Fine Arts Center of Easley Welcomes New Instructors in Voice, Piano, Brass and Saxophone

FACE is proud to welcome three new instructors in the following areas:

Voice and Piano-T.J. Ellis

Brass Instruments (trombone, trumpet, tuba...)- Wes Lebo

Saxophone- Ryan Kouvolo

Thomas James "T.J." Ellis-A 2007 graduate of Erskine College with a Bachelor of Arts in Church Music. He received his Master of Music degree from Winthrop University in 2009 with a concentration in Choral Conducting. He has taught private piano and voice lessons for six years. 

T.J. has served as an adjunct faculty member at Erskine College since 2009 teaching voice, assisting with the choirs, accompanying, directing and assisting with Opera Workshop, and teaching various courses. 

 As a private instructor, along with giving the necessary instruction to be proficient in foundations of music theory, his primary goal is to encourage optimal musicianship with his students, challenging them to not just "play the notes," but to make sensitive, intentional decisions regarding music. 

Being a well-rounded performer is crucial to successful musicianship and all areas of performing are addressed in his studio. 

Enrolling now for: 864-442-6027

• Voice-all levels, Classical, Pop, Gospel and more.
• Piano-Beginner to Intermediate-Advanced
• Including All-state, Competition and Audition Prep
• Master Classes

Cost $25/lesson 

Wes Lebo-is currently the Assistant Principal and Second Trombone of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra.  As a freelance performer Wes has performed with various professional organizations throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. These organizations include the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the GAMAC Symphony Orchestra in Anderson, South Carolina, the Gwinette Ballet Theater Orchestra in Gwinnette, Ga., and the Palmetto Posaunen. He has also performed on tour with the Foundation Brass (the faculty brass ensemble of Bob Jones University) as Bass Trombonist and Tenor Trombone Soloist. Additionally he has done studio work for various organizations and has performed in the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina. Wes was also invited to perform as Interim Principal Trombone of the Orchestra Symphonica UANL located in Monterrey, Mexico. Wes has also performed with some Broadway Shows in the Greenville area. Recently, Wes was accepted as a Fellow in the 2011 Alessi Seminar, hosted by Mr. Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic.  As a music educator Wes has worked as an instructor with local high schools and performed a recital and masterclass at the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. He is the Low Brass instructor for the Roanoke Symphony's Summer Music Institute for the Roanoke Youth Orchestra. He is very active in promoting the musical arts through career fair presentations and demonstrations at area middle and highschools. He has worked with the MUSE Machine, an organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives and educating the minds of children through the arts. Below is part of a review written by a teacher in Spartanburg County School District 1 regarding his educational performance.

Enrolling Now 864-442-6027

Cost $25/lesson

Ryan Kouvolo- has played saxophone for over 20 years. A graduate of Clemson University, Ryan was a member and featured soloist with the Clemson University Jazz ensemble, and is a member of the school's alumni jazz group, the Jungaleers. Over the years, he has performed locally and onstage with Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon. Currently, Ryan can be found performing with the orchestra at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley.

Enrolling Now

Cost $25/lesson  864-442-6027

FACE also offers private music lessons in guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, strings and drums.