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
Flexible Rental Space Available
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
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Alex Minton started showing interest in music at a very young age. He has been trained by many successful awarding winning musicians throughout the east coast. First and foremost by Emmy Award winner Laurence Minton from the age of 3 years old. Along with James Browne, Luis Cruz and John Ford to name a few. Alex is also trained in recording and sound engineering. Alex enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and is very passionate about music. Here are just some of the things he is involved with:
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Mintons Academy of Music Est. 2002; Director 7.5 years, Multi-Instrumental Teacher 16 years, Sponsor of Loudoun Community Bands 2 years
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Loudoun County Symphonic Winds; Member 4.5 years (Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, French Horn), Board Member & Business Manager 3 years
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Loudoun Jazz Ensemble; Rehearsal Venue (Mintons Academy of Music) 2 years, Substitute Performer (Trumpet) 2 years
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Loudoun County Resident and Local Music/Small Business Support; Over 20 years
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.
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.
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.
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.
Daniel Boci
Guitar & Piano Instructor
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Daniel Boci began his journey in music at 5 years old, taking piano lessons at Minton’s Academy of Music. Then, he switched to guitar at the age of 7 and has been mastering the instrument ever since. He has performed as the lead guitarist of rock and jazz bands for years. Playing at breweries, schools, auditoriums, and opening for other bands, he has wowed audiences with complicated solos and impressive performances. Alongside his musical endeavors, Daniel plays Soccer with the Loudoun Soccer Club Travel team.
Clair Cangialosi
Bassoon, clarinet, flute & oboe Instructor
Dr. Clair Cangialosi enjoys an active career as a performer and educator in the Northern Virginia area. She has taught woodwind students in grades 4–12 as well as at the university level in private lesson and masterclass settings. As a life-long band nerd, Clair is passionate about supporting current and future music educators in the development of their double reed pedagogy. Clair holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education (’17), Professional Performance Certificate (’18), and Master’s degree in bassoon performance (’20) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (’24) in bassoon performance from Shenandoah University.
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