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Coming Together Through Music
Where It All Began
Founder, Amanda Watson Bailey, began Amanda Bailey Studios, over ten years ago, with a vision: to empower people, of all ages, to reach their highest potential as a musician through quality instruction. Since its inception, the core values of patience, persistence, and perseverance have allowed Amanda Bailey Studios to grow and expand throughout the Greater Raleigh area.
Amanda Watson Bailey
Bio: Amanda Watson Bailey is an accomplished soprano who enjoys performing a wide array of genres such as opera, sacred, and musical theatre. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Music degree and a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree. Amanda served as Miss North Carolina 2008 and had the honor of representing the Tar Heel state at Miss America and performing at renowned venues nationwide. After completion of her year of service, Amanda taught elementary music in the Wake County Public School System where she was awarded the Diane Kent Parker Teacher of the Year Award for her work with her students. In addition to being the owner of Amanda Bailey Studios, she currently serves as an adjunct professor of piano at William Peace University. Amanda finds immense joy in helping her student to develop a genuine love of music.
Our Teachers
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Lexi Batchelor
Meet Lexi Batchelor: Passionate Music Instructor and Performer
With over five years of dedicated experience in teaching piano and voice, Lexi Batchelor brings a vibrant energy to her lessons that inspires students of all ages. Her love for music ignited at a young age, nurtured by her grandmother, a talented piano teacher. This early connection to music has blossomed into a rewarding journey spanning over 18 years of vocal and piano study, which she now shares with her students.
Lexi holds a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from UNC Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, specializing in industrial and organizational psychology. This unique combination of music and psychology allows her to connect with her students on both artistic and personal levels.
Outside of teaching and studying, Lexi is actively engaged in the local music scene. She sings in various community choirs, plays piano in community bands, and performs at special events, showcasing her commitment to the art of music. In Lexi's lessons, learning music is not just about practice—it's an exciting adventure! She often incorporates fun games into her lessons, ensuring that techniques and theory are engaging and interactive. Understanding that every student is unique, Lexi tailors her lesson plans to cater to individual learning styles and motivators, making each session productive and enjoyable.
Join Lexi in discovering the joy of music and unlocking your potential in a supportive and dynamic learning environment!
With over five years of dedicated experience in teaching piano and voice, Lexi Batchelor brings a vibrant energy to her lessons that inspires students of all ages. Her love for music ignited at a young age, nurtured by her grandmother, a talented piano teacher. This early connection to music has blossomed into a rewarding journey spanning over 18 years of vocal and piano study, which she now shares with her students.
Lexi holds a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from UNC Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a master's degree in psychology, specializing in industrial and organizational psychology. This unique combination of music and psychology allows her to connect with her students on both artistic and personal levels.
Outside of teaching and studying, Lexi is actively engaged in the local music scene. She sings in various community choirs, plays piano in community bands, and performs at special events, showcasing her commitment to the art of music. In Lexi's lessons, learning music is not just about practice—it's an exciting adventure! She often incorporates fun games into her lessons, ensuring that techniques and theory are engaging and interactive. Understanding that every student is unique, Lexi tailors her lesson plans to cater to individual learning styles and motivators, making each session productive and enjoyable.
Join Lexi in discovering the joy of music and unlocking your potential in a supportive and dynamic learning environment!
Renzo Caceres
Renzo Caceres is originally from Argentina and moved to the US in 2006. God blessed him with the opportunity to be part of a missionary family that served for many years teaching within the the deaf community of South America. After finishing high-school Renzo attended UNC-Charlotte to pursue a degree in Music Performance. After graduating with his music degree, he moved to Wake Forest where he is currently studying for his Masters Degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Renzo says that teaching is one of his greatest passions alongside performing and rooting for the Argentinian national soccer team! Renzo teaches cello and piano.
Renzo says that teaching is one of his greatest passions alongside performing and rooting for the Argentinian national soccer team! Renzo teaches cello and piano.
Lacie Eades
Lacie is a Ph.D. candidate in musicology at Duke University. She also holds a Master's degree in musicology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Master of Education with an emphasis in teaching and technology from William Woods University, and a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in voice and piano from Southeast Missouri State University.
Before her graduate studies, she taught for over a decade in the Missouri public school system, and it was this time in the classroom that prompted her interest in pursuing musicological studies. Lacie loves working with students and building relationships through music. She is very excited to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios!
Before her graduate studies, she taught for over a decade in the Missouri public school system, and it was this time in the classroom that prompted her interest in pursuing musicological studies. Lacie loves working with students and building relationships through music. She is very excited to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios!
Jennifer Ehlinger
Jennifer is a classically trained vocalist with over 15 years of performance experience across a wide range of musical styles. She currently serves as the Soprano Staff Singer at Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill, NC, where she has been a dedicated member of the choir since 2018. Previously, Jennifer studied music at the University of Houston and served as Soprano Section Leader at several churches in the Houston area. She has been blessed to take part in two international residencies;
Magdeburg, Germany (2015 Grand Prix of Nations - Youth Choir Division) and Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK (2024
Cathedral Residency).
Jennifer is skilled in teaching voice to students of all ages and skill levels with an adaptable approach for each individual. Students can expect to learn not only how to perform, but also how to understand the nuts and bolts of how their voices work as well as important cornerstones of music theory. Jennifer additionally holds a love of piano and learned all of the essential knowledge for competent play in the University of Houston's fabulous piano program. She has previously taught beginner keyboard students. Most importantly, all students can expect to have fun!
Magdeburg, Germany (2015 Grand Prix of Nations - Youth Choir Division) and Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK (2024
Cathedral Residency).
Jennifer is skilled in teaching voice to students of all ages and skill levels with an adaptable approach for each individual. Students can expect to learn not only how to perform, but also how to understand the nuts and bolts of how their voices work as well as important cornerstones of music theory. Jennifer additionally holds a love of piano and learned all of the essential knowledge for competent play in the University of Houston's fabulous piano program. She has previously taught beginner keyboard students. Most importantly, all students can expect to have fun!
Adalynn Eller
Adalynn Eller is a versatile performer and dedicated educator from Roanoke, VA. Her musical journey began with piano lessons in childhood, but her passion for singing quickly took center stage. By middle school, she had shifted her focus to voice, and from ages 8 to 18, she performed with a children’s choir. This experience not only deepened her understanding of music theory but also nurtured a love for diverse musical styles.
Adalynn earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University, where she also completed a double major in Musical Theatre and Classical Voice and a minor in Leadership Studies. During her time there, she was honored with the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Scholarship in the Liberal Arts. She went on to receive her Master of Music in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre from New York University, where she also completed an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Vocology from the Summer Vocology Institute in Utah. In her free time, she is an avid crochet and knitter and loves to play with her dog, Bindi.
Adalynn earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University, where she also completed a double major in Musical Theatre and Classical Voice and a minor in Leadership Studies. During her time there, she was honored with the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Scholarship in the Liberal Arts. She went on to receive her Master of Music in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre from New York University, where she also completed an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Vocology from the Summer Vocology Institute in Utah. In her free time, she is an avid crochet and knitter and loves to play with her dog, Bindi.
Maggie Fox
Maggie currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and teaches voice and beginner piano. She received a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas City Missouri in December of 2022 and a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from East Carolina University in May of 2020. She has done various operatic roles including Mother in Humperdink’s “Hansel and Gretel” and Nina in Massenet’s “Chérubin”. In addition to classical repertoire, Maggie has performed roles in several musicals such as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins”, Eponine in “Les Miserables”, and Margaret Johnson in Adam Guettel’s “Light in the Piazza”. She has also been a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) which enabled her to judge for the 2023 NATS Musical Theater competition at Meredith College. Her philosophy for teaching is centered around creating a safe and fun environment where the student can explore their love for singing. She is also passionate about providing her students with a basic understanding of piano and music theory so that they have the tools to be a well rounded musician. She is so grateful to be a part of the Amanda Bailey Studios team and cannot wait for the exciting things that are to come!
Kara-Gray Gentry
Kara-Gray Gentry is an accomplished music teacher of over eight years. She has served as the middle and high school band director for High Point Christian Academy and most recently she served as the middle school band director at Burlington Academy. Kara earned her Bachelor of Arts from North Greenville University with a double music education major in piano and flute. She loves all styles of music, but most especially jazz! During, and since, college, she has enjoyed being a piano accompanist for many recitals, performances, and musicals. Kara has a strong ability to build relationships with her students that help them to not just learn the music but to fall in love with it as well.
Kathryn Goretzka
Kathryn Goretzka is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of UNC-Charlotte where she double majored in Music and Religious Studies. She is currently studying to obtain her masters of Divinity at Southeastern Seminary. She is the current worship leader at Pilot Baptist Church in Zebulon where she has the wonderful opportunity to work with everyone, from young children to adults, teaching music and creating a beautiful worship environment for all in attendance.
Kathryn has participated in opera productions and community theater, university choir and special ensembles, plays, and musicals and so much more. She has a unique love for music that she hopes to continue to share with others.
Kathryn is delighted to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios and is excited to be able to facilitate a fun and safe learning environment for all of her students wanting to further their appreciation and excitement for music!
Kathryn has participated in opera productions and community theater, university choir and special ensembles, plays, and musicals and so much more. She has a unique love for music that she hopes to continue to share with others.
Kathryn is delighted to be part of Amanda Bailey Studios and is excited to be able to facilitate a fun and safe learning environment for all of her students wanting to further their appreciation and excitement for music!
Kate Hill
Kate is a classically trained vocalist who earned her degree in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Opera from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2010. Originally trained as a mezzo-soprano, Kate has since transitioned into her role as a soprano, bringing depth and versatility to her performances.
She has taken on a variety of operatic and musical theatre roles, including the Mother inAmahl and the Night Visitors, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, the Third Lady in The Magic Flute, and Carmela in La Vida Breve with Opera Carolina. Her talent has been recognized in competition as well, earning her First Place in the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) vocal competition three years in a row (2007, 2008, and 2009).
In addition to her stage performances, Kate reached a broader audience when she appeared as a contestant on Family Feud, where she had the unique opportunity to showcase her voice to millions—and to Steve Harvey himself!
Beyond performance, Kate is a passionate music educator, offering instruction in both voice and piano. She finds great joy in nurturing the next generation of musicians and believes deeply in the power of music to inspire, connect, and grow. Her goal is to instill in her students not only technical skill but also a lifelong love and appreciation for the musical arts.
She has taken on a variety of operatic and musical theatre roles, including the Mother inAmahl and the Night Visitors, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, the Third Lady in The Magic Flute, and Carmela in La Vida Breve with Opera Carolina. Her talent has been recognized in competition as well, earning her First Place in the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) vocal competition three years in a row (2007, 2008, and 2009).
In addition to her stage performances, Kate reached a broader audience when she appeared as a contestant on Family Feud, where she had the unique opportunity to showcase her voice to millions—and to Steve Harvey himself!
Beyond performance, Kate is a passionate music educator, offering instruction in both voice and piano. She finds great joy in nurturing the next generation of musicians and believes deeply in the power of music to inspire, connect, and grow. Her goal is to instill in her students not only technical skill but also a lifelong love and appreciation for the musical arts.
Rebecca Korzelius
Rebecca Korzelius, soprano, is known to have a "velvety voice" in which she sings as a crossover artist in both musical theatre and classical venues. A recent graduate of UNC Greensboro, Rebecca studied with Dr. Teri Bickham and Dr. Robert Bracey while earning her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in human development and family studies.
In the summer of 2024, making her international opera debut, Rebecca performed as Frasquita in the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia's production of Carmen. Other operatic credits include Fanchette (The Lantern Marriage), Second Woman (Dido and Aeneas), Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Suor Osmina (Suor Angelica). Rebecca has also performed as Gertrude (Seussical), Rapunzel (Into the Woods), and in the ensemble of shows such as Jekyll and Hyde, Oklahoma!, and Pippin, as well as being a regular soloist with Greensboro Concert Band.
On top of her performance work, Rebecca is an equally passionate teacher who believes in not only the benefits of vocal technique and foundations within voice lessons, but also the personal growth of her students in their own confidence, creativity, and an outlet of self-expression. Teaching since the summer of 2022 at studios such as Neighborhood Academy of Music (Clayton) and Moore Music (Greensboro), she has determined that teaching is one of her favorite things to do and feels so lucky that she gets to make a job out of it. Rebecca loves teaching voice and piano and is thrilled to be joining the A.B.S. team and looks forward to watching her students thrive as musicians!
In the summer of 2024, making her international opera debut, Rebecca performed as Frasquita in the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia's production of Carmen. Other operatic credits include Fanchette (The Lantern Marriage), Second Woman (Dido and Aeneas), Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Suor Osmina (Suor Angelica). Rebecca has also performed as Gertrude (Seussical), Rapunzel (Into the Woods), and in the ensemble of shows such as Jekyll and Hyde, Oklahoma!, and Pippin, as well as being a regular soloist with Greensboro Concert Band.
On top of her performance work, Rebecca is an equally passionate teacher who believes in not only the benefits of vocal technique and foundations within voice lessons, but also the personal growth of her students in their own confidence, creativity, and an outlet of self-expression. Teaching since the summer of 2022 at studios such as Neighborhood Academy of Music (Clayton) and Moore Music (Greensboro), she has determined that teaching is one of her favorite things to do and feels so lucky that she gets to make a job out of it. Rebecca loves teaching voice and piano and is thrilled to be joining the A.B.S. team and looks forward to watching her students thrive as musicians!
Edith Lester
Hi! My name is Edith Lester, and I graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Music in December 2019. I have 18 years of experience as a violinist and 9 years as a pianist.
Since the age of 17, I have been hired to perform at various events, including weddings, nonprofit concerts, talent shows, and funerals. I am also a chorister in my religious organization and have worked my way up to hold the positions of Head Chorister and Choir Superintendent in my local church.
I have taught violin in several states, primarily Connecticut and North Carolina. My most recent teaching position was at Camp MusArt in Apex during the summer of 2023. Additionally, I have extensive volunteer experience teaching music and violin since high school, working with elementary school youth as well as individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
My lessons are both fun and engaging, but most importantly, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where students—especially youth—can explore their creative side while developing their musical skills. I firmly believe that anyone can play an instrument if they put their mind to it.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with Amanda Bailey Studios, where I can share my passion for violin and piano with children. This role not only allows me to help students grow musically but also enhances my own journey as an educator and musician.
Since the age of 17, I have been hired to perform at various events, including weddings, nonprofit concerts, talent shows, and funerals. I am also a chorister in my religious organization and have worked my way up to hold the positions of Head Chorister and Choir Superintendent in my local church.
I have taught violin in several states, primarily Connecticut and North Carolina. My most recent teaching position was at Camp MusArt in Apex during the summer of 2023. Additionally, I have extensive volunteer experience teaching music and violin since high school, working with elementary school youth as well as individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
My lessons are both fun and engaging, but most importantly, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where students—especially youth—can explore their creative side while developing their musical skills. I firmly believe that anyone can play an instrument if they put their mind to it.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with Amanda Bailey Studios, where I can share my passion for violin and piano with children. This role not only allows me to help students grow musically but also enhances my own journey as an educator and musician.
Nathan Maras
Nathan Maras is a vocalist with a degree in Music Education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Nathan had experience teaching in both classrooms and individual settings. As a musician, Nathan has experience in varied choral settings, including chamber ensembles, master works, church music, and small ensembles. He has a passion for developing personal expression and confidence among singers, and his favorite memories include traveling and singing internationally. In all his teaching he brings a high level of dedication, technical skill, and enthusiasm for music and all it brings to the individual. Outside of teaching voice lessons, Nathan is a dedicated piano teacher with experience teaching individual lessons to students of different ages and class piano to high school students. Outside of music Nathan loves being outside in nature and watching his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs! He is excited to get married with his fiancé Zoe in October and start their life in NC.
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