Meet the Faculty
Marina Beeson
– B.A. Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory
– Teaching privately since 2018
– Co-Director of I am the Lead!
– Specializes in teaching vocal technique for opera and musical theater as well as sacred music
(Virtual Only)
Mary Carr
– B.M. Music History from Catholic University of America
– Teaching privately since 2009
– Specializes in multiple string instruments
– Proficient in instrument repairs and maintenance
Emberlein Di Salvo
– B.M. Vocal Performance; Minor in Performing Arts Management; Catholic University of America
– Director for GMA’s I am the Lead! program
– Teaching privately since 2020
– Former Dance Programming Intern for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Andrew Ferguson
– B.A. from Peabody Conservatory
– Teaching privately for over 10 years, including time with The Suitland School for Performing Arts
– Former orchestra member for the Maryland Choral Arts Society
– Member of the Magic Ray Quintet
Brooke Foster
– Graduated from Anne Arundel College
– Has been teaching percussion at Garret Music Academy since 2020
– Performs with Maryland-based band The Blackbyrds on lead vocals and drums
Matthew Guilherme
– Graduate of Bridgewater State University
– Studied Music Theory under Berklee graduate, Felix Rentschler
– Teaching privately since 2014
– Performed on renowned stages such as Connolly’s Pub in Times Square and Big Night Live
– Lead guitarist/vocalist in nationally acclaimed bands (i.e. Closing Time Boston & Bachelor Boys Band)
Shyanne Hall
– Graduate of College of Southern Maryland Associate of Arts and Sciences – AAS, Graphic Design
– 2022 Annual Juried Student Exhibition Award issued by College of Southern Maryland Best in Drawings & Paintings
– Women in Screen Printing Award 2023 issued by Screen United magazine
– Woodwind and Classical studies at Howard University and Morgan State University; Jazz Improvisation studies at Peabody Conservatory
– Teaching privately for over 40 years
– Extensive performing career, notably opening for Earth Wind and Fire, Rick James, Kool and the Gang, and more
– Band Director for The Lower School at Calverton
Peter Leon
– Lead vocalist, guitarist, and bandleader for Latin Rock band Division Mayúscula
– Performing live in various bands since his early teens
– Experience teaching guitar, bass, drums, piano, and digital recording
– Experience teaching group classes
Teresa Nielsen
– Graduated from Brigham Young University
– Teaching privately for over 25 years in the U.S. and overseas
– Utilizes a wide range of teaching methods for beginner and intermediate students of all learning styles
Bill Righter
– 35 years of acting experience
– 15 years of casting, producing, and directing experience
– Founder and President of Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland from 2021 thru 2023
– Specializes in Acting/Music Theatre Performance
Neil Smith
