The VM Conservatory Instructors
Dr. William Carr
Dr. William Carr is a Steinway Artist and former Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Immaculata University. Dr. Carr studied piano at the Juilliard School as well as at Temple University, and he earned his doctorate in piano at the Catholic University of America. He continued his piano studies in Germany and Austria with concert pianist, Paul Badura-Skoda. In 2005 he was named a Steinway Artist, a prestigious title that recognizes the most exceptional music performers in the world. For six consecutive years, Dr. Carr was named one of the "Top Music Teachers" by Steinway & Sons. Dr. Carr holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Angela Falco '76
Ms. Angela Falco ’76, a graduate of Villa Maria Academy, is a flutist, songwriter, jazz pianist, and music therapist. She graduated from Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (University of the Arts) with a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Arts (Music Therapy) and a Special Education Certification from Immaculata University. She studied flute at the University of the Arts, under Adeline Tomasone, Joseph Musemeci, soloists with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Harold Bennett, NY Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, John Krell, piccolo with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Latin Grammy winner, classical/jazz flutist, Nestor Torres. She continues to study piano with renowned jazz pianist, Andy LaVerne.
Dr. Kelly Gebhardt
Dr. Kelly Gebhardt is a lecturer in music at Immaculata University, where she has taught Applied Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, and Music for Exceptional Leaders, among other courses. She is also the Director of Performance Arts at Stratford Friends School. She earned her doctorate in musical arts, vocal performance, from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a master's degree in music, voice performance from Temple University. Dr. Gebhardt She has worked extensively in musical theater at Immaculata, Temple University, and Stratford Friends School, in roles ranging from music director to production and stage manager/director.
Mr. Gareth Haynes
Gareth Haynes graduated from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in classical composition in May of 2018, studying under Prof. Jan Krzywicki and Dr. Cynthia Folio. Since November 2023, he is the Organist and Music Director at St. Matthew's Parish in Conshohocken, where he is building a new music program. He holds a Service-Playing Certificate (SPC) with the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
Mr. Haynes's performance experience includes the full range of brass and woodwinds, as well as piano, organ, harpsichord, and voice. As a teenager, he studied clarinet with Will Amsel and Gi Lee, and played with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. While in college, Mr. Haynes sang tenor with the University Concert Choir and Graduate Conductors' Chorus, served as a staff singer at the Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany in Center City Philadelphia, and played sackbut with the Temple Early Music Ensemble. As a student, Mr. Haynes won two composition competitions hosted by the Network for New Music. Mr. Haynes currently directs the intermediate division of the Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra, a strings program based in Malvern. As a conductor, he has had opportunities to study with Maestro Miguel Romea, Dr. James Jordan, Dr. Timothy McDonnell, and Sir James MacMillan.
Ms. Denise Rose
Denise Rose is a choral conductor and educator from the Philadelphia area. She has an MM in Choral Conducting from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a BM in Music Education from Immaculata University. Her career as an educator includes private voice and piano instruction, teaching General Music classes, and directing choirs and ensembles of students in Pre-K through High School. Denise has worked in Catholic Churches throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as Choir Director, vocal soloist and organist. She is currently the Music Director and Choir Director at St. Colman Church in Ardmore, PA, and the Choir Teacher at Archbishop Wood High School. Other musical experience includes Music Directing for local Community Theatres and performing as singer/pianist for Christmas Shows, Valentine’s Day Shows, and other events at nursing homes and local churches. Denise is excited to be part of the Villa Maria teaching voice and piano lessons.
Ms. Mia Venezia
Philadelphia-based harpist Mia Venezia performs and teaches throughout the country, including performance settings such as the Nashville Opera, New World Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra where she holds the principal chair. A frequent collaborator in chamber music, Mia was featured as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh and a two time winner of the Pittsburgh Chamber Society Chamber Division.
Mia graduated from the Yale School of Music as a Irving Gilmore fellow, where she studied with harpist and pedagogue June Han. Previously she has received degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Northwestern University, graduating both institutes with distinguished honors. A passionate educator, Mia holds a private studio in which she hopes to inspire and foster the next generation of harpists