Meet Our Instructors!
James Hart, Director
Guitar • Bass • Piano • Voice • Violin/Fiddle • Music Theory • Band Classes
James Hart is an accomplished songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and performer who serves as Director of Stages Music School. A graduate of Concord University with a B.A. in Music, James teaches guitar, bass, piano, voice, violin/fiddle, music theory, and leads the school's band classes. He performs bass with Option 22 and leads Old Soul Reunion, sharing original music at concerts, festivals, conferences, and venues throughout the region. His song Compassion and Contrast was featured in We Need to Talk, a National Endowment for the Arts–funded initiative by RiffRaff Arts Collective. James is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Ary'an Graham
Drums • Guitar
Ary'an Graham is a drummer, guitarist, educator, and one of Stages Music School's greatest success stories. The very first student to enroll at Stages, Ary'an now returns as an instructor, teaching the next generation of young musicians. She teaches drums and guitar with an encouraging, student-centered approach that helps build confidence alongside musical skills.
Ary'an has spent the past five years touring the East Coast with The One Voice Project, an anti-bullying and youth empowerment initiative, and is also an advocate for Free2Luv, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending bullying. She performs with Option 22 and has shared the stage with bassist and longtime musical collaborator Kayla Lynn for more than a decade. Ary'an also tours with Create Your State, inspiring community transformation through the arts, and plays an active role in RiffRaff Arts Collective's youth programs and creative initiatives.
Bethany Keesecker
Piano • Voice
Bethany Keesecker is a gifted pianist, vocalist, and educator who grew up as a student at Stages Music School and now shares her love of music with the next generation. Passionate about praise and worship music, Bethany brings warmth, encouragement, and a strong musical foundation to every lesson. She is dedicated to helping students grow in confidence, develop their talents, and discover the joy of making music.
Jacob Brooks
Guitar • Bass • Drums
Jacob Brooks is an exceptional guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and performer. A graduate of Bluefield University, Jacob has shared the stage with audiences throughout the East Coast, including years touring with The One Voice Project, an anti-bullying and youth empowerment initiative. Today, he performs with a variety of bands while continuing to inspire musicians through his artistry and musicianship. Jacob will soon be offering special masterclasses at Stages Music School, giving students the opportunity to learn from one of the region's most accomplished young musicians.
Melissa McKinney, Founder + Guest Instructor
Voice • Piano • Guitar • Songwriting
Melissa McKinney is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, educator, and arts leader. She founded Stages Music School in 2008 and spent nearly two decades inspiring young musicians throughout Southern West Virginia. Now based in Asheville, North Carolina, Melissa is the lead singer of MAMA, Programming & Education Director for LEAF Global Arts, founder of the WTF (Women to the Front) Music Festival, and serves on the board of AVLfest. In 2025, MAMA won the MerleFest Band Competition, followed by 2nd Place at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Melissa continues to return to Stages as a guest instructor, sharing her passion for music, songwriting, and empowering the next generation of artists.