ISLAND MUSIC CENTERFor Education and Performance
IMC
Faculty Music Instructors
Click on the instrument links on the left or scroll down the page to read more about our instructors who are all experienced and qualified music professionals with a broad range of performing, teaching and music industry experience. We are committed to providing quality music education and to helping our students get the most from their developing skills - be it further education, the pleasure of playing a few tunes with friends and anything in-between.
Our philosophy of music education is to promote the concepts of musicianship and recognize the value of applying these skills to benefit your lifestyle. Important concepts of musicianship include technical competency, general music literacy, underlying theoretical structures, sight reading, ear training, exposure to relevant literature, opportunities to perform and play in ensembles, opportunities to participate in competitions and exams, selection and care of musical instruments, the importance of practice and self-learning.
Heather Scott - Instructor
Heather is a mother of two and has been a Music Together Center Director since
2005.
She received her Music Together training from one of the co-founders
of Music Together, Dr. Lilli
Levinowitz. She continues to participate in Teacher Trainings in Seattle
and regularly attends
and presents songs at Songs & Skills
Workshops in Seattle with her local Music Together teaching
community.
She began playing piano at age four, and later expanded into both chorale singing and musical theater, both in school and also productions around her hometown, Denver Colorado.
Heather has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Montana, and took substantial coursework in child psychology and child development. After working in the business world for a number of years, and taking time off to be with her young children she decided to get back to what she loved... music.
Renee Hart - Piano
Renée
Marie Hart is a piano teacher, singer-songwriter and composer. She has
formal training in classical and jazz piano, composition and theory
from the Oberlin
Conservatory of Music, the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and Mannes
College of Music. Her aim as a teacher is to create an entrance into
music that is
enjoyable, engaging, and inspiring, and to give her students the tools
they need to support a lifelong journey in music. Renée has been in
love with music
from the beginning and it is from this love that she bases her work.
In addition to teaching, Renée is also actively pursuing her own career
as a recording
artist and performer. To find out more, visit reneemariehart.com
Sarah Silvia
Sarah Silvia, née Beardsley, began piano lessons at age 7.
Two years later, she continued her studies with Dr. Irene Bowling when she moved
to Kitsap County. She debuted with the Bainbridge Symphony at age 12, and performed
several more solos with them and the Turtle Bluff Orchestra. She holds a BM in
piano performance from Bob Jones University (cum laude), and an MM in piano performance
from the University of Washington. Since her graduation, she has expanded her
teaching to studios in the Seattle, Redmond, Kent, and Kitsap areas.
With over 10 years of teaching experience, Sarah brings a love of music and creativity to her lessons, as well as a focus on reading music. Students explore their imaginations and learn how to connect with their emotions. They also explore music from an interdisciplinary approach, with occasional forays into music history, world history, and dance.
Sarah is a sought-after performer. Most recently Sarah presented recitals of music from the mid-19th century while in Victorian dress. As an accompanist, she works continuously, playing for churches, recitals, and competitions throughout the Puget Sound area. Accompanying has taken Sarah to Benaroya Hall and Nordstrom Hall in Seattle, and twice to Ellensburg to accompany for the State level of Solo/Ensemble Competition. She regularly plays piano for local theater and opera productions, including performances of Le Nozze di Figaro, Sweeney Todd, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Phantom of the Opera.
Marcia Smith-Hill
Marcia Smith Hill studied piano from her early, entering college as a
piano major, but changing to voice early in her freshman year. She holds
a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and was one of only seven
majors awarded a performance certificate on graduation from the State
University of New York at Potsdam where she attended the Crane School of
Music. She began her career teaching elementary and high school music
before establishing a private studio for both voice and piano. She also
sang with the Pacific Chorale touring Europe and China, and appeared in
many other chorale presentations, before moving to the Pacific North
West in 1994. Marcia has continued her full time music career as both a
teacher and music director, and has found time to add a new interest: in
2002, with her husband and three others, she founded “Caring Clowns
International” a philanthropic organization that has donated to many
projects and organizations in underdeveloped countries. Marcia
believes that music is as essential to life as breathing – and learning
to sing properly begins with breathing. .
Justin Davis - Guitar
Justin Davis loves to teach guitar. It is fulfilling, joyful work he has done with success since he started teaching in 1999. Justin holds a BA degree in Music from Central Washington University, studied Jazz guitar performance at Cornish College of the Arts and Flamenco guitar with Miguel Serrano in Salamanca Spain.
Justin also enjoys a busy professional performing and recording career as the lead guitarist for Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs. His work with that band has lead to many exciting recent opportunities like performing alongside Guns ‘N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, and Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron and Mike McCready, the later of which has referred to Justin as “an awesome guitar player more people should know about.”
Peter Spencer - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Peter Spencer is a fingerpicking guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Born
in Erie, Pennsylvania, he began his musical career in 1968 playing
harmonica in a blues band in Pittsburgh, but soon switched to solo
guitar. Peter spent the 1970s touring North America and Europe playing
old blues and ragtime. Then, in the early 1980s, he began writing songs,
co-founding the Greenwich Village Musicians Cooperative in NYC, where
he worked with artists like Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplanski,
Cliff Eberhardt, and Jack Hardy. After graduating from The Writing
Program at Columbia University in 1989, Peter retired from performing
and became a full-time music writer for magazines like Rolling Stone and
Sing Out. His book World Beat: A Listener's Guide to Contemporary World
Music on CD" was published by the Chicago Review Press in 1992. Peter
began playing publicly again in the late 90s and his 2000 release, "New
Hope and Wise Virgins" drew critical praise and radio airplay. In 2004
he moved to Bainbridge Island, releasing "Handsignal," another album of
original songs, in 2006. Later that year came "Gathering Light," an
album of Christmas music for solo guitar, and in 2007 he released "The
Blues Concert," a stripped-down album of original acoustic blues. His
most recent album of original songs, "From the Island," was released in
February, 2009.
Randy Parris - Guitar and Harp
Randy Parris began his musical career playing a variety of instruments
in a broad range of styles from a very young age. He followed his dream
and began studying general music and classical guitar at Central
Washington University where he also began to learn Lute and ancient
forms of music. After three years, an opportunity to own and run a music
store in Ellensburg interrupted his formal studies. It was at this time
as a store owner, he began his lifetime interest in the Harp and was
able to have a harp specially made, also developing his interest in
composing for the instrument. At the same time, his love of guitar
remained strong and as well running the store, he continued to play
regularly in touring bands and to do session work. Like many music
students, Randy had begun teaching while at college and now applied his
formal training and opportunity as an entrepreneur, to establish himself
as a music teacher with his own instruction studio based at his store.
Since then, he has never looked back and even during periods when
travelling with his harp, or busy with managing his business, teaching
music emerged as his central passion and profession by choice and he is
as comfortable teaching electric guitar to a budding rock star as he is
with the meditative and mellow harp, for which he composes prolifically.
Randy feels that teaching music theory and technique through the
student’s chosen style and preferences is very important approach.
Alan Simcoe - Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Lute, Music Theory
Alan Simcoe began playing rock guitar at the age of 13, performing in numerous bands through high school and college. At eighteen he began
studying classical guitar, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar performance. He performed in
master classes for Michael Lorimer, David Russell and George Sakelarriou among others. He is a former music faculty member
of Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon, and Western State College in Monmouth. Alan has been teaching privately on
Bainbridge Island since 1991 and continues to perform locally. Among his many projects, he is guitarist, arranger and composer with latin jazz/dance band, 'Grupo
Meridional'. In 2009 Alan was nominated an Island Treasure by the Bainbridge Island
Arts and Humanities Council for his artistic contributions to the island community.
Leah Irby - Violin, Viola and Smart
Strings
Leah is an active performer, composer, arranger, teacher and entrepreneur. She finished her music degree in Viola Performance at the University of Washington where she also studied jazz improvisation and learned to play the Sanshin, an instrument from Okinawa. She has 14 years experience as a certificated teacher with Central Kitsap School District and several of her private students have participated in the Washington State Solo Contest, and her chamber music students have also participated in the Washington State Ensemble Contest. She has performed with Everett Symphony, Bremerton Symphony, Bainbridge Orchestra and Soundview String Quartet.
Carson Farley - Cello
Carson Farley began cello studies in the 7th grade and was awarded a scholarship to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He also began playing the electric bass and performing with bands. He moved to Los Angeles in his sophomore year and continued cello and composition study with renowned cellist Gretchen Geber and Cal State Northridge composer George Heussenstamm. Carson has perfromed with orchestras, chamber groups, jazz bands, pop bands, and toured in California, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Alaska, and South Korea. After moving to Seattle he continued performing as a professional musician and attended the University of Washington graduating with a BA in music theory and history. Carson also composes music for video and has professional composer credits for video music projects. He performs regularly in the Seattle area as cellist, bassist, guitarist, and composer. In addition to performing, Carson has ten years of experience teaching cello, bass, guitar, compostion/theory and music technology.
Justinne Jeanotte - Violin and Viola
Justine was born in Alkmaar, The Netherlands, where she began her violin studies at the age of eight. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from Pacific Lutheran University. She has had a private teaching studio since 1998, and currently teaches strings classes at the Madrona School. Past teaching positions have included Orchestra Director at West Sound Academy and Music Consultant for the Auburn School District. She had a subbing position in the Tacoma Symphony, currently plays with the Bainbridge Symphony, has performed in BPA's Chamber Music Series, and has a violin/guitar duo with her husband Paul. Although classically trained, she now plays and records in two rock bands, "Paundy and Before Cars", and has recently returned from a European tour.
Carey Rayburn - Trumpet
Trained
under world renown Trumpeter Allen Vizzutti as well as David Gordon,
Principal Trumpet of the Seattle Symphony, Carey attended the University
of Washington to receive a Bachelor of Music Performance in the field of
Trumpet Performance. Over the years he has performed in numerous
groups, touring through the West Coast and to Puerto Rico with Jazz
bands, several rock and roll groups and with the US Airforce Reserve
Concert Band as a guest musician. In Seattle he plays in
several ensembles including the Puget Sound Orchestra and
Everett Savoyards Theatre. In addition he is an
active freelancartist, doing studio recordings, musicals, and
performing and writing arrangements for several different groups. "In
order to grow as a musician it is imperative that a player must know
what they wish to sound like. Practicing will always create technical
improvement but it is through careful recognition of ones personal
playing that musical growth can be made. In this respect I strive to
make each student be self-aware of both the sound they are making of
the sound that they would like to make and for these two to become the
same. Strive for each note to be as beautiful as possible! "
Daniel Forman - Trombone & Low Brass Instructor
Bass
Trombonist with experience in Symphonic and Opera orchestras, Wind
Ensembles, Jazz Ensembles, Brass Quintets and Trombone Quartets. Interested
in expanding the role of the bass trombone in contemporary chamber
music through founding of innovative ensembles and extensive new commissions.
Goals include the performance of innovative chamber music in nontraditional
settings, such as bars, cafes, and public spaces.
Specialties: Musical Programming with an emphasis on audience appeal, chamber music performance, contemporary music performance
Jessie Polin - Flute
Flutist Jessie Polin holds a Master of Music from the University of Washington and Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University. At UW, she performed regularly as principal flute with the UW Symphony Orchestra and the UW Contemporary Ensemble. In 2009, Jessie was a winner of the UW Concerto Competition, and she performed with the Symphony as a soloist in 2010. She also performs with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, the Seattle Modern Orchestra, Sakura Winds, and is a substitute musician with the Tacoma Symphony. A dedicated teacher, Jessie maintains an active teaching schedule, both privately and as a sectional coach for band programs in the Seattle area. Jessie's teachers include Donna Shin, Zart Dombourian-Eby and Elizabeth Buck.
Dave Carson - Saxophone & Clarinet
Dave is one of the most well renowned saxophonists in the Northwest. He
has played with many greats, Mel Torme and Smokey Robinson just to name
a few and is a Graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music (Berklee
College of Music Subsidiary) performing for four years with the Navy
Jazz Band. He is a professional music instructor who develops young and
adult musicians who understand all types and styles of music. Many of
his students go on to play at the highest possible level as part of
school and community groups and as superb soloists. His students have
gone on to win or place at the WMEA state and regional level
competitions, becoming strong candidates for any college music program.
While his students continue to dominate the top bands in the area, as a
current performer himself, Dave now leads the "Dave Carson Band" and
Olympic Peninsula's premier rock band, "Soul Siren"
S
Terry Marsh - Percussion
Terry
is well known in the Kitsap music community and has the reputation of
being a very well rounded drummer and instructor. Terry got his
musical start in the Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps. He finished
his percussion performance degree at Washington State University in
1997. He then won an audition with the prestigious Air Force Band of
Liberty in Boston, Massachusetts. While in Boston, Marsh was a regular
with many local jazz and rock bands. He and his wife Tracie, were
members of the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. From 2001 to 2004,
Terry and Tracie toured the world on board cruise ships. Being members
of theatre show bands, the couple backed up numerous performers and
entertainers. Moving to Poulsbo in 2004, Terry found a nitch amongst
advanced level drum students and school marching percussion programs.
Since 2004, the Den has produced 7 state champions and has helped many
students move onto college level music programs. Currently, Marsh is a
member of “Soul Siren”, “Hit Sensation”, the Jazz Ambassadors, and runs
the Drummers Den. .
Stuart Williams - Fiddle, Mandolin and
Claw-Hammer Banjo
Stuart
Williams of Seattle, WA has played fiddle for old time country, square
and contra dances in the NW for some 35 years - from Flash in the Pan in
the '70's to Pleasures of Home in the '90's with numerous duets, trios
and larger bands along the way. Inspired as a teenager by local
traditional fiddlers at square dances in southwestern Michigan, he took
up the fiddle in the early '70's. Seeking out the older local players,
first in Michigan, than Oregon and the NW, he's made a life's study of
the Midwestern and Northwestern dance fiddle traditions. These fiddlers
drove the dancers with age old bowing techniques which were adapted to
playing without the benefit of modern accompaniment or electronics. From
them he has absorbed a wide range of traditional styles. Northern jigs
and reels merge with driving Missouri hoedowns as well as Scandinavian
and Western influenced couple dances. A well known teacher in Seattle
and on Bainbridge Island, he has also conducted workshops and classes
throughout the Northwest and in Michigan, written for Fiddler Magazine
and produced fiddle events and recordings for The Washington Old Time
Fiddlers Association, Northwest Folklife and Voyager Music. His oral
history and music compilations, “The Washington Traditional Fiddlers
Project: Vols I - III” are among Northwest Folklife's perennial best
sellers. Most recently, he has co-authored (with Brid Nowlan) “Roses in
Winter- A Celebration of Fiddlers in Washington State” and “The
Evergreen Fiddler Tune Books - Volumes I & II.”
Jane Landstra - violin/fiddle technique, theory, & composition for fiddling, beginning/intermediate piano rep/technique, theory, & composition
Jane
Landstra has K-12 CA & WA Teaching Credentials,and an Education
Major-Music minor from UC Berkely. She is an active recording artist and
professional musician (Country Capers, Berkeley Scottish Players).Jane
has an all round approach to teaching music with a unique speciality in
teaching Celtic & Nordic music. She draws from a broad perspective of
sources with rich musical experiences. Mentors include James O'Brien of
San Fransisco, quartet player violinist, UC Berkeley String teacher
Education program Suzuki style proponent, Mr.Starr and Mr.Suzuki. Also,
internationally acclaimed master folk musicians-mentors, Buddy
MacMaster, Jerry Holland, Kalle Almlov, Pal Olle Dyrsmed and Tom
Anderson among others. Her classical piano background allows her to
accompany her students and as a solo vocalist, Jane involves her
students in singing during the learning process. She offers her students
workshops with visiting master players, student/group performance at
dances and local festivals. Jane began working with students in 1975, &
continues teaching adults and youth as a Public District teacher,
professional musician & composer.
Steve
Newton - Bass, Guitar and MIDI
Steve
is an extremely prolific and eclectic musician and teacher, drawing
from a well of expertise ranging from electric bass and guitar to
voice, theatre and MIDI technology. He was educated at the University
of Miami, Florida, receiving a BA in Electric Bass Jazz performance,
and has worked as musical director for numerous theatre productions
including “Hedwig”, “Buttrock Suites” and “What You Sing Might Save
You”. His mastery of recording and technology has allowed him to
develop numerous CDs, DVDs and music tracks for video games such
as X-Com Interceptor. With twenty years of teaching and playing experience,
Steve is a popular teacher among his teen and young adult students
and is a founder of IMC’s Rock!Camp and Rock!Lab where he ensures
that his students have good opportunities to perform, practice and
play with others.
Eddie Williams - Recording and Sound Engineering
Eddie Williams has been in the music scene on Bainbridge Island over 16 years. A former radio DJ and local music director on KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, he moved to the Island in 1994, and soon opened his own home studio. He has recorded scores of Islander's CDs, as well as compilation projects for Seabold Second Saturday and the Bainbridge Arts & Humanities Council. He is the official sound man for the Bainbridge Island Park District, where you've probably seen him at Waterfront Park on hot August Wednesdays, running the mixer. Additionally, he has worked for the Bainbridge Island Teen Center for 10 years, as both facility supervisor and providing sound for Battle of the Bands and No More Schoolapalooza. He is also house sound man and booking agent for the Treehouse Cafe in Lynwood Center, where he designed and installed the sound system. He has recorded or furnished sound for The Bainbridge Bluegrass Festival, Centrum Jazz at Port Townsend, the Pike Street Market Busker's Fair, Bainbridge Performing Arts, St. Cecilia's Choir, Grace Episcapol Church, The Chamber of Commerce, and Bainbridge High School, to name a few. In his spare time, Eddie is a guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter who has released two CDs, and performed with many of the Island's finest musicians. He received a certificate in record engineering from the Recording Workshop of Ohio in 1995 and served his studio apprenticeship at Bismeaux Studios, owned by Asleep At The Wheel's Ray Benson, in Austin, Texas.