Eternity Music Academy Faculty
Rusty Farmer
Rusty Farmer has been teaching music for over 20 years in the Richmond area. A native of Richmond, Rusty studied string bass at Virginia Commonwealth University where he completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies. Rusty has studied with Clarence Seay, Paul Langosch, Mark Bernat, Victor Dvoskin, Doug Richards, Paul Bedell and John D’earth.
Rusty teaches string bass and bass guitar, beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele and beginning piano. He currently is guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor several institutions in the Richmond Metro region. His goal as an instructor is to motivate, inspire and educate the total musician. He is well versed in music theory, improvisation as well as the various styles of music.
As a performer, Rusty has had the privilege to perform with Jason Marz, Stanley Jordan, Harry Allen, Romero Lubambo, Rogerio Boccato, and many others. He is a regular performer at Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York City and has toured Peru, South America and Ireland. He is a member of the worship team at Eternity Church.
Rusty teaches string bass and bass guitar, beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele and beginning piano. He currently is guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor several institutions in the Richmond Metro region. His goal as an instructor is to motivate, inspire and educate the total musician. He is well versed in music theory, improvisation as well as the various styles of music.
As a performer, Rusty has had the privilege to perform with Jason Marz, Stanley Jordan, Harry Allen, Romero Lubambo, Rogerio Boccato, and many others. He is a regular performer at Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York City and has toured Peru, South America and Ireland. He is a member of the worship team at Eternity Church.
Sallie Penn Godwin
Virginia native Sallie Penn Godwin has been teaching and performing as a professional musician in the Richmond metro area for over 15 years. She teaches violin (all levels), beginning viola, and beginning and intermediate piano and organ at EMA. Sallie earned her Bachelor of Music Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied Violin Performance under Susanna Klein (Richmond Symphony).
In addition to the violin, Sallie is also proficient in both piano and pipe organ (her secondary instrument of study for undergrad) where she was trained by organist Dr. Ardyth Lohuis (Virginia Commonwealth University, recording artist). She has participated in masterclasses with acclaimed artists such as virtuoso violinist Jennifer Koh, David and Linda Cerone (Cleveland Institute of Music), Cyrus Forough, Uri Vardi, and Martin Davids (Callipygian Players-Chicago). Some of Sallie’s most influential teachers include Alana Carithers (Richmond Symphony), Herr Achim Gerber (Berlin Conservatory), and Susanna Klein.
Sallie has served as a music educator at many institutions in Richmond including Richmond Piano, Key Signatures, Chesterfield Music, Richmond Music Center, Bravo Music Academy, Collegiate School, and St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s School. She currently teaches out of her personal studio in the West-End and for EMA. She performs as a freelance violinist, playing for weddings, orchestras, and formal parties in the central Virginia area. Sallie began her career teaching music in 2003, and has since been dedicated to bringing the joy of excellent music to her students. Sallie lives in Richmond with her husband Chance and three young children Alice Lee, Edward, and Charles Wesley.
Virginia native Sallie Penn Godwin has been teaching and performing as a professional musician in the Richmond metro area for over 15 years. She teaches violin (all levels), beginning viola, and beginning and intermediate piano and organ at EMA. Sallie earned her Bachelor of Music Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied Violin Performance under Susanna Klein (Richmond Symphony).
In addition to the violin, Sallie is also proficient in both piano and pipe organ (her secondary instrument of study for undergrad) where she was trained by organist Dr. Ardyth Lohuis (Virginia Commonwealth University, recording artist). She has participated in masterclasses with acclaimed artists such as virtuoso violinist Jennifer Koh, David and Linda Cerone (Cleveland Institute of Music), Cyrus Forough, Uri Vardi, and Martin Davids (Callipygian Players-Chicago). Some of Sallie’s most influential teachers include Alana Carithers (Richmond Symphony), Herr Achim Gerber (Berlin Conservatory), and Susanna Klein.
Sallie has served as a music educator at many institutions in Richmond including Richmond Piano, Key Signatures, Chesterfield Music, Richmond Music Center, Bravo Music Academy, Collegiate School, and St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s School. She currently teaches out of her personal studio in the West-End and for EMA. She performs as a freelance violinist, playing for weddings, orchestras, and formal parties in the central Virginia area. Sallie began her career teaching music in 2003, and has since been dedicated to bringing the joy of excellent music to her students. Sallie lives in Richmond with her husband Chance and three young children Alice Lee, Edward, and Charles Wesley.
Chris Lucas
Chris Lucas began playing guitar at age 11, after 5 years of piano study. He later received two music degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, including a Masters in composition. Although his full time job has been at The Richmond Times-Dispatch, much of his time is devoted music as a songwriter, performer, arranger, and accompanist at his church, in the community, and along the East Coast. He has recorded 4 solo CD's of his own songs and instrumentals, and has appeared on the recording projects of many others as well. He regularly performs at local establishments such as Cafe Caturras and The Country Club of Virginia.
Chris has opened concerts for internationally known artists including Phil Keaggy, Pierce Pettis, Ashley Cleveland, and Andrew Peterson. He composed The Three Penny Cantata, a Lenten/Easter song cycle which he and singer Laura Ann Singh perform yearly at local churches. In 2008 he was awarded a Momentum Award as Acoustic Artist of
the Year by Indieheaven, a Nashville organization devoted to Christian independent artists. He also received a Momentum Award in 2009 as Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris and Laura Ann Singh have also collaborated on two recording projects, all of which feature songs written either by Chris or Wally Boyd, Laura Ann's father. Chris teaches on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Chris has opened concerts for internationally known artists including Phil Keaggy, Pierce Pettis, Ashley Cleveland, and Andrew Peterson. He composed The Three Penny Cantata, a Lenten/Easter song cycle which he and singer Laura Ann Singh perform yearly at local churches. In 2008 he was awarded a Momentum Award as Acoustic Artist of
the Year by Indieheaven, a Nashville organization devoted to Christian independent artists. He also received a Momentum Award in 2009 as Instrumentalist of the Year. Chris and Laura Ann Singh have also collaborated on two recording projects, all of which feature songs written either by Chris or Wally Boyd, Laura Ann's father. Chris teaches on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Roger Novak
Roger Novak teaches brass and piano lessons. He has enjoyed over 25 years of professional experience in music education with students of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of New Mexico, and then taught instrumental music in Clovis, NM for four years. He then served in U.S. Air Force Bands for 22 years, where he performed in the concert band, chamber winds, woodwind quintet and brass quintet. While in the Air Force, he recorded 42 internationally released CD’s, and has recorded in the private sector with the National Chamber Players, Virginia Symphony, Richmond Symphony, and National Symphonic Winds.
Mr. Novak is currently a member of the Richmond Symphony. He has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic in South Africa, Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony, Richmond Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, Williamsburg Symphony, St. Louis Philharmonic, and the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. He is a founding member and manager of the Hampton Horn Quartet and the Virginia Horn Quartet, and stays active as a freelance musician, clinician, adjudicator and teacher in the Richmond and Hampton Roads Metro areas. He serves as the director of the Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Mr. Novak is currently a member of the Richmond Symphony. He has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic in South Africa, Virginia Opera, Virginia Symphony, Richmond Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, Williamsburg Symphony, St. Louis Philharmonic, and the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. He is a founding member and manager of the Hampton Horn Quartet and the Virginia Horn Quartet, and stays active as a freelance musician, clinician, adjudicator and teacher in the Richmond and Hampton Roads Metro areas. He serves as the director of the Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Carmen Pekarek
Carmen Pekarek coaches musicianship, singing and healthy speech production for all ages and abilities. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Jazz Performance) from the University of Denver in 2008, and then served as a vocalist for the United States Air Force from 2009-2017. Currently, Mrs. Pekarek studies prerequisite coursework at VCU for a career in physical movement and plans to apply for a Physical Therapy Doctoral program in 2021. She has experience performing in diverse genres (jazz, rock, country, blues, classical and choral) for audiences in over thirty nations. Her students have displayed excellent musicality and artistry at Europe-Wide select school ensemble competitions, All-State programs, professional a cappella groups, and at the University of North Texas. Carmen now uses her musical talents to engage with her community, and enjoys all of science through the lens of an artist.
Specializing in healthy voice production and support with additional experience as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, Carmen looks at singing as an athletic and skill-based pursuit that can allow joy and freedom of expression through music! Any age can develop their body and body awareness to sing and speak at length. Through training in musicianship, students learn how to engage with an ensemble, band, worship team or their own creative spirit, and most importantly strengthen their ability to express themselves and shine the light of Christ.
Carmen Pekarek coaches musicianship, singing and healthy speech production for all ages and abilities. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Jazz Performance) from the University of Denver in 2008, and then served as a vocalist for the United States Air Force from 2009-2017. Currently, Mrs. Pekarek studies prerequisite coursework at VCU for a career in physical movement and plans to apply for a Physical Therapy Doctoral program in 2021. She has experience performing in diverse genres (jazz, rock, country, blues, classical and choral) for audiences in over thirty nations. Her students have displayed excellent musicality and artistry at Europe-Wide select school ensemble competitions, All-State programs, professional a cappella groups, and at the University of North Texas. Carmen now uses her musical talents to engage with her community, and enjoys all of science through the lens of an artist.
Specializing in healthy voice production and support with additional experience as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, Carmen looks at singing as an athletic and skill-based pursuit that can allow joy and freedom of expression through music! Any age can develop their body and body awareness to sing and speak at length. Through training in musicianship, students learn how to engage with an ensemble, band, worship team or their own creative spirit, and most importantly strengthen their ability to express themselves and shine the light of Christ.
Laura Ann Singh
Vocalist Laura Ann Singh's experience is extensive and unique, singing professionally for over 15 years in a wide variety of groups. She has worked with bossa nova and jazz guitarists Gene Bertoncini and Oscar Castro-Neves, Trio da Paz masters Nilson Matta and Romero Lubambo, and studied with sambista Fabiana Cozza in Brazil where she performed regularly in São Paulo. In 2003, along with pianist Tommy Witten, Laura Ann opened for Ray Charles at the Landmark Theatre in Richmond. She has performed with Carnegie Hall Jazz Band leader Jon Faddis and bebop trombonist Curtis Fuller.
As the lead vocalist in Quatro na Bossa, she has performed all over the East Coast, including repeat residencies at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Quatro na Bossa released CD’s in 2008 and 2012. In addition to Brazilian music and American standards, Laura Ann sings Latin American romantic music with the internationally acclaimed group Miramar, which performs regularly around the East Coast, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Lincoln Center and Elabash Concert Halls in New York City. The group has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series.
Laura Ann has been integrally involved in the worship and music ministries at Eternity Church since 2006, leading worship on Sunday mornings, ministering in musical outreach and leading music teams on mission trips. Together with composer Chris Lucas, she has released three albums of original Christian music. She has taught vocal lessons and vocal technique for over 10 years, and welcomes students of all ages, experience and ability.
Vocalist Laura Ann Singh's experience is extensive and unique, singing professionally for over 15 years in a wide variety of groups. She has worked with bossa nova and jazz guitarists Gene Bertoncini and Oscar Castro-Neves, Trio da Paz masters Nilson Matta and Romero Lubambo, and studied with sambista Fabiana Cozza in Brazil where she performed regularly in São Paulo. In 2003, along with pianist Tommy Witten, Laura Ann opened for Ray Charles at the Landmark Theatre in Richmond. She has performed with Carnegie Hall Jazz Band leader Jon Faddis and bebop trombonist Curtis Fuller.
As the lead vocalist in Quatro na Bossa, she has performed all over the East Coast, including repeat residencies at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Quatro na Bossa released CD’s in 2008 and 2012. In addition to Brazilian music and American standards, Laura Ann sings Latin American romantic music with the internationally acclaimed group Miramar, which performs regularly around the East Coast, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Lincoln Center and Elabash Concert Halls in New York City. The group has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series.
Laura Ann has been integrally involved in the worship and music ministries at Eternity Church since 2006, leading worship on Sunday mornings, ministering in musical outreach and leading music teams on mission trips. Together with composer Chris Lucas, she has released three albums of original Christian music. She has taught vocal lessons and vocal technique for over 10 years, and welcomes students of all ages, experience and ability.
Kevin Simpson
Kevin Simpson teaches saxophone, flute. clarinet and beginning piano. He studied Music/Jazz Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University and is an active teacher/performer in the Richmond Metro Region. He has performed with The Temptations and The O’Jays, and currently performs as the featured Tenor Saxophonist with Elegance, Baby Huey and the Babysitters, and many other bands in Central Virginia. His commercial recording experience includes a radio/TV commercial for the Virginia Lottery, and several recordings with jazz, R&B and funk/fusion bands. Mr. Simpson has been instructing private students in Jazz and Classical styles for over a dozen years. He and his wife serve on the worship team at their church.
Kevin Simpson teaches saxophone, flute. clarinet and beginning piano. He studied Music/Jazz Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University and is an active teacher/performer in the Richmond Metro Region. He has performed with The Temptations and The O’Jays, and currently performs as the featured Tenor Saxophonist with Elegance, Baby Huey and the Babysitters, and many other bands in Central Virginia. His commercial recording experience includes a radio/TV commercial for the Virginia Lottery, and several recordings with jazz, R&B and funk/fusion bands. Mr. Simpson has been instructing private students in Jazz and Classical styles for over a dozen years. He and his wife serve on the worship team at their church.
