Our Staff

Some General Words About Our Teachers

We here at The Academy at Maryland Music really take pride in the fact that all of our teachers are university-educated professionals. Having a degree (or in some cases, two or three!) in your field, by definition, shows commitment, experience, and knowledge. All of which is available to the student! All of our teachers are also very down-to-earth folks with a love of music and a desire to share that with their students.

We also understand that the teacher-student relationship and rapport are important. This is why we have a fantastic Six Week Introductory Offer, and give TWO FREE LESSONS for new students who decide to try us for at least four.

Meet Our Staff!

Quick Guide by Instrument – Click on a Teacher’s Name for their Bio.

Piano Lessons Kevin Rose, Virginia Morgan Arey,
Tina Smith, Dr. Joscelyn Fisher, Valerie Harvey, Simeone Tartaglione, Celia Balzer
Jazz Piano Lessons Kevin Rose
Jazz Theory & Improvisation Kevin Rose, Said Tinat
Guitar Lessons Said Tinat, Sven Rainey, Celia Balzer, Brian Kohlhoff
Voice Lessons Virginia Morgan Arey, Dr. Joscelyn Fisher, Kelli Young
Flute Lessons Celia Balzer
Clarinet Lessons Celia Balzer
Sax Lessons Celia Balzer
Trumpet Lessons Dr. Jon Cresci
Trombone Lessons Dr. Jon Cresci
Baritone / Tuba Lessons Dr. Jon Cresci
Horn Lessons Dr. Jon Cresci
Violin Lessons Dr. Joscelyn Fisher, Yoshiaki Horiguchi, Sean Lyons
Viola Lessons Yoshiaki Horiguchi, Sean Lyons
Cello Lessons Kevin Rose, Yoshiaki Horiguchi
String Bass Lessons Yoshiaki Horiguchi, Brian Kohlhoff
Drum Lessons Kevin Rose, Brian Kohlhoff
Electric Bass Lessons Yoshiaki Horiguchi, Brian Kohlhoff
Music Theory Lessons Said Tinat,
Tina Smith
Music Composition Lessons Tina Smith
Conducting Lessons Simeone Tartaglione

Said Tinat Headshot
Said Tinat, Principal Instructor
Instructor: Guitar Lessons, Music Theory Lessons, Brazilian Guitar (Special Course-of-Study)
Biography:
Guitarist and composer Said Tinat is a graduate of The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University where, as a scholarship student, he studied classical guitar with Manuel Barrueco and Ray Chester. He has also studied Jazz Composition and Arrangement with Jeane-Christophe Hoarau and Flamenco Music with Claude Worms at the Ecole Atla in Paris. As a performer he has appeared on many concert series on both coasts of the United States as well as European Capitals. Two of his Albums, ‘Probe’ and ‘Fresh Air’ have won critical acclaim. For a closer look at his work please visit www.saidtinat.com. His music has been aired live on WGMS Sunday series, Adventure Divas on PBS, and on French and Canadian radio networks. He has held teaching posts in many centers of musical education including The Brighton School of Music in The United Kingdom, and The Music and Art Institute of San Francisco. Mr. Tinat is currently residing in Maryland and we are pleased to have him as an instructor at The Maryland Academy of Music.

For lessons with Said Tinat, you may…
Testimonials:

“Said was the perfect match for our son. He is very patient and encouraging!”

Said’s Students of the Month:

Sierra Adams – May 2010.

Kevin Rose Headshot
Kevin Rose, Principal Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons, Jazz Piano Lessons, Cello Lessons, Drum Lessons
Biography:
Mr. Rose holds his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz/Commercial Piano Performance from Towson University and studied classical piano under Lisa Bussing for nine years. Kevin first studied cello starting at age 9 and played in orchestra throughout his secondary school years. He has been the drummer for the Contemporary Worship Service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Laurel, Maryland since 1996 and became Assistant Music Director in 2008. He performs regularly with his jazz trio.

For lessons with Kevin Rose, you may…
Testimonials:

“He is TERRIFIC. You are very lucky to have him on your staff!”

“He has the patience of a Saint.”

Kevins’s Students of the Month:

Jonah Richardson – March 2010.

Yoshiaki Horiguchi, Instructor
Instructor: String Bass Lessons, Electric Bass Lessons, Violin Lessons, Viola Lessons, Cello Lessons
Biography:
Yoshiaki Horiguchi is the recipient of the full Linehan Artist Scholarship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) where he studies classical double bass with Ms. Laura Ruas. He sat principal bass of the Maryland All-State Senior Orchestra for two years and is in his third consecutive year as sitting principal bass of the UMBC Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Horiguchi is an active freelance double bassist throughout the DC/metropolitan area and has performed with the Columbia Orchestra, American University Symphony Orchestra, Montgomery Philharmonic, NIH Philharmonia, and Prince Georges Philharmonic. He is a full time music major concentrating in classical double bass performance and instrumental music education. Mr. Horiguchi graduates in the Spring of 2013 with a B.A. in Music and a certificate to teach K-12 in the state of Maryland.

For lessons with Yoshiaki Horiguchi, you may…

Sven Rainey Headshot
Sven Rainey, Instructor
Instructor: Guitar Lessons
Biography:
Sven Rainey is a patient and experienced guitar instructor who believes in engaging each student at his or her ability level to encourage their musical development. He has been teaching private lessons in multiple styles (rock, pop, classical, folk, and blues) to students of all ages and abilities since 1999. Mr. Rainey earned a Bachelor of Music from Southeast Missouri State and a Master of Music from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is currently attending the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and studying with renowned pedagogue Julian Gray. Sven is an advocate of bringing classical music to new and underprivileged audiences and performs regularly at community venues.

For lessons with Sven Rainey, you may…
Testimonials:

“We are so pleased with your program and Sven.”
Jon Cresci Headshot
Dr. Jon Cresci, Instructor
Instructor: Trumpet Lessons, Trombone Lessons, Baritone Lessons, Horn Lessons, Tuba Lessons
Biography:
From Baltimore, MD, Jon Cresci received his Bachelor of Music Performance and Bachelor of Recording Arts and Sciences from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 2001, studying under Mr. Wayne Cameron. While in Baltimore, he performed as principal trumpet with the Maryland Chamber Orchestra, fourth/utility for the Columbia Orchestra, principal with Newton Massachusetts Chamber Orchestra, Second trumpet with the Washington Summer Opera Theater Company, and with the Mt. Vernon Brass Consort. In 2004, Mr. Cresci completed his Master of Music in Performance from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Throughout his time in Lafayette he was a member of the UL-Lafayette faculty brass quintet and third trumpet with the Acadiana Symphony. In 2009, he completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trumpet at the University of Memphis under the direction of Dr. David Spencer. He currently resides in Towson and is professor of Trumpet at Coppin State University and professor of Recording Arts and Sciences and Music History at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD.

For lessons with Jon Cresci, you may…
Testimonials:

In May of 2010, one of Jon’s students returned from the Maryland State Solo and Ensemble Festival with all A and B grades on his Adjudication Form!

Tina Smith Headshot
Tina Smith, Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons, Music Theory Lessons, Music Composition Lessons
Biography:
Tina Sinclair Smith has been active in arts management and music education in Howard County for over 30 years. She is founder and former director of Piano Perspectives School of Music, an innovative private school which was the resident music school at Howard County Center for the Arts for 16 years. She is a specialist in solo and group piano pedagogy, keyboard ensemble, music theory and composition, with broad teaching experience at all levels from beginner to conservatory prep. In addition, she has successfully prepared many students for local and statewide contests and competitions. Her teaching philosophy is holistic, aimed at developing reading literacy, technical proficiency, and independence through the understanding of music theory. Her students receive a carefully chosen, graded course of study using high quality materials with a range of styles and periods. Ms. Smith received her education in both music and fine arts at Towson University; The Maryland Institute, College of Art; UMBC; the University of Maryland, College Park; and Westminster Choir College of Ryder University in Princeton, New Jersey. Her private teachers were Dorothy Woodcock, Paul Hoffman, and Grace McFarlane. She received in-depth training from nationally known authors and leaders in piano pedagogy including Frances Clark, Louise Goss, Tony Caramia, Sam Holland, and Mayron Cole.

For lessons with Tina Smith, you may…
Tina’s Students of the Month:

Jackson Rowles – June 2010.

Celia Balzer Headshot
Celia Balzer, Instructor
Instructor: Clarinet Lessons, Flute Lessons, Saxophone Lessons, Piano Lessons, Guitar Lessons
Biography:
Celia Balzer is a graduate of West Virginia University, having completed a Master of Music Education degree with an emphasis on woodwind instruction. She has more than 30 years of teaching experience in public school music and private tutoring. She has a special interest in the young child and enjoys working with students of all ages. Mrs. Balzer worked for many years as the choir director for St. Jude in Rockville, where she successfully created a guitar and wind ensemble for monthly service music. She recently retired from Montgomery County Public Schools and is now living and working in Columbia, MD.

For lessons with Celia Balzer, you may…

Simeone Tartaglione Headshot
Simeone Tartaglione, Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons, Conducting Lessons, Italian Opera Coaching, Italian Opera Workshops
Biography:
Simeone Tartaglione (b. 1973), is a versatile conductor whose passion for music in many forms keeps him busy. His preparation was in the European tradition, covering conducting, composition, opera and chamber music in Rome at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory and piano performance at the V. Bellini Institute. In addition to his various degrees and honors, he is Doctor in Philology (Italian Literature and Musicology). Mr. Tartaglione has had extensive conducting experience in symphonic and operatic repertoires with orchestras from Italy, Spain, the United States, Russia, Romania, Mexico, Ukraine and Bulgaria. He has won numerous competitions and prizes along the way (Allied Arts, Leon Guide, Athanor, Le Arti, Telamone, Diamante della Musica, Sykele’, Rapisarda). In Rome he worked as the Artistic Director of the Theatre Fusillo and the MUSA Cultural Association. After winning an audition at the University of Denver as Assistant Conductor he moved to Denver in 2005 and soon after he became Adjunct Professor of Conducting. He worked as guest conductor, vocal coach, pianist and harpsichord player with Central City Opera, Marilyn Horne Foundation, Colorado Symphony Orchestra Education and Outreach Programs, Augustana Musica Sacra Orchestra, Broadway Music School. He has served as cover conductor and assistant for the London Symphony Chorus, Colorado Symphony, Baltimore Opera, Baltimore Symphony, Peabody Symphony, Peabody Opera, and MidAtlantic Symphony. Invited in 2007 by Maestro Gustav Meier, Tartaglione refined his craft at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore with a conducting assistantship. He also serves as the Artistic Director of the Symphonia Association in Sicily. He performs regularly in Europe as a conductor and in duo concerts with his wife, violinist Alessandra Cuffaro.

For lessons with Simeone Tartaglione, you may…

Joscelyn Fisher Headshot
Dr. Joscelyn Fisher, Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons, Violin Lessons
Biography:
Joscelyn Fisher received a Bachelor of Arts (majors: Music and Psychology) from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She won piano competitions in NJ and has been a piano accompanist for numerous soloists and choirs over the years. Dr. Fisher also studies voice and has sung in various choirs in NJ, MD, VA and IL. She most recently sang with Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Handel Choir of Baltimore, Chandos Singers and Concert Artists Chorale. Dr. Fisher has also studied the violin and organ and has been a church organist. Currently, she sings professionally with a church choir and sings and plays the piano for weddings and special events.

For lessons with Joscelyn Fisher, you may…

Ginny Morgan Headshot
Virginia Morgan Arey, Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons
Biography:
Virginia Arey earned a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory in Music Education: Vocal Emphasis. She sings with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and is the Alto section leader for choir of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Ruxton, MD. She has been studying piano since the age of 6. Mrs. Arey has been teaching elementary vocal music for Baltimore County Public Schools since 2003.

For lessons with Ginny Arey, you may…
Valerie Harvey, Instructor
Instructor: Piano Lessons

Valerie Harvey Headshot
Biography:
Valerie has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has 15 years of experience teaching piano privately. She participated in the National Guild Auditions for Student Musicians and has taught music theory to prospective Elementary School teachers. Valerie is an active pianist and accompanist for church services and school assemblies.

For lessons with Valerie Harvey, you may…

Kelli Young Headshot
Kelli Young, Instructor
Instructor: Voice Lessons
Biography:
Kelli is a is a graduate of The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, and is working on her master’s degree at Syracuse University, and has has over 17 years of experience as a teacher with students of all ages. She is a private voice instructor at Baltimore School for the Arts, and Assistant Director of Music at Saint Philips Episcopal Church in Laurel.
Kelli has a strong background in vocal music, music theory, and acting. She is friendly and patient, with an ability to teach effective performance practice skills. She enjoys sharing her love and passion for the arts with her students.

For lessons with Kelli Young, you may…

Sean Lyons Headshot
Sean Lyons, Instructor
Instructor: Viola, Violin
Biography:
Sean earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied viola with Stanley Konopka, Assistant Principal violist of the Cleveland Orchestra. He also studied pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music and has several years of experience teaching stringed instruments. Sean is currently a member of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and has experience playing with numerous other orchestras and ensembles including the New World Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of St. John’s, Saint Ann Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music Opera Orchestra, Opera Circle Cleveland, National Repertory Orchestra, and National Orchestral Institute. Sean also does freelance work around the Baltimore/Washington area including playing for weddings and other events.

For lessons with Sean Lyons, you may…

Brian Kohlhoff Photo
Brian Kohlhoff, Instructor
Instructor: Guitar Lessons, Drum Lessons, Bass Lessons
Biography:
Brian achieved his Bachelor of Music degree at Berklee College of Music, and has been teaching students of all ages since 2004. He has a strong passion and excitement for music, and motivates students with encouragement, patience, kindness and a smile.
Brian has Over 9 years of performance experience with various bands, has performed alongside Emma White, Jangaship, and Pinn Panelle. He has over 6 years of recording/studio experience, and worked on stage performance first hand with Tom Jackson and Livingston Taylor, as well as played guitar in church worship group for 3 years. He teaches a variety of styles including pop, rock, jazz, folk, metal and R&B, and understands the importance of communicating student progress and goals with students and parents. This is the teacher who will encourage your student to practice daily and to push themselves to be better.

For lessons with Brian Kohlhoff, you may…

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