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Katie Kraft - owner and creator
HI! My name is Ms. Katie and I am SO excited to be your teacher! Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a baby. I grew up learning to play the piano, guitar, and viola and singing in my church’s choir. I majored in Music at The University of Virginia, got my teaching certification through Montclair University, and did Orff training at Boston College.
Today, I have two children, Holden (11) and Jovie (8), an Aussiedoodle named Chloe, and am married to Logan Kraft. Logan is also a musician and we love playing music together and performing at weddings and local venues.
FUN FACT: I love to bake and decorate cakes! I usually stay up really late making a HUGE mess in my kitchen the night before my kiddos’ birthdays. To me, it’s fun and relaxing and I love being creative!
Teaches: Early Childhood Music Classes at the Barn
Brynn Staker - Director of partnerships
My name is Ms. Brynn and I love making new friends and playing music! I started playing music as a violinist and then switched to classical voice. I went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in opera from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Musicology from Brigham Young University. I am a professional singer, composer, musicologist, and poet and a lover of all things music!
FUN FACT: I also love to quilt! I made a queen-sized quilt for my wedding on the same machine that my mom used to make a quilt for her wedding!
Teaches: Tots with Tempo, Strums and Smiles
Faith Hubbard - music therapist
Hi! I’m Faith, and I’m so excited to make music with you! I’m a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) who loves using music to connect, create, and grow. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music from Randolph-Macon College and completed professional music therapy training at Shenandoah University. I have experience leading music therapy sessions for children, older adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities, using music to support communication, social skills, emotional expression, and overall wellbeing.
I’ve been involved in music my whole life! I did show choir throughout middle school, high school, and college, teach dance at church, and currently lead the church choir. I’ll be offering sensory-friendly music sessions for children up to five years old, as well as guitar, piano and ukulele lessons for all ages. I love bringing a variety of instruments into my sessions to make music engaging and fun for everyone!
FUN FACT: My favorite show of all time is SpongeBob SquarePants! I’ve been watching it since I was little and can quote just about every episode (probably a little too well). After a long day, one of my favorite things to do is make a big cup of tea and watch my favorite sea creatures act silly!
Dawn Abed - choir director
Dawn Abed has been with Accelerando Music since 2020. She teaches piano and voice lessons to students of all ages. Dawn got her Bachelors in Music in 2015 from Longwood University. She also has a Masters in Music Education from George Mason University which she earned in 2019. During the day she works as a public-school general music teacher in the Alexandria City Public School system. She loves working with students to help them achieve their greatest music potential.
FUN FACT:
Teaches: Piano Lessons and leads our Singing Sensations choir.
Hee Jin (Eunice) Chang
Soprano Hee Jin Chang graduated Peabody Institute for GPD program in 2023. She has completed her DMA, MM, BM as a voice major at Seoul National University.
Hee Jin Chang has been awarded London Classical Voice Competition, CS music Summer Online Competition and Grand prize in Von classical competition.
Hee Jin has performed major and minor roles such as Pamina (Magic Flute), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Giulia (La Scala di Seta), Suor Angelica (Suor Angelica), Hansel and Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Gilda (Rigoletto), Annina (La Traviata), Giovanna (Rogoletto), and etc. from Peabody Institute, CUA, Seoul Metropolitan Opera, Inciem Opera, and Miami Music Festival. She has been casted as a cover role of Musetta in Annapolis Opera for young artist for YAA program with 90% scholarships in 2022.
She has taught voice and piano for over 15 years, and she currently works as an adjunct voice professor at Washington Heritage University.
FUN FACT: I grew up in Canada, but I graduated high school in US and went to BM, MM, DMA in Korea and GPD back in US.
So there is a multicultural world in me.
Teaches: Piano and Voice Lessons at the Barn
Justin Price
Justin is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who has performed throughout the Washington metropolitan area and beyond for over a decade. He is well-versed in a multitude of musical styles via years of experience performing with jazz and classical ensembles in addition to his membership in several local acts spanning such genres as rock, pop, R&B, metal, hip-hop, and gospel. Justin's lessons are primarily focused on three essential aspects of music education: theory, technique, and repertoire, with the overall balance of each area of study tailored to the interests, goals, and needs of his students. He believes that the facilitation of a relaxed learning environment is essential to the development of a musician's connection to their instrument and strives to ensure that a positive atmosphere is maintained throughout each lesson.
FUN FACT: Justin is profoundly interested in tiny homes and plans to build one of his own someday.
Teaches: Guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and drums at The Barn.
Laura Eaton
Hello! I'm Ms. Laura! I teach 1:1 lessons and you'll see me in the office helping Ms. Katie at the Barn! My family is very musical so I grew up singing, dancing, doing colorguard, and playing various instruments. I got my Bachelor's in psychology at James Madison University and my Master's in music therapy and counseling at Drexel University. I am a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), neurologic music therapist (NMT), and a Resident in Counseling in the state of VA (LPC-R)! When I'm not at the Barn, I love to play with my cats (Albus & Luna) and read books.
FUN FACT: My husband and I recently won a piglet at a Bingo and named her Berry. If you ask about her, I will show you pictures.
Teaches: Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Violin, and Voice at the Barn
Melissa Peterson
Melissa Peterson loves teaching music to students of all ages! She believes that music and the joy it brings are for everyone of every age! Before she joined Accelerando, she used to host piano lessons at her house. She has previously served as church organist in two different churches as well as the piano accompanist for all the Fairfax High School choral groups. There, she enjoyed accompanying concerts, special performances and soloists, annual choral assessments, and even made a trip to the White House for a special concert!
Melissa lives in Fairfax City with her husband, two dogs, four cats, and a hermit crab.
FUN FACT: She loves animals, sea turtles, and environmental conservation!
Teaches: Piano at the Barn
Michael Young
What’s up pals?! My name is Mr. Michael or Mr. Mic if you’d like. I’m super excited to be a part of the Tots with Tempo team! I am a singer with a musical theater background. I have studied music and voice at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have always had a passion for singing and performing and I am super proud to share all that I have learned with you and your children. I have taught theater at YMCA amongst children and youth and also enjoyed mentoring children at the Boys and Girls Club. Singing and teaching with children combines the two things I am most passionate about- music and community! We are sure to have a blast!
FUN FACT: I love to cook. Since I was “tot”, I have been no stranger to the kitchen. My cooking experiences began at the age of 8 and have continued to develop over the years. I wouldn’t consider myself a chef but I am able to bring joy to my family and loved ones.
Teaches: Early Childhood Music Classes at Apple Tree and Perfect Harmony
Khari Shelton
Khari is a native of Camp Springs, Maryland. Thanks to his father's interest in music, he enrolled in private piano lessons around the age of 8. In the solitude of the basement, it didn't take Khari long to discover that he enjoyed crafting his own tunes as much, if not more, than performing. He was very fortunate that his teacher, with whom he shared his creations, not only applauded his efforts, but even allowed him to debut them at recitals.
His musicianship continued to grow in 9th grade at Edmund Burke School. There, a computer room, like his basement years ago, became Khari's sanctuary. Hours of plunking keys yielded a sizable library of compositions that reflected his diverse musical influences, particularly rock, classical and folk. When one of these tracks won an award after being featured in a student film, Khari knew that pursing music in college was a good option for him.
Khari held to his ambitions at Howard University, where he took private guitar lessons for the first time. After graduating with his bachelor's degree, he dedicated his time to providing private instruction to residents of the DMV area. Khari soon discovered that his passion for teaching exceeded even his passion for composition.
Teaches: Tots with Tempo, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Xavier Kennerly
Graduating from Grambling St. University, I am a saxophonist as well as a former member of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band where I was section leader, as well as voted Most Outstanding Musician in 2022. I am also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity of America Inc. and have a passion for advancing music in America.
I have experience marching snare drum during high school, and work with Westlake High School’s (Charles County Maryland) “Wild Instinct” Drumline. I also taught Jazz Band, Symphonic/Concert Band and Orchestra, as well as Piano in the same school last year as the instrumental music teacher. I am excited to work with everyone and I look forward to meeting you!
Teaches: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Ukulele, Saxophone
Claire Skotzko
Ms. Claire loves sharing her love of music with others! She is a professional singer having sung with Bronx Opera, Prelude Opera and the National Association of Opera. In 2021 she won the Utah District of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
In 2025 she was a featured soloist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC in Salieri’s Emperor Mass. Claire earned her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Utah University and her Masters of Music in Opera Performance from the University of Utah.
When not performing she can be found in the classroom teaching preschool music classes, private voice and piano lessons. Fun Fact: I love hiking! I plan to hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in the Summer of 2027. I am also an avid reader and have a goal to read 50 books per year in a variety of genres.
Teaches: Piano, Voice, Tots with Tempo, Birthday Parties
Jacob Lunsford
Jacob is a classically trained singer from Maryland. He graduated from Towson University with a bachelor's degree in Music with a focus on Vocal Performance. He loves to learn, write, and perform all styles and genres of music including classical, jazz, musical theater, and many more.
Teaches: Tots with Tempo onsite preschool classes
Kevin Donlan
Hi! My name is Mr. Kevin and I'm thrilled to start teaching this year with Accelerando! I have years of experience in nannying and education, especially in camps centered around music, theatre, as well as renewable energy. I studied Hospitality Management at James Madison University while applying my studies in event planning towards my acapella group, ReScored, my music service sorority, TBS, as well as participating in opera productions.
Since graduating I have had a blast within over 12 community and regional theatre productions and assisting with events at Princess Parties. I am a professional singer, actor, event planner, and sponge for all things music!
FUN FACT: While I practiced classical guitar in high school I'm stoked to revive that passion this fall!
Dabney Doepner
Hello! My name is Dabney, and I’m so excited to work with Accelerando Music. I recently graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with minors in Music & Dance. My musical experience includes violin, musical theatre, opera, choir, and piano.
I love working with young people! I have worked with many theaters as an educator including Olney Theatre Center, Imagination Stage, Tweedlie Center for the Arts, Calliope Stage Company, and Riverside Children’s Theatre. I also previously worked as a preschool teacher at the Early Learning Center of Sylva, NC.
When not singing, acting, or dancing, I love to paint, cook, and hike to waterfalls!
Our teachers in action
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