Instructors

As an educator Kareem maintains a busy schedule teaching at The Tacoma School of the Arts as an artist in residence. He also maintains a full studio of forty private students, conducts weekly jazz classes at Ted Brown Music, and regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops at schools around the Pacific Northwest. Along with his teaching duties he is also the director of The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra, The Tacoma Jazz Association, and has served on the Tacoma Arts Commission. Kareem is a performing artist and clinician for Conn-Selmer and D’addario Woodwinds.

Kareem is a versatile saxophonist and composer with strong roots in the traditions of Jazz, Blues, Classical and Funk, and has been performing throughout the U.S. and abroad for years, gaining attention from critics and audiences alike. While staying true to musical styles of the past, he also keeps an eye towards the future by composing original music as well as new arrangements of timeless songs from the great American songbook.

kareemkandi@hotmail.com

www.kkworldorchestra.org

Julian Catford – guitarist, plays Spanish and classical guitar, Latin, jazz, swing, Brazilian, tango, French waltzes and Flamenco. From studies in classical guitar with Guillermo Fierens (a student of Andre Segovia), jazz performances with Cab Calloway and Rosemary Clooney, appearances at many local festivals, including Bumbershoot, and release of his Latin jazz CD ŒSonoroso, Julian has over 25 years performing experience. He teaches guitar at Seattle Pacific University. Solo & Small Groups available.

www.juliancatford.com

Chuck is a brass specialist, performing on trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba all around the Seattle area. Chuck also plays keys and organ as the music director at Live Life Church in Renton. Chuck performs all types of music with all types of ensembles ranging from classical, funk, even specializing in traditional New Orleans brass bands. When not playing music, Chuck teaches music to all ages and all subjects, from Orff-inspired elementary classes to private improvisation lessons.

Chuck has earned several awards in chamber groups, winning the NWRTEC chamber music competition in 2015 and 2017, and placing 3rd internationally with his chamber group at ITEC in 2016. Chuck earned his music education degree from University of Oregon, and his Masters in Curriculum and instruction from Eastern Washington University.

Chuck is a brass specialist, performing on trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba all around the Seattle area. Chuck also plays keys and organ as the music director at Live Life Church in Renton. Chuck performs all types of music with all types of ensembles ranging from classical, funk, even specializing in traditional New Orleans brass bands. When not playing music, Chuck teaches music to all ages and all subjects, from Orff-inspired elementary classes to private improvisation lessons.

Chuck has earned several awards in chamber groups, winning the NWRTEC chamber music competition in 2015 and 2017, and placing 3rd internationally with his chamber group at ITEC in 2016. Chuck earned his music education degree from University of Oregon, and his Masters in Curriculum and instruction from Eastern Washington University.

Robert Gale has been playing and teaching trumpet in the Seattle area for 20 years. His teachers include Fred Sautter (Oregon Symphony), Christopher Leuba (Chicago Symphony) Jerry Oram, and Claude Gordon. He plays in the Northwest Sinfonietta, Federal Way Symphony, Seattle Trumpet Consort, and Pacific Brass Quintet. He also teaches band and private lessons at several locations in Renton, Kent, and his home in Mountlake Terrace.

www.robertgaletrumpet.com

Peter is a fun and engaging teacher. He teaches all styles of guitar, but is sought after especially for his expertise in Classical, Latin and Jazz. Despite a great attention to detail he is good at keeping the learning process fun for his students. His success as a teacher he feels is largely because he believes in tailoring the curriculum to each individual, rather than using a set lesson plan. His private studio is located in Redmond.

http://carusoguitar.com

This experienced and respected local guitarist is at home in any setting as a soloist or with orchestras and small ensembles. He is noted for his warm and engaging performance style, along with great attention to detail. In addition to classical music he is well versed in a range of other styles including Jazz, Latin and Brazilian. Peter is also a sought after instructor and keeps a private teaching studio on the east side.

www.carusoguitar.com

MaryAnnLee619@msn.com

Cynthia Swenson is an experienced cello teacher and performer, recently moved up to Port Orchard from the San Francisco area.  She has played cello since age 9, after/while also studying piano and flute, and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology from Stanford University while under music scholarship.  She studied with the esteemed cello instructors Irene Sharp, Irving Klein, Bonnie Hampton and Gabor Rejto, and has performed as principal cellist with numerous professional and community symphonies and chamber groups.  Cynthia also ran and performed in a professional string trio for many years, along with various gigs in musical theatre, choral and church ensembles, opera and ballet pit orchestras, and accompanying some rock, pop and fiddling groups!  Her award, exam and competition winning students have successfully auditioned into many youth orchestras and summer programs; one was even selected to play on NPR’s radio “From the Top” program.  Cynthia teaches all levels and commitments of playing; ages 4 through mature adult.  She is also available as a performer with orchestras, chamber and choir ensembles, and solo events.

website:   cellogirl.me
email:   cswenson@stanfordalumni.org
phone/text: 650-387-2106

Cynthia Swenson is an experienced cello teacher and performer, recently moved up to Port Orchard from the San Francisco area.  She has played cello since age 9, after/while also studying piano and flute, and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology from Stanford University while under music scholarship.  She studied with the esteemed cello instructors Irene Sharp, Irving Klein, Bonnie Hampton and Gabor Rejto, and has performed as principal cellist with numerous professional and community symphonies and chamber groups.  Cynthia also ran and performed in a professional string trio for many years, along with various gigs in musical theatre, choral and church ensembles, opera and ballet pit orchestras, and accompanying some rock, pop and fiddling groups!  Her award, exam and competition winning students have successfully auditioned into many youth orchestras and summer programs; one was even selected to play on NPR’s radio “From the Top” program.  Cynthia teaches all levels and commitments of playing; ages 4 through mature adult.  She is also available as a performer with orchestras, chamber and choir ensembles, and solo events.

Available for Weddings and Events!

website:   cellogirl.me
email:   cswenson@stanfordalumni.org
phone/text: 650-387-2106

I offer private instruction in horn performance, music theory, improvisation, as well as group instruction, and coaching for chamber ensembles. I have taught young children as well as adults, beginners as well as advanced players, using a holistic approach to teaching that blends old techniques and sensibilities with the needs of modern musicianship.

My current rates are $320 per month or $95 per lesson. I can teach in my home, at the student’s home if we live within a reasonable distance, or via video chat. Discounts can be made available in the form of need-based scholarships, to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

josiah@josiahboothby.org

Josiah Boothby is a versatile hornist devoted to new music, with a particular focus on improvisation and creative collaboration with composers and other artists. Josiah has performed at Warsaw Autumn Music Festival as a soloist with composer Ewa Trębacz, and is a member of Artemisia Winds, a chamber ensemble built around a core trio with composer/performers Angelique Poteat and Ryan Hare. As an orchestral musician, Josiah is a member of the Boise Philharmonic and the Yakima Symphony, and has performed frequently with the Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and Seattle Modern Orchestra. In addition, Josiah is a member of the Jim Knapp Orchestra, a 13-piece jazz band, and in December Josiah can also be found playing in a nine-piece jazz band accompanying the glamorous Land of the Sweets: A Burlesque Nutcracker. When not playing his horn or teaching, Josiah can be found hiking and climbing around the Pacific Northwest, blues dancing, or staying in to engage in kitchen alchemy.

JosiahBoothby.org

frothenberg@comcast.net

Solo Guitar and Ensembles Create a memorable occasion with exceptional solo guitar music or an ensemble featuring Glenn Lestz. Choose music to suit your taste, including classical, jazz, blues, rock, folk, pop, and ethnic, to ensure a truly wonderful event. Glenn teaches in-home guitar lessons in Sammamish, WA.  He teaches beginner through advanced levels and can cover rock, pop, blues, folk, classical, jazz, and ethnic. Age level is 4 to 80 and on up.

www.glennlestz.com

Danielle McCutcheon is available for performances, whether a wedding, commitment ceremony, reception, private or corporate party, or memorial service. You have the choice of solo violin, String Thyme Duo (violin/viola, two violins, violin/cello), String Trio, or String Quartet.

206-462-0835
danielle@stringthyme.com
http://www.StringThyme.com

Mary Manning, violinist and violist, is a Tacoma native and a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio where she studied both modern and baroque violin performance with Marilyn McDonald. She is longtime Principal Second Violin of Northwest Sinfonietta as well as the Vashon and Tacoma Opera Orchestras. She has served as guest concertmaster for Northwest Sinfonietta, Seattle Pro Musica, Olympia and Bremerton Symphonies. As a chamber music player she has been a member of the Regency, Tomasini, and Bravura String Quartets, the Chinook Trio, and the Puget Sound Consort. Her extensive work as a baroque orchestral musician has included membership in the Seattle, Portland, and Pacific Baroque Orchestras, Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra, and the Carmel Bach Festival Orchestra. More unique work has included appearing, as a violinist, in a television commercial for Folgers coffee, recording a soundtrack for a silent movie (The Showoff, Turner Classic Movies) and playing backup for Robert Plant and Jimmy Page on their 1995 tour. She taught violin at Pacific Lutheran University and was a member of the faculty string quartet from 2008-2019. Mary lives in Gig Harbor and is a private violin and viola teacher.

Cell 206-390-2010
Home 425-788-5969
Email

Guitarist with background in theater, rock/pop, classical, and jazz. Held guitar chair in Waitress the Musical, as well as the National Tour for 3 years. Also served as guitarist in the U.S. Army Band for 3 years. Degrees in Music Composition and Guitar Performance. 4 years of experience teaching students ranging in age from 5 years to seniors. Available for guitar lessons, as well as bass, ukulele, and mandolin.

Guitarist with background in theater, rock/pop, classical, and jazz. Held guitar chair in Waitress the Musical, as well as the National Tour for 3 years. Also served as guitarist in the U.S. Army Band for 3 years. Degrees in Music Composition and Guitar Performance.

A graduate of Wellesley College, Leslie McMichael’s musical pursuits include performance, teaching, recording, and composition. Her musical arrangements are available from Mel Bay Publishing and Vanderbilt Publications, and she’s currently in the recording studio working on two releases of traditional music for lever harp and original songs on her electric harp.

SeattleHarpist.Com

B.M. Cornish College
Graduate Studies; Sweelink Conservatory, Amsterdam,
Film Composition Berklee College of Music

David George has been active in the Seattle music scene for years. He is presently owner of Shoreline Music and
an adjunct faculty member at North Seattle College. David leads his own 4tet , “The Blues Union” and
his big band “Northwest Passage”.

Snare, Drum Set, Mallets & Percussion
Teaching in Shoreline and Greenwood
206-782-3942

dldieterich1@comcast.net

Ms. Scarseth is a born and raised Seattleite who’s roots run deep in the local music community.  She has studied with many great local teachers including Walter Schwede, Gennady Filimonov, Emily Bean, Svend Ronning, and Peter Kaman.  Growing up she went through all the orchestras of the world renowned Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra program as well as attending the Marrowstone Music Festivals and MasterWorks Festivals during her summers.  Ms. Scarseth received a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 2004.   Since college she has created a strong and vibrant career both as a teacher and a performing artist.  Ms.  Scarseth is currently a member of Symphony Tacoma as well as concertmistress of the Seattle Rock Orchestra.  She teaches private lessons on Violin, Viola and Cello as well as assists classroom teachers in the Edmonds School District.  Ms. Scarseth has a very kind and nurturing teaching style and has worked with students who have learning disabilities, hearing impairment issues, and anxiety and depression.  Her goal is always to do what is best for the student while working with their unique gifts and talents.  

Email
425-954-9047

Michael Owcharuk teaches piano, music theory, improvisation, and composition. He has over 20 years experience maintaining a private instruction studio. Drawing from his extensive professional and academic experiences, Michael’s approach is friendly and laid-back while encouraging diligence and discipline to learn practical musicianship skills.

Michael Owcharuk is a composer and pianist working in jazz, classical, Ukrainian folk/trad, rock, pop, and music for dance and theatre. He leads The Owcharuk Ensemble, performing his own compositions and jazz standards.

Serving the Bothell and Seattle areas

jennyziefel@mac.com

marthajgarrett@comcast.net

Pete has been an active composer/arranger for nearly fifty years. His work has featured in several films and has been documented in regional music history books. Pete has had many commissions and grants in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He has also collaborated with several well known poets, including the late Steven “Jesse” Bernstein and Roberto Valenza. Pete studied composition and arranging with William O. Smith, Gary Peacock, Dave Holland and others. He has a B.A. in music from the University of Washington and has done graduate work with Robert Garfias and John Wittwer.

Email
http://www.originalcast.com
206-522-3326

Local band leader/bassist Pete Leinonen has six bands that range from Swing, Big Band, modern Jazz, Latin, and Hawaiian, to a true Mardi Gras Dixieland Brass band!

www.originalcast.com

Judith Hanna is an accomplished pianist, orchestral bassist and educator. Ms. Hanna is a native of New York and received her Bachelor of Music degree in both performance and education from Ithaca College, School of Music. She completed her degree in the spring of 1981 at which time she relocated to the Chicago area where she continued her studies with members of the Chicago Symphony.

Since that time she has performed extensively throughout the midwest with such organizations as The Chautauqua Ensemble, Rosewood Trio, Lake Forest Symphony, Illinois Chamber Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Elgin Symphony and Fort Wayne Philharmonic and is currently a substitute with the Milwaukee Symphony. Through a recent Civic Orchestra fellowship Judith has just completed her masters of music degree at Northwestern University.

Ms. Hanna, principal bassist with the Civic Orchestra from 1994-96, has had the pleasure of working with such distinguished conductors as Daniel Barenboim, George Solti, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez and Neemi Yarvi and has recently performed as an extra with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She also performs for the International Music Foundation (supplies programs for the Chicago Public Schools), is on the faculty of the Merit Music Program, teaching Orchestral Bass and Music Theory, the Sherwood Conservatory and has a private studio in Oak Park. She has taught at Concordia College, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Birch Creek Music Farm and Lagrange School District as a string specialist and was the conductor of the West Suburban Youth Orchestra for seven seasons.

Her teachers include Warren Benfield, Joseph Guastefeste, Jeff Bradetich and Mike Hovnanian. Ms. Hanna was on the faculty of the Double Bass at Illinois Wesleyan University from 1995-2013 and is currently on the faculty at Concordia University 1995-2019.

Judith Hanna is an accomplished pianist, orchestral bassist and educator. Ms. Hanna is a native of New York and received her Bachelor of Music degree in both performance and education from Ithaca College, School of Music. She completed her degree in the spring of 1981 at which time she relocated to the Chicago area where she continued her studies with members of the Chicago Symphony.

Since that time she has performed extensively throughout the midwest with such organizations as The Chautauqua Ensemble, Rosewood Trio, Lake Forest Symphony, Illinois Chamber Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Elgin Symphony and Fort Wayne Philharmonic and is currently a substitute with the Milwaukee Symphony. Through a recent Civic Orchestra fellowship Judith has just completed her masters of music degree at Northwestern University.

Ms. Hanna, principal bassist with the Civic Orchestra from 1994-96, has had the pleasure of working with such distinguished conductors as Daniel Barenboim, George Solti, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez and Neemi Yarvi and has recently performed as an extra with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She also performs for the International Music Foundation (supplies programs for the Chicago Public Schools), is on the faculty of the Merit Music Program, teaching Orchestral Bass and Music Theory, the Sherwood Conservatory and has a private studio in Oak Park. She has taught at Concordia College, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Birch Creek Music Farm and Lagrange School District as a string specialist and was the conductor of the West Suburban Youth Orchestra for seven seasons.

Her teachers include Warren Benfield, Joseph Guastefeste, Jeff Bradetich and Mike Hovnanian. Ms. Hanna was on the faculty of the Double Bass at Illinois Wesleyan University from 1995-2013 and is currently on the faculty at Concordia University 1995-2019.

As a performer, I enjoy singing and playing a variety of styles. As a bassist, I have performed everything from orchestral music to circus/cabaret to dive bar rock and as a vocalist, I have trained in the operatic, jazz, and musical theatre genres. But I love singing funk any day of the week! I was raised on a diverse musical diet, frequently consuming Beethoven, Rush, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Queen, Schostakovitch, and Leonard Cohen in the same day. Because of this, I have always been happiest when I can look at a gig holistically, letting my musical experiences inform each other across genre lines. Striving for holistic and consummate musicianship happily also impacts me as an actor and as a teacher.

Music has a tendency to permeate everything in my life, but when I am not performing, teaching, composing, arranging, or practicing, I enjoy living into my viking domesticity and can frequently be found cooking, sewing, spinning yarn, SCUBA diving, or studying and practicing herbalism. Also, I am very happy to be household staff to the most exquisite of Fur Beasts (see pictures here).

I have been teaching a variety of instruments privately for over twelve years and have enjoyed giving both individual lessons and coaching sectionals as well as being part of masterclasses and workshops for bands and small ensembles. In addition to providing coaching for Bass and Voice, I also tutor in music theory and consult on songwriting and composition/orchestration.

My teaching philosophy for both bass and voice is that every student is an individual and their instruments are as unique as they are. I work with my students to reach whatever goals we may have set together, whether that is polishing their skills in a specific genre, or focusing on sustainable technique and navigating changes in voice or a growing body. I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages, skill levels, and identities.

If you are interested in more details about my private studio or would like to book me, feel free to send me a message!

Jay Easton is a Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist who plays a wide variety of woodwinds and other instruments. He is often heard in the orchestras at Village Theatre, the 5th Avenue Theatre, and in many other small and large venues around the region. Jay has served on the woodwinds faculty at San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Edmonds College as well as maintaining a private teaching studio for many years. He loves helping enthusiastic students find success and enjoyment as they build their musicianship and deepen their relationship with their chosen instruments.

Jay Easton is a Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist who plays a wide variety of woodwinds and other instruments. He is often heard in the orchestras at Village Theatre, the 5th Avenue Theatre, and in many other small and large venues around the region. Jay has served on the woodwinds faculty at San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Edmonds College as well as maintaining a private teaching studio for many years. He loves helping enthusiastic students find success and enjoyment as they build their musicianship and deepen their relationship with their chosen instruments.

www.jayeaston.com

Performs on flute, whistle and harp, and sings in Gaelic and Norwegian. Involved in both the Gaelic and Scandinavian communities in Seattle, Beth performs solo and with the groups Stone Circle and Greensleeves.

www.bethkolle.com

Judson Scott offers trumpet lessons and brass ensemble coaching based in 30 years of teaching and performing experience. Students and ensemble coached by Dr. Scott have repeatedly placed at state competition.

Bren Plummer is a double bassist and composer from Seattle, Washington. Known as an insightful interpreter of both jazz and classical music, Plummer is a member of two professional orchestras in Washington state and a regular contributor to jazz venues and night clubs all around Seattle. With access to some of the best musicians in the Seattle area, Bren can always assemble a great jazz group for any event or occasion. Solo, Duos, Trios and larger ensembles available.

www.brenplummer.com

Doug and his groups have a very wide variety of styles and songs in their repertoire. Suitable for background and dancing, Doug covers material from the the Dixieland era to present.

Experience the beautiful sounds and emotional expressiveness of Brian Lally’s classical guitar and vocal performances. Perfect for weddings, parties, fund-raisers, and social events where delightful music is the essential requirement, Brian’s exquisite touch stimulates, soothes, and inspires. His solo guitar repertoire includes classical, Spanish, Brazilian, pop, holiday favorites, original music, and arrangements from a variety of other styles. Depending upon your needs, Brian’s beautiful vocal performances of classical, jazz standards, and contemporary songs may be included as well.

info@briantlally.com

https://briantlally.com

bonekatt@gmail.com

For beginning, intermediate and advanced piano, I offer classical, musical theater and improvisation, and arranging instruction. We focus on repertoire with theory included. I teach 2 days a week in Montlake and 2 days in West Seattle. Call for an appointment. 206-669-2678.

http://composercoach.com/

Shelly Devlin received her Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and Education from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Washington. She currently serves as adjunct trumpet instructor at Pierce College in Puyallup, Washington.

An active performer, Shelly currently plays principal trumpet with the Bremerton West Sound Symphony, the Choppers Brass Quintet, and the Choppers Brass Trio.  Shelly’s solo appearances include Telemann’s Sonata for piccolo trumpet and Handel’s Messiah with the Bremerton West Sound Symphony, Vincent Persichetti’s The Hollow Men on trumpet with the Pierce College Orchestra, and Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez for flugelhorn with the Evergreen Brass. Shelly frequently performs as a featured trumpet soloist on chamber music series, and has been sponsored on solo tours to the Midwest.  Shelly formerly served as a trumpeter with Navy Band Northwest.

Briana Bui is a freelance pianist and vocalist based between Seattle and New York. A native Californian, she studied classical piano under Dr. Naira Shahsouvarian at Fresno State for nearly a decade and choral arts under Dr. Tonya Florer. In addition, she studied opera under Sherah Moore Burdick at Fresno Pacific University. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she relocated to the Seattle area where she expanded on her artistic repertoire by collaborating with local artists and the Densho. Highly involved in the Vietnamese community in Seattle, Briana believes that the best way to learn a language is through music and can sing in Vietnamese, Spanish, and Italian. As a multi-faceted musician, dancer, and actor, Briana plans to pursue her master’s in fine arts in order to further hone her craft.

key.far@gmail.com

Monica Schley is a classically trained Seattle harpist who freelances in many styles: classical, new music, improvisational, jazz and rock. She has 20 years of experience playing for private engagements, weddings, recording, live performance, and funerals. Some of the musicians she has worked with are Butch Morris, Evan Flory-Barnes, Jherek Bischoff, Masada, Jesse Sykes, Jim Knapp, Hey Marsailles and Kanye West. She has played at venues such as Bumbershoot, The Triple Door, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, and Microsoft.

www.monicaschley.com

Lori Shepherd is a freelance woodwind specialist and private instructor. Her interests are in chamber music, orchestra, jazz ensembles, salsa, and musical theater. She currently plays clarinet with Compass Winds Quintet, Trio de Bois, Blackwood&Silver Trio, and the Ladies’ Quintessential Quintet. She plays alto saxophone with Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and baritone saxophone with Bamboo and Brass Ltd.Saxophone Quartet. Her instrument doublings include all clarinets, all saxes, flute, piccolo, and oboe.

Lori Shepherd is also woodwind instructor with over 20 years experience teaching privately on clarinet, saxophone, and oboe. She is also a former middle school band director, and now coaches for public school programs through Northwest Music Mentors. She maintains an active studio at MusicWorks in Bellevue, and at her studio, teaching all levels from beginner to advance, including a specialty for those looking to double on woodwinds. She also recently appeared as a guest artist and lecturer at universities in Utah and Idaho.

Contact Lori on her website at www.shepherdmusicstudios.com 

Lori Shepherd is a freelance woodwind specialist and private instructor. She holds a Master’s degree in Clarinet performance, and has interests in chamber music, orchestra, jazz ensembles, salsa, and musical theater. She currently plays clarinet with Compass Winds Quintet (https://compasswinds.com), and Trio de Bois, who recently released a new album Taking Root, available on all streaming services.

Lori also actively performs with Blackwood&Silver Trio, and the Ladies’ Quintessential Quintet. She plays alto saxophone with Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and baritone saxophone with Bamboo and Brass Ltd. Saxophone Quartet. Her instrument doublings include all clarinets, all saxes, flute, piccolo, and oboe, and performs extensively in musical theater.

www.shepherdmusicstudios.com

Maria is a Seattle-based classical and alternative style cellist, and is available for events (weddings, parties, funerals) and shows. After her Graduate studies, Maria moved to Hollywood and performed with Florence Henderson, Cat Power, Beth Thornley and String Theory. Seattle became her home in 2009, and since, Maria has collaborated with: Jherek Bischoff, Eyvind Kang, Wayne Horvitz, Jason Webley, Ahamefule Oluo, Degenerate Art Ensemble, Scrape, B’shnorkestra, Led to Sea, Mirah, Paul Kikuchi, The Angel Band Project, Bill Frisell, Lee Oskar, Hauschka, DeVotchKa, Al Gore, Karin Stevens Dance, and Dance Theater of Harlem. As a recording artist, Maria holds credits with John Zorn, The Head and the Heart, Recess Monkey, Jason Webley, ÄÄNIPÄÄ, Amanda Palmer and Fightstar.

www.groovecello.com

Performance, recording, private teaching, coaching, sectionals, and conductor.

Inspired by her Norwegian roots, Rachel has built a career around her love of music, performance, teaching, and Scandinavian tradition. She earned her BA in Music and Norwegian from St. Olaf College in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in Violin Performance and K-12 Teaching Certificate from Central Washington University in 2011. Rachel completed additional studies in classical violin at the Music Conservatory of the University of Stavanger, Norway, also using the opportunity to polish her Norwegian language skills. Although violin is her main jam, Rachel is an avid Hardanger Fiddler (the national folk instrument of Norway), an aspiring violist, an enthusiastic conductor, and a novice improv actor!

website

An active performer in the Pacific Northwest, Sarah Viens is Principal Trumpet of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, Symphony Tacoma, and the Auburn Symphony. Sarah frequently performs with the Seattle Symphony and Opera, The Fifth Avenue Theater, Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theater, and the Portland Opera. In the summers, she plays with the Sunriver Music Festival, and has performed with the Britt Festival Orchestra, Chamber Music Northwest, and the Oregon Bach Festival. Sarah is an accomplished teacher, and in addition to fifteen years of experience in higher education, she has taught all ages and levels of trumpet lessons. She has previously taught at the University of Oregon and Willamette University.  Also an accomplished administrator, Sarah is co-founder of Orchestra Next, the resident orchestra for the Eugene Ballet company. Sarah has also performed with a variety of chamber and recording ensembles, broadway shows, jazz ensembles, alternative, funk and rock bands.

www.sarahviens.com

As a young child in Texas, trombonist/vocalist/composer, Marc Smason learned to sing from his mother and later studied classical and jazz trombone with Ken Cloud, Stu Dempster, Julian Priester & Slide Hampton. He studied voice with Jay Clayton (jazz), Yo Jin Chong (Korean) & Ki Wasitodipuro (Javanese), and composition with Michael Young. Marc has a BFA from CA Institute of the Arts and is a long-time member of the AFM. He has performed with Big Joe Turner, the Funk Brothers, Carlos Santana, Eddie Henderson, Type A, Mark Levine, Wilbur Morris, Sam Shepard, Julian Priester, Buel Neidlinger, Rick Mandyke, Sonny Simmons, Eyvind Kang, Marc Graham and Baby Gramps. His playing encompasses many styles including jazz, latin, Brazilian, collective improv, klezmer and R&B.

www.marcsmason.com

Murl Allen Sanders is a free-lance musician, composer, teacher and recording artist who has been active in the Seattle area music scene and across the United States, Canada, England, Brazil and Japan for over thirty years. He performs and records regularly with his own bands, as a soloist, and with numerous bands in the Northwest.

Murl plays piano, accordion, Hammond B-3 organ, electronic keyboards, harmonica, sings, teaches and composes music. Murl has worked with such diverse artists as Chuck Berry, Etta James, Il Divo, Glenn Yarbrough, Leroy Bell, Peter Duchin, Alarm Will Sound, The Von Trapp Children, Theodore Bikel, Leslie Gore, Barbara Lamb, Susan Pascal, Pearl Django, Michael Tomlinson and Kelly Harland, among many others.

Email
Website

Harp instruction from beginning to professional. Classical, Celtic and orchestral repertoire with emphasis on proper technique having taught at the university level. Music should be fun. I’m open to many styles including jazz, pop and fusion. Private and group lessons. Instruments available.

harpnote@gmail.com

Solo Harp, Flute and Harp and Harp with other ensembles. A trusted professional with 30+ years performing with orchestras, ensembles and as soloist, I perform for weddings, corporate events and for all special occasions.

Seattle-based harpist Marian Sussman will create the perfect ambiance for your wedding, event, or special occasion. Solo or ensemble, classical, popular, or world music including Celtic and Israeli.

harpnote@gmail.com