Meet the Teachers
Joelle Butler
Music & Me
Drama
About the Teacher:
Ms. Butler is one of the original teachers at Valley Christian Music & Arts where she is the Drama Director as well as the Music & Me kids choir teacher. She also teaches music to K-8 at Foothills Christian School.
Drama at Burlington Edison High School:
-
Assistant Director: Clue - Sep - 2022 - Dec - 2022
-
Assistant Director: Godspell - Jan 2020 - Mar 2020
-
Character Coach: Shrek The Musical - Sep 2019 - Dec 2019
-
Stage Manager: Fiddler on the Roof - Jan 2019 - Mar 2019
Teaching & Music:
-
Music Teacher at Foothills Christian School (Current)
-
Substitute at Foothills Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian School (Current)
-
3/4 Grade teacher for a homeschool coop (September 2021-June 2022)
-
Substitute for Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Burlington Edison School Districts (February 2020-September 2021)
-
Youth Worship Director at CTK Skagit - September 2017 - September 2019
-
Substitute, lead teacher for baby room and elementary age room at Skagit Valley Early Learning Center (July 2015-March 2021)
Ms. Butler began teaching at Valley Christian Music in January 2023.
Becky Hedman
Choir
Beginning Guitar - Guitar 2
Rhythm Roundup
Beginning Keyboarding
About the Teacher:
I grew up surrounded by music - both parents were professional musicians and teachers, so my
siblings and I sang and played instruments from a young age. After high school, math and science interests led me to study engineering for three years before switching my major. I earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon School of Music, K-12 WA State certification in Choral and General Music, Kodaly Level 1 certification, and National Certification in Piano.
I've enjoyed working with children's choirs and musical drama productions at church for many years and have taught piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, voice and music theory for more than 30 years here in Skagit Valley.
I have a passion to help young people discover and develop their
gifts and use them for the Lord! In my free time I like to garden, sew, hike, research, and spend
time with family.
Mrs. Hedman began teaching at Valley Christian Music in January 2023.
Julia Nelson
Drama
Recorder Kids! 1 for Ages 7-8
Recorder Kids! 2 for Ages 8-9
About the Teacher:
About Ms. Julia Nelson: A homeschool student graduate, she has been a music program homeschool student since she was very young. She plays many instruments, but especially loves to play flute, guitar and cello. Julia plays in the VCMA Beyond Band & Beyond Strings classes, the Fidalgo Youth Symphony & North Cascades Concert Band.
Currently, Julia teaches Recorder Kids! and is the Assistant Director for Drama for Valley Christian Music & Arts. She also leads the Youth Worship team at Inspire Church in Sedro Woolley.
Ms. Nelson has been teaching at Valley Christian Music & Arts in January 2023.
Malcolm Peterson
Beginning Band
Beyond Beginning Band
About the Teacher:
Malcolm Peterson, a seasoned conductor and trumpeter, directs the Mt. Baker & Fidalgo Junior Symphonies, and coaches their brass sections. He has led ensembles such as the Lynden Choral Society, Skagit Opera, and the Sounds of Summer Music Festival, and performs as First Trumpet with the Brass Menagerie Quintet. Malcolm also teaches at Peterson Conservatory and is renowned for his trumpet solos, including The Trumpet Shall Sound.
Beyond music, he works as a professional landscaper and lighting specialist.
Malcolm Peterson began teaching at Valley Christian Music in September 2024.
Sharyn Peterson
Beginning Strings
Beyond Beginning Strings
About the Teacher:
Sharyn Peterson, Artistic Director of Northwest Youth Symphony Association and Director of Mt. Baker & Fidalgo Youth Symphonies, is a versatile musician and instructor with extensive experience. Trained in violin, viola and voice, she has performed under renowned conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa and served as a soloist and concertmaster with various Norwest ensembles. Sharyn also directs the Starry Night Chamber Orchestra, Peterson Conservatory as well as teaching strings at Skagit Valley College. She's an experienced conductor, adjudicator, and recording studio musician, who has led numerous orchestras and musical theatre production.
Sharyn Peterson began teaching at Valley Christian Music in September 2024.