Rock EDU
Jack Gordy
Guitar, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion
Jack Gordy is a multi-instrumentalist who studied business and music theory at West Georgia Tech and the university of West Georgia. He specializes in stringed instruments and has had experience with percussion, brass, electronic, and wind as well. He has over three years of studio experience where he has learned to record/produce music for artists and has played live performances at venues in the surrounding Atlanta area as well as other states and cities. He's performed as a guitarists for many musical projects over the years and has not only taught instrumental work but also, he shows others how to record and produce the music they create.
Julie Dolan
Rock EDU Keyboards and Vocals
Julie Dolan was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She started piano lessons at 9 years old in a convent taught by a nun.
Julie continued her piano lessons while also taking dance and acting classes and started working in TV/Film/Commercials, Theatre & Theme both as a dancer and an actress. Transitioning from classical music to Rock & Roll, in 2004 she formed “The UnderCoverGirls”, an all female cover band that performs across the US. Julie has been the keyboard player and backup vocalist in many Cover and Tribute Bands primarily playing Classic Rock - such as INXSIVE (Tribute to INXS), BORN JOVI (Tribute to Bon Jovi), RAGDOLLS (all female Tribute to Aerosmith) and many more.
Julie has collaborated with music icons such as Lita Ford, Michael (Van Halen), Brett Michaels (Poison) Ace Frehley (KISS) to name a few.In 2023, Julie became the keyboard player of one of Atlanta’s favorite cover bands “Used Groove” and they play frequently in and around the Atlanta area.
Julie is excited to work with the students in the ROCK EDU program at The Music Garden to bring her skills and experience to future rock musicians.
James McDaniel
Drums, Percussion
James McDaniel is a Music Educator and Percussionist with a lifelong passion for music and learning. Surrounded by a musical family and church, his love for music blossomed early. From Elementary through High School, James participated in numerous band, percussion, and choral ensembles including the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. He has a wide range of experience playing drum set, including praise music, Rock, and many R&B styles. After high school, James attended Mercer University, and later transferred to Jacksonville State University where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. James played in many concert, percussion, jazz, and marching ensembles from Chamber Winds and Advanced Quintet to Jazz Combos and New Music Ensembles. His final year with the JSU Marching Southerners, he served as Snare Section Leader. James also toured with Phantom Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corps. James began teaching percussion upon high school graduation, working with numerous local high schools. While finishing his degree at JSU, he helped develop the marching percussion program at Carrollton High School. The indoor drumline program at Carrollton rose to national ranking, finishing 10th at WGI Scholastic A World Finals. James is the Director of Percussion at East Paulding High School.
