Meet Our Grand Staff

Professionally Certified & Background Certified Music Instructors.

Brian Emmel-Founder/Owner

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Songwriting

Brian founded Grand Staff Music School in 2008. He has been teaching privately since 1991 and has dedicated his career to music education. Brian graduated from the Musician's Institute and studied under such influential bassists as Jeff Berlin, Gary Willis, Tim Bogert, and Steve Bailey.

Brian has published multiple books and DVD’s for Hal Leonard Publishing as well as conducting Clinics to promote his highly acclaimed teaching methods. Brian has been a columnist for various bass and music periodicals and received raved reviews in Bass Player Magazine for his published works. Brian also performs professionally for various Artists in Nashville and L.A. and is a songwriter and producer with many achievement awards.

Matt Rock

Guitar,Piano,Voice

Matthew Rock is a music instructor, freelance guitarist, songwriter, composer and producer. Matthew graduated with a degree in Composition and Guitar Performance from Belmont University, where he was a member of Phoenix, Belmont’s premier Pop Rock ensemble. Matthew has performed with numerous artists, including several American Idol and The Voice contestants. He currently plays guitar and sings regularly at Kid Rock’s, Honky Tonk Central, and Rippy’s on Lower Broadway, downtown Nashville. In addition to his passion for teaching, creating and performing music, Matthew enjoys ultimate frisbee and indoor rock climbing.

Grace Christian

Guitar,Piano, Voice

Grace is a lifelong musician, songwriter, and performer. Music has always been her greatest love, and she is passionate about sharing that love with beginners to the craft. Grace graduated from University of North Carolina Asheville in 2021, earning a B.F.A in Jazz and Contemporary Performance as a vocalist. During her time at the university, she played guitar in several bluegrass ensembles, served as director and lead arranger of her acapella group, and sang in the elite vocal jazz ensemble as a mezzo-soprano. Since moving to Nashville, she has developed a versatile career as a solo performer, band member, backup singer, and songwriter.

Seth Strobel

Drums, Percussion

Seth is from Nashville, Tn and has 17 years of drumming / music experience. In the 11 th
grade, he got his first drum kit for Christmas. From there, Seth would play along to songs and
try to copy what the drummer was playing. He did not take lessons until his first year in college.
It was here, where Seth learned how to read drum notation, play rudiments and grooves, and
gain a deeper understanding of being a musical drummer. He credits his early learning success
to his teacher Nick Lauritano, with whom he keeps in contact with to this day. In addition to
playing drums, Seth enjoys playing keyboard, guitar, marimba, and soon congas.
Seth has performed with Ed Eason and Shawn Tubbs from Carrie Underwood,
competed in a Guitar Center Drum Off competition, auditioned for bands, and taught at W.O.
Smith Music School in Nashville.

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