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Meet the Faculty
Music Academy South is blessed to have some of the most professional and knowledgeable instructors in the Triangle area. Read on to find out more about our faculty!
Bob Cohen
Drums & Percussion
Bob Cohen brings acclaimed talent and experience both as a teacher and a performer of percussion. His training at the New York School of Jazz enhanced his skills in music theory, composition and performance improvisation. Mr. Cohen has performed with prominent figures such as Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, and the Smothers Brothers through many USO tours throughout the world. Currently, you can find him performing and recording with local artists such as Scott Sawyer, John Brown, and Ed Paolantonio. As an instructor, Mr. Cohen enjoys working with beginning and advanced students. Guest lectures at schools such as Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Raleigh Christian Academy have been part of Bob’s sustaining interest in teaching good percussion skills to all levels in a variety of different places.
Jeanine Skinner
Piano
Dr. Jeanine Skinner earned an AA in Music (Anderson College), BM in Piano Performance (Furman University), MM in Piano Performance (Florida State University), DMA in Piano Pedagogy and Performance (University of South Carolina). She has served on the faculties of various colleges and universities throughout the southeast. Teacher, church musician, professional accompanist, adjudicator and clinician for the past thirty nine years, Dr. Skinner was recently presented the 2005 Achievement Award from Anderson College. In addition to teaching piano, Dr. Skinner is also Director of Music Academy South.
Jacob Groff
Piano
Jacob Groff received his Bachelor's of Music degree in Composition from the University of Oregon and his Master's degree in Music Composition from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Mr. Groff taught piano in northern New Jersey for six years, where he was proud to have a student perform one of his solo piano works in recital. Mr. Groff is sought after for his vocal, choral, and chamber writing and his works have been performed in venues across the country. In the summer of 2007 he released his first professional recording of songs for voice, flute and piano. He won the 2008 "Children's Aid Society Chorus" Competition in New York City. Mr. Groff is published through Santa Barbara Music.
Anne Scoggin
Piano
Anne Scoggin holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Piano Performance from the University of Tennessee/Chattanooga and a Master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Meredith College. She has been a long-time independent teacher in Louisburg, taught at Campbell University for five years, and at Raleigh Conservatory of Music for twenty years. Her teaching experience includes working with students of all ages and levels of piano study. Fulfilling the standards of the Music Teachers National Association Professional Certification Program, Mrs. Scoggin holds the designation of a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. She is a member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association and the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, which she presently serves as Piano Contest Co-Director. She has presented programs to area piano teachers organizations, judged in piano competitions, directed master classes, performed in duo recitals, and accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists. Mrs. Scoggin is also the organist/choir director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg.
Rickey Dawson
Voice
Rickey Dawson is a young, hip vocalist with a flair for bringing excitement into every performance and lesson. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion at Campbell University in 2007. A student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, he is currently working toward a Masters in Church Music. Mr. Dawson is an active musician in the community where he is called upon to perform most every weekend. His impact on each student is decidedly special, well thought out, and insightful. His goal is to enrich the lives of others through education, creativity, and performance.
Amanda Greene
Piano & Voice
Amanda Greene holds her Bachelor's degree in Church Music from Toccoa Falls College. She has been teaching voice and piano to children and adults for eight years and loves to watch them grow and develop a deeper appreciation for music and arts. Mrs. Greene has experience teaching general music, musical theatre, ensemble work, choirs of all ages and individual students in a private lesson setting. She was the Music Director at her church in Florida for three years before moving to Wake Forest with her husband and first son, Noah. She has toured the east coast singing in churches and loves to share the gift of music wherever she goes!
Margot Hafner
Piano & Voice
Margot Hafner holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. In addition to teaching at Music Academy South, she is a music instructor with the West Oxford Elementary School in Granville County, NC. Mrs. Hafner is director of the West Oxford Chorus, a 60-member first grade choir, and has directed Little Theater and Children's Theater musicals in Granville County. Mrs. Hafner is a dedicated member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association and brings over thirty seven years of teaching experience to our studio! In addition to teaching piano and voice, Mrs. Hafner also teaches the Music Academy South Children's Chorus.
Emily Rudolph
Piano & Voice
Emily Rudolph holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. She has participated in several vocal teams and choirs touring in both the United States and overseas. Mrs. Rudolph has taught voice and piano in Ohio and North Carolina, as well as been active in musical theatre productions. She has recorded two solo CD projects, as well as three others with her church praise team. Currently, Mrs. Rudolph serves as the choir director and music assistant at Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville and is a guest vocalist and speaker at various church, conferences, and events.
Laura Jackson
Flute
Laura Jackson is a Wake Forest teacher who finds her musical fervor in private lessons with each of her flutists. In her studio, students learn a cross-section of skills and styles. Whether looking for help with competitions, beginner band or personal enjoyment, Mrs. Jackson believes that her students' hard work will be rewarded in all areas of performance that they may choose.
Ricardo James
Brass & Woodwinds
A local graduate from North Carolina Central University, Ricardo James brings over fourteen years of musical experience to our studio! Born into a family of vocalists and the son of a pastor, Mr. James discovered music right from the pews of his father's church at a young age. This trumpet player carries a deep appreciation for jazz and seeks to enhance his love of music within a newer generation. Mr. James has shared the stage with a number of notable artists such as Bradford Marsalis and has recently completed his second Bachelor's degree in jazz studies. When not teaching, you can find him touring with his reggae band "Dub Addis" and performing regular concerts with local salsa bands. In addition, Mr. James is a valued musician at his church located in Durham, North Carolina. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, students will enjoy making music with Mr. James!
Kevin Yen
Violin & Viola
Kevin Yen holds his Bachelor's degree of Music in Violin Performance from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a Master's degree of Music in Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy emphasis from East Carolina University. Mr. Yen taught in Greenville, NC while completing his studies at East Carolina University gaining broad experience through group and private instruction. He was a member of the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra and currently performs with the Beyond String Quartet. Mr. Yen is in great demand as a teacher and performer throughout the triangle area.
Daniel Day
Guitar & Bass
Daniel Day brings over twenty-five years of valued teaching experience to Music Academy South. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar from the Cornish Institute in Seattle, Washington and also studied overseas learning aspects of Eastern Indian Music (Sri Ram Bahartiya Laka Kendra School of Music in New Delhi, India). Active as a performer and teacher over the years, he has played solo and with various groups in the Midwest, Northwest, and on the East Coast. Mr. Day is a versatile guitarist, composer, and performer fluent in numerous genres of music. Students of all ages love making music with Mr. Day!
Josh Preslar
Guitar & Bass
Josh Preslar is an accomplished performer and seasoned teacher. His early guitar study with his father fostered the love of music and fine guitar playing. Currently, Mr. Preslar regularly hosts a local talent showcase and jam session in downtown Raleigh. He is a member of Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy, an internationally touring blues band based out of Houston, TX. In addition, Mr. Preslar is the President of the Triangle Blues Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the blues tradition in this area alive through live performances, workshops, and recognition of local artists. Though Mr. Preslar has a passion for the blues, his styles vary with all types of musical genres. He enjoys teaching it all and loves to see students reach the point of being able to play pieces that they love.