Drums & Piano

Brendan is a senior at The Athenian School and began his musical journey at age six, playing the piano. Since then, he has completed up to level 8 of the Certificate of Merit Program. Brendan continues to study both classical and jazz piano. In addition to playing piano, Brendan began taking drum lessons in the 5th grade. Taking inspiration from jazz drumming legends such as Art Blakey and Elvin Jones, Brendan began studying jazz early in his drumming career. He currently plays in both the advanced school jazz band at Athenian and the Rossmoor Big Band. Brendan, however, still loves playing to classic Rock bands such as Rush or Led Zeppelin. As a teacher, Brendan hopes to teach students basic technique, rhythms, and most importantly, anything that a student is interested in learning. Brendan strives to demonstrate to students just how fun and joyful playing an instrument can be.

Flute

Katie is a recent Athenian alumni who has been playing flute since 6th grade. She has experience playing in several bands, as well as smaller classical ensembles. She has played in the Athenian advanced band and instrumental music ensemble. She’s also completed Level 7 of the Certificate of Merit Program (COM) with state and national honors. Katie’s approach to teaching involves a focus on the fundamentals of the instrument and making learning a personal experience for each student that will help them learn to love music.

Clarinet & Guitar

Nolan is a senior at Brunswick High School. He started playing clarinet six years ago, guitar four years ago, and has played in numerous settings since then. Currently, he is part of the symphonic band, the honors wind ensemble, the jazz band, and the honors jazz band at his school. He approaches teaching by first, teaching the fundamentals, and then with some gentle guidance, letting the student decide what direction they would like to take. He hopes to help the student find a genre or pieces that they enjoy to play so that the learning experience can be fun for them. Overall, he wishes to enhance the learning of music for anyone he teaches.

Piano

Liza is 13 and has played piano for 8 years. Liza has participated in numerous Sonata contests and continues to perform in orchestras and festivals. In addition to playing piano, Liza also knows how to play the guitar and sing. Liza is excited to advance students music education, and hopes to make learning music a fun, joyful process.

Violin, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Double Bass

Sophie has been playing music since the age of 5. Starting out playing the piano and learning music theory, over the years, she has learned to play many instruments such as, violin, piano, double bass, bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar, and clarinet. Sophie has played with many orchestras, performing, solos, duets, and trios. Currently, Sophie instructs an ensemble, consisting of 4 violins, a piano, and a cello. She loves working with kids, and can’t wait to start instructing with Meaning in Music!

Voice

Marguerite is a senior in high school—all the way up in Maine. She has been performing chorally for six years, both classically and in musical theatre. Marguerite has recently attended programs revolving around vocal instruction and health. She has performed at the local, state, and national level. She is thrilled at the opportunity to work with all future vocalists, as well as promote love and inspiration for singing!

Guitar

Giani has been playing music since he began learning the piano at the age of six. Since then, he has picked up multiple instruments and currently plays guitar and sings. Giani has played in multiple bands throughout his musical career and currently plays in the Advanced Musical Ensemble at The Athenian School in Danville. Giani loves to play guitar and he is experienced in many genres such as rock, jazz, and pop. As a guitar instructor with Meaning in Music, Giani hopes to share his musical skills with students. He looks to teach students a variety of skill and theory that is integral in becoming a great guitar player and he hopes to also aid students in learning music they are interested in.

Guitar

Zane has been playing guitar since 3rd grade. He is a currently a senior at The Athenian School and plays in the band. In addition to playing in the band, Zane has played in multiple small ensemble/combo groups. He mainly focuses on playing popular music, but he loves to explore other genres. Zane makes sure that his lessons are interactive and are fun. He believes that the most productive process of learning is creating a joyful, immersive, and inspiring environment.

Piano & Bass

Nate has experience with a variety of different music genres on the bass and piano. He has over 11 years of experience playing, and his main training is in classical and jazz music. He plays with The Athenian School’s advanced band/jazz combo. He also plays in a band with his friends, and in the advanced house band at the School of Rock. He performs very frequently in recitals, gigs, and shows. With students, Nate will break down music theory and technique in a simple way, and he makes lessons feel like a discussion. Nate wants students to expand and grow their musical abilities as well as help students find joy in what they are playing.

Bass Guitar

Ali is an experienced bass player with a strong knowledge of music theory. He began studying classical music on the piano at around six years old, but now focuses on jazz bass playing. He is a current member of the Athenian Advanced Music Ensemble, which has given him the experience to teach the fundamentals and skills necessary to play bass confidently. Ali is ready to give students an appreciation of various genres and styles of music and an excitement to learn and excel!

Piano

Uma is a junior at the Athenian School and has been playing piano since she was four years old. She has consistently received Branch, State, and Convention honors in the Certificate of Merit Program and is currently working on Level 10. She also plays piano competitively and has played twice at Carnegie Hall. Most of her training is in classical music and, while she naturally gravitates towards the Romantic Period, she enjoys playing contemporary music as well. Uma frequently plays at recitals and competitions and has recently joined the Athenian School’s advanced jazz band. As a teacher, Uma emphasizes both fundamentals and musicality so students can be technically strong and, most importantly, play any kind of music they like.

Guitar

Shruti is a senior in high school. She became interested in music when she was around three years old and currently plays the guitar. She has been playing guitar for four years and plays both electric and acoustic. Though she mainly plays rock music and fingerstyle arrangements, she has experience playing a variety of genres. She also has a strong foundation of music theory and techniques. Shruti hopes to create a collaborative and supportive environment for students.