Music Program
Villa Maria’s unique music program offers something for every student, from experienced musicians to beginners.
It's never too late to learn an instrument or join the chorus! Villa Maria welcomes students interested in taking up an an instrument for the first time. Take lessons and enjoy the excitement of taking the stage as part of the orchestra. Or, join the concert chorus, which is open to all students regardless of singing experience.
Students are invited to take classes in music theory, history, composition, and technology. It also offers opportunities for solo and group performance as well as weekly private instruction in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral/band instruments during the school day.
Music Ensemble Opportunities
In addition to private music instruction and music classes, Villa Maria offers a variety of opportunities for students to come together to make music with their peers. Weekly rehearsals lead to performances including annual Christmas and Spring concerts.
Learn, Perform, and Compete
Villa Maria's music program offers countless opportunities to expand your skills in coursework, play in competitions, and perform at school and in the community.
Music Courses
- Music Instruction (private lessons)
- Music Theory
- Advanced Topics in Music Theory
- AP Music Theory
- Music Composition
- Music Technology
- Ear Training
- Music Appreciation
- Madrigal Singers
- String Ensemble
Enrichment Opportunities
Students are exposed to a variety of experiences field trips to:
- Philadelphia Orchestra’s open rehearsals
- Opera Philadelphia dress rehearsals
- Musicals, workshops, clinics, and other professional performances.
Performance Opportunities
- Piano Repertoire Classes
- First Friday concerts
- Voice Recital
- Guitar Recital
- Piano Guild Auditions
- Constance Murray Piano Festival
- Student Music Recital (Instrumental)
- Fall and Spring Concerts
All-Catholic Band, Orchestra, and Chorus
Students may audition for selection into the All-Catholic Ensembles sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We are proud of the excellent representation we have in these groups.
PMEA District, Regional and State Ensembles
Through Villa Maria’s ensemble directors’ memberships in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, our students may audition for the highly competitive PMEA ensembles. This is an excellent opportunity for truly dedicated students to have rewarding musical experiences with students from high schools throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes secondary school music students for their accomplishments in music, academic excellence, school involvement and community service. Villa Maria’s Chapter 1227 has garnered numerous state and international awards for their outstanding service to school and community.
Villa Maria Music Department Faculty
Learn from talented faculty members who write and perform music on campus and in the community.
Anthony Mosakowski, Ph.D.
Fine Arts Department Chair
mosakowski@vmahs.org
Dr. Anthony Mosakowski is Chair of Villa Maria’s Fine Arts Department. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music composition from Temple University. He later earned a Ph.D. in composition at the University of Durham, UK. At Villa Maria, Dr. Mosakowski teaches courses in music theory, composition, music technology, ear training, music appreciation, and applied voice; and directs the Concert Chorus and Madrigal Singers.
Dr. Mosakowski’s numerous compositions include works for a wide variety of media and audiences, and his special interests include choral and electroacoustic music. Dr. Mosakowski has also directed the Early Music Ensemble at Temple University, taught aural theory at West Chester University, and is currently a tenor vocalist with the Renaissance consort, Musica Humana, based in West Chester.
Leah (Kyoungwoon) Kim-Tomilson
Director of Music
lkim@vmahs.org
Ms. Leah (Kyoungwoon) Kim-Tomilson was born in Busan, S. Korea. She was an Associate concertmaster at Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra in Korea and a guest concertmaster for Pottstown Symphony. As a violinist she has performed with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadelphia Opera, Harrisburg Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Delaware Symphony, and Elysian Camerata Trio Excelsior. She is the founding member of La Croix Quartet, Tononi Quartet, Sori Duo and Caritas Trio.
Ms. Leah has been on the faculty of Temple University, West Chester University, Valley Forge Christian College, West Catholic High School, Settlement Music School, and Peabody Conservatory Prep. She was a director of string ensemble at Archbishop John Carroll High School, Lehigh Valley Performing Arts High School, and director of music at Rebecca Davis Dance Company.
Currently Ms. Leah is the Director of Music at Villa Maria Academy High School, a faculty member at Eastern University, a violinist in La Croix Quartet, and Director of Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra, Pennsylvania Petit Ensemble and Vivace Competition and Chamberstrings Summer Camp.
Ms. Leah studied Performance and Pedagogy at Juilliard, Peabody Conservatory, and National Conservatory in France, and began her Doctorate in Music and Arts at Temple University.
Ms. Leah’ music major students have gone on to play in the Philadelphia Orchestra 2nd violin section, and to study at the Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard Music School, Manhattan School or Music, Eastman Music School, Peabody Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Boston College, Swarthmore, Berkley, Michigan, Vanderbilt, University of Hartford, Moravian University and Temple University.
Sr. Dolores Margaret Murray, IHM
sdmargaret@vmahs.org
Sister Dolores Margaret Murray comes to Villa Maria from Immaculata High School in Somerville N.J. For many years Sister has been involved in Marching Band, Pit Orchestra,Instrumental and Vocal Music Programs.
Her various degrees from Immaculata University, Temple University and West Chester University have prepared her for her many experiences in Music Education.
Adjunct Music Faculty
- Kitty Bobnak – Cello and bass
- Ieva Carucci – Piano
- Angela Falco — Flute
- Gareth Haynes — Clarinet and brass
- Dominic Mastrangelo – Guitar
- Pavinee Snyder – Piano
- Ken Vogel – Percussion
(Instructor bios on the Music Instruction page)