Sean started The Tuning Fork in 2020 to share his love of music with the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to his work at the shop as a professional luthier specializing in repair, Sean is a multi-instrumentalist and sound technician who loves to share his knowledge with aspiring musicians. Teaching percussion and guitar has been a passion of his for years, and he currently offers beginner and intermediate lessons for students ages 10-100 years old!  He currently plays percussion for Amateur Rodeo and LOVE DAWG, and plays synth/keys for Off Tha Dome.

Sarah Wilcox is a passionate educator, composer, and singer-songwriter with a deep love for helping students discover their musical potential. She studied jazz, music industry, and education at James Madison University (JMU) and has extensive experience teaching K-12 music in classroom settings.
Sarah specializes in voice and piano instruction for both children and adults, tailoring lessons to each student's unique learning style and musical goals. With a strong background in music theory, she seamlessly incorporates it into her lessons, ensuring students build a solid foundation in technique, rhythm, and ear training.
Areas of Expertise:

• Voice Training – Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Contemporary styles

• Piano Instruction – Beginner to intermediate levels, with a focus on classical, jazz, and contemporary styles

• Self-Accompaniment – Teaching students how to accompany themselves on piano while singing

• Jazz Accompaniment – Exploring jazz chord voicings, improvisation, and vocal/piano integration

Whether you're looking to develop your vocal skills, master piano accompaniment, or explore jazz techniques, Sarah is dedicated to helping you reach your musical goals in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Ryan Garst is an accomplished guitarist, songwriter, and producer with decades of experience in the music industry. Having performed hundreds of shows across the state and surrounding regions, Ryan’s exceptional talent and dedication shine in every performance. His passion for music drives his daily life, fueling his commitment to creating impactful, authentic sound.  Sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels has become increasingly important to him, and teaching at The Tuning Fork has produced wonderful results! 

Josh Hebdon has been deep in the drum world for the past 20 years, studying under people like Rakalam Bob Moses, Greg Fox, Joe Tomino, Mike Pride, and Tisziji Muñoz. It’s always been a goal of his to help others go “out there” and to push the boundaries of music while still complimenting it. With that comes a need to have the basics be second nature. He loves sharing what he has learned and helping others get on the path of this lifelong journey. 

Josh was in concert band, jazz band and marching band all through middle school and high school. In college, he performed with the percussion ensemble, indoor drumline, and jazz band. Outside of school, he has almost always been in multiple bands or groups, with each in service to the music in their own way. 

In short, Josh strives to “live the music”, and he hopes to help others get to that point as well. 

Areas of expertise: 

Free improvisation

Rudiments/limb coordination

Listening/reacting

Sonic textures

Jazz/rock/hip hop/anything danceable

He hopes to meet anyone curious about this path and work together soon! 

John Gullman- Clawhammer Banjo and Ukulele Instructor (Offering Beginner-Intermediate Lessons)

John has been an educator in Harrisonburg City Public Schools for 11 years, and is currently an Instructional Technology Coach at Stone Spring Elementary School. John is excited to share his joy of playing clawhammer with others. Born and raised Mennonite, John has been around music all his life. He grew up on 4-part harmony hymn singing and has gradually learned several stringed instruments throughout his life. He plays bass, guitar, ukulele, and his primary instrument- 5-string Banjo! John dove deep into clawhammer banjo and Old Time music when the pandemic hit in 2020. John has a passion for Old Time fiddle/banjo music and playing clawhammer in Old Time circles and festivals. He plays in Old Time jams weekly and is a firm believer that routine practice and applying that practice in fun environments are keys to learning! 

Beginner Clawhammer Lessons- John knows that learning and developing good clawhammer technique is an important first step. With his own experience combined with hearing about other experiences learning and teaching clawhammer, he is well equipped to help beginners start their journey!

Intermediate Clawhammer Lessons- If you have some experience with clawhammer, John would welcome the opportunity to talk with you and discuss how we could tailor lessons to your unique level and personal goals. 

Ukulele Lessons- John has been playing Ukulele for over a decade and loves playing and teaching people this very fun instrument. He welcomes teaching beginner-intermediate ukulele players.

If you’re interested in learning clawhammer banjo or ukulele, John is your guy! It’ll be a miracle, but let’s see if he can get your banjo to stay in tune! :) 

Joby Morey began their musical journey with classical piano and cello lessons as a child, and for over 30 years, they’ve explored music as a lifelong adventure. They've recorded on over a dozen albums and performed countless shows across the country -- as both a band member and guest artist -- spanning genres from klezmer to goth/industrial to traditional jazz and blues. Joby is currently a member of The Amateur Rodeo and can be found at Restless Moons most Tuesdays sitting in on the old-time jam.

Joby loves helping students of all ages and experience levels build confidence, develop their ear, and connect with the music they love. Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, they'll work with you to set clear goals and grow as a musician -- while always keeping joy and creativity at the center of the learning process.