Today we’d like to introduce you to AsheLee Bonham Gahagan.
Hi AsheLee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a cellist and educator, and teaching has always been at the heart of my work. Early on, I saw how powerful music education could be, not just in building musical skills, but in shaping confidence, discipline, creativity, and connection. That belief led me to start teaching privately and eventually grow that into what is now Ashe School of Music.
What began as a small in-home studio has turned into a thriving community music school serving students of all ages and levels. Along the way, my role expanded from teacher to director, mentor, and leader. I now focus on building strong programs, supporting instructors, and creating an environment where students and families feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.
At the same time, I’ve stayed deeply connected to the arts and community through leadership roles, including founding the non-profit Arts Holly Springs and being active in local service organizations. Community impact has always been a big part of my work, and I love helping create opportunities that make arts education more accessible and visible.
Overall, my journey has been shaped by a passion for music, education, and community, and I’m proud to have built something that not only teaches music, but also helps people grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true of anything meaningful. One of the biggest challenges has been building something from the ground up – figuring out systems, finances, staffing, and sustainability while still teaching, leading, and staying creatively engaged. Wearing all of those hats at once is both exhausting and incredibly formative.
Another challenge has been learning to step back from doing everything myself and instead build strong teams, trust others, and create leadership structures that allow the organization to grow beyond me. Letting go of control and learning to lead through collaboration was a big shift, and one of the most valuable lessons.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core of everything I do is building meaningful, accessible, and inspiring experiences through music and the arts. As the director of Ashe School of Music, I ensure we specialize in creating high-quality music education programs that are welcoming, student-centered, and community-driven. We offer private lessons, group classes, ensembles, and performance opportunities designed to support both musical growth and personal development.
I’m also deeply involved in arts leadership and advocacy. As Board Chair of Arts Holly Springs, I work to expand access to the arts, strengthen cultural programming, and help shape a vibrant creative community. In both roles, I focus on building strong systems and creating spaces where people feel connected, supported, and inspired.
What I’m most proud of is building a school and community that feels like a second home for so many families. Watching students grow not just as musicians, but as confident, capable individuals is incredibly meaningful. I’m also proud of the team and culture we’ve built, grounded in collaboration, excellence, and compassion.
What sets me apart is the combination of artistic vision and entrepreneurial leadership. I bring both heart and strategy to my work. I’m equally focused on creative excellence, operational sustainability, and long-term community impact. That balance has allowed me to grow a small private studio into a thriving, respected organization and to help shape arts programming beyond my own school.
Ultimately, I see my role as building bridges between education and community, creativity and structure, vision and execution, and creating opportunities for people to experience the power of music in lasting ways.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people grow. Watching a student master something they once thought was impossible, seeing a child find confidence through music, or watching a team member step into leadership is incredibly fulfilling.
I also find a lot of joy in building community and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and connected. Whether that’s inside our school, through arts programming, or through service and leadership roles, meaningful connection is what energizes me.
On a more personal level, I love quiet moments with coffee and a good book, time spent playing music, and sharing meals, laughter, and conversation with friends and family. The balance between creativity, community, and stillness keeps me grounded and inspired.
Ultimately, what makes me happiest is knowing that the work I do is making a positive difference by helping people find joy, confidence, and belonging through music and the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asheschoolofmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asheschoolofmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asheschoolofmusic/
- Other: https://artshollyspringsnc.org/
