Our Team
Instructors
We offer a diverse range of professionals ranging from school teachers, recording artists, producers, band directors, and music therapists. Their backgrounds and styles vary from Classical, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, and Rock music. The teachers have showcased their talents throughout the world and they have the unique gift to be able to teach students on every level.
Professor Randy J. Gibson
Piano & Organ Instructor (Wednesday, Saturday)
Professor Randy J. Gibson is the Owner and Artistic Director of The Gibson School of Music and Arts and lead piano and organ instructor.
He Is a mentor to many globally. His many years as a music educator has allowed his students to permeate countless churches, concert venues, and to achieve award winning accolades, (Grammys, Emmys, Tony’s). He gives wise counsel to young men and women navigating through such a confused world we call life.
Carrie Lessene
Piano, Vocal, Violin, Flute Instructor & Music Therapist (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Carries Lessene has over 20 years experience teaching music and has been working at the Gibson School of Music and arts for about two decades. Since 2019, she has been the Director of Music at the Berean Presbyterian Church, Director of the Intermezzo Choir Ministry, Founder of Verolga Nix, and the Co-Director of the Omega Omega Ensemble. She studied Music Therapy at Montclair State University and attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls (Class of 1977).
Masha Smith
Piano, Vocal & Cello Instructor (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday)
Masha Smith, also known as “Masha-T”, is an entertainer, singer, and musician with diligence and steadfast persistence. Masha-T has been performing all over the world singing and playing R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop music and has participated as a musician in a classical orchestra and Jazz band. She has also been teaching music for many years in different countries including the US, Ukraine, and Spain.
Rod Berry
Saxophone, Trumpet, & Trombone Instructor (Saturday)
Roderick “Rod” Berry is a teacher and musician with more than 20 years experience. He has taught in the Philadelphia School District, at the Gibson School of Music and Arts and has offered private lessons. He plays the saxophone (tenor, alto, and soprano), flute, oboe, clarinet, and trumpet.He has been playing at Stylistics for 28 years and Chi lites for two years.
He attended Berklee College and Combs College where he received a professional performance diploma and a music education degree.
Kevon Lewis
Bass & Guitar Instructor (Saturday (In Person), Thursday (Virtual))
Kevon Lewis is an accomplished guitarist. Raised in the Philadelphia school district and an alumni of Temple University, Kevon stems from a very musical family and has been playing the guitar since the age of 17.
At the school, Kevon provides lessons for all levels of learning for guitar and bass. Each student has a carefully crafted lesson plan that navigates them through traditional and modern styles of music.
Malachai Watson
Guitar Instructor (Saturday)
Malachai has been playing guitar for about 25 years. He specializes in RnB, funk, blues, gospel, rock, pop, and alternative rock music.
Sean Tate
Art & Animation Instructor (Saturday)
Sean Tate was born in North Philadelphia to a family of artists. It was at the Art Institute of Philadelphia where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts and Animation. He has over 20 years experience in art and animation. In his professional career, Sean has worked for companies such as MTV, Nickelodeon, and other high profile clients. Sean now enjoys working with children and teaching them art and animation at various schools. He also enjoys creating his own style of cartoons and animation; his style is a healthy influence of both Japanese and Western animation.
Staff
Professor Randy J. Gibson
Owner & Artistic Director
Professor Randy J. Gibson is the Owner and Artistic Director of The Gibson School of Music and Arts and lead piano and organ instructor.
He Is a mentor to many globally. His many years as a music educator has allowed his students to permeate countless churches, concert venues, and to achieve award winning accolades, (Grammys, Emmys, Tony’s). He gives wise counsel to young men and women navigating through such a confused world we call life.
Wilhemina Gibson
Executive Director
Wilhemina Gibson is the Executive Director of The Gibson School of Music and Arts. She has been in this role since 2003, alongside her husband Professor Randy J. Gibson, overseeing the staff and heading projects at the school.
Wilhemina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Temple University (Class of ‘91) and a minor in Accounting.
During her professional career, she has worn many hats and reached several milestones. She was a graduate of the Emerging Leaders program, the Scale Up Philadelphia program (2017), and the CCP Power Up Program (2021). She has served as a grant writer for several grants and funding opportunities. She received a Certificate of Achievement from Assets Montco and is currently a Board Member for the Olney Culture Lab.
Shirley Baker
Office Manager
Shirley Baker is the Office Manager for the Gibson School of Music and Arts. She handles the daily operations for the school.
Originally from North Carolina, Shirley has grown to become a staple and fixture in the community and business during the 40 years she’s lived in Philadelphia. She is an avid promoter of quartet gospel music, organizing concerts at the school and surrounding churches in Philadelphia for over 30 years.
The Gibson School of Music and Arts was founded in 1995 by Professor Randy J. Gibson. We offer music and arts lessons and classes, musicians for hire, space rentals, instrument sales, and more.
Contact Us
Address: 5425 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone Number: (215) 924-7345
Fax Number: (215) 924-8890
Email Address: gibsonmusicarts1@gmail.com
Explore
Our Hours
Monday - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday - Closed
Friday - Closed
Saturday - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday - Closed