Meet the Mentors Behind the Music
At Garrett Music Academy, our instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re active performers, lifelong students of their craft, and mentors dedicated to helping you shine. We hand-select our faculty not only for their technical mastery but for their ability to inspire students of all ages and skill levels.
Why Learn With Our Team?
Diverse Expertise: From conservatory-trained classical pianists to touring jazz guitarists and powerhouse vocal coaches, we cover a massive spectrum of genres.
Student-First Approach: Our instructors don’t use a “one size fits all” curriculum. They adapt their teaching style to match how you learn best.
Real-World Experience: Gain insights into performance, theory, and stage presence from professionals who know what it takes to play live.
Passion for Growth: Whether you’re preparing for a college audition or just want to play your favorite radio hits, our team is committed to your personal “win.”
Find the Right Match
We know that the bond between a student and teacher is the secret sauce to success. Browse our faculty bios below to find an instructor whose style and background resonate with your musical dreams.
Mary Carr
Making the Band Camp/Program
Matt Guilherme
Co-host of GMA's Podcast: Mindful Momma's Mixtape
Bill Righter
Director of GMA Players Theater Group
Emberlein Disalvo
Charles Jones
French Horn/Oboe/Beginner Piano/Saxophone/Trombone/Trumpet/Tuba
Scott Shirley
Andrew Ferguson
Teresa Nielson
Mini Musical Maestros
Joe Stout
Ross Thompson
Marina Beeson
Robert Beeson
Shyanne Hall
Briana Yorkshire
Peter Leon
Office Staff
Becky Bonincontri
Olivia Norman
Paula Murphy
The Rhythm Behind the Academy
Krista Garrett
M.S. Developmental Psychology, B.S. in Psychology and Music from UMD, Certified Sound Healing and Neurofeedback Therapist
Krista Hoffpauir Garrett was born in Louisiana and traveled the U.S. with her Air Force family until they settled in Maryland. She graduated from UMD with a B.S. in Psychology, and worked as the VP of Finance for a firm in D.C. while completing her M.S. in Developmental Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. She then served as principal tech and therapist in Neurofeedback and EEG studies for Chesapeake Neurology, and an adjunct professor for Montgomery College and the College of Southern Maryland. Krista has been working as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University since the summer of 2020 as well as an adjunct faculty member of Coastal Carolina University.
Krista is an accomplished musician and music teacher who specializes in early childhood music, and developmental and cognitive disability programs. She has developed music programs promoting mental health such as “Find Your Voice” and is the creative force behind the “Flawsome” brand. Her book “Do You… Be You… Be Flawsome” talks about the brain and how music can be a powerful ally in the fight with mental illness. She and her husband have three children and a menagerie of animals that include 12 chickens, a cat, a dog, and a small koi pond.
“I merged my passion for cognitive development, mental health and music into the Garrett Music Academy. My experience in the field of psychology has allowed me to see the positive impact that music has on the brain. Music can repair damage caused by stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, PTSD and other psychosomatic diagnoses. I have developed the philosophy that regardless of age, ability or goal, music serves the soul.
The premise of the Garrett Music Academy is that everyone is welcomed, loved and accepted. I want students, parents and the community to be part of the Garrett “family” and to know that you are accepted here, regardless of circumstances, background or past. We don’t just teach you to read music—we inspire you to succeed. Our teachers are mentors, therapists, and friends. This is my vision, this is my passion: to bring young, old, disabled, and thriving together to enjoy the benefits of music. This is the safe place I always wished for as a child, the place to be accepted for who I am.”