Call us to register for lessons: 703-723-1154 Visit our school in Ashburn, VA Email us: information@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
Dan Perriello
Percussion 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.
Alfred Yun
Piano Instructor
Alfred Yun began his teaching career as a student at the Berklee College of Music. Based on merit, he was hired by the college to teach contemporary writing and production. After graduating from Berklee, Alfred Yun moved to the DMV area. For several years, he has taught ensembles, masterclasses, group lessons, and private instruction to students of all ages and skill levels.
As an in-demand jazz pianist, Alfred Yun tries to impart his knowledge obtained as a performing musician. One example is that music education should emphasize audiation and ear training as much as sight reading. Another is the centrality of rhythm. Accordingly, he provides a holistic music education to his students. Thanks to such efforts, one of his students entered the Chantilly Jazz Program.
As a pianist, Alfred Yun has performed across the world: from Seoul to Boston and Washington DC. For several months, he has been leading a series of duos at Lake Anne Coffeehouse. He also performs regularly at Capitol Cider House in Washington DC, Bourbon Boulevard Chantilly, and Zenola in Vienna. As a sideman, he has played at Four Seasons Hotel, Hay Adams Hotel, and Marriott HQ.
Robert Friedensen
Bass Guitar, Upright Bass and Guitar Instructor
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phil Kane
Guitar Instructor
Not many people turn down an acceptance to Berklee College of Music, but that’s exactly what guitarist and vocalist Phil Kane did. Preferring to remain in the musical melting pot of New York City, Phil studied with jazz guitarists Frank Terris, Sal Salvador, and George Barnes, and obtained a BA in music education from the City College of New York. He also studied with vocal and performance coach Billy Shepard, and channeled his early inspiration from groups like the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel into a career of performance and education that has included teaching with both NYC and Loudoun County public schools, a role as Musical Director and Cantoral Soloist for a religious school, and appearances as an entertainer at nightclubs, corporate and private events, and assisted living facilities. Phil has been a great inspiration to our students here at Minton’s Academy since 2017.
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.
Raymond Mason
Steel Pan Drum Instructor
Raymond Mason is a multi-instrumentalist, with a concentration on steel pan, from Catonsville, Maryland. Raymond earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies along with a minor in World Music from West Virginia University (WVU) where he studied steel pan under Dr. Jared Sims, drum set under Brian Wolfe, and world music under Dr. Michael Vercelli. While at WVU, he also studied violin under Dr. Mikylah Meyers and classical percussion under George Willis. Raymond is currently pursuing a Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies on steel pan at George Mason University under prominent steel pannist, Victor Provost.
Warren Hayford
Guitar, bass guitar & drum Instructor
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.
