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.
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis teaches all brass instruments at EMA. He began his musical training at a young age in Cedarville, OH, starting piano lessons in elementary school and continuing on the trumpet in fifth grade. He holds a bachelors degree in trumpet performance from Cedarville University and a masters degree in trumpet performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Mr. Lewis served as 3rd Trumpet in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra from 2012-2017, and has performed with the Bach Society of Dayton, Springfield (OH) Symphony, Charleston Symphony, and the West Virginia Symphony. He currently serves as Associate Principal/Second Trumpet with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. He was formerly a longtime member of The King’s Brass, an international touring brass ensemble, and can be heard on several of their recordings on the Summit Record Label. Mr. Lewis enjoys teaching and encouraging brass players of all ages and abilities as they pursue musical excellence. In the summers, he is a frequent faculty member at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, which offers intensive instructional sessions for middle school and high school students from all over the United States.
Daniel Lewis teaches all brass instruments at EMA. He began his musical training at a young age in Cedarville, OH, starting piano lessons in elementary school and continuing on the trumpet in fifth grade. He holds a bachelors degree in trumpet performance from Cedarville University and a masters degree in trumpet performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Mr. Lewis served as 3rd Trumpet in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra from 2012-2017, and has performed with the Bach Society of Dayton, Springfield (OH) Symphony, Charleston Symphony, and the West Virginia Symphony. He currently serves as Associate Principal/Second Trumpet with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. He was formerly a longtime member of The King’s Brass, an international touring brass ensemble, and can be heard on several of their recordings on the Summit Record Label. Mr. Lewis enjoys teaching and encouraging brass players of all ages and abilities as they pursue musical excellence. In the summers, he is a frequent faculty member at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, which offers intensive instructional sessions for middle school and high school students from all over the United States.
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 recorded in the private sector with the National Chamber Players, Virginia 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 Symphonia, 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 Symphonia, 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 ages four to '29 at Heart'. She earned her Bachelors 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. Mrs. Pekarek currently works as a freelancing vocalist and Richmond Symphony chorus-member. She has experience performing in diverse genres (jazz, rock, country, blues, classical and choral) for audiences in over thirty nations. She counts Nancy King, Fred Hersch, Stephanie Gretzinger and Brooke Fraser as the primary artists who have inspired her. 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, offering audio engineering expertise and vocal leadership serving with the Eternity Worship Team. She enjoys all of life through the lens of an artist.
Specializing in healthy voice production and support, 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. With additional certification in yoga (RYT200 and Holy Yoga Kids), students learn the direct connection of body, mind, spirit and Christ. 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 ages four to '29 at Heart'. She earned her Bachelors 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. Mrs. Pekarek currently works as a freelancing vocalist and Richmond Symphony chorus-member. She has experience performing in diverse genres (jazz, rock, country, blues, classical and choral) for audiences in over thirty nations. She counts Nancy King, Fred Hersch, Stephanie Gretzinger and Brooke Fraser as the primary artists who have inspired her. 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, offering audio engineering expertise and vocal leadership serving with the Eternity Worship Team. She enjoys all of life through the lens of an artist.
Specializing in healthy voice production and support, 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. With additional certification in yoga (RYT200 and Holy Yoga Kids), students learn the direct connection of body, mind, spirit and Christ. 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 and clarinet. 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 10 years. He and his wife serve on the worship team at their church.
Kevin Simpson teaches saxophone, flute and clarinet. 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 10 years. He and his wife serve on the worship team at their church.
HyoJoo Uh
HyoJoo Uh teaches violin and viola students of all ages at EMA. She tailors lessons to fit the needs and learning style of each individual, and incorporates the Suzuki method in her teaching. HyoJoo was born in South Korea, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, and her Master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She then performed as a member of the Akron and Canton Symphony Orchestras, and has served as Assistant Principal Viola in the Richmond Symphony since 2015. She has performed in master classes for Helen Callus, Heidi Castleman, Carrie Dennis, Richard O’Neill, Jeffrey Irvine and Pinchas Zukerman. HyoJoo made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 with the Hill Piano Quartet as a participant of the Brahms Chamber Music Workshop. During that time, she worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Leon Fleisher and Pamela Frank. She also served as the Assistant Principal Violist in the National Repertory Orchestra where she was featured as a soloist playing Max Bruch’s Romanze.
HyoJoo is an active violin and viola teacher in the Richmond Metro area. She became a certified Suzuki violin teacher in 2013, and has also coached youth orchestra viola sectionals in the Richmond area for several years. She was a chamber music coach at the Orchestra Project: Intensive Chamber Music program at VCU in 2016, and served as viola faculty at the Global Summer Institute of Music in 2017. She is available to teach lessons on Monday afternoon and evenings at Eternity Music Academy.
HyoJoo Uh teaches violin and viola students of all ages at EMA. She tailors lessons to fit the needs and learning style of each individual, and incorporates the Suzuki method in her teaching. HyoJoo was born in South Korea, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, and her Master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She then performed as a member of the Akron and Canton Symphony Orchestras, and has served as Assistant Principal Viola in the Richmond Symphony since 2015. She has performed in master classes for Helen Callus, Heidi Castleman, Carrie Dennis, Richard O’Neill, Jeffrey Irvine and Pinchas Zukerman. HyoJoo made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 with the Hill Piano Quartet as a participant of the Brahms Chamber Music Workshop. During that time, she worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Leon Fleisher and Pamela Frank. She also served as the Assistant Principal Violist in the National Repertory Orchestra where she was featured as a soloist playing Max Bruch’s Romanze.
HyoJoo is an active violin and viola teacher in the Richmond Metro area. She became a certified Suzuki violin teacher in 2013, and has also coached youth orchestra viola sectionals in the Richmond area for several years. She was a chamber music coach at the Orchestra Project: Intensive Chamber Music program at VCU in 2016, and served as viola faculty at the Global Summer Institute of Music in 2017. She is available to teach lessons on Monday afternoon and evenings at Eternity Music Academy.
