MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Trusted & Vetted: Every DPV instructor has cleared comprehensive State and Federal (TBI/FBI) background checks.
LAEL ECCARD
Owner & Lead Instructor
DRUMS, PERCUSSION, VOICE
Based in Nashville since 2015, Lael Eccard has spent decades mastering the art of the groove. His professional journey has taken him from the seacoast of New England to the stages of Los Angeles and beyond, performing with legendary artists like Pete Anderson and Tanya Tucker.
Lael’s musical DNA runs deep; inspired by his father’s rudimental drumming, he began formal training at age 11. After studying at Eastern New Mexico University and graduating from the Musicians Institute, Lael built a reputation as a stylistic chameleon. From his early days in New Hampshire jam bands to recording blues-rock albums in LA, his approach remains the same: serve the song with precision and soul. Today, when he isn't touring the country with VIP's Entertainment, Lael enjoys life in Tennessee with his wife, Amanda, and their son, Kairie.
The Next Chapter: DVP Music Lessons
In 2018, Lael channeled his 30+ years of industry experience into the launch of
DPV Music Lessons. After a year of intensive curriculum development, he created a tiered, goal-oriented program designed to bridge the gap between practice and performance. Initially focusing on his primary disciplines—Drums, Percussion, and Voice—the program has since expanded to include guitar, bass, and keys. Lael’s mission is simple: passing his professional knowledge to the next generation through a song-based approach that makes music accessible and exciting for students of all ages.
PORTER ELLERMAN
Instructor
Percussion
Well-received and dynamic percussionist Porter Ellerman loves bringing energy and pin-point precision into any project he takes part in. Graduating from The University of Arizona with a degree in percussion performance in 2021, he specializes in solo and chamber performance and electronics using Ableton Live, with groups such as the University of Arizona Percussion Ensemble, Speak-Easy Ragtime Marimba Band, and CrossTalk Electronic Percussion Ensemble. His attention to detail, dynamic performances, and dedication to projects have allowed him to perform across Tucson and the Southern United States, in projects with Tucson and Yuma theater companies, playing special events, award-winning high school drumlines, Arizona Days of Percussion, to the Disney Concert Hall, Centennial Hall, and more. Working both in solo and chamber settings, Porter aims to bring new music to the forefront of stages, promoting and expanding the literature of contemporary percussion performance, through conveying personal messages and meaningful stories and soundscapes in music to the young and old.
Porter’s experience in the chamber, orchestral, and wind ensemble settings has broadened his view of what music is and can be, performing both standard and varied repertoire of the eras for both orchestra and percussion ensemble. Having attended multiple summer programs and camps such as Tocalo Tucson and Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, he has been able to work with artists like Derek Tywoniuk, Larry Livingston, Bob Becker, Anders Astrand, Matthew Burtner, Casey Cangelosi, and Bill Cahn among others.
While being a proponent and performer of new music, Porter is also an active music producer, creating both anthemic and immersive ambient tracks. His familiarity with MIDI instruments, controllers, and audio recording and production with Ableton Live have proven invaluable in live performance, and prerecorded pit performance along with his flexibility and knowledge in both traditional instrumentation and electronics. His experiences beyond producing his own music have included live performances with audio or playback, composing and arranging for the electronic percussion ensemble CrossTalk, as well as collaborating with other producers on tracks.
Beyond music, Porter is an avid plant-based cook, rock-climber, and bicycler. He spends quality time daily with his two cats, and if the moment arises, is always game to bake treats for his friends at a moment’s notice. His favorite to make is coffee-chocolate chip brownies with walnuts!
Joel Moore
Instructor
Woodwinds
Joel Moore is an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and educator renowned for his clear and accessible approach to jazz improvisation. Since earning his Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy from the Berklee College of Music in 2000, Joel has dedicated his career to helping students develop strong technical skills, musical confidence, and a deep understanding of improvisation. His own musical development was shaped by studies with acclaimed artists Rick Margitza, Bob Berg, and Ellis Marsalis—guidance that continues to inform his teaching philosophy to this day.
Joel has taught at three Chicago-area universities, where he led courses in jazz history, music appreciation, jazz ensemble, and improvisation. In private studio settings, he has instructed hundreds of saxophonists and clarinetists, working with students ranging from beginners to pre-professional musicians. His teaching emphasizes tone development, technique, reading, theory, and improvisational fluency, always tailored to each student’s goals and learning style.
As a performer, Joel is active in jazz, rhythm and blues, and classical settings. His students consistently excel, earning placement in elite middle school and high school ensembles and receiving scholarships to top music programs at institutions such as Northwestern University, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Denver. Joel believes that anyone with desire, curiosity, and dedication can grow as a musician—and he is committed to inspiring that growth at every level.
MEGAN RICHARDSON
Instructor
DRUMS, HAND PERCUSSION
Born into a family of drummers, Megan Richardson grew up playing in school bands and orchestras, and cut her rudimental drumming teeth on the Southern California drumline circuit. She attended Berklee College of Music as a Drum Set Principal, earning a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting with a Minor in Recording and Production.
Over the years, Megan has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and worked as an accompanist for children’s choirs and summer music programs. Studying under world-class players and mentors has taught her the value of quality, attentive instruction that balances positive reinforcement with objective challenges.
Megan plays drums around Nashville in a variety of genres, from rock to country to singer-songwriter to R&B. In between live gigs, recording, and writing projects, she can be found learning traditional rhythms for African or Latin percussion.
MARK ALLEE
Instructor
DRUMS, GUITAR
Mark Allee has immersed himself in music education for many years, from his roots in Northern California to his current home in Nashville, Tennessee. Graduating from Musicians Institute in 2008, he brings a depth of knowledge in teaching drums and guitar to both young kids and adults.
Mark's teaching approach is marked by his ability to tailor lessons to the individual needs and learning styles of his students, particularly focusing on children from the age of 5 up to their late teens. His dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment has earned him a reputation for helping students thrive.
In addition to his teaching, Mark is an accomplished musician, leading tributes to bands like Pink Floyd and Bad Religion, as well as pursuing original projects. Mark has played with artists such as Stevie Wonder and Sammy Hagar to name a few. His expertise extends beyond the classroom, having coached actors for drumming roles in films like The Runaways (Dakota Fanning) and Yellow Submarine by Robert Zemeckis.
Throughout his career, Mark has collaborated with respected organizations such as Rock Star Music Education and School of Rocks, sharing his passion for music with aspiring musicians across different locations. With a genuine love for teaching and a commitment to helping students reach their full potential, Mark Allee continues to leave a positive impact on the world of music education.
TRUMAN FORBESS
Instructor
GUITAR, KEYS, mandolin, ukulele
Raised in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Truman started playing piano in elementary school. He quickly found his true passion in guitar, and started to learn everything he could about this instrument and the musical world around him. As a graduate of Belmont Universities Commercial Guitar program, and a past member of Belmont's Rock and Classical Guitar Ensembles, Truman has both educational and performance experience in Jazz, Classical, Rock, the Blues, and Bluegrass. To date he's instructed hundreds of students over the last 7 years, and is proud to say that his oldest student is currently pursuing a musical education at Appalachian State University.
Truman takes pride in watching his students grow and encourages people of every age to pick up music. Self taught until the age of 16, he understands and knows how to engage an individual's drive to 'learn and play'. He also understands that every student has exponential potential and provides students with a FUN and engaging way to learn both guitar and keys!
NICOLAS HOSFORD
Instructor
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE
Nicolas Hosford is a guitarist from Grand Rapids, Michigan and currently residing in Nashville, TN. He received both a Master and Bachelor of Classical Guitar Performance from Eastern Michigan University and an Associates in Music with an emphasis in classical guitar and audio engineering from Grand Rapids Community College.
During his time at EMU, he was the second guitarist in the university’s history to receive the graduate performance award in music.
Upon finishing graduate school, Nick taught classical guitar, audio engineering, and music business at GRCC for five years before pursuing a career with his band, Outer Vibe, and relocating to Nashville, where he spent a year as a songwriter with Music Row recording studio and publisher Catch This Music.
Nick has 19 years of experience teaching guitar of all styles, skill levels, and ages. Nick also has experience working with students with playing injuries, other physical injuries, and cognitive challenges.
Instructor
Guitar, Trumpet, Ukulele, Bass, Drums, Keys
William grew up in the Pacific North West (PNW) and has accrued multiple instruments and skills over his career. First was the Trumpet when he joined the school band at age 10. At the age of 13 he fell in love with his first guitar and later joined the high school jazz band. By age 17, William formed a rock band with his friends called Crushingcrayons where William decided to take on the role of lead vocalist and rhythm guitar. William studied Audio Engineering at Lane Community College and applied the skills he learned to help
produce/engineer his band's first record.
Crushingcrayons went on to record their self-titled LP with producer Tony Esperance, father of Tobin Esperance (Papa Roach). This record allowed the band to go on multiple tours along the west coast. William also stayed busy playing guitar, drums, and bass in numerous bands in the PNW. From 2018-2020 William recorded his solo LP where he sang, played all the instruments, and mixed the record himself. He planned on touring, in promotion of the record, but COVID brought it all to a halt.e!!
During this time of reflection William entered the education field and was quickly teaching to over 200 students ranging in all ages. In pursuit of continuing a career in live music performance as well as education, William decided to take a leap and move to Nashville in July 2023. He plans on continuing his education here as well as teaching all while diving deeper into the Nashville music scene!!
Vivi McCracken
Instructor
VOICE, GUITAR
Vivi first began learning guitar at the age of nine years old and immediately fell in love with the instrument. She spent every spare second she had practicing and quickly grew her skills and knowledge. After a couple years she began playing for her church’s youth group band.
Around the same time, Vivi also found a love for singing. Growing up with nodules on her vocal cords, however, she struggled to use her voice for prolonged periods of time. Having a strong desire to sing, Vivi began going to speech therapy and taking voice lessons to train to both speak and sing in a way that would protect her vocal cords. Through this dedication, Vivi was able to naturally lose the nodules on her vocal cords without having to undergo any surgery. This experience gave her a passion for vocal techniques and a need to share her knowledge with others, in order to help them protect and improve their voice.
With all her experience and knowledge of singing and playing guitar, Vivi has been performing around her hometown of Austin, TX, and now Nashville, TN, since the age of thirteen. She officially became a recording artist in February of 2023 with the release of her first single, My Everything. Vivi is passionate about music and even more so about sharing this passion through music education. Nothing brings her more joy than to see a student grow in knowledge and love for their instrument.