Team Biographies

Our instructors are among the most talented and experienced in the industry. It would be our pleasure to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Sharon Bratton, Founder, Music Mentor / Coach (piano, music theory, team-building) (on-line and face to face instruction currently available)

Passion for music and passion for developing individuals to their fullest potential, combined with ambition and drive, Sharon cares deeply about our community, particularly our young adults. A musician from the age of 4, she developed her keyboard skills through private instruction at Duquesne University, and continues to use those skills today through various opportunities of teaching and playing. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Duquesne University, she has enjoyed a career in manufacturing operations and service management where she's had the opportunity to learn good process development, continuous improvement and other management skills. She's been able to develop and challenge individuals, leaders, and other companies to reach their full potential through various performance management avenues. Over the years, she's developed curriculum to improve teamwork and communication. She is thrilled to be using those talents to develop people to their fullest potential. Sharon is the Worship Director for Murrysville Alliance Church, and the founder and co-owner of 12th Octave and currently teaches private piano and music theory lessons and team-building workshops.

I am a musician, an engineer, a mentor; my desire is to leave things better than I found them; I am a sister, daughter, wife, mother, aunt, friend. Suicide breaks my heart; cancer breaks my heart; human trafficking breaks my heart; seeing people make bad life decisions breaks my heart. I am thankful for the One True and Living God who saved me from myself and, through His Son Jesus Christ, has saved me from my sins. I am confidently persistent, boldly creative and passionately determined that I may inspire others to live a life that ultimately matters. --Sharon

Dan Jonczak, Co-Founder (guitar / bass) - Forever in our Hearts

A lifelong musician, Dan began guitar lessons in fourth grade, but didn’t have a full appreciation of music until he began playing in a band in 7 grade. Throughout high school and college, Dan played in a band, often-times 5-6 nights a week. He has a degree in electrical engineering and has enjoyed a career developing new products along with developing people. Dan has played with various worship bands over the years and recorded CDs with them. In 2019, he partnered with Sharon to become co-owner of 12 Octave, LLC.

Sadly, Dan lost his battle with cancer on August 2, 2022 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He will be forever in our hearts - his legacy will live on in our studio forever.

Chris Volpe, Music Mentor (Trumpet, Guitar, beginning Voice): (on-line and face to face instruction available)

A lifelong passion for music drives singer / songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Christopher Volpe. Starting his musical career at 15 years old, Chris played trumpet in local dance bands, and continued performing throughout his college years. Studying music education at Saint Vincent College, and music performance at Berklee College of Music, provided a blend of both classical and contemporary musical training. The 70s & 80s disco / funk era, presented the opportunity for Chris to develop skills as an arranger, while and performing with: The Macurdy Brothers, New World Connection, Buddy & The Allstars, and Airtight. After touring with Airtight, Chris joined with former band-mates to form the band Masquerade, where he developed his skills as bassist, guitarist, and vocalist. In 2011, Chris began hosting the Open Mic at the legendary Speal’s Tavern, in New Alexandria Pa. This quickly became a popular performance venue for hundreds of talented musicians, and has become a rich environment for musicians to meet and collaborate. Chris now hosts additional open mics and songwriting clinics, at several other venues as well. He is currently performing as a solo artist, and with his trio; Three Good Reasons, and has also recently performed with Crawdad Joe and The Agway shoplifters.

Cara Remaley, Music Mentor (Piano, Flute) (on-line and face-to-face instruction available, both individual and group)

A Pittsburgh native, Cara has been interested in music her whole life. Beginning with the flute at age 9, she took private lessons and played in her school's band and church's orchestra. After beginning the piano in high school, she decided to pursue her passion of music at Grove City College, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree of Music in 2011. During college, she played in Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Flute Choir, and Flute Quartet. Upon graduation, Cara began teaching private flute and piano lessons, which she currently teaches, averaging 20-30 students. In the past, she has hosted semi-annual student recitals at churches and nursing homes in the Pittsburgh area.

Beginning in 2013, Cara began her freelance performing career at local nursing homes in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Currently, she performs at 25-30 nursing homes per month including assisted living, dementia care, and independent living facilities. She also performs for Weddings Ceremonies and Cocktail Hours, Funeral/Memorial Services, and Special Events such as Art Shows, Anniversary Dinners, Phipps Conservatory, and Kentuck Knob.Cara is a substitute Flute player for the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra.

Cara also teaches piano, flute, and voice for Duquesne University's City Music Center.

Cara is a member of the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union (Local 60-471).

Her website is: www.StrikingaChord.org

Martin Bour (recording engineer, face-to-face instruction available)

Music has been a part of Martin’s life from a young age having a father who played jazz guitar, wrote songs, and dabbled in other instruments. Martin started his journey with music when he took interest in the drums in grade school, but eventually switched focus to the guitar during high school.

His inclination toward the technical aspects of recording and production led him to complete a degree in Music Production and Technology from Middle Tennessee State University.

He appreciates all styles of music, but tends towards acoustic instruments, and enjoys playing music with others whether it be a living room jam or getting to play a gig out.

While he teaches guitar, ukulele, banjo, and music theory, his real passion is in music production. He is registered with ASCAP as a singer-songwriter as well as a music producer. He enjoys helping others learn and grow in musical knowledge and capability.

Gary Stewart (available)

Gary Stewart is a guitarist and singer based in Greensburg, with over 25 year of experience as a solo artist and band member.

As a soloist, Gary is fluent in genres ranging from classic rock to country to jazz, performing tunes from '70s and '80s icons such as James Taylor, Jim Croce, John Cougar, Mellencamp, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He is just as comfortable with 90's country greats liek Garth Brooks and Toby Keith and can take it back to 50's hits of Hank Williams and Johny Cash.

Gary received his degree in Jass Guitar at Berklee College of Music and has been performing in the Pittsburgh area for 25 years.

Lee Stevens, Music Mentor (Violin) (on-line and face-to-face instruction available)

Lee is a violinist and aspiring composer based in western Pennsylvania, currently studying music for a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Seton Hill University. From a young age, Lee has admired music and would dream of composing and performing. Through his studies and musical performance, Lee has discovered a passion for playing violin and composing music. His favorite aspect of teaching violin is watching his students develop a passion for music and learning. His favorite students to teach are those who wish they had studied violin as a child

Ted DiSanti (Saxophone, Bass guitar)

Ted DiSanti is a native of the Greensburg area. He attended Seton Hill University where he majored in music education. Following his undergraduate studies earned his master's degree in music from Duquesne University where he studied both classical and jazz saxophone. Professionally, Ted has taught band and orchestra at Greensburg Central Catholic Junio-Senior High School. When he's not teaching, Ted enjoys working as a freelance musician - as both a saxophonis and a bassist - playing in wedding bands, musical theatre groups and the occasional jazz club.

Philip Graziano, Music Mentor (face-to-face instruction available) Guitar, Mandolin, Voice, Bass Guitar, Percussion

Phil, is a a multi instrumentalist, with over fifteen years of experience playing guitar and other instruments such as harmonica and lap steel. Philip has been working to teach musicians in Westmoreland and Allegheny county for over seven years. And before that playing in a variety of bands starting in 2014. Bands like Kaeleber, Luke Weltz Band and Saturn VI to name a few. Philip's specialization is in teaching guitar, mandolin, ukulele, bass and banjo. He also teaches percussion and vocals, beginner or advanced.

His main goal with any student is learning to play songs. Learning songs helps people realize the benefits of their practice habits and studies more immediately. Additionally learning songs to help students see how they fit into bands and the roles they could fill in the music world

Audrey Howard - artist - Art Teacher - Group Classes, Private Painting / sketching

Audrey aspires to inspire others in art - she holds a certificate in Entrepreneurship in Art and has been creating things as long as she can remember. her passion is to serve the Lord by not only pursuing her own art journey but also by teaching art techniques to others and encouraging and guiding them in their artistic journey.

Audrey also makes jewelry - and you will see her at our 12th Octave booth at Greensburg Nite Market among other locations.

We are so excited ot have her at 12th octave teaching both private art lessons as well as group classes.

Allison Kepple - Art Teacher - Homeschool Art

Allison Musselman-Kepple has been teaching our Homeschool Art Class since its inception in 2024 - in fact, it was her idea!. Allison has been involved with teaching art for many years including years at Trinity Christian school. Her homeschool art classes focus on learning techniques of art in addition to art history. Her approach is to encourage all of the students to embrace their own artistic style while learning about techniques.

In addition to teaching, Allison has her own photography company, Captured Memories by Allison - who knows - we may even have a photography class in the future!