Private Lessons

Alex Gayton has been playing music for as long as he can remember. Learning music through his family’s music collection and playing on his grandmother’s piano. By the time he was old enough to play drums he had immersed himself in all things music, playing in ensembles at school and forming his first band in the 7th grade, playing shows in the local punk rock scene. 

Since those early experiences he has been performing and recording professionally, earning his B.A in Music from Eastern Washington University and his M.M in Jazz and Improvised Music from the University of Washington. 

Over the last decade Alek has performed locally and nationally with a wide variety of artists. His flexible playing style has led to a wide range of performance opportunities, including playing with Le Grotto, Delvon Lamar, The Bob Curnow Big Band, Ernie Watts, Mike Stern and the Seahawks Drumline. These opportunities have led to performances at notable events such as Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation, South by Southwest, The New Orleans Jazz Festival, MNF on ESPN and several US and West Coast tours. His drumming can be heard on the Erina song Home, which is featured on HBO’s Cherish the Day. 

As an educator, Alek possesses the flexibility to teach to each individual student. Every student has different interests and goals. He believes in giving students the opportunity to explore and create on their instrument, while focusing on strong fundamentals. He additionally puts emphasis on learning songs and playing along with music, while learning about the history of the band or artist with his students. (Alek loves music history!)

Anne Richardson has over 30 years experience as a performer, composer, and music instructor. She earned her Bachelor of Music in composition and flute from the Oberlin Conservatory, and a Master’s degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory. From 1994 to 2005, she served as director of Neighborhood Music Schools, a community music school based at Georgia State University. ​

Ms. Anne has performed with artists such as the Indigo Girls and Michelle Malone, and has written music for numerous artists, including contemporary music ensemble Thamyris. She composed the music for the silent film, Claire, and toured with the film, conducting the orchestra in live performance at venues all over the United States and Europe.

Jamila Harrison is a dedicated music teacher, and accomplished pianist  with over 20 years of performance experience and 10 years of teaching expertise. Beginning her musical journey at the age of 3, Jamila has built a diverse and expansive career in the Southeast, specializing in piano, while also offering instruction in flute, voice, and guitar. 

Her musical background spans a wide range of genres, including classical, R&B, gospel, and pop music, which informs her versatile teaching style. Jamila has collaborated with numerous artists, bands, choruses, and orchestras across the Southeast. 

In the classroom, Jamila is known for her strong classroom management skills, fostering a positive and productive learning environment. She employs a mix of traditional and innovative teaching methods to engage students of all ages, ensuring that they not only develop technical proficiency but also a deep love and understanding of music. Her approach emphasizes creativity, discipline, and a strong work ethic. 

Beyond teaching, Jamila continues to grow as a musician, actively working on her own music and expanding her career in the industry. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians, instilling both technical skill and artistic expression in her students.

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.

Scotty Guenther is a musician artist based in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta. Growing up in Johns Creek, GA, Scotty took the stage at a young age, performing in plays, musicals, and music ensembles since he was 8 years old. He has spent the last 22 years honing his knowledge of music theory, music production, and collaboration, working on numerous projects for himself, other artists, and organizations. Scotty has a deep appreciation for each individual’s artistic voice, and hopes to spread his love of music through teaching at Eclectic Music.

As a teacher, Scotty values connection with each student, discovering their “why” for taking lessons, and developing a plan that is enjoyable and informative. His goal is to teach fun, memorable lessons that help students gain the skills they need to create and participate in the music they are passionate about.