About us
Joseph Waggoner
Joseph Waggoner graduated from Bob Jones University where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in church music with a voice principal. He studied singing with Dr. David Parker and conducting with Christine Lee, Fred Coleman, and Dr. Warren Cook. Joseph enjoyed singing in various university choral groups under the direction of Dr. Gail Gingery, Dr. Chris Gilliam, Dr. Warren Cook, and Dr. Dwight Gustafson as well as taking part in the University Opera Association.
Following graduation, Joseph accepted a position as teacher and music director in Green River, Wyoming. In this role, he organized and directed the junior and senior high school choir for two semesters, culminating in a Christmas production, performed at several churches throughout Wyoming and Utah. He also prepared students for solo and ensemble vocal competitions and taught private voice lessons.
He received his book 1 Suzuki certification from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Connecticut in 2015, and he anticipates completes his book 2 and book 3 certifications at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point at the end of July 2016. Further he has completed the Choral Intensive program in 2016, an adult summer program at Westminster Choir college.
Joseph is now a music director with Sola Gratia Musicians, directing the Advanced Ensembles and Jubilate Choir. One of his greatest joys is music time with his wife, Rebekah and their three children, Katherine, Titus & Micah.
Rebekah Waggoner
Music lessons were a priority in my family. I began playing the piano as soon as I could reach the keys! My musical training began at the age of three with Suzuki violin and then with traditional piano at age five, training under Joyce Odens Goodwin. In high school, I had many other interests but knew that teaching piano was what I really wanted to pursue.
I have a Bachelors of Music degree from Bob Jones University in Piano Performance, graduating Magna Cum Laud. While in college, I studied under Alice Gingery (Taubman Institute) and David Lehman. I worked as a paid accompanist for private lessons, and rehearsals, recitals and competitions.
After graduation, I continued my training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, completing all seven levels of piano certification (Nightingale Chen, Katherine Monsour Barley, Joan Krzywicki and Sue Bakshi) and am Co-President of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association (GPSA). Part of my continuing education includes workshops and lessons with world-renown teachers such as Leah Brammer and Bruce Boiney. I am also Kindermusik certified. I have experience teaching with many different methods and with all ages of students.
Besides maintaining a thriving private studio in the Philadelphia region for the past 12 years, I am also a sought after collaborative pianist, working with many local teachers and schools. I am also a staff accompanist at the Music School of Delaware where I accompany weekly group classes and solo and group recitals.
While not teaching, I enjoy performing pieces by living composers and music that makes people smile. My husband is also a musician, trained in voice and conducting, and we have performed several recitals together.