String Lessons
IAN HOBLITZELL
Violin/ Viola - Ian Hoblitzell is a violinist and violist from the Philadelphia/South New Jersey area. Chamber musician, experienced section leader, studio musician and music educator Ian spends his days both creating and teaching music. Ian is an alumnus of Rowan University located in Glassboro, New Jersey, where he earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Subject Matter Education in 2013 with Summa Cum Laude honors. While attending Rowan, Ian acted as Concertmaster of the University Orchestra and String Ensemble for the 2012-2013 academic year. His professional performing career includes working with the following organizations: Concertmaster for Bella Canta Productions LLC, studio musician for the group “The Greenfields”, Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, The Greater South Jersey Chorus, Camerata Philadelphia Orchestra (China tour in 2012), Philadelphia String Quartet, Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey (PSNJ), Bonilla String Quartet, Party of Three, Four Strings Entertainment, Orvieto International Orchestra and The Jersey Shore Pops.
In 2009 he was appointed to the position of Principal Second Violinist of the PSNJ where he sits presently. Since 2014 Ian has held the position of full-time Director of Elementary Strings in Washington Township School District of Sewell, NJ. In addition to frequently performing, Ian has been consistently teaching private violin and viola lessons since 2009. Many of his middle and high school students have auditioned and been accepted into the All-South Jersey Orchestra annually. He tailors each lesson to the students’ individual needs to ensure the best possible experience for each student.
Adriana markano
Violin/ Viola - As a native of South Jersey, Andriana is a highly regarded violist and violinist throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Her performance career spans many genres including country, rock, bluegrass, Celtic and classical music. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she studied with Hugh Partridge, a disciple of William Primrose. While at UNC, Andriana served as principal violist of the UNC Symphony, and was one of three students selected to perform with the European Union Youth Orchestra during their 2012 tour of the U.S. She has also studied with Rachel Ku of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the late Tony Simmons. She has performed alongside members of R.E.M., The Posies, Wilco, Yo La Tengo, The dB’s, as well as tour dates with Joan Osborne. Andriana is an active studio session player, and can be heard on many newly released albums. She has also performed on NPR’s “From the Top” radio broadcast. Most recently, she has been working with country artist Lisa Matassa, and has opened for major country recording artists including Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, Lee Brice, and Ronnie Dunn. Andriana is also a Teaching Artist at Philadelphia’s El Sistema based program, Play On, Philly! and is on the faculty at Rowan University Prep.
anthony Pirollo
Cello – Anthony Pirollo, Cellist, attended the Philadelphia Music Academy where he studied with William de Pasquale and George Harpham and Claus Adam. Mr. Pirollo has performed as guest principal cellist with the Houston opera for Jose Carerras as well as for its world premiere of Meredith Monk’s opera “Atlas”. He has appeared as principle cellist for many artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Joshua Bell, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathas, Sammy Davis Jr and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zepplin to name a few. In 1990 he co-founded Bel Canto Opera Company in which he serves as associate musical director and conductor. Mr. Pirollo has composed for various groups in the Philadelphia area and is currently principle cellist of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra as well as principle cellist of the Atlantic City Music Union.
maggie brunning
Piano/Harp/Special Needs – Miss Maggie has been teaching music to children, teens and adults for over 20 years, both privately and in group settings. She is so thankful for the joy she sees that music brings her students and parents. She is always amazed at the powerful effect that music has on each child she teaches and treasures that special moment when she sees the student connect with the music, another child, parent and teacher. She believes that all children should have the opportunity to learn and enjoy music which is why she has dedicated her life to give every child and family the opportunity to learn and experience music.
She has studied at University of Houston; attended workshops and master classes at Westminster Choir College; and continues to attend master classes and workshops. Studied and performing with with Gloria Galante, professor at West Chester University and founder of their harp program off 20 years.
She also held office as Publicity Chairperson for two years in the South Jersey Music Teacher’s Association. Her passion for sharing music and inspiring others has led her to a full time schedule of over 40 students weekly, ages ranging from four to 84 years old, including beginners through advanced levels. In addition to her private students she has been on the faculty at Holy Rosary Catholic School and Kellman Academy in Cherry Hill, NJ teaching piano and group flute lessons.
She has also been on the faculty at the Cherubini Academy in Burlington, NJ where she has studied piano tuning and performed with one of the masters of the trade, Richard Cherubini Sr.,an accomplished jazz pianist and aural tuner, owner of Center Stage Pianos. She now is a piano technician who services/tunes pianos for private individuals/students, churches and schools.
Her dedication to her students involves weekly lessons, accompanying them in recitals and competitions, and attending all their performances outside of recitals she holds. She provides her students with as many performance opportunities as possible, including a fund raiser for UNICEF with a performance at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Even with her busy teaching schedule, she still manages to make time to share her talents performing with others as well, including appearing as featured soloist and accompanist with Sinclair Productions, String Breezes, Dorian Aire, guest soloist with her student at the Kimmel Center and a guest appearance on “Musical Spotlight” program on the radio and performing on harp and flute with the West Chester Harp Ensemble.
“I feel extremely honored and thankful to have such a rewarding career and I realize how important my work is as I am always inspiring and motivating my students with music, which helps them in all aspects of their life!”
Maggie is a member of NJHA (New Jersey Homeschool Association), teaching and supporting homeschoolers for over 15 years. She also has been on the board of judicators for the homeschoolers solo competitions. Maggie also teaches special needs children and uses her Harp in a therapeutic way.
