Philip Hosford
Philip Hosford, along with Hayuru Taima, is the cofounder of the Academy of Fine Arts. Having just left a teaching position on the piano faculty at Michigan State University, he wanted to pursue his longtime goal of establishing a high quality, community music school for the arts. The school ran its first classes in private and group piano in September of 1995 with 18 students in a back room of a piano store. Nearly 15 years later, Hosford is proud of the hundreds, into the thousands of students the school has trained.
Stephanie Bonte-Lebair
Executive Director - B.M., M.M. (Vocal Performance) from Illinois State University, Masters Certificate in Arts Management from American University. In charge of program growth and development as well as streamlining operations, she works to ensure that the Academy of Fine Arts continues to offer quality fine arts programs to students of all ages. In addition, Stephanie is the Co-Conductor of the Kentlands Children’s Choir in Gaithersburg and is an active performer in the DC metropolitan area. Performance credits include several leading roles with Damascus Theatre Company and Rockville Musical Theatre, member of DC area vocal quartet “MetroCabaret,” and former principal singer in several world premier operas with Golden Fleece Opera in New York City. She also teaches Musical Theatre Singing classes at the Academy.
Howard Hanson
Operations Officer, Early Childhood Music Coordinator - B.S. (Music Business) Towson University. In charge of office staff and school operations, liaison between teaching staff/parents/students. Oversees growth of Early Childhood Music programs and all Off-Campus activities. Howard is a professional musician who serves as Youth Music Director at Church of the Ascension in Gaithersburg.
Andrea Holmes
Office Assistant/Birthday Party Coordinator; Associate of Arts from Montgomery College; Has been working with the Academy since June 2007. She is currently pursuing a degree in Communications from University of Maryland University College.