Meet Our Grand Staff
Professionally Certified & Background Certified Music Instructors.
Brian Emmel-Founder/Owner
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Songwriting
Brian founded Grand Staff Music School in 2008. He has been teaching privately since 1991 and has dedicated his career to music education. Brian graduated from the Musician's Institute and studied under such influential bassists as Jeff Berlin, Gary Willis, Tim Bogert, and Steve Bailey.
Brian has published multiple books and DVD’s for Hal Leonard Publishing as well as conducting Clinics to promote his highly acclaimed teaching methods. Brian has been a columnist for various bass and music periodicals and received raved reviews in Bass Player Magazine for his published works. Brian also performs professionally for various Artists in Nashville and L.A. and is a songwriter and producer with many achievement awards.
Cynthea Kelley
Piano, Voice,Ukulele,Guitar
Cynthea moved to Nashville in 2022 from Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she was
teaching private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, music technology, and
songwriting. She earned a BA in classical guitar performance at Coastal Carolina
University, while additionally studying jazz arranging, classical vocal technique, and
recording technology. From 2020 to 2022, Cynthea was on staff at La Luna Recording & Sound as an engineer/producer. She is currently performing regularly as a jazz-influenced singer/songwriter, running live sound at local venues, and assistant engineering at recording studios in Nashville. With such a variety of musical experiences, Cynthea loves to connect with her students by uniquely shaping their
education to fit their individual interests.
Robin Hutton
Voice, Piano, Ukulele
Robin is a recent graduate of Trevecca University with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has been singing for over ten years and has studied classical voice as a soprano for four years. Robin has completed graduate degree and have a career in performing, teaching and directing.She is passionate about music education and singing.
Tad McCully
Drums, Percussion
Tad has been teaching both privately and in schools in nyc since 1993.
In my lessons i emphasize reading drum music (i will teach you). I combine snare drum studies -rudiments/ exercises, metronome practice and grip (matched or traditional) - along with drum set studies - hands and feet - techniques. I also focus on groove/independence practice and playing along with music--both your favorite cds as well as my original sequenced music written for students. For professionals and more advanced students, one of my specialties is soloing vocabulary.
Some of my past and present students include not only well-known drummers, but several celebrities as well, including nyc police commissioner Ray Kelly, ny times' best-selling author Koren Zailckas, and actors Eric Thal and Haley Joel Osment.
Tad also avails himself for housecalls to do instrument care and maintenance. This is especially useful when the student receives his/her/their first drumkit, and it needs tuning and assembly. Mr. McCully is one of the best drum techs out there.
Trinity Allen
Piano, Voice, Preschool Players
“Trinity is a mezzo-soprano finishing her music education studies this year at Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been training in voice and piano for 10 years. She participates in various choir ensembles at Trevecca and in the Nashville area. Although she is newer to teaching, she puts her student’s needs first, including offering virtual and in-person lessons. She is very excited to teach young minds about the power of music!”
