Instructors

Jim Cash
Guitar Instructor
Director

Jim Cash is the director and founder of Potomac Falls Music. Jim is passionately devoted to studying, performing and teaching guitar. He holds a B.A. from George Mason University and has taught for the National Guitar Workshop, one of the leading guitar schools in the nation. Jim is also an award-winning songwriter and founder of the the eclectic rock band, Woven Green. Known for his versitility on both the acoustic and electric guitar, Jim is capable of performing and teaching a wide range of musical styles including, Classical, Blues, Folk, Fingerstyle, Modern and Classic Rock, and Alternative.

Since its release in November of 2009 Woven Green's EP has been nominated for a prestigious Washington Area Music Award (“Wammie”) in the pop-rock category. Woven Green has also been awarded first prize for the Relix Magazine Jam Off Competition for their song "Sixth Sun" and is featured on the Relix CD sampler in the November 2010 issue. The song was also awarded honorable mention in the 27th Annual Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest. Additionally, the band received an award for their song "Between Worlds" in March 2010 for Mike Pender's Bandwars Competition. For information on Woven Green and to hear some music samples please visit wovengreenmusic.com.

Testimonials:
"Jim Cash has been our son’s guitar instructor for nearly 5 years. Our son began his lessons with Potomac Falls Music at the age of 12, having no previous music instruction of any sort. Our son thrived with the lessons that he received. Jim customized the lessons to meet our son’s goals and interests. Our son learned an incredible amount about playing guitar and music in general. He looked forward to each lesson, was excited with what he learned and loved the opportunities that Potomac Falls Music provided for him to perform for a live audience. In addition to the benefits of learning about music and how to play guitar, our son’s personal growth was very positively impacted by Jim who is a wonderful role model. We could not be more pleased with the experience our family had with Potomac Falls Music!"
- Rob and Tara Allen, Reston, VA

"Jim started teaching my 3 boys when they were barely old enough to hold the instrument. Each summer, when they get to pick their after-school-activities, Jim makes top of the list. He has become part of their lives, not just as a guitar instructor, but as a friend, mentor, and role model. And their guitar playing sounds really good, too!"
-Petra Barrientos, Great Falls, VA

"I've been learning guitar from Jim Cash for about six years now. I've come a long way from banging out (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction on a friend's acoustic guitar, and Jim's been with me every step of the way, helping me grow as a musician. As a teacher and a guitarist, he's incredibly knowledgeable and very talented--as well as being one of the nicest guys I know. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to learn guitar from anybody else."
-Albert Tholen, Great Falls, VA

Ashley Cash
Beginning Guitar & Voice Instructor
Administrator

Ashley Cash is the administrator and co-founder of Potomac Falls Music. Holding a B.A. from George Mason University, Ashley has been involved in music for most of her life. She teaches beginning guitar and voice in a style that is particularly well suited for students who want to learn to sing and play. Although Ashley was classically trained in voice, her primary focus now lies in popular music including pop, rock, R&B, and folk. As a full-time instructor, Ashley aims to impart the technical means necessary to enjoy singing and playing music.

Ashley is also the lead singer and front woman for the eclectic rock band, Woven Green. The band has won several awards, including a nomination for a prestigious Washington Area Music Award ("Wammie"). With her rich alto/mezzo-soprano voice, Ashley brings warmth and power to the songs of Woven Green. Her vocal range and clairity fills the room and captivates audiences while she seamlessly integrates rock, pop, gospel, and blues vocal styles. Also an accompanying rhythm acoustic and electric guitar player, Ashley adds texture to the band’s sound. For information on Woven Green and to hear samples of their music visit wovengreenmusic.com.

Testimonials:
"Since 2008, my daughter Catie has been fortunate to have had the guidance of Potomac Falls Music to learn guitar and vocals. Ashley's positive and professional approach has taken Catie to a much higher level of performance than most expect from typical music lessons. Ashley's background and direct experience with Woven Green is what sets these lessons apart from others. Catie has not just learned to play instrument, she has learned how to perform and love it! Their bi-annual music events are another key component for the kid's to enjoy what they have learned that others do not offer. Catie has been coached in everything from Rock/Folk music to Italian Arias, and would not be the performer she is today without Potomac Falls Music.. We plan on continuing this partnership for many years to come!"
-Liz Lee, Potomac Falls, VA

" In 2006 my daughter Margaret had her first voice lesson with Ashley Cash. My daughter was nine years old at the time and eager to sing. Also, she was very hyperactive and hard to work with. Ashley came to our home and the next thing I knew… Margaret was engaged, focused and thrilled to be a voice student. How did that happen? Well, I remember a few instances that were pivotal to Margaret’s ability to focus and persevere. One time, Margaret was struggling with her ability to learn the musical scale. She simply could not sit still. Next thing I knew, Ashley and Margaret were climbing up and down the stairway reciting the musical scale as they went. Margaret was able to remain on subject and she learned the lesson that day. I was in awe of Ashley’s ability to meet Margaret where she was at in order to get the lesson across. Another time Margaret had a hard time focusing on the musical notes she was trying to memorize. Ashley and Margaret climbed to the top of Margee’s bunk bed and pasted a poster to the wall illustrating the musical notes she was struggling with. Margaret loved that and needless to say, she soon learned the notes and the scale because Ashley was resourceful and able to keep up with Margee’s unique personality. Finally, one week Margaret was working hard to develop a deeper and bigger voice. She faltered several times as she sang a challenging song… Ashley giggled, and then very, very patiently kept working on one verse until Margaret nailed it. That day I knew that Margaret would do whatever she could to perform to her highest caliber for Ashley. Ashley allowed Margaret to be Margaret. I am more grateful for Ashley’s efforts than I can say. Margaret has not pursued anything in her life for the duration or to the extent that she has pursued voice lessons. I believe Ashley has been and remains the catalyst for Margaret’s commitment. Wherever you go Ashley… we will follow!
-Liz Hoffinger, Great Falls, VA

Eliza Andrews
Piano & Voice Instructor

Eliza is a native of Great Falls, Virginia and has studied piano and voice for over 25 years. Although she is classically trained, she has studied and performed in many genres, from opera to Broadway to contemporary music. In addition to teaching her young students the rudiments of theory and technique, she aims to instill and nurture in her students an abiding appreciation for all types of music by mixing traditional piano and vocal repertoire with more contemporary pieces.

Eliza earned an A.B. in History, with a Minor in Music, from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio in 2000. Eliza teaches full-time with Potomac Falls Music.

"We have been working with Eliza for about 4 years, since our son was 6 and expressed interest in learning how to play piano. We learned about Eliza through Ashley Cash when we saw them perform together in Great Falls and loved her immediately. She has been an excellent teacher for our son, who is bright and a quick learner, but also a very independent and spirited personality. She motivates him and works with him in ways that bring out the best of him, while being patient with him on days when his head is not into it. He has progressed quickly over the years and has played some phenomenal and challenging pieces such as The Entertainer, Maple Leaf Rag, and Tarantella. In addition, he loves to play around and create music as well as play music he hears elsewhere – one of the pieces he wanted to learn to play was Cold Play’s Clocks – she was very flexible about letting him divert some attention to doing that, which was extremely motivating. He has performed in a number of recitals, both with Potomac Falls Music and at his school programs. About 2 years ago, I decided to work with her as a voice coach and have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I’m learning so much from her about all styles of music and how to use my voice appropriately, including breathing techniques. Eliza is a terrific teacher, patient, flexible, and very talented. We love working with her!"
-Natalie Givans, Great Falls, VA

"My daughter‘s vocal skills have improved tremendously under Eliza’s teaching and guidance. Eliza has developed range and a beautiful quality in my daughter’s voice. She has also taught her excellent technique and control. It is a joy to listen to her voice lesson each week. Eliza is reliable and has been quite flexible with my daughter’s crazy schedule."
-Lacy Grecco, Great Falls, VA

WELCOME OUR NEWEST INSTRUCTORS!

Julie Allen
Piano & Saxophone Instructor

Julie began playing the piano well before her feet could reach the pedals, and learned to read music at the same time she learned to read books. After years of piano, Julie added the flute and saxophone to her repertoire and studied a variety of musical genres. Over the last 30 years or so, she has performed with marching bands, symphonic orchestras and jazz ensembles. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Julie earned her B.S. degree in telecommunications with minors in music and film from Ohio University. In 2004, she earned her M.A. in literature from Marymount University here in arlington, Virginia.

Farrah Fatani
Guitar, Voice & Drum Instructor

Farah Fatani is picked up the guitar at age 10 and simply couldn’t put it down. She loves to teach many different styles of music - anything from country to acoustic covers of popular songs. Her teaching style is patient and passionate, perfect for the beginning player. Farah also plays the drums and the harmonica and is well suited for the student who would like to learn how to sing and play. Farah holds a MBBS (bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery), which is the European equivalent of an MD, from King Abdulaziz University.