"Ever since I could remember, I have always been in love with the guitar. I just always felt like it was an extension of who I am!" recalls Washington DC guitar and multi-string instrumentalist, Michelle. Michelle is a restless collaborator who is engaged in exploring and extending the boundaries of her instruments. Michelle's guitar playing is often described as incredibly creative and innovative. A FORCE OF NATURE. Her playing is visceral, with a expressionistic approach to creating timbre and velocities. Constantly discovering new sonorities on her guitar, she has created a uniquely personal language which speaks to audiences. "Michelle is the most engaging improvisor I have ever seen. No one is breaking boundaries and taking command of the guitaristic language like Michelle is, NOBODY. She is a percussionist on guitar, indeed she is the GUITAR'S RENAISSANCE" to quote Lydia Cummings Smith (independent improvised music critic) in 2002. Influenced at first by guitarist like Allan...

Steve is originally from the Binghamton, NY area and began studying drums at the age of 12 with local jazz musician Tony Monforte. He participated in the All State Orchestra and was placed on the Pro-Mark Honor Roll for young, up-and-coming drummers. Steve received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he studied with Gordon Stout, Steve Brown, and Robert Bridge. He was selected to participate in the Henry Mancini Institute where he worked with some of the leading jazz, film, and classical musicians and composers from around the world including Terence Blanchard, Bud Shank, Christian McBride, and Jerry Goldsmith. He has also studied with Steve Houghton, Greg Fields, John Vidacovich, and Harold Jones.
Steve has spent much of his professional career as a freelance musician in New Orleans, LA, Ithaca, NY, and Washington, DC. During this time Steve worked with many of the great local jazz and R&B masters including George Porter, Walter...

My name is Ezekiel R. I was born in Hyattsville, Maryland to Edward and Theresa R. At an early age my parents enrolled me in as many activities as they could afford to find something that attracted my interest the most. I have been an active member in my school starting at Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary school playing the clarinet and piano in the symphonic band. Later after moving to a small town named Cheverly located in Maryland, I was able to continue to evolve as I enrolled in the Boy Scouts of America and in the Boys and Girls Club. Growing up in Cheverly, I was an outstanding soccer player, baseball player and basketball player in my community. Thanks to the support of my community, family, friends and the determination within myself I successfully obtained the Eagle Scout Award which is the highest rank in the Boys Scouts of America and Championships. Among the various activities and positions held outside of my talent, music performance seemed to be the most...

I am a Doctor of Pharmacy student at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy who recently graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelors of Arts in Jazz Studies with a concentration of Jazz Piano. I have studied under known DC metropolitan musicians such as Jon Ozment, Chris Vadala and Gerry Kunkel. I am motivated and destined to excel in the music field as well as pharmacy and most importantly, to help my students excel.

Greetings Prospective Students,

My name is Mrs. Patricia and I would like to be your future music teacher. I am very patient and kind and can help you learn to play with ease as you study the piano keys. I studied piano for 4 years at the Barbour Music Studio, Washington, DC and completed a refresher piano course with the Music Department, at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC. I play music for the Sunday School department at my church and I have taught numerous students piano and music theory at my residence in Washington, DC over the past 7 years.

Sincerely,

Patricia

Hello all! I am Emily F., a recent graduate of Grove City College with a degree in Music Education. While in school I majored in Percussion and Voice and spent the majority of my time performing and gaining experience. I am currently an elementary music teacher with Prince George's County Schools. I have had years of lessons myself and have taught many students as well. As a vocalist, I can teach you how to sing anything from Top 40 hits to Broadway numbers to Operatic Arias. I will help you gain confidence as a performer and vocal strength. I am also prepared to teach beginning piano lessons to help you learn to accompany yourself and others. For percussion lessons, I have years of experience as a principal percussionist in my College's band and orchestra and would love to help you learn how to be a classically trained percussionist, not a drummer. Overall, I offer experience, knowledge, and a chance to get out of your shell and onto a stage.

"… spirited and self assured…" - The Washington Post

"...saucy vocalist…" -DownBeat"

"... strong mentholated vocals…" - New York Times

In 2006 I competed in the London International Vocal Competition , I placed as a top finalist among some 107 competitors from over 25 nations.

I am a Washington D.C. Native. I studied music at the University of the District of Columbia with Professor Calvin Jones and continued at Howard University studying privately with drummer/vocalist Grady Tate (Sarah Vaughn, Quincy Jones). Heidi credits the legend with helping her find her “voice” as an artist.
I have performed and/or recorded with Nicholas Payton, Reuben Brown, Steve Williams, Russell Gunn, Orrin Evans, Eric Revis, Gregoire Maret and the late Keter Betts, since making her debut on the New York jazz scene at Birdland.

I lived and made my living recording and performing in New York City. I have performed at the legendary Blue Note, the Knitting Factory, The...

Dr. Evan M. is a composer living in Maryland. Born in Long Beach, CA he began his musical studies at an early age, performing on piano, French horn, trumpet, and steel drums. He wrote his first compositions for PanDrumonium – his middle-school steel drum ensemble. Later on, in high school, he continued to perform, in additional to writing songs and arrangements for various rock bands and jazz ensembles.

While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Evan decided to focus on classical composition – in 2007 he received his B.M. composition from Chapman University in California. During this time he studied piano under the tutelage of Karen Knecht. He went on to receive his M.M. in composition from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). At CSUN, he taught courses in music theory and music history as an adjunct instructor.

In 2009, Evan moved to Maryland to pursue his doctorate in composition at the University of Maryland. As a TA, he taught courses in musicianship and...

I hold a Bachelors of Fine Arts from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. With over 15 years of experience, in both piano and voice, I've had to opportunity to perform, both domestically and internationally, with such great acts as Peter Nero and The Philly Pops, The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, and many others. I served as lead singer, pianist, and co-songwriter for a number of independent bands covering numerous genres including, but not limited to, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Acoustic, and A Capella.

Since moving to Washington DC, I've immersed myself within the local music community playing a handful of group and solo acts. I currently maintain a home music studio well equipped with musical instruments and music technology. I'm constantly practicing, writing, and recording to improve myself as an artist.

My teaching style is unique and individualized to each student. I set personalized goals to make every lesson a success, and I push my students to get the most out...

Professional Background: PERCUSSION
John started teaching at the age of 19. His drum teacher gave him a couple of students after he expressed interest in teaching. He has been teaching and performing from the age of 19. His performing included a job with a Funk Band which gave rise to traveling in what he describes as “Tough coal mining towns in West Virginia”.
When the Funk Band ended he went to New York City to study at the Collective-where he studied for four years with instructors who were professional musicians. His teachers at the Collective were “sidemen” with groups such as the Pointer Sisters, Dizzy Gillespie, and Manhattan Transfer. John's teaching style and versatility come from these patient, helpful, humble and generous people who themselves were wonderful musicians.
Over the past ten years (2001-present)- John has become a band leader and has learned to play Indian Tabla drums, African Djembe drums, Irish drums, percussion and piano. John likes to help...

My parents play(ed) with the Boston and Baltimore Symphonies. I was trained at Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Cape Cod Conservatory. I was certified by Yale University to teach K-12 Music.

We have a dirty, smelly, slobbery, friendly 2-year-old 150-pound Newfoundland who wants to meet you and give you a ride in his cart, and a beautiful, friendly domestic shorthair cat who wants you to feed him. Try to ignore them.

Jessica moved to the Chevy Chase/Bethesda area in 2009, having grown up and gone to school in New York and Ohio. She loves the area, and she and her husband are thrilled to be putting down roots in the community. As a performer, Jessica has traveled around the world, but throughout her career teaching has been one of her most important focuses. "As a relative newcomer to the DC area, growing my private studio has been a great way to get involved in the community. My teaching style is individualized, but I always try to include two important things: building a strong basic skill set, and developing creativity."