Jeffrey Barlow
Saxophone, Piano, Voice
Jeffrey Barlow joins Greensleeves as an experienced saxophone, piano, and voice teacher. Jeffrey is from Scranton and now lives in West Chester where he attends West Chester University.
At WCU, Jeffrey majors in Music Education where he serves in leadership roles including Ensemble Coordinator for the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band and formerly as President of the WCU Mens Chorus. Jeffrey currently interns with the Music Service Learning program at the Wells School of Music and previously interned with Vivace Productions. He is also a member of the National Association for Music Educators Collegiate (NAfME-C).
An active musician, Jeffrey says the he loves how music gives you a way to express yourself deeper than any words could do. Beyond the marching band, Jeffrey has performed with the West Chester University Wind Symphony and the Master Singers.
Jeffrey believes music is an activity that is open for anyone and everyone and should be a fun, safe place for people to truly be themselves. He finds that, through learning the discipline of music, students can learn valuable life skills like preparedness, determination, and problem-solving.
Matthew Quarles
Piano, Voice
Matthew Makari Quarles is a senior student attending West Chester University where he is a double major in Music Education and Music Performance. At West Chester University Matthew serves as the President, choir director, and leader of the praise and worship team for the University's Gospel ministry. He has also been a part of the music school’s Concert Choir, Recital Choir, and Mastersings Choir.
He is a graduate of Hendrick Hudson High School class of 2019 where he performed in several school musicals and sang in several performing choirs. Matthew’s singing career began at an early age in his Church the Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ Mount Vernon, NY. As his passion grew for music Matthew began taking professional singing lessons from recording artist Milton David Vann of Mamaroneck, NY and Mr. Chris Anthony Ashley of Queens, NY.
At present, Matthew is proficient in singing in several languages, and he has also performed in several national competitions where he has placed high. Matthew’s future plans are to own his own performing arts center where he can continue to pass on his love for music, and to travel the world performing.
Sophia Isom
Flute, Piano, Voice, Other Woodwinds
Sophia Isom is a flute and piano specialist who also teaches voice and woodwinds. She is currently majoring in Music Education and Flute Performance and minoring in Special Education at West Chester University.
Sophia plays flute in the WCU Symphony Orchestra, was WCU RAM Band 2023 Outstanding First Year Member and Outstanding Rookie, serves as a Ram Initiative Mentor, and is part of Oriana Chorale and Trilovali Flute Ensemble.
In her hometown of Allentown, Sophia played in many pit orchestras and PMEA honor ensembles (band and choir), reaching All State Wind Ensemble twice and ranking 1st in the state on piccolo twice. She was Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra’s piccolo player and performed in NAfME All Eastern Concert Band on flute. She was a concerto and double piano concerto soloist with the Central PA Suzuki Association Orchestra and participated in the National Piano Guild, earning Sonatina and Paderewski medals. Sophia will be a camp counselor and flute performer at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
Sophia says, “I adore the sound of the flute. It is so freeing to play.” Both flute and piano have provided her numerous opportunities to express herself and work towards a goal. She loves how music brings people together in a way nothing else can, and find that being a musician brings values to many areas of life.
“As a musician, the ability to grow and share my music motivates me. I love sharing what I have worked on in hopes of making someone’s day better.”
Sophia has taught piano and flute in private lesson for over three years as well as holding many musical leadership positions that provided educational opportunities. Sophia says, “I believe every person’s life can be brightened by enjoying music, whether that be listening or playing.” She loves helping students to achieve new goals and musical accomplishments.
In addition to music lessons, Sophia taught swim lessons for three years and is being certified to teach students with special needs.
Christina Samar
Guitar, Piano, Voice, Ukulele
Christina Samar joins Greensleeves as a versatile musician with a specialty in voice and skill in piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Christina is currently completing a degree in Studio Composition at WCU. There, she has been Music Director of the competitive a capella group Under A Rest. During her time teaching and leading the group, she arranged two award-winning sets (Outstanding Arrangement Award and Semifinalist Runner-Ups) and produced the 2022 Live Studio Album and the 2023 Live Music Video. She is currently producing High Street Harmonix’ upcoming Studio Album as well. Thanks to Under A Rest, Christina was awarded the WCU Leader Award along with two other WCU Leaders in 2023.
Alongside her extracurriculars, Christina specializes in writing and producing her own original music. She’s grateful to Dr. Arne, Dr. Cooper, and Dr. Maggio for being the best Studio Production and Songwriting professors.
A highlight of Christiana’s musicianship was in the winter of 2022 when Under A Rest opened for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. It was a privilege for her to direct music and join the group in this special performance.
As a teacher, Christina believes in play. She says, “What’s the point in technical abilities without the emotion and soul behind it? Every student should feel as if music is a new adventure to explore and it’s my job as an educator to guide them in the right direction!”
Taylor Dale
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, Ukulele
Taylor is a graduate of Westminster Choir College with a Bachelor's of Music in Theory and Composition. During her time at Westminster, she studied voice and piano, as well as sang in the world renowned Westminster Symphonic Choir. With Symphonic Choir, she had the privilege of performing with the The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center under the direction of famous conductors such as Yannick Nezet-Seguin and Alan Gilbert.
In a less classical sense, Taylor also plays guitar, violin and ukulele. She played in folk-rock bands and has her own projects including a 5 track EP (available on all musical platforms) called "Beautiful Words". She also has done many rock choir shows- including the entirety of Kanye West 808's and Heartbreak album and a QUEEN tribute concert. She truly enjoys playing and teaching music from nearly every genre and category. She was also picked as one of the greater Philadelphia region's top singer/songwriters in 2018, and loves helping other young artists begin to write their own music.
Taylor has been teaching music for over 10 years now- and through her past experiences she has learned that every student learns in a different way (also known as the multiple intelligences theory). Once she is able to figure out which style of learning is best for you (i.e. auditory, visual, kinesthetic), she will use that method to create a successful approach to lessons. Taylor believes in finding and fueling what makes each student passionate about their chosen instrument and music.
Braedon O’Hara
Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Voice
Braedon O’Hara is a versatile musician concentrating in Voice as he completes a degree in Music Education at Wells School of Music, WCU. Braedon is also skilled with guitar, bass, drums, and piano.
Originally from Collegeville, Braedon now resides in West Chester. As a voice student, Braedon performs for the public in various concerts using his solo voice repertoire. He participates in the WCU Choirs, currently Bass II in the top choir Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. David P. Devenney. Braedon was also a member of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band and has participated in a variety of extracurricular musical activities on campus including voice performance groups, bands, jam groups, and recording sessions. Braedon has directed percussion performance ensembles and played in a variety of jazz combos and musical theatre pit orchestras.
Braedon has had the distinct pleasure of performing in Vocal Masterclasses at WCU and representing the WCU Vocal Program at NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) conferences. On guitar, he’s performed for live orchestrations and public performances. Braedon enjoys playing in theatre productions in addition to Jazz Bands. He’s also recorded drums for multiple tracks for friends who produce and has had great experiences performing them live for composition ensembles.
Braedon has taught lessons in the past and has directed percussion and voice ensembles with many students. He looks forward to some more one-on-one learning experiences with his Greensleeves students!
Jonathan Ruch
Bass, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Ukulele, Voice
Jonathan Ruch is a multi-instrumentalist and experienced teacher joining Greensleeves as a teacher of piano, guitar, voice, bass, drums, and ukulele.
Jonathan has been teaching lessons for 7+ years and loves working with individuals who have a passion and desire to learn and grow. He finds it highly rewarding to see student progress and the moments with things “click” and make sense for people. He enjoys working with children of all skill levels.
Jonathan graduated with high honors from the University of Valley Forge with a BA in Music (Worship Leading) with a primary focus on voice and secondary on piano. He was involved with a variety of bands during his college years, playing multiple instruments and singing. He was chosen to lead “Pneuma,” one of the school’s traveling music teams. During that time, he also worked at his local church as Contemporary Music Coordinator.
Jonathan is a local music artist and has had the opportunity to share his original music on streaming platforms and share in a variety of performance venues. Music has been and always will be on of the main passions in his life. It inspires him to create and to feel all of the emotions that come through music. He feels motivated to be his best self and to hone his talents through discipline and hard work.
Jonathan is happily married and resides in Downingtown, PA.
