Find Your Mentor.
Whether you’re looking for 1:1 guidance, a clinician to work with your ensemble or someone to host a professional development session, you’ll find them here.
Use the Category filter on the right sidebar to explore by content area expertise.
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When you’re ready, complete the form at the top of this page.
Larisa Marian
Larisa Marian, a dedicated music educator, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from George Mason University, achieving honors. With over 12 years in public school music and recognition from ASTA and VMEA, Larisa is passionate about pedagogy and community, and now teaches privately in Loudoun County.
Brandon Kurzawa
Brandon Kurzawa, founder of Music Notes Academy, has over 24 years of music education experience, holds a B.A. in Music and M.A. in Education, and directs the MAMTG Student Music Festival. A percussionist, he’s recognized for his recording credits and contributions to music education through publications.
Vanisha Evans
With over 20 years in arts administration, nonprofit management, and music education, I have developed successful, sustainable programs tailored to organizational needs and budgets. My engaging music lessons inspire students' curiosity and passion. I perform regularly and specialize in neo-soul music, particularly Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, as well as classical and jazz.
Stacey Peterik
Stacey Peterik is the 5th grade band director in Urbana School District #116. She also teaches middle and high school jazz bands and directs the high school marching band. Previously, she taught in Champaign, IL. Stacey holds degrees from the University of Illinois and a Master's from VanderCook College of Music.
Michael Ford
I have over 20 years of experience as a teacher and professional musician. I've taught grades 6-12, designed curriculum, led music departments, and started music programs. Currently, I tutor woodwinds and run a private studio for clarinet, saxophone, and flute students. I also served as a military musician in the U.S. Army Bands.
Daryl Silberman
Ms. Daryl Silberman is a professional violinist/violist, an orchestra director at Scullen Middle School in Naperville, IL, and a director for the Youth Symphony of DuPage. “Ms. S” studied viola performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and University of Southern California and teaches with her 5-string violin. She has been a private studio teacher, high school orchestra director, youth orchestra director and freelance violist and violinist in Illinois, Oregon, and California performing with regional orchestras, rock bands, movie studio orchestras, chamber groups, and baroque ensembles.
Lisa Dolcy
Lisa Dolcy was born in Jamaica, and her early musical influences range from the local sounds of the Caribbean to music sung by church choirs under her father’s direction. As she grew older and migrated to the United States, this love of music only grew now accompanied with a strong desire to share it with others. She graduated with a B.S. in Music (Vocal Concentration) from Southern Adventist University and a Masters in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from Florida State University.
Marc Mangino
Marc studied music at The College of New Jersey and Westminster Choir College, earning his bachelor’s degree in Music Education. A certified Life Coach, Marc has over 20 years of teaching experience in various settings, including high schools, middle schools, and private lessons. He also authors innovative teaching materials and instrumental method books.
Michelle Gergich
Michelle Gergich, a flutist and conductor, has over 10 years of experience teaching music to students from ages 3 to adults. She is the Assistant Conductor of the Moorestown Community Band and teaches instrumental music at Mount Laurel's Countryside and Parkway Elementary Schools. Michelle also maintains a private music studio and holds advanced degrees in instrumental conducting and music education from Rutgers University and the University of Minnesota.
Tara Planeta
Dr. Tara Planeta holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and earned her Master's Degree in Violin Performance with Orchestral Emphasis from Arizona State University in 2003. She has also studied Suzuki and Traditional Pedagogy for numerous years with renowned pedagogues, and her own teaching style similarly reflects a strong emphasis on theory and technique.
