BMS Faculty
Bryant Bush (Mr. Bryant)
Voice, Drums, Piano
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cleveland Institute of Music - Cleveland, Ohio
When he’s not teaching lessons, Mr. Bryant can be found playing sand volleyball at The Powderkeg, hanging out with his young adult class from 1st Baptist, or watching Alabama football/basketball.
Dr. Yost
Piano
With over thirty-five years in education, Dr. Yost is passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students. He studied piano with Dr. John Paul at Sam Houston State University and is certified in PK-12 music by the state of Texas. Throughout his career Dr. Yost has served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions in several Houston area school districts, served as an accompanist for a variety of school and community music events, and served as a church musician/director. Most importantly, he believes that music feeds the soul and taking piano lessons should be fun and joyful.
Elizabeth
Piano
Elizabeth Newkirk is an American classical pianist and writer. She specializes in music of the early 20th century, and her scholarship explores American culture, mannerisms, and archetypes. A passionate teacher and experienced soloist, she values a broad perspective for an enriched assimilation of the arts.
Mrs. Newkirk made her solo debut with the release of her album the Americanist, featuring orchestral works by Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and William Grant Still for solo piano.
Throughout her career, Newkirk’s projects, concerts, and ideas have reflected this comprehensive community. She was the artistic director and co-founder of the violin and piano duo, Bow & Hammer, where they curated performances that pushed the boundaries of the traditional concert. Comfortable as a soloist or in an ensemble, Newkirk continues to innovate with projects that reflect the community and present new opportunities for artistic expression.
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Samantha
Voice, Beginner Piano
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Samantha completed her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, studying with Professor Melanie Sonnenberg. Ms. Samantha is a recipient of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Encouragement Award from the Houston District in 2023 as well as a finalist in Mobile Opera’s Madame Rose Vocal Competition.
Ms. Taylor found her passion for teaching music after working for a musical theater summer camp in her hometown. After working with differently-abled campers, Ms. Taylor developed the firm belief that music should be for everyone regardless of background.
Anthony
Piano
Anthony has performed in various international venues in Costa Rica, the United States, Italy, and France and has performed with various orchestras such as the HSPVA Symphony Orchestra, the Virtuosi of Houston Chamber Orchestra, and the orchestra of the Conservatoire de Paris. He has won various competitions including the Virtuosi of Houston Concerto Competition and the HSPVA Concerto Competition and has won awards such as the Sylvia Strong Piano Award, the John E. Guida Foundation Music Scholarship, and the Mozart-Hammond Award.
Anthony values teaching his students exactly how to think and practice as professional pianists in order to optimally increase and maximize their efficiency, dexterity, and their ability to create captivating, three-dimensional experiences at the piano.
An alumnus of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Anthony is currently a member of the Honors College at the University of Houston and is currently working on two degrees, studying at the Moores School of Music and the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering.
Sara
Elementary Music Education
Voice, Beginner Piano
Sara is a music teacher and singer in the Houston area. A native Houstonian, Sara attended HSPVA in the vocal department. She graduated from Lawrence University in 2012 with a BM in vocal performance and music education. She has taught music in an independent school setting for over a decade and has extensive experience working with children of all ages. Her training includes full Kodály certification, two levels of Orff Schulwerk, and certification in World Music Pedagogy. Sara is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Music Education from George Mason University and holds professional memberships in TMEA and OAKE. In addition to teaching, Sara is an active performer around Houston. She has performed with the Houston Symphony Chorus and Chamber Singers, the Mercury Singers, and most recently with the Houston Ballet. In her free time, Sara enjoys hiking with her dog, cheering for the Astros, and spending time with family and friends.
Zach
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric)
Bass (Electric)
Ukulele
Voice
Beginner Piano
Zach is a native Houstonian who has played guitar for 25 years in a church setting, as a solo act, and in several bands. He has taught guitar for over a decade and enjoys watching others experience the fun of making their own music. He studied church music at The University of Mary Hardin Baylor, and has sung in various ensembles, including Houston Masterworks chorus. He specializes in beginner and intermediate guitar lessons as well as contemporary voice.
Zach is excited to be beginning a new journey as a pastor at a brand new church in Katy,Texas and is a proud father of 3.
Matt
Percussion - Marching, Jazz, Orchestral
Bass - Electric, Standing
Matt Power has been involved with the drum and bugle corps activity and marching arts for 35 years. He was a member of the ground- breaking 1989 Cadets percussion section, and winning both the DCI World Championship and the coveted Fred Sanford Award for High Percussion in 1990, as well as earning the Distinguished Service Award from the Cadets in 1991.
He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1992 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, studying percussion under Thomas Hannum. He received his Master's Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis on Percussion and Jazz Bass, while studying with Guy Remonko, Ernest Bastin, and David Lewis.
Matt has worked with some of the top drum and bugle corps in the country as a percussion caption manager, consultant and snare technician, including the Bluecoats, the Colts, the Seattle Cascades, the Marauders, Esperanza, and the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps.
Coming Soon…
Violin