Teacher Bios
Piano Instructors
Nathan Blumberg
Nathan Blumberg is a classical pianist from Southern Maryland with over sixteen years of experience. He has regularly performed with ensembles and organizations in the Southern Maryland area, including the Calvert High School Choir and Theater departments, the St. Mary's College Orchestra and St. Mary's College Choir, the COSMIC Symphony Orchestra and the Chesapeake Orchestra. Nathan's main passion lies in collaborating and accompanying. He has worked with numerous singers and instrumentalists as a freelance musician and while studying at St. Mary's College of Maryland, The Frost School of Music at Salzburg Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival and The Alba Music Festival. As a teacher, Nathan has experience working with students of all ages and musical ability. His primary genre of music education is in classical music. Nathan holds a BA in Music from St. Mary's College of Maryland. His piano teachers include Eliza Garth, Paul Wyse, and Brian Ganz.
Piano - Mondays & Wednesdays - $26/half hour
Piano - Mondays & Wednesdays - $26/half hour
Jacqueline Orr
Mrs. Orr has a Bachelor of Arts in piano and violin from St. Mary’s College where she studied with Brian Ganz and Jose Cueto. Mrs. Orr earned her Master of Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory of music and her Education Specialist degree from Capella University. She has a Maryland State Teaching license and teaches for St. Mary’s Public Schools at Evergreen Elementary and Greenview Knolls Elementary. Mrs Orr has been teaching violin, viola, cello and piano for 28 years. As a performer, Mrs. Orr has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Wolf Trap Farm Park as well as other venues around St. Mary’s County. Mrs. Orr teaches all levels of piano and violin. She teaches beginning viola and cello. Mrs. Orr is a member of the Southern Maryland Music Teachers, Maryland Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.
Piano & Theory - Mon. - Thurs. - $26/half hour
Piano & Theory - Mon. - Thurs. - $26/half hour
Lissie Deere
Lissie Deere is a local performing artist and teacher who has been working and residing in the Southern Md area for more than twenty years. She has a BA in the arts and music from the University of Md as well as an education degree. She is well trained in the classical arena but her versatile teaching and playing style can accommodate many individual tastes, jazz, blues, "fake book/chord reading style", improv,composition, theory, the art of "jamming" as well as traditional classical instruction. Lessons are tailored to meet the individual goals and desires of each student. She has experience working with all age groups from 5 to 70.
Piano - Monday - Saturday - $26/half hour
Piano - Monday - Saturday - $26/half hour
Ashley Adams
Ashley is a 2013 graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she majored in music performance. She also graduated from College of Southern Maryland in 2011 with degrees in Secondary Education, General Studies and Arts & Sciences. Currently she is continuing her education to obtain her Master's in Music Education. Ashley has been playing the saxophone for close to 20 years. Her other primary instruments include the bassoon and clarinet, but also plays the piano, flute, trumpet and concert percussion. She maintains a private lesson studio at Allegro Music Service and at her home. Ashley has studied under Don Stapleson, Paul Cohen, Debbie Greitzer, Janice Murphy and Meleah Backhaus-Shrout. She has performed in Italy for the Alba Music Festival and continues to play gigs for local schools, orchestras and churches. Ashley enjoys performing all styles of music, but currently her favorite to play is Chopin and Grieg on the piano. In the future she wishes to continue teaching privately.
Piano - Mon. - Sat. - $26/half hour
Wednesdays: Mornings/Early Afternoon
Piano - Mon. - Sat. - $26/half hour
Wednesdays: Mornings/Early Afternoon
Chad Jones
Chad Jones holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar performance with a minor in piano and Renaissance lute from the conservatory at Shenandoah University. His graduate studies are in ethnomusicology and historical musicology. He has presented academic research for forums at the University of Tennessee as well as the annual meeting of the International Association of the Study of Popular Music (IASPM). From 2004-2008, Chad was a faculty member of Salisbury University’s music department where he taught courses in music theory, ear training/sightsinging, music appreciation, world music, and classical guitar and wrote program notes for the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. His mandolin playing appears on Diana Wagner’s 2008 release, Tradition Bearer. Chad also plays a number of old time banjo styles, including clawhammer. He is a founding teacher (classical guitar) in St. Mary's County for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. He lives in Southern Maryland with his wife, Annaleise, and son, Henry.
Piano/Theory & History - Tues. - Fri. - $25/half hour
Piano/Theory & History - Tues. - Fri. - $25/half hour
Kevin Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner is a graduate of both Elizabethtown College and the University of Phoenix, from which he holds degrees in Music Education and Education (Curriculum and Technology). He has studied Tuba with Grant Moore, music composition with Darrell Douglas and James Haines, has taught high school band and orchestra and maintains a private lesson studio in Southern Maryland. He currently teaches Instrumental Music at King's Christian Academy in Callaway. In his free time, Mr. Gardiner also enjoys writing fiction and is often found behind a piano.
Piano/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Piano/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Guitar Instructors
Joe Johnston
Born into a musical family in 1970 in Maryland, Joe Johnston started learning the guitar at the age of only 5. Growing up around a tavern his mother managed, he would learn different music styles and techniques from all the musicians that performed there. By the age of fifteen, Joe would know how to run lights and sound, perform with different bands, and play his own music. At the age of twenty, Joe then moved to South Florida where he would form his own band and teach guitar for 10 years. He attended Guitar Institute of Technology in Fort Lauderdale for a year, taking courses in music theory and guitar technique from master guitar players such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie J. Malmsteen. Joe has been teaching guitar for over 15 years and still studies music theory to this day.
Guitar - Tues.-Thurs./Sat. - $22.50/half hour
Guitar - Tues.-Thurs./Sat. - $22.50/half hour
Bennie Skibicki
Bio Coming Shortly!
Guitar - Mon./Tues./Sat. - $25/half hour or $35/hour
Guitar - Mon./Tues./Sat. - $25/half hour or $35/hour
Chad Jones
Chad Jones holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar performance with a minor in piano and Renaissance lute from the conservatory at Shenandoah University. His graduate studies are in ethnomusicology and historical musicology. He has presented academic research for forums at the University of Tennessee as well as the annual meeting of the International Association of the Study of Popular Music (IASPM). From 2004-2008, Chad was a faculty member of Salisbury University’s music department where he taught courses in music theory, ear training/sightsinging, music appreciation, world music, and classical guitar and wrote program notes for the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. His mandolin playing appears on Diana Wagner’s 2008 release, Tradition Bearer. Chad also plays a number of old time banjo styles, including clawhammer. He is a founding teacher (classical guitar) in St. Mary's County for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. He lives in Southern Maryland with his wife, Annaleise, and son, Henry.
Guitar/Mandolin/Banjo/Lute/Theory & History - Tues. - Fri. - $25/half hour
Guitar/Mandolin/Banjo/Lute/Theory & History - Tues. - Fri. - $25/half hour
Walter Ivanov
Wally Ivanov has been playing guitar, drums, and bass for over fifteen years and professionally for over eight. He has been a guitar/bass/ukulele/drum-set instructor for over eight years holding a lesson studio at Allegro Music Service and at his home. He has instructed hundreds of students, some of which who now teach and have apprentices of their own. Some of these students have also moved on to start their own musical career in performance. In the future Wally wishes to continue providing lessons and performing locally.
Guitar/Bass/Ukulele - Mon., Tues., & Thurs. - $23/half hour
Guitar/Bass/Ukulele - Mon., Tues., & Thurs. - $23/half hour
Daniel Berger
Daniel began playing guitar at the age of 9. As he grew up, he pursued studies in music theory, and learned how to play bass, drums, saxophone, piano, and banjo as well. Daniel attended college at Mount St. Mary's University. During his time there, he assisted professors in teaching music theory courses, and played numerous shows in Frederick County and back in his hometown of New York. Daniel continued to play shows after his graduation, and got in touch with a producer in New York who is currently recording an album with him, on which Daniel provides all of the instrumentals and vocals. The album will be released on all public markets in late 2017. Daniel has taught a range of students, from beginners with no prior knowledge of music, to advanced musicians looking to brush up on music theory or particular techniques. Many of his previous students are currently playing in bands of their own. Daniel derives great satisfaction in seeing students succeed musically, and more importantly, in watching his students feel the same joy in making music that he does.
Guitar - Monday thru Friday - $26/half hour
Guitar - Monday thru Friday - $26/half hour
Strings Instructors
Jacqueline Orr
Mrs. Orr has a Bachelor of Arts in piano and violin from St. Mary’s College where she studied with Brian Ganz and Jose Cueto. Mrs. Orr earned her Master of Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory of music and her Education Specialist degree from Capella University. She has a Maryland State Teaching license and teaches for St. Mary’s Public Schools at Evergreen Elementary and Greenview Knolls Elementary. Mrs Orr has been teaching violin, viola, cello and piano for 28 years. As a performer, Mrs. Orr has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Wolf Trap Farm Park as well as other venues around St. Mary’s County. Mrs. Orr teaches all levels of piano and violin. She teaches beginning viola and cello. Mrs. Orr is a member of the Southern Maryland Music Teachers, Maryland Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association.
Violin/ Beg. Viola/Beg. Cello - Mon. - Thurs. - $26/half hour
Violin/ Beg. Viola/Beg. Cello - Mon. - Thurs. - $26/half hour
Jacob Mattison
Jacob Mattison has been a cellist for 8 years and has been classically trained for 7. He has studied under Mr. Larry Keiffer, owner of Keiffer Violin Shop in Waldorf, and is currently taking lessons from Professor Cecylia Barczyk at Towson University. Jacob has participated in six state solo competitions, and has received perfect ratings for five of the six. He is previous participant of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), and he had been a member of their organization for 3 years. While currently a Junior, Jacob plans to double major in music with an emphasis in science or engineering at University of Baltimore Maryland.
Cello - Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday - $22/half hour
Cello - Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday - $22/half hour
Amanda Durst
Cellist Amanda Durst has been performing locally for over a decade. Performing solo, chamber, and orchestral works in a variety of different places, her repertoire list is very diverse. In 2016 she is graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she studied with Suzanne Orban. During her time at St. Mary's she was Principal Cellist of the orchestra and a member of the school's only piano trio, a group which she helped found. In 2016 she received the school's most prestigious music award, the Alice Fleury Zamanakos and Arthur S. Zamanakos Prize in Music.
Since 2013 she been a part of the River Concert Series, both as an orchestra member and a stage manager. In addition to her involvement at St. Mary's, she has also been Associate Principal Cellist of the Cosmic Symphony Orchestra since 2010.
Amanda's musical endeavors are not solely confined to her home state of Maryland, however. In 2015 she participated in Greensboro, North Carolina's Eastern Music Festival where she had the opportunity to play under the baton of esteemed conductors Gerard Schwarz, Grant Cooper, and Eric Garcia, and take a lesson with cellist Lynn Harrell. In 2016 she received a grant which allowed her to participate in the Alba Music Festival located in Alba, Italy. There she premiered two new chamber works, performed with the Romanian State Symphony Orchestra, and put on a chamber recital as a part of the Chesapeake Fellows.
In addition to performing, Amanda also has a passion for teaching. She has been giving private lessons to students of all ages and abilities since 2010.
Cello - Saturday - $26/half hour
Since 2013 she been a part of the River Concert Series, both as an orchestra member and a stage manager. In addition to her involvement at St. Mary's, she has also been Associate Principal Cellist of the Cosmic Symphony Orchestra since 2010.
Amanda's musical endeavors are not solely confined to her home state of Maryland, however. In 2015 she participated in Greensboro, North Carolina's Eastern Music Festival where she had the opportunity to play under the baton of esteemed conductors Gerard Schwarz, Grant Cooper, and Eric Garcia, and take a lesson with cellist Lynn Harrell. In 2016 she received a grant which allowed her to participate in the Alba Music Festival located in Alba, Italy. There she premiered two new chamber works, performed with the Romanian State Symphony Orchestra, and put on a chamber recital as a part of the Chesapeake Fellows.
In addition to performing, Amanda also has a passion for teaching. She has been giving private lessons to students of all ages and abilities since 2010.
Cello - Saturday - $26/half hour
Vocal Instructors
Kevin Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner is a graduate of both Elizabethtown College and the University of Phoenix, from which he holds degrees in Music Education and Education (Curriculum and Technology). He has studied Tuba with Grant Moore, music composition with Darrell Douglas and James Haines, has taught high school band and orchestra and maintains a private lesson studio in Southern Maryland. He currently teaches Instrumental Music at King's Christian Academy in Callaway. In his free time, Mr. Gardiner also enjoys writing fiction and is often found behind a piano.
Vocal/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Vocal/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Woodwind Instructors
Ashley Adams
Ashley is a 2013 graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she majored in music performance. She also graduated from College of Southern Maryland in 2011 with degrees in Secondary Education, General Studies and Arts & Sciences. Currently she is continuing her education to obtain her Master's in Music Education. Ashley has been playing the saxophone for close to 20 years. Her other primary instruments include the bassoon and clarinet, but also plays the piano, flute, trumpet and concert percussion. She maintains a private lesson studio at Allegro Music Service and at her home. Ashley has studied under Don Stapleson, Paul Cohen, Debbie Greitzer, Janice Murphy and Meleah Backhaus-Shrout. She has performed in Italy for the Alba Music Festival and continues to play gigs for local schools, orchestras and churches. Ashley enjoys performing all styles of music, but currently her favorite to play is Chopin and Grieg on the piano. In the future she wishes to continue teaching privately.
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Bassoon
Mon. - Sat. - $26/half hour
Wednesdays: Mornings/Early Afternoon
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Bassoon
Mon. - Sat. - $26/half hour
Wednesdays: Mornings/Early Afternoon
Christy Burroughs
Mrs. Burroughs holds a Bachelor of Music Degree, with a concentration in Music Education, from James Madison University. She studied flute under Ms. Carol Kniebusch Noe and Dr. Beth Chandler. Mrs. Burroughs has performed with the JMU Flute Choir at the White House, the National Flute Association Convention in Washington, D.C., and the Birmingham Flute Festival in Birmingham, England. She was also one of the 450 members of the JMU Marching Royal Dukes under the direction of Dr. J. Patrick Rooney and Mr. Brantley T. Douglas. As a member of the Marching Royal Dukes, Mrs. Burroughs performed for the Greek Millennium Celebration in Athens, Greece, the first Inaugural Parade for President George W. Bush, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mrs. Burroughs has been teaching wind and string instruments since 2002 and enjoys working with students of all ages.
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone - Mon. - $26.50/half hour
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone - Mon. - $26.50/half hour
Kevin Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner is a graduate of both Elizabethtown College and the University of Phoenix, from which he holds degrees in Music Education and Education (Curriculum and Technology). He has studied Tuba with Grant Moore, music composition with Darrell Douglas and James Haines, has taught high school band and orchestra and maintains a private lesson studio in Southern Maryland. He currently teaches Instrumental Music at King's Christian Academy in Callaway. In his free time, Mr. Gardiner also enjoys writing fiction and is often found behind a piano.
Woodwinds/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Woodwinds/Composition/Theory - Saturday - $25/half hour
Brass Instructors
Ross Thompson
Ross Thompson holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he studied trumpet in the music professional program. He studied under Chris Gekker and Steve Hendrikson, and received additional training in the James Stamp method of brass playing from Roy Poper and Arto Hoornweg. While at the University of Maryland, Ross was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Wind Orchestra, the Jazz Lab Band, and the Nyumburu Jazz Club. He continues to perform regularly in the area and maintains a private lesson studio.
Brass & Music Theory - Mon. - Wed.
$26/half hour
Brass & Music Theory - Mon. - Wed.
$26/half hour
Percussion Instructors
Allen Stewart
Allen Stewart is a specialist in the music field with over 40 years experience. Allen started studying percussion at the age of nine, his first drumming experience was with the D.C. Youth orchestra as a snare drummer. After six years , he joined and played with many local Drum & Bugle Corps, where he sharpened his rudimental drumming skills. At the age of 16, Allen was the youngest person to be inducted in to the National Association of Rudimental drummers. While attending Bladensburg High School, Allen participated in a snare drum competition where he placed 1st in the state of Maryland, and was rated 6th in the nation. Allen has had many opportunities to share his percussion experience. His teaching experience includes Asst. Band Director at Georgtown High School (Jacksonville, N.C.), Van Ness Elementary School (Washington D.C.) and Washington Saturday College (Washington D.C.). Allen has conducted many percussion seminars here in the U.S and abroad.
Drum-Set; Latin, Marching, Rudimental Percussion - Tues./Thurs. - Sat.
$28/half hour
Drum-Set; Latin, Marching, Rudimental Percussion - Tues./Thurs. - Sat.
$28/half hour
Bennie Skibicki
Bio Coming Shortly!
Drum-Set - Mon., Tues., & Sat. - $25/half hour or $35/hour
Drum-Set - Mon., Tues., & Sat. - $25/half hour or $35/hour
Walter Ivanov
Wally Ivanov has been playing guitar, drums, and bass for over fifteen years and professionally for over eight. He has been a guitar/bass/ukulele/drum-set instructor for over eight years holding a lesson studio at Allegro Music Service and at his home. He has instructed hundreds of students, some of which who now teach and have apprentices of their own. Some of these students have also moved on to start their own musical career in performance. In the future Wally wishes to continue providing lessons and performing locally.
Drum-Set - Mon., Tues., & Thurs. - $23/half hour
Drum-Set - Mon., Tues., & Thurs. - $23/half hour
