Meet the Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Julian Baldwin

- B.M. Music Performance at Shenandoah University; Cecilia Award for Vocal Excellence

- Classical tenor based in the DC Metro area

- Versatile skills in operatic and concert repertoire

- Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts for people of every background

- Chorister for the Empire City Men’s Chorus

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

Matthew Guilherme

- Graduate of Bridgewater State University.

- Studied Jazz under Berklee graduate, Felix Rentschler.

- Teaching privately since 2014.

- Performed on renowned stages such as Connolly's Pub in Times Square and The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den.

- Lead guitarist/vocalist in nationally acclaimed wedding bands (i.e. Closing Time Boston & Bachelor Boys Band)

Charles Jones

- 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

Jonathan McPherson

- B.M. Electronic Music Production and Sound Design from Berklee College of Music; Piano studies at University of Louisiana

- 3 Air Force Band overseas tours

- Highlights include performing alongside Drake White, Arturo Sandoval, and NFL Halftime show with Max Impact

- Won a team Emmy Award in 2021 for Red Tail Angels as a composer and sound mixer

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.

Scott Shirley

- A.A. Music Performance from Prince Goerge's Community College.

- Teaching privately since 2009.

- Former director of Product Scheduling for PRS Guitars.

- Performs locally with several bands, primarily in Rock and Country styles/venues.

Amanda Thompson

- M.A. Leadership in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University; B.M. Clarinet Performance from University of Maryland, College Park School of Music

- Teaching privately and in public schools since 2012.

- Experience teaching woodwinds, piano, choir, and strummed strings.

Ross Thompson

- Graduate of University of Maryland, College Park School of Music

- Alumni of the Oberlin Trumpet Workshop (2 years)

- Teaching privately since 2013

- Students have seen success in Maryland All-State Band, Solo & Ensemble festivals, and the National Trumpet Competition.

- Member of various groups, including the Chesapeake Orchestra and Magic Ray Jazz.