We are very fortunate to have a highly-qualified faculty providing instruction here at the Music Academy at Salisbury. These teachers are dedicated to offering the best in music education to you and your child. Our instructors are:
RONALD ALIG, Guitar and Ukulele
Ron graduated from the VCU School of Music in Spring 2008 with a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance. He studied with David Toussaint and John Patykula during his years as an undergraduate. In addition to being a seasoned solo classical guitar performer, he is also a member of the Richmond Guitar Quartet. He has experience is teaching and performing both classical and rock styles as well as some beginning flamenco technique.
RON FIX, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Jazz Improvisation
B.M. in Jazz Studies from VCU; D’Addario Woodwind Artist; Author; Woodberry Forest adjunct music faculty since 2008; Has recorded and performed throughout the United States, Canada and Central America as well as appearances on both radio and television; Extended bio available at ronfix.com.
CAROL HAMRICK, Clarinet and Ukulele
Carol holds a BM in Education from Appalachian State University and an MSEd. from Northwest Missouri State University. She has been playing clarinet for 35 years and has taught public school music for 22 years. She has performed in the Richmond Concert Band, the Chesterfield Community Band and at her home church (Oak Forest Baptist). She currently teaches in the CCPS system and is experienced in teaching middle and high school clarinet students.
GRANT HELLMERS, Organ and Piano
Grant holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Australian National University as well as a Master of Music Education from Canberra College, Australia. He has studied the organ in various locations around the world including Vienna, Austria and Paris, France. He is a well-respected member of the American Guild of Organists and has composed numerous arrangements for choir, congregation, organ and other instruments. Grant currently serves as Organist-Choirmaster for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA.
THOMAS STEVENS, Violin and Viola
Tom holds a BM from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. He has studied the viola with Karen Ritscher, Joey Corpus, Carol Rodland (Berlin, Germany), Evelyn Luise (Texas) and Sharon Dean. Tom is currently the Assistant Principal Viola of the Roanoke Symphony and Charlottesville Opera. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Violin/Viola at both Randolph-Macon College and the University of Richmond.His performance experience is extensive and includes such Chamber Music appearances as the Hofstra String Quartet (Hofstra University) and the Academy Chamber Players (Carnegie Hall, 1998, 2004). Tom is also passionate about Irish fiddle music and is a member of the Celtic duo “Rights of Man”. Mr. Stevens is experienced in teaching all ages and skill levels.
DEREK TUTTLE, Guitar
Derek holds a BM in New Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He has enjoyed his work in sound studios and musical theater ensembles. As well as teaching at Collegiate School, he plays with several groups around town including InsideOut Band, KKSD and Heartwood. He also provides various musical services such as arranging, engraving and recording. Derek has had extensive experience teaching private lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.
MICHELLE MARSHALL, Trumpet
Michelle earned both a BA and MA in trumpet performance from the University of Illinois. Her teachers have included Ronald Romm (Canadian Brass) and Michael Ewald. Michelle has performed with numerous orchestras, wind ensembles and brass quintets throughout the country. She has over ten years of experience teaching trumpet to students from beginner through college level.