caroline firczak
Caroline Firczak holds the Bachelor's of Music degree in Vocal Performance, Summa Cum Laude, and also the Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, Honors, from Winthrop University where she was a Founder's Scholar and Graduate Assistant in the Dept of Music. At Winthrop, Ms. Firczak also studied piano as a secondary instrument and was a member of the Winthrop Chorale, Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers, Collegiate Choir, and Jazz Voices. Academic and musical recognitions awarded to Ms. Firczak include nomination as a Rhodes Scholar, the Eddie Leonard Voice Scholarship, Rock Hill Music Club Scholarship, and the Delta Omicron Music Fraternity Scholarship.
Ms. Firczak also enjoys continued involvement in theatre, both as music director and performer. In 2009 she was honored with separate nominations for awards from the Metrolina Theatre Association for work as a performer and musical director. Her theatrical credits include work with Theatre Charlotte, Theatre Matthews, Carowind's Theme Park, CPCC Summer Theatre, Fort Mill Playhouse, and the Uwharrie Players.
As a teacher, Ms. Firczak strives to personalize instruction based on students' needs, strengths, and overall expectations. She enjoys working with beginning and experienced students of all ages and enjoys incorporating music history and theory to encourage well-rounded musicianship.
 matthew rogers
Matthew Rogers began playing piano when he was five years old. Throughout his childhood he participated in festivals such as the NFMC Piano Festival, performances, and completed over ten years of the National Piano Guild Auditions. During his adolescence he studied in the studios of Academy faculty member Robin Love and Diane Bailes. While in school he also had the opportunity to learn many other instruments, including the Saxophone, Guitar, French horn, Tuba, Percussion, and various other wind and brass instruments.
Matthew studied at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. There he studied with Dr. Bair Shagdaron and was also given the opportunity to play and perform in various music settings, including jazz and ensembles, bands, orchestra, and as an accompanist. After graduation Matthew married Kristin Bailes and they moved to China for nine months. While in China, Matthew taught English to children of all ages, both in classroom and one-on-one settings. Upon returning from China in July 2011, Matthew worked at Myers Park Presbyterian Church as a children’s sports camp counselor. Matthew has been an active member in both First Baptist Church of Matthews and Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church for many years, giving him the opportunity to play piano and work with children of all ages. He has a strong passion for music that exhibits itself both while he is playing and teaching.
Matthew also has a gift for improvisation. Here is a video of Matthew performing his own arrangement of Shine On Us at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, where our own Lori Williams is church pianst!
gillian schultz
Gillian Schultz has been involved in music since she was a young girl. She began her music studies on the piano and soon after began violin lessons. Gillian has her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the State University of New York College at Fredonia with a focus on violin and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Nazareth College, Rochester, NY.
Gillian has been teaching for over fifteen years. She began teaching private violin lessons while still in high school. After college, Gillian was the Elementary and Middle School Orchestra Director in the West Irondequoit Central School District in Rochester, NY. While in West Irondequoit, she prepared students for the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival, All-County, Area-All State and All State Orchestras.
Five years ago Gillian moved to Charlotte and accepted a position teaching general music at Oaklawn Language Academy in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Gillian left her job with CMS after her first son was born.
Gillian has toured with the Fredonia Chamber Orchestra and performed with the Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra and the Penfield Symphony Orchestra in Rochester, NY and with numerous small chamber music groups.
Gillian loves to share her love of music with students. She maintains high expectations for her students while still allowing students to feel comfortable in their lessons. She teaches students to become independent, lifelong musicians.
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