ADERAYO OYEGBADE (MR. AYO)

Aderayo Oyegbade has over 12 years experience teaching voice students. His distinctive teaching method emphasizes on good breath control, vocal techniques, storytelling and confidence. He believes that focusing on these fundamental steps would bring out the best in every vocal student as they study suitable repertoire. Aderayo’s teaching is strengthened by his own vast experience as a solo performer and ensemble performer.  In July 2011, Aderayo attended the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) Cape Town South Africa for the first time and played as a violinist under the baton of an international conductor. This experience was deeply moving and laid the foundation for his full commitment to conducting both choirs and orchestras. He attended this festival consecutively for another three years. In March 2013, Aderayo started the Mountain Top Chorale (MTC) with the support of Dr D. K. Olukoya the general overseer of Mountain of fire and miracles ministries. Under his direction, the Chorale won three Gold Medals and three Silver Medals in the champions competitions of the Ninth and Tenth World Choir Games in Sochi, Russia and Tshwane, South Africa respectively. A native of Nigeria, Aderayo received a two year scholarship to study music as Singing and Violin double major at the MUSON Diploma school of music. In 2011, he received his Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) in singing from ABRSM London. He later received his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts (Music) from University of Lagos and his Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

CHARLES BAUGH

Charles Baugh is native of Atlanta and a cum laude graduate of Georgia State University with degrees in Music Theory and Commercial Music/Recording. He has performed in and participated in vocal workshops in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Germany. He has taught choral and general music in Atlanta area public schools for 27 years, taught private lessons at Peggy Still School of Music and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and coaches students and professional performers independently. Additional performing credits include Atlanta Opera Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Atlanta Musica Antiqua, Georgia Renaissance Festival, Carolina Renaissance Festival, Michael O’Neal Chamber Singers, London’s Saint Martin-in-the-Fields, and Italy’s Triora Musica.

GRACY LEE

She received her music education from Japan and was once an organ demonstrator for Yamaha in Japan. She has over 30 years of experience as not only a performing artist but also as a music teacher. Gracy has taught beginner students as young as 5 through advanced level teens and adults. Gracy emphasizes learning music theory along with sight-reading to ensure a well-rounded music education for her students. Gracy has been teaching Private Music Lessons with Cooper Music school for over twenty years.

JOHN JONES

John has a Bachelors of Arts in vocal performance and piano from Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL). In addition to successfully running a studio for 10 years, he is a singer/songwriter/musician/actor in the Atlanta area and performs regionally. He currently has a jazz/blues/pop CD out titled “Evolution” and working on a new release. John also has extensive experience working with special needs children. John has been teaching private music lessons for over twenty years.

LAUREN VACCARO

Lauren Vaccaro is a Florida-born piano instructor and artist who is currently preparing for auditions into a graduate program for piano pedagogy or music education. She graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a minor in Music. For the last three years, Lauren has been delivering a holistic music education to students across Atlanta, Georgia, coaching students of all ages in piano performing and recording, singing, music theory, active listening, and improvising. She also uses her creative skillset to make innovative educational aids for teaching and learning piano. As an artist and educator, Lauren is dedicated to learning about the latest trends in creative technology, which she hopes to utilize for instructional purposes.

LAURIE SWANN

Ms. Swann received her Bachelor of Music degree from Brenau College, where she studied with David Johnson, and completed her Master’s in voice performance at the University of Georgia with Cecily Beasley. She had the privilege of singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, and continued her vocal studies with Irene Callaway Harrower and Walter Huff. Ms. Swann has performed in master classes given by renowned clinicians such as Sherman Lowe, Richard Miller, and Delores Ziegler, and studied acting and interpretation with dramatic coaches Wesley Balk and Paula Homer.

MATTHEW KAMINSKI

Born in Chicago, IL, Matt has been playing the Hammond Organ since he was five years old. Matthew has been a full time piano teacher since 2001 and currently teaches at North Fulton School of Music and has also taught at the college level for Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. Matthew continues to perform regularly in the Atlanta, GA metro area on three instruments: the Hammond organ, piano, and accordion. On April of 2009, Matthew accepted the position of organist for the Atlanta Braves. He can be heard at every home game at Turner Field, the home of the Atlanta Braves.

SCOTT PLATO

Scott received his Bachelor’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Georgia State University under the instruction of John Sutherland, a protege of Andres Segovia. Scott then completed a Master of Music degree from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. His book on guitar improvisation, “Creating Guitar Solos,” is now being sold worldwide. Previous collaborations have included performances with members of the Atlanta Symphony and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. He is Head of Guitar Studies at Gordon State College and Georgia Highlands College. Scott is endorsed by Augustino LoPrinzi Guitars, Peterson Tuners, Boveda (Guitar Humidifiers), and KNA Pickups. Scott is also endorsed by and exclusively performs with Hannabach strings. Scott was also a former voting member for the Grammy Awards. In 2017 Scott released a solo CD “Sacred Music on Solo Guitar”. Scott has performed internationally on concert series in locations from the USA to the UK. His Guitar Duo has followers around the globe. Including, but not limited to, Italy, Russia, Germany, France, Canada, Iceland, Belgium, Japan, Romania, Malaysia, and Taiwan. http://www.guitarplato.com/

TIM SPRAGGINS

Mr. Spraggins holds a Masters degree in Choral Music from Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA and also holds undergraduate degrees from Troy State University, Troy, AL. He currently teaches voice, piano, and woodwinds at PSSM. He conducts a total of five choirs at Roswell High School consisting of over 120 students. He currently serves as Director of Music and Arts for First Christian Church of Atlanta. As a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus he performed many seasons under the batons of Maestros Robert Shaw and Yoel Levi. He is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, Phi Mu Alpha National Music Fraternity, and numerous honors organizations. He has been teaching private music lessons for over twenty years.

WILLIAM GLOVER

William K. Glover comes from a family of musicians and friends of music.  Discovering his gift for and love of classical music in his teenage years, he immersed himself in learning to play piano. While matriculating at Albany State University, William has had the honor and privilege to study piano for two years under Dr. Marcia Hood and Dr. Mimi Noda. He also began his teaching career in 2008 and has been teaching privately for 14 years. William has earned a B.A. in Piano Performance and is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity Incorporated.