Maximize your potential by studying with the hardest working musicians in the area. Our music instructors are passionate about music, and eager to share that with their students. We hand select music instructors that are personable, professional, and the absolute best performers in town. Our students get to enjoy amazing opportunities because our instructors are so involved in the community and music scene. We have teachers that are in popular local bands, directors of piano festivals, members of philharmonics, and much more! We also have the most versatile staff of music instructors in the state. Whether jazz, rock, pop, country, classical, songwriting, or R&B, Freeway Music has an instructor perfect for you!
Rachel Bletstein
Dr. Bletstein has a passion for both playing and teaching piano. She received her Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina.
Teaches: Piano
Charlotte Humbarger
As a teacher, she believes that no two students are the same and enjoys varying her lessons to foster growth in students of all learning types.
Teaches: ViolaViolin
Verena Abufaiad
I truly believe in the impact that music may have on someone's life. As a musician and teacher, I am driven to share the incredible role music has played in my life!
Teaches: Piano
Katera Anderson
Having a great deal of performance experience, training, passion and a good music following are some of the many things I am excited to pass on to my students!
Teaches: GuitarVoice
Michael Atwater
Michael's enthusiasm inspires his students, bringing out all of their talent and passion for learning to play guitar.
Teaches: BassGuitar
JulieAnne Bennett
JulieAnne has made it her goal to constantly evolve as a teacher and encourage the unique musician in every person that walks through the door.
Teaches: ViolaViolin
Seth Blu’ Boone
Seth is a national touring drummer who enjoys allowing his students to hone their focus, intensity, and passion for playing.
Teaches: Drums
Davis Bowers
Davis continues to grow his passion for Jazz as he plays with Left Bank Big Band and jazz combo at USC. Davis is also director of the Crossroads Middle School Jazz Band.
Teaches: Saxophone
Phil Castro
Mr. Castro’s passion for teaching is matched with his passion for performing. He has enjoyed performing with classical chamber groups as well as jazz ensembles.
Teaches: Piano
Idris Chandler
Idris is thankful to have been invited to perform at area venues with the likes of Ray Charles, Edwin McCain, and Lou Rawls.
Teaches: BassCelloViolaViolin
Katie Chandler
Katie is passionate about helping students experience the joy of music through piano. She believes that everyone is capable of music making!
Teaches: Piano
Brian Conner
Guitarist, vocalist and creative drive of the band Villanova Band, Brian has been writing music since he was 11 years old.
Teaches: BanjoBassGuitarVoice
Jon Coxe
From students with casual interest, to those with an outright guitar obsession, Jon looks forward to helping his students reach their goals!
Teaches: Guitar
Collin Danker
Collin has played with a variety of local bands, covering genres ranging from funk and blues to jazz and rock.
Teaches: Drums
Rebecca Ewing
While sharing her knowledge of classical technique, Rebecca loves to tailor her teaching to reach the imagination of her students.
Teaches: PianoVoice
Rebekah Fry
Rebekah helps her students grow as excellent, passionate musicians who are excited to share the gift of music with those around them!
Teaches: Piano
Charles Funk
Not only will a student learn to play guitar but the student will have access to a vast knowledge of the business behind being a successful guitar player.
Teaches: Guitar
Catie Galan
Catie uses her diverse musical background and experience to help students reach their musical aspirations.
Teaches: GuitarViolinVoice
Augie Gil
Augie enjoys working with students of all ages and encourages collaboration, innovation in music, and performance.
Teaches: PianoVoice
Adrian Gonzalez
Learning to play and understand music will positively affect all aspects of your life.
Teaches: GuitarUkelele
Jacobi Gunter
As a drummer, Jacobi has played at NBA events and more, and uses his downtime to continue inspire and educate drummers of all ages.
Teaches: Drums
Jim Graddick
While still in high school, Jim traveled to Asheville, NC to study under Grammy award winner Bobby Hicks, as well as Buddy Spicher and Aubrey Haynie.
Teaches: MandolinViolin
Kristen Harris
Kristen is an active orchestral musician chamber musician, and member of two well renowned local bands. She is ready to bring her experience and passion to her students!
Teaches: ViolaViolin
Adam Haltiwanger
Adam strives to help all of his student's meet their personal goals, while maintaining a fun and relaxed teaching atmosphere.
Teaches: BassGuitarUkelele
Bobby Hatfield
Bobby’s teaching strengths lie in helping students learn to compose and edit their own work, drawing from a vast array of musical tastes and interests.
Teaches: Piano
Mari Hazel
My passion for teaching comes from the work that I've done with the great directors, conductors, and teachers throughout my lifetime.
Teaches: Voice
Jack Hinds
Jack is a Junior Instructor of Rock Band Class. Watch out for Jack...he's a future Freeway Instructor!
Teaches: DrumsGuitar
Walter Hemingway
Through my vocal exercises & food choices, I have managed to increase my range by an octave and a half over the last ten years.
Teaches: Voice
Amos Hoffman
Amos Hoffman is an Israeli Jazz Guitarist and Oudist known worldwide as a pioneer in fusing the rhythms and melodic themes of the Middle East with Modern Jazz.
Teaches: GuitarOud
Zack Hughes
Mr. Hughes performs across the US and overseas. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from The Juilliard School where he studied with Jerome Lowenthal.
Teaches: Piano
Blake Hunter
Blake encourages everyone, no matter your age, to learn an instrument. Music can change your life in amazing ways, and he is excited to share this with his students!
Teaches: Drums
Ryan Johnson
Ryan has an eclectic background in performing and a rich, well-rounded understanding of music education.
Teaches: Drums
Jackson Kemp
Jackson's teaching style creatively balances structure and fun to help students enjoy improving.
Teaches: GuitarUkelele
Xu Khuc
A native to Orange County, California, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy with a Doctoral Minor in Music Education
Teaches: Piano
Jonathan Knott
I believe that the mark of a good teacher is learning from their students just as much as they teach them.
Teaches: Guitar
Ryan Knott
Ryan is devoted to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and discipline required to play the cello, as well as nurturing their individual artistic voice.
Teaches: Cello
A.J. Lang
A.J. believes that every student has the ability to attain all of their aspirations with hard work, patience, and direction.
Teaches: BassGuitarUkelele
Tony Lee
Tony has been playing drums for over 30 years, and has developed a fresh, holistic approach to educating students of all ages and ability levels.
Teaches: Drums
Niles Lewis
Niles Lewis will always communicate his love and passion for music to every student.
Teaches: Guitar
Laurel MacCallum
As an accomplished singer/songwriter, with a successful EP and a wealth of performance experience, Laurel is ready to help students achieve their goals and dreams!
Teaches: Voice
Trey Martin
Trey encourages students to expand their knowledge outside of the lesson room and to play live with others.
Teaches: Guitar
Amanda Mayo
Amanda loves working with singers and instrumentalists alike and looks forward to working with you soon!
Teaches: ClarinetVoice
Kelley McLachlan
"I want my students to enjoy the process of revealing their creativity."
Teaches: GuitarUkeleleVoice
Brad Mclane
Brad has been teaching at Sims Music for 28 years and has a wealth of experience gigging in the Columbia area.
Teaches: Guitar
Drew Medlin
Drew took lessons from Robert Newton and is currently earning a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of South Carolina under Bert Ligon.
Teaches: Guitar
Nyamka Odsuren
Nyamsaikhan Odsuren is from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He is currently pursuing his D.M.A in Orchestral Conducting at the University of South Carolina.
Teaches: ViolaViolin
Jonathan Phipps
Music is an outlet, a passion. Jonathan is here to provide you with the information and the skillset to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
Teaches: Drums
Drew Preston
Drew is a fun and free-spirited teacher who is highly motivated to inspire his students.
Teaches: MandolinViolaViolin
Mark Rapp
"One can't help but sense a distinct identity to Rapp, in both his composing and playing." -Jazz Improv NY Magazine
Teaches: TromboneTrumpet
Sara-Ann Russo
Sara Ann is excited to use her performance experience and education from Berklee as well as private studies to help her students cultivate their passion.
Teaches: Voice
Don Russo
Through his years of hard work and diligent effort, Don has become one of the most sought after guitar instructors in South Carolina.
Teaches: BassGuitarMandolin
Geoff Shackley
The drum set is an amazing, versatile instrument. I am happy to pass along my knowledge in all styles and genres to students who want to find and grow in their passion!
Teaches: Drums
Jerry Sims
Jerry can be seen performing locally with some of the state's greatest musicians and has performed nationally with major acts such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Rita Coolidge, and
Teaches: BassGuitar
Reggie Sullivan
Reggie has appeared in several local ETV broadcasts and national television series, most recently as a band member for Wynona Judd.
Teaches: Bass
Paisley Suttlemyre
Paisley has been singing since she could talk, studying voice for 13 years, performing since the age of 12, and has even racked up some awards along the way!
Teaches: GuitarUkeleleVoice
Ross Swinson
Ross's strength lies in his versatility and ability to help students find what truly inspires them about music.
Teaches: BassGuitarUkelele
Scotty Taylor
My determination to find as much musical influence as possible is what drives me to teach others about the boundless world of guitar playing.
Teaches: GuitarUkelele
Alyssa Tavarez
While at Newberry, Alyssa sang in opera scenes, in choirs, with the jazz combo, and with the jazz big band.
Teaches: Voice
Aaron Terrapin
My primary focus for the student in guitar lessons, is an in depth comprehension of Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Dynamics, and Technique.
Teaches: Guitar
Lindsey Vickers
From young beginners to advanced students to adults who have always wanted to study piano, Lindsey enjoys teaching all age groups and levels.
Teaches: Piano
Nick Vlandis
Nicholas initially enrolled at Furman University under a trumpet scholarship, but ultimately found his passion to be behind a keyboard.
Teaches: PianoTrumpet
