Our Teachers

Alex Mayweather is a versatile bassist and guitarist with a Bachelor’s degree in Performance (Double Bass) from Florida State University. Trained in both classical and jazz bass, and with extensive private study on guitar, Alex brings a broad musical background and a flexible teaching style to each lesson. He teaches both bass guitar and guitar at Bandwagon, working with students ranging from absolute beginners to advanced players preparing for college auditions.

Alex’s approach is student-centered—he can dive deep into theory or keep it light and fun, depending on each student’s goals. His passion lies in helping students connect more deeply with music, no matter their skill level.

As a performer, Alex has played a wide range of styles including jazz, funk, rock, R&B, gospel, classical, pop, and even video game and world music. He is currently touring with American Idol winner Iam Tongi, adding real-world performance experience to his already impressive résumé.

Outside of music, Alex speaks Japanese and has a deep appreciation for global cultures. His early musical influences include Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Michael Jackson—artists who inspired his dynamic and groove-driven approach to playing and teaching.

Connor Gehlert is a Nashville-based guitarist with a Bachelor of Arts from Berklee College of Music. His musical journey started with lessons at his local music store and evolved through formal jazz studies, shaping him into a versatile and creative musician. At Bandwagon, Connor teaches guitar with a student-driven approach, believing that when students are excited about what they’re learning, real growth happens.

Connor specializes in funk, pop, R&B, and rock, and regularly performs with artists such as Paige Rose and Ellisa Sun. His lessons are as much about building musical curiosity as they are about technique, often introducing students to new music that keeps them motivated and inspired.

Influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and The Clash, Connor brings both passion and professionalism to every lesson. Outside of music, he’s got a sweet side—he once worked as a pastry chef when he first moved to Nashville.

Dan Reifsnyder is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and educator with a rich background in piano, voice, and composition. He studied music composition at NYU and trained under renowned vocal coaches Bill Riley (Beyoncé, Faith Hill) and Carlo Lifavi Menotti (Tony Bennett, Judy Garland). At Bandwagon, Dan teaches piano and voice, creating an engaging and fun learning environment where students explore the music they love while building a strong foundation in theory and technique.

A versatile musician, Dan enjoys playing pop, rock, Broadway, country, and just about anything with a good groove. He performs under the moniker A History of Ghosts and regularly appears in writer’s rounds and live performances supporting fellow artists.

Dan’s approach is student-centered and joy-driven, helping each learner feel excited and empowered. His early musical influences include Billy Joel, Elton John, and a wide range of pop and rock from the 1930s to the 1990s.

Outside of music, Dan is a proud nerd and former child actor. He’s often spotted in Star Wars or Marvel tees and brings that same enthusiasm and character into his lessons. His accolades include a Grammy nomination, Billboard World Song Contest runner-up, and multiple ASCAP Plus Awards.

Emily Stevens is a talented pianist and educator with a background in both music and visual art. She studied at Miami University of Art and Design and has been performing professionally in Nashville for the past five years. At Bandwagon, Emily specializes in one-on-one piano instruction, particularly with young students, where her calm presence and creative approach help students build both skill and confidence.

Her musical style draws from jazz, R&B, Motown, and blues, and she regularly performs with three different groups around Nashville. Emily loves watching her students light up with passion as they grow in their technique and musical expression.

Growing up, she was inspired by the soulful voices of Norah Jones and Aretha Franklin. Her lifelong dedication to music began in elementary school, and one of her most memorable achievements was performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

When she’s not teaching or performing, Emily channels her creativity as a visual artist, bringing a unique artistic perspective to everything she does.

Lauren D’Amato is a dynamic vocalist, pianist, and educator with over 20 years of experience performing and teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice with a minor in piano and flute, and is certified to teach vocal, instrumental, and general music for Pre-K through 12th grade. Lauren teaches piano and voice with a flexible, student-centered approach influenced by her background in Montessori education—meeting each student where they are and building lessons around their individual goals and interests.

Her performance résumé spans musicals, cruise ships, recording sessions, jazz clubs, wedding bands, and national television. She spent eight years singing the National Anthem for the New York Knicks and Rangers, and even opened for Lionel Richie during the release of his Pepsi commercial. One of her original songs from a country album even charted at #78 in Canada.

Currently performing as part of a music duo, Lauren brings a wealth of real-world experience into her teaching. She loves all musical styles but is especially enjoying a jazz phase at the moment. Her early influences include her mother and aunt, both of whom inspired her love of singing and piano.

Outside of music, Lauren is a master thrift shopper with a knack for finding exactly what people need—often right after they mention it!

Lisa Webb is a seasoned educator and performer with a Master of Music in Composition. Originally from Missouri, she grew up playing piano, saxophone, and singing, and has since performed and taught around the world. Lisa specializes in piano, ukulele, and voice lessons, and is known for creating a supportive, engaging learning environment tailored to each student’s strengths and interests.

Her musical style spans jazz, blues, classics, and original compositions. Lisa currently performs with the Webb-Tigert Duo and Bob’s Your Uncle Band. She was named Teacher of the Year at WO Smith Music School and received the President’s Award from the Nashville Calligrapher’s Guild, where she also served as president.

Outside of music, Lisa owns a calligraphy company and brings that same artistic passion into everything she does. Her early musical influences include her high school band director, Frank Sinatra, and Carole King.

Sophie Buck is a passionate violin and viola instructor with over 14 years of experience as a performer and educator. She began teaching during high school and has since worked with students of all ages, focusing on the Suzuki Method to foster musical growth and joyful learning. Sophie holds a minor in Music from Middle Tennessee State University and has completed Suzuki Violin Teacher Training for Books I and II.

Her musical journey has included playing with the MTSU Symphony Orchestra, performing regularly as a professional wedding violinist, and appearing with folk and bluegrass ensembles across Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama—including the Ricky J. Taylor and the Live Roots Ensemble. She continues to perform viola in her trio and serve on church worship teams.

Sophie’s musical influences include Alison Krauss, Brittany Haas, and Lindsey Stirling, and her favorite styles to play span Celtic, classical, country, folk, and sacred music. Beyond music, Sophie is also pursuing her dream of writing and illustrating children’s books, bringing her creativity and storytelling into every lesson.

Tom McIntire is a seasoned brass educator and performer with over 50 years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Juris Doctorate from Nashville School of Law. A former principal trumpet for the Sarasota Concert Band and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Tom brings a wealth of musical and life experience to every lesson.

At Bandwagon, Tom teaches trumpet, trombone, and baritone with a student-centered approach, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each player. His passion for teaching is deeply rooted in the success and growth of his students, many of whom have gone on to achieve their own musical milestones.

Tom has a lifelong love for brass music and was especially inspired by trumpet legend Doc Severinsen. Outside of music, he holds a sixth-degree black belt in Aikido, reflecting his dedication to discipline, focus, and personal growth—values he also brings into the teaching studio.

Trevor Caddell is a woodwind specialist with a strong foundation in jazz and commercial music. He holds a Master of Music in Commercial Music (saxophone) from Belmont University and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Kentucky University. Trevor teaches flute, clarinet, and saxophone, blending technical fundamentals with music theory, ear training, and improvisation to help students become intuitive, confident players.

With a performance background that includes bands like Craig Waters and the Flood, Chris Ferrara and the Common Good, and Brother Smith, Trevor brings real-world experience into every lesson. He currently freelances as a performer and studio musician, and is focused on writing and recording original projects.

Trevor’s teaching style emphasizes relaxed, tension-free playing and musical fluency. He encourages students to develop a deep listening practice and a strong musical identity. His influences range from jazz legends like Charlie Parker to modern greats like Michael Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Marc Russo, and Bob Mintzer.

Outside of music, Trevor is a dedicated NFL fan—especially of the Cincinnati Bengals—and enjoys following football year-round.

Tristan McCoppin is a versatile guitarist and educator with a Bachelor of Music and a background in classical guitar from the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia. Originally trained in the classical tradition, Tristan later transitioned into the world of blues, rock, and pop as a session guitarist, bringing a broad and flexible musical perspective to his teaching.

He teaches guitar and ukulele with a focus on comfort, relaxation, and solid technique, helping students develop great musicality in a supportive environment. Tristan believes music is a powerful way to connect with others, and he brings that spirit into every lesson.

Tristan performs regularly with artists including Tracee Perrin, KFHOX, and Richard Hurteau. Outside of music, he’s a dedicated coffee aficionado who always appreciates a good brew. His early musical influences range from Eric Clapton and The Beatles to Mozart and J.S. Bach, reflecting the wide range of styles he both enjoys and teaches.