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.

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, electric bass and beginner piano at Bel Air Arts Academy.

Patty-Lynn has played the flute since she was nine years old and has been teaching private flute lessons for over ten years. Some of her musical accomplishments include playing in the Maryland All-State Band, as well as marching in the Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Great American Marching Band. She was also the featured soloist in the Harford Youth Orchestra (2013) where she performed Franz Doppler’s Hungarian Pastoral Fantasy. One of Patty-Lynn’s favorite things about teaching is developing friendships with her students. She loves to inspire her students to continually grow as musicians and to be self-motivated. While pursuing her B.A. in Humanities in Louisville, Kentucky, Patty-Lynn double-minored in music and English as a Second Language (ESL). After graduating, she and her husband spent a year abroad teaching English. Patty-Lynn enjoys taking long walks with her 3-year-old and 1-year-old daughters, exploring new places with friends, and curling up with a good book and cup of coffee.

Patty-Lynn teaches flute and beginner piano at Bel Air Arts Academy.

I find joy in my life through song and music. Singing from a young age, I know that music has been an integral part to making him the person that I am today. I believe in teaching all students that they have a voice to use, whether it is through singing, playing guitar, or maybe just beatboxing. I want people to be joyful! I received my BM from Towson University, my MM from Bard College Conservatory, and my Artist Diploma from William Jewell College. Most of my singing life revolves around classical music such as opera, art song, and large choral works, but I am no stranger to belting in the car to my favorite pop songs. My singing and teaching philosophy is: Find what works for you and accentuate it!

Louis teaches voice, bass, [electric] guitar, and beginner piano 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!