Our instructors

Read about each instructor below. 

Michelle Hardin

Michelle Hardin

Director: Academy of Music

Bachelor of Music Education – James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 

Teaches Beginner to Intermediate Piano, Voice, Beginner Guitar

Sarah Pfister

Sarah Pfister

Violin and Viola Instructor

Master of Viola Performance and Suzuki Violin Pedagogy – University of Hartford, Hartford, CT 

Bachelor of Arts in Music – Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA  

Teaches Beginner to Intermediate Violin and Viola (traditional and Suzuki Method)

Kristi Vernon

Kristi Vernon

Voice Instructor

Master of Music Education – Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA 

Bachelor of Music Education – James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA  

Teaches Voice and Beginner Piano

Ben Pendleton

Ben Pendleton

Cello Instructor

LPN Certification- Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, VA

Teaches Beginner to Intermediate Cello

Troy Bittner

Troy Bittner

Guitar Instructor

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies- Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Teaches Beginner to Intermediate Guitar

Morgan Short

Morgan Short

Harp Instructor

Master of Music, Harp Performance- New England Conservatory, Boston, MA

Bachelor of Music, Harp Performance-University of North Carolina, Winston-Salem, NC

Teaches Beginner to Advanced Harp in traditional, Suzuki Method and Celtic styles

Timothy Murphy

Timothy Murphy

Brass Instructor

Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Performance in Brass Instruments – Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Teaches Trumpet, Trombone, Beginner Level Wind Instruments