Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Banjo, Mandolin/Mandola, Songwriting, Theory, Technique, Improvisation, Performance, Recording

Music has been the main focus of Dan’s life from the very beginning. Coming from a long line of pianists, Dan first began on piano, but once he was given a guitar he never looked back. Having the good fortune to study under noted local guitarist Rob Hornfeck, by 2001 (at age 17) Dan began performing and teaching professionally. Since then he has given hundreds of performances and been a part of dozens of albums, some of which received local radio and TV airplay. Dan’s bands have even shared the stage with Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, John Lennon) and Jefferson Starship. In addition, Dan continues to advance his knowledge in all areas of music. His lessons are fun and engaging and his passion for music is contagious. Get used to hearing his motto of “Practice everyday!”

Violin, Guitar, Piano, Composition/Songwriting, Music Theory, Arranging, Notation

Originally from Abingdon, Maryland, Chris has always been playing some sort of musical instrument. It started with the pots and pans, then the violin came along in the 4th grade and he hasn’t stopped performing since. Along the way through middle and high school, he picked up the guitar and piano as well, always practicing something. Chris graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Shenandoah Conservatory, studying with a number of teachers and professors along the way. Chris has played in many orchestras and choirs throughout Maryland, as well as dozens of local bands in Maryland and Virginia. Chris believes the best way to learn is to have fun and interactive lessons, while still building the technique and knowledge needed to succeed!

Voice, Piano

Hayleigh has been a lover of all things music from an early age. She has participated in various solo recitals for voice and piano, operas, and choral performances including membership in multiple National Honor Choirs through American Choral Directors Association, Symphony of the Goddesses: Legend of Zelda tour, and a special performance at Carnegie Hall with the Commonwealth Singers. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 2018 from Virginia Commonwealth University and focused on choral and general music education, vocal performance, and vocal health and hygiene. Recently, she earned a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology! Hayleigh has been teaching private music lessons for 6 years and has always had a focus on fun throughout her years of experience. Her background in music education/performance and her love of fun and games bring multiple exciting approaches to her teaching!

Guitar, Ukulele, Voice

Sally Mae’s interest in music sparked at the age of four with a xylophone and a piano. At the age of ten she began intensive flute studies, perfecting the art of reading sheet music, basic music theory, jazz theory and improvisation. Around age thirteen she found an old classical guitar around the house and taught herself to play and sing. Her musical influences range from Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell to the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt and John Prine. Sally Mae has independently released an album of her own songs, “Music Box,” in 2017 and actively performs in the Shenandoah Valley. She’s played the Bright Box Theatre, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Ramble Fest, and many bars and cafes last year alone and is always eager for more. Her ability to critically listen and offer effective advice in an engaging and encouraging way is but one of the many highlights of taking a lesson with Sally Mae.

Bass, Guitar, Piano, Composition, Sight Reading, Performance

David began his musical journey by taking piano lessons and singing in his school choir at an early age, a launchpad for a life of studying and performing music. He then spent nine years studying trombone as well as bassoon and began actively performing and competing statewide. Shortly after teaching himself guitar when he was 12, he became a founding member of the Warrenton Baptist Church worship team which further instilled in him a love of song writing and performing. After leaving high school, he then delved into studying bass guitar. This would be his principal instrument when he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he spent several semesters leading many ensembles and performing in groups (on & off campus) becoming fluent in many other styles of music with fellow Berklee Alumni. David has been teaching music since 2008 imparting his vast array of performing experience and knowledge of theory and composition. He can teach any style of music at all skill levels from absolute beginner to advanced students. David is easygoing, patient, and loves all things musical. These and all of his other fine skills make him an ideal music teacher and member of the Modal Music team of instructors.

Piano, Voice

Michele is thrilled to be part of the Modal Music family. She brings with her an extensive creative and performing arts background and over 25 years of teaching and performing experience!

Michele holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical voice performance with a minor in classical piano from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where she studied classical vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, vocal coaching and piano.

Michele also worked professionally during these years as a television and film actress and as a children’s theater actress, teacher, and musical director, attaining the coveted Screen Actors Guild membership for several national television roles.

Michele believes that music and the arts can truly heal our souls and deepen our connection with others and with ourselves. She is honored to be a part of this process for all those with whom she works!