“My goal is to help students find confidence and joy in playing their instrument.”
Claudia has played the violin for 13 years and has been teaching since 2020. In her youth, she played with the Fredericksburg Area Young Musicians and Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In December 2025, she will graduate from the University of Mary Washington (UMW) with a bachelor’s degree in music education. At UMW, she performs with the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra and other chamber ensembles.
She has earned the James E. Baker Scholarship, Aurelia B. Walford Scholarship, won 2nd/3rd place in UMW’s 2022/2024 Concerto Competition, and has participated in the UMW Honors Recital.
She has spent the past few years tutoring young violin students at KBI Music Shoppe and William Mason Violin Shop. She has performed with the Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale, Stafford Opera Troupe, and Lifepoint church. She is also a member of the Eagle Strings.
“Here for all of your musical needs from beginner to professional.”
Gennaro “LJ” Trotta is an accomplished drummer and producer who has been active in the music industry for 15 years. LJ has toured the globe with both national and international acts and has shared the stage with artists such as Kenny Rogers, Halestorm, and Victor Wooten.
LJ recieved both his Bachelors and Masters in Music Production and Engineering from the prestigious Berklee College of Music graduating with honors distinction on his principal instrument of drum set.
LJ owns LGenius Productions, a recording studio, that specializes in recording, mixing and mastering as well as remote drum recording and lessons. LJ has recieved numerous awards for his work including the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award and the Friends of the Philharmonic Scholarship. LJ currently offers private instruction in the areas of drum set, percussion, and music production.
“Music is to be enjoyable, and last a lifetime. I make learning music fun and clear from your first chord to advanced improvising. I focus on your musical interests and provide you with the tools you will need to achieve your goals.”
Bruce Middle is an educator, composer, publisher, and performing and recording artist with over 35 years in the industry. He has taught since 1985, and teaches beginners through advanced (ages 10 to adult) in all styles.
Member of: MENC, IAJE, BMI, WAMA Education: NVCC, GMU, UMW
Bruce is the Professor of Guitar and Director of the Guitar Ensemble at The University of Mary Washington, and is an 11-time WAMA (Washington Area Music Award) nominee.
Joanna Smith has been playing upright and electric bass professionally for the past 10 years, and has taught since 2014. She received her BA in music from the University of Mary Washington in 2012, spending four years in the UMW Philharmonic and Jazz band.
She can often be seen playing in Fredericksburg and abroad with various groups in styles ranging from jazz to bluegrass and rock.
Her most recent projects include playing for Ladia, The Kingbolts, and Jon Tyler Wiley and his Virginia Choir, and she regularly plays in the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts’ pit orchestra. She is a member of AFM Local 161-710.
