Boston - piano, guitar, ukulele, trombone, songwriting
Boston’s parents were both touring musicians, so music has been a part of their life “basically since birth.” Boston’s musical studies began early, starting piano lessons at just four years old and picking up the trombone in elementary school. Over the years, Boston continued to deepen their love and knowledge of music, dabbling in other instruments like ukulele, guitar, flute, saxophone and euphonium, and attending a competitive charter high school for the arts. After graduation, Boston headed to Kutztown University, where they continued playing trombone, deepened their piano studies, and learned more about composition and arranging. Boston is also a devoted educator, spending several years teaching pre-k, working at a charter middle school running after-school and music programs, teaching songwriting at an arts camp, and maintaining a roster of private music students in various instruments. One of their favorite parts of teaching is “seeing students learn new things and get excited about the music they are creating.” Boston continues to create their own music as well, and is currently collaborating with a longtime best friend to record and release an original music project. When not performing and teaching music, Boston enjoys hiking, photography and painting. They teach piano, guitar, ukulele, trombone and songwriting for the school.
Brendan - piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, saxophone, songwriting, vocal coaching
Brendan has certainly come a long way from his elementary school days, subjecting his family to the serenade of squawks from a fledgling saxophonist. Since then, he’s developed into a mega-multi instrumentalist studying drums, piano, guitar, and voice to name a few. His talents were quickly noticed by his school, earning him a seat in the high school marching band as a middle schooler. Brendan's musical momentum continued in high school playing bass and piano in the jazz band, marching band, and pit ensemble. He was hand picked to sing in the select choir and vocal quintet. He excelled across the board, leading the school drumline and successfully auditioning for the competitive All-state and All-Eastern NMEA mixed choirs. In addition to being recognized for his singing and playing, Brendan is quite the composer. His choral composition was selected and performed with Brendan as the conductor. Music continues to be an important part of Brendan’s life. He’s served as a church pianist for nearly a decade, sings in the Wilmington Opera Choir, and writes and performs his original music with his band, Horizens. When he’s not performing or teaching for the school, Brendan can be found photographing nature, obsessing over geography and adding to his collection of colorful, eclectic clothes. Brendan teaches piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, saxophone, songwriting and coaches voice for the school.
David - piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, songwriting
David's musical journey began at a restaurant of all places, where he was awestruck by a pianist’s rendition of the Vince Guaraldi favorite “Linus and Lucy”. Little did he know, he would one day become a frequent performer at that very restaurant himself. On the way home that night, little David begged for piano lessons, and the rest is history. He soon began classical piano lessons and starred as a Peter Pan lost boy in his first musical. By high school, he dove into jazz piano study, played percussion in band, sang in the school choir and frequented the musical theater stage in lead roles including Curly in Oklahoma. All the while, he continued to flex his musical muscles, adding guitar, ukulele and drums to his talents. When it came time for college, David decided to lean into this musical momentum, attending University of the Arts where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater and Songwriting. During his studies, he took every opportunity to perform, including playing his original songs at open mics, starring in a variety of roles including Quasimodo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame and even singing in the American Music Abroad Choir Gold Tour. Post graduation, David has balanced a full performing and teaching schedule. He’s shaping young minds by day and providing a great night out at the Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos show. His creativity shines as part of the indie duo band "I Found You!" and co writer of the musical "Red & Black." When he isn’t teaching music or writing his own, David enjoys eating delicious food, watching Philly sports, writing comedy scripts and playing golf. David teaches piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums and songwriting for the school.
Kyle - piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, drums, songwriting
Creating music and inspiring young minds has always been Kyle’s life purpose. He received his first guitar for Christmas as a young child and immediately began writing his own songs - a passion he would continue throughout his life. In high school, he joined Mt. Carmel youth orchestra and fell in love with the upright bass, playing at venues including the Kimmel Center and the Clef Club. Ever eager to create, Kyle began playing with other musicians at his local church, songwriting with friends, and picking up as many instruments as possible. He attended Temple University, entering as a Classical Guitar major and graduating with a Bachelors of Music Education. While there, Kyle studied piano, guitar and songwriting alongside his education coursework. He continued making music with others in the classical guitar ensemble, University Singers and a competitive acapella group. For the past seven years, Kyle has been an elementary school music teacher by day and active musician by night. His band, The InGlorious, has taken the stage at venues all around Philadelphia including Brooklyn Bowl, East Falls Theatre and Ardmore Music Hall. Outside of the music realm, he enjoys watching anime, playing pickleball, and hitting the gym. Kyle teaches piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, drums and songwriting for the school.
Morgan - piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, songwriting
A songwriter at heart, Morgan was destined to share her music in classrooms and on stages. Beginning with a strong foundation of piano and voice lessons throughout her childhood, Morgan quickly fell in love with creating her own music. As a teen, she bonded with her father through guitar lessons and songwriting. At the same time, she participated in the school band on saxophone and sang both in the school choir and competitively, earning a chair in the district, regional, and even all-state choir. She starred in her school's productions of Legally Blonde, Rent, and Theory of Relativity. Adding to her musical accomplishments, Morgan attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music on a full ride, following greats like John Mayer and Esperanza Spalding. While there, she experimented with songwriting, production and vocal harmonies, ultimately graduating with a Bachelors of Music in Songwriting and a minor in Psychology. Morgan's musical expertise spans beyond lessons - she’s an early childhood music instructor and musical theater director. In the moments she doesn’t fill with music, Morgan can be found crocheting her latest outfit or pet sitting in the neighborhood. Morgan teaches piano, voice, guitar and ukulele for the school.
Matt - piano, guitar, bass, drums, production
From the time he was a baby, regularly rocked to sleep on the bandstand, Matt’s life has been molded by music. With a family full of artists and walls lined with records, he would spend countless hours grooving to new sounds. When he first started piano lessons, he was drawn to taking music beyond the page and was constantly making up his own tunes. It was then that his parents decided to gift him a tape recorder to save his distracted musical doodles. Matt carried his passion for songwriting to his high school Music Technology Class where he was challenged to write, produce, perform, and record his own original songs. He found that he felt the most free when bringing his ideas to life, and after releasing some songs that reached thousands of people around the world, he was driven to study Music Industry at Millersville University. Here he honed his craft while adding guitar, bass and drums to his musical studies. Following graduation he applied his skills in songwriting and production to education; helping students in various Philadelphia school communities access their creative voices while serving as an Artist Year Fellow. He then continued his work as a teaching artist with the Ensemble Arts Philly program #Phillybeatz, guiding students through the basics of beatmaking. In between lessons, Matt still finds time to release his own songs spanning multiple styles and genres. Outside of the studio, you might find him catching up on classic anime, hunting shiny Pokémon, practicing his latte art or meticulously editing TikToks. Matt teaches piano, guitar, bass, drums and production for the school.
Reema - piano, guitar, voice, cello, ukulele
Coming from a family with a string quartet’s worth of musicians, Reema has made it a lifelong goal to cultivate music in others. She began her journey as a cellist taking one-on-one lessons and shining in the school orchestra. On her own time, she mastered performing every video game theme she could get her hands on. Reema soon found herself thinking, “Why be in one ensemble, when you can join them all?” She was soon an active member of the school choir and band, while adding mallet percussion and voice to her repertoire. She excelled across the board, taking on the roles of section leader and chamber musician. In Muhlenberg College, Reema explored the tech world while keeping music an active part of her life. She took lessons on voice, piano, guitar and cello. Her time in guitar lessons was pivotal, and Reema vowed to bring the same student-centered experience she received to her own students. Reema's passion for working with kids led her to spend her summers at Lavner Camps teaching technology and coding to kids. She also found time to create her own music, competing in the campus “Riff-Off” before graduating with a BA in Computer Science with a Music Minor. When she’s not teaching, she can be found writing, drawing, gaming, and jamming with friends. Reema teaches piano, guitar, voice, cello, and ukulele for the school.
Jordon - piano, percussion, ukulele
From the early days of her first piano lessons, Jordon discovered she had quite the knack for music. Knowing she wanted to immerse herself in her school’s renowned music program, she added marimba and vibraphone lessons to stay ahead of the curve. Hard work led to early success as she was chosen to represent her elementary school as the sole percussionist in the district band. She went on to earn a seat in the all-state band for multiple years, both individually and as part of her school's competitive percussion ensemble. All the while, Jordon continued her private piano study exploring music by greats including her all time favorite composer Debussy. In addition to excelling musically, Jordan did well academically, finishing high school Magna Cum Laude while being selected to play in the wind ensemble and advanced wind symphony. In college, her musical outlet came as a keyboardist for an indie funk band. She enjoyed spending summers touring and sharing her music across the midwest and then went on to graduate with Honors in her Media Studies and Sociology double major at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Jordon has also always had a passion for outreach, volunteering as a “Big” in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and serving as an Americorps member. When she’s not teaching or volunteering in the community, she enjoys making art, watching movies, exploring nature, and supporting live music. Jordon teaches piano, percussion, and ukulele for the school.
Deirdre - piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, mandolin
For Deirdre, teaching music runs in the family. Her mother was a touring musician and successful piano teacher, so Deirdre was just a toddler when she began lessons. By age 5, she was a multi-instrumentalist, adding on Suzuki violin training at the Wilmington Music School. She also continued to study piano seriously with several well-respected teachers such as Sarah Parker and Lotus Cheng. Throughout her high school years at Mount Pleasant, Deirdre was an active member of the school orchestra and choir, earning accolades such as a Superior Plus rating at the DSMTA Solo Festival and an invitation to perform at the Honors Recital at the University of Delaware. Deirdre’s teaching experience includes a previous studio roster of 25 students and teaching prowess in the areas of classical and contemporary piano, violin, guitar and more. She also received mentorship in education from her mother. Deirdre is passionate about helping students find their individuality through music and her favorite part of teaching is “when a student fully dives into music and it breaks them out of their shell.” As a performer, Deirdre has taken the stage at a variety of venues, including the Nomad jazz bar, Bellefonte Cafe, Finnegan’s Pub, Philadelphia Folks Fest and the Arden Fair. She enjoys connecting with the local music community and is part of a rotating group of musicians who collaborate and play gigs. As Deirdre puts it, she’s “always looking to meet new creative people to jam with and to expand my musical perspective.” When not teaching or playing music, she enjoys gardening and cooking (she was once a head chef.) Deirdre teaches piano, violin and guitar for the school.
Sam - piano, voice, guitar
Sam’s love affair with music started as a young child, captivated by the melodies their mother and grandmother played on the piano. Sam pleaded for lessons, mom agreed, and they began piano studies in the first grade. Just one year later, Sam was cast in a school musical and discovered another lifelong love: singing. From that point, they were “totally hooked,” and began a dedicated musical journey that included eight years of piano lessons, additional private piano lessons in college, studies on the guitar, and extensive vocal training. Sam began serious voice lessons at 14 and is now a classically trained professional mezzo-soprano. Sam graduated Cum Laude from the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a major in vocal performance and a minor in music education. Their music education studies included courses in pedagogy, conducting and more, as well as classroom experience. Another highlight of Sam’s higher education was spending a semester abroad in Vienna, Austria where they studied and performed in a palace just a few blocks away from where Mozart lived. After IU, Sam further honed their craft with a Master of Music from Bard College in vocal arts. Professionally, Sam has lent their voice to renowned ensembles such as Opera Philadelphia, The Orchestra Now, Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. They are also currently collaborating with a local composer to premiere a new opera. Despite Sam’s classical background, their repertoire includes a wide variety of genres, including jazz, pop, and even Disney tunes. When not teaching or performing, Sam enjoys cooking, baking (including a quest for the perfect cinnamon roll recipe) and spending time with their one-eyed cat, Winnie. Sam teaches piano, voice and guitar for the school.
Anna - piano, voice, guitar, ukulele
Anna is a dynamic music educator whose resume boasts an impressive mix of musical accolades, academic success, teaching experience and a bit of punk rock Shakespeare for good measure. Her path started with piano and guitar lessons, later adding choir to her musical pursuits and earning leadership roles within music honors societies. Her passion for music followed her to college, where she pursued a musical theater degree and studied voice under Professor Perry Brisbon at Eastern University. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in Musical Theater, prestigious scholarships, and more leadership roles as President of both Alpha Psi Omega and the Music Guild. Outside of college, Anna discovered a love and talent for teaching: she has led musical courses in summer camps, coached vocals, and been a music director for youth productions. Her stage experience is equally remarkable, with performances at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and tours with choral ensembles. (One of her favorite stage moments was playing Lucius in a “female led punk rock adaptation of Julius Caesar” which even allowed her to showcase her instrumental skills with a ukulele solo.) When not teaching or taking the stage, Anna enjoys reading fiction and taking care of her two cats Perry and Winnie. She teaches piano, voice, guitar and ukulele for the school.
Sabrina - piano, voice, ukulele, flute
Long before Sabrina was leading music classrooms or conducting marching bands, she was a 7 year old discovering her love for music and begging her mom for flute lessons. Those lessons would grow into joining school ensembles, learning piano, voice and ukulele, rising to the rank of drum major, and even taking the stage at the Rose Bowl with her school band. When it came time for college, Sabrina realized that the natural pull she felt towards leadership positions and her lifelong love of music could combine into a dream job: music educator. She attended Millersville University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 General Music Education and a Kodaly Pedagogy certificate. Sabrina is also currently pursuing a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Social and Emotional Learning. Before joining our teaching staff, Sabrina was a public school music teacher, where she taught general music, choir, and served as an assistant marching band director. She says one of her greatest joys in teaching is “seeing someone have tremendous growth throughout their musical experience. It is so fascinating to see someone not only comprehend music but really excel.” When not teaching, Sabrina enjoys photography, video games, and hanging out with her two musically-named cats (Benjamin Franklin Sinatra, and Koko Melon – named for legendary video game composer Koji Kondo). Sabrina teaches piano, voice, ukulele and flute for the school.
Marquis - piano, voice, guitar
For Marquis, music has always been a means to create and connect. He got his start making music with his church choir, and quickly found that singing was his niche. He dedicated hours to practicing and soon was singing in every choir possible in addition to performing lead roles as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Radames in Aida, and Chuck Cranston in Footloose. Lead roles weren’t the only thing Marquis won - he also secured a seat in the prestigious and competitive All South Jersey Chorus. Eager to further his musicianship, Marquis added piano and guitar lessons to the mix. When he went on to Rutgers University, he knew music very much still needed to be part of his life. As he earned both his Bachelors as a double major in Psychology and Spanish and his Masters in Labor Relations Human Resources Management, Marquis sought out ways to stay creative. He ultimately found his community with the Rutgers University Glee Club, where he continued his musical development and performed internationally in England, the Netherlands, and Wales. Post graduation, Marquis has continued to study piano, voice, and guitar taking multiple lessons per week, writing songs, and hitting the stage at open mics across Greater Philadelphia. When he’s not studying music or teaching for the school, he enjoys gardening, walking dogs, and playing Super Smash Bros. Marquis teaches piano, voice, and guitar for the school.
Lindsey - piano, flute, guitar, ukulele
For Lindsey, music is all about growth, exploration, and connection. She idolized her older cousin, so it only made sense for her to pick up the flute in elementary school. Driven by her early success in the school band, she began lessons and asked for a keyboard and guitar for Christmas. She continued study on all three instruments and found her music community in the high school marching band. Ever eager to take on new instruments, she snuck away from the flute section and made her way over to the drum line. Lindsey then attended Kutztown University for her Bachelor’s degree in Music. Here, she continued playing in “every ensemble imaginable,” continued her study of piano and flute, and participated in the professional music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. Working as a behavioral health technician at The Vanguard School post-graduation, Lindsey realized her passion for helping others. Thus, she began work on her Masters in Music Therapy and Counseling at Immaculata University where she’s taken classes including Music Therapy in Pediatric Settings and Music with Diverse Cultures. When she’s not studying and teaching for the school, she enjoys crocheting and curling up with a good book. Lindsey teaches piano, flute, guitar and ukulele for the school.
Benny - piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, songwriting
Benny’s creativity transcends scores, stages, and screens. Like many musicians, her journey began with piano lessons in elementary school. She was enthralled by the instrument and stuck with lessons throughout her childhood- no summers off here! While piano was Benny’s primary musical outlet, she quickly expanded her musicianship with guitar, ukulele, and formal voice lessons. Her commitment to music study earned a scholarship to attend St. Olaf college to complete a Bachelor's degree in Film Writing: Script and Score. Eager to explore new creative horizons, she went on to earn her MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tish. All the while, Benny continued composing, taking piano and voice lessons, and finding new and novel ways to get creative. While Benny's primary canvas for musical composition remains the piano, she’s also taken home the Audio Verse Award for Best Vocal Composition, taken the stage with an original piano/voice composition at 54 Below in NYC, and wrote and directed an off-broadway musical. Benny's professional experiences include roles spanning from choir director and Improv Theater and Performing Arts teacher to TV production assistant. When she’s not writing her next big hit or teaching for the school, Benny can be found enjoying a video game or working on her next screenplay. Benny teaches piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, and songwriting for the school.
Roslyn - piano, voice, violin, ukulele
Roslyn’s musical resume is diverse and global, with instrumental skills on piano, voice, violin and ukulele, a master’s level education in music, and performances in venues from minor league baseball games to European cathedrals. Long before her first international performance or vocal scholarship, however, she was an eager 8-year old taking group piano classes and falling in love with music. Soon enough, she had also joined the school orchestra, signed up for violin lessons and started participating in competitions. In high school, Roslyn added voice lessons to her musical studies and began landing principal roles in school musicals. As part of the Utah “Ambassadors of Music” chorus, she traveled through Europe, performing in eight different countries and at several famous cathedrals. At the urging of her voice instructor, she auditioned for voice programs at local universities, resulting in a full scholarship to study music at the University of Utah. There, she continued to improve her skills in voice and piano while also deeply studying music theory, pedagogy, conducting and more. Along the way, she also sang the national anthem for several minor league sports teams such as the Salt Lake Bees, the Salt Lake Monarchs, and the Grizzlies Hockey team. After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree, Roslyn decided to continue her musical education and relocated to Philadelphia where she is pursuing her master’s degree in vocal pedagogy from Temple University. When not playing, studying or teaching music, she likes reading “just about anything,” practicing yoga and trying new foods. Roslyn teaches piano, voice, violin and ukulele for the school.
Nick - piano, voice, guitar, ukulele
Nick’s musical journey was inspired by his mother, a professional singer who encouraged him to perform in church and school talent shows. At age 8, he added piano lessons to his musical pursuits, which he continued to study for years while also participating in school choirs and musicals. As time for college drew near, it was clear that Nick wanted to pursue music. He attended Millersville University, where he pursued a BSE in Music Education. While there, he also competed in NATS (National Association of Teachers Singing) competitions, receiving accolades (including a first place win) in the chapter and regional contests. After graduating, he continued his academic journey at Shenandoah University, earning a master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, specializing in Commercial and Contemporary Music. His love for teaching began when he gave private music lessons to Shenandoah’s undergraduate acting majors, which he evolved into his own studio of private music students before ultimately joining the Meridee Winters community. Nick's musical expertise includes piano, voice, guitar and ukulele and extends to a wide range of styles, including classical, musical theater, pop, jazz, blues, and rock. In his free time, Nick enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and spending time with his feline companion, Ziggy. Nick teaches piano, voice, guitar and ukulele for the school.
Fayge - piano, guitar, woodwinds
To call Fayge a multi-instrumentalist is a bit of an understatement; the lifelong musician plays piano, flute, bassoon, saxophone, clarinet, bagpipes and even went through what she jokingly describes as a “baroque recorder phase.” Her journey began early – as she puts it, “I can't remember a time before I was interested in music.” As a young child, she watched Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" on repeat and dreamed of playing in a band. In grade school, she took lessons on flute, bassoon, and piano. Her growing passion for music led her to the Appel Farm Arts and Music Camp, where she delved into bass guitar, conducting, saxophone, and clarinet. When it came time for college, she combined her love of music and history with her desire to teach and attended The College of Wooster, Ohio where she earned her BA in Music Education and History. While there, Fayge played and sang in ensembles, conducted the local community band and worked as an assistant band director at a small local high school. Her experience as an educator doesn’t end there – she has taught music and theater at Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, worked with Rhythm Babies teaching pre-k music and also taught at Play On Philly (a charity that provides music lessons to those who lack access.) Currently, Fayge continues to nurture her love of both music and history by playing with the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey, participating in the Shape Note singing community, writing for media sites like Atlas Obscura and even co-hosting her own podcast about history’s lesser-known players. Fayge teaches piano, guitar and woodwinds for the school.
Haily - piano, guitar, voice, songwriting
Haily has loved singing for as long as she can remember, and was still in grade school when she enlisted her mom to help transport her to local karaoke venues to perform and compete. She was hooked and quickly picked up piano and guitar. It wasn’t long before Haily was writing and producing her own music. In high school, she added classical vocal studies to her pursuits, largely to prepare for the competitive college audition process. Her work paid off when Haily was accepted to Pepperdine University with a top scholarship to study and perform classical music. At Pepperdine, she combined her passion for music with her affinity for teaching, ultimately earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts for Education with a Music Emphasis. Throughout her undergrad, she studied music intensively – learning vocal technique, theory and theatrical performance as well as studying piano. Haily also toured with the Pepperdine Chamber Choir as a featured soloist, and was recognized at the Redon Music Festival. While she is classically trained, she enjoys singing and teaching all types of music – including R&B, Pop, and Singer/Songwriter styles. When not teaching or making music, Haily enjoys movies, watching football and basketball, playing soccer, yoga, and cooking. She teaches piano, guitar, voice and songwriting for the school.
Lauren - piano, guitar, voice, songwriting
When Lauren is asked what she’s passionate about, she answers “Sound. How it can influence a person, how it heals and how it makes you feel.” When she was young, her parents would play Norah Jones or Natalie Merchant during her bedtime routine and she’s since associated music with comfort, home and serenity. She aims to pass that along through her teaching. Lauren credits much of her musicality to her mentors. From her first voice teacher guiding Lauren through conquering her stage-fright and the basics of accompanying on guitar and piano and writing her own music to Paul Adkins, an opera star who transformed Lauren into a multi-genre artist, skilled in sight reading, jazz, and improvisation. Before graduating summa cum laude from Syracuse University, Lauren was a peer advisor, where she welcomed freshmen and provided guidance to students in the music department. Outside of the classroom, Lauren has played festivals with Sarah Gross Music and Gill with the G, supported Sammy Rae and the Friends, and opened for the band Lawrence. When she isn’t songwriting, performing or teaching, she loves to enjoy nature, support live music, and add to her colorful sneaker collection. Lauren teaches piano, voice, guitar and songwriting for the school.
Ian - guitar, piano, bass, ukulele
A musical role model can make a world of difference. When Ian was younger, he decided to pick up the guitar after watching his best friend, Matt, jamming on the instrument. Now, an accomplished musician and educator, Ian can be found performing and teaching across the greater Philadelphia area. Beginning private lessons at the age of 10, his interest was sparked to pursue music in college. At Bloomsburg University he studied classical guitar and audio engineering, and had the opportunity to intern with the Grammy award-winning recording engineer Phil Nicolo. After earning his B.A. in music, Ian began teaching others in addition to performing in local venues like the Filmore and TLA. He now has more than a decade of guitar teaching experience under his belt and has instructed students on piano, electric bass and ukulele. You can find Ian performing locally in wedding bands and in a Jazz/Fusion trio called Quailman. When he’s not teaching or performing, he enjoys skateboarding, heading to the gym and playing video games. Ian teaches piano, guitar, bass and ukulele for the school.
Michelle - piano, guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, drums, songwriting
As a 7-year-old with a discman and a knack for Guitar Hero, Michelle was obsessed with all things music. Her parents quickly took notice and gifted Michelle her very first guitar and the lessons to go with it. She was a natural, ever eager to progress, and quickly added piano, bass, ukulele, and drums to the mix. It wasn’t long until she was actively performing for her church’s Sunday service. When Michelle decided to pursue a career in music, she found her home at Eastern University where she received multiple scholarships and graduated Magna Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree in music. During her time at Eastern, Michelle took piano, guitar, and voice lessons and performed in the Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, University Choir, and more. Having developed a passion for songwriting and all things Taylor Swift, Michelle also found herself hitting the studio and exploring recording and audio engineering. Michelle currently serves as the leader of the Mosaic Community Church worship band. When she’s not writing her latest hit or teaching for the school, Michelle enjoys crafting coffees and treats to share with friends. Michelle teaches piano, guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, drums, and songwriting for the school.
Chris - piano, violin, viola, guitar, songwriting, music production
As an Oberlin grad with a passion for creativity, Chris brings his award-winning musicianship to your living room. He began his journey as a tiny tot on violin following in his brother’s cello footsteps. Little did he know, music would encompass his entire life. Chris quickly found himself immersed in weeknight private lessons and enrolled in weekend music school. By the time he reached high school, Chris filled his days with writing and recording his own music as well as studying other instruments including piano, guitar, and viola. His passions shifted to viola, and with that he earned a seat in the prestigious Philadelphia Youth Orchestra in addition to winning the Irving Ludwig Young Artists’ Competition and a multitude of scholarships for private music study. Chris attended Oberlin Conservatory on an audition-based scholarship where he majored in Technology in Music and Related Arts and Viola performance. Ever the creative spirit, Chris spent his time at Oberlin exploring songwriting and music production in-depth. When he’s not designing collaborative multi-media art installations or teaching music to kids, Chris enjoys watching movies, playing baseball and spending as much time outside as possible. Chris teaches piano, violin, viola, guitar, songwriting, and music production for the school.
Angela - piano, voice, ukulele
From karaoke to live shows, Angela’s family always surrounded themselves with music. It’s no wonder her passion for singing, performing and teaching has led her here. Angela’s music education began in high school with participation in choir and the school’s musical theater program–her favorites include Anything Goes, Bye Bye Birdie and Cinderella. These formative experiences revealed a deep-rooted love for music. Taking voice lessons to hone her craft, she decided to major in Music Education at Temple University. There, she studied classical voice and piano, all the while keeping a place in her heart for contemporary, pop and R&B music. When Angela isn’t studying or teaching, you might find her performing with Temple’s choirs at the Kimmel Center, or singing at weddings and special events. Angela’s one-on-one teaching aims to help her students build their confidence while having fun. Outside of the realm of music, she enjoys baking, reading, movies and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Angela teaches piano, voice and ukulele for the school.
Nick - piano, woodwinds, brass, guitar, drums
A veteran music educator and band director in New Jersey, Nick's unwavering passion for music was born by joining every band, orchestra, choir, and chamber group his high school had to offer. Like many students, he started saxophone in the fourth grade, and was inspired by his director to express himself and connect with others through music. Nick later delved into his love of Jazz at Rutgers University, where he majored in Music Education and Jazz Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While completing his degree, he remained active in numerous ensembles including jazz bands, baroque groups, rock and punk bands, pit orchestras, and more. His love of all genres of music comes from his days playing basement shows and other DIY venues. In addition to his extensive musical background, Nick is a beloved school teacher in Cranberry Township School District where he leads the district Jazz bands. Outside of the classroom, Nick is often found hitting the stage with notable musical acts, including singer Alexis Morast, The ASC orchestra, the Earl Phillips Big Band and the fusion group Featherbird. When Nick isn’t performing or teaching, he enjoys attending various jam sessions with other musicians, supporting his favorite sport teams (Go Birds!), playing disc golf and spending time with his two cats. Nick teaches piano, woodwinds, brass, guitar and percussion for the school.
Love - piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, songwriting, music therapy
Music is healing, music is growth, music is Love. As a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and lifelong songwriter, Love has a passion for helping people through music. They’ve presented their research internationally at music therapy conferences and have grown a thriving practice, TheyLoveThem, where they specialize in Gender Affirming Music Psychotherapy and their own method of expressive music journaling. Love has taught students of all ages to express themselves through songwriting and improvisation both in the music therapy realm and through music lessons. Love’s own bond with music blossomed early in life when they started taking classical piano lessons. A natural sight reader, they progressed quickly and soon added on formal voice lessons where they explored classical, jazz and music theater singing. Eager to learn as much as possible, they picked up guitar, ukulele, drums, banjo, mandolin, violin, theremin, and even hammered dulcimer! All the while, Love continued to hone their piano chops, voice and more earning a Bachelors at Montclair State University and a Masters at SUNY New Paltz. Love is also a seasoned performer, gracing stages across the country from their undergrad days with Montclair State University’s jazz choir, through grad school with Rise Choir Philadelphia and beyond as the solo act TheyLoveThem. Love has released six separate albums with a seventh in the works. When they’re not in sessions, teaching, or writing and performing music, Love enjoys sipping tea, sampling local honey, and studying astrology. Love teaches piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, and more for the school.
Gabe - piano, bass, guitar, songwriting
Gabe’s first taste of performing ignited a musical passion - he hasn’t looked back since! Growing up in Miami’s melting pot of cultures, Gabe found himself immersed in Jazz, R&B, and Latin music of all kinds. He played sax in the school band, bass in the jazz band, and performed in the community throughout his high school experience. He added piano to the mix and soon found himself earning his Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Here Gabe continued to thrive as a performer both with the Studio Jazz Band and the Frost Funk/Fusion ensemble for which he was awarded the DownBeat Student Music Award for best Blues/Pop/Rock Group. During his studies, he traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to perform for the Jalisco Jazz Festival and teach young students at the Fundación Tónica Instituto de Jazz program. Gabe continued to foster his musical passions at Florida State University where he earned a Graduate Teaching Assistantship and ultimately his Master’s of Music. Through his assistantship, Gabe brought his musical experiences to students of small and large jazz ensembles, private lessons, and a course on jazz history all while maintaining an active performance schedule. Gabe’s musical journey also extends beyond his degrees. He is a member of the Jalen Baker Quartet and is featured on albums including This Is Me,This Is Us. When he’s not teaching for the school or performing both in the community and internationally, Gabe can be found out hiking on local trails or home curling up with a good book. Gabe teaches piano, bass, guitar, and songwriting for the school.
Meredith - guitar, piano, violin, composition, theory
Music has motivated Meredith not only to create and compose, but to achieve her doctorate in composition. Meredith began piano lessons at the age of seven, and shortly thereafter discovered her love of composing. Through her school experience, she explored the world of strings, adding on violin, double bass, guitar, and electric bass. Creating her own music led Meredith to have her pieces performed by her middle school orchestra and to her attendance at Northwestern High School Music Institute as a composition major on double bass. From there, Meredith went on to pursue her Bachelor of Music from Butler University, her Masters from the University of Hartford and finally a PhD in Music Composition at The University at Buffalo. While at Buffalo, she was a teaching assistant for theory, aural skills, and music history to undergraduates, all while maintaining her private roster of piano and composition students. Highlights of her composition career include having her pieces performed by Ensemble Mise-En, Deviant Septet, Parvenue, and Ensemble Linea, and in venues such as at Florida State University, and St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University. When she’s not composing or teaching, Meredith enjoys running, painting, and watching the occasional English football game with her guitarist husband. Meredith teaches piano, violin, bass, guitar, and composition for the school.
Ashley - guitar, voice, piano, ukulele, songwriting
When you are the daughter of a piano teacher, music is an essential part of your life. Ashley’s tinkering on the household piano led to taking lessons and starring in theater shows while young. Through her theater journey, she discovered her love of singing. Always looking to grow musically, Ashley added guitar lessons in middle school. She then studied a blend of Vocal Performance, Music Education, and Music Business at Millersville University. She continued private lessons and thrived in her piano pedagogy studies. Her vocal studies spanned all genres including classical, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater. A natural leader and performer, Ashley directed the campus acapella group and performed with the university commercial rock bands, marching band and chorale. She participated in several vocal competitions, taking first place twice at NATS competitions in the Jazz category. When she’s not rocking out at local venues or teaching for the school, Ashley enjoys painting, puzzling, and snuggling her eight cats. Ashley teaches voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, and songwriting for the school.
Avery - piano, guitar, songwriting, production
You name it, and Avery has likely written a song about it! From writing plays and creating accompanying soundtracks as a small child to completing “Write a Song a Day” challenges as an adult, Avery can’t get enough of the creative process. He began piano lessons at a young age, and found himself drawn to experimenting with different genres of music. He spent his days playing in the school Jazz band and his nights tinkering in digital audio workstations. At Westchester Community College, Avery earned his Associates in Performing arts and studied piano, electronic music and recording concepts with composer Carlos Delgado. He went on to Lehman College, studying jazz/classical piano, songwriting, composition, and music production for film scores with composers Michael Bacon and John Corigliano. All the while, Avery expanded his playing chops to guitar, his second love. When he’s not recording his latest Pirate Metal Rock Opera, collaborating with musicians across the country or teaching, Avery can be found in the depths of the gaming world playing on both platforms and tabletops. Avery teaches piano, guitar, songwriting, and electronic music for the school.
Michael - piano, guitar, bass and ukulele
Music has taken Michael across the world, on land and sea. He got his first taste of it rummaging through his father’s record collection, and was especially drawn to Rock, Motown, and Jazz. Throughout his schooling, he made it a point to play everything and anything he could get his hands on from euphonium, tuba and trombone in the school band to electric and upright bass in private lessons. He added piano, guitar, drums and ukulele to his lineup - Michael believes the more instruments you learn, the easier it is to see a piece of music from all sides. His love for bass in particular carried him on to earn his Bachelors in Music from Millersville University. Following graduation, Michael dedicated his life to performing and teaching piano and guitar, sharing his widespread love of music with his students for over 15 years. Outside of the classroom, Michael has graced the stage opening for the Roots, OAR, Gavin DeGraw and Rusted Root to name a few. He’s performed on six of the seven continents, and across all seven seas aboard cruise ships - once performing on an 8-month global trip! When he’s not performing or teaching, Michael enjoys spending time with his loving family and two dogs. Michael teaches piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele for the school.
Annie - piano, voice, ukulele
Annie’s musical adventures began in her third grade classroom, with a teacher who would play for the class everyday. This teacher encouraged Annie to sing “Part of Your World” in a talent show, and Annie instantly felt empowered to pursue music. She began taking voice lessons, where she also learned piano accompaniment and songwriting, and added choir and the viola to the mix as well. In high school she was very involved in the musical theater program in addition to orchestra, choir and show choir. As her passion for music and theater grew, she decided to major in Musical Theater at Millikin University. There she further trained her vocal and piano skills, as well as studied acting, dance, and was even cast in a few operas. Outside of her teaching for the school, she has led group musical theater classes and has been a choreographer for The Springer Studio Youth Theater. Annie’s love of teaching has led her to pursue her PA Music Teaching Certification at West Chester University, where she’s already acquired her Kodaly level 1, Orff level 1, and Modern Band certificates. When she’s not teaching, performing, or developing herself professionally, Annie enjoys hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and caring for her collection of houseplants and succulents. Annie teaches voice, piano, and ukulele for the school.
Adam - guitar, piano, voice, saxophone
Sometimes you pick an instrument you love, and sometimes you pick the instrument that’s given to you. For Adam, the saxophone opened the door to his life of music, after he inherited it from a family member. He thrived in his saxophone lessons, earning a seat in the ATSSB All-Region band and jazz band and even the John Phillip Sousa award as a high school senior. All the while, Adam explored several other instruments, adding on piano, guitar, and voice lessons. He then went on to Berklee College of music, initially majoring in saxophone performance. There he dove deeper into his vocal studies, even switching to a vocal major and earning a bachelors degree in Professional Music with an emphasis in songwriting and production. When he’s not teaching for the school, Adam spends his time playing tennis, baking, and photographing local events. Adam teaches piano, voice, guitar and saxophone for the school.
Brandon - piano, guitar, trumpet, euphonium
Brandon’s journey in music started like many children, at his family’s piano but has taken him all the way to the euphonium. A local Ridley High School grad, his time was spent playing the trumpet, the tuba and the piano in concert band, jazz band, marching band, and PMEA district band. He also found time to take part in the choir, theater ensemble and every outside band opportunity imaginable. It’s no surprise Brandon graduated from the Boyer College of Music at Temple University where he continued to seek out group performance opportunities including Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Tuba/Euphonium ensemble. At university, he took on a section leader role, leading sectionals and coaching his peers. You can still find Brandon performing for Temple basketball games as a member of The Night Owls. When he’s not performing or teaching, Brandon enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family. He teaches piano, trumpet, guitar for the school and for the adventurous, euphonium.
Steve - guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, piano
Steve has passions for music, teaching, dogs, and hot sauce. Steve’s love of music started at a young age, singing along as his parents rocked out to Iron Maiden and Type O Negative. He began his guitar studies in middle school, inspired by a Slipknot documentary, and in high school participated in every ensemble imaginable, from concert band to jazz band to the school musical. He even took to adapting violin and viola parts himself to participate in the orchestra. Steve’s passion for music took him to University of the Arts, where he was awarded the Catherine T Quaile Memorial Guitar Award during his senior year in addition to a Bachelors in Music and a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Music Education. Steve’s dedication to music education continued into adulthood, teaching music in PAEP’s after school programs, a summer camp in Poland, and in schools in Philadelphia and Chester County. When he’s not teaching, Steve can be found composing and playing guitar for his band People Food, gigging and recording on drums for local bands, and helping beginning bands to get off the ground. In addition to music, Steve also has a passion for dogs and hot sauce - so much so that he created a hot sauce company and named it after his childhood dog, Pickle Monster Hot Sauce. Steve teaches guitar, piano, drums, bass, and ukulele for the school.
Kendal - piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums
In addition to the impressive Master of Music in Classical Guitar that Kendal holds from Manhattan School of Music, he also boasts eight years of teaching experience. Kendal discovered his love of music at a young age, driving with his dad and blasting Thin Lizzy and Kiss on the car stereo. He began taking piano lessons at 9, guitar lessons at 11 and expanded his ensemble skills at the School of Rock shortly thereafter. Upon graduating, he pursued a B.A in audio and video recording at Bloomsburg University while continuing his classical guitar studies. During his senior year of undergrad, he performed with and was the president of the Bloomsburg Guitar and Jazz Ensemble. At the same time, he worked as a studio intern for Water Music Recording in Hoboken, assisting in recording sessions for producers such as John Agnello. Kendal was inspired to pursue his masters at MSM with Dr. Mark Delpriora, where he performed in ensembles, duos, and took part in several masterclasses with Elliot Fisk and Manuel Barrueco. Since graduating and moving back to the area, Kendall Writes and performs with his band, Massive Conspiracy. When he isn't teaching or performing, he enjoys playing Nintendo games, watching old B-Movies, and taking hikes around PA. Kendal teaches piano, guitar, bass, ukulele and drums.
Candace - *Online Teacher: voice, piano, guitar
It began with four-part Christmas carols being sung in harmony with her family, and from there Candace’s love of music has grown to take her around the world as a featured vocalist and performer. Candace started piano lessons at the age of six and discovered her love for musical theater productions in middle school. While earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, she won an internship in Hollywood to write and direct a music video featuring cameos by Linkin Park and other national acts. Her talents with piano and voice led her to become an elementary music teacher for six years and to work with adults with disabilities as a Performing Arts director. Since moving on from classroom teaching, Candace has fulfilled her dream of touring the country as a vocalist and performing as a backup singer in NYC. She’s most proud of her solo performance at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where she was named the 2018 Vocalist Winner. She’s even currently on tour with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Platters. Candace has performed with numerous bands and tours and is excited to be helping others discover the joy in music while teaching voice, piano and guitar online for the school.
Bill -
guitar, ukulele, drums and piano
When you start whistling tunes at the age of two, you can bet that music is in your future. Bill’s parents raised him on classic rock, and over the years he added percussion, guitar, ukulele and piano to his list of musical abilities. In high school, he lent his talents to ensembles as part of the Upper Darby High School Jazz Band, Drumline, and several bands. While with the drumline, he earned third place nationally for his performance on guitar. His musical successes led him to study music education and classical guitar (as well as business management) at West Chester University, where he also participated in the WCU Classical Guitar Ensemble. Since then, he’s enjoyed performing locally in venues such as the Trocadero and the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Bill has been teaching one-on-one music lessons for over 10 years as well as group classes for four years. In addition to music, Bill is a lover of nature and animals, and once raised pigs for the 4H club! He now spends time with his lab/collie mix when not gigging or teaching. He teaches guitar, ukulele, drums and piano for Meridee Winters.
Zephyr - *Lead Teacher: piano, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, composition
Zephyr considers himself a "lifelong student of music" who began with piano at just four years old. At seven, he announced his intention to play the saxophone, which he promptly began pursuing and continued to study through college. Zephyr has performed throughout the region on both instruments, primarily with the Nakomi band – a traditional African and Highlife ensemble he co-founded in his teens in Upstate New York. He studied music seriously, attending the prestigious Summer Five Week Program at Boston's Berklee College of Music, as well as both the Skidmore and Proctors Summer Jazz Institutes. His passion for learning has led him to add on clarinet, guitar, and a wide variety of instruments to his repertoire. For his higher education, Zephyr graduated from Temple University with a degree in Jazz Alto Saxophone Performance. While there, he had the unique privilege to study piano and sax for all four years with some of the best musicians in their field. In 2016, Zephyr studied abroad at The Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands where he "learned to speak beginning level Dutch, made friends from around the globe, and soaked up the culture." He is passionate about music composition and interested in a wide variety of musical genres, including jazz, classical, funk and soul. While Zephyr spends a large portion of his time on music, he also loves to cook gourmet meals, travel, and plan his next adventure in the streets of Philadelphia. He teaches piano, saxophone and composition for the school.
Kelsey - piano, guitar, saxophone, voice
Kelsey is a multi-instrumentalist, trained educator, and active member of Philly’s DIY music scene. She “can’t remember a time when she wasn’t interested in music,” and began her musical studies with piano lessons at age six, adding saxophone lessons in grade school. Some of her most formative musical experiences happened at Camp Louise in Shickshinny, PA, which she attended yearly. It was here that she learned how to play guitar and bass, and that she first sang in front of a crowd. Kelsey’s positive musical experiences at Camp Louise led her to pursue a career in music education, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Ed from West Chester University, where she graduated cum laude and made the dean’s list. At WCU, Kelsey added to her already extensive list of instruments; she learned and taught flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, and more. She also continued to study and play saxophone and piano, and participated in numerous music clubs, including the school’s professional music fraternity for women. Kelsey is a very active in Philadelphia’s music community. She has been performing in original rock bands since she was 16 years old, and has opened shows for Hall of Fame nominees, punk legends, and even a cast member of a hit TV show (Creed Bratton of “The Office”). Currently, she performs throughout the Philadelphia area as a solo singer/songwriter and as the vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for a rock band. Her music has recently been featured on WXPN as well as in commercials. Kelsey aims to giver all of her students “the tools that they need to share what they love to do with the world.” She teaches piano, guitar, saxophone and voice for the school.
Carolann – *Lead Teacher: violin, guitar, ukulele, piano, viola, cello
Carolann has always been obsessed with strings – whether they’re on guitars, ukuleles, violins, cellos, or even pianos. Her first instrument was the guitar, which she received as a gift in elementary school, but it wasn’t long before she was writing pop songs, taking voice lessons, studying viola, and playing in the school orchestra and jazz band. When it was time for college, she attended Susquehanna University on a full ride and majored in Music with a Music Technology minor. There, Carolann participated in the string pedagogy program, teaching weekly seminars in addition to being paired with private students. All the while, Carolann continued to study viola, hone her guitar, piano and vocal skills, and teach group music classes. Her educational experience doesn’t end there; she received her Masters of Multicultural Education degree from Eastern University, was trained in The New Teacher Project's (TNTP) Teaching Fellows Program, and has taught in various school programs. In addition to her work with our school, she is a full time music teacher and orchestra director in Philadelphia. Carolann brings her musical and educational knowledge to the Meridee Winters School of Music as a teacher on violin, guitar, ukulele, piano, viola, and cello.
Nikki - *Lead Teacher: piano, voice, ukulele
Nikki’s voice has taken her all over – in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Rio Grande. Her journey started in Tennessee, though, where Nikki began piano lessons at a very young age. (Ever the eager toddler, a teacher agreed to take her on as soon as she could “count to five and tell black from white.”) In elementary school, Nikki joined a community choir, and upon graduating from that started an a capella group with some industrious friends. She added private voice lessons to her studies, and continued to study both that and piano through college. For her undergraduate degree, Nikki received an academic scholarship to Union University in Jackson, TN where she earned her BA in Philosophy with a minor in Music and Honors Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has experience teaching both piano and voice, and is currently working on her music education certification at Eastern University. Nikki has performed in numerous choirs and operas throughout her life, was the female lead in Mozart's Bastienne and Bastianna, and even plays harp. When Nikki isn’t making music, she enjoys hiking and camping (and could give you a few tips on how to build a yurt.) She has been teaching piano, voice and ukulele for the school since 2017.
Kaitlin - *Lead Teacher: piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, songwriting
Kaitlin is a dedicated musician, as demonstrated by her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College and her Master’s of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Her interest in playing and singing began in her youth, but the decision to pursue it as a career came while performing with the Texas All State Choir in High School. This led her to Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she studied both voice and piano formally, and received a presidential scholarship. At the Cleveland Institute, she continued her studies, earning the Max Berman prize – the school’s largest award for a vocalist, as well as trying her hand at stage-managing. Kaitlin is no stranger to teaching music; for the completion of her Music Education degree, she taught at New Hope High School and Middle School, teaching students grades 6-12. During this time she worked with a large number of choirs, as well as the middle school cast of Grease, and gave both class and private music instruction to students grades 6-12. Her other teaching experiences include teaching music as a volunteer at the Cleveland School of the Arts, the Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility, and at several elementary and middle schools. As a performer, she’s landed some impressive roles, including Alice Ford in Verdi's Falstaff, Béatrice in Berlioz's Béatrice et Bénédict, Antonia in Les Contes du Hoffmann, and the title role in Handel's Alcina. Kaitlin works in the MW office as our faculty coordinator and teaches piano, voice, guitar, ukulele and songwriting for the school.
David – *Lead Teacher: voice, piano, guitar
A born performer, David has graced the stage of many well-known Tri-State area theaters, including the Walnut Street Theater and the Arden Theater in Philadelphia and Candlelight Theater in Delaware. His stage credits have even taken him abroad to places like Edinburgh, Scotland and Beijing, China. David studied music throughout his youth – beginning with the saxophone and voice, and soon adding on the piano and the guitar. His love of music and the performing arts led him to Syracuse University, where he earned his BFA in Drama. (He also has extensive training in the Linklater voice method.) David has several years of music direction under his belt in various local school and music theater programs, and is currently serving as the music director for the Wolf Performing Arts Center. While his musical theater experience is extensive, David enjoys and teaches many genres, including jazz, rock, folk, classical and recording programs like Logic and MainStage. He is a lead teacher of piano, guitar and voice for the school.
Brendan - *Lead Teacher: guitar, voice, piano
Brendan grew up loving and listening to his Dad’s records. What he heard inspired him, so he started guitar lessons, formed a band with some friends, and began writing his own songs. Brendan followed this musical path to college, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Music Recording Technology from Lebanon Valley College where he studied both guitar and voice. Though he has a passion for jazz, Brendan loves playing in all different styles – rock, R&B, blues, progressive, and folk. His band, Johnny Action Figure, has performed at top venues in Philadelphia, Nashville and New York, alongside great bands like Wilco, the Get Up Kids, and Apollo Sunshine. Their music has been featured in television shows and commercials on MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central. Brendan currently sings with the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, and they have performed in many notable places including the Mann Center. He is a lead teacher of guitar, piano and voice for the school.
Michael - *Lead Teacher: guitar, piano, bass
Michael Campanile has spent the past eleven years teaching, performing, and recording music on both the east and west coasts. A graduate of the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, he teaches private and group lessons, guitar clinics and online lessons. Michael has helped many students discover music, with lessons ranging from beginners starting guitar to advanced players looking for a more specialized focus, as well as piano and bass students. Recently completing his 10th studio album, "More Songs No One Wanted", Michael is involved in several projects: a local metal band, a rockabilly Sun Records cover act, and various electronic music recordings. He is comfortable teaching all genres, including rock, metal, jazz, folk, improvisation, and composition, as well as electronic music, recording and production. He has recorded/produced with West Coast performer Peter DiStefano (Jane's Addiction), and the notable east coast act Infernal Opera. Some of his favorite musicians include Claude Debussy, Pat Martino, Marty Friedman, and Brian Setzer. When Michael isn't teaching or performing, he enjoys hand tool woodworking, Z grade horror, and anything Dostoyevsky. Mike is a lead teacher of piano, guitar, and bass for the school.
*Our lead and master teachers earned their positions through longstanding records of high performance within the school. Learn more here.