Molly - Piano, Guitar, Violin and Voice
Molly may have started their music journey belting show tunes from the porch but has since immersed themselves in music. Singing alto in chorus from Kindergarten to senior year, Molly also dedicated nearly a decade to the Suzuki method of violin. They played in their school orchestra and even picked up the trombone for the school band. A true musical polymath, Molly learned piano and guitar during their formative years. Molly's academic path led them to Oberlin College, where they studied music education, environmental studies, and fashion design. Notably, they contributed to innovative projects at the Music Conservatory by integrating weaving with wearable sonic electronics and participated in the Girls Electronic Arts Retreat through TIMARA (Technology in Music and Related Arts). Now residing in Philadelphia, Molly is a community catalyst, organizing backyard music sessions that blend singing with fiddle, autoharp, guitar, and even sounds created from found objects. Molly also channels their musical talents into Spiral Q Puppet Theater, participating in the Peoplehood Pageant Band. In addition to Molly's creative exploration through improv and songwriting, they approach teaching with warmth, patience and curiousity. Molly believes every student is an artist! You can catch Molly performing with the No Arena Flash Chorus locally or, in their spare time, hiking, swimming year round or making soup. Molly teaches piano, guitar, violin and vocal coaching for the school.
John - Piano, Voice, Ukulele
John's comfort on the musical stage stems from his early days in the Bucks County Children's Choir. Long before he captured lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Guys & Dolls, Into the Woods, and Sweeney Todd, John spent hours learning the piano, crafting his voice, and strumming the guitar. As a memorial scholarship recipient with the Saint Joseph's University Theater Program, he was proud to direct 54th & City A Cappella, receiving regional recognition for best performance in 2017. Upon graduating St. Joe's with his Bachelors, he's continued his connection to community and the arts through his membership in the Saint Denis Parish Adult Choir in Havertown. With this choir, John was recently featured as a soloist at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. As a former camp counselor and youth group leader, John takes pride in mentoring students and continues that tradition in his one-on-one lessons. When he's not making music, you'll find John tacking a DIY home improvement project or cheering on the hometown Eagles! John teaches piano, voice and ukulele for the school.
Rebecca - Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele and Songwriting
Rebecca's arrival on the music scene began with full-costume, living room recitals and pretend radio broadcasts. It wasn't long before her parents set her up with piano, voice and musical theater training. With a M.Ed in Music Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, a B.A. in Linguistics from Haverford College, and additional certifications in Kodály and the Modern Band Method, Rebecca brings a unique blend of academic rigor and creative flair to her teaching. Her diverse skill set includes classical and contemporary voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting. As a certified music teacher and former Americorps volunteer, Rebecca went on to become the founding music teacher at a Queens elementary school where she built a comprehensive music program for over 500 students from the ground up. Beyond teaching, Rebecca is an active folk-pop singer-songwriter and has served as a songleader for various Jewish community programs. Her summers are spent honing her craft at songwriting retreats led by folk icon Dar Williams, keeping her teaching fresh and relevant. When she's not involved musically, you might catch her running along the Schuylkill River Trail or challenging friends to a game of Bananagrams (despite always losing). Rebecca teaches piano, guitar, voice, ukulele and songwriting for the school.
Brian - Piano, Voice
Brian is a passionate and experienced music educator and performer whose background spans from elementary school music classrooms to Carnegie Hall. With a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a double Bachelor's in Music Education and Romance Languages from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, his lessons combine deep musical expertise with contagious enthusiasm for teaching. Brian’s musical journey began at the age of nine with his first piano lesson, and his passion only grew as he discovered the joy of singing. He has earned multiple accolades, including a top placement in the Esther and Myron Wilson Vocal Competition and being named a finalist at the Ryan Opera Center. In addition to his formal education, Brian has extensive experience working with young musicians. He has taught middle school choir, general music for K-5 students, given masterclasses, and runs a voice studio. As a professional opera singer, Brian has graced prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera. He enjoys using his piano skills to prepare for performances and collaborates with children’s choruses in operatic productions like Carmen and Tosca. Outside of music, Brian enjoys experimenting with Puerto Rican recipes and staying active through volleyball leagues with friends. He teaches voice and piano for the school.
Lauren - Piano, Voice, Guitar, Viola
Lauren is a dynamic musician and board-certified music therapist whose diverse background spans classical music, punk rock, and creative art collaborations. Her first instruments were guitar and viola, and by high school she was immersed in music, determined to become a "cool, punk rock female guitarist." This passion led her to earn a degree in Music Therapy from Queens University of Charlotte, where her studies included voice, piano, and percussion, alongside continued training in viola and guitar. In recognition of her achievements, Lauren was awarded the university’s Outstanding Student Award in Music, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was inducted into the school’s Noble Fellows (a lifelong academic fellowship associated with the university). During her clinical training, Lauren worked with children with autism, ADHD, behavioral disorders, and developmental disabilities, and she continues to stay updated through continuing education for her MT-BC certification. Lauren has shared her gifts of music and compassion with people of all ages, spending several years as a music therapist in a hospice setting. Her creative achievements go beyond therapy and teaching—she has performed with her punk band at South by Southwest and at venues throughout the East Coast. Lauren is also a visual artist, creating works that can be performed as musical compositions which are showcased at galleries across the region. When not teaching or creating, Lauren enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her cats, Pesto and Toasty. She teaches piano, voice, guitar and viola for the school.
Bryn - Piano, voice, ukulele
Bryn is a dynamic music instructor with deep roots in the musical world, thanks to a family legacy that includes a father who is a piano teacher and a mother who is a music therapist. Bryn's musical studies started at the young age of four when he eagerly convinced his dad to start giving him piano lessons. With a solid foundation in classical music, Bryn has also explored other instruments and genres, adding voice lessons, ensembles and choirs to his musical studies, as well as picking up ukulele and oboe and performing in several bands. For college, Bryn followed in his mother’s counseling footsteps, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work from Temple University and graduating Summa Cum Laude. While his time as a social worker has been fulfilling, Bryn deeply missed music and is currently earning his second bachelor’s degree – this time as a classical piano performance major at Community College of Philadelphia. This unique blend of music and social work equips Bryn with exceptional skills in understanding and nurturing the developmental needs of his students. In addition to studying and teaching piano, Bryn sings with Philadelphia Voices of Pride choir and recently participated in the GALA Choruses Festival, showcasing his commitment to both performance and community. Outside of music, Bryn enjoys science fiction and spending time with his spirited dog, Augie. Bryn teaches piano, voice and ukulele for the school.
Avi - Piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, drums, songwriting, production
Avi is an accomplished musician and songwriter whose musical journey began at age six, when they started writing their first songs. At age eight, Avi began guitar lessons, and by twelve, they were already experimenting with music production, mastering tools like Garageband and composing original pieces. Along the way, they added choir and piano to their musical pursuits, making it clear they would follow this path into higher education. This led them to Temple University, where Avi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Technology and Interdisciplinary Studies. Following Temple, Avi spent a year with AmeriCorps, which provided the opportunity to bring their musical knowledge into the classroom. They landed at Frankford High School, where they taught general music and small group instruction for grades 10 through 12. Their curriculum included DJ lessons, guitar, piano, drums, and vocals, serving over 40 students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. Beyond teaching, Avi has an independent artist project and has independently written, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered their music, amassing over 4 million streams on Spotify. Their performance credits include sharing the stage with acts like Jane Remover at the Pitchfork Festival and performing at top venues such as the Beachland Ballroom. When not teaching or writing music, Avi channels their creativity into painting, stop-motion animation, and learning new dance moves. Avi teaches piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, and drums for the school.
Allie - Piano, Voice
Allie’s musical journey began at the age of six when she started learning the violin. By seven, she discovered a love for singing, thanks to the encouragement of her parents. This early start led to private voice lessons and a dedication to singing that continues to this day, including involvement in school choirs, orchestras and community performances. Along the way, Allie added piano, music theory and composition classes to her studies. As a student at Strath Haven High School, she thrived in the music program, participating in three choirs, including the elite Silvertones, with whom she toured Southern Italy, performing in some of the country’s most iconic basilicas and cathedrals. Her commitment to music earned her the impressive score of 5 on the AP Music Theory exam and the prestigious Pete and Nellie Cellini Scholarship for music excellence upon graduating. At Rochester Institute of Technology, Allie sang with RIT’s first SATB a cappella group, Proof of Purchase, where she arranged and recorded a cappella performances and was part of the group’s EP “Receipts.” Currently pursuing further education at Delaware County Community College, she continues to develop her musical skills in composition and performance. Allie is thrilled to help her students “nurture their love of music and help them each find their own unique musical path.” Outside of music, Allie loves spending time with her dog, Ollie, and is always up for a new craft project or video game challenge. Allie teaches piano and voice for the school.
Ryan - Piano, guitar, ukulele, voice
Ryan’s love of music began in preschool when a visiting guitarist performed a song that had everyone dancing and freezing in place. Ryan was convinced that the performer was a true "rock star from the radio," and that moment lit a musical spark. Starting piano at age three, their musical journey expanded quickly—picking up violin, trumpet, guitar, and voice along the way. By high school, they focused on piano and guitar, paving the way for a career in music. When it came time for college, Ryan attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where they majored in Music Business and Technology. They then transferred to Temple’s esteemed Boyer College of Music, where they completed their degree with a B.S. in Music. Between the two universities, Ryan honed their instrumental skills while taking courses in conducting, world music, music technology, theory, jazz arranging, pop songwriting, and more. With a deep understanding of diverse musical genres, Ryan’s teaching spans jazz and classical piano, acoustic and electric guitar, voice, songwriting, and ukulele. They also enjoy incorporating their knowledge of music production and DAW software for students eager to explore the technical side of music. In addition to their musical experience, Ryan has teaching experience as both a private music instructor and as a mentor for the Challenger Program, where they worked with and planned activities for children with special needs. As a musician active in Philadelphia’s DIY scene, they play in several bands, including their emo rock/pop project Deltacommagreen and their punk band New Galena. Outside of music, they enjoy chess, skiing, and spending time with their two cats, Chicken and Noodle.
Olivia - piano, voice, guitar, bass, songwriting, production
Olivia's journey in music began long before she hit the professional stage; it was ignited by her childhood passion for singing and creating. From penning poems to performing in cabarets, her early love for the arts paved the way for her formal training at 16 under the guidance of Toni Marie Palmertree, where she studied voice and Jazz Performance. At Temple University, she further honed her skills in Media Arts with a focus on music production, all while deepening her musical abilities in piano, voice, and guitar. Olivia's nights were often spent strumming her guitar, leading to a profound connection with the instrument. After graduating in 2018, she committed herself to a full-time music career, crafting both intricate compositions and catchy pop songs. She can be found anywhere from Philly Folk Fest to DIY basements spaces performing both as the solo act Olivia Love, and with the bands Present Tense and Lovenotes. Passionate about teaching, Olivia finds fulfillment in guiding young musicians to discover their unique paths and express themselves through music. When she's not teaching or performing, Olivia enjoys crocheting her own clothing, blending creativity across different mediums. She teaches voice, guitar, piano, bass, and audio engineering for the school.
Hugh - piano, guitar, bass, voice, drums
Hugh grew up in a musical household, with fond memories of improvising on the piano alongside his singer father, while his classical pianist mother looked on. This playful approach to music has shaped Hugh's teaching style, making lessons both fun and educational. His musical education began with church and school choirs and continued with 11 years of classical piano lessons, mastering pieces from Chopin to Bach. He also explored guitar, saxophone, and digital music production, honing his skills in Logic Pro over the past eight years. At Drexel University, Hugh expanded his studies to include vocal training and guitar, and performed with the Mediterranean Ensemble, showcasing his versatility across various musical traditions. Hugh's academic achievements include a Bachelor's in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University, where he received the Founder's Scholarship and the Westphal Portfolio Scholarship, and was a two-time Dean's List awardee. His dedication to music was recognized with both Superior and Excellent ratings at the Constance W. Murray Piano Festival for ten consecutive years, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers’ Diploma. Beyond his impressive credentials, Hugh's teaching philosophy is rooted in making music accessible and enjoyable for all students. He brings a wealth of real-world experience, having opened for notable acts like Flo Rida and performed at iconic venues such as Milkboy Philadelphia and the Bowery Electric in New York City. Hugh's current projects include recording, producing, and performing with his band, as well as playing bass for local Philly DIY bands. When he's not composing the next big hit or teaching budding musicians, you might find Hugh hiking trails, shooting hoops, or engaging in his self-proclaimed "foodie" adventures around Philadelphia. Hugh teaches piano, voice, guitar, bass and drums for the school.
Amanda - piano, voice
Amanda brings a perfect blend of performance and pedagogy to her lessons. She’s sung with Opera Philadelphia and the Dallas Opera Chorus and has taken home awards including Winner and Region Finalist of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. With her Bachelor’s of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan and Master’s of Music in Voice and Opera from the University of North Texas, it is no surprise that Amanda started with a solid musical foundation. She began with piano lessons starting in Kindergarten and was soon starring in her school show choir and musicals including Grease as the iconic Rizzo. Amanda took a sharp turn into the opera world following her theater and dance filled high school experience earning the titular role in Carmen, among others. Throughout her graduate and undergraduate courses, she deeply studied pedagogy, diction, music theory and piano. Since completing her degree programs, Amanda has found joy in teaching and has brought music to students in Texas Public Schools, the Dallas Institute of Musical Advancement, and most recently Germantown Friends School. When she’s not helping her students craft their next big performance or prepping for her own, Amanda enjoys hanging out with her cat, Pluto, and catching up on all things pop culture. Amanda teaches piano and voice for the school.
Catherine - piano, voice, viola, ukulele, music production
For Catherine, music is a way to excel and tap into her nerdy side. She began piano lessons at 6 and hit the ground running. She had a natural talent and soon was competing at local piano festivals throughout her schooling - her childhood piano studio even re-named an award in her honor due to her diligence and commitment to music. Combining her love of music and competition, Catherine joined the school orchestra and auditioned successfully for James Madison University’s Spring String Thing sight reading orchestra. Ever eager to learn as much as possible, she added voice and ukulele to the mix. After years of singing musical theater ballads and practicing vocal technique, Catherine was off to the College of William & Mary where she joined the university choir and the school a cappella group - The Accidentals. Her skillful singing was recognized, and she was awarded the Carl A. Fehr Choral Scholarship for multiple years of her studies. Catherine thrived in the collegiate music scene and served as historian and social chair for the university choir as well as the acapella director – she found joy in conducting, planning gigs and tours, arranging, and even recording and publishing albums for the group. As a Dean’s List student, she studied music production alongside her Bachelors degree in Sociology, taking a variety of courses in ethnomusicology, music theory, computer music, film scoring and more. When she’s not producing video game soundtracks or teaching for the school, Catherine spends her days crocheting, playing Minecraft and Roblox, and maintaining her 600+ day Duolingo streak. Catherine teaches piano, voice, viola, ukulele and music production for the school.
Robbie - piano, voice, trombone
For Robbie, music has always been the cornerstone of his life. Between his opera singer father and music educator mother, young Robbie frequented the opera and was enrolled in classical piano lessons by the age of 6. He was hooked and joined the school choir and band. He continued his piano study, taking both classical and jazz piano lessons with multiple instructors. By high school, Robbie was traveling Europe with his church choir, riffing in the Jazz band on trombone, and playing lead musical theater roles including Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof. Robbie went on to Mansfield University as a Music Education major, taking a variety of music and pedagogy courses as well as teaching a roster of private students. Ever inspired by his father, Robbie’s passions gravitated towards voice study, and he soon found himself pursuing a masters degree in Vocal Performance at the esteemed Binghamton University on a teaching assistantship. Here he developed his own voice as well as his pedagogy. He spent his days singing, winning and placing in various NATS competitions and serving as a Resident Artist at the Tri-Cities Opera. He also enjoyed teaching private lessons and beginner voice classes, as well as preparing students for recitals and collegiate juries. Robbie can often be found on stage, whether with The Philadelphia Chorus or with operas in roles such as Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro and Papageno in the Magic Flute. When he’s not performing or teaching for the school, he enjoys spending time in nature be it kayaking, hiking, climbing or running. Robbie teaches piano, voice, and trombone 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.
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.
Kyle - piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, drums, electronic music
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 electronic music 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lauren - piano, voice, guitar, 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.
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.
Vincent - piano, voice, drums, songwriting
From the Lehigh Valley to the stage at Carnegie Hall, Vincent made it his mission to share his love of music. He honed his skills at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, concentrating in Voice and studying subjects including AP music theory, vocal tech, musical theater, and songwriting, while also mastering piano and voice. As a performer, Vincent shines in both his rock cover band and as a solo artist, playing venues across the state. He has graced Carnegie Hall with a touring choir during one of his crowning musical achievements performing John Rutter’s “Requiem” under the baton of the composer himself. Vincent's boundless enthusiasm and diverse experiences make him an exceptional guide on any musical journey, inspiring students and parents alike. Outside of performing and teaching, Vincent enjoys going to concerts, watching movies with friends and family, board games and playing with his dogs. Vincent teaches piano, voice, drums and songwriting for the school.
Carrie - piano, voice, french horn, electronic music
Carrie’s love of music took her across the U.S., to Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul and to play a show with Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore in Massachusetts. She has played piano since Kindergarten and in her mind, has always loved music. Over the years, she added horn, voice, and electronic music skills and explored classical, jazz, pop, opera and more. Carrie holds a B.A from the University of Vermont and completed her MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Mills College with a focus in Electronic Music and Recording Media. Carrie received several awards, including the Graduate Music Alumnae Scholarship and the MWC Fellowship in Composition, allowing her to attend Mills College on a full ride. Carrie is an accomplished performer in various ensembles including her piano performances with the Mills College Music Improvisation Ensemble and an active solo-performance schedule. In addition to being on stage, Carrie is versed in front of house sound and studio recording. When she’s not teaching or composing, she loves playing cards with friends, cooking, gardening and being outside. Carrie teaches piano, voice, French horn and electronic music for the school.
Adam - voice, piano, guitar, 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 photographing local events enjoying the latest Lady Gaga concert. Adam teaches piano, voice, guitar and saxophone for the school.
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.
Tiffany - piano, voice
Long before earning her Master of Music degree, or becoming an award winning vocalist, Tiffany was a toddler in love with music (specifically, the Wizard of Oz). She didn't wait long to dig into her passion – by elementary school she was performing in several choirs, taking piano lessons, and learning the double bass with her school orchestra. She was even able to consider herself a touring musician through her work in the elite professional children's choir, Kinderchor at Otterbein. Throughout high school, Tiffany continued to enjoy playing piano and participating in vocal and instrumental ensembles. She also used music as a way to give back, spending her summers as a volunteer performer at the local nursing home. For her higher education, Tiffany headed to Ohio University where she received her Bachelor of Music Degree and earned several scholarships for music and voice. She was also awarded the honor of performing the National Anthem for her graduation ceremony. Her musical education did not end there; Tiffany headed to Texas Tech University to receive her Master of Music degree, once again earning several scholarships for her music and vocal talents. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, she also built her teaching skills by taking pedagogy classes, completing a Teaching Assistantship and being a rehearsal leader. Tiffany continued performing through college and beyond, garnering key roles in several regional theater productions. When not performing or teaching, Tiffany loves spending time in nature and making her own soaps. Tiffany teaches piano and voice 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.
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: voice, guitar, 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.
*Our lead and master teachers earned their positions through longstanding records of high performance within the school. Learn more here.