fun, satisfaction and enjoyment that this great instrument can bring!"
Evan Rivera
Music has been a part of Evan’s life since he was a child. In family gatherings, formal music lessons, and church choirs and bands, Evan benefited from the beauty and joy of music within his life. At age five, Evan began his musical journey with piano lessons. He went on to learn more instruments, like the saxophone in middle school and the guitar in highschool. Evan is finishing his final semester at Baylor University, where he has been pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in Church Music. As he looks toward the future, he hopes to continue nurturing his passions of music ministry, music education, and creating music.
Evan was involved in many different bands and organizations throughout his education, including his high school Jazz, Symphonic, and Marching bands, and Baylor University’s Symphonic band, Men’s Choir, and 40 Collective Worship Team. During this time Evan also honed his teaching skills by teaching at Beautiful Feet Studios under the direction of Kalette Alspaugh. In his free time, he taught and mentored students through a youth outreach ministry he founded called Step Out Ministries. Through these opportunities Evan has accumulated over six years of dedicated teaching experience spanning numerous ages and musical styles.
Evan would be nowhere without his high school sweetheart, Libby, to whom he is happily married. They enjoy playing board games together, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors. Evan is excited for the new adventure of teaching at Amanda Bailey Studios!
Evan was involved in many different bands and organizations throughout his education, including his high school Jazz, Symphonic, and Marching bands, and Baylor University’s Symphonic band, Men’s Choir, and 40 Collective Worship Team. During this time Evan also honed his teaching skills by teaching at Beautiful Feet Studios under the direction of Kalette Alspaugh. In his free time, he taught and mentored students through a youth outreach ministry he founded called Step Out Ministries. Through these opportunities Evan has accumulated over six years of dedicated teaching experience spanning numerous ages and musical styles.
Evan would be nowhere without his high school sweetheart, Libby, to whom he is happily married. They enjoy playing board games together, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors. Evan is excited for the new adventure of teaching at Amanda Bailey Studios!
Sofia Rosenblatt
Sofia Rosenblatt is a pianist and piano teacher born in Chile. She has been playing the piano for over twelve years and graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Technology. Sofia has years of experience teaching piano, music theory, and ear training to children ages 5 to 15 from varying backgrounds and skill levels. In addition to teaching areas such as technique and sight-reading, she loves to incorporate activities that involve students' unique styles into her lessons in order to encourage self-expression, creativity, and motivation. Sofia has performed with several choirs and jazz ensembles, and she also has experience in the areas of music production and sound design.
Luke Schofield
Luke Schofield teaches guitar, drums, bass, and ukulele. He loves teaching students of all ages. He began his music education as a drummer in high school concert, jazz and marching bands, as well the Walton County orchestra in Freeport, FL. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Music and Ministry from Central Christian College in McPherson, KS. While in college, he played percussion in the school’s orchestra and jazz bands, sang in chorale, and played guitar, bass and drums in numerous rock and worship bands.
Luke has played music alongside his wife Hope for close to 20 years. They have collaborated as church worship and youth leaders and currently play regularly at local venues throughout the Raleigh area. In addition to teaching, Luke has a passion for songwriting. He loves to encourage and collaborate with his students to create a fulfilling musical experience.
Luke has played music alongside his wife Hope for close to 20 years. They have collaborated as church worship and youth leaders and currently play regularly at local venues throughout the Raleigh area. In addition to teaching, Luke has a passion for songwriting. He loves to encourage and collaborate with his students to create a fulfilling musical experience.
Jennifer Shrader
Jennifer is a veteran of the Broadway stage as well as an adjunct professor of voice and acting at William Peace University. She has taught voice for 15 years and loves passing on her knowledge and experience to aspiring performers. On Broadway she starred in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle, Babette) and Swing (Lead Vocalist). Broadway workshops include The Little Mermaid (Aquata) and Dance of the Vampires. National tours include Beauty and the Beast (Belle, Babette), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Sunset Boulevard (Betty u/s), and Annie (Swing).
Regional and other theatre credits include Phantom (Christine), Cats (Grizabella), The Full Monty (Pam) , Miss Saigon (Ellen), Anything Goes (Chairty) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Gemini Twin). Jennifer was honored to sing as a soloist with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. She was also a soloist with the Seattle, Portland, Detroit, Ottawa, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Baltimore symphonies. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory.
Regional and other theatre credits include Phantom (Christine), Cats (Grizabella), The Full Monty (Pam) , Miss Saigon (Ellen), Anything Goes (Chairty) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Gemini Twin). Jennifer was honored to sing as a soloist with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. She was also a soloist with the Seattle, Portland, Detroit, Ottawa, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Baltimore symphonies. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory.
Andrea Siedschlag
Andrea Siedschlag is a passionate music educator and proud graduate of UNC Greensboro with a Bachelor's in Music Education. With extensive experience teaching middle and high school choirs, as well as offering private piano and voice lessons, she's thrilled to join Amanda Bailey Studios. Here, she looks forward to nurturing musicians' growth in music literacy and understanding, whether it's through their voices or on the piano.
Beyond her professional pursuits, music has always been at the center of her life. From singing in church and community choirs to performing in musicals, her love for music knows no bounds. Even at home in Angier, she creates cherished memories making music with her family. Outside of music, she treasures moments spent with her husband and three children.
Beyond her professional pursuits, music has always been at the center of her life. From singing in church and community choirs to performing in musicals, her love for music knows no bounds. Even at home in Angier, she creates cherished memories making music with her family. Outside of music, she treasures moments spent with her husband and three children.
Ben Wall
Ben Wall is enjoying life as a newly-wed pursuing his degree in Musical Performance and Worship Ministry at Judson College at Southeastern in Wake Forest. Music has been a passion for Ben since his earliest childhood memories. He was raised in a musical household that encouraged learning music from a young age! Ben has always known that he wanted to pursue music and he found himself pursuing his passion at the collegiate level through his current students at Judson College.
Ben has enjoyed leading music in an organized musical setting with the Summit Church for the past five years and also enjoys playing gigs in his spare time. Guitar is his favorite instrument to play but, coming in for a close second, is his love for playing drums, bass, ukulele, and piano.
Most recently, Ben has begun working with a band at Judson College, attempting to fuse modern country with classic gospel music; a new sound in the music world!
Ben is excited to join the Amanda Bailey Studios teaching team and impart his love of music with his students.
Ben has enjoyed leading music in an organized musical setting with the Summit Church for the past five years and also enjoys playing gigs in his spare time. Guitar is his favorite instrument to play but, coming in for a close second, is his love for playing drums, bass, ukulele, and piano.
Most recently, Ben has begun working with a band at Judson College, attempting to fuse modern country with classic gospel music; a new sound in the music world!
Ben is excited to join the Amanda Bailey Studios teaching team and impart his love of music with his students.
Allison Wrenn Thomas
Allison Wrenn Thomas, mezzo-soprano, is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill where she received a B.M. degree in Vocal Performance and Italian Language. Allison has taught voice for 8 years, and specializes in Opera and Musical Theater. Her stage experience includes the role of Sesto in "La Clemenza di Tito", La Ciesca in "Gianni Schicchi" and the role of Martha in "Dream Lovers". Allison currently serves as the Choral Director at Martin Gifted and Talented Magnet Middle School, where her students consistently receive Superior ratings at State Adjudications and Festivals. Allison is a National Board Certified Teacher, and in 2018 and 2019, she had the highest number of students placed in the NC MS Honors Chorus than any other middle school in the state of North Carolina. Allison’s pedagogy focuses on age-appropriate vocal technique to ensure her students have strong fundamentals throughout their development and exploration of various styles. She teaches voice, piano and music production.
Hear directly from some of our teachers!
Interested in lessons?
bottom of page