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Broadway style with a BIGGER
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Diane Beckstead received a B.S. in music education from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania and M.S., also in music education, from the College of St. Rose in New York. For more than 30 years, she has taught choral and general K-12 music in both public and private schools in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York. A pianist and composer, she has written choral anthems for children's publishers Growing in Grace and Choristers Guild in addition to her original scores for Musicals for Change. Her musicals and anthems are carried by J.W. Pepper whose editors have recognized several pieces as Editor's Choice listings. Currently teaching in the Pittsburgh area, she workshops her new kids productions during Musicals for Change Summer Theatre Camp for ages 10-14. In addition to her own musicals, she directs high school shows and teaches piano lessons. |
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Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, Melissa McVaugh has been a lifelong pianist. As an adult, she has worked predominantly in the K-12 market working for SAFARI Montage, a multimedia streaming organization, and Schlessinger Media, a producer of educational children’s video serving as Creative Director and Vice President of Marketing. 10 years ago, Melissa took the natural leap to start her own company, MCV Teaching and Consulting LLC which combines all her favorite things – music, teaching and creative arts – to help students and clients alike to achieve their music and business pursuits.
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Joe Milton started his musical career as the singer in the high school band, and taught harmonica at a local music store. From there, he attended the highly acclaimed music program at North Texas State (now known as University of North Texas) where he double majored in classical and jazz guitar. Joe toured with several bands as a singer/guitarist while honing his songwriting and performance skills. Ten years on the road ultimately led him to L.A., pursuing original music and working as a band leader.
After receiving many requests to produce other people’s music, Joe opened JOMUSIK Recording Studio. Here he utilized the knowledge gained from years in the studio working on his own tunes, and secured song placements in shows such as Desperate Housewives, Malcom in the Middle, American Family, and numerous movies. In 2007, family reasons brought Joe and his family back to his hometown of Dallas, where Joe re-established JOMUSIK continuing to produce countless tunes. He co-founded "Open Heart Musicals" with Kimberly Ingram, writing and producing Christian children’s musicals for churches and summer camps among others. Their first musical "What’s Up, Zak?", was nominated for a Dove award. All have been widely distributed by most major publishers. Their musicals have received four Publishers Choice awards from JW Pepper. |
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Daniel May was born into a very musical family- both of his parents were music teachers. He plays piano and viola and he holds a Doctorate in Music Composition from Cornell University.
For over 20 years, Daniel May worked in Los Angeles as a composer for feature films, television, and, most notably, IMAX films. Career highlights include his score to the award-winning IMAX film "Everest." In his film scores, Daniel has collaborated with George Harrison ("Everest"), Sting ("The Living Sea" and "Dolphins"), Lindsay Buckingham ("Adventures In Wild California') and The Moody Blues ("Journey Into Amazing Caves"). Additionally, Daniel May is a noted jazz pianist and has played and recorded with some of the world's foremost jazz artists. In 2006, Daniel and his family relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he owns and operates Maywood Studios, a state-of-the-art recording studio. Daniel recently composed his fourth musical score (since 2001) for Medieval Times, a live show featured in venues throughout the United States and Canada. Daniel recently had the privilege of hearing his “Alligator Songs” performed by the Florida Young Artists Orchestra at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Daniel has produced and recorded more than 50 CD projects, most notably for Somerset Entertainment (Toronto, Canada). He is currently the Co-Music Director of the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel and Music Director (organist, choir director) at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church in Franklin Park, PA). |