Our Instructors
Three of our teachers performing for a wedding in Charlottesville.
Photo credit: photographybyjo.net |
Our teachers go beyond teaching......they live very rich musical lives, and are tremendously active in the music industry. Each of our teachers performs with ensembles throughout the year (from duos to trios, quartets, bands, and orchestras). Our teachers collectively perform for hundreds of events every year. Want to nail that audition or solo? Keep up with your peers in orchestra or band? We have plenty of experience and expertise in this area, and we are happy to help!
Photo credit: photographybyjo.net
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"I'm happy with my daughter's experience at Melodious Music Studios. A lovely studio with a patient and kind teacher makes my daughter's piano lesson a breeze each week. I enjoy the quiet location, and my daughter enjoys the challenging yet encouraging lesson time..."
-Rhonda Roberson, parent of a piano student at Melodious Music Studios
Instructors of Melodious Music Studios
Michael Andree; Violin &Viola InstructorMichael Andree holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with a concentration in strings from the James Madison University School of Music. He is a violinist, violist, strings and music educator, and a co-founder of Melodious Music Studios. In addition, Michael is also the current Orchestra Director at Fredericksburg Academy.
Michael has performed for over 300 weddings and events with the Melodious Strings Quartet at a variety of venues all over Virginia, including the Patrick Henry Ballroom, Montpelier, the Virginia House, Montalto, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. In addition, Michael has also performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. As a teacher, Michael’s dedication and passion for music and strings education has led him to train at rigorous summer string education workshops such as Bay View Music Festival and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and he has assisted with several strings workshops for children's music education. When not performing or teaching music, Michael likes to build custom computers, and learn about new tech. Lessons with Michael: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $145 per month. |
Kate Hummel; Violin, Viola, & Piano InstructorKate Hummel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition from James Madison University, with a violin concentration. She is a violinist, violist, pianist, composer, arranger, music instructor, and founder of Melodious Strings Quartet and Professional Ensembles and Melodious Music Studios. Kate has performed for over 300 weddings since starting Melodious Strings with her husband, Michael Andree.
Her diverse performing styles range from Celtic, to Classical, to Pop. She has placed in Irish and Scottish fiddling competitions up and down the East Coast; performed at numerous venues including the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra during their "Carmina Burana" tour, performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and released an EP album, "As the Crow Flies", which is available on amazon and itunes. Kate has also held a number of free public concerts with other musicians to teach kids about music. She currently performs for weddings and professional events weekly, and teaches violin, fiddle, viola, music theory & composition, and piano in Fredericksburg, Virginia. When not immersed in one music activity or another, you can find Kate trying out a new cooking or baking recipe, playing with her dogs Pickle, Daisy, and Zen, or adding yet another plant to her ever-expanding garden. Lessons with Kate: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $145 per month. |
Alex Pendleton, Piano InstructorAlex Pendleton is a self-taught, accomplished, and seasoned piano player with an extensive musical background of over 20 years. He started playing the piano at the age of 12. Since then, he has acquired the ability to play and teach the piano by reading sheet music as well as playing by ear. He has a unique teaching style that encourages fun while learning. He has a love for music, but is most passionate about playing the piano.
In addition, Alex plays and entertains for a variety of engagements such as weddings, funerals, church functions, and parties. He has accompanied and performed for numerous gospel artists throughout his career. Alex is dedicated to his gift and craft and always puts himself in a position to learn all that he can in order to share it with anyone who is willing to learn. Lessons with Alex: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $145 per month. |
A.J. Pendleton; Piano InstructorAlex “AJ” Pendleton is a second-generation musician with over 18 years of experience at the piano. He began playing at the age of four, watching through a window as his father taught lessons, and then running to the piano afterward to play what he had just heard. Self-taught under his father’s guidance, AJ developed the ability to play and teach piano both by reading sheet music and by playing by ear, giving him a versatile approach to music and instruction.
AJ has served as a pianist and musical director for numerous historic churches across the Commonwealth of Virginia for more than 15 years, and served as the Minister of Music for the Virginia Council of Churches for three years. His performance experience includes providing piano accompaniment for the Spotsylvania High School choir and volunteering as accompanist with the Courtland High School choir. In addition, AJ partners with the City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Tourism, offering music and spoken word for major community events such as The Civil Rights Trail dedication and The John Washington Roadmarker Installation. Early in his career, AJ competed in The Young Grand Master of the Arts Competition, hosted by The Links, Incorporated, where he placed first nationally and second internationally, earning the title Young Grand Master of the Arts. As a teacher, AJ draws on his ear-trained background and years of directing choirs to create a teaching style that is both fun and foundational. He believes in developing each student’s natural musicality while building strong technique and confidence. When not immersed in music, AJ enjoys cooking from cherished family recipes, exploring history, working on DIY projects, spending time with family, and playing with his pup, Toast. Lessons with AJ: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $145 per month. |
Ethan Butler; Cello Instructor
Ethan Butler is a rising senior at Fredericksburg Academy and is the principal cellist for his school's orchestra. He frequently gives lessons to his peers, developing their musicality and capability on their instruments inside and outside of school. He has performed with several notable ensembles, including the Senior Regional Orchestra, Virginia Cello Ensemble, Washington Sinfonietta, and the Landon Symphonette. A seasoned soloist, Ethan has played for a variety of events and weddings, and he has also played large roles in orchestral programs at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University.
A composer too, Ethan has been writing music for symphonic and chamber ensembles which have been played at his school since he was in 6th grade. He studied under Stephen Czarkowski, a renowned cellist who studied under the principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic. Ethan plans to pursue music education in college, inspired to teach the next generation his instrument. When he’s not performing or composing, he enjoys building medieval cities in Minecraft, or locating where he is in Geoguessr.
Lessons with Ethan: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $125 per month.
A composer too, Ethan has been writing music for symphonic and chamber ensembles which have been played at his school since he was in 6th grade. He studied under Stephen Czarkowski, a renowned cellist who studied under the principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic. Ethan plans to pursue music education in college, inspired to teach the next generation his instrument. When he’s not performing or composing, he enjoys building medieval cities in Minecraft, or locating where he is in Geoguessr.
Lessons with Ethan: Tuition for a weekly private 30-minute lesson is a flat rate of $125 per month.