Meet Our Teachers
Julie Snyder, Owner - Voice & Piano
Julie graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN and has a bachelors degree in vocal performance. In her early 20s she was a staff songwriter and was signed to a production deal with producer Michael C Sheahan (award winning Mr. Holidays himself!). To listen to one of her songs search her maiden name “Julie Hevey” followed by the song title “Summertime” on any streaming service or YouTube.
Since moving back to her hometown of Sykesville, MD, Julie equates life to, “What it would feel like to live in a Hallmark movie! There is something so magical about coming back to your hometown and seeing it with new eyes. To have a dream of opening a music studio and then actually doing it is surreal! Helping others in their musical journeys is my life’s passion. I love working with students and helping them build confidence and grow musically”.
Julie teaches piano and voice lessons to students of all ages and experience levels. She genuinely loves to teach all styles of music, but especially loves Pop/Rock, Country, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Worship music 🎶
You may recognize Julie from around town, as she was the Worship and Arts Director at Friendship Baptist church from 2015-2023 and the middle and high school music director for Constellations Theatre Company from 2022-2024.
Tommy Gray - Guitar, Bass Guitar & Piano
Tommy has been playing the guitar for more than 20 years. A trained classical guitarist who also enjoys playing and teaching rock, metal, and jazz, Tommy encourages his students to take control of their own guitar journey and learn the style of music they enjoy most.
Tommy has professional performing experience as a soloist for concerts, weddings, and events, as well as with groups, including bands and jazz and chamber ensembles.
He brings to his teaching a diverse repertoire of skills and styles: classical pieces by composers like Mauro Giuliani and Antonio Lauro, bebop or bossa nova jazz standards, iconic classic rock riffs, and even head-banging metal.
He has studied under prominent classical guitarists in the area including Garth Baxter, Chaz Aguado, and Troy King. Tommy is still currently studying with Troy. “In order to be a great teacher, I believe you must also be a lifelong student of your craft. There is always more knowledge and enjoyment to be found in learning, and there is always more to learn.”
Heather Vineyard - Voice & Piano
Heather is a highly trained soprano singer and has been a part of, and featured in, many musical and operatic stage performances throughout her life. Additionally, she is a former frequent soloist and assistant conductor with the Master Singers of Virginia.
She has a Master of Music Education Degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA, and is in-progress to earn a Voice Pedagogy degree from Westminster Choir College through Rider University.
Heather’s love for singing parallels her love for teaching, which is highlighted by her 25 years of experience teaching students at the secondary, collegiate and professional levels.
She began her teaching career as a public school music and choral conductor. More recently, she served as Director of Vocal Activities at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, VA.,
Heather has seen many of her students land lead roles in musical performances, be accepted into prestigious college and university music programs, have success on operatic stages, and be hired by Broadway touring companies.
As a voice specialist, she places emphasis on healthy vocal technique and vocal health. Heather enjoys working with students of all ages and levels including beginner to advanced level students.
Misaki Weddington - Voice
Misaki is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County studying acting and music. Music has been a part of every aspect of her life from family, friends, and hobbies. Her first introduction to music and musical theatre was Phantom of the Opera. The soundtrack from this musical catapulted her into her love for music today.
She has been training in voice for over ten years in classical, musical theatre, and pop music styles. Her most notable training includes singing with Peabody Preparatory at John Hopkins University for six years and currently singing with the Jubilee Singers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Misaki has performed in various shows including 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Schwartzy, Legally Blonde as Brooke Windham, and On National Road for Ellicott City’s 250th celebration as Margo, a video of which can be found on YouTube. Other credits are listed on her website.
Will Donohoe - Guitar & Piano
Will Donohoe is a dedicated guitarist and music educator currently pursuing a degree in Guitar Performance at Towson University, where he has also completed a degree in Music Education. He teaches both guitar and piano, helping students of all ages build their skills and discover their own musical voices.
Trained in classical guitar, Will has performed works by composers such as J.S. Bach and Agustín Barrios, and he had the honor of giving the world premiere of a composition commissioned by the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society. While classical music is a core part of his background, Will is equally passionate about electric guitar and enjoys playing across a wide range of genres including rock, blues, and modern styles.
Will brings a balanced, student-centered approach to teaching, encouraging each student to explore the styles they love while developing solid technical foundations. “I believe the best learning happens when students feel connected to the music they’re playing,” he says. “It’s about building both skill and passion.”
Richie Wolf - Drums
Richie began drumming in elementary school when he joined the school band as a percussionist. As he grew in talent he continued with private lessons and learning the drum set. He loves all styles, but his favorite style of music to play is heavy metal and he has been a part of several bands.
His love of music and teaching are clear to see in his lessons. He has a special way of catering to each of his students and helping them to achieve their goals.
Lynda Slack - Piano
Lynda grew up taking piano lessons and even had the opportunity from 9th-12th grades, to study under Walter B. Roberts who at that time had just retired from his position as the Head of the Winthrop Music Department.
She remembers him fondly as a teacher. He was tough and expected a minimum of an hour of practice a day which drove her brothers crazy… but she loved it and loved progressing in her skills!
Lynda has played piano and keys in churches since her teenage years. She currently plays keys at Friendship Baptist Church with their worship band, where she finds much joy and fulfillment using her talents every week.
Professionally, Lynda spent several years teaching/assisting at Wesley Freedom Early Years Learning Center preschool. We are continuously dazzled here at Cordial Music Collaborative with how successfully she teaches the younger kids to read, play, and love piano! We are beyond happy she has joined our teaching team and love the kind and generous heart she brings to us and her students!
Anna Tope - Voice
Anna grew up with a passion and love for singing and performing. Her background is in theatre, choir, worship team, dance, and performing solos for events including cabarets, musicals, churches and singing the National Anthem for baseball games. In high school, she started playing guitar and writing her own music.
After high school, Anna went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance at York College of Pennsylvania where she graduated in 2020. Since then she has taught choir, voice lessons, and dance to students of all ages and abilities. Anna is super excited to begin her journey at Cordial Music!
