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Faculty and Staff

Dr. Ron Matthews, Department Chair- began his musical studies at the age of four, on piano. At the age of eight, he began trumpet study with the former first chair of the Philadelphia Orchestra.   Dr. Matthews began his organ studies at the age of twelve and took his first church organist position at the age of fourteen. Having received a Philadelphia Board of Education music scholarship, he did his undergraduate work in Church Music and Organ at Westminster Choir College where he graduated Magna cum laude and received both the Senior Class Conducting Award and the Christian Leadership Award. During this time, he represented the Princeton area college community as a representative to the annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast held in Washington D.C.

Dr. Matthews received the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University. At the age of 22, he was asked to conduct The Jerusalem Chamber Orchestra for a recording project in Tel Aviv, Israel. Dr. Matthews also conducted the national tour of this project throughout major cities in the United States during the following year.

In 1976, at the age of 23, Dr. Matthews was invited to join the faculty of Nyack College in Nyack, NY as the Director of Choral Activities. In 1981, Dr. Matthews received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Combs College of Music in Composition with an emphasis in Orchestral Conducting. Twice, he was the guest conductor at the annual performance of Messiah at West Point Chapel, featuring a combined community chorus of 300 singers with professional orchestra. In 1980, Dr. Matthews accepted the post of Organist-Music Director of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Willow Grove, PA.  In 2005, he then accepted the call of Pastor of Worship Arts at Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, where he still currently presides.  From 1982-1992, Dr. Matthews served as the Chair of the Department of Music at Philadelphia Biblical University.  Since 1992, Dr. Matthews has been Professor of Music and Director of Music Programs at Eastern University. He is the Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Division and the Chair of the Music Department. In addition to his university and church posts, Dr. Matthews conducts Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra of New Jersey, which is a 75 voice auditioned chorale and a 65 piece professional orchestra, performing sacred and classical choral and orchestral music.  He is a commissioned and published composer and is active in coaching, accompanying and chamber music.

Dr. Matthews was a Thomas F. Staley Foundation lecturer/artist and he serves on several professional and denominational boards and task forces. He performs regularly with his brother, Rev. Dr. Gary Matthews, in concerts and workshops throughout the United States and Canada.  They have released six recordings of historic and contemporary church music. 

Dr. Matthews holds Choir Master and Colleague certifications with the American Guild of Organists and completed a four-year faculty development grant for jazz study. He is listed in numerous international and national civic and professional Who's Who publications.

Nneka Best, Angels of Harmony Director- Nneka is a Gospel/Inspirational recording artist locally in Philadelphia, PA area and internationally.  She earned her BA in music at Eastern University in PA with a concentration in voice.  Nneka released two solo CD's- Higher Than I (2005) and Better Than Life (2008) and has recorded with various producers in the Philadelphia area.  Her music is soulful, soothing, inspiring and uplifting.  While music is her first passion, Nneka also has a love for theatre and recently held down leading roles in theatre productions Ba Humbug in January 2010 (which she also co-wrote), and The Other Side of Love in February 2010.

Colleen Bradstreet, Music Department Executary- graduated in 1976 with a BS in Elementary Education from Eastern College and was an elementary and early childhood classroom teacher until 1985. She received a master’s in Counseling from Villanova University in 1980.  In May of 2000 she joined the staff of Eastern as the Music Department Executary. 

David Bryant, Associate Chair- started his piano studies at the age of four with Dorothy Morton, a student of Moritz Moskowski and Constantin von Sternberg.  David began playing the organ  for weekly church services at the age of twelve.  Mr. Bryant received his undergraduate degree in Piano Performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and earned his Masters degrees in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy and Musicology from Temple University, where he graduated with high honors.   David graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow Scotland, studying piano, organ and composition.  David attended the RSAMD under the auspices of the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship Program.   Mr. Bryant has been very involved with Rotary International and was made a Paul Harris Fellow for his charitable work with the foundation.

He is currently the Associate Chair of Music at Eastern University in St. David’s PA where he teaches music history, piano, and conducts the university orchestra. David has recorded the world premier of Harold Boatrite’s formidable Piano Sonata for Albany Records, given hundreds of concerts and recitals throughout the US and Britain, and has choral pieces published by Warner Brothers, Alfred, Lorenz, Monarch Music, GIA, Birdsong and Shawnee Press.   David is also very happy to serve as the Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville PA. 

Mr. Bryant has been an accompanist for a variety of choral groups and worked with many composers, including Sir Jonathan Willcocks, Sir Peter Ledger, Gene and Audrey Grier, Don Besig, Julianne Baird, and the late Dr. Fred Bock.  David has also served as the accompanist for John Rutter’s Master Classes in the United States, and has played and studied most of his major works under the composer.  Mr. Rutter has called David “hero and poet of the piano”.

Cynthia Campetti, Violin and Viola- Campetti is a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Opera Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet Company, and the Concerto Soloists of Pennsylvania.  She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. Along with teaching at Eastern University, she is also on the faculty at Wilmington Music School, Darlington Fine Arts Center, and Community Music School.

James Correnti, Piano- Correnti studied at New York City’s Julliard School as a scholarship student of Adele Marcus, receiving the Bachelor of Music Degree in 1970. Mr. Correnti has been soloist with the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra and Plainfield Symphony (NJ) and over the past 35 years Mr. Correnti has given over 4200 concerts, lectures, and master classes throughout the United States and Canada.  Now numbering over 275 yearly, they have taken him to 800 different colleges, schools, conferences, churches, adult retirement communities, and private homes across the country. Mr. Correnti has also graduated from Reformed Episcopal Seminary with a Master of Divinity, magna cum laude, 1973, and has done further graduate work at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Christine DeVault, Voice- DeVault is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, Temple University College of Music and has a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance and Opera from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA.

Christine has performed extensively throughout the Philadelphia area in opera, oratorio, and recital concerts. She has been a soloist with the Philadelphia Singers, the Choral Arts Society, Pennsylvania Pro Musica and numerous other choral groups. Christine has been the soprano soloist at the First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore, PA for 12 years, and is noted for her sacred music concerts in churches throughout the Tri-State area. In addition to performing, Christine maintains an active teaching schedule at Eastern University in St. David's, Pennsylvania, Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania, as well as private Voice instruction in her home. The academic year of 2001-2002 begins her 10th year of teaching at Eastern University.

Dr. Bryan Edgett, Director of Instrumental Activities- Edgett earned a bachelor of science in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s of music in trumpet performance from Bowling Green State University, and a doctor of Arts in trumpet performance and pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. He serves as Director of Instrumental Activities where his responsibilities include teaching Applied Brass Lessons, Brass Methods, Instrumental Conducting, and Secondary Methods. He conducts the Eastern Winds, the Jazz Ensemble, and serves as Music Director for Eastern University’s musical productions. He has taught applied brass, music theory, conducting, arranging, and computers and music applications at eight colleges and universities.

Daniel Emery, Scottish Bagpipes- Dan has been playing Highland bagpipes since 1979, Scottish small pipes since 1989, and Border pipes since 2005.  His first instructors of note were Pipe Majors Tom Hinchey and later, Chris Hamilton, and Scott Walker.  He has also taken lessons and attended workshops by such notables as: Sir James MacIntosh, MBE; PM Alasdair Gilles; PM Brian Donaldson, PM James McGillivray, PM Al MacMullan, Mike Rodgers and June Hanley.  Dan taught the Cameron Highlanders pipe band grade five band in 2004, leading them to an overall second place finish for the season.  Dan also served as Pipe Major for the band in 2008.  Dan is in demand as a piper for Scottish country dancing and has played at dances and dance camps from North Carolina to Maine.  He can be heard playing pipes and wooded flute on two CDs produced by the Scottish Weekend camp; "Memories of Scottish Weekend", and "More Memories of Scottish Weekend."  He is also a member of the band Thistle House, which has a CD currently under work.  Dan has also appeared as a piper and dancer in Rose Valley Chorus' production of "Brigadoon" and performed many times for The Philadelphia Christmas Revels.

Dr. Jeff Fowler, Organ- Fowler earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester University in 1971 and has been a member of the faculty at Eastern and teaching organ since 1995.  He has performed for audiences in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, as well as for Sunday High Mass at the Vatican.

Richard Frost, Church Music and University Choir- Frost earned his BA in music education from St. Olaf College, and his MA in choral music from the University of Iowa.  He is presently Director of Church Music Program at Eastern and Conductor of the University choir.

John Greenland, Director of Electronic Music Studio-  Greenland graduated from Arcadia University with a bachelor’s in fine arts with departmental honors in 1976.  Since 1993, Greenland has been Director of Electronic Music at Eastern University where he teaches Music theory, Composition, Graphic Art and directs the MIDI ensemble. Along with making several nationally acclaimed musical recordings, a 90 minute special NPR broadcast, finalizing for a Pew Fellowship in Composition and performing at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC, Greenland has maintained his visual art career, showing in galleries and shows in the tri state area since 1976.

Tara Harvey, Tara Harvey is a freelance oboist in the Philadelphia area.  She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University and a Master of Music in Oboe Performance from McGill University.  Her primary teacher was Theodore Baskin (Principal Oboe, Montreal Symphony).  Mrs. Harvey performs regularly with many area groups including Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra, Vox Ama Deus and Rittenhouse String Quartet, Ensembles and Orchestras.  Mrs. Harvey is also on faculty at Valley Forge Christian College and teaches privately in Newtown Square and in her home.  She lives in North Wales with her husband and daughter.  They are members of Storehouse Church in Plymouth Meeting.

Sara Herman, Administrative Assistant- Herman graduated from Eastern in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in music and a concentration in percussion, studying with William Kerrigan. She has played in the pit for many musicals, including Godspell, The Wiz, How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, and Working.  She was also the principal percussionist for the original gospel-rock opera, The Word, during the 2000 tri-state tour.  Sara has also been a teacher for Theatre and Kids, a Fine Arts educational program that works with children in grades 1-12, for eight years.  In recent years, Sara has worked with The Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, as well as Eastern's own Wind Ensemble and St. Davids Orchestra Society.

William Kerrigan, Percussion- Kerrigan has a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in music from Temple University. Kerrigan has performed throughout the world with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, Shirley Bassey, Al Green, The Moody Blues, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, The Manhattan Transfer, Luciano Pavarotti, The Pittsburgh Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Naples Philharmonic, The American Ballet Theatre, The Houston Ballet, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Delaware, The Aspen Music Festival and many others.  Presently, he is the Principle Percussionist/Assistant Timpanist of the Delaware Symphony, Principle Percussionist with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Principle Percussionist with Orchestra 2001, Leader of The Phil-A-Rhythm Percussion Quartet, and Timpanist at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

K. Leah Kim, Violin and Viola- Kim is a former associate concertmaster of the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra (Korea), has won numerous competitions, awards and recognition as a soloist: including a live broadcast on WQXR (New York Times Radio Station) for the Young Artist Program with Paganini Concerto no2, and a feature article in STRAD Asia. Ms. Kim was a finalist at Jean Francaix International Competition in Paris, and winner of Music Teacher's National Association Competition as well as achieving the highest score (200 points) ever received in the history of New York State School of Music Association competition.  Ms. Kim has performed as soloist with the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, Pusan Symphony Orchestra (S.Korea), Long Island Symphony, and in Seoul Arts Center, Pusan Arts Center (S.Korea),Osaka Philharmonic Hall (Japan), Lincoln Center, Steinway recital hall in New York.  Ms. Kim is a founding member of Tononi Quartet, which just concluded its 2nd season with performing all around east coast.  She has been a concertmaster for Philadelphia Camerata, and a guest concertmaster for Pottstown Symphony.

Carole Latimer, Voice- Latimer earned a bachelor of music in vocal performance and two post gradate degrees in opera performance and a master’s in vocal performance. Touring with the New York City Opera National Company, Ms. Latimer performed the role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro , and was in the ensemble for La Boheme. Also for the New York City Opera National Company, Ms. Latimer performed in educational tours in New York City and Natick, MA in a production of  Meanwhile back at Cinderella's. Other operatic roles performed by Ms. Latimer include, Pamina in Die Zauberflote, Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte, Morgana in Alcina, Sicle in L'Ormindo, Zaide in Zaide, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, Antonia in Les Contes Hoffman, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia.

Ron Lipscomb, Cello and EU Strings- Lipscomb received his early training at The Settlement Music School and later went on to study at The Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Bernard Greenhouse and at the Marlboro School of Music, where he studied with Pablo Casals. He was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Grant and gave his debut recital at Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Center in New York. He has since given numerous recitals and appeared with orchestras in both the United States and abroad. He has toured with the New York Philharmonic in the Far East, Scandinavia, and Russia. He is a faculty member at Eastern University and at Philadelphia Biblical University.

David Maness, Director of Vocal Activities- Maness earned the Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and a minor in organ from Oklahoma Baptist University where he received awards in voice and choral arranging. He received the Master of Church Music degree with a concentration in vocal performance from the school of church music of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He joined the Eastern faculty in 1970, later earning the Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Temple University. Mr. Maness teaches musicianship, choral conducting, voice, and music appreciation as well as supervising chamber music. He performs in recitals with the music faculty at the University, and as tenor soloist in local oratorio performances.

David Manley, Jazz Guitar- has performed with a number of noted jazz and R&B artists, including Frank Foster, George Garzone, Richie Beirach and Reggie Workman, as well as touring with Def Soul recording artist Musiq Soulchild.  In 2004, Dave toured the US and Europe with multiplatinum, grammy nominated, R&B recording artist Jill Scott. Dave Manley directs the Jazz Combo and teaches Jazz Improvisation and applied guitar at Eastern University. Dave also teaches at Camden County College and at Valley Forge Military Academy. Manley's own group, Deep Pm, won the nationally held Borders Books/Bethlehem Records Jazz competition, which resulted in the group's inclusion on the Bethlehem Jazz records Borders Books CD compilation.  Manley’s current CD entitled "Deep Pm" is a funky/jazzy affair, featuring Heads Up recording artist, bassist Gerald Veasley, (Grover Washington Jr., Joe Zawinul) and a host of other extraordinarily gifted musicians.

Jean McIntire, Music Education- McIntire earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, master’s equivalency in music education and voice at Temple and West Chester Universities.  She also earned a M.Ed. from Cabrini College.  She has 25 years experience as a music educator and 22 years as a church music director. 

Russell Mehrtens, Trombone- Mehrtens is a freelance trombonist in the Philadelphia area. After serving as a trombonist in the U.S. Army Band at Fort Lee, VA, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory. He has performed with many area groups, including: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Merriam Theater, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, Harrisburg Symphony, Delaware Symphony, The Opera Festival of New Jersey, Reading Symphony Orchestra, and The Westminster Brass.  Mr. Mehrtens has been Adjunct Instructor of Trombone at Eastern University since 1997.

Nancy Moffitt, Church Music- Moffitt was a graduate of the Baldwin School and Bryn Mawr College and holds certification in the Orff-Schulwerk process of teaching music. She has taken many years of summer courses and special workshops in teaching children through the KODALY Concept, the Orff-Schulwerk Process, and through good vocal process for children at Westminster Choir College, West Chester University, Immaculata College, and Regent University.

Teresa Nevola Moyer, Voice- Moyer is a Professor of Music and the Associate Director of Theatre, specializing in Vocal Studies at Eastern University.  She holds a Master of Music degree in Opera Performance and an Artist’s Diploma in Voice from the Curtis Institute of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Rutgers University.  Ms. Moyer has performed the roles of Cousin in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and a Witch in Verdi’s Macbeth Opera Company of Philadelphia, where is is a twenty two year veteran of the opera chorus.  Ms. Moyer also performs regularly with The Philadelphia Singers Chorale, the symphonic chorus of the Philadelphia Orchestra. She participated for several years in Il Festivale dei due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, under the Artistic Direction of Gian Carlo Menotti. While in Spoleto, she also performed the role of Maid in Stravinsky's The Nose.  Currently, she is Director of Operatic Studies at the Crescendo Summer Institute of the Arts in Sarospatak, Hungary.  Professor Moyer initiated and leads the Opera Workshop and Musical Theater program at Eastern University where she has directed numerous productions.  In addition to her work at Eastern, Ms Moyer maintains a private voice studio in her home in West Conshohocken.  She is a member of the Vineyard Community Church in Chester Springs, PA, where she and her husband Stephen serve on the worship and church leadership teams.

Joseph Smith, Sr., Clarinet and Saxophone- Smith earned a bachelor of music from the Curtis Institute of Music and is a master’s of music candidate from Temple University.  He has performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, the Philly Pops Orchestra, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Fairmount Woodwinds Quintet, The Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Company of Philadelphia. 

Jeffery Spicer, Classical Guitar- Jeffery Spicer began his studies in classical guitar at West Chester University where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in performance.  He continued his studies with Azica recording artist David Leisner at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where he received his Master's degree, also in performance.  He has performed in master classes for David Tannenbaum and Roberto Aussel, among others.  Jeff has performed in the U.S., Europe, and Asia as a soloist and also with the Spicer Duet classic guitar and flute duo with his wife, Cynthia.  He has performed solo, chamber, and orchestral works including the Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo as well as his own arrangements.  Jeff is currently an adjunct faculty member at Eastern University and an affiliate artist with Philadelphia Biblical University.

Stephen Turley, World Music and Aesthetics- Turley is a part-time teacher of world music and aesthetics at Eastern University, and a full-time faculty member at Tall Oaks Classical School in Newark, DE, where he teaches Theology, Greek, and Rhetoric. He is currently a PhD candidate through Durham University (UK) where he is researching early Christian devotional practice under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Barton. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Steve studied under the internationally renowned performer, Manuel Barrueco. He won a number of prizes and awards, including First Prize in the 1994 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition, First Prize in the Baltimore Music Competition, and the Hos Award in Guitar for Outstanding Achievement. In 1991, at the age of 22, Steve Turley made his European debut at the Nicolo Paganini International Guitar Competition held in Moneglia, Italy, receiving a Certificate of Merit. Steve's training in music and aesthetics led to studies in theology, culminating in a graduate degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. He has authored numerous articles on topics ranging from New Testament studies, theology and worship, Christian education, and ritual studies.

Rebecca Whitlow, Voice- Witlow received her bachelor’s degree in music in vocal performance from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and her master’s degree in music in vocal performance from Converse College School of Music. After graduating from AVA with an Artist Diploma, Rebecca served as a chorister in the Spoleto Festival Choir for Il Festival dei due Mondi  (Spoleto, Italy) where her duties included opera choruses and choral concerts.  She also performed as a soloist for the Faurè Requiem and the role of Cholcholka in The Cunning Little Vixen.  She regularly appears on the stage of the Academy of Music in the choruses of The Opera Company of Philadelphia.  Rebecca gave her debut as Annina in OCP's production of La Traviata and performed Amelie there in The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein  Along with her opera commitments, Miss Whitlow has appeared as a soloist in the Philadelphia area for the Wayne Oratorio Society, The Bridge Ensemble, Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia  Chamber Chorus.  Her career highlights include performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at Constitution Hall with the Oratorio Society of Washington, D.C.