Harold Caceres
About Harold
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, 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 associates 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
About Meiling
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 individual strengths and learning styles. It is exciting to watch Meiling's shaping the musicians of tomorrow.
Meiling has been teaching for Nancy Brownstein Music since 1998! She has taught countless students and we are lucky that she has worked with us for so long.
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Amanda Smith
About Amanda
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
About Brenda
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
About Ryan
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!
Huixian (Emily) Lee
About Huixian (Emily)
Huixian Li is a distinguished Chinese pianist and educator, currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Piano Pedagogy at the Catholic University of America. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Music from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, she brings a comprehensive understanding of teaching methodologies, specifically tailored for K-12 students.
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Since starting the piano at age six, Huixian has performed in solo and chamber recitals, as well as on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall. Her extensive performance background enriches her teaching, offering students valuable insights into professional piano artistry.
Huixian has over six years of teaching experience in China, where she guided students to achieve exceptional results in ABRSM exams and international competitions. Her students have gained recognition from renowned professors worldwide. Huixian’s approach is personalized, focusing on each student's individual learning style.
Certified in the Kodály Teaching Method and with extensive experience in international piano festivals, Huixian’s global perspective enhances her ability to inspire and cultivate creativity in her students. She creates a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where every student thrives. Emily Li joined the staff of Nancy Brownstein Music in April, 2024.
Gabriel Larrea
About Gabriel
Gabriel is a talented pianist and guitarist who has always enjoyed working with children. After spending several summers at a summer camp (while continuing his piano and guitar studies), Gabe discovered a way to combine both of his interests by teaching music privately.
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Gabe is currently studying both guitar and piano at Montgomery College. His gentle, yet warm and enthusiastic teaching style immediately engages his students.
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Gabe has been working for Nancy Brownstein Music since May 2024.
Trinity Villanueva
About Trinity
Trinity Villanueva is an accomplished artist and educator whose diverse background spans classical training, cultural ambassadorship, and performance artistry. She teaches piano, ukulele, and voice with a nurturing but fierce approach, fostering technical skill and authentic expression.
Her career includes television appearances, originating a role on Broadway, and serving as a musical and cultural ambassador in Polynesia. She is a songwriter and band member, showcasing her soulful voice and instrumental talents locally with the Charles Rahmatt Jazz Band and the hip-hop group Shining Blade Theory. Her performances have graced the Howard Theatre, Wolf Trap, Strathmore, Sidney Harman Hall, Kennedy Center, Nationals Stadium and Virginia Beach PolyFest.
As an educator since 2008, Trinity founded arts programs in Washington, DC, supporting historically vulnerable communities. She has trained docents at The Phillips Collection and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. She’s coordinated large-scale community murals, theatrical productions with GALA Hispanic Theatre, and high-scale public art commissions. More recently, as an executive coach, she trains C-suite leaders from Google and Paramount Global.
Trinity actively volunteers with several organizations, including the National Art Education Association Board of Directors, the Arts Administrators of Color Network Advisory Council, and Centennial High School’s PTSA. She holds a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from IU Jacobs School of Music, leadership certificates from the University of Pennsylvania, Trinity College Dublin, and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She is a lifelong learner of Hawaiian oli and hula.
Trinity lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her son, a member of the Maryland State Boychoir, and her culinarian husband. Trinity is one of our newest instructors and has been with Brownstein Music since August, 2024
Laura Kim Ortiz
About Laura
Laura Kim Ortiz studied piano and flute from elementary through high school. She holds degrees in both piano and music technology, being especially proficient in theory and composition.
Laura is quite a versatile instructor, teaching piano, voice, dance and musical production. Passionate about sharing the beauty of sound, Laura is dedicated to helping her students succeed by adapting to their individual needs. She strives to make her lessons both informative and engaging, ensuring that her students have an immersive experience creating beautiful music across various musical keys.
During high school Laura was taught by a strict classical teacher who focused heavily on rhythm, notation and speed. This particular musical instruction enabled Laura to develop a well-rounded skill set. Laura aims, whenever possible, to incorporate contemporary pop songs into her repertoire, in addition to the standard classical greats. This fusion also allowed her to nurture her passion for composition and sound.
Laura's varied background and years of experience, in addition to her patient and nurturing style, have resulted in her exceptional ability to foster a strong love of music! She is a dedicated instructor, guiding her piano, vocal and recording students in their musical journeys. Laura joined Brownstein Music in May, 2024.
Alex Alavi
About Alex
Alex Alavi is a working musician and teacher, born in the Washington, DC area. He has been playing and studying the guitar for over fifteen years, spending much of that time performing in bands, and as a solo artist. Alex is adept at both lead and rhythm guitar styles, including fingerpicking. He sings both lead and harmony vocals when performing, and has composed dozens of songs. In addition to piano and guitar, Alex can also teach the banjo, harmonica and trap set. His penchant for teaching is fueled by his desire to discover new skills and share his extensive knowledge of musical instruments.
After graduating from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD Alex earned a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. In addition to his tremendous musical talent, he is very sought after for his cartooning, and is currently working on anime.
Besides music and art, Alex’s other passion lies in working with children, having done so at seemingly every setting possible--including schools, summer camps, after-school programs, and private music lessons. He has been working with children for fourteen years. He currently works as a piano and guitar teacher, gigging musician, and a regular substitute teacher at the prestigious Lowell School in Washington DC.
Alex Alavi joined Nancy Brownstein Music, teaching both guitar and piano, in September, 2024.