Our Teaching artists
Denise Pugliese, Piano
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Denise Pugliese is an active piano teacher in Oak Ridge. She received her Bachelor degree in music from Mars Hill College, graduating with honors. She received a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy with an emphasis on performance from Converse College where she graduated with honors as well. In graduate school she studied with Dr. George L
Denise Pugliese is an active piano teacher in Oak Ridge. She received her Bachelor degree in music from Mars Hill College, graduating with honors. She received a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy with an emphasis on performance from Converse College where she graduated with honors as well. In graduate school she studied with Dr. George Luktenberg and became a member of Pi Kappa Phi. In addition to teaching private piano lessons Denise also teaches music in preschool. She is trained in Orff music and has taught preschool music in Illinois, Kansas and North Carolina.
Denise has been an active member of MTNA and the state affiliates of North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas and Illinois. In Illinois Denise worked with the state syllabus exams and was President of the Naperville Chapter. She has served as President and Treasurer of the Greensboro Music Teacher Association. She has served in many positions in the North Carolina Music Teacher Association and is currently Immediate Past President. Denise is an active adjudicator throughout the state.
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Ken Brown is an accomplished and versatile guitar performer, composer, and educator, experienced in teaching all styles of guitar. Ken began studying classical guitar at age ten and has participated extensively in master classes and private study with some of the most renowned guitarists of our time, including David Russel, Aaron Shearer
Ken Brown is an accomplished and versatile guitar performer, composer, and educator, experienced in teaching all styles of guitar. Ken began studying classical guitar at age ten and has participated extensively in master classes and private study with some of the most renowned guitarists of our time, including David Russel, Aaron Shearer, and William Kannengieser.
As a performer, Ken is immersed in a wide range of genres, from classical to electronic. Solo appearances include national performances, live streamed events like TEDx, celebrity charity events, as well as festivals and venues across multiple genres. His compositions have been featured in film scores, advertising, and modern dance performances, including a New York City premiere.
Ken holds degrees in both Music and Psychology, specializing in guitar education for learners of all types. He is the author of Integrative Guitar: A Guide to Learning Differences, a book that explores neurodiversity through the lens of pedagogy, from ADHD to Autism. A frequent lecturer on this topic, Ken has served as a speaker at the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Convention and other guitar festivals.
As an educator, Ken strives to create an environment that draws out the potential in each student using a broad spectrum of methodologies. He has developed three guitar method books, including one designed specifically to strengthen fine motor control and kinesthetic skills in young students and in those with physical or developmental challenges, such as Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Ken also specializes in leading student rock/pop bands and in Indian and Middle Eastern instruments, including the sitar, and baglama saz.
Dr. Melissa Dant, Violin and Viola
Ken Brown, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Sitar
Dr. Melissa Dant, Violin and Viola
Melissa Dant has a life-long passion for violin and began playing at the age of five. Ms. Dant attended Butler University where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance under Larry Shapiro. She continued her study of violin performance under the direction of Sally O’Reilly and received a Master of Music degree from
Melissa Dant has a life-long passion for violin and began playing at the age of five. Ms. Dant attended Butler University where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance under Larry Shapiro. She continued her study of violin performance under the direction of Sally O’Reilly and received a Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Dant received her Doctor of Musical Arts in violin performance from Texas Tech University where she studied violin under Dr. John H. Gilbert and viola with Dr. Renee Skerik.
Ms. Dant spent summers studying violin at music camps such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Indiana Arts Academy, Lutheran Summer Music Camp, Madeline Island Music Camp, Ithaca Chamber Music Camp, and the Schlern International Music Festival in Italy. Additionally, she has received coaching from various artists including: Brentano String Quartet, Norman Fischer, Mary West, Tom Rosenberg, Jena Ter-Mergerian, Scott Conklin, Annie Chalex, Charles Castleman, George Work, and Kristen Yon.
In addition to teaching violin privately, Ms. Dant has taught at the International School of Minnesota (Eden Prairie, MN) and Abiding Peace Academy (Greenville, SC).
Ms. Dant has held orchestral positions with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale, Fox Valley Symphony, and the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium. She was also a substitute violinist for the Amarillo Symphony, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and Spartanburg Philharmonic. Throughout her musical career Ms. Dant has been an active musician in local venues playing for weddings, churches, operas, theatrical plays, and many other special musical events.
Dr. Brian Carter, Cello
Dr. Melissa Dant, Violin and Viola
Cellist Brian Carter leads a rather varied musical life. After earning his DMA from UNC Greensboro in 2013, he has cultivated an active freelance performing career. Currently he is the Associate Principal cellist of the NC Opera Orchestra, Section cellist of the NC Ballet Orchestra, and can be found rotating through the sections of the G
Cellist Brian Carter leads a rather varied musical life. After earning his DMA from UNC Greensboro in 2013, he has cultivated an active freelance performing career. Currently he is the Associate Principal cellist of the NC Opera Orchestra, Section cellist of the NC Ballet Orchestra, and can be found rotating through the sections of the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestras.
As an educator, Dr. Brian is a certified Suzuki instructor, and he has had a wide variety of teaching experiences. In addition to teaching many private students over the years, he has taught on the faculties at Guilford College and SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. He holds degrees from SUNY Potsdam and UNC Greensboro, and his major teachers have included Mathias Wexler, Brooks Whitehouse, and Alex Ezerman.
Nicholas Lazzara, Woodwinds
Nicholas Lazzara is a woodwind performer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Originally from Melbourne Florida, he earned his bachelor's degree in music performance from Florida Atlantic University, his Masters in Multiple Woodwind Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his Artists Diploma in Oboe Performan
Nicholas Lazzara is a woodwind performer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Originally from Melbourne Florida, he earned his bachelor's degree in music performance from Florida Atlantic University, his Masters in Multiple Woodwind Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his Artists Diploma in Oboe Performance from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Upon graduation from the Glenn Gould School he returned to North Carolina to pursue a multifaceted career of orchestral playing, musical theatre pit playing, and private lesson instruction. He is frequently seen performing with Orchestras all over North Carolina, such as the Carolina Philharmonic, the Greensboro Symphony, the Salisbury Symphony, and the Fayetteville symphony. Equally at home in the musical theatre pit, he is often called up to perform on multiple woodwinds for theatre companies across the state.
Mary Boudreault, Horn
Mary Boudreault is an accomplished music educator and performer with experience teaching students from elementary classrooms to high school bands and university instrumental studies. A National Board Certified educator, Mary is a two-time recipient of North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year. Mary has held teaching positions at High Po
Mary Boudreault is an accomplished music educator and performer with experience teaching students from elementary classrooms to high school bands and university instrumental studies. A National Board Certified educator, Mary is a two-time recipient of North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year. Mary has held teaching positions at High Point University, Winston-Salem State University, and North Carolina public schools. She is a sought-after clinician specializing in arts integration, guiding teachers to create engaging, holistic learning experiences for all students.
Mary performs as a horn player with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. She has toured nationally and internationally with acclaimed groups, including Mannheim Steamroller, the New England Symphonic Ensemble, da Capo Brass, and Relevents Wind Quintet. Mary is a Delos recording artist, where the album, From the Beginning, premiered in the top ten of the Billboard Classical Albums Chart. She is a former finalist of the International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition and has presented recitals and concerts across multiple countries, sharing her artistry with diverse audiences.
In addition to her performance career, Mary is a fourth-generation church musician, proudly serving as Music Director at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. Mary grew up singing tight family harmonies and playing a variety of instruments in a small rural church. Drawing from her formative experiences learning to strum a guitar, play a melody on piano, or joyfully sing with others, Mary is passionate about music and its ability to heal, inspire, and connect.
Mary combines her passion for performance and mentorship to inspire students of all ages to grow in confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the arts at the Oak Ridge Arts Collective.
Mark Hibshman, Trumpet
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Mark Hibshman, Trumpet
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mark Hibshman graduated from West Chester University in West Chester, PA with both a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Trumpet Performance. He was awarded a graduate assistantship by the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and earned a Masters Degree in Trumpet Performan
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mark Hibshman graduated from West Chester University in West Chester, PA with both a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Trumpet Performance. He was awarded a graduate assistantship by the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and earned a Masters Degree in Trumpet Performance. From there, he was awarded a Graduate Fellowship and assistantship from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, where he pursued his doctorate from 2002-2006. His teachers have included Frank Kaderabek, Dr. Kenneth Laudermilch, Dr. Paul Morton, and Dr. Edward Bach.
Mark is an active performer throughout the state and currently is a member of the Salisbury Symphony and the North Carolina Brass Band, and regularly performs with many other groups including the Greensboro Symphony, Winston Salem Symphony, Western Piedmont Symphony, Piedmont Wind Symphony and the da Capo Brass Quintet. Outside of the state, Mark has performed with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, and was a member of the Louisiana (Lafayette, LA) and Capitol Brass Quintets (Dover, DE).
Steve Sutton, Trumpet
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Mark Hibshman, Trumpet
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Steve Sutton is an accomplished trumpet performer, conductor, and educator. He has performed with some of the Southeast’s premier brass ensembles and has toured as a soloist throughout the United States, Spain, Brazil, and the Bahamas.
As a freelance musician, Steve performs regularly with the Winston-
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Steve Sutton is an accomplished trumpet performer, conductor, and educator. He has performed with some of the Southeast’s premier brass ensembles and has toured as a soloist throughout the United States, Spain, Brazil, and the Bahamas.
As a freelance musician, Steve performs regularly with the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Roanoke, and Charleston Symphonies and the Carolina Philharmonic. He currently holds the solo soprano cornet chair with the North Carolina Brass Band and is a founding member of the Ardmore Brass Quintet.
An experienced and dedicated educator, Steve teaches at High Point University and works with developing musicians through private instruction, clinics, and ensemble coaching. He also remains active as a conductor and brass instructor with The Salvation Army, where his own early experiences in brass band music helped shape his career.
Steve holds degrees from UNC School of the Arts and UNC Greensboro. He brings extensive professional performing and teaching experience to ORAC, helping students develop strong fundamentals, confident musicianship, and a lifelong enjoyment of making music.
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Dr. Jared Gilbert is a freelance trombonist and educator based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Originally from Shepherd, Michigan, he received his Bachelor in Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. He also holds a Master of Music and a Doctorate in Musical Arts with a cognate in Music Education from UNC Greensboro.
Jared h
Dr. Jared Gilbert is a freelance trombonist and educator based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Originally from Shepherd, Michigan, he received his Bachelor in Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. He also holds a Master of Music and a Doctorate in Musical Arts with a cognate in Music Education from UNC Greensboro.
Jared has performed with various professional ensembles in North Carolina, including Greensboro Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, Raleigh Symphony, Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra, North Carolina Brass Band, Piedmont Wind Symphony, Salisbury Symphony, Roanoke Symphony, Greensboro Opera and more. He also founded two successful professional chamber ensembles that regularly perform throughout the year: Flobone and Degrees of Brass. He is currently on the music faculty at Averett University.
He maintains his own private studio and works closely with local music programs. His students range from beginners to undergraduate music majors. In his spare time, Gilbert loves to go hiking, play video games and help his girlfriend Victoria take care of their cat, Pumpkin.
Peter Zlotnick, Percussion
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Dr. Jared Gilbert, Low Brass
Peter Zlotnick is the Principal Timpanist for the Greensboro Symphony and the Winston-Salem Symphony. He is also Principal Timpanist for the Salisbury Symphony and substitutes on timpani and percussion with the North Carolina Symphony and the Charlotte Symphony.
Throughout the year, Peter is Education Director and Youth Orchestra Music D
Peter Zlotnick is the Principal Timpanist for the Greensboro Symphony and the Winston-Salem Symphony. He is also Principal Timpanist for the Salisbury Symphony and substitutes on timpani and percussion with the North Carolina Symphony and the Charlotte Symphony.
Throughout the year, Peter is Education Director and Youth Orchestra Music Director with the Greensboro Symphony, and teaches percussion in Greensboro and Whitsett, NC. In the summer, he serves as Lead Instrumental Music Teacher at North Carolina Governor’s School West.
Peter received his M.M. in Percussion and Music Education from Northwestern University and B.M. from the Eastman School of Music, and he has been a guest teacher at UNC-Greensboro, UNC School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, and Catawba College.
Outside of music education, you can sometimes catch him hiking easy trails in central North Carolina, talking at length about coffee, watching baseball, and listening to local college radio.
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Christine Royal is a National Board Certified music educator with extensive experience in elementary music education, performing arts pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational leadership. She currently serves as the Music Specialist at Oak Ridge Elementary School, where she creates engaging, hands-on musical experiences that encou
Christine Royal is a National Board Certified music educator with extensive experience in elementary music education, performing arts pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational leadership. She currently serves as the Music Specialist at Oak Ridge Elementary School, where she creates engaging, hands-on musical experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration, and confidence in young musicians.
A certified Orff instructor, Ms. Royal specializes in active, child-centered music learning that incorporates singing, movement, rhythm, instruments, and creative exploration. Her expertise also includes curriculum development, and technology and digital learning integration.
Ms. Royal has been recognized for her excellence in teaching as a Guilford County Teacher of the Year finalist. She holds a Master’s degree in Music Performance from Boston University and brings a unique combination of accomplished musicianship and exceptional teaching experience to her work with children.
At Oak Ridge Arts Collective, Christine leads elementary group music classes, creating a joyful and welcoming environment where children can explore a variety of instruments, make music with others, and develop skills that will support a lifelong love of music.
Leah Landau, Music Together Triad
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Christine Royal, Elementary Group Music
Ms. Leah was raised in Raleigh where she grew up singing and dancing her way through school. She then attended ECU and transferred to NYU where she earned a BFA in Theatre Arts with a musical theatre concentration at Tisch School of the Arts/CAP21 in 2003. For ten years Ms. Leah performed in regional theaters around the country and in one
Ms. Leah was raised in Raleigh where she grew up singing and dancing her way through school. She then attended ECU and transferred to NYU where she earned a BFA in Theatre Arts with a musical theatre concentration at Tisch School of the Arts/CAP21 in 2003. For ten years Ms. Leah performed in regional theaters around the country and in one Off-Broadway production in NYC. It was in the city where she met her opera singing, boat driving husband! Together they traveled down the east coast and landed in West Palm Beach to welcome their daughter, Haddison. Ms. Leah has been teaching dance, choreographing for children's theater, and leading Music Together® families in music and movement since 2022. She loves to see bonds form between all her students, both grown-up and child. She thinks there's no better way to connect with each other than through the love of music and she is thrilled to bring the magic of these classes to the families of the Triad!