Laura Readyoff has been a music educator since 1986 in both the public schools and private sectors. Laura has been owner of The Music Loft since it’s opening in 2010.

Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the prestigious Crane School of Music in New York. She received a Master’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Public School Administration for grades Kindergarten – 12th grade from The Long Island University in New York.

Laura has conducted award-winning orchestras both in New York and Virginia, served as an adjudicator for multiple solo and ensemble festivals in New York and Virginia, and has written music curriculum for Commack Middle School.

Laura’s style of teaching is always filled with creativity and fun. Her objectives are to give students confidence in their abilities, to see them flourish as musicians, inspire and challenge students, and to instill in them a love for music.

Because of her love of children and community, she has created various award-winning community programs such as Percussion works, NoVa Youth Ensembles, and Play it Forward Instrument Donation Drive.

For her work in the community, Laura and The Music Loft have been awarded numerous awards including the prestigious “Distinguished Volunteer” awarded by the mayor and Herndon town council, “Arts Leader” awarded by the Dulles regional chamber of commerce, and “The President’s Award” awarded by Arts Herndon for her work in the arts community.

Currently, Laura is engaged as a strings consultant, adjudicator, and clinician for both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.
​Laura also performs locally with a band on electric bass and violin.
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Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, scrapbooking, knitting, playing in a band, traveling, and anything that has to do with her hometown, New York.

Sharon is a graduate of Regent University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organization, Leadership and Management and a minor in Piano. She is the Managing Partner and CFO of The Music Loft. Sharon is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, and the Virginia Music Teachers Association.

Her study of music began at the young age of six, and she cannot remember a time when she was not playing or teaching piano. At the age of twelve, Sharon was asked to accompany choirs and programs at school, and from there, her accompanying skills and opportunities continued to grow. With the encouragement of her parents and through continuous private lessons, Sharon competed in various fine arts competitions throughout middle and high school, culminating in the completion of her High School Diploma Certificate from the National Piano Guild. Sharon continued her piano studies at the collegiate level where she once again performed and was assessed by the National Piano Guild. She has since performed in multiple recitals and performances.

Sharon began her private piano studio while in college. Over the years, Sharon has had private students who have won piano competitions across the country, and she enjoys preparing students for college auditions and entrance exams. It has been a joy for Sharon to see some of these students graduate and complete their degrees in piano.

Her teaching experience extends to the classroom as well. She was previously the Music Director at Dominion Christian School where she developed the school’s music curriculum, was responsible for school-wide yearly performances encompassing multiple disciplines of music including choirs, hand bells, small ensembles, and recorders.

Sharon’s passion is to build a solid theory foundation and to then develop her students’ listening skills and musicianship so that they can hear and express the beauty in each piece. Each lesson is filled with kindness and encouragement.

When not at The Music Loft, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family (and her German Shepherd), watching any Boston sports’ team, or exploring Colonial Williamsburg.

Pianist Kaisar Anvar, hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Karamay in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of Northwest China, embarked on an extraordinary musical journey at the tender age of six when he first laid his hands on the piano keys. Under the tutelage of the esteemed and acclaimed piano professors, Mrs. Tumris Musabayov and the world-renowned Russian virtuoso, Professor Svetlana Abdukarimova from Tashkent Conservatory in Uzbekistan, Kaisar’s passion for the piano soared to new heights.

In a fateful encounter that would forever alter the course of his musical destiny, the year 2006 saw a young Kaisar presented with a golden opportunity. Renowned pianist Dr. Richard Mercier (July 16th, 1949 – March 1st, 2013), who was touring Xinjiang at the time, invited Kaisar to perform in a master class, granting him a gateway to a world of unparalleled artistic exploration. It was through this transformative experience that Kaisar’s understanding and appreciation of the classical piano repertoire, crafted by the genius of European masters, blossomed.

Inspired and encouraged by the esteemed Dr. Mercier, Kaisar applied for admission to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he was accepted under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Thomas Lymenstull. During his time at Interlochen, Kaisar’s exceptional talent graced the airwaves of National Public Radio, as he collaborated with fellow musicians to premiere a captivating six-hand arrangement of “America” from West Side Story, transcribed and crafted by the talented Mr. Derison Duarte.

Kaisar’s quest for musical excellence led him to the esteemed halls of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the guidance of the acclaimed pianist, Yoshikazu Nagai. His passion for growth and mastery of his craft took him on a global odyssey, where he received invaluable guidance and wisdom from acclaimed masters in the world of piano performance. The likes of Yoheved Kaplinsky and Jerome Löwenthal, esteemed professors at the heralded Juilliard School of Music, Solomon Mikowsky from the Manhattan School of Music, the illustrious 11th Van Cliburn Competition Winner, Olga Kern, Nelita True at the esteemed Eastman School of Music, and the esteemed Menahem Pressler from Indiana University, all played instrumental roles in shaping Kaisar’s artistic prowess.

Eager to push the boundaries of his musicality and deepen his understanding of the piano’s expressive potential, Kaisar pursued a master’s degree at Yale University School of Music. Guided by the legendary pianist Boris Berman, one of the most revered figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, Kaisar discovered new depths within himself and honed his skills as a mature and analytical musician. It was at Yale University that Kaisar also found his calling as a teacher, nurturing a new generation of piano enthusiasts, including undergraduate and secondary students at Yale University, along with teaching numbers of private students outside of school. His dedication and commitment to his students were rewarded with “Certificate of Recognition for the extraordinary dedication and achievement in the field of teaching music and presenting students to perform at Carnegie Hall”.

Beyond the confines of academia, Kaisar’s captivating presence has graced numerous prestigious stages across the globe: Musical Instrument Museum Solo Debut Lecture Recital in 2023, Asia Society Texas Solo Debut Recital in 2023, Master’s Graduation Recital at Yale University Morse Recital Hall in 2017; Whitney Center Piano Recital Debut in 2016; Music Talk at Whitney Humanities Center – Johannes Brahms’ Variations and Fugue On a Theme by Handel in 2016; Concerto Competition Winner Concert at Ruby Diamond Hall in 2014, Invitational Performance at Georgia Capital City Club in 2012; Ford Plantation Solo Performance Debut in 2011; Solo Debut Recital in Skidaway Island and Hilton Head Island in 2011; and From the Top Radio Performance, National Public Radio (NPR) in 2008.

However, Kaisar’s pursuit of artistic excellence extends far beyond the confines of his own accomplishments. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for his Uyghur heritage, Kaisar has devoted himself to researching and exploring the rich tapestry of Uyghur music. With a deep desire to explore its artistic history, its aesthetic qualities, and delve into the intricacies of Uyghur performance practice, Kaisar stands as a pioneer, bridging the gap between cultures through the universal language of music.

Today, Kaisar stands as a beacon of musical brilliance, captivating audiences with his virtuosity, profound interpretations, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. His journey from the humble beginnings of Karamay to the prestigious stages of the world’s most renowned concert halls serves as a testament to his extraordinary talent, relentless pursuit of growth, and unyielding passion for sharing the transformative power of music with the world. Kaisar currently lives in Reston, Virginia.

David Battis has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a minor in music from Case Western Reserve University, a baccalaureate equivalent in computer science from IBM Technical Education, and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law.

Mr. Battis was a piano student of David Sokoloff, classical pianist and conductor. While at Case Western Reserve University, David was concurrently a Music Theory major at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where one of his instructors was conductor James Levine, the world renowned music director of the New York Metropolitan Opera.

Mr. Battis was the pianist at the Nordstrom Dulles Town Center for a year and a half. He has played for events at the Frederick Douglass Museum in Washington, D.C., at the Lyceum in Alexandria, VA, the French Embassy, Grace Covenant Church, the Waterford at Fair Oaks, the Capitol Hill Club, the Washington Dulles Hilton, the Heritage Hunt Country Club in Gainesville, VA, the Regency at Dominion Valley, Art Space in Herndon, VA, and the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA, as well as several other events in private venues. He played for the General Dynamics Christmas party at the Marriott Westfield for several years and has also played at the Electric Palm Restaurant on the waterfront at Occoquan, VA.

He has been a performing pianist, piano teacher, and piano sales consultant in the northern Virginia area for over twenty-five years and is adept at employing varied methods of instruction to ensure student comprehension. Mr. Battis enjoys building strong relationships with his students.

Lettie started playing cello when she was 6 years old. It was a bumpy start, (she didn’t love practicing, but what 6 year old does?) but she eventually grew to love it! By the time she was in middle school she was hooked! She recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University-Provo and moved to Herndon VA with her husband and two cats, Berlioz and Sibelius. While in college she performed with the BYU Philharmonic and the Salty City Cello Band. Before moving to Virginia, she was the assistant orchestra director at Spanish Fork high school and Junior High. She created and worked with the Prattland Cello Choir and hopes to create another one in Virginia. Lettie has been teaching cello lessons for over 9 years and believes that anyone at any age can learn how to play an instrument.

Zhuo Diao is a graduate of The Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China with a Bachelor of Music in Performance, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She earned an Artist’s Diploma and a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from Shenandoah University Conservatory in Virginia.

Zhuo’s performance history started at a young age, performing in orchestras for the following schools, October the First Middle School (Beijing), The High School Attached to Tsinghua University (Beijing), Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), and Shenandoah Conservatory (Winchester,Virginia). Zhuo has traveled and performed all over the world with many famous composers including Seiji Ozama, Daniel Barenboim, Jan Wagner Yang, Werner Andreas Albert, Xincao Li, and Yongyan Hu.

In her fourteen years of teaching experience, she has trained award-winning musicians. Several of her students have won the American Protege International Piano and String Competition, as well as the Washington Universal Piano and String Competition. Other students have been accepted and have performed with the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Zhuo has also prepared students to attend universities such as MIT, University of California, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
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Being bilingual in Chinese and English, Zhuo is sharing her passion and love for music with both Chinese and English speaking individuals.

Anthony Gillingham has been playing violin for 20 years and piano for 19. His love of music started at a young age and was fostered by his parents through private lessons, group lessons at the local music academy, participation in musical competitions, as well as participation in multiple local orchestras through middle school and high school.

He attended Bob Jones University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a piano proficiency. While at BJU, he played violin in the BJU Symphony Orchestra for four years, played for on campus events such as operas, musicals, commencement, etc, as well as for SCMEA and other state competitions. After graduating, Anthony taught for a year at Tri-County Christian School, instructing 1st-8th grade general music, as well as organizing and directing music programs throughout the school year. He has been teaching at The Music Loft since 2018.

Anthony has worked as a long-term substitute orchestra teacher in the Loudoun County Schools and has extensive experience with orchestras, whether instructing, conducting or participating.

Hobbies: listening to soundtracks, writing/improvising music with friends.

Andrew received his Master’s degree in Voice Pedagogy, Bachelor’s in Music Education, and certification from the Contemporary Commercial Music Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory.

Andrew is an active singer and teacher in the Northern Virginia area. This past year, he sang in the chorus of the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center and with the Maryland Lyric Opera. He has also performed as a soloist and in operas in Italy, Michigan, Illinois, and more.

Andrew has taught K-12 general music, band, and chorus in both Fairfax and Loudoun County public schools, and teaches piano, voice, and saxophone privately in Ashburn, Herndon, and online.

Under the direction of Grammy award-winning conductor Robert Shafer, Andrew sang with Shenandoah’s Conservatory and Chamber Choir in Rome, Venice, Florence, and Assisi, Italy, as well as at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Maryland. Originally a saxophone player, he was featured in Shenandoah Conservatory’s wind ensemble’s performance at the Virginia Music Education Association conference.

Dr. Marina is originally from Korea and has been playing piano since she was 4 years old. Ms. Hwang earned her first certificate degree at Judson University in 2010, and later earned two Master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University (2014) in Piano Performance and Michigan State University (2017) in Collaborative Piano. During her studies in the Midwest, she actively played for string studios, vocal studios, choral groups, and occasional orchestral settings. She also actively participates in pedagogical conferences. As a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA), she presented posters at MMTA conference in Grand Rapids (2015), MTNA Collegiate Chapter Piano Pedagogy Symposium at the University of South Carolina (2016), and Ohio University Collegiate Chapter of MTNA (2016). She presented on discovering American piano method books, and studied different scores and editions of the figured bass of Puccini’s opera Coronation of Poppea. She enjoyed learning and studying about new ideas and teaching methods in order to apply these ideas to her own students.

As Marina moved to the D.C area, she continued her passion in piano chamber music, and completed her Doctoral degree at the Catholic University of America in 2021. She was a member of Friday Morning Music Club (FMMC), and is a member of Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA). She is looking forward to continuing and growing as an influential piano teacher and a collaborative pianist.

Marina is currently living in Herndon, Virginia with her husband, song and their dog Abe. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, making daily life videos, and walking around the trails of Herndon and Reston.

Nicholas earned his Bachelor’s degree at George Mason University where he studied Viola under Philippe Chao and Music Composition under Jesse Guessford.

Nicholas teaches all aspects of music by exploring many different styles, including classical, jazz, folk, and pop. Nicholas loves to challenge his students through pieces he believes will push their limits, as well as finding pieces they enjoy learning and performing. He incorporates music theory and composition into his lessons as a way to analyze and find meaning in music. Nicholas’ goal with each student is not only to teach them how to play their instrument, but to deeply understand music and to find the joy in creating art.

Nicholas offers lessons using the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program. Students of Nicholas have successfully completed examinations through RCM and have received First Class Honors and First Class Honors with Distinction.

His most recent projects include music for the video game Flat Form Fighter, short musical vignettes on his YouTube channel, and original music for Allison Dyke that premiered in NYC in 2019.

Missy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music and her Master’s degree in Educational School Leadership, Instruction and Curriculum from Concordia University.

Missy is an accomplished cellist and sought after music educator. She teaches private string lessons and performs on cello extensively in the Northern Virginia area. Previously, she was the Associate Director for the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra in Brunswick, Georgia. Missy currently serves as a Strings Teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools.

She has performed on cello with the Orchestra of Northern New York, the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, and the Amelia Island String Ensemble. Missy has taught students of all ages, conducted string ensembles, taught music theory and masterclasses, and coached small chamber groups.

Nikole James earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Having performed in many different venues across the United States, including The Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera Institute, as well as Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, she is most recognized for her artistry and captivating stage presence. Her operatic roles include Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, and opera scene programs as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, Aunt Bea in Bolcom’s A Wedding, and Lucy in Pasatieri’s The Hotel Casablanca. In addition to her wide variety of operatic roles, Nikole has also performed the role of Julie Jordan in Carousel.

She was the Southern Division winner and national finalist for the MTNA Competition, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, she received first place in the Senior Division for the NVMTA Competition, first place in the Regional Level at the Bland Music Competition, and was named “Most Outstanding Vocalist” and “Broadway Bound” at the William Schmidt Vocal Competition. Currently, Nikole is a judge and member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, which provides a wide range of performance opportunities to music students of all skill levels. Ms. James understands the importance of healthy vocal technique, and through her teaching, hopes to inspire her students and share her passion for music with others.

Dr. Yoon Nam has directed or performed music at churches for most of the past decade. She has directed adult choirs, youth choirs, children’s choirs, hand bell choirs, and orchestras. She has also sung regularly and accompanied others on the piano and organ. Yoon has studied music most of her life, first studying piano at age of five, voice at thirteen, and attending the prestigious Seoul Arts and Music High School as a voice major. She continued studying voice in college for her undergraduate and master’s degree. During this time she began teaching voice as an adjunct faculty member at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul. She also served as a soloist and assistant director at Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Seoul. Yoon came to the United States for the advanced study of music in 1996, earning her second master’s degree and a Doctor of Music in music conducting at Indiana University. After graduating, Yoon found her calling as a full time music minister, serving at Richmond Hill United Methodist Church in Georgia. In 2010, Yoon joined Floris United Methodist Church as a traditional music director. She directs the Sanctuary Choir, Chamber Choir, brass and Cantata orchestras.

She has two beautiful daughters, Christine and Joanne.

Katelyn Neumann is a mezzo-soprano classical singer and performer with a M.M. in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge and a B.A. in Music from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Katelyn has been the recipient of numerous accolades from both local and national music organizations, including being a 6-time winner of the Santa Barbara Music Club’s Music Scholarship Competition. Katelyn has performed several operatic roles with highlights including Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro with the Lyric Opera Studio in Weimar, Germany, the title role in Handel’s Giulio Cesare with BASOTI, Maddalena in Verdi’s Rigoletto with Capitol City Opera in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mother in Capitol City Opera’s world premiere of Curtis Bryant’s The Secret Agent. Ms. Neumann regularly performs in grand operas with Maryland Lyric Opera including Turandot, Thaïs, Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Carlo and others. Katelyn is also a performer of light opera and has performed lead roles with Lyric Theatre of San Jose in its productions of The Prince of Pilsen, Utopia Limited, and Iolanthe. She made her debut with Lamplighters Music Theatre as Leila in their production of Iolanthe, and recently performed with The Victorian Lyric Opera Company as The Lady Angela in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience.

Ms. Neumann enjoys presenting new works and has performed in several world premieres including The Secret Agent by Curtis Bryant, Iron and Coal by Jeremy Schonfeld, A 24-Decade History of Popular Music by Taylor Mac, and most recently Lily by Garth Baxter. Ms. Neumann is especially fond of bringing the joy of music to children and has performed in several productions for elementary aged youth including Monkey See, Monkey Do with Opera NOVA in Virginia and The Three Little Pigs with Palo Alto Children’s Theatre in California. Ms. Neumann is most passionate about performing as a soloist and has been the Alto soloist in major works including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Vivaldi’s Gloria, among others. She is also the recurring alto soloist in the annual Messiah Sing-Along in Santa Barbara, CA.

Ms. Neumann serves as the alto soloist and section leader at National United Methodist Church and is the director of their Children’s Choir. She also teaches after-school beginning music classes and is a musical theater teacher at Imagination Stage Theater arts organization in Bethesda, Maryland. Ms. Neumann has been teaching Voice and Beginner to Intermediate piano for over six years to children, teens, and adults. She is experienced in working with students with disabilities or learning differences and tailors her lessons to each person’s individual needs and learning styles. Ms. Neumann believes lessons should be engaging, inspiring, and most of all fun!

John holds a Doctorate in Trumpet Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University, a MM in Trumpet Performance from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and a BM in Music Education from James Madison University.

Dr. Nye has maintained a varied career as both a performing artist and educator, which has taken him around the country and internationally. As an orchestral musician, John has performed with the Charlottesville and Waynesboro Symphonies, the Cincinnati Chamber Opera, and the Sulzbach-Rosenberg International Music Festival Orchestra. As an avid chamber musician, John has performed with the Richmond (VA) Symphony Brass Quintet, Virginia Consort, Virginia Choral Society, the Madison Brass, and Caravanserai. Additional duties have included performing as principal trumpet with the Valley Wind Ensemble in Harrisonburg, VA, and solo cornet with the Brass of the Potomac in Alexandria, VA.
As an educator, John has provided a variety of musical instruction with schools in the community. His many instructional opportunities have included brass quintet outreach concerts, instructor positions with summer music programs, instrument exhibitions, and adjudicator roles for local county and district honor band events.

John is a full-time Band Director at Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, VA where he directs five different bands. Outside of music, John coaches baseball at Trinity Christian School, and enjoys adventuring with his wife, Deanna, and Poodle, Riley.

Vivian Olsen has been playing cello for 10 years and grew up taking cello lessons at The Music Loft! Vivian has played in many local orchestras and participated in master classes at James Madison University. Vivian found her love of teaching by giving lessons to younger musicians for volunteer work during high school years. Vivian studied audio and recording technology at Northern Virginia Community College and is now working on a degree in education. Vivian strives to adjust and accommodate all types of learning styles in music for children, teens, and adults. She is so excited to be back at the Music Loft and working with the people who have helped her become the musician she is today!

Bridget Olson teaches private piano, viola, violin, and ukulele lessons, with an emphasis on the whole musician. She assigns materials catered to each student to help them reach their greatest potential. Students study scales, left and right hand technique, rhythm, theory, aural training, and repertoire at every level. Bridget encourages upper level thinking and mindfulness in each lesson. Her greatest joy is watching her students grow as both musicians and people.

Students of Bridget have successfully completed examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). She continues to offer RCM lessons through The Music Loft.

Bridget studied viola under Doris Lederer while pursuing her Music Education degree at Shenandoah Conservatory. In addition to teaching her private studio, she is the Music Specialist at Montessori Country School in Herndon, VA and enjoys working in the public schools as a guest clinician.

Marco is a seasoned music educator with a decade of experience, specializing in violin and viola instruction. They hold a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from The University of Alabama. Currently, Marco works as an Assistant Chaplain in the Spiritual Life department at Shenandoah University while also teaching at The Music Loft. Their passion for music extends beyond the classroom as they frequently engage in outdoor activities and enjoy playing music with their family, who share their deep-rooted musical background. In their downtime, Marco also finds joy in the company of their two cats, Kora and Tree.

With a commitment to fostering a love for music, Marco Pflanzen’s diverse background and holistic approach to teaching has positively impacted numerous students throughout their career. Marco’s dedication to music education, coupled with their experience in other areas creates a unique blend of expertise that enriches the lives of those they encounter.

Rebecca has been playing piano for 20 years. Her love of music started at a young age and grew as she studied diligently with several accomplished teachers throughout her childhood and high school years. She participated in yearly local competitions, studio recitals, small ensembles and accompanied various musical groups including her string-playing siblings.

She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. She has also participated in a two-year internship with an elementary school piano program, as well as taught at a well-established music academy in Charleston, SC.

Rebecca has extensive experience in the area of individual and group piano lessons. She loves classical music, hymns, and popular music.

Her goal and passion is to see children succeed in their piano adventure by learning commitment, developing musical expression, and experiencing the lifelong joy of music.

Hobbies: hiking, gardening, crocheting
Rebecca is married and a “fur mom” to two dogs.

Anna Railsback is a flutist and music educator from Haymarket, Virginia. She is completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at Shenandoah Conservatory and has studied under the instruction of Jonathan Snowden and Julietta Curenton. She is passionate about giving all students a comprehensive and meaningful musical experience. In her time at SU, she has performed in the Wind Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. Her main focus of her musical instruction is to provide flexible support that responds to individual strengths, interests, and needs of the student.

Samantha Tippen is a viola and violin specialist who instructs all ages from elementary through adult. Throughout her life, Samantha has fallen in love with music and has learned to appreciate every opportunity to evolve not only herself, but also students into being better versions of themselves through music. She is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory.

As a young musician, Samantha participated in different programs such as Hartford Youth Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Peabody Performance Academy. Samantha was awarded a Performance Award from the Performance Academy after her beautiful rendition of Bruch’s Romance with the Hartford Youth Orchestra. Samantha was fortunate to be invited and participate in multiple competitive summer music festivals including Brevard Music Center and Snowpond Music Festival. During the summer of 2014, she performed Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro on NPR’s broadcast of ‘From the Top.’ Samantha sat as principal violist in multiple orchestras over the years, including Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. She has gone on multiple international tours including places like Canada and Argentina. All of these experiences really drove Samantha to pursue her music and become active in her community.

Samantha was fortunate to study with extremely encouraging teachers throughout the years. She was able to perform in the Performance Academy of Peabody Pre- Conservatory, and complete her Bachelors in Music at Shenandoah Conservatory with their guidance. Samantha was blessed further with the opportunity to study under world renowned violist Doris Lederer of the Audubon Quartet. Throughout her undergraduate program, Professor Lederer instilled the love and curiosity for performance in Samantha. At her senior recital, Samantha performed the John William Viola Concerto. Samantha’s biggest influencers and supporters were her parents, who constantly pushed her to go for her passion and to pursue her musical goals.

Samantha is a chamber music musician with her mother on cello and her sister on viola, which gave her a better understanding of how in-depth a lot of pieces are. She currently performs violin as a session musician with multiple groups including the Logan Smith Band, Oceanline, and Chasing Autumn.

Samantha enjoys teaching all ages and abilities. She believes in a healthy balance of technique work, scholarly pieces, and explorative pieces. Her goal is to instill passion and kindness through instrumental study and to help students reach their true potential. Although she primarily teaches classical, she also branches out into jazz and contemporary works, as they are extremely musically rewarding. She loves inspiring and encouraging students as they grow with their music. Samantha believes it is the responsibility of the teacher to work tirelessly to ensure the love of music is instilled in students of all ages.

Ms. Walker is a trained, classical pianist with 17 years of experience which began at the age of 6. She attended Georgia College & State University and interned at A Place To Be to study music therapy where she gained experience working with children, teens, and adults who are disabled (TBI, CP, stroke), neurodivergent (ASD, ADHD, IDD) or with mental health needs(PTSD, anxiety, depression). She is trained to provide services to help clients develop and optimize their health and quality of life through music. She is skilled in classical and modern-contemporary piano, guitar, voice, and ukulele.

Aliyah is also well-versed in composition, songwriting, and improvisation. Her piano improvisational album, BREATHE, was written in 2021 to help people with chronic anxiety and depression cope with their symptoms. Her composition, “opera nera: il retrogrado”, is an Italian aria that was honored at Georgia College & State University’s Women’s Center, Spring Art Exhibit, and was published in The Peacock’s Feet, Undergraduate Literary and Creative Arts Journal, Vol. 48, p. 59.

Whether it’s during a music lesson or music enrichment session, she encourages her students and clients to embrace creativity by learning the fundamentals of music to compose their own.

Hobbies: watching K-dramas, baking, gardening, art, traveling, writing.

Favorites: kittens, bunnies, and penguins (in that order)

Xiaofen received her teaching degree from the Quanzhou College of Education in Fujian China and a certificate of Music & Art Study from the Guangzhou College of Chinese Folk Music and Art.She came to the United States in 1989 as a participant of the Council International Exchange Teaching Program,and was placed at the University of Minnesota.

In 2001, Xiaofen and her family moved to Leesburg where she started tearing music, Art and preschool at the Ida Lee Recreation Center in Leesburg. With her rich experience with children and her natural love for piano, she was glad to discover that she enjoyed teaching piano the most!

In 2011, Xiaofen left the preschool program and started running her own licensed Piano & Art Studio at home. Xiaofen still teaches a few Art and crafts classes for leisure. She also serves GCC Chinese Christian Church as the worship pianist as well as a choir member and VBS art instructor.