Jessica has over 10 years of experience teaching music privately as well as in Primary, Secondary and Collegiate level schools to children and adults of all ages and abilities. She has taught in the classroom as a Preschool Music Teacher (ages 2-6), Elementary School Music Teacher (grades K-5), High School Choral, Class Piano and non-performance (Music Appreciation) Teacher (grades 9-12), and Chamber Orchestra Professor at the university level. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. ​ Her major instruments of study are piano and flute and she enjoys teaching general music studies and music theory as well. As a military wife, Jessica has had the privilege to teach all over the country to include Maryland, California, Virginia, New York and South Carolina. This has allowed her to teach a variety of students of many different ages and abilities to include students with physical and mental disabilities. With these experiences, Jessica brings a unique flare that is both motivating and highly successful in helping all of her students achieve their goals. As a professional music educator, she feels that good, helpful and creative interaction between student and teacher is of utmost importance so that the love and joy of music instills the desire to learn. Jessica is passionate about sharing her musical knowledge and love of music by incorporating all genres to include classical, blues, jazz and modern music into her lessons.

Olivia O’Byrne is a passionate pianist and dedicated music educator. She graduated cum laude from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Music with a focus in Music History and Music Theory. She studied under musicians such as organist and historian Jim Kosnik, jazz pianist John Toomey, and choral director Nancy Klein. Olivia O’Byrne began piano lessons when she was three and continued lessons for twenty years. She competed in regional competitions in both piano and choral groups throughout middle and high school. During her college career, she performed in numerous piano performances or with various choirs, and a senior piano recital. Since 2014, Olivia has performed for events, was a church pianist for over a decade, and participated in a church choir. Choral music, hymnody, and other various genres of music has enriched her expertise in different musical genres. As a music educator since 2015, Olivia enjoys integrating creativity, individuality, and excitement in her piano lessons. She not only imparts technical skills but also highlights the importance of the history of music and it’s composers, as well as the many developments in music theory which makes learning the piano a truly transformative and enriching experience.

My name is Rita Williams, I was born in Taiwan and am fluent in Mandarin and English. I’ve been teaching the Piano and Cello for over 10 years, I’ve been playing the Piano since I was 6, and Cello since I was 10 years old. I have both a Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Music. I’ve trained under Kodály, Dalcroze, and Orff in music education for children. My teaching is very versatile and I tailor the private lesson to each student’s needs. My students have been the receipients of many accolades. I teach students of all ages and my priority is helping my students find joy in learning music as well as the skills needed to be successful at the piano and cello.

Simeon Kim recently graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with both a Master of Music degree and a Performer Diploma in Piano Performance. At the Jacobs School of Music, Mr. Kim studied with Karen Shaw under the auspices of the “Artistic Excellence Award.” He was also awarded with the position of Associate Instructor of Piano where he taught group and private piano classes to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Pianist and Educator Tim Dail graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy where he was also a Graduate Teaching Assistant. As a student, Tim was awarded accolades at State and Regional Solo/Concerto competitions. He completed summer studies at London Master Classes, Oberlin Piano Festival, Las Vegas Music Festival and Meadowmount School of Music. He was also awarded Young Artist Fellowships to perform at Colorado College Chamber Music Festival and the Manchester Chamber Music Festival. Following music studies, Tim served as Staff Accompanist at Belhaven University as well as Piano Faculty at William Carey University. He also studied to become an Occupational Therapy practitioner following a keyboard injury in 2011. Tim works in the Hampton Roads area as a Music Educator and Hand Therapy practitioner. He is passionate about encouraging the development of musicianship in students of all ages. Tristi began studying piano at the age of three. She obtained ATCL (Associate of Trinity College, London), the piano performance diploma when she was fourteen and finished the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in 2008. She pursued her undergraduate degree in piano performance at Cameron University where she studied with pianist, Dr. Hyunsoon Whang. During her college life, she has given many performances and recitals in universities in the United States. She was the winner of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association Collegiate Division Piano Competition in 2009. She was also the recipient of the McMahon Scholarship, Aldine Cash Music Scholarship, Presser Scholarship, and the William Fletcher Memorial Piano Award several times. She is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, the international music honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda, the American music honor society, Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society that recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields. With her academic excellence, she was chosen to be on the Dean’s List and President’s Honor roll numerous times. Miss Chan is an experienced piano teacher and piano accompanist. As she progressed, Stephanie earned a spot at the Governor’s School for the Arts, a major turning point in her musical path. Here, she took on the role of principal, demonstrating her skill, leadership, and musicality. Her contributions to the orchestra were significant, and she became a source of inspiration for her peers while continuing to refine her own abilities. Stephanie’s journey reached new heights when she was accepted into The Sphinx Performance Academy, a prestigious program that supports talented young musicians from underrepresented communities. This opportunity provided her with intensive training and further performance experience, marking a major achievement in her development as a violinist. Her talent was recognized again when she received the Russell Stanger Scholarship from Old Dominion University. At the university, she continued to excel as a principal in the orchestra, further solidifying her reputation as a gifted and dedicated musician. Stephanie's journey is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and the power of music to inspire both herself and those around her.

Tristi Chan graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. Miss Chan studied with pianist Mrs. Reiko-Shigeoka Neriki as a recipient of the Artistic Excellence Award. Tristi began studying piano at the age of three. She obtained ATCL (Associate of Trinity College, London), the piano performance diploma when she was fourteen and finished the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in 2008. She pursued her undergraduate degree in piano performance at Cameron University where she studied with pianist, Dr. Hyunsoon Whang. During her college life, she has given many performances and recitals in universities in the United States. She was the winner of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association Collegiate Division Piano Competition in 2009. She was also the recipient of the McMahon Scholarship, Aldine Cash Music Scholarship, Presser Scholarship, and the William Fletcher Memorial Piano Award several times. She is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, the international music honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda, the American music honor society, Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society that recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields. With her academic excellence, she was chosen to be on the Dean’s List and President’s Honor roll numerous times. Miss Chan is an experienced piano teacher and piano accompanist. As she progressed, Stephanie earned a spot at the Governor’s School for the Arts, a major turning point in her musical path. Here, she took on the role of principal, demonstrating her skill, leadership, and musicality. Her contributions to the orchestra were significant, and she became a source of inspiration for her peers while continuing to refine her own abilities. Stephanie’s journey reached new heights when she was accepted into The Sphinx Performance Academy, a prestigious program that supports talented young musicians from underrepresented communities. This opportunity provided her with intensive training and further performance experience, marking a major achievement in her development as a violinist. Her talent was recognized again when she received the Russell Stanger Scholarship from Old Dominion University. At the university, she continued to excel as a principal in the orchestra, further solidifying her reputation as a gifted and dedicated musician. Stephanie's journey is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and the power of music to inspire both herself and those around her.

Adrienne Rolon is a passionate and experienced music educator dedicated to helping voices soar to new heights. With a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from Christopher Newport University, Adrienne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her teaching. Adrienne is a classically-trained soprano, and began vocal training at the tender age of 5. Having sung with prestigious ensembles such as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Young Singer’s Project and the National Philharmonic Choral Ensemble, Adrienne brings a wealth of performance experience to her teaching. She was also the choral director for Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia for over 8 years, participated in multiple choral ensembles and operatic performances both domestically and abroad. With 16 years of vocal instruction experience under her belt, Adrienne has honed her skills and cultivated a deep understanding of the voice. Driven by her love of vocal pedagogy, Adrienne is committed to helping voice students of all ages and abilities build strong and healthy voices. With a focus on nurturing each student's unique voice and musical interests, Adrienne offers personalized instruction across a variety of musical genres. From classical to musical theater, to vocal jazz, and choral music, Adrienne’s diverse background allows her to cater to a wide range of musical styles and preferences.

Jennifer Keller - Lyric Soprano, Choral Director. Jennifer is thrilled to join Chesapeake School of Music as a Vocal Teaching Artist! After years of musical experiences in Northern Virginia, she is excited to continue her journey as the Choral Director for Hugo Owens Middle School in Chesapeake. Jennifer holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance from George Mason University, and teaching certification from Shenandoah University. At the age of two, Jennifer discovered her love of singing while at church. After many years of performing Opera and Musical Theater around the world, she ventured into public education. Her recent accomplishments include serving as the Choral Director for Gunston Middle School in Arlington and as the Assistant Artistic Director for Arlington Children’s Chorus. Jennifer is a fierce advocate for music education and believes that all students should have the opportunity to create music in a safe place.

Zoë Jones is a southwestern Virginia native and has been living in the Virginia Beach area for over 3 years. She obtained her Undergraduate degree in Music from Radford University and graduated with honors. During her time there, she taught a full voice studio and was the soprano section leader at First Presbyterian Church of Radford, VA. She went on to obtain her Master's degree in Voice Performance from Florida State University, where she taught private voice lessons as a graduate teaching assistant. She currently works full-time at GEICO as an injury claims adjuster and is the current soprano section leader at Free Mason Street Baptist church. She strives to remain an active performer locally and is passionate about teaching the love of singing to her students.

Stephanie’s love for the violin began at the age of 8, where her natural talent quickly surfaced. She soon found herself performing with the Bay Youth Orchestra, an early opportunity that introduced her to the world of professional ensemble playing. This experience helped her develop a deeper understanding of orchestral music and strengthened her passion for the instrument. As she progressed, Stephanie earned a spot at the Governor’s School for the Arts, a major turning point in her musical path. Here, she took on the role of principal, demonstrating her skill, leadership, and musicality. Her contributions to the orchestra were significant, and she became a source of inspiration for her peers while continuing to refine her own abilities. Stephanie’s journey reached new heights when she was accepted into The Sphinx Performance Academy, a prestigious program that supports talented young musicians from underrepresented communities. This opportunity provided her with intensive training and further performance experience, marking a major achievement in her development as a violinist. Her talent was recognized again when she received the Russell Stanger Scholarship from Old Dominion University. At the university, she continued to excel as a principal in the orchestra, further solidifying her reputation as a gifted and dedicated musician. Stephanie's journey is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and the power of music to inspire both herself and those around her.

Austin started playing both acoustic and electric guitar around age 10, and ever since then he's been playing everything from rock, blues, metal, jazz, classical, and all sorts of things in between. In 2020 He graduated from VCU with a B.A. in music, with my primary focus being jazz/classical guitar. I've performed both as a soloist and in various groups over the years, as well as taught younger musicians one-on-one and in group settings. I'm comfortable teaching anyone of any age; whether they're a complete beginner or just looking to gain a better understanding of their instrument and music in general!

Kyle Kemps graduated from Ball State University in 2011 with a Music Performance degree, where he studied clarinet with Dr. Elizabeth Crawford and saxophone with Dr. George Wolfe, and earned a minor in piano. He started studying piano at the age of 5 and has been actively performing for the past 28 years. He has been studying clarinet and saxophone for the past 22 years, and has performed in ensembles and as a solo performer.

Ezekiel Jump has been a professional trombone player for over 27 years. Studying trombone at College of the Ozarks in Branson MO and Missouri State University in Springfield MO, he joined the Army Band and has traveled around the world playing for Heads of State, US Presidents, and events that very few get to ever experience.

Rebecca Gilmore, a classically trained professional musician, is Assistant Principal Cellist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where she has been a featured soloist in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and in chamber music with JoAnn Falletta, an NPR Broadcast of Schubert’s Guitar Quartet. With the Virginia Arts Festival, her chamber group, Ambrosia Quartet, was featured in concert with internationally acclaimed pianist, Olga Kern. As soloist, Ms. Gilmore has most recently performed piano and cello sonatas with Olga Kern and cello concertos (Schumann Cello Concerto) with Orchestra director, Dr. Paul Kim and the Old Dominion University Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. With performance degrees from Indiana and Rice Universities, Gilmore continues to seek the highest quality in performing/recording as a Spotify Artist, to grow as a performing artist #classi-crossover and to create connections across cultures. As a mentor to college-age students (CNU & ODU in VA) and to younger students in her home studio, she draws from both her traditional and Suzuki roots. With students, she shares her entrepreneurial spirit and the art of cello performance. Along with teaching yoga at the YMCA and more casually with her Virginia Symphony colleagues, VSO Musicians, she is completing her 500 hour Registered Yoga Training with Briana Ward of Chesapeake Hot Yoga. #Yogawithcello grew from combining two passions, yoga & cello. www.rebeccagilmore.com