Randy Nataraj-Allen

Piano and Voice

Formal Education:

Master’s Degree: curriculum & Instructional / Technology - Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, AZ

Bachelor of Church Music: Samford University – Birmingham, AL Major: Voice, Minor: Piano

Awards / Accolades:

Voted “Educator of the Year 2002-2003”

Experience / Performances:

August 1995 – Present: Music Teacher, Pinellas County Schools – Largo, FL

2007 Elementary All county chorus conductor

2002-2003 Elementary Music Educator of the Year

James B. Sanderlin PK-8 IB World School: grades K-5 and two classes

Fairmount Park Elementary: K-5 Music Itinerate

Northwest Elementary K-5 Music Itinerate

Lakewood Elementary K-5 Music Itinerate

Starkey Elementary: K-5 Music Itinerate

Cypress Woods Elementary: K-5 two choruses and recorder

South Ward Elementary: K-5 and two choruses

Orange Grove Elementary: k-3, SLI and SLD (195-1996 only)

January 1991-Present: Voice and Piano Instructor: Marcia P Hoffman School of the Arts

William Cusick

Piano, Vocal Instruction, Accompanist, Music

Director for Stage productions

Formal Education:

Bachelor Degree in Music Education from State University of New York and Fredonia

One semester abroad in Antwerp, Belgium studying music and art at the Royal Flemish Conservatory of Music

Master Degree in Piano Performance from University of South Florida

Awards / Accolades:

Voted Favorite Musical Director six times by the Grapevine Theater Publication.

Statement of philosophy:

Even your smallest experiences can open doorways to greater learning.

Experience / Performances:

As a Music Director he has worked at Bartk’e Dinner Theatre in Tampa, the Show Boat Dinner Theatre in

Clearwater, Hudson, community Theaters throughout Pinellas County, various high schools and instructs and

accompanies for the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts summer programs, Children’s Choir and Center Stage

Choir.

Bill has worked with actors Donald O’Connor, Dacid Naughton, from the comedy sitcom “My Sister Sam”, big

ban singer and soloist Kay Stevens, opera singer Georgio Tozzi and composer/lyricist Marin Hamlisch.

He has taught math, voice and keyboard at a private school in New Port Richey.

 

Carolyn Cline     

 

 

 

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Flute  

 

 

 

 

Formal Education: 

Master of Arts in Music Education, University of South Florida in Tampa 

Bachelor of Music Applied Piano/Music Theory, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM 

Florida Teaching Certificates:  Music K‐12 (ESE); Elementary Education K‐6. 

Orff Level I & II Certifications from University of South Florida in Tampa, FL 

 

Awards / Accolades: 

2004 Televised Broadcast on Fox 13; “What’s right with Tampa Bay 

Coach/Sponsor of the Tampa Cougarettes, who won 2004 Outstanding Disabled Star Athletes of the Year from 

the John E. Lynch foundation in Tampa, FL 

2004‐2006 Exceptional Cheer and Dance Division  

2005‐2006  US Open Cheerleading and Dance Championships in Orlando and Miami, FL 

Stuart Veteran’s Day Parade:  “Best Patriotic Theme” trophy for the Treasure Coast Flag Corp 

1979 Miss America 2nd runner‐up and first in Talent Award 

1978 Miss Florida and 1st in Talent Award 

1973 Miss USA Universe Pageant and 1st  in Swimsuit Award. 

1973 Miss New Mexico Universe 

 

Statement of philosophy: 

The piano is the mother of all instruments.  Music should be an important part in the life of every well rounded 

individual.  Music is very beneficial to building skills that can be applied to other areas of life and learning. 

 

Experience / Performances: 

Patsy Cline impersonator, pageant talent performances 

Luba Geyer

Violin and Viola

Formal Education:

Bachelor of Music, Music Education, college of Music, Russia

Master of Music, Music Education, Rostov Conservatory, Russia

Statement of philosophy:

Working with students through their strengths and weaknesses to develop the discipline

and dedication needed to succeed. Identifying student characteristics, working with the

student to develop musical potential, artistic skills and self-awareness while building

love for the instrument.

Experience / Performances:

Violin instructor for St. Petersburg College, FL; Taught at Music Academy for Children in

Brooklyn, New York and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Tampa,

Tampa, Florida; Chamber musician in various recitals; Former member of the Symphony

Orchestra, Russia; Active in the state and local community, e.g. grand opening of

Clearwater Library and St. Petersburg College Library.

Gail Lawhead

Piano

Formal Education:

Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio

Ohio and Florida teaching certificates

Awards / Accolades

Accompanied Superior rated choirs and soloists

Students receive Superior at solo/ensemble

Students accepted into music degree programs

Best of all – my own 3 children, all graduates of the International Baccalaureate program, who became

music students and performers.

Statement of philosophy:

I want music to be part of your life for all of your life! I am committed to educating the whole person

through the discovery and love of music, the discipline of daily practice, and study of music theory. I

will challenge you with specially selected pieces for your level and interest in an atmosphere of

encouragement and fun!

Experience / Performances:

Accompanist for area school choirs and for solo/ ensemble vocal festivals

Accompanist for Florida Vocal Association festivals

Pianist/Keyboardist for Faith Community church band and other services

Adjudicator for piano festivals

Piano teacher for 30 years with students ranging from 5-75!

Plan and schedule student performances at nursing homes

Toured with a college music group, performing in various churches, halls and events, including the

Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Chris Liddell

Dance

Formal Education:

Certified in the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3

Trained by such notables as Chet Walker, Dana Moore, Kathryn Sullivan, Ray Hesselink, Denise

Donovan, Sofia Carreras, Raymond Lukens and many other Ballet and Broadway legends.

Awards / Accolades

"B.A.L.L.E.T a Romance," a short film Chris directed and choreographed with dancers from American

Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem was chosen as Pointe magazine's Editor's Choice Film for

April.

Excellence in Choreography, New York Musical Festival, Assoc. Choreographer, "Ward 9"

Statement of philosophy:

I believe that dance is for everyone. Whether you are training for the professional stage or your living

room extravaganza's, dance is a vital human expression. It inspires us to be better people.

Experience / Performances:

Artist in Residence with Tampa Ballet Theatre

Taught at STEPS on Broadway in New York City, Yale University and with the Cecchetti Ballet Council of

America.

Christopher’s previous work includes performing in musicals such as A Chorus Line, 42nd St, My Fair

Lady, and Anything Goes

He has choreographed and appeared in pop concerts and music videos with Grammy nominated Larry

Dvoskin and Sean Avolio, and performed with the New York City Master Chorale at Lincoln Center.

He also makes frequent appearances in the dance concert circuit, most notably in the New York Jazz

Choreography Project and other showcases with his dance company “Le Troupe Liddell!”

Dr. Susan Robinson

Voice and piano

Formal Education:

PhD in Fine Arts / Conduction, Texas Tech University

Music Master Conduction Ball State University, Indiana

Bachelor of Arts, Vocal Performance / Psychology, Susquehanna University

Awards / Accolades:

Guest conductor across Europe and the United States

Recently returned from a successful European performance tour

Experience / Performances:

Conductor of the St. Petersburg High School Orchestra. Has conducted the Central

Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and the Central Florida Master Choir. Guest conductor

with West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, Czech Republic; Kiev State Symphony

Orchestra, Ukraine; Vidin Philharmonic Orchestra, Bulgaria; Fayetteville Symphony, NC;

St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, FL; San Angel Symphony, TX; Spokane Symphony,

WA; Long Bay Symphony, SC; Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, IA

Peggy Sheffield

Acting, On Camera and Stage

Formal Education:

Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre, Florida State University, 1979

Awards / Accolades:

Robert B. Challener, 1975

Arbie Award for Best Actress

Statement of philosophy:

My personal philosophy for providing acting lessons to my students is a reflection of my

own experiences both acting and being a mother. I offer practical, sensible guidance on

how to maximize each student’s unique attributes and talents in a loving way that

encourages them to explore (and expand) their personal potential. My style is built on

encouragement and honesty. I do not mislead students with false promises of instant

success, but I do help them realize the joy and gratification that making the most of

their skills in the performing arts can provide.

Experience / Performances:

Professional actor for over 25 years, working in film, television, commercials, industrials,

voiceovers and theatre. Member of SAG, AFTRA, and AEA. Credits include feature films

Out of Time, Jeepers Creepers, Burning Bright and The Year of Getting To Know Us with

Jimmy Fallon and Lucy Liu, TV’s One Tree Hill and HBO’s Recount, numerous

commercials, and the Voice for a new gaming company at Armacham.com. Has also

taught actors and coached privately in New York, Los Angeles and Florida as well as

teaching workshops and adjudicating for State Thespian Festivals for the past several

years.

Linda Switzer

Voice

Formal Education:

Master of Music Voice Performance from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Bachelor of Music Education from Longwood University in Farnville, VA

Awards / Accolades:

Prize winner in the Florida District Metropolitan Opera auditions

Prize winner in the Atlanta Regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions

Statement of philosophy:

A music education should be available to anyone, in any walk of life, at any age.

Experience / Performances:

Active as a performer in regional opera, zarzuela, and musical theater, she has performed roles with Opera

Tampa, Sarasota Opera, Orlando Opera, Florida Lyric Opera.

Performed with The Florida Orchestra, Treasure Coast Opera, Pensacola Opera, and Spanish Lyric Theatre.

Held a role in the world premiere of Anton Coppola’s Sacco and Vanzetti under the baton of Conductor Anton

Coppola

She recently preformed the widow in the Spanish version of the Merry Widow, entitled La Viuda Alegre, for the

Spanish Lyric Theatre

Linda owns the Florida Arts School and is an adjunct professor of voice at St. Petersburg College.

She is proud of many of her students who have gone on to have major carets on Broadway and in television and

film.

On Broadway Linda’s students have performed in : Annie, Matilda, Les Miserables, The Grinch, and Joseph and

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Her students have performed at the Asolo Theatre and American Stage.

In television, students have appeared in Law and Order, Hairspray, Gran Torino, The Good Wife, Sex and City,

American Dreams, The B--- in Apartment 23, Desperate Housewives, and one is a weatherman on Augusta, GA

television.

Butch Thomas

Saxophone and Flute

Formal Education:

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music from Webster University

Statement of philosophy:

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ― Socrates

Experience / Performances:

He has performed with The Temptations (1986), Thomas Dolby (1988), Dave Valentin

(1988) and Lenny Kravitz (1989).

His video credits include Lenny Kravitz’ hit “It Aint Over ‘Til It’s Over”, Queen Latifah’s “How Do I Love Thee” and

Sting’s “You Still Touch Me”.

Toured with superstar singer/guitarist Sting in 1996-97.

Had a feature spot on Aretha Franklin’s 1998 hit song “A Rose Is Still A Rose” written and produced by

singer/songwriter Lauren Hill.

Current single "Caribbean Woman" is his latest smash hit on the Spectra Jazz Label.

Pegg Winter

Piano, Voice, Voiceovers

Formal Education:

Bachelor of Music from ESU

Thirty years teaching and professionally performing. Broadway/national Tours, Off Broadway,

Cabaret/recording artist.

North Wood institute, Dallas TX

Intensive workshop with Lehman Engel, Sheldon Harnick, Sylvia Syms, Ralph Affamaudo, Tommy Tune,

Maury Yeston

Studied with: Tommy Tune, Maury Yeston, Arthur Kopit, Jack Eddlemen, Tommy Krasker, Phyllis

Gandy, Michael Tester and more.

Awards / Accolades:

CD; South for the Winter, released in 2000

Fifteen Years on I Tunes Spotify

Broadway and National tour of NINE with Sergio Franchi / Zev Buffman Producer

Statement of philosophy:

Inspire students to be themselves and explore their talent and true ambition. A safe haven to explore the art

of performance for everything they want and can be.

Experience / Performances:

Broadway and National tour of NINE

Mama Rose in Gypsy

Oragula in Starmites

Tricia in THE LAST SESSION

Acid Queen in TOMMY

Mary Magdalene in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

FRINGE FESTIVAL BLACKULA

Over 2000 performances across the United States

Many Commercial voiceovers including Laser Knife and Swiffer

National Anthem for NY Jests / NJ Devils

Don’t Tell Mamas NYC

Opera: Carmen, Fort Worth Opera