Ken Bowie
Mr. Bowie is an experienced and versatile drummer with a love and passion for performing and teaching. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a wealth of experience as a performing musician and music instructor. Ken teaches technique (including double bass drum), reading, timekeeping/patterns for various styles, improvisation/soloing and much more, all tailored to the needs and interests of the student. He trains students of all ages, guiding each one towards success within each lesson. He is known for his knowledge, positive energy, patience and compassion. Whether you're new to the drums or interested in taking your playing to the next level, Ken is the expert that can help you achieve your goals.
Rusty Farmer
Rusty Farmer has been teaching music in the Richmond area for over 30 years. A native of Richmond, Rusty studied string bass at Virginia Commonwealth University where he completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies. Rusty has studied with Clarence Seay, Paul Langosch, Mark Bernat, Victor Dvoskin, Doug Richards, Paul Bedell and John D’earth.
Rusty teaches string bass, bass guitar (electric bass), beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele, music theory and beginning piano. He is currently guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor at several institutions in the Richmond Metro region. His goal as an instructor is to motivate, inspire and educate the total musician. He is well versed in music theory and improvisation as well as a variety of musical styles.
As a performer, Rusty has had the privilege to perform with Jason Marz, Stanley Jordan, Harry Allen, Romero Lubambo, Rogerio Boccato, and many others. He is a regular performer at Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York City and has toured Russia, Peru, South America and Ireland. He is a member of the worship team at Eternity Church.
Rusty teaches string bass, bass guitar (electric bass), beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele, music theory and beginning piano. He is currently guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor at several institutions in the Richmond Metro region. His goal as an instructor is to motivate, inspire and educate the total musician. He is well versed in music theory and improvisation as well as a variety of musical styles.
As a performer, Rusty has had the privilege to perform with Jason Marz, Stanley Jordan, Harry Allen, Romero Lubambo, Rogerio Boccato, and many others. He is a regular performer at Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York City and has toured Russia, Peru, South America and Ireland. He is a member of the worship team at Eternity Church.
Audrey Gray
Violinist Audrey Gray teaches violin and viola lessons at EMA. She enjoys a varied career performing both chamber and orchestral music. She joined the Richmond Symphony as a full-time violinist in their 23/24 season. Before this, she held core positions with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Knoxville Symphony, and was also a contracted violinist in the Dayton Philharmonic. Audrey has also performed with the Williamsburg, Nashville, New World and Utah Symphonies, and the Louisville Orchestra. Recent summer musical activities include the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, the Wintergreen Music Festival, the Torrey Chamber Music Festival (Torrey, UT), and Appalachian Chamber Music Festival (Harpers Ferry, WV).
Audrey attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where she received her bachelor’s degree in violin performance studying with Mark Kaplan. She completed her master’s degree with fellowship at Northwestern University, studying with Blair Milton, and was a member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra at the same time. Additional studies include the Aspen Music Festival, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Maestro Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Music Festival, and the National Repertory Orchestra. An advocate of making music study accessible to wider communities, Audrey taught violin in the Dayton Philharmonic’s daily after-school El Sistema program for several years. A fan particularly of fiddle music, Audrey is always excited at the opportunity to explore and perform music that bridges the gap between traditional western classical music and other musical genres.
Audrey attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where she received her bachelor’s degree in violin performance studying with Mark Kaplan. She completed her master’s degree with fellowship at Northwestern University, studying with Blair Milton, and was a member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra at the same time. Additional studies include the Aspen Music Festival, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Maestro Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Music Festival, and the National Repertory Orchestra. An advocate of making music study accessible to wider communities, Audrey taught violin in the Dayton Philharmonic’s daily after-school El Sistema program for several years. A fan particularly of fiddle music, Audrey is always excited at the opportunity to explore and perform music that bridges the gap between traditional western classical music and other musical genres.
Peter Greydanus
Mr. Greydanus teaches cello lessons and is an active orchestral and chamber musician. He is currently a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, and frequently performs with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Formerly an associate musician with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, he has also been a member of the Wheeling WV, Youngstown OH, Haddonfield NJ, Albany NY, and Canton OH symphonies.
Peter has performed with the Sarasota Opera Orchestra and been a participant in the Spoleto festivals in Spoleto Italy and Charleston SC, as well as the Europaisches Musikfest Stuttgart and the Crested Butte Music Festival in Colorado. He served as adjunct professor of cello at Christopher Newport University, as a member of the Clivia String Trio, and is an artist with Arts for Learning Virginia.
Mr. Greydanus is a graduate of Temple University where he was a student of Orlando Cole; he also studied cello with Metta Watts and William Stokking. During the 2009-2010 season, Peter and his wife, Jocelyn Smith, lived in Crested Butte CO and organized a strings class at the Crested Butte Community School.
Peter has performed with the Sarasota Opera Orchestra and been a participant in the Spoleto festivals in Spoleto Italy and Charleston SC, as well as the Europaisches Musikfest Stuttgart and the Crested Butte Music Festival in Colorado. He served as adjunct professor of cello at Christopher Newport University, as a member of the Clivia String Trio, and is an artist with Arts for Learning Virginia.
Mr. Greydanus is a graduate of Temple University where he was a student of Orlando Cole; he also studied cello with Metta Watts and William Stokking. During the 2009-2010 season, Peter and his wife, Jocelyn Smith, lived in Crested Butte CO and organized a strings class at the Crested Butte Community School.
Lawrence Heath
Lawrence Heath has taught children, youth, and adults in the public schools, at Geneva College, and in music ministries in several churches. He teaches private organ and piano lessons at Eternity Music Academy. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Eastern Nazarene College, his Masters Degree from Westminster Choir College, and pursued Doctoral Studies at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Larry previously served as Artistic Director of the Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale, and retired from the position of Director of Music & Principal Organist at River Road Presbyterian Church in Henrico in 2017. He currently serves as Organist/Choir Director at Ginter Park United Methodist Church. Larry and his wife, Laurel, live in Quinton, VA, where they enjoy beautiful Kent Lake and visits from their 5 grandchildren.
Chris Lucas
Chris Lucas began playing guitar at age 11, after 5 years of piano study. He later received two music degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, including a Masters in composition. He stays active as a songwriter, performer, arranger, and accompanist at his church, in the community, and along the East Coast. He has recorded 4 solo CD's of his own songs and instrumentals, and has appeared on the recording projects of many others. He regularly performs at local establishments and The Country Club of Virginia.
Chris has opened concerts for internationally known artists including Phil Keaggy, Pierce Pettis, Ashley Cleveland, and Andrew Peterson. He composed The Three Penny Cantata, a Lenten/Easter song cycle which he and singer Laura Ann Singh perform at local churches. In 2008 he was awarded a Momentum Award as Acoustic Artist of the Year by Indieheaven, a Nashville organization devoted to Christian independent artists. He also received a Momentum Award in 2009 as Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris and Laura Ann Singh have also collaborated on two recording projects, all of which feature songs written either by Chris or Wally Boyd, Laura Ann's father. Chris teaches Monday and Tuesday evenings at EMA.
Chris has opened concerts for internationally known artists including Phil Keaggy, Pierce Pettis, Ashley Cleveland, and Andrew Peterson. He composed The Three Penny Cantata, a Lenten/Easter song cycle which he and singer Laura Ann Singh perform at local churches. In 2008 he was awarded a Momentum Award as Acoustic Artist of the Year by Indieheaven, a Nashville organization devoted to Christian independent artists. He also received a Momentum Award in 2009 as Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris and Laura Ann Singh have also collaborated on two recording projects, all of which feature songs written either by Chris or Wally Boyd, Laura Ann's father. Chris teaches Monday and Tuesday evenings at EMA.
Roger Novak
Roger Novak teaches brass and piano lessons. He has enjoyed over 40 years of professional experience in music education with students of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of New Mexico, and then taught instrumental music in Clovis, NM for four years. He then served in U.S. Air Force Bands for 22 years, where he performed in the concert band, chamber winds, woodwind quintet and brass quintet. While in the Air Force, he recorded 42 internationally released CD’s, and has recorded in the private sector with the National Chamber Players, National Symphonic Winds, Richmond Symphony, and the Virginia Symphony.
Mr. Novak is a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic in South Africa, Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony, Richmond Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, Williamsburg Symphony, St. Louis Philharmonic, and the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. He is a founding member and manager of the Capital Horn Quartet, and stays active as a freelance musician, clinician, adjudicator and teacher in the Richmond and Hampton Roads Metro areas. He serves as the director of Eternity Music Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Mr. Novak is a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic in South Africa, Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony, Richmond Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, Williamsburg Symphony, St. Louis Philharmonic, and the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. He is a founding member and manager of the Capital Horn Quartet, and stays active as a freelance musician, clinician, adjudicator and teacher in the Richmond and Hampton Roads Metro areas. He serves as the director of Eternity Music Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Dennis Pucci
Dennis Pucci teaches woodwind and voice lessons. He has been an active singer and thespian for six decades. He started playing clarinet as a 5th grader in New Jersey, and started saxophone lessons as a high school sophomore to be part of the stage band. He double majored in clarinet and voice at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in NJ, and earned a Masters in Vocal Performance at Syracuse University while serving as a graduate teaching assistant. His other musical studies include the Aspen Music Festival and the Amato Opera in New York City, performing the roles of Guglielmo (Cosi Fan Tutte), Count Almaviva (Marriage of Figaro), Baron Scarpia (Tosca) and Ford (Falstaff).
Mr. Pucci has served as a music educator for 50 years, teaching vocal/choral and instrumental music in New Jersey and New York public schools, a community college and a private Christian school while maintaining a studio for private students of all ages. He also served as a New York State All-State Adjudicator for more than 30 years. Conducting credits include Northern Choral Society (Watertown, NY) and a number of church and community choruses.
Dennis has also been active in community groups both in lead roles (Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, Gypsy, I Do I Do and Annie) and as soloist in oratorios (Messiah, Elijah and others). He has played woodwinds in a 17 piece big band and various pit bands since high school. He and his wife recently moved to Richmond to be closer to family (especially their new grandson) and he cherishes the opportunity to share the joy of music with students of all ages.
Mr. Pucci has served as a music educator for 50 years, teaching vocal/choral and instrumental music in New Jersey and New York public schools, a community college and a private Christian school while maintaining a studio for private students of all ages. He also served as a New York State All-State Adjudicator for more than 30 years. Conducting credits include Northern Choral Society (Watertown, NY) and a number of church and community choruses.
Dennis has also been active in community groups both in lead roles (Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, Gypsy, I Do I Do and Annie) and as soloist in oratorios (Messiah, Elijah and others). He has played woodwinds in a 17 piece big band and various pit bands since high school. He and his wife recently moved to Richmond to be closer to family (especially their new grandson) and he cherishes the opportunity to share the joy of music with students of all ages.
Russell Wilson
Pianist Russell Wilson, a native of Memphis, TN, is an outstanding classical and jazz pianist who received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Memphis State University. Formerly a faculty member of VA Union University, VA State University and University of Richmond (adjunct), he now serves as an adjunct faculty member at VA Commonwealth University. He enjoys a distinguished career as a solo and chamber music performer and is principal pianist of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra (RSO), where he has performed as a soloist and accompanied world-class artists including Mel Tormé, Dick Hyman, Cab Calloway, Chet Atkins, Steve Allen and Carol Lawrence.
Mr. Wilson’s performances have been numerous and varied—pianist with the Joe Kennedy Quartet at the National Association of Jazz Educators Conference in Atlanta, with the Louisville Orchestra as accompanist for flautist Leslie Burrs, at the Smithsonian Institution as pianist with Trio Pro Viva (a chamber ensemble devoted to the performance of music by black composers), and as pianist for the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra. As a soloist, he's performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. He performed Duke Ellington’s “New World A-Comin’” with the New River Valley Symphony Orchestra, RSO, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major with the Reston Symphony Orchestra. He performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra again in 2022, and performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” celebrating its 100th Anniversary with the RSO in 2024.
Mr. Wilson was selected to perform in master classes conducted by Earl Wild and Leon Fleisher, and has conducted improvisational workshops for the Richmond Music Teachers Association, Richmond Jazz Society (Bach, Bop and Beyond), VA Polytechnic Institute and State University, and VA State University with violinist Joe Kennedy Jr. He also presented benefit concerts for American Field Services and Richmond Area Associations for Disabled Citizens. Currently, he is worship pianist for Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church. As a recording artist, Mr. Wilson is featured as soloist on “Moonlight Piano” and “The Memphis Convention.” During the summer of 1995 he became pianist for the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra conducted by David Baker and Gunther Schuller and began touring with the SJMO in January 1996, in celebration of the Smithsonian’s 150th year. The group performed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, performing “The Cotton Club Revue” featuring the music of Duke Ellington. In July 2002, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Associates and Raíces Latin Music Museum, Wilson presented a lecture/performance at the Museum of the City of New York. His program traced the development of Latin jazz and its influence on American jazz. He received the Theresa Pollak Award for excellence in the arts in 2002.
Mr. Wilson’s performances have been numerous and varied—pianist with the Joe Kennedy Quartet at the National Association of Jazz Educators Conference in Atlanta, with the Louisville Orchestra as accompanist for flautist Leslie Burrs, at the Smithsonian Institution as pianist with Trio Pro Viva (a chamber ensemble devoted to the performance of music by black composers), and as pianist for the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra. As a soloist, he's performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. He performed Duke Ellington’s “New World A-Comin’” with the New River Valley Symphony Orchestra, RSO, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major with the Reston Symphony Orchestra. He performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra again in 2022, and performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” celebrating its 100th Anniversary with the RSO in 2024.
Mr. Wilson was selected to perform in master classes conducted by Earl Wild and Leon Fleisher, and has conducted improvisational workshops for the Richmond Music Teachers Association, Richmond Jazz Society (Bach, Bop and Beyond), VA Polytechnic Institute and State University, and VA State University with violinist Joe Kennedy Jr. He also presented benefit concerts for American Field Services and Richmond Area Associations for Disabled Citizens. Currently, he is worship pianist for Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church. As a recording artist, Mr. Wilson is featured as soloist on “Moonlight Piano” and “The Memphis Convention.” During the summer of 1995 he became pianist for the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra conducted by David Baker and Gunther Schuller and began touring with the SJMO in January 1996, in celebration of the Smithsonian’s 150th year. The group performed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, performing “The Cotton Club Revue” featuring the music of Duke Ellington. In July 2002, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Associates and Raíces Latin Music Museum, Wilson presented a lecture/performance at the Museum of the City of New York. His program traced the development of Latin jazz and its influence on American jazz. He received the Theresa Pollak Award for excellence in the arts in 2002.
