Our Team

Erica Fedor, PhD—Piano, Music Theory (online only)

Erica is an experienced educator who has been teaching piano, music theory, music history, and cello for over 12 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she also worked as a Lecturer. Eager to guide students on their creative journeys with support and enthusiasm, Erica takes a collaborative, student-centered approach to lessons. She happily works with students of all ages and excels in customizing lessons to students’ individual goals and interests. Erica loves celebrating her students’ accomplishments and sharing the joys of music and self-expression with others! 

Erica encourages the development of well-rounded musicians by promoting healthy technical foundations, fostering students’ artistic voices, and discussing music’s historical and cultural contexts. Her teaching style is influenced by her own teachers and mentors, particularly Kathy Hansen’s use of game-based learning and Dr. Louis Goldstein’s intellectual curiosity. 

In addition to her one-on-one work with students, Erica greatly enjoys classroom teaching. Prior to joining the Harmony Music Studios team, Erica taught English in the Czech Republic through the Fulbright Program. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem.

Michael Cohn—Piano, Voice, Music Theory

Originally from San Diego, California, Michael Cohn received his Master of Fine Arts in Piano Performance at the University of California, Irvine in 2021. He also received his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of California, San Diego in 2017. Classical piano is his main instrument, but he also has a love for jazz which led him to play the saxophone, clarinet, and flute growing up. Some of his favorite composers include Brahms, Beethoven, Clara Schumann, and Antonin Dvorak, although his musical interests are not solely focused on classical music. He also enjoys alternative and classic rock, especially the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who and Weezer. Michael has been teaching music since 2012 during his freshman year of college. His teaching is solely student-centered, with a focus on making music fun and engaging, while diving deeply into skills and technique along the way. His dreams and aspirations for music are to continue teaching as well as to continue performing, and to one day, earn his doctorate and become a college professor. 

Growing up in San Diego, California, he spent most of his time delving into the world of music, or competitively swimming. He was also a dedicated swimmer and was privileged to further his swimming career at the collegiate level while at UCSD. In June of 2022, he moved to Chapel Hill along with his wife, Rachel so she could begin med school at UNC Chapel Hill. Now in his free time, you can usually find him outdoors, hiking, cycling, running or swimming.

Isiah Carlton—Piano, Clarinet, Music Theory

Isiah graduated from Guilford College with a B.A. in Music, and he is excited to teach piano and clarinet to beginning and advanced students. While attending Guilford College, Isiah performed as lead clarinet in the Greensboro Concert Band. Isiah showed a passion for music at an early age, with his mother and grandmother guiding his first steps at the piano. At 12 years old, he began composing his own music, and through school taught children in and around his neighborhood. 

Kyle Finley—Piano, Music Theory

Kyle is a pianist, performer, and music teacher who currently is pursuing a double major in music and chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has had a strong passion for music and is excited to share this passion through teaching. Kyle is an experienced pianist who performs in concerts hosted by the UNC Department of Music. He regularly challenges himself through piano competitions, and he currently is preparing for the MTNA–Stecher and Horowitz competition. In addition to his piano pursuits, Kyle enjoys playing the clarinet, and has participated in numerous orchestras and chamber music groups including the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute and the Triangle Youth Philharmonic.

Katie MacLeod—Voice, piano, music theory

Katie is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, holding a Bachelor of Music with a focus in Education, and a Certificate in Vocal Performance.

Following graduation, Katie stayed local to Columbia, SC where she gained valuable teaching experience as the full-time music teacher at Rice Creek Elementary School. Here she taught students aged PreK through fifth grade, as well as an after-school chorus for fourth and fifth graders. Her teaching style is influenced by Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (MLT) which is based on the idea that music development is strongly rooted in audiation, or “thinking” the music. She takes a music-play approach to her lessons and loves to incorporate improvisation and creativity based activities whenever possible to help instill a love for music in each of her students. Outside of school hours, she also spent time working at First Presbyterian Church, teaching Sight-Singing and Music Theory to the church’s children's choirs.

As a member of the Chamber Choir and Chancel Choir, she was a featured mezzo-soprano soloist in several choral works, such as: J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Cantata 150, and Cantata 34; G.F. Handel’s Messiah; and Vivaldi’s Gloria.

After 10 years in South Carolina, Katie is thrilled to begin a new adventure in Durham, North Carolina to take what she’s learned during these past six years in the classroom and apply it to a more one-on-one style of music development. When she’s not teaching music, you may be able to find Katie enjoying the outdoors, practicing yoga, or playing with her dog, DJ. She cannot wait to begin building new relationships and making music with the students of Harmony Music Studios!

Sandra Stott Benavides—Piano, Music Theory (English and Spanish)

Sandra Stott Benavides has worked as an educator and tutor for over 25 years. Sandra taught overseas in Bogota, Colombia for 14 years, first as a grade-school teacher and then as a music teacher and high-school chorus director. After returning to the US, she taught public elementary school music, utilizing her Spanish skills as a translator and interpreter. She has also tutored high-school students in Intermediate level Spanish. She currently holds a state teaching license in NC in music education (K–12) and ESL.

Sandra has a Bachelor's degree in Applied Music—Piano & Voice from UNC Greensboro. She has taught private piano for 30 years, and currently is the music minister, choral director, and accompanist at a church in Chapel Hill

Eden Jones—Violin, Piano, Music Theory

Eden Jones is a musician, composer, and music educator originally from Wisconsin. She recently moved to the Chapel Hill area to begin her studies in musicology as a PhD student at UNC. Eden received her MA in Music from Houghton University where she also held the position of Concertmaster of the Houghton Symphony Orchestra between 2021-2023. Prior to that she spent five years teaching English as well as performing music across South Korea. She received her B.A. in English with a minor in Violin Performance from Liberty University in 2014. Eden has been teaching violin (beginner to advanced levels) and piano (beginner) for over fifteen years. She utilizes a mixture of Suzuki and traditional methods in her teaching and is passionate about instilling a love for music in her students. Eden focuses on developing the balanced musician, emphasizing early development of ear training and proper technique, and building to other key skills such as theory, note reading, improvisation, and expression.

In her approach, Eden strives to understand students’ individual learning styles as well as what motivates them and will keep them engaged in learning music, hopefully for years to come. A classically trained violinist from the age of four, Eden has a deep appreciation for the richness of classical music but also enjoys performing and teaching many other genres of music from folk to pop as well as sacred and contemporary Christian music. For her, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing her students succeed in their musical endeavors.

Thomas Davis—Piano, Music Theory (online only)

Thomas is a pianist, singer/songwriter, composer/improviser, and educator who specializes in Jazz, Classical, and Contemporary styles of music.

Lessons with Thomas depend on each student’s musical interests, but will include injury-preventative technique, the intersection of ear training and theory, sight singing/reading, and artistry (vision & phrasing). Whether focusing on written music or improvised music, lessons will explore what it means to be a creative musician with a unique voice. Thomas has experience working with both beginners and advanced students, with ages ranging from 6 to 60.

In 2013 Thomas received UNC Chapel Hill’s highest compositional honor (the Thelma Thompson Composition Award) for his setting of Walt Whitman’s Whispers of Heavenly Death, and in 2014 he was published via NoteNova Choral Music Publishing in Manhattan, NYC.

Notable performances include representing the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) at Leonard Bernstein’s 2019 Centennial Celebration (showcasing an improvisation on themes from Bernstein’s Spring Will Come Again), and being chosen to represent NEC’s Contemporary Improvisation Department at the 2019 Spring Commencement Ceremony with his original composition Zen and the Art of Buttering Bread.

Since receiving his Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2019 Thomas has spent the majority of his time performing original works and hymns, working with his students, and developing his artistic voice.

Ari Lindenbaum—Piano, Music Theory, Synthesizer & Electronic Music

Ari is a composer, pianist and educator. He believes that music is a great way to creatively express oneself and create meaningful experiences with others. Ari studied music composition at the university of South Carolina and in his own practice plays piano and uses compositional techniques to play and program synthesizers to create electronic music.

Ari is interested in all types of music and teaches: classical, jazz, and popular music and he works with students to create lessons based on their interests to help them achieve their goals. Ari’s lessons include performance pieces, music theory, technique, ear training as well as composition and improvisation. Ari believes that learning music should feel joyful, even with the challenge it can present, which is why he strives to create a friendly environment for students to learn and grow. Ari loves seeing the spark of inspiration people get when they learn or compose music, and he is driven to foster and encourage that spark.

Ari also teaches keyboard classes for Kidznotes in partnership with Durham Children's Initiative.

Matt Viola—Woodwinds, Voice, Piano, Music Theory

Matt grew up in Hillsborough, NC and earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance '13 specializing in the clarinet and Master's of Music Teaching '15 from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, OH. He believes that music education extends beyond technical proficiency. He incorporates mindfulness techniques, drawing inspiration from practices that promote focus, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Inspired by the principles of the Inner Game, he encourages his students to develop a growth mindset, overcome performance anxiety, and find joy in the learning process. The Alexander Technique plays a pivotal role in his teaching. By emphasizing body awareness, efficient movement, and tension release, he empowers students to play with ease and expressiveness.

For seven years, Matt served as a middle school choir director in Martinsville and Norfolk, VA. He directed the music for The Lion King Jr., Legally Blonde Jr., and Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at Laurel Park Middle School and Little Shop of Horrors, Memphis the Musical, and All Shook Up! at Patrick Henry Community College. Currently, Matt plays Bb and Eb Clarinet in the Durham Community Concert Band. He previously performed with the PHCC Jazz Band playing tenor saxophone, clarinet, and singing, took the stage in Memphis the Musical, Into the Woods, All Shook Up!, and Cats with the PHCC Patriot Players, and played clarinet in the Virginia Chamber Winds and Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble. Matt believes in the power of music to connect people, and he thrives on sharing his passion with others. When not immersed in music, he enjoys playing video games.

Campbell Wheby—Piano, Voice, Music Theory

Campbell Wheby is a pianist, singer, performer, and teacher who is eager to share her passion for music with young students.

Campbell graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a lead singer for the award-winning Carolina Bluegrass Band under the direction of Russell Johnson. She was a member of Musical Empowerment, a program that provides free music lessons to local youth, and was the Music Chair of her sorority for three years. Campbell’s work in music extended to advocacy during her time as a Program Assistant at Kidznotes, where she worked with children from K-12th grade. 

Campbell currently works as a Communications Coordinator for the Sanford Area Growth Alliance. She resides in Chapel Hill. 

Kaitlyn Tobin—Piano, music theory

Kaitlyn is a dedicated music teacher and psychology student at UNC Chapel Hill, with a deep love for music and a passion for helping students grow through their musical journeys. With over two years of experience teaching piano to beginner and intermediate students, Kaitlyn strives to create a positive and supportive environment where students can discover their own unique musical voice.

For Kaitlyn, music is a magical tool for personal growth, and she is honored to share that magic with the music community. Whether through teaching, composing, or performing, music is a constant in her life that brings joy, creativity, and inspiration. When she isn’t teaching, Kaitlyn enjoys composing as a hobby and continues her own musical education by taking marimba lessons.

Kaitlyn is excited to help students explore their musical passions and support them in finding their own rhythm and style, making music a joyful part of their lives!

Robbie Errico—Piano, Music Theory

Robbie Errico is a pianist and instructor who is devoted to instilling a lifelong passion for music in his students. Inspired by his grandfather, he began piano lessons at age 5 and has since then only continued to pursue his love of the instrument. Robbie aims to foster a well-rounded skill set, including technical training, aural skills, and music theory, but also aims to incorporate these subjects organically within the context of repertoire, building a solid foundation which promotes speed of improvement, flexibility, and retention.

Robbie considers music to be an intimately personal part of us, and his mission as a teacher reflects that. Guided by his belief that the biggest strength of 1-on-1 instruction is the ability to personalize every lesson, he makes it a goal to learn what methods work best for each and every student, ensuring everyone is able to make progress and meet their goals in ways that speak to them.

Recently celebrating 20 years as a pianist, Robbie studied piano at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, and has performed internationally in music festivals as a soloist, ensemble member, and accompanist in a variety of styles and genres. His experience includes concerto competitions, solo recitals, duets, orchestral and choir works, and accompanimental work for numerous singers and instrumentalists.