Opus School of Music and Conservatory is known for its highly qualified instructors who have a wide range of expertise and teaching styles. Our Brambleton instructors work together to develop a high level of musicianship in our students and community.
After an initial assessment, we match every student to the right teacher for their skill level and personality. Some teachers specialize in early childhood learning, others in preparing students for performances and examinations.
Even though each student has an individual teacher, we are one big family! Joining our studio is a great way to make friends and meet people passionate about music.
Our instructors have been certified by the Royal Conservatory of Music to train students for the National Piano Certification Exam. Students interested in this program should speak with our director, Marisela Smith, when they do their trial lesson and assessment.
Marisela Smith
Studio founder and Director
Our studio founder and director, Marisela Smith, began playing piano when she was six years old under the tutelage of Professor Sidonia Stern. Mrs. Stern was a renowned German instructor who focused heavily on theory and agility, nurturing Marisela’s raw talent for music from an early age. She then attended the National Music Conservatory in Caracas, Venezuela, where she was classically trained and learned performance, composition, theory, and music history.
Mrs. Smith began teaching piano in 1982 after moving to the United States to study at the University of Pennsylvania. Her passion was to teach young students, which allowed her to develop the unique, fun, and highly effective teaching methods used with the youngest students at Opus Conservatory. You should watch one of her classes to see her gift for engaging the imaginations of young children. From her, they learn musical notes, notations, and concepts before they have even learned to read. In her own words, “It seems to me that music is a great gift, that it enriches lives, and that it should always be fun!”
In 2008, Marisela Smith founded Brambleton Piano Studio with four students of piano. Devoted to excellence, she has grown the school into the award-winning, full-fledged conservatory known as Opus Conservatory and School of Music with four locations, more than 200 students and a dozen classically trained, full-time instructors and supporting staff.
Mrs. Smith is a dynamic, lively teacher who instills a love for music in her students. She believes that learning to play an instrument has a positive impact on the personal, academic, and professional lives of all students. Her goal is to help each student be the best they can be.
Luis Vásquez
Music director and piano instructor
Teaches beginners to advanced students & the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.
Luis Vásquez is an inspirational pianist, instructor, composer, and arranger with more than 30 years of teaching experience. His passion for music developed at a very young age when he began studying piano, theory, harmony, and counterpoint in Venezuela, first at the “Escuela de Música Padre Sojo” (a Music Conservatory under the direction of the renowned Venezuelan musicologist and composer José Antonio Calcaño), and afterward at the IUDEM (University Institute of Music Studies).
Luis’ unique talent, coupled with his extensive conservatory training, allowed him to attend the Berklee College of Music. He currently holds degrees in Performance as well as Composition and Arranging.
Luis performed as a Tenor in the “Capella de Caracas” Choir and participated in several tours in Venezuela, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe.
Luis’ lessons are geared towards training, challenging, and motivating pianists to excel in the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. Several of his students have placed first in the District and the State in this program. His students are accepted through teacher recommendations and auditions only.
Wenru (Anna) Yang
Piano Instructor
Dr. Wenru Yang was born in Qingdao, China, and began studying piano by age 5. In 2015, she graduated from the music school at Ocean University of China, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance. Drawn to George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, VA, draw studied with Dr. Anna Balakerskaia in 2017. She earned her Master of Music degree from GMU in 2019 and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from GMU in 2024. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Yang received the College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Award and the GMU Foundation Scholarship. She also taught Keyboard Skills and Fundamental Music Theory as a graduate teaching assistant at George Mason University.
Dr. Yang has given solo recitals and performed at numerous events in recent years. In the spring of 2024, she gave a lecture-recital at GMU, analyzing the integration of Chinese and Western musical styles in selected Chinese piano works. Additionally, GMU selected her to perform at the Mason Honor Recital and Arts by George during her graduate and doctoral studies. Recently, she was awarded first prize for 20th Century Music in the 2024 Charleston International Competition.
As a piano teacher, Dr. Yang aims to help students master practical skills to express themselves at the piano while sparking their musical imagination to ensure they enjoy making music. She seeks to choose diverse repertoires with her students to help widen their musical horizons.
Irina Desmond
Cello & Piano Instructor
Irina began playing the cello at the age of 10 at the children’s music school in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During her time there, she experienced success in various musical contests, which inspired her to pursue a professional education in cello. After graduating from Khamza State Music College, Irina continued her studies at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan under the tutelage of Professor Atham Mansirev, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in stringed instruments.
Irina has played with numerous ensembles, quartets, and orchestras. Her unique and diverse experience includes:
– Principal cellist in the Symphony Orchestra of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan
– Principal cellist in the State Television and Radio Chamber Orchestra of Uzbekistan
– Principal cellist for the Musical Comedy Theater Orchestra of Tashkent, Uzbekistan
– Section cellist in the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan
– Section cellist (2018) and acting principal cellist (2019-2020) with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Virginia
– Section cellist in the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, Virginia
– Principal cellist with the National Institute of Health Philharmonia
Catherine Thorpe
Voice, piano, flute. and ukulele Instructor
A student of the late Beverly Johnson, Catherine began her musical studies at seven years old and continued with piano studies at a Conservatory. As a teen, she began performing as a vocalist with a jazz quintet and a big band, interpreting standards with her father, the trumpeter, and bandleader. (He was a Fredonia and Eastman school graduate.)
She studied the flute and early music performance as an audit student during her high school years at SUNY New Paltz.
At the Peabody Conservatory, she received a bachelor’s and masters’s degree, with a full Liberace Scholarship. She later went on as a young artist in the Juilliard Opera Center.
Her mentors include pianist Sam Sanders, musicologist Pierro Weiss, and voice teachers like Wayne Conner, Beverly Peck Johnson, Dodi Prothero, Elisabeth Mannion, and Doris Cross.
She has appeared in performances conducted by Gerard Schwarz, Leon Fleischer, George Manahan, Ransom Wilson, Gary Wedow, Joseph Colaneri, and others.
Catherine has enchanted audiences throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific in numerous operatic roles, orchestral concerts, and solo recitals. A versatile musician with a vibrant and engaging presence on stage. Soprano Catherine Thorpe is equally comfortable performing numerous vocal styles, from Opera to Early Music to Big Band standards.
For many years she was the featured Girl Singer with the famous Swing-n-Sway with the Sammy Kay Orchestra on stage and has appeared on specials broadcast by PBS stations across the country.
Soprano Catherine Thorpe has been praised, by The Washington Post, for having “A voice of liquid silver.”
Olga Kovalchuk Schwarz
Piano Instructor
Olga started her music education at the Ryazan School of Music for Talented Children at six years old. A child prodigy, she was also coached by professors from the renowned Moscow State Conservatory, and she received additional coaching in chamber music.
Olga received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Syktyvkar College of Music in Russia.
Mrs. Kovalchuk is a passionate teacher and performing artist. She uses original exercises that integrate technical and artistic training for pianists, as she emphasizes the expression of emotion through music.
She was a teacher and an accompanist at the Music School for Children in Russia for ten years. Many of her students have participated in competitions, performed in festivals and solo recitals, and gone on to outstanding universities in the US.
She believes music should be something people share, and a vital aspect of that is being comfortable performing for others.
His students are accepted through teacher recommendations and auditions only.
Lina Quijano-Maya
Piano Instructor
Lina Quijano holds a master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy from the George Mason University School of Music, where she studied under the tutelage of Dr. Anna Balakerskaia and Dr. Joanne Haroutounian.
Lina fell in love with music at a very young age. She took lessons as a child and decided to continue with music as a career. As a result, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogotá-Colombia. Lina gained extensive experience in the Children and Teenage Piano Program during her studies in Colombia. Her passion for teaching inspired her to come to the US to study best practices in pedagogy for young students.
Lina has performed as a soloist and accompanist in different venues in Colombia and the US. Some of the instruments she has accompanied include trumpet, violin, double bass, clarinet, saxophone, and tenor drums.
Lina’s bilingual competencies and multicultural understanding have allowed her to teach high-impact lessons to underprivileged students of all ages in Virginia and Washington DC. Her discipline and love of teaching make Lina an asset for anyone looking to learn how to play the piano.
She firmly believes that “music is a universal language that can be taught to anyone with love and creativity.”
Kiara Rubin
Piano and Violin Instructor
Kiara Rubin received her MA in Musicology from the University of York in the United Kingdom and her BA in Violin Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia.
Over the last fifteen years, she has studied, performed, and toured in the US, UK, Spain, and Argentina, as a member of an ensemble and as a soloist.
Kiara is constantly looking to improve her knowledge and performance skills. She also studied in London with Remus Azoitei from the Royal Academy of London, where she attended numerous music festivals.
She has participated in masterclasses with Vadim Repin, David Salness, Aeolus Quartet, and the Mendelssohn Piano Trio and toured with the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra in multiple cities in Spain and Argentina.
Recently she has studied under Professor Akemi Takayama, former violinist of the Audubon Quartet, Oleg Rylatko, concertmaster of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, and Peter Sirotin.
She continues to enjoy the rich culture and history within the classical, jazz, rhythm, and blues genres and loves to identify and work with the styles that best fit her student’s personalities.
Sarah Sherman
Vocal and piano Instructor
Sarah teaches beginner to advanced students & the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.
Sarah is a soprano trained in classical technique and musical theater; she has taught voice and piano for several years.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of Virginia and continues to pursue vocal performance study towards a graduate degree. She continues her study with teachers in DC, Boston, New York, and Chicago; She takes every chance at her continued education and performance. The study of music has led her to pursue the cross-section of our physicality, our minds, and our souls.
She believes strongly in music as a language of the heart. She encourages her students to develop a creative, playful, and intellectual relationship with music to improve synthesis, connectivity, and authenticity in every aspect of life.
Sarah also studies voice, philosophy, religion, spirituality, psychology, and biology. She loves to read and make magic with all the bounty of the Earth!
Mila Denisenko
Piano Instructor
Mila Denisenko is a warm, gifted, and passionate teacher. She has successfully prepared hundreds of students for recitals, tests, and competitions over more than 40 years as a piano teacher.
Mila began studying at a music school when she was seven and studied at both the Tashkent Pedagogical University in Uzbekistan and the Sumgait Music College in Azerbaijan. She worked for many years as an accompanist for the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture.
Mila brings over 40 years of teaching experience to OPUS. After teaching piano for 32 years at various music schools in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Some years ago, she moved to the United States, where she taught for 16 years in Los Angeles, California, at the Vietnam Academy of Music and the Moscow Music Center.
She then moved to Virginia and has been teaching at Opus since 2022. She loves to teach and has a gift for bringing out the best in her students.
Ahmed H. Abdur-Rahman
Percussion Instructor
Ahmed H. Abdur-Rahman is a highly skilled musician with an impressive background. Starting his professional drumming career with the renowned Cadets of Bergen County, New Jersey, he has since made significant contributions to the Rutgers University Marching Band as the director of percussion.
With his extensive experience, Ahmed has traveled across the United States and Europe, showcasing his talent and passion for drumming. His dedication to education and inspiration has led him to various settings, including churches, schools, and private instruction.
Now based in Brambleton, Virginia, Ahmed is ready to share his expertise and love for percussion with our students at OPUS. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from a true drumming maestro
Santiago Grande
Piano Instructor
Santiago is an avid and award-winning musician, excelling in piano and saxophone. A musical prodigy, Santiago began his journey with piano lessons at the Opus Conservatory at just six years old. Over the past ten years, he has consistently been recognized as Student of the Year by his teachers and has surpassed the levels in the Royal Conservatory Program. He is now pursuing his Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Piano Performance, a college-level program, and is starting university this year to become a concert pianist.
Santiago’s contributions to his school’s music programs have been significant, having performed in marching bands, concerts, and jazz bands. He participated in his middle school’s district jazz and concert bands in 2019 and his high school’s concert band in 2020. His versatility allows him to move effortlessly between classical and jazz pieces, often incorporating both in his recital performances.
Now a regular teacher at Opus, Santiago brings his rich musical background and passion to his students. Santiago is an ideal instructor for students with creative flexibility, as he encourages exploration of various musical genres such as rock, alternative and indie music, pop, urban, jazz, and blues, alongside classical music.
Santiago has developed unique techniques for teaching music theory and helping children learn to read music more easily. His innovative approach and profound musical understanding make him an exceptional teacher, and we are thrilled to have him continue working with Opus.
Angelica Jaimes
Violin and piano Instructor
Angelica Jaimes is a gifted violinist and teacher who comes to us from the National System for Orchestras (Sistema Nacional de Orquestas) in Venezuela. She began her musical studies at the age of eight and played violin with various national and international orchestras in Venezuela.
She studied Musical language, Music Theory, Solfege, Music Harmony, and Orchestral Direction in the Simon Bolivar Conservatory in Venezuela.
She especially enjoyed playing the violin and her skill and love for that instrument made her an in demand performer who rose to be selected to play with the Youth Orchestra, Jose Francisco del Castillo, in Caracas
She has performed in both the Metropolitan Orchestra of Caracas and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra under the direction of Andrés Gonzalez, Gustavo Dudamel, and Andrés Ascanio.
While studying and performing, Angelica also taught children how to play the violin in various studios associated with El Sistema, a world renowned music education system founded in Venezuela.
Angelica recently arrived at Opus to give classes, improve her English, and further her college studies.
She will teach violin to all ages and teach piano for younger children. She is also an excellent soprano and enjoys baking in her free time.
Kimberly Walters
Guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice Instructor
Kimberly is a dedicated and versatile music instructor for beginner students in guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice lessons. Her musical journey began at the age of ten with voice lessons, and throughout her middle and high school years, she actively participated in school choirs and musical theater programs. Kimberly learned to play the guitar, piano, and ukulele. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from SUNY Fredonia.
After graduating in 2015, Kimberly returned to Florida to be near her family and began working for Master Musicians, Inc. as a music therapist, educator, and performer. As a music therapist, she provided services to individuals with memory care, hospice, stroke patients, and individuals with various disabilities and disorders.
During the pandemic, Kimberly worked as an Activities Coordinator at an assisted living facility, where she organized and facilitated recreational programs for residents and helped them stay connected with their families throughout quarantine. After two years, she decided to take a break from healthcare and relocated to Northern Virginia to focus on teaching.
Her background in music therapy equips her with unique skills to address and adapt to the individual needs of her students, creating a supportive and personalized learning environment. Having worked with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups, Kimberly is committed to fostering a love for music in all her students. Her expertise in music and sound healing therapy further enhances her teaching approach, making lessons educational and therapeutic. Her ability to tailor lessons to each student’s needs ensures they can achieve their musical goals.
Jesus Rodriguez Castillo
Clarinet, Guitar, Cuatro and Ukulele Instructor
As a passionate music teacher, I have dedicated my life to nurturing the musical talents of my students. My journey began with the clarinet, my principal instrument, and extended to playing the guitar, Venezuelan Cuatro, ukulele, and recorder.
Beyond teaching, I delve into Latin American music research, exploring rhythms, harmonies, and cultural nuances to enrich my classroom discussions. My students benefit from this cross-cultural perspective, gaining insights into the vibrant tapestry of Latin American musical traditions.
As a music conductor, my journey with the Orchestra Mavare in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, is deeply intertwined with my lifelong commitment to the Venezuelan Orchestra System. Since 2003, I have been an integral part of this musical organization, initially as a clarinetist in the Barquisimeto Youth Orchestra; And since 2007, as a teacher and conductor. Guiding young musicians toward their full potential has become my passion.
During my five-year tenure as the music conductor of the Orchestra Mavare, I led this talented ensemble through a musical odyssey, celebrating Barquisimeto’s rich cultural heritage. Our performances at the historic Teatro Juárez and the Plaza de Santa Rosa left an indelible mark, resonating with audiences across our vibrant city.
Liudmila Zamashchikova
Violin & Piano Instructor
I am a professional musician with extensive experience performing and teaching music. I am passionate about bringing the joy of music to children and adults alike. Having recently relocated from Russia, I am now establishing myself as a music teacher in the US. As a teacher, I am patient, perseverant, and fully committed to the success of my students. My focus is on teaching proper technique and also on fostering a love and appreciation of music as an art form.
I began playing the violin at seven years old and participated in a master class in France. For 22 years, I played in the symphony orchestra in Irkutsk, touring extensively across Europe, Great Britain, Korea, and other regions. I have 15 years of teaching experience, including working with children with special needs.
My academic background includes studying at the Irkutsk College of Arts and the Krasnoyarsk Academy of Music, where the renowned baritone Dmitry Hvorostovsky studied.
Ashim Bohara
Guitar Instructor
Ashim Bohara is a classically trained guitar player with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance (Classical Guitar) and a minor in piano from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he studied under Dr. Kirsten Underwood. In addition to classical guitar, Ashim is proficient in various genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and more.
With over 17 years of guitar-playing experience and more than 10 years of teaching students aged 6 to 60, Ashim has a versatile background in music. He has performed in different styles, including jazz, rock, pop, country, and gospel/worship music.
Ashim believes music lessons are invaluable for young developing minds, not only for cognitive development but also for instilling a strong work ethic. As a teacher, he strives to help students appreciate the merits of hard work while having fun and learning their favorite songs.
Emily Moran
Flute Instructor
Emily McMoran is a versatile musician and recent graduate of Shepherd University, where she earned a degree in music with a concentration in composition. Her musical knowledge spans a wide variety of styles and eras. Emily has been playing the flute for 12 years, and the saxophone for 10 years, along with a basic knowledge of many other instruments.
Well-versed in various musical genres and proficient in multiple instruments, Emily is detail-oriented in her unique musical compositions and performances, many of which have been showcased before live audiences. While at Shepherd, she studied the flute and saxophone privately, further honing her skills.
Emily brings a vibrant energy to every setting and is excited to share her love of music with those around her.
25319 PATRIOT TERRACE
ALDIE, VA 20105
(571) 354.9522
MON – SAT 9 A.M. – 7 P.M.
5431 NILES ROAD
RICHMOND, VA 20148
(571) 730.7906
MON – SAT 9 A.M. – 7 P.M.