Brandon Gouin

DRUMS - PERCUSSION

Brandon Gouin is a passionate performer of contemporary percussion music. He holds both an undergraduate degree as well as a graduate certificate in percussion performance from UMBC. Brandon has given several solo recitals of works for percussion written in the last 100 years. He is a member of the Hi-Tom percussion ensemble and has performed alongside RUCKUS, UMBC's faculty ensemble.

Brandon has been teaching percussion and drum set for nearly a decade. His educational partnerships include various public school music groups, summer camps, and a two year long project with Baltimore city schools where Brandon aimed to explore contemporary music with young musicians.

Outside of the contemporary percussion world, Brandon has played drumset for various bands in indie/rock/and metal genres. Brandon also performs as an improviser at experimental venues such as the Red Room in Baltimore.

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LISTENING TO:

Panam Panic – Love of Humanity
Casiopea – Casiopea
Rubblebucket – Year of the Banana
Fulton Lee – Go Getter

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Hays Dowdy

GUITAR - UKULELE - BASS

Hays Dowdy is a DMV-based alternative indie songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, performing both as a solo artist and alongside elite bands in the International Musicians League. With roots in British Invasion rock, bluegrass, and formal jazz training, his music blends intricate lead guitar work with baroque lyricism, creating a distinct and dynamic sound.

A graduate of Montgomery College with an Associate of Arts degree (2014), Hays has studied under jazz mentor Bob Israel and bluegrass musician Vernon Santmeyer. His decades of experience in live performance, recording, and private instruction have shaped his unique musical approach.

Backed by a high-energy live band, Hays delivers a fusion of classically inspired pop-punk, agile grooves, and ethereal harmonies. His top-streamed single, "Voodoo Doll" (feat. Abby Sevcik), is out now, and his debut album, Dreaming in Seven Senses, was released on January 10, 2025. Check out Hays’s music under Hays Dowdy on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp!

In addition to his performance career, Hays is a dedicated music educator, teaching acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and ukulele. He has a natural ability to connect with younger students, fostering their confidence and creativity while making learning engaging and accessible.

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LISTENING TO:

The Magnetic Fields – I Don’t Want to Get Over You
Bud Powell – Autumn in New York
Panda Bear – Ends Meet
John Lennon – Mother
Billy Strings – Heartbeat of America

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Victoria Bee

TRUMPET - BEGINNER PIANO

Victoria Bee is a Baltimore-based trumpet player, bandleader, and arranger who is highly skilled at working with students of all ages, from young beginners to adult learners. She fosters a love for music through engaging, personalized lessons tailored to each student’s learning style.

As a performer, Victoria plays in a variety of styles, including swing, classical, and free improvisation. She is a regular with The Bachelor Boys, playing weddings and events, and has also performed with The Screaming Art Large Ensemble, The Creative Music Consortium, The Henchmen, The Skluttz, and The Beauty Pill Orchestra.

She earned her B.A. in Jazz/Commercial Trumpet Performance from Towson University, studying under Dave Ballou and Jim McFalls, as well as faculty members Sarah Jones, Brent Madsen, Jeff Reed, and John Dieker.

A dedicated educator, Victoria teaches trumpet at all levels, from beginner to advanced, and also offers beginner to intermediate piano instruction. She is passionate about making music accessible and enjoyable for all her students, ensuring they stay engaged and find joy in their musical journey—whether they are picking up an instrument for the first time or refining advanced skills.

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LISTENING TO:

Panam Panic – Love of Humanity
Casiopea – Casiopea
Rubblebucket – Year of the Banana
Fulton Lee – Go Getter

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Riley Young

DRUMS - PERCUSSION

Riley Young is a versatile drummer and educator based in the Baltimore/DC area, known for his expertise across Jazz/BAM, Blues, Rock, and Electronic music. Inspired by his father, also a drummer, Riley began playing drums at the age of 3. He graduated from Towson University in 2022, where he refined his skills under the mentorship of renowned drummers Mike Kuhl and Eric Kennedy. Their guidance helped shape his dynamic and adaptable approach to both performance and teaching, preparing him for a career as a sought-after musician.

Riley has performed and recorded with the band Adjective Animal, led by songwriter and producer Jon Birkholz, and collaborated with prominent local artists such as Ed Hrybyk, Clarence Ward III, Rufus Roundtree, Blake Meister, Ryan Watkins, Joe Keyes, and The Luvable Idiots. In Baltimore, he regularly performs with The Will Schmidt Band, a blues trio featuring guitarist Will Schmidt and bassist Jude Botten.

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LISTENING TO:

Miles Davis - Miles Smiles
Erykah Badu - Mamas gun
Radiohead - In Rainbows
J Dilla - Donuts

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Jeffrey Roden

PIANO

Jeffrey Roden's musical journey began at the age of 4, when he started classical training that continued until he was 11. His passion for piano took off around age 10, as he began learning to play more by ear—a skill that deepened his connection to music. For the past 13 years, he has performed live on stages across the country, specializing in blues, rock, and jam music. Known for his dynamic, improvisational style, Jeffrey captivates audiences with spontaneous, expressive performances.

Jeffrey is a core member of several bands, including Uncle Kunkel’s One Gram Band, Diamond Canopy, Seven Teller, Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band, and Tennessee Lamb, a tribute to Little Feat. Though primarily self-taught, Jeffrey has studied with Jon Brady (Electric Love Machine, Psycho Killers, Dancing Bears, Phoam), honing his technique and expanding his artistic perspective.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for sharing his craft, Jeffrey is dedicated to helping students of all levels build their skills and confidence in music.

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LISTENING TO:

Tom Waits – Heart of Saturday Night
Assembly of Dust – The Honest Hour
Little Feat – Waiting for Columbus
The Replacements – Dead Man’s Pop

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Rachel McNear

VOICE

Rachel McNear is a seasoned gigging and touring vocalist who has been comfortable performing on stages since the age of five. Starting with a strong foundation in classical, Rachel's talents span a broad spectrum of genres, including Musical Theatre, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Indie/Singer-Songwriter, and Bluegrass/Country.

For the first 19 years of her life, Rachel was deeply immersed in repertoire from Broadway musical. After graduating from the George Washington Carver Center for the Arts , she went on to spend four years honing her acting techniques and performing in musicals at SUNY Cortland and Eckerd College.

Recently, Rachel has found great success as a singer, songwriter, and performer in Baltimore and beyond. She took the stage at the Charm City Bluegrass Festival and toured with the rock/jam band Seven Teller during their Midwest dates this past summer. Her primary band, 5 Spot, can often be seen performing at venues like Cat’s Eye Pub and local festivals.

Rachel is passionate about connecting with students of all ages and skill levels, sharing her love for singing, performance, and creative expression.

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LISTENING TO:

Atlus Sound Team - Persona 4
Eve - Smile
Fox Capture Plan - Life
Kana-Boon - Song of the Dead
AJORITY - Daydreams

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Grey Rayadurg

GUITAR - VOICE - PIANO - BASS - SONGWRITING - PRODUCTION

Grey is a versatile music teacher with over two decades of experience across multiple instruments and disciplines. As a local Baltimore artist, he frequently performs with his group The Honest Thief. With a decade of expertise as a vocalist in pop and R&B settings, Grey also provides instruction in rock and metal. His teaching philosophy emphasizes vocal therapy, improvisation, and songwriting, fostering a passion for helping students “find their own voice.”

As a multi-instrumentalist, Grey enjoys teaching a broad array of genres, guiding students to discover songs that excite them. He has over 15 years of experience playing and teaching guitar, piano, and bass. In the world of audio engineering, Grey works as a producer for recording sessions and excels in front-of-house and monitor mixing.

With a wide array of talents, Grey is a career musician committed to introducing students to the world of music, regardless of their age or experience level. His goal is to help foster a lifelong passion for music in every student.

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LISTENING TO:

Ichika Nito - The World is still Beautiful
Tyla - Tyla
Dirty Loops - loopified
The Home Team - Walk This World with Me
Fox Capture Plan - Butterfly

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Keller Remington

TRUMPET - TROMBONE - HORN

Keller Remington is a distinguished trumpet player hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, and currently residing in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Keller’s deep passion for American Roots Music was ignited by his parent’s love for music, a passion that has driven his musical journey from a young age.

During his high school years, Keller's talent and dedication were recognized with four consecutive Student Downbeat Awards. He also had the honor of performing alongside Grammy-nominated Las Vegas icons Clint Holmes and Frankie Moreno, as well as renowned Las Vegas native trumpet player Kenny Rampton.

Keller moved to Baltimore to further his studies at The Peabody Institute, where he is under the tutelage of Sean Jones, the esteemed Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair, trumpeter, composer, and educator.

Since his arrival in Baltimore, Keller has performed extensively throughout the DMV area, as well as in New York and Las Vegas. His performances reflect his commitment to continuing the rich culture and tradition of music, and he aspires to leave a lasting impact on the music community through his artistry and dedication.

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LISTENING TO:

Joe Henderson - In ‘n Out
Ralph Peterson - The Art of War
Donald Byrd - Chant
The Duke Pearson Nonet - Honeybuns

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Tsveta Dabova

PIANO

Tsvetanka “Tsveta” Dabova is an accomplished pianist and educator, celebrated for her numerous accolades and contributions to the world of music. She is a winner of the Steinway & Sons International Piano Competition in Hamburg, Germany, and the concerto competitions at Interlochen Arts Camp and Academy. Tsveta has been awarded multiple prestigious scholarships, including the Interlochen Arts Academy and Peabody full educational scholarships, the Levine & Hoffman LLP scholarship, and the Helen J. Iliff scholarship. Her performances have been featured live on IPR radio, and she has given recitals throughout Europe, Russia, and the United States.

Tsveta's distinguished teachers include Alexander Khazanov, Stephen Perry, Yong Hi Moon, Alexander Shtarkman, and Benjamin Pasternack. She holds a High School Diploma and a Fine Arts Award in Piano from Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI, and she earned her Bachelor of Music, Master's, and Graduate Performance Diploma in Piano Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Since 2004, she has been actively teaching piano in Baltimore City and its surrounding areas, dedicating herself to music development and education.

Tsveta’s teaching philosophy is centered on providing excellent piano instruction and inspiring her students. She believes that their success is ensured by her commitment and guidance as they develop confidence and expertise. Her approach is tailored to the individual skill set of each student, building on their strengths while addressing areas of difficulty. This personalized method ensures that students’ goals are focused and attainable, enhancing their potential.

“There are great rewards in being able to help one’s voice develop and sing!” - TD

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LISTENING TO:

Josh Groban - Bridges
Celine Dion - Courage
Evanescence - Bitter Truth
George Gershwin - Jazz Standards

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Charlie Ballantine

GUITAR

Named as one of the top 200 living guitarists by All About Jazz Magazine, Charlie Ballantine is acclaimed as one of the finest and most versatile  young guitarists on the scene today. JAZZ TIMES MAGAZINE hails his playing as “teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision his guitar work is both beautiful and complex” and VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE described his style by stating “Jazz, rock, and folk music peacefully coexist in Charlie Ballantine’s world”. 

   Equipped with an impressive body of original compositions on albums like “Vonnegut” and “Cold Coffee”, Ballantine also displays a great reverence for the jazz tradition through the inclusion of standards like ‘My One and Only Love’, ‘East of the Sun’ and an entire double album dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk released September 2021.  “In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his educational background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument. He approaches the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician” - (JAZZIZ MAGAZINE)

   After graduating from the Jacobs School of Music under the direction of David Baker, Ballantine relocated to Indianapolis and quickly developed a name for himself with a string of high energy performances at clubs like the Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club. After releasing two solo albums Ballantine was able to attain global recognition with his award winning third album “Life is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan” which ALL ABOUT JAZZ named in their top ten jazz albums of the year. “From the opening bars of "The Times They Are a-Changin'" it is clear that something special is happening” - (ALL ABOUT JAZZ) 

   Although primarily a front man for his own projects with tours and frequent appearances throughout the US and Canada at venues and festivals such as the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, The Winnipeg International Jazz Festival and The Elkhart Jazz Festival, Ballantine also has an extensive list of side man credits having performed with names like Nicole Henry, Walter Smith III, Emmett Cohen, Dave King, John Raymond, Russell Hall, Frank Glover, Steve Alee, and Rahsaan Barber helping to further solidify him as a creative force and  put him in the highest of ranks as a performer.  

"Befitting a guitarist from America's heartland, Charlie Ballantine mixes jazz, folk-rock, surf/instro, blues, pop, and country into a simmering pot of guitar sound and style."

                                                                           - Vintage Guitar Magazine

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LISTENING TO:

Female President - Bring Back The Ghosts
Yazoo - Only You
Miley Cyrus - Flowers
Collective Soul - December
Stevie Nicks - Crystal

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Noah Stuehler

Guitar - Songwriting

Noah Stuehler is a passionate music teacher born and raised here in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently attending UMBC for Music Technology, Noah channels his love for music into teaching guitar and songwriting lessons.

During his time at UMBC, Noah studied classical guitar under Felipe Garibaldi de Almeida and Nathaniel Cornelius and developed a deep interest in classical playing and performance. Also at UMBC, Noah met the connections that would lead to the creation of his lyrically driven indie-rock band Fly By the Seat. He believes that music is a powerful means of expressions and hopes to share the creative side of music with all of his students.

Be sure to catch Noah at our monthly Open Mic—where he typically debuts new material—or see his band perform at venues around town.

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LISTENING TO:

Tenci - My Heart is an Open Field
Little Dragon - Little Dragon
Glauque - Flaming Swords
Palm - Shadow Expert
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon

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Rodney Barnett

Recording Engineer - Producer

A certified Pro Tools engineer and a graduate of Sheffield School of the Recording Arts, Rodney has over ten years experience recording and producing music. Though he specializes in working with rap/hip-hop and R&B, his versatility enables him to bring any project to life. He has been producing music in FL Studio for over 8 years, working with artists such as Cory Gunz, Shordie Shordie, YBS Skola, Bandhunta Jugg, IGAWD, Merty Shango, among others.

In addition to working with established recording artists, Rodney has so much to offer new producers in his role as an educator. For any student interested in learning production—making beats, mixing vocals, etc—Rodney is happy to share his knowledge and keep students current with the equipment and production techniques of today.

Ida Dierker

Piano - Voice

Ida Dierker is a versatile musician known for her skills as a pianist and vocalist. With a passion for both practices and a deep understanding of music theory, Ida wishes to share her knowledge and nurture the musical talents of aspiring students.

Born and raised in Baltimore City, Ida attended the Baltimore School for the Arts for classical piano performance from 2017-2021. She began teaching private music lessons at age 17, and has attended UMBC for music performance since 2021.

Still working on and performing an array of classical music, Ida has also developed an interest in New Music, composing, and improvisation, all of which have changed the way she views teaching. Growing up classically trained, it was very easy to hold a strict idea of the way music should be taught. However, she believes that we should cultivate the idea that all students are unique and have their own way of understanding the world and growing. Ida strives to understand each of her students' learning styles and to bring out the growing side in every one of them. 

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LISTENING TO:

Tenci - My Heart is an Open Field
Little Dragon - Little Dragon
Glauque - Flaming Swords
Palm - Shadow Expert
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon

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Marianne Thayer

Voice - BEGINNER Piano - Ukulele

Marianne Thayer is an active musician and educator in the Baltimore area, currently completing her final year at Towson University for a degree in Music Education. Despite her upbringing as a classical French horn player, Marianne’s passion lies with vocal music, and picks up solo and choral gigs whenever she can. From playing with her jazz trio, performing at senior centers or ringing with TU’s community choir, she enjoys a wide variety of styles and loves few things more than singing and teaching! Marianne’s goal after graduation is to become an elementary music teacher, and though she specializes in working with younger students, any aged student is welcome to take with her.

Aside from her busy school schedule during her internship with BCPS, Marianne works as the Operations Assistant for the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras, serves as the Maryland Music Educators Association Collegiate Board Member, and is a Lead Social Group Facilitator at the Hussman Center for Autistic Adults.

When it comes to teaching style and philosophy, Marianne’s strongest belief is that music is an accessible and multi-faceted art form. Anyone of any ability level can be a musician, and Marianne strives to harbor a safe space for her students to explore their artistry, while also providing a comprehensive, fun, and uplifting musical experience.

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LISTENING TO:

Sam Greenfield - Check Your DM’s
Katy Kirby - Peppermint
John Batiste - FREEDOM
Laura Elliot - Grass Stains
Insignificant Others - i’m so glad I feel this way about you

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Jack Jahries

Recording Engineer - Producer

Jack is a producer, singer, and guitar/bassist from the Towson area. From a young age, Jack was immersed in music with his family and friends and developed a love for classical music throughout primary school. In college, Jack began singing in an Acapella group and picked up guitar, which led to songwriting and the eventual formation of his first band, The Luvable Idiots.

Since then, Jack has been hustling in the Baltimore music scene, producing and playing with artists in Jazz, Rock, Pop, and Indie contexts. Jack's purpose is to connect with people through music, and he's well on his way to fulfilling that purpose. In every project he participates in, Jack seeks to deliver music that clients and bandmates are proud to share with their listeners. His musical tastes range widely, with inspirations in Country, Funk, Indie, Jam, Hip-Hop, and nearly everything in between.

Jack received his BA from Washington and Lee University in Strategic Communications, with a concentration in Poverty and Human Capability Studies.

Ansel Montgomery

Recording Engineer - Producer

Ansel Montgomery is a music producer and engineer from Baltimore, Maryland. He is a self taught musician who plays a range of instruments including piano, guitar, flute, bass. He has been producing and recording for 6 years with his professional journey starting in Miami, FL.

His production is not limited to any genre but his success so far has been in hip hop working with artists including Future, NBA Youngboy, The Kid Laroi, Swae Lee and many more. He is skilled in DAW's Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Koala. 

Jeremy Cherry

Producer - Recording and Mixing Engineer

Jeremy Cherry is a Musician/Producer with 10 years of experience playing and creating music of all genres! He primarily focuses on producing R&B,Soul,Pop, and World music. Jeremy enjoys working with artists that have a love and true talent for music. He is looking forward to creating records that will feel good to those that hear it! 

Nick Gennuso

Guitar - Ukulele

Nick is a musical performer and educator with a background in classical, jazz, rock, and pop guitar styles. His teaching style has been developed through his experience teaching privately while studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Towson University.

Nick has studied guitar at Harford Community College with Brian Kooken and at Towson University with both John Lee (jazz) and Troy King (classical and pedagogy). He’s developed a deep knowledge of pedagogical methods and strategies for all ages and skill levels via Towson’s highly regarded college of education.

Nick currently teaches guitar and ukulele while working as an intern with Baltimore County Public Schools. He also has performed around the Towson and Baltimore areas, including participation in outdoor pop-up jazz jams during the Covid-19 pandemic. His teaching style is centered around strong student interactions and building rapport. Nick caters his lessons to the needs of the individual student. He is always asking what they would like to learn, and he sets up a plan in order to help students meet those goals. His teaching philosophy is based around being available to meet the goals of all students. He puts an emphasis intentional performance decision.

Nick focuses on the fun and reward that comes from playing music. He knows some students will be hobbyists and others will have more ambitious goals, and he aims to meet the needs of these varying levels of aspiration.

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LISTENING TO:

Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent
Temples - Shelter Song
The Shins - Australia
Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood
Houndmouth - Sedona

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Nathan Hillman

Viola - Violin

Nathan Hillman, violist, violinist, composer, arranger, and educator has always been passionate about music, and is especially interested in studying chamber music not often performed. It was Janet Ciano, his first teacher that drew him to the viola, and ultimately into the rich world of chamber music, attending Kneisel Hall and Next Generation chamber music camps in Maine for many years. After years of playing chamber music as a violist, Nathan, along with conductor Deirdre McClure, co-founded a chamber music program at Bay Chamber Music School (Maine), coaching ensembles open to both youth and adult students. In an effort to give students a broad spectrum of music, he chose lesser-known composers for many ensembles, resulting in vibrant recital programs.

Nathan sat as principal violist for the Peabody Symphony Orchestra from 2021-22, as well as the Union College Orchestra (Schenectady, NY), the Odeon Chamber Orchestra (Rockport, ME), and has played with various other orchestras including the Colby Symphony Orchestra. In 2023 he was part of an orchestral recording project at Peabody Conservatory featuring music by Pulitzer prize-winning composer and professor Du Yun in her Mythology Series.

He has volunteered as a violist and arranger for the Peabody String Sinfonia since 2021, which aims to develop a kinship between Peabody and the Baltimore community by sharing beautiful music. He served as co-director for the ensemble during the 2022-23 season, performing for OrchKids, Enoch Pratt Libraries, and Marian House, among others. Nathan worked for two years as assistant to the Director of Chamber Music at Peabody, Michael Kannen. He is a former member of other ensembles, including a West African drumming group led by Jordan Bennisan, Union College’s Taiko ensemble Zakuro Daiko, and Penobscot Bay Ringers, a handbell choir based in Mid-coast Maine.

Nathan won the Bagaduce Composer Competition in Blue Hill, Maine for three years, and has premiered a number of original chamber and solo works, most notably in 2012, where he presented a concert debuting eight compositions, ranging from one to nine musicians. Despite currently focusing on viola, Nathan maintains a strong interest in composition and arranging, especially chamber music. He has extensive experience arranging music, often featuring viola, both in solo and chamber music contexts, and not limited to the classical genre. His experience as a composer has been instrumental to freelancing work, which often requires special music arrangements.

Since before his inception as an educator with Bay Chamber Music School, Nathan has always believed that musicians should feel inspired by the music they are playing, and that playing an instrument should be based on love for the instrument. Learning an instrument involves not only technique, but also music theory, music history, arts, body awareness, and self-confidence, so he works to incorporate all of these elements into his lessons.

Nathan studied at Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a B.M. in Viola Performance under Choong-Jin Chang, principle violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Nathan currently teaches violin and viola around the Baltimore- DC area, both private lessons and chamber groups, maintaining a strong network for performing opportunities as well. In addition to music, Nathan enjoys time spent outdoors, hiking, snowshoeing, or camping. He enjoys taking trips along back roads, experiencing the local culture, music, and landscape. Growing up on a farm in rural Maine, it was not uncommon to see young Nathan playing violin for a flock of chickens.

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LISTENING TO:

Zoltan Kodaly - Duo for Violin and Cello
Johannes Brahms - Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano
Ysaye - Sonata No. 4 for Solo Violin
Rush - The Spirit of Radio
Heart - Barracuda
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Autumn in New York
Chet Baker - It’s Always You

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Rob Holthause

ELECTRIC BASS - Double Bass

Rob has been playing guitar since age 11, and switched to bass at 18 to get into the jazz program in college. He is currently adjunct faculty at McDaniel College, his alma mater. He is the bassist for local reggae group Can’t Hang, and also plays in the wedding band The Bachelor Boys and his side project, The Charm City Pop Punk All Stars.

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LISTENING TO:

The Heavy Heavy - Life and Life Only
Mogwai - As the Love Continues
John Brown - Amplify
Friendship - Ain’t No Shame

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