Robert Heeke

• Guitar Lessons
• Drum Lessons
• Piano Lessons
• Ukulele Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

Robert Heeke studied music at the University of West Florida and studied guitar under Joseph Stallings at Pensacola State College. He has played guitar for more than 20 years and has performed with Big Jim Brown & the SpeedKings, the Destiny Howard Band, and the Ed Johansson Trio. He has taught music for over 10 years.

• Drum Lessons
• Piano Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

• Guitar Lessons
• Piano Lessons
• Drum Lessons
• Bass Lessons
• Ukulele Lessons
• Voice Lessons
• Songwriting Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

Born and raised in the rich Cajun French culture of south Louisiana, Josh Theriot graduated at the age of 20 from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He is a multi-genre guitarist, singer-songwriter, and composer, contributing to a variety of local groups including Abigail’s Ghost (Progressive Rock), Another Hot Club Special (Jazz), and Brynne and Bones (Folk, R&B). His catalog of 500+ released compositions regularly finds international usage in television, traditional radio and digital streaming.

In addition to performing and composing, Josh has experience teaching music and is excited to share his knowledge with students at GCSOM.

• Piano Lessons
• Voice Lessons
• Ukulele Lessons
• Songwriting Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

Avery Hale is a student at the University of West Florida and she loves to teach music. She has had multiple years of vocal training and has played ukulele for 5 years. 

Coming from a musical family, Avery has always been very involved in the arts. She has done many shows for Gulf Coast School of Music and performed in special events, choir assemblies, and musicals. She loves to write, sing, and strum and enjoys sharing her passion with students!

• Piano Lessons
• Fiddle Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

Teagan Xrivett currently attends the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music at University of West Florida, pursuing a degree in Music Education. Having played the violin for 9 years and been around piano all her life, she has created original pieces for violin, piano, guitar, and ukulele. 

Teagan has won Solo and Ensemble competitions and led her high school orchestra as Concert Mistress for 3 years. She also attended the FMEA Music Educators conference and performed with the All State Honors Ensemble. She is very passionate about music and hopes to spread this joy and talent to the world for years to come!

• Guitar Lessons
• Piano Lessons
• Drum Lessons
• Bass Lessons
• Ukulele Lessons
• Voice Lessons
• Songwriting Lessons
• (all private music lessons in Pensacola at our East Hill music studio)

A guitarist, singer, and songwriter for more than 30 years, Jim Brown founded Gulf Coast School of Music in 2009. He has taught hundreds of children and adults how to play guitar, piano, drums, bass, ukulele, and more, as well as how to sing, perform, and write songs.

Jim’s unique teaching style helps students learn to play the fun way, without books or needing to know how to read music. He focuses on fostering a sense of achievement and giving positive feedback to keep the process enjoyable and fulfilling. 

As a professional touring musician, Jim has played in well-known venues and festivals such as House of Blues, Tipitina’s, Margaritaville Key West, Seville Quarter, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He has recorded and released six CDs of original music.

All Gulf Coast School of Music music instructors can teach music lessons for children and adults.