"Best of Baltimore" singer/songwriter Angela Taylor will join the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University Peabody Preparatory teaching computer music classes for ages 16-adult. Taylor will hold a free open house and demonstration for Summer Computer Music courses on Wednesday, June 28, 2000, 6:00 p.m., in the Peabody Computer Music Lab, 1 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD. This six-week course offers an introduction to MIDI and the hardware and software used in the typical computer music studio. The cost is $134.

In her classes at the Peabody Preparatory, Taylor makes extensive use of the most modern recording technology available for her students. "It is very important," she says, "for musicians today to be computer-savvy. The wide availability of good but inexpensive recording equipment has opened up a lot of opportunities for aspiring musicians." She added that, "It has also raised the standard. Now it is unacceptable to put out a recording with errors."

In the spotlight locally and nationally, Ms. Taylor was voted 1999's Best of Baltimore Best Solo Music Artist (Baltimore City Paper 1999 Readers Poll). Ms. Taylor was also a finalist for two years in the Lilith Fair competition. She is a passionate teacher who earned her Bachelors degree at the Peabody Conservatory with a double major in flute and recording engineering and a minor in voice, as well as a Masters degree in computer music from the Peabody.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Taylor is a solo performer. Her self-titled debut album is expected out in October, recorded on her own label, Skinny Girl Records. The songs on this album are all composed, performed and recorded by Taylor, who plays synths, flute and sings. She describes the album as "alternapop, but heavily influenced by my training at Peabody." She draws on her classical training in both her songwriting and arrangements. According to Ms. Taylor, when composing she relies heavily on elements learned in her music theory classes at the Peabody: the intervals, harmonies, and voicing. She calls these "rules that you learn and use to write good music in any style."

A native of Prince George's County, Maryland, her Masters degree and computer music experience enable her to teach cutting-edge courses at the Peabody Preparatory in computer music, music notation using Finale, music and multimedia for the Internet, and Pro Tools. Further information is contained in the Preparatory course catalogue, which can be obtained by calling 410-659-8125.

In addition to her musical talents, Taylor is a web programming whiz. By day she is President of Taylor Interactive, designing and developing websites for commercial clients. Taylor has designed her own website at www.angela?taylor.com where fans can read her bio, resume, concert info, and download her latest songs.