David Saenz is an experienced music educator and jazz musician. David served fifteen years teaching instrumental and general music in Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS), grades pre-K through eight. He implemented American Kodaly Institute best practices while curating diverse music curricula under the tutelage of Peabody Institute early childhood chair Dr. Eric Rasmussen.

In 2008, he began a jazz ensemble directorship at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). The JHU student jazz ensemble was awarded honors at the 2014 Villanova University Jazz Festival and collaborated with Chris Vadala, Zaccai Curtis, Dave Ballou, and Jim McFalls. David has performed with Warren Wolf, Jason Palmer, Roger Humphries, and Zaccai Curtis’ Insight. David played lead alto in the Whit Willams big band and BCPSS faculty jazz band under Charles Funn. He studied with Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Allan Chase, and Eric Kloss while earning music degrees from Carnegie Mellon University (BFA ’99) and New England Conservatory of Music (MM ’01)

David teaches piano, flute, saxophone and drums at Bel Air Arts Academy.

Peyton N. Creasey, Singer/Writer/Composer/Actor, is a graduate from Christopher Newport University with a BA in Musical Theatre and minors in Writing and Dance. Peyton spent the past year out of undergrad teaching Voice and Piano at Fox Music Studio in Virginia Beach. Outside of teaching, Peyton is a professional actor having recently appeared at Zeiders American Dream Theatre originating roles regionally in “A Cut Above,” “Taking Measure,” and “Refraction of Light” all new works developed through their home brew playwright series. Peyton is also a composer and playwright having written several musicals and song cycles. Most notably, Pencil The Date: A new ‘80’s musical” which was a part of The Proteus festival at Zeiders American Dream Theatre as well as St. Louis Fringe Festival. Peyton is also the composer and book writer for “Suburban Dreams: An Alt-Pop Song Cycle” which tackled the topic of teenage grief at the height of the pandemic. Peyton also studied Cello and other string instruments as an alumni of the Salem Visual and Performing Arts Academy where Peyton had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC; Kennedy Center in DC; Sandler Center Virginia Beach; and The Ferguson Center in Newport News. As a part of the Salem VPAA, Peyton was also the co-founder of Composer Forum an avenue to develop and perform local student based compositions. Recently, Peyton has moved to the Baltimore area and is hoping to be an active participant in the development of regional art and young students careers.

Peyton teaches voice, piano, flute, cello and beginner violin at Bel Air Arts Academy.

Layla Wilson is a classically trained pianist of 17 years and counting. Layla is currently finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from West Virginia University. She took piano lessons from Dr. Peter Amstutz during her collegiate career while also being a member in various ensembles including the University women’s choir, piano: four-hands, symphonic band, and the community orchestra. Layla also provides instruction on the acoustic guitar for students and has experience playing the guitar in a therapeutic setting for clients of all age groups. Along with the piano and guitar, Layla has recently begun her journey on the harp and is excited to find opportunities to perform and share the magic of the harp with people in the community. Layla’s teaching philosophy is incorporating mind-muscle connection to build meaning with and within the music to help make the learning musician make the piece their own. She also advocates for healthy playing through proper exercises, posture, and stretching to ensure that students have a pain-free experience when playing their instrument, and do so for years to come.

Layla teaches piano and guitar at Bel Air Arts Academy.

John Suskey plays piano, organ and folk instruments such as guitar, recorder, banjo, accordion, harmonica and others. He has a Master’s in Music Education from West Virginia University and taught elementary music in Harford County Schools during 1990-97. He also has taught lessons and specializes in pop music with boogie woogie, jazz, gospel and blues roots. John has played in many pop bands around Harford County and currently plays in several bands. His hobbies include bicycle riding and computers and has travelled to Japan over a dozen times.

John teaches guitar, piano, accordion, banjo, bagpipes, organ and other folk instruments at Bel Air Arts Academy.

Hello, my name is Anthony Hooker. I have always had a deep love and appreciation for music ever since I was a child. My family says that from an early age I was always singing and tapping my foot to something. My musical journey began in the form of piano and voice lessons at the end of elementary school and through middle school. At 14 I expressed a desire to play the bass which I did for a time until around age 17 when I changed my focus to the electric guitar, from which there was no turning back, ha-ha. I attended Harford community college for two semesters completing theory 1 and 2 as well as participating in jazz ensemble during that time. I find it particularly exciting teaching new players and also helping struggling beginner or intermediate players understand the music theory relevant for what they want to play.

It is my hope that I can guide you and inspire you to be the best player you can be.

Anthony teaches Kidzrock, Jr. Rockers, guitar and electric bass at Bel Air Arts Academy.

Ms. Karigan joined our team in December 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College where she also minored in music history. She loves listening to music, especially 1970s folk rock and enjoys learning about musicians from years past. Ms. Karigan began playing the flute in the 4th grade, was in the marching band throughout high school, and loves seeing kids find their musical voice! She’s excited to meet students of all ages and help support them in achieving their musical dream!