Meet Cordaviva Music!
Media/Press:
Wisconsin Music Ventures - Educational Outreach: Joanna Kim
Chantilly News - Humans of Chantilly: Joanna Kim
Joanna Kim (Guitar/Ukulele) (Bachelor of Music)
Joanna Kim is a versatile guitarist and teacher specializing in both classical and acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Her work ranges from collaborative roles in guitar orchestras, performances with symphonic bands as a soloist, chamber groups, and early music ensembles to solo recitals in concert halls. Additionally, she has gained recognition as a frequent competitor in both local and international guitar competitions. Her accolades include being a Top 5 finalist in Guitar Player Magazine's Acoustic Guitarist of the Year International Competition and gained attention through interviews with NBC News and Paraguay ABC TV. Additionally, she won 1st prize, Composer prize, & Grand Prize for 3 consecutive years at the Marlow Classical Guitar International Youth Competition, and 1st prizes at the Aguado Classical Guitar Competition, Southern Guitar Idol, Bland Classical Music Competition, Mid Maryland Classical Guitar Competition, BringIt! Music Competition, and the Cohen Music Competition. She has opened concerts for musicians, Martin Taylor, Thomas Viloteau, Mak Grgić, Armin Abdihodžić, David Veslocki, The Arabesque Guitar Duo, Willy Porter, and Guitar Gabby. She has also participated in masterclasses with classical guitarists, Franco Platino, The Beijing Duo, Zoran Dukić, Mak Grgić, The Kossler Duo, Scott Borg, Armin Abdihodžić, and The Arabesque Duo. Joanna has studied under renowned guitarists such as Franco Platino, professor at the Peabody Conservatory and Dr. Miroslav Lončar. She has also studied lute and harpsichord with Marc Bellassai.
Teaching Experience:
Joanna Kim is a former elementary music teacher with experience teaching K–6 general music, directing school chorus programs, and providing music instruction in enhanced autism classrooms. She also brings several years of private guitar teaching experience with students of all abilities ranging from ages 5 to 80, including individuals with diverse learning needs and disabilities such as blindness. Her teaching includes a wide range of instruments, including classical, acoustic, and electric guitar, as well as ukulele.
Teaching Philosophy:
Joanna Kim is dedicated to making every student an active participant in the creative process. By prioritizing the repertoire students are most passionate about, she ensures that lessons remain engaging and personally meaningful. Her approach balances technical mastery and performance skills with a strong foundation in music theory and aural training. Whether a student is playing for personal enjoyment or preparing for a professional career, Joanna provides a supportive environment.
Blythe McCammon (Violin/Viola) (Bachelor of Music)
Blythe McCammon is a violinist and teacher based in Northern Virginia whose work spans orchestral performance, chamber music, solo performance, and music education throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. She has performed with ensembles including the Washington Chamber Orchestra, the National Music Festival Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, and the Charles County Youth Orchestra. She has performed under many renowned conductors including Brian Balmages, Dr. Christopher Cicconi, Dr. Phillip Collister, and Andrew Greene. She has also performed for the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and has appeared in recital and outreach performances throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Blythe has participated in masterclasses with distinguished musicians including Rachel Barton Pine, Daniel Chong, Judith Ingolfsson, and Paula Akbar. She has studied violin and chamber music with Dr. Dallin Hansen, Dr. Jeffrey Howard, Dr. Joseph Gotoff, and Adam Wu of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and has also studied viola under members of the National Philharmonic.
Blythe has also performed as a violinist in multiple operas including Johann Strauss II's opera Die Fledermaus, Jacques Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld, and was also in the world premiere of Patrick Alexander's opera "Yours Forever, Lincoln." In addition to her performance studies, Blythe participated in the Conducting Programs International conducting seminar, where she studied conducting under Markand Thakar. Blythe earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Towson University on a full-tuition scholarship, where she served as Concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra and received multiple awards for both performance and academics.
Teaching Experience:
Blythe McCammon has several years of experience teaching private violin lessons and working with students of different ages and experience levels through schools, youth orchestra programs, tutoring, and summer festivals. She has coached and worked with young musicians through programs including the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra and Loudoun County Public Schools. Her teaching experience includes helping students prepare for auditions, competitions, solo performances, and orchestra placements while building strong technical and musical foundations.
Teaching Philosophy:
Blythe McCammon is passionate about helping students grow into confident, expressive musicians in a supportive and encouraging environment. Her teaching emphasizes strong technique, thoughtful musical interpretation, and healthy practice habits while keeping lessons engaging and tailored to each student’s goals and interests. Whether a student is preparing for auditions and performances or simply learning for enjoyment, Blythe strives to help every student build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.