CHESAPEAKE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Meet the Team

Trumpet, Horn, Clarinet and Drums (BM)
Bri Anderson
Bri Anderson is proud to serve as a passionate and versatile music educator, bringing energy and vision to every rehearsal and performance. Currently based in Chesapeake Virginia, Bri is dedicated to cultivating inclusive, high quality music programs that empower students to grow as musicians and people. With a background in instrumental performance and a strong foundation in music education, Bri has worked extensively with young musicians in both curricular and extracurricular settings. They are especially committed to developing new ensemble opportunities, such as chamber groups, pep bands, and full symphonic collaborations, fostering artistic growth beyond the traditional classroom. Bri has taken lessons and performed on Trumpet, Horn, Alto Sax, Percussion, Guitar (acoustic and bass) and is well versed with the inner workings of each. A firm believer in equity and emotional safety in the arts, Bri strives to create an environment where all students—regardless of background or experience—feel valued, supported, and capable of meaningful artistic expression. Whether on the podium or mentoring young performers, Bri leads with integrity, warmth, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Voice (BM, MM, DMA)
Dr. Maggie Garrett
With more than 25 years of teaching experience and 35+ years of performing experience, Dr. Maggie Garrett brings her expertise to the Tidewater area. Having earned degrees from Indiana University – Bloomington, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, she was educated at some of the most prestigious schools in the field. As a teacher, her focus is on helping students achieve their goals. Toward that end, she and the student work together to select repertoire that will be pedagogically meaningful and fun to sing. Knowing how life stressors can affect one’s singing, she is empathetic and patient, employing Acceptance and Commitment Training and performance psychology in her teaching. Dr. Garrett’s vast knowledge of repertoire includes musical theatre, art song, opera, oratorio, praise and worship, hymns, jazz, rock, and R&B. She has an expansive music library and is trained in teaching just about any style someone wants to sing. Her studio includes a Bluetooth speaker for playing background tracks from portable devices, as well as a microphone and speaker system for working on microphone technique. As an active member of the National Association of Singing (NATS), she provides opportunities for students to participate in state and regional NATS workshops, conventions, and competitions. In addition, her memberships in NATS, the Voice Foundation, the National Opera Association, and the Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance help her stay educated about scientific discoveries and current trends of the vocal world. As a former professor, Dr. Garrett knows the process of applying and auditioning for colleges and how to prepare for college auditions. She has experience directing and can help students sing their songs dramatically. In addition, she has prepared students for musical and operatic roles, EP releases, degree recitals, praise teams, pageants, and more.

Piano, Voice (BM, MM, ABD)
Chris Titko
Chris Titko has taught private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages for over 40 years. His teaching philosophy welcomes varied styles of music and understands that everyone thrives in a positive atmosphere. He tries to meet students where they are and help them move forward in a healthy, positive, and supportive way. Mr. Titko is a graduate of Westminster Choir College and Indiana University. He also attended the University of Oklahoma (ABD). Chris has also been musical director for over 30 community musical theater productions. Some of his students currently play or sing as a hobby while others have earned music degrees and are performing professionally. Currently, Mr. Titko serves as the Director of Music at Monumental United Methodist Church in Portsmouth and Artistic Director of The James River Ringers, Richmond’s community handbell ensemble. Chris has two older children and enjoys movies, travel, and watching college football.

Piano, Flute (BM, MA)
Jessica Sammataro
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.

Piano (BM)
Olivia O'Byrne
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.

Piano, Cello (BM, MM)
Rita Williams
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.

Piano (BM, MM, PD)
Simeon Kim
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. Simeon received an apprenticeship/fellowship during the summer of 2010 to attend Casalmaggiore International Festival in Italy. Here he studied privately with Sedmara Rustein and chamber with Anne Shih. He performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the country. He was in-residence at the New York Summer Music Festival in Oneonta, New York as a staff pianist and teaching assistant from 2008-2009. At NYSMF, he taught the beginning piano class, and assisted with the piano ensemble, sight-reading, and accompanying classes. Simeon also studied with Peter Takacs at the Oberlin Conservatory where he was awarded the “Dean’s Talent Award,” and earned his Bachelor of Music. In high school, he studied with Teresa Falk in Yorktown, Va. Simeon has participated in master classes with Jon Nakamatsu, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, Andrew Willis, Lambert Orkis, Scott McBride Smith, and Jungeun Kim.

Piano (BM, MM)
Tim Dail
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.

Piano (BM, MM)
Tristi Chan
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.

Voice, Piano (BME)
Adrienne Rolon
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.
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Voice, Piano (BM, MM)
Zoë Jones
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.

Violin, Viola, Cello
Stephanie Vincent
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.

Guitar, Bass, Piano (BM)
Austin Adams
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!