Call us to register for lessons: 703-723-1154 Visit our school in Ashburn, VA Email us: info@mintonsmusic.com
Music Lessons for Children & Adults
Art Lessons for Children
Serving Ashburn, Aldie, Broadlands, Brambleton, Leesburg & Sterling
Into Music? Get Into... Mintons!
 CALL US: 703-723-1154
Established 2002
Teachers Bios
Alex Minton
Director of Music Instruction and Instructor
Bio coming soon! Alex can play and preform too many instruments to list.
Alex Minton has been teaching at Mintons Academy of Music since 2008.
Dan Perriello
Percussion(Drum) Instructor
Since graduating from George Mason University in 1999, Dan Perriello’s career as a drummer and songwriter has included performances at major music venues, award-winning recordings, and critically-acclaimed original compositions licensed to major television networks. A passionate drumming educator and hand technique devotee, Dan has absorbed Jim Chapin’s “Moeller Method,” Joe Morello’s “free stroke” approach, and legendary teacher Alan Dawson’s “Rudimental Ritual.” In his nearly 20 years in education, Dan has taught with both Fairfax County and Loudoun County public schools, and his percussion students have consistently won top spots in school jazz and All-District bands, with several going on to study music at the university level and pursue music careers of their own. Dan Perriello has been teaching at Mintons Academy of Music since 2009.
Sarah Clements
Piano & Percussion Instructor
Piano and percussion instructor Sarah brings an extensive background in ensemble performance to her lessons. A graduate of the University of Virginia - where she accompanied Opera Viva on piano, participated in percussion ensemble, and was a section leader in the Cavalier Marching Band – Sarah is currently a member of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra and the Pied Piper Theater Pit Orchestra. Sarah’s educational philosophy is borne of her own experience as a student: recognizing that success brings success, she stresses problem-solving and self-reliance with her students, leading them down the path to efficient practice and faster musical progress. Extending a tried and true precept of learning, Sarah says “If at first you don’t succeed, figure out why you didn’t succeed and have a plan to succeed next time. Then, try again.” Sarah has been teaching at Mintons Academy of Music since 2015.
William Mercier
Vocal Instructor
William Mercier is dedicated to helping his vocal students find their voice and develop their unique style. Bill was an adjunct professor of music and voice at Castleton University in Vermont and has conducted at the Basilica of The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg MD and at the Basilica of The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. His work as a performer has taken Bill across the country and abroad to Italy and Cuba, performing in oratorios, choral and orchestral concerts, small vocal ensembles, musical theater, and cabarets. He has also been a high school choral director and performed that role at many churches. Bill focuses on technique, relaxation and preparation for auditions and has had several students win NCA Cappies awards.
Dani DeGooyer
Piano, Guitar, Vocal & Music Fun Time Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Dani DeGooyer has been teaching at Mintons Academy of Music since 2017.
Robert Friedensen
Bass Guitar, Upright Bass and Guitar Instructor
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Robert Friedensen began his music career in the 1960s playing guitar, bass guitar and upright bass. Born in Long Island, NY, Robert comes from a family of musicians including two uncles who were professional jazz bassists in New York City. Robert is currently a resident of Bluemont, Virginia and an in-demand live musician who performs regularly across the state. Robert's love for music shows in everything he does, and he uses his more than 50 years experience to inspire the students of Minton's Academy.
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Derek Evry
Bass Guitar, Guitar & Piano Instructor
Derek Evry began his career at age 11 in the Washington Opera Company at The Kennedy Center before briefly attending the Berklee College of Music. As a singer, songwriter and music producer, Derek had his compositions featured on several episodes of the ABC crime drama “Castle,” and in a more than two-decade career as a performer and bandleader he’s played legendary venues and events such as D.C.’s 9:30 Club and the Punk Rock Bowling festival in Las Vegas. Derek has released several solo albums of original material, as well as produced and performed on several albums for various DC-area musicians. Derek brings his wide-ranging musical taste and experience to Bass, Guitar, Ukulele & Piano lessons at Mintons Academy of Music.
Katherine Baek
Strings Instructor
Katherine Yeon-Jung Baek has a Master of Music in viola performance from Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. Katie has performed with Ka-Eum Soloists, Brighton Symphony Orchestra, Westchester Chamber Orchestra, Sol String Quartet, Trinity Chamber Orchestra. Katie loves to play and enjoys sharing her love for music with her students. Katherine has been a great inspiration to our students here at Minton’s Academy since 2020.
Jon Jeziorski
Guitar, bass guitar & piano Instructor
Jon has been studying piano and guitar since he was seven years old. In high school, he founded a 'jam club' and recorded eight albums worth of original songs, all in collaboration with fellow young musicians. He received his bachelor's degree from George Mason University, and during his time there he was on the executive board of the GMU Music Production Club, where he participated in running weekly open mic nights. At the same time, he began his tenure as a fill-in musician, performing electric bass, guitar, and piano for several bands of radically different genres. He decided to start teaching lessons following the onset of the pandemic, to set up a positive feedback loop between himself and his local community that allows for mutual development and growth.
Alejandro Villareal
Guitar, bass guitar & piano Instructor
Originally from Springfield, Virginia, Alejandro Villareal is a musician, composer, educator, and collaborator. Alejandro holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration on Jazz Guitar from Temple University. While in his undergrad, he studied with the likes of Mike Moreno, Jake Kelberman, Bruce Barth, Greg Kettinger and many more. Alejandro has a love for performing and teaching music, he has played recitals, social gatherings, restaurants, concert halls and weddings throughout the Philadelphia, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia area. As a private instructor, his goal is to share his knowledge and experiences as a musician.
Andrew Grabowski
Guitar & Piano Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Andrew Grabowski has been teaching at Mintons Academy of Music since 2022.
Ciaran Roberts-Osterberg
Percussion (Drum) & Piano Instructor
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Ciaran Roberts-Osterberg is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist from Dundee,Scotland.
Ciaran graduated from the world famous Berklee College of Music, Summa Cum Laude with a dual Bachelor of Music degree in Performance, Contemporary Writing and Production. He also helped found Berklee’s Student disability club showcasing and supporting musicians with accommodation needs.
Ciaran played on international stages for and with a multitude of notable incredible artists and award-winning composers in venues such as: Windsor Castle for the British Royal family and the infamous Rockwood Music Hall NY.
Ciaran’s area of knowledge include Drum Set, Piano, Voice, Jazz Performance, Harmony & Composition, Arranging, Score Production, Commercial Scoring and Music & Audio Production.
He has a special dedication for helping student musicians that may have accommodation or access needs due to disability.
Warren Hayford
Guitar, bass guitar & drum Instructor
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Warren Hayford has been playing guitar, bass guitar and drum set for over 20 years with much of that time spent playing in gigging bands. This has informed his teaching philosophy such that he emphasizes listening and playing in collaboration with others. Warren brings all of his expertise to Mintons Academy of Music.