Craig Wiggins received the Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz and Studio Music from The University of Tennessee and the Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from The University of Memphis. He grew up in east Tennessee, where he began performing Gospel, Country, and Bluegrass in his youth. In his high school years, Craig performed with Rock and Jazz ensembles, and toured with a professional Rock ensemble managed by Young American Showcase for two years after graduation. He developed an interest in historical instruments in graduate school and began performing with Historically Informed Performance (HIP) ensembles, playing 14-string Italian theorbo, Spanish vihuela, 5-course Baroque guitar, and Renaissance lute. Craig has performed extensively in the Classical Guitar Duo and Classical Guitar & Flute formats, and as a solo Jazz guitarist. Craig began teaching private guitar lessons at age 14, and during his college years taught private and group guitar at several institutions. He also taught Music Appreciation, Music History, and Guitar Literature as a teaching assistant during graduate school. Craig is happy to be teaching for Cary School of Music and looks forward to every teaching experience.
Guitar
CSM guitar instructors offer lessons to students of all ages and abilities in a variety of styles such as pop, rock, blues, classical and jazz on acoustic, electric, and bass guitar. Very small instruments for younger students are available at Cary Music Supply. In addition, lessons on ukelele, lute, mandolin and banjo are offered. Students are encouraged to participate in our group ensembles and jam sessions.
Instructors
Jon Cheney
Jon Cheney is a private music instructor, composer and performer from Fayetteville, North Carolina. After completing a BA from Campbell University with a double major in music composition and acting, Jon spent the years from 2013-2018 teaching private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, drum set, and mandolin in various studios, including here at the Cary School of Music! In addition to his teaching schedule, Jon has served as guitarist, singer, and composer/arranger for East Coast Entertainment artist Bantum Rooster since 2011. As a composer, Jon has premiered works for choir, solo piano, solo guitar, and string quartet. As of 2020, Jon has completed a Master’s Degree in theory and composition and is excited about expanding his performing opportunities and returning to Cary to bring musical knowledge to students of all ages!
Russell Favret
Russell Favret has over a decade of experience teaching both private and group guitar for skill levels ranging from beginner to professional. He graduated from Florida State University in 2013 and has since performed with Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Rakim, Braxton Cook, Jeff Bradshaw and countless other artists both on the local and national level. He has toured the country and performed at the B.E.T Hip Hop Awards and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. His teaching experience includes Head Jazz Guitar Instructor at Florida State Univeristy Summer Music Camps in 2012 and 2013 and Durham Public Schools Jazz Day 2019 and 2020.
Ryan Mole
Ryan Mole graduated from UNCG in 2023 with a B.M. in Music Performance. During his time at school, he performed twice at New York’s Lincoln Center. Upon graduating, he received the UNCG Jazz Studies Award for Excellence. He’s performed with notable musicians Wycliff Gordon, Sean Jones, and Camille Thurman. Ryan has organized various jazz jam sessions in the Greensboro area such as Oden Brewery and Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast. He performs with groups of various genres such as R&B, Alternative Rock, Funk, Pop, and many more. He has several years of experience studying and teaching at the Cary School of Music and is comfortable teaching all ages and skill levels. Ryan is also comfortable teaching electric bass, ukulele, and beginner piano.
Matt Peterson
Matt Peterson is a world touring multi-instrumentalist, composer, music director and private teacher. Originally from Superior, WI, Matt grew up in a musical family with several Berklee College of Music Alum uncles and aunts. He discovered his love of music at age 10 after first hearing Jimi Hendrix and obsessively taught himself blues-rock guitar in a matter of months. Through his early teens he studied jazz guitar at the John S. Duss Memorial Music Conversatory under the instruction of Tom O’Hara. In high school he became enamored with the piano and later studied composition and counterpoint with award winning composer Tyler Kaiser at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, as well as joining the University Big Band and Jazz combos on piano under the direction of Professor Greg Kehl Moore.
After many years of performing in diverse bands/ensembles/churches and privately teaching in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, Matt moved to Durham, NC in 2011 to pursue an abundance of music opportunities on the East Coast. He quickly established himself as a trusted live and recording instrumentalist for artists such as Molly Sarle, FREEMAN (Gene Ween of WEEN), Grandma Sparrow, and Paperhand Puppet Show among others.
Matt has spent the last 3 years touring full-time as guitarist/keyboardist/music director for the artists Hurray for the Riff Raff (Nonesuch Records) and Anjimile (4AD), which brought fulfilling opportunities to play for many thousands internationally in venues and festivals such as Newport Folk Fest, Bonnaroo, Prima Vera Sound, Pitchfork, and NOLA Jazz Fest among others. He’s also had the privilege of playing with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band on several occasions and made a musical appearance on Late Night With Stephen Colbert in 2022.
Matt enjoys teaching students from all walks of life and skill levels, always preferring to meet students “where they’re at.” On both guitar and piano, his stylistic and technical experience spans rock, classical, folk, jazz, gospel, experimental new music and everything in between. His primary goal as an instructor is to get to the heart of which songs, artists, styles, and techniques will best keep students engaged, inspired, focused and excited for every lesson.
Nathanael "Natty" Traywick
Nathanael “Natty” Traywick is a multi-instrumentalist and composer/arranger with nearly a decade of experience playing and performing music in the Cary, NC area. Natty is a Cary School of Music alumnus with many years of training in music theory, jazz guitar, piano, bass guitar and more. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels. Natty is excited to join the CSM faculty as he furthers his music education in areas such as drums and recording.
Yan Westerlund
Yan Westerlund hails from Eau Claire, WI, where he started studying drums and piano at the age of eight years old. He picked up alto saxophone in middle school, joining the concert and jazz bands while also teaching himself to play guitar. By 7th grade, Yan began composing original music for his own bands to perform as well as covering songs ranging from those of Steppenwolf, RUN DMC, and the iconic Mortal Combat theme song. Yan quickly took a liking to performing at school talent shows, fundraisers, graduation parties, YMCA lock-ins and Battle of the Bands competitions. He eventually joined his high school jazz band playing drums, with whom he performed on Lincoln Center Stage in NYC for the renowned Essential Ellington Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. That experience, as well as other jazz band performances backing legends like Clark Terry, Seneca Black, and Randy Sabien inspired Yan to continue to pursue music at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. There, he studied percussion, drum set and piano with professors Dave Schmalenberger, Ryan Frane, Gene Koshinski, Charles Brooks and Nickolai Zielinski. Yan continued to have opportunities backing acclaimed jazz artists like Billy Taylor, Joey Defrancesco, Robin Eubanks, Greg Abate, and SO Percussion through the UMD music department.
In 2009, Yan relocated to Durham, NC, with his long-time band, Canine Heart Sounds. He quickly became busy working as a studio and touring drummer for many renowned artists, including Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, Sylvan Esso, Tallest Man On Earth, Waxahatchee, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mipso, Basia Bulat, Bowerbirds, Phil Cook, Lost In The Trees and many others. These tours brought Yan to acclaimed music festival stages all over the world, including Prima Vera Sound, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Iceland Airwaves, Pitchfork, Big Ears, All Points East, NOLA Jazz Fest, Montreux Jazz Fest, Calgary Folk Fest, and various others, as well as performing on prime time television broadcasts like the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Saturday Morning.
Yan also leads his own instrumental group, Quetico, as the sole composer and drummer. Quetico released their sophomore album Know You Are in 2022, which was followed by a festival performance curated by Durham
record label Psychic Hotline. Quetico shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Arooj Aftab, Bartees Strange, Indigo De Souza, Lambchop and many others.
Starting back at Schmitt Music during his freshman year of college and continuing throughout his career, Yan has maintained a strong passion for teaching music. He loves sharing his musical approaches, ranging from improvisational skills to traditional technique to navigating the music industry. Yan’s main goal with every lesson is to maintain excitement, focus and creativity. He hopes to inspire each student to set individual goals and eventually create their own unique, musical voice.
Craig Wiggins
Guitar Lessons for All Ages, Styles, and Skill Levels
Guitar lessons at Cary School of Music offer students of all ages the chance to learn acoustic, electric, and bass guitar across multiple styles, with personalized instruction that builds confidence, technique, and real performance skills.
Overview of Guitar
Finding the right guitar lessons in Cary NC means finding a program that adapts to your interests, your pace, and your goals. At Cary School of Music, the guitar program is designed to do exactly that. Students of all ages and experience levels are welcomed into an environment where learning feels exciting, engaging, and tailored to each individual. Whether someone is picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine their skills, every lesson is built around helping them grow as a musician. One of the standout features of these guitar classes in Cary NC is the diversity of styles offered. Students can explore pop, rock, blues, classical, and jazz, giving them the flexibility to learn the music they truly enjoy. This variety keeps lessons fresh and motivating while also exposing students to different techniques and musical concepts that strengthen their overall ability. Some students come in wanting to play their favorite songs, while others are focused on mastering theory or preparing for performances. Both paths are fully supported. The program also offers instruction across multiple instruments within the guitar family. Students can take lessons on acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, depending on their interests. For those looking to branch out even further, instruction is also available for instruments like ukulele, lute, mandolin, and banjo. This opens the door to a wider musical experience and allows students to explore different sounds and playing styles in one place. Younger students are set up for success from the very beginning. Smaller, appropriately sized instruments are available, making it easier for children to learn comfortably and build proper technique early on. This attention to detail helps prevent frustration and allows young musicians to develop confidence as they progress. Beyond weekly lessons, students are encouraged to participate in group ensembles and jam sessions. These experiences are invaluable. They teach students how to play with others, keep rhythm in a group setting, and develop musical awareness in a way that solo practice simply cannot replicate. For anyone searching for beginner guitar lessons in Cary or more advanced guitar instruction, this combination of personalized learning and real-world playing experience creates a well-rounded and rewarding journey.
A Company You Can Trust
When it comes to choosing guitar teachers in Cary NC, experience and consistency matter. Cary School of Music has been serving the local community for over three decades, creating a trusted space where students can learn, grow, and enjoy music at every level. This long-standing presence speaks to the quality of instruction and the positive experiences families continue to have year after year. The school’s facility is designed to support focused learning while remaining comfortable and inviting. With multiple private studios and a dedicated recital space, students benefit from an environment that encourages both practice and performance. The atmosphere is professional yet approachable, helping students feel relaxed and confident during their lessons. Another key factor is the quality of the instructors. Each teacher brings a unique background in performance and education, offering students insights that go far beyond basic instruction. They understand how to connect with students of different ages and learning styles, making lessons productive without ever feeling overwhelming. Flexibility is also a major advantage. Lessons are available throughout the week, and students can enroll at any time of the year. This makes it easy for families to start guitar lessons in Cary without having to wait for a new session to begin. The process is simple, convenient, and designed to fit into busy schedules.
Why Clients Choose Cary School of Music
Cary School of Music has been a trusted name in music education for over 30 years, offering consistent, high-quality instruction to students across Cary and the surrounding areas. This longevity reflects a deep commitment to both musical excellence and student success. The school’s facility is thoughtfully designed to support focused learning. With multiple private studios and a dedicated recital hall, students have access to an environment that encourages both practice and performance. It is a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to grow. Faculty experience is another reason families continue to choose this program. String instructors bring years of teaching and performance experience, allowing them to guide students with both technical expertise and real-world insight. They understand how to work with students at different levels, adapting lessons to keep them engaging while still pushing for progress. Scheduling is designed with convenience in mind. Lessons are available throughout the week, and students can enroll at any time of the year. This flexibility makes it easier for families to start violin lessons in Cary NC or explore other string instruments without unnecessary delays.
Key Benefits:
- Durability: Premium materials and expert craftsmanship ensure your remodel stands the test of time.
- Functionality: Designed around your lifestyle, every layout improves flow, comfort, and usability.
- Curb Appeal: Updated interiors and exteriors that elevate your home’s first impression.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern insulation, windows, and systems that save money year after year.
- Peace of Mind: Licensed, insured, and locally trusted since 1990—our team delivers quality you can rely on.
Gallery
Voted “Best of Cary” for Music Lessons!
Services
Business Hours
Mon: 12–8 PM
Tue: 3–8 PM
Wed: 3–8 PM
Thu: 3–8 PM
Fri: 3–6 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy