Teachers
Welcome to our Teacher Bio page! Here, you can get to know the talented and dedicated instructors who make Tolbert Music such a special place to learn.
If you’d like to request a specific teacher for lessons, simply include their name in your signup form.
Already a student and need to contact your instructor directly? Just reach out to us through the contact form, and we’ll connect you.
🎺 Christopher Tolbert
Founder & CEO, Tolbert Music
Christopher is the founder and CEO of Tolbert Music, bringing over 15 years of teaching experience across virtually every aspect of music education. He holds a degree in Music Education from Ithaca College (Class of 2010) and has taught General Music, Band, Orchestra, and private lessons on all instruments.
A passionate performer, Christopher’s primary instruments are trumpet and piano, and he continues to perform regularly on both.
He works with students of all ages and abilities, and has developed a flexible, student-centered teaching approach that encourages independent learning and supports each student’s unique musical interests.
🎤 Kelsey Tolbert
Vocalist & Multi-Instrumental Instructor
Kelsey Tolbert is a professional vocalist and passionate educator originally from Harrisonburg, VA. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from James Madison University and brings over 9 years of teaching experience in Fairfax County Public Schools, where she taught general music and choir to students from preschool through high school.
Kelsey has also worked extensively with special needs populations, bringing inclusivity and compassion to every classroom she enters. In addition to voice, she teaches piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Her positive and energetic teaching style makes her an ideal fit for beginning and developing learners, and she encourages students to celebrate both their progress and successes. Kelsey is committed to helping every student build confidence and a lifelong love of music.
🥁 Matthew Krysztopik
Percussionist & Music Educator
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from George Mason University, where he performed with a variety of ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Mason Percussion Group, and several chamber ensembles.
Beyond the university setting, Matthew has performed with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra, Festival Pops Orchestra, and the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps, showcasing his versatility as a percussionist.
Although he initially planned to pursue a performance degree, Matthew discovered that teaching was his true passion. Inspired by the profound impact his own music teachers had on him, he now strives to ignite that same passion in his students.
“Music education is about bringing joy to students’ lives, and I look forward to continuing to cultivate that joy in my classroom every day.”
Diego Nava
🎹 Diego Nava
Pianist, Composer & Music Educator
Diego Nava is a versatile pianist, composer, and dedicated music teacher with a passion for both performance and education. He has played in a wide range of settings, including jazz ensembles, quartets, and trios, as well as at weddings, theaters, and other live events.
He currently serves as Pianist and Music Director at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, where he brings both artistry and leadership to the community’s musical life.
Diego's teaching experience spans a variety of settings. In Fall 2019, he led the entire music program at Washington Latin Charter School as a long-term substitute teacher, directing three choir classes, a jazz ensemble, and a music theory course. He has also served as an instructor at the Blues Alley Jazz Camp, helping young musicians strengthen their ensemble performance skills.
With over six years of experience teaching private piano lessons, Diego works with students ranging in age from 4 to 50, supporting a wide range of musical goals and interests. His teaching style is adaptable and student-centered, helping each learner grow in confidence and musicality.
🎸 Cole Holland
Guitarist, Composer & Music Instructor
Cole is a graduate of Berklee College of Music (Class of 2017) and a professional guitarist based in the DMV area. With a passion for all musical styles, Cole is a versatile artist who composes original music, performs in a wide range of settings, and is constantly exploring new creative directions.
Though he began playing guitar at age 14—later than many—his deep love for music had been present from the start. Thanks to inspiring teachers and mentors, Cole quickly advanced, eventually earning a scholarship to Berklee and receiving a performance award for guitar during his time there.
Cole brings that same passion, curiosity, and joy into his teaching. Whether performing, composing, or instructing, he thrives on sharing the transformative power of music with students of all ages and levels.
Nichole Savage
Vocalist & Music Educator
Nichole Savage is a classically trained opera singer and experienced music educator with a passion for inclusive and adaptive teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and brings over 10 years of experience working with learners in a wide variety of settings.
Nichole has taught in Montessori schools, worked with students with disabilities, supported youth in group homes, served in churches of various denominations, and even cared for young children as a nanny. These diverse experiences have equipped her with the tools to create personalized, achievable lesson plans that meet each student where they are.
Her thoughtful, student-centered approach helps foster confidence and creativity in every learner, regardless of age or ability.
🥁 Cory Haley
Percussionist & Music Educator
Cory Haley is an accomplished percussionist and music educator based in Northern Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from George Mason University and has performed on stages across the globe — including at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference, with the Washington Commanders Marching Band, and internationally in Kenya, Ireland, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cory’s students recently gained national recognition as winners of the Metallica Marching Band Competition, a testament to his passion for excellence and creative instruction.
With a rich musical background spanning classical and contemporary percussion, jazz, ragtime, funk, marching arts, and European and American brass bands, Cory brings incredible depth to his teaching. He works to integrate a wide range of styles and genres into his lessons, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning experience for students of all ages and abilities.
🎻 Daniel Frankhuizen
Cellist, Composer & Music Educator
Daniel Frankhuizen is an accomplished cellist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed across the United States and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and member of various pop ensembles. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and Storm King Art Center.
With over 15 years of private teaching experience, Daniel offers instruction in cello, piano, violin, viola, guitar, and ukulele, and brings 10 years of classroom teaching expertise to his work with students of all ages and backgrounds. A versatile and passionate educator,
🎵 Andy Goldsmith
Woodwind & Piano Instructor | Music Educator
Andy Goldsmith is an experienced performer and music educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has worked with students of all ages and abilities, offering private lessons in woodwind and piano, as well as classroom teaching for students aged 3 to 18.
With a broad range of skills and experience, Andy has held prominent teaching positions in the UK, including Assistant Programme Leader for Music at Harrogate Grammar School and Head of Music at Fulford School in York. His innovative approach to music education led to him winning the York Cultural Education Award in 2016 for an outreach programme that impacted the entire city.
Andy’s successes in education propelled him into the role of Partnership Director for a Multi Academy Trust, where he developed and delivered a 3-18 educational program for students across multiple schools. Most recently, Andy served as the Director of Performing Arts at one of North Yorkshire's leading independent schools, before relocating to North America.