TEACHER BIOS
Harold Caceres
Harold Najarro-Caceres is a talented and experienced composer, guitarist and pianist. Born and raised in El Salvador, Harold began his study of music at the National Art Center (CENAR) in his native city of San Salvador. His studies focused on classical, acoustic and electric guitar. He made his musical debut at CENAR with his original musical compositions for classical acoustic guitar.
After moving to the U. S. he studied classical piano at the Montgomery College campus of the University of Maryland, in addition to conducting and the analysis of symphonic works. Always extremely versatile, Harold was the pianist for "The Real Deal Band", performing jazz, soul, R & B, pop and classical rock at local DMV country clubs and hospitals.
Having earned his associate degree from MC, Harold is currently studying music at the College Park campus of the University of Maryland. He began teaching piano and guitar for Nancy Brownstein Music in 2016. Known for his nurturing and patient style, Harold continues to be one of our most requested teachers.
Meiling Yeh
Meiling Yeh is an experienced, dedicated piano teacher who is loved by her students. Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Meiling has had a unique musical journey starting at a young age. Starting piano lessons at age 5, she continued studying piano at National Taiwan University of the Arts. She then entered Eastern Arts and Music's program, studying ancient Asian instruments along with music theory, composition and classical piano.
After moving to the United States, Meiling continued piano studies at Montgomery College, then earning her music degree at University of Md, College Park. She is currently serving as the church pianist at the Gaithersburg Chinese Alliance. Meiling has taught piano for over twenty years for Brownstein Music. Blending her Asian upbringing and Western education, Meiling provides a unique way to engage young students in the early study of piano, as she tailors her lessons based on each student's indiviidal strengths and learning styles. It is exciting to watch Meiling's shaping the musicians of tomorrow.
Benjamin Wagner
Benjamin Wagner is one of our newest teachers. Originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Ben started piano lessons at the young age of 4, and began studying the French horn at 10.
Benjamin studied music education at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, where he was principal horn in the Mansfield University Orchestra and assistant principal horn in the MU Wind Ensemble. Ben competed at the North American Brass Band Association and the World Choir Games with Mansfield University ensembles.
Prior to moving to Maryland, Ben taught at The Conservatory of Piano in Columbus, Ohio for several years. He is very passionate about teaching. Benjamin believes that music is an essential part of a well-rounded education it's important to be able to play music and learn about its origins; i.e., it's necessary to explore the theory behind music, as well as understanding what it takes to be a great musician. Ben is very excited to be working in the Maryland area and began teaching piano and guitar for Nancy Brownstein Music in 2019.
Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith has always been surrounded by music. With two parents who met in marching band in college, there was never a shortage of music in their house! Amanda began singing in church at a young age, eventually beginning private piano lessons in middle school. As Amanda grew older, she shifted toward the performing arts, earning a B.A. in musical theatre from American University, minoring in dance and business administration. She works at Ovations Studios, teaching dance and directing their annual spring musical. Her dance and piano students love her! Amanda has been working for Nancy Brownstein Music since 2011.
Brenda Brooks
Brenda Brooks is a native Washingtonian who studied music, specifically piano, at Montgomery College. She continues to study piano--in the jazz realm, and has added klezmer to her musical repertoire, as a keyboard player in a local group.
Brenda has always enjoyed working with children and was an elementary school reading tutor for many years. She delights in inspiring students' enthusiasm for music in addition to guiding them as they learn. Brenda began working for Brownstein Music in early 2023. Prior to that, she retired from a long career in the federal government at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Ryan Vest
Ryan Vest is currently studying both piano and brass at the University of MD, College Park, where he frequently performs in Divisional Recitals and the Maryland Wind Ensemble. Ryan has led both group and private piano lessons, in addition to working with the George Marshall High School marching band. He also holds provincial leadership with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, America's oldest musical fraternity.
His diverse musical background enables Ryan to provide a holistic approach to learning piano. He emphasizes general musicianship by developing strong aural and technical skills.
Ryan started working with Brownstein Music in March, 2024, and is a wonderful addition to our talented team!
Courtney Adams
Courtney Adams, a new addition to the Nancy Brownstein team, is a flutist and is in graduate school at the University of MD, College Park, with a major in piano, and minor in Arts Leadership.
Courtney works at Wolftrap during the school year, and directs camp performances every summer. She has also participated in various leadership opportunities. Courtney is truly a multi talented young musician.
Though she considers it her secondary instrument, Courtney began taking piano lessons at a young age, and continued her keyboard studies into her high school years. She enjoys teaching piano, as well as flute and voice. She has directed a youth production of High School Musical, Jr, and an upcoming production of Anastasia: Youth Edition during summer 2024. In all that she does, Courtney values the traditions of diverse cultures and lifestyles, and tries to reflect that in her teaching. It is her hope that her students will learn not only instrumental skills, but graduate from their private lessons with a greater understanding of personal discipline, motivation, and the world around them.