THE STUDIO

Bryant's Music operates a full-time music education studio. The studio is open for piano instruction Monday through Saturday by appointment only. For musical continuity, Bryant's Music offers year-round piano instruction with breaks throughout the year. The studio features spacious teaching rooms fully equipped with an acoustic studio upright piano, a computer with the latest music education software, and a spacious waiting room. Please make yourself comfortable in our waiting room. Our studio has Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi), so feel free to bring your laptop.

Bryant’s Music provides a supportive and stimulating environment where the learning process is an interesting and enjoyable experience for both the student and the instructor.  Our teaching is designed to meet the individual’s need.  Every student is provided with a different type and/or style of instruction according to their age, character, interests, and knowledge base.  We use repertoire and music technology that sparks musical interest with learning.  The performance opportunities at Bryant’s Music are fun, offer a means of self expression, provide a sense of accomplishment, and bring the family together.

“Committed to Excellence in Piano” THE DIRECTOR/INSTRUCTOR  A graduate of the University of Maryland, Elaine Beatty Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Music.  Mrs. Bryant's continuing education includes on-going training in the fields of piano music, vocal technique, pedagogy (the art of teaching), and technology by attending nationally recognized music workshops and conferences throughout the United States. She has over 20 years experience as a gospel church musician and has performed in numerous concerts, conferences, churches and community events throughout the United States.  During her stay at the University of Maryland, Mrs. Bryant considers herself “blessed” to have been a student of renowned gospel recording artist Richard Smallwood.  In addition, she has studied with jazz pianist Ronald Elliston and classical pianist Charlton Meyer.

At the age of 17, Mrs. Bryant started devoting her talents to piano instruction and after more than 35 years, has a proven track record of interacting successfully with students of all ages and backgrounds. Several of her students can be heard in various churches throughout the U.S., many of whom are ministers of music, choir directors and composers. Additionally, Mrs. Bryant has trained students who have been accepted at the nation's leading universities and prepared avocational students for a lifetime of music enjoyment. Since the inception of Bryant's Music, Mrs. Bryant has provided piano instruction to thousands of students of all levels and ages. Based on her extensive formal training and experience, she teaches a wide range of styles including classical, gospel, jazz, and popular music.

Mrs. Bryant has produced and directed more than 50 music performances at various venues throughout the Washington metropolitan area such as Prince George's Community College, Andrews Airforce Base, Harmony Hall Regional Center, and Zanzibar on the Waterfront, to name a few. From 1994 - 2007, Mrs. Bryant awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to Bryant's Music piano students for music and academic excellence.

Mrs. Bryant is also an active member of the Adult Choir at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland where the current Senior Minister of Church Worship and Music Administration is Byron Cage.

She is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Maryland State Music Teachers Association and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.  She is a recipient of Strathmore's Who's Who based on her demonstrated professional achievements.

PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Dorothy Critchlow, Piano Instructor, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Hampton University and an Associate of Arts Degree in Music from Prince George's Community College (PGCC). She graduated with honors from PGCC and is the recipient of the Music Theory Award of Excellence. Mrs. Critchlow holds a PGCC Workforce Development and Continuing Education Certificate for successful completion of the series of courses required for Applied Piano Music. Each year, Mrs. Critchlow's continuing education is attained and kept current by attending a series of piano teacher training workshops conducted by internationally recognized composers and clinicians, Dr. Kevin Olson, Martha Mier, and Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk, to name a few.

Mrs. Critchlow has over 11 years of experience as a pianist and director for numerous churches throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. She has more than 12 years of experience in teaching private and group piano to beginner and intermediate students. She teaches a range of styles including classical, gospel, popular, and jazz. Since her teaching career began, she developed a teaching plan to meet the needs of the individual student. Mrs. Critchlow's students have benefited immensely from her experience, training, and dedication.

Having begun formal piano training at the early age of nine and after studying piano music and theory under the tutelage of Elaine Beatty Bryant, we are proud to have Mrs. Critchlow as a member of our teaching team at Bryant's Music. Mrs. Critchlow is committed to the vision of Bryant's Music and has been a faithful and dedicated member of Bryant's Music for over 14 years.