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Brynn Staker
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 classes in DC and Arlington
Dawn Abed
Dawn Abed has been working at Accelerando Studios 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 at the Barn
Fangyu (Linda) Tai
Hi! I am Ms. Linda, and I’m so happy to be making music with you! I’ve been playing piano since I was little and have always loved how music can connect people and tell stories. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance and recently earned my Master’s degree in Music from the University of Houston. Now, I get to help students grow in their musical journey—something I feel so lucky to do every day. I especially love accompanying singers and instrumentalists, collaborating is truly my favorite part of making music!
FUN FACT: I’m a huge fan of creating cozy meals! I love experimenting with new recipes, especially ones that are hearty and healthy. I’m also a Tahitian dancer and once traveled to Japan for an international dance competition—it was an unforgettable experience!
Teaches: Piano and Voice Lessons at the Barn and Early Childhood Classes
Hee Jin 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
Jacob Bennett
Mr. Bennett has taught music in Virginia public schools since 2017. He earned his B.M. in Music Education (summa cum laude) at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his M.Ed. in Teaching English Language Learners from the University of Virginia. He holds Level II Kodaly certification and Level I Orff-Schulwerk certification. He currently teaches Elementary General Music in FCPS.
FUN FACT: Mr. Bennett took five semesters of Improv Comedy classes at the Washington Improv Theater in D.C.
Teaches: Drums, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, and many more 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.
Katie Kraft
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
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
Marina Cridge
Hi! I’m Ms. Marina and I’m so excited to be your teacher! Music and the arts are a huge part of my life. Growing up, I sang, danced, played ukulele, and competed in rhythmic gymnastics. I graduated from Indiana University, where my passion for the arts and teaching flourished. When I’m not teaching, you can find me performing and choreographing dance throughout the DMV!
FUN FACT: I’ve met Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Aly Raisman!
Teaches: Early Childhood Music Classes at Safe Hands and Apple Tree
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
Sara Ali
Bio to come.
FUN FACT:
Teaches: Saturday Series at Two Birds Daycare
Stephanie Mathias
Hi, friends! My name is Miss Stephanie and I am very grateful to join the Tots with Tempo team! I grew up singing, playing piano and violin, and writing songs, and I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Spanish at Western Michigan University. I now perform as an electric violin soloist for weddings and events and it is so much fun! I am married and have 2 awesome kiddos ages 10 and 2, worked as a childcare provider for many years, and volunteered as a teacher for the children’s ministry at my church. So I am really looking forward to sharing my combined love of music and child development with your little ones!
FUN FACT: I love Mexico! I am not Mexican myself but I studied and worked there for 2 years, and I met my husband there! Mexican culture is a wonderful part of our family traditions and we speak Spanish with our kids.
Teaches: Arlington and Kingstown Family Music Classes, leads our curriculum at the preschool by the barn, and leads our Spanish Music Groups on Thursdays at the Barn
Our teachers in action
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