Welcome to the Villa Maria Conservatory
Aspiring young musicians in grades 5 and up now have the opportunity to learn from the best in an intensive, in-depth, and dynamic environment. The new Villa Maria Conservatory offers a carefully-curated educational program, unlike any in the area, which approaches music education from all facets. Operated as an independent institution on the campus of Villa Maria Academy High School in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, the Villa Maria Conservatory offers a peaceful and beautiful suburban setting where inspiration and excellence can take root.
Meet the Director
Ms. Leah (Kyoungwoon) KimTomilson is the Founder/ President of the Music Angels non-profit organization and the Director of Music at Villa Maria Academy High School. Ms. Leah is the Founder/Director of the Villa Maria Conservatory, a violinist in Fairmount String Quartet, La Croix Quartet, and Founder/ Director of Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra and Chamberstrings Summer Camp.
Our director studied Performance and Pedagogy at Juillard, Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, and National Conservatory in France, and began her Doctorate in Music and Arts at Temple University.
Read full bio at www.vmahs.org/conservatory
Our Philosophy: Structure, Development, Knowledge, and Performance
With a goal of developing well-rounded musicians with broad knowledge, the Villa Maria Conservatory surrounds the young musician with knowledge, support, structure, and discipline. Music instructors bring excellence, artistry, and creativity to their lessons, encouraging students to develop and share their unique skills, talent, and personalities.
Students will have a focus on music that serves as a building block toward great achievements as they grow. Coursework from the Associate Board of Royal School of Music (London, UK) curriculum as well as external opportunities to personally excel in their musical pursuits and showcase their skills at competitions are a focus for our dedicated students.
With additional opportunities to participate in the Penn Youth Orchestra or private lessons, students will improve their musicianship skills with other skilled students.
Conservatory Diploma Program Enrollment
Semester or Full Year Enrollment
Students may enroll for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or the full year. Tuition is $4,000 for the full year; $2,000 per semester. A $100 application fee, which covers the application process and audition fees, is also required. When you are applying, you are also auditioning for scholarship funds. An audition and interview are required.
Curriculum: 10 sessions each semester/20 sessions per year.
One day/week from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
See dates and details at www.vmahs.org/conservatory
Private Music Lessons
The Villa Maria Conservatory also offers private lessons for anyone who wants to take music lessons at Villa Maria. Lessons are available for all instruments.
Music Theory & Ear Training
Our class follows coursework from the Associate Board of Royal School of Music (London, UK) curriculum and beyond.
Solo Coaching
Solo repertoire coaching with an accompanists is available.
Chamber Music
Groups are formed based on level. Pre-formed groups are welcome to participate.
Our Instructors
Michael Ashby
Michael is a voice teacher, performer and clinician. His twenty-five years of experience have led to a specialization in complicated and transitional voices. He is adept at working with individuals and choirs/choruses. Michael’s developing method of vocal technique is characterized by an emphasis on balance, beauty, efficiency, and health.
Dr. William Carr
Dr. William Carr is a Steinway Artist and former Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Immaculata University. Dr. Carr studied piano at the Juilliard School as well as at Temple University, and he earned his doctorate in piano at the Catholic University of America. He continued his piano studies in Germany and Austria with concert pianist, Paul Badura-Skoda. In 2005 he was named a Steinway Artist, a prestigious title that recognizes the most exceptional music performers in the world.
Angela Falco ’76
Ms. Angela Falco ‘76 (Flutist, Songwriter, Jazz Pianist, and Music Therapist) graduated from Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (University of the Arts) with a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Arts (Music Therapy) and a Special Education Certification from Immaculata University. She has taught in early childhood, public, private, and university settings.
Gareth Haynes
Conductor, composer, pianist and organist Gareth Haynes is the music director and conductor at St. Matthews in Conshohocken, PA. He also serves as music director and pianist for the Marian Anderson Historical Society in Philadelphia and conducts the Youth Strings division of the Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra. Mr. Haynes’ performance experience includes the full range of brass and woodwinds, as well as piano, organ, harpsichord, and voice.
Dr. Cong Ji
Chinese pianist Dr. Cong Ji is passionate about engaging her audiences with innovative programming and performances as a recital soloist, chamber musician and collaborative pianist. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from City University of New York-Graduate Center, as a full-scholarship fellow under tutelage of Phillip Kawin, Thomas Sauer and Ursula Oppens. Dr. Ji has performed and conducted masterclasses in major cities of Asia, the United States, and Europe.
Lindsay Miller
Mrs. Lindsay Miller (Voice and Piano) has a strong background in musical repertoires and choir conducting. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in music education and a Bachelor of Music degree in piano from Penn State University. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in piano performance from West Chester University. She currently holds her level two music certification in the state of Pennsylvania for students in grades K-12.
The Villa Maria Academy High School Connection
The Villa Maria Conservatory is an extension of the Music Department at Villa Maria Academy High School, with crossover among the music instructors. Villa Maria students have access to the Villa Maria Conservatory’s music instruction at a significant discount on campus, eliminating the need for students and parents to travel elsewhere for lessons. Pilot programs to offer student grades and course credit are in place for the coming year, or students may enroll for no credit/no grade.
Photography provided by Dottie Foley Photography
