Eternity Music Academy Faculty
Rusty Farmer
Rusty Farmer has been teaching music for over 25 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, bass guitar (electric bass), beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele, music theory and beginning piano. He is currently guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor at 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 and improvisation as well as a variety of musical styles.
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 Russia, Peru, South America and Ireland. He is a member of the worship team at Eternity Church.
Rusty teaches string bass, bass guitar (electric bass), beginning cello, beginning guitar, ukulele, music theory and beginning piano. He is currently guitar and string bass/ bass guitar instructor at 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 and improvisation as well as a variety of musical styles.
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 Russia, 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 30 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. Roger 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, National Symphonic Winds, Richmond Symphony, and the Virginia Symphony.
Mr. Novak is a member of the Richmond Symphony, and has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, 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 Eternity Music Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Mr. Novak is a member of the Richmond Symphony, and has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, 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 Eternity Music Academy and ministers with the worship team at Eternity Church.
Dennis Pucci
Dennis Pucci has been an active singer and thespian for six decades. He started playing clarinet as a 5th grader in New Jersey, and added saxophone lessons as a high school sophomore to be part of the stage band. He double majored in clarinet and voice at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in NJ, and earned a Masters in Vocal Performance at Syracuse University while serving as a graduate teaching assistant. His other musical studies include the Aspen Music Festival and the Amato Opera in New York City, performing the roles of Guglielmo (Cosi Fan Tutte), Count Almaviva (Marriage of Figaro), Baron Scarpia (Tosca) and Ford (Falstaff).
Mr. Pucci has served as a music educator for 50 years, teaching vocal/choral and/or instrumental music in New Jersey and New York public schools, a community college and a private Christian school while maintaining a studio for private students of all ages. He also served as a New York State All-State Adjudicator for more than 30 years. Conducting credits include Northern Choral Society (Watertown NY) and a number of church and community choruses.
Dennis has also been active in community groups both in lead roles (Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, Gypsy, I Do I Do and Annie) and as soloist in oratorios (Messiah, Elijah and others). He played woodwinds with a 17 piece Big Band and various pit bands since high school. He and his wife recently moved to Richmond to be closer to family (especially their new grandson) and he cherishes the opportunity to share the joy of music with students of all ages. Mr. Pucci teaches voice, clarinet and saxophone lessons at EMA.
Dennis Pucci has been an active singer and thespian for six decades. He started playing clarinet as a 5th grader in New Jersey, and added saxophone lessons as a high school sophomore to be part of the stage band. He double majored in clarinet and voice at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in NJ, and earned a Masters in Vocal Performance at Syracuse University while serving as a graduate teaching assistant. His other musical studies include the Aspen Music Festival and the Amato Opera in New York City, performing the roles of Guglielmo (Cosi Fan Tutte), Count Almaviva (Marriage of Figaro), Baron Scarpia (Tosca) and Ford (Falstaff).
Mr. Pucci has served as a music educator for 50 years, teaching vocal/choral and/or instrumental music in New Jersey and New York public schools, a community college and a private Christian school while maintaining a studio for private students of all ages. He also served as a New York State All-State Adjudicator for more than 30 years. Conducting credits include Northern Choral Society (Watertown NY) and a number of church and community choruses.
Dennis has also been active in community groups both in lead roles (Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, Gypsy, I Do I Do and Annie) and as soloist in oratorios (Messiah, Elijah and others). He played woodwinds with a 17 piece Big Band and various pit bands since high school. He and his wife recently moved to Richmond to be closer to family (especially their new grandson) and he cherishes the opportunity to share the joy of music with students of all ages. Mr. Pucci teaches voice, clarinet and saxophone lessons at EMA.
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.
