Our Staff

From the moment he first picked up the instrument, a guitar made and gifted to him by his great uncle, Aaron knew music would be a lifelong journey. He grew up surrounded by the sounds of creativity and performance. His father, Frank Darlington, and brothers, all professional musicians dedicated to creating and performing original music, […]

Soprano: Madeline Downing is an aspiring music therapist, teacher, and performer. She recently graduated from Nazareth University in Rochester, NY with a degree in Music Therapy and Vocal Performance. Currently, Madeline is a music therapy intern at A Place To Be in Leesburg, Virginia. Her operatic credits include The Fire in L’enfant et les sortilèges, […]

Omar Richardson began his musical journey at the end of third grade when he was introduced to the orchestra. Though initially drawn to the bass, he began studying the violin, inspired by his sister and the instrument’s powerful sound. After a few years away from music, Omar rediscovered his passion during a summer break, diving […]

With over 40 years of experience as a pianist, Kristine brings both passion and expertise to her role as a piano teacher at Ellsworth Music. She teaches students of all ages, focusing not only on building strong foundational skills but also on inspiring a lifelong love for music. Kristine is a lifelong musician who currently […]

Brenden has played banjo for 10 years, scruggs-style and appalachian claw-hammer style. He is a well-known banjo player in the local area. He has experience in the local bluegrass and old-timey band scene. He has also created audio bids for radio commercials on the banjo, harmonica, guitar, and fiddle on 95.9 The Big Dawg, and […]

Alexa is an oboist and woodwind specialist from Charles Town, currently studying Music Education at Shepherd University. She performs with the Wind Ensemble and has a deep passion for teaching and sharing music. Her musical journey began with the clarinet, inspired by her father, who played the instrument in school. Eager to expand her expertise, […]

Mr. Mercier has recently relocated to the area from Vermont where he was Adjunct Professor of Music/Voice at Castleton University. He is dedicated to helping students find their voice and developing their authentic style. His musical background includes a great deal of performing in oratorios, choral and orchestral concerts, small vocal ensembles, musical theater, and […]

Jae is a violinist who started at Ellsworth at the young age of six years old. She has experience being concertmaster during her senior year of high school, and also performed with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra in a Side-by-Side performance. She has lots of tutoring experience, enjoys teaching, and has been playing violin for over […]

Teri is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in music education. She recently moved here from Colorado where she taught music in a private school, as well as piano instruction in the home, for over 20 years. As a Kindergarten through sixth grade music educator, Teri directed major musicals for […]

Clarinet, flute, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, oboe, percussion, and tuba Andy Tucker is a Ranson, WV native who specializes in percussion instruments. During his undergraduate studies, he attended Robert’s Wesleyan University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Andy has been playing many instruments for over 30 years and continues to teach […]

Steve is a graduate of Shepherd University with a degree in classical guitar performance. At George Mason University, he studied with Larry Snitzler who was an student of Andres Segovia. Steve also studied with Gerry Kunkel and Dave Reynolds, at Shepherd. Although Steve is a specialist in classical guitar, he also teaches folk, blues, and […]

Doug teaches trombone, trumpet, and euphonium at Ellsworth School of Music. He studied Music Education at Indiana University of PA. While there, he performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony. He now plays with Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra, Clark County Community Band and Yesterday Swing Orchestra. Doug also directs the Directs the Ellsworth Music High School Brass […]

Born and raised in NYC, Jordan has been playing piano nonstop for 25 years. When Jordan was 10, he played Gavroche in Les Miserables on Broadway. As a songwriter, Jordan’s songs focus on turning darkness into light and bringing positive messages of unity and hope to a divided world. His critically acclaimed debut album, Sun […]

Shannon Bielski began her musical journey at age seven with her first instrument, the piano. The next year, she began playing her favorite instrument, the violin. When Shannon was thirteen, she began to learn the art of Bluegrass Fiddle, taking lessons with the phenomenal Rickie Simpkins. Her live musical performances began at age fourteen with […]

Heather is currently the Concertmaster of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, the Assistant Concertmaster with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra in Hagerstown, MD, and a section 1st violinist with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. She has freelanced with the Fairfax Symphony, Prince William Symphony and the Annapolis Symphony as well as playing in many locations around Washington, […]