Arts Every Day

Murray S. Piper, noted Performer, Instructor, Clinician & Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University Peabody Preparatory. Murray is the founder and director of Passionate Drumming & Music Lessons, which was driven from his early passion for drums. Murray received his B.S. music degree with a concentration in instrumentalists from Morgan State University. Murray has been teaching drums/percussion since 2004. Murray is also a teaching artist for the BSO Orchkids program in Baltimore, MD. Between 2017-2019, Piper was the lead percussionist for the University of Maryland Baltimore County dance department. In 2016, Murray was accepted as a member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Murray is extraordinary in all styles of music such as Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Christian, Latin, Marching, Classical, Blues, and many more. Piper is an Emmy Nominated drummer for his outstanding role in the 2015 Stage Musical “Oh Gospel” The Evolution of Gospel Music. His drumming and percussion career has launched him into one of the most sought after instructors & drummers of our time. Piper’s skill level and personality has brought him some major partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Odery Drums, RBimusic, VicFirth, Sabian, Sledgepad, StickPro, JAMTec USA, and Evans. Piper has performed with many Steller’s and Grammy artists such as Richard Smallwood, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole, Isaiah D. Thomas, American Idol contestants, Broadway Musicals, Washington DC Orchestra, Sunday Best contestants, and Washington Talented Agency Bands.

Rachael Barillari is the CEO of Soul Stori LLC. As an educator and writer, Barillari specializes in the intersection of mind, brain, heart, and personal development. She earned an M.S. in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, where she now instructs on neuroeducation, and am M.A. in psychology in education from Columbia University. Barillari is a certified wellness coach and a former public school teacher.