meet the staff
the people behind the music
Sean Gaiser
Founder
When Sean founded GIGS in 2006, he was the sole teacher. Since then, he is proud to have assembled a staff of wonderful and creative individuals. In 2008, Sean joined the faculties of Mater Dei and Georgetown Prep, and has run their music program and recording studio (respectively) ever since. You can find Sean at GIGS every day, teaching classes in the Workshop and booking and producing Courtyard shows.
www.seangaiser.com
Olivia Bell
General Manager
Olivia's passion for live music and event production led her to GIGS in 2015 after graduating from American University. She is responsible for managing all of GIGS' day to day operations - from scheduling lessons in the Academy & Workshop, to co-producing large-scale galas and festivals. Olivia is proud to know every single name & face in the GIGS community!
Jake Simpson
Teacher/Event Producer
Jake has been with GIGS since the end of 2017, a few months after he graduated college as a music major. He is now a multi-instrumentalist who teaches guitar, bass, voice, drums, piano, and ukulele! When Jake is not teaching, he can be found running sessions in the Georgetown Prep recording studio, helping GIGS with event production and live sound, transcribing songs for GIGS' extensive music library, and playing shows around the D.C. area.
Learn more about Jake on Instagram
Walt Beck
Teacher
Walt Beck is a professional guitarist, composer, and educator from right here in Kensington, MD. After starting his musical journey at GIGS, he went on to attend Howard University where he earned a degree in guitar performance. Later, he attended the University of Miami's Frost School of Music where he graduated with a master's degree in jazz composition. Walt loves not only to play guitar, but also to teach guitar to all who are interested! In addition to guitar, Walt teaches bass, ukulele, and piano at GIGS. Outside of music, Walt likes watching and playing sports, collecting vinyl, and brewing specialty coffee.
Daniel Geiss
Teacher
Daniel is a multi-instrumentalist from Silver Spring, MD! He has been surrounded by music for his entire life and has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, and voice! Daniel loves teaching his students how to learn songs by ear, and is passionate about introducing them to new, modern ways to learn music. It's all about having fun, being creative, and learning something new every day!
Learn more about Daniel on Instagram
Meyer Gordon
Teacher
Meyer has been playing music for 11 years now, and was in lessons at GIGS from when he was in kindergarten through 6th grade! He plays bass, drums, and guitar, and is currently in the jazz band, drumline, theatre pit, and show choir at Walter Johnson High School. If he's not playing music, Meyer loves to play baseball and go skiing!
Learn more about Meyer on Instagram
Sarah Jordan
Teacher
Sarah has always enjoyed listening to music, even since she was a little kid, growing up in New Jersey. She's been learning guitar since she was in 2nd grade! She is now currently attending St. John's College High School in DC. She decided to become a teacher because she wanted to share her passion for guitar with others, and hope that they can find love in the same interest too!
Tommy Parker
Teacher
Tommy is a musician from Bethesda, Maryland, who has played drums for over 12 years. After studying at GIGS, he attended Emory University and earned spots as a drummer in the Jazz combos and big band, as well as being involved in multiple other campus and community performances in the Atlanta area. In addition to the drums, Tommy plays and teaches piano and ukulele. He is super passionate about music and rhythm, and loves to inspire that same musical passion in others!
Learn more about Tommy on Instagram
Olavi Takala
Teacher
Olavi has loved performing, learning, and composing music since he was a child growing up in Wheaton, MD. His dad bought him a small light up keyboard when he was 4 years old, and since then, he has studied Jazz Piano Performance at both Montgomery College and Towson University. He has also started and been a part of many bands along the way. He loves sharing the joy of music-making with others through teaching, jamming, and performing as much as possible, so don't be afraid to ask him any questions about music!
Learn more about Olavi on Instagram
Jack Thibault
Teacher
Jack is a former GIGS student so he loves continuing to pass on the magic of music. He's a bass player, but he also teaches guitar, ukulele, and piano. During the work day he's a highly experienced environmental educator. In his free time he's a filmmaker and artist. Jack graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in Environmental Science in 2024.
Kailey Breitenbach
Music Teacher
Kailey is a singer-songwriter and performer currently majoring in Songwriting and Music Production through Berklee Online. She writes and performs her own original music and has experience performing both solo and with a full band. Kailey loves sharing what she has learned with others and helping students grow their confidence, creativity, and love for music so they can work toward their own dreams. She teaches voice and beginner guitar at GIGS!
Luke Breitenbach
Music Teacher
Luke is a self-taught guitarist who has been playing for two years and has developed a strong passion for music. He also plays ukulele and enjoys learning new songs and improving his skills. He currently attends St. John's College High School and previously attended Holy Redeemer. Luke enjoys sharing his love of music with others and helping beginners learn and enjoy playing instruments.
Alexis Cohen
Music Teacher
Bio coming soon.