Kirsten Fitzsimmons, Instructor: keyboard, strings
Ms. Fitzsimmons holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Instrumental Music Education and a graduate certificate in harpsichord and early music from Towson University. Ms. Fitzsimmons is currently in her eighth year of teaching in Cecil County Public Schools and has experience teaching toddlers, youth, adolescent, and adult learners. She performs weekly as the organist and music director for Bethel Presbyterian Church in White Hall, MD and freelances as an accompanist and violinist/violist. Her teaching expertise ranges from beginner to advanced violin, viola, keyboard, and music theory. Her current interests and performance mediums include the harpsichord and Baroque violin. Ms. Fitzsimmons has studied under Dr. Jeffrey Howard (Towson Univeristy, violin), Dr. Sergei Morozov (Towson University, piano), Tim Murphy (Peabody, pipe organ), and Marc Bellassai (Towson University, early music, harpsichord). Ms. Fitzsimmons is also the founder and owner of Cadence Point Academy, LLC.
Meghan Owens, Instructor: woodwinds, brass, guitar
Ms. Owens holds bachelors degrees in Music Education and Music with emphasis in Flute Performance earned in 2017 from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. Ms. Owens was the band director at North East High School in Cecil County, MD for seven years from 2017-2024. She has experience directing concert band, marching band, jazz band, and indoor winds ensembles. Most recently, Ms. Owens earned her masters degree in Educational Leadership and is now the Dean of Students at North East Middle School. Ms. Owens is comfortable teaching any wind band instrument on the elementary and middle school levels, beginner guitar, as well as woodwinds on the high school level.
Danielle Crosby, Instructor: voice, piano
Mrs. Crosby is a passionate and dedicated vocal and piano instructor with 11 years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels throughout Cecil County. Mrs. Crosby holds a bachelors degree in K-12 Music Education, specializing in choral music from York College of Pennsylvania, and a masters degree in Music Education as well as a certification in Kodaly from Loyola University of Maryland. Outside of the studio, Mrs. Crosby leads worship music at First Baptist Church of Perryville each Sunday. With a patient, nurturing approach, she helps students gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of music while they grow their skills. Mrs. Crosby looks forward to offering various group music classes, ensemble activities, and teaching individual piano and voice lessons.
Andrew Steinberg, Instructor: brass
Andrew Steinberg is currently a first year teacher in Cecil County, serving as the Band Director at Rising Sun High School. While primarily a trumpet player, he has experience performing on french horn, trombone, and euphonium as well. Andrew was selected as a Maryland All-State Musician 4 times as a member of Maryland State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensembles. While studying at the University of Delaware, Andrew held positions as Principal Trumpet of the UD Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble and was also Lead Trumpet of the UD Jazz Ensemble. Andrew is a 2x Quarterfinalist and 1x Semifinalist as a soloist in the National Trumpet Competition and marched trumpet with the Boston Crusaders during their 2023 season, winning 4th place at Drum Corps International World Championships Finals. Andrew's versatility and creativity as a musician makes him the perfect teacher for any young aspiring brass players.
Robert Castaldi, Instructor: Percussion
Mr. Castaldi has been teaching music for Cecil County Public Schools for over 30 years. He is currently the band director at Rising Sun Middle School where he teaches woodwind, brass, and percussion lessons, as well as general music classes, for grades 6-8. Mr. Castaldi has been playing percussion most of his life, including Timpani with the New Jersey All State Honors Band, drum set with the West Chester University Criterions Jazz Ensemble, and as touring drummer over the past 30 years, including a concert with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Mr. Castaldi received his Bachelor’s degree in music education from West Chester University and Master’s degree in music education from the University of Delaware. With depth of experience and an encouraging teaching style, Mr. Castaldi looks forward to helping students achieve their percussion goals.
Andrew Cassell, Instructor: voice, piano
Andrew Cassell currently teaches choir and piano at North East High School in Cecil County. Mr. Cassell has experience singing in a variety of ensembles including chamber groups, a capella, and larger choirs. Mr. Cassell holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and vocal performance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He is also in the process of earning his certification in Kodály method from Loyola University. Mr. Cassell uses Kodály method and knowledge of vocal performance techniques to express himself through song, with an emphasis on textual meaning. Mr. Cassell looks forward to creating a positive and fun learning environment for all piano and vocal students.