66 Court Square
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David Swanson, B.M.
Viola, Violin, Voice
David graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Industry. He started giving music lessons in 2017 and has loved it ever since. In addition to owning Carrendo Studios, David works as a wedding musician through Got Strings, works in an assistantship position under the JMU Office of Creative Propulsion and the JMU College of Visual and Performing Arts, and is currently earning his Masters in Business Administration from the JMU College of Business. Outside of pursuing his passion for music education, David enjoys spending time with friends, getting outside with his dog Willow, and voice acting. Above all, David loves to bring arts education to the Friendly City and surrounding areas.

Nicolas Gomez-Colon, M.M.
Voice/Composition
Nicolas Gomez-Colon (he/him) is an American composer, arranger, educator, and choral scholar. He holds a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Choral & General Music Education from the University of Delaware and a Master of Music (M.M.) from James Madison University, where he completed a dual concentration in Composition and Choral Conducting. His compositional work centers on choral and vocal music, which has been performed by collegiate and professional ensembles across the Mid-Atlantic region. While at JMU, he won the JMU Choral Composition Competition twice, for his a cappella works "Battle of the Sol" and "Nada Te Turbe." An award-winning a cappella arranger, his work has been recognized by ICCA, CARA, AVA, and Voices Only, and he began publishing arrangements through ChoralPop Publishing in 2025. As a musician on the autism spectrum, Nicolas’s music emphasizes emotional awareness, textual integrity, and deeply personal musical communication. He is thrilled to be joining Carrendo Studios as the new Tenor/Bass voice instructor!

Judith Hoffman
Strings
Judith is a violinist and music educator who graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in 2024 with a degree in music education. She spent all four years performing with the university’s orchestra and still enjoys playing with them today.
She loves helping students discover the joy of music and believes music offers something for everyone. In her lessons, Judith focuses on creating a supportive and safe space where students can fully express themselves, build confidence, and grow their skills.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her cat, ViVi.

Harold Bailey, M.M.
Beginner to Advanced Piano
Harold Bailey is a teacher of piano at Carrendo Studios. He received his Masters of Music in piano performance from James Madison University, and is an active lecturer, performer, and composer throughout the Shennandoah Valley and beyond. In lessons Harold guides his students to connect with their instrument through thoughtful musicality, and teaches with a friendly and engaging demeanor. Additionally he empowers his students to engage in self expression through composition. As a writer, Harold has had his compositions premiered in collaboration with the Charlottesville Ballet, and is currently writing several collections of music for teaching and concert performance.

Jesse Johnson
Drums, Piano
Engrossed in the world of music since he was 4, Jesse is passionate about music as a language that unites us in fun and meaningful ways. A classically trained pianist, he has experience in many other genres of music. Marching bands, orchestras, musical theater, rock bands, worship bands, song writing and production. Jesse is especially passionate about music theory: the interconnected web of harmony, melody, and rhythm that explains how it all works. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, Jesse is excited to share this world with you and expand your skills.
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Peyton Phaller, M.M.
Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trombone
Peyton Phaller is an accomplished musician, freelance trumpet player, and passionate educator. Recently he graduated with his masters in trumpet performance from James Madison University and holds a bachelors degree in instrumental music education from the University of Florida. In addition to the trumpet Peyton enjoys playing video games, board games, table top RPGs and trying new foods.

Isaiah Ortiz, B.M.
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Chamber Music
Isaiah is a graduate of James Madison University, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education. He is a classically trained cellist who is passionate about helping others grow in their musicianship and become life-long lovers of music. He currently serves as the orchestra director at Skyline Middle School and as a member of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. Isaiah is very excited to join the amazing team of educators at Carrendo Studios!

Emma Thomas
Violin/Viola
Emma Thomas is a dedicated music student at James Madison University, where she is pursuing a degree in Music with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. With over 14 years of experience playing the viola, Emma has developed a deep passion for both performance and music education. For the past three years, she has been sharing her love for music through teaching, helping students grow their skills and confidence. Emma is especially interested in the intersection of music and community impact, and she aspires to use her talents to make the arts more accessible through nonprofit work.

Gillian Saunders, B.M.
Voice, Guitar, & Songwriting
Gillian Saunders is a recent graduate of James Madison University. There, she received a B.M. in voice, music industry and a B.A. in media, arts, and design, journalism. Gillian enjoys singing, conducting, songwriting, playing guitar, and performing with her band. She also has an extensive background in musical theater. She has been teaching voice lessons to high schoolers and adults since 2020 and is excited to be joining Carrendo Studios!
