ROCKLAND — Midcoast Music Academy (MCMA) welcomes two new faces to its faculty: Chris Pert (trumpet, trombone, and euphonium) and Nat Baldwin (electric and upright bass). Both educators come to with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, according to MCMA, in a news release.

Chris Pert holds a degree in music performance from the University of Maine at Augusta. Though jazz and trumpet are his primary focus, Pert also plays trombone and euphonium and has experience performing in multiple genres. Considering himself equal parts educator, musician, improviser, and composer, He is ready to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with students of all ages and abilities in the Midcoast area.  
 
Pert teaches on Tuesdays, and directs the Adult Jazz Ensemble. Students are counseled and encouraged to improvise, sightread, and become exposed to new styles and new modes of creating music. The Adult Jazz Ensemble meets on Tuesdays from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m., and is currently open to new members. 
 
Nat Baldwin is an accomplished bassist, improviser, and songwriter living in Portland. He studied jazz performance and classical bass technique at the Hartt School of Music before charting a unique path as a working musician. For the past fifteen years, Baldwin was a core member of the indie-pop band Dirty Projectors, touring internationally and performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, while sharing the stage with artists such as Bjork, David Byrne, The Roots, and Solange. Baldwin has also shaped a distinctive voice of his own, releasing nine solo albums to date and touring extensively in the U.S. and Europe. Currently, Baldwin performs with Little Wings, Dead Gowns, and Collision Unit. Nat has taught privately over the years working with bass students ranging widely in age, skill level, and stylistic proclivity. 
 
Baldwinwill teach at MCMA on Thursdays beginning March 12. In addition to his private students, he will also teach two ensembles. Ensemble Intro, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., each Thursday, will give the student (aged 11-14) who has been studying privately on their instrument a chance to learn the ins and outs of playing with other musicians through the genres of blues, jazz, gospel and more. Teen Jazz, 7 - 8 p.m., takes a group-centered approach and gives students a chance to play jazz in a supportive learning environment, with an emphasis on topics not often covered in school programs. 

 
Both of these new faculty members are currently accepting students at MCMA's studios in downtown Rockland. If you are interested in scheduling an introductory lesson or joining an ensemble, contact Maddy Siletti, office manager, at info@midcoastmusicacademy. com. You can read more online at www.midcoastmusicacademy. com, as well as view the policies and rates.