Kindermusik Instructor, Julia Cobley
Julia Cobley, a native Scot with a soft Scottish brogue, is a musician who has dedicated herself to bringing the joy of music to young children and their families. She is recognized for her ability to combine music, fun, and learning in the class room where her genuine love of children shines through. Julia was inducted into the Kindermusik Maestro program at its inception, and is one of only 5 educators worldwide to have achieved maestro status not only for the scope of her program, but also for masterful teaching.
Voice Instructor, Sarah DempseySarah Dempsey, soprano, is a native of North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied with Valentin Lanzrein and Rebecca Swingle-Putland. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts in English. During her time at Chapel Hill, she participated in numerous performances, including work with UNC Opera in The Secret Marriage, the UNC Baroque Ensemble, and the Chapel Hill Philharmonic. She was also seen as Lily in The Secret Garden and Johanna in Sweeney Todd. She was awarded first prize at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition for the National Association of Teachers of Singing in 2008. Sarah twice participated in the Corso internazionale di musica da camera in Tuscania, Italy. She was also a member of the vocal ensemble for the College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, Massachusetts. She recently completed her Masters Degree at the New England Conservatory of Music where she studied with Carole Haber. While in Boston, she was featured in productions of Menotti's Help! Help, the Globolinks!, Offenbach's The Lantern Marriage, Mozart's The Magic Flute, and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. She also performed in scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro (Contessa), Manon (Manon), and La Bohème (Musetta) with NEC Opera. Recently returned from her studies, she lives and teaches in Cary.
Piano Instructor, Megan Olson
Megan Olson graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Eduation. She is level 1 Orff certified and also is Kindermusik certified. She has been a music teacher in various public schools in North Carolina and has also taught Kindermusik at the Music Academy of Wake County in Holly Springs. Megan teaches private piano lessons at Woodhaven and resides in Fuquay-Varina with husband Brett and 3 young children Davis, Kate and Andrew.
Ray Newlin, Piano InstructorRay Newlin earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at UNC-Greensboro and has enjoyed a career in the public schools both as a choral director and as a school administrator. Ray looks forward to continuing his work with young people (and adults!) as he joins the
Woodhaven School of the Arts faculty.
Sue Ellen Parrish, Piano Instructor
Sue Ellen Parrish graduated from Meredith College with Bachelor of Arts degree in Education K-4/Music Certification K-12. She has also studied at NC State University and East Carolina University with AG Certification K-12. She is currently employed with the Wake County Public School System as an accelerated learning program teacher/coordinator. She has held other positions in Wake county as well as Nash county and the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh. Sue Ellen teaches private piano lessons at Woodhaven. She resides in Apex with her husband Charles.
Suzi Primm, Kindermusik InstructorSuzi Primm is currently in her third year teaching music classes at Peace Presbyterian Children’s Center where she develops and leads music and movement classes to two through six year olds. A licensed Kindermusik instructor, she has also just completed her first year teaching “Our Time” and “ABC & Me” classes to parents and young children in Cary. Over the years, she has taught children’s Sunday school classes and led women’s Bible studies. Before entering the preschool teaching world she homeschooled her three children, two of whom are now at Clemson and one is here at Panther Creek High.
She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1982 with a B.A. in Communication. She has always loved music of all types and has sung in choirs and worship teams throughout her life. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for music with others and looks forward to singing with you!
Andrew Tatum, Guitar Instructor
Andrew Tatum received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Campbell University with a double major in religion and Christian ministry. He has served in the youth ministry in 5 different churches in North Carolina with his current position as youth ministry director at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield. He is passionate about helping others learn to praise God through the gift of music. Andrew teaches private guitar lessons at Woodhaven and lives in Raleigh with his wife and one child.