​Piano & More is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a Board of Directors. We work towards a future where musicians are found in every household. We appreciate the dedication, commitment, time and energy our members give to Piano & More. ​​

Meet Nicole Kovar

Founder & Director

Board President, Founding Member

​Nicole Kovar is the Founder and Executive Director of Piano & More. She is dedicated to creating happy musicians and performers of all ages and backgrounds. With a Bachelors in Health Education and a Masters in Science, Nicole is a passionate advocate for the intersection of music education and brain health. From a young age, she discovered music as her “superpower,” using piano, guitar, and singing for emotional expression, confidence building, and connection. With nearly a decade of experience running a music studio and over 15 years as an educator, Nicole has helped students of all ages transform their lives through music, showing how playing an instrument can boost cognitive health, confidence, and emotional resilience. 

Board Of Directors

Damacia Umanzor
Treasurer
Joined Board in 2023
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Damacia Umanzor has worked in the finance industry for the last 15 years and serves as the treasurer for Piano & More. Her professional experience in accounting has allowed her to implement her knowledge to serve as the current treasurer for Piano & More. Being a mom of three boys, she values the positive impact that music has on a child’s growth and development. Her family connects through music with the use of instruments, singing, and dancing. She wholeheartedly believes music is a lifelong investment for her family.


 Melissa Cortina Rush
Secretary, Founding Member
Joined Board 2018

Melissa Rush serves as the Secretary for Piano & More. She has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from James Madison University. Mrs. Rush is currently a Dual Language Immersion teacher for Harrisonburg City Public Schools. Mrs. Rush has a passion for language education and for serving the needs of culturally diverse student populations. Through her years working with high needs, culturally diverse populations, Mrs. Rush has developed a mission to serve the community and provide them with responsive, relevant education. 

Samatha Yeo
Co-Chair Development Committee, founding member
Joined Board in 2023

Samantha Yeo serves as the Co-Chair Program Committee for Piano & More. She has her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from St. Edward's University and a Master of Science in Earth Monitoring from the University of Bordeaux. Samantha currently works as a conservation scientist for a non-profit NGO dedicated to combating climate change. Believing in the power of local initiatives, she is committed to the mission of Piano & More, connecting her love for music with the organization's goal of providing piano lessons to the community, regardless of socioeconomic background. Music, to Samantha, is a universal language that fosters connections and bridges gaps, reflecting her belief that positive global change starts with community-driven efforts.

Interested In Joining our Board?

Piano & More is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a Board of Directors. Piano & More is looking for civic minded leaders who would like to serve on our Board of Directors. If you have a passion for the musical arts and want the opportunity to partner with other community leaders to help fulfill the mission of Piano & More, please apply below.

​We are honored to be serving the public via our mission. We will make available documents about our mission, activities, and governance publicly available upon request. To make a request, please send a formal letter to PO BOX 5262 Arlington, VA 22205 with your questions and purpose. Please allow 30 days (during the school year) to provide the documentation. This Corporation practices transparency and accountability to the general public. ​To contact, please send an email to finance@pianoandmore.org.​