Leonid Morozov is a 5th generation musician in his family. Before coming to the US Leonid successfully established himself on the Russian jazz scene: participated multiple times in the “Jazz Province” Festival (years 2014,2015,2016 and 2017) and “Lundstrem-fest-100”. Led his own gigs in the top tier Moscow jazz clubs like “Esse”, “Kozlov Club”, “B.B. King club” as well as played as a side man with famous Russian and European jazz musicians.
Aaron is an Australian drummer who began at age four where he attended Australia’s renowned Drumtek School of Percussion. Performing live since the age of 12 he has lived and breathed music ever since. Aaron is well versed in rock, funk, jazz, and pop. As a celebrated musician on the Melbourne rock scene, Aaron’s love of drumming then took him to Hollywood stages. Aaron shares his knowledge of music with all his students. Whether beginner or advanced, his love of rhythm and finding the true spirit of music is what brings joy to those he coaches.
Elijah Cole is a guitarist, pianist, and composer in Philadelphia. An active member of the Philadelphia music scene, he performs frequently around the city as a sideman and a leader. His music blends a wide array of influences into a unique sound that delivers a powerful emotional message. His mission is to create music that stimulates the mind, soul, and spirit of his listeners.
Caroline Kuhn’s earnest songwriting creates a unique union between folk and jazz with soaring melodies that are accompanied by rhythmic fingerpicking on the guitar and tenor banjo. A recent graduate of The New England Conservatory of Music, Caroline spent the last four years completing her degree in contemporary improvisation. After spending time in Boston building upon her extensive experience singing harmony in a variety of styles (from medieval to jazz), she returned to her native New York City.
Through public performances and music education, Dr. Evan Kelsick seeks to strengthen the solo, chamber, and large ensemble literature of the tuba/euphonium and to foster a passion for music in his students and audiences. Evan currently lives in Illinois, where he teaches at Eastern Illinois University. He holds degrees from the University of Houston, Northwestern University, and the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Michael Kaykov earned his Undergraduate degree from Mannes College of Music, Master’s degree from Juilliard, and DMA at the Manhattan School of Music (dissertation: “The Evolution of Alexander Scriabin’s Harmonic Language and Pianistic Textures Across his Etudes Op. 8, 42 and 65”.) His scholarly articles have been published in Europe. A second album in an ongoing series devoted to Liszt’s piano works will be issued by Odradek Records in April 2022.
Matt Kaplan is a professional guitarist and educator based in New York City. He holds bachelor’s degrees of Music Education and Music Performance with a minor in Piano from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a master’s of Music Performance from Mannes College - The New School for Music. Matt has performed internationally and at venues like Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and the DiMenna Center for Classical Music. Recently, Matt released an album of classical guitar chamber music featuring the music of composer Jaime Zenamon.
Australian soprano Yvette Keong is a graduate of The Juilliard School (MM) and Manhattan School of Music (BM). Using a foundation of classical singing technique, Yvette’s teaching repertoire spans across opera, musical theatre, pop, and jazz. She strives to create a compassionate and warm environment for her students to explore their voices. Her teaching philosophy is that anyone can learn to sing, and welcomes students of all age groups and levels.
A big voice with an even bigger heart, soprano Summer Watson is a singer on a mission to inspire as well as entertain. Having beaten stage 4 Breast cancer and survived a deadly train crash, the chart-topping international vocalist knows all too well about the challenges that confront us in life. Summer’s music is infused with the same positive message she embodies: Go for your dreams and never give up! Wowing the world with her incredible voice, Summer has shared stages with the likes of Michael Bolton, David Tutera, Chris Botti, David Foster and Marcello Alvarez.
Based in New York City, violinist Elaine He is an aspiring chamber and orchestral musician. She is a current graduate student at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Lewis Kaplan and Catherine Cho. She is a section violinist at the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and Symphony in C, and she performs with the APEX Ensemble and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra regularly. She has appeared in Tanglewood Music Festival, New York String Orchestra Seminar, Juilliard Focus! Festival, Music Academy of the West.
Jacob Scharfman is a classically-trained baritone singing and teaching around the world. He offers remote lessons to students of all skill levels and backgrounds, encouraging confident technique in any style. Jacob holds degrees from the Juilliard School and Brown University and has sung in major houses across the globe, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse.
Marie Engle, mezzo-soprano, is an opera singer, recitalist and chamber musician. She has produced recitals internationally and made her professional debut as Donna Elvira at Wichita Grand Opera. Marie completed studies at Northwestern University and the Juilliard School. Fluent in English, German and French, Marie has studied in New York, Vienna and Paris. She also taught vocal trio, Girl Named Tom, prior to their winning NBC’s The Voice.
Chelsea Feltman is a soprano, actor, and teaching artist. She performs in opera, recital, musicals, straight plays, film, and interdisciplinary art pieces around the United States, Europe, South America, and East Africa. As a teaching artist, she has led workshops around the world and teaches private students of all ages, experience levels, and interests. In addition to opera/classical, Chelsea is versed in belting and contemporary commercial singing techniques, as well as acting techniques that help singers better express themselves through song.
Arianna Giesbrecht is a graduate of the highly selective Accelerated B.M./M.M. Program at The Juilliard School under the guidance of Jerome Lowenthal and Hung-Kuan Chen. She has appeared in performance ranging from a piano arrangement of the national anthem at the Cleveland Indians Home Opener to a performance of Chopin's Concerto No. 2 with orchestra. Arianna is passionate about the growth of all students and believes in creating and fostering a positive environment where her students have the abilities to grow as both musicians and individuals.
Stephanie has won top prizes in international competitions and enjoys a career dedicated to solo performance, chamber music and pedagogy. She recently graduated from the Yale School of Music, where she was a teaching assistant for undergraduate chamber music and taught undergraduate and graduate students of various levels. Stephanie is committed to developing comprehensive musicianship and technical freedom in all students; her teaching style caters to each individual and she implements music theory, ear training and improvisation in her lessons.
Opera singer Lacey Jo Benter is an alumnus of the residency program at LA Opera where she debuted in the Grammy award winning show The Ghosts of Versailles. She received her B.M. from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI before attending The Juilliard School where she received a M.M. & an A.D. in Opera Studies. She has frequently appeared with the LA Phil, along with Opera Omaha and Opera Columbus. Beginning her career as a mezzo, she is well versed in both soprano & mezzo classical repertoire and is accomplished in many genres & styles of singing.
Yun Janice Lu is regarded as one of the leading Taiwanese pianists of her age and semi-finalist at the prestigious 2018 Geneva International Music Competition (Concours de Geneve) in Switzerland, winner of Chi-Mei Arts Award (2020), PianoTexas Young Artists Competition (2014), and Bronze medalist at Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2021).
Originally from the Delaware Valley, Eric Rizzo is a freelance musician and teacher currently based in New England. He holds degrees from New England Conservatory and Yale School of Music, and is currently in the Doctor of Musical arts program at the University of Connecticut. He has performed with the Hartford Symphony, Phoenix: The Orchestra Reborn, and the Boston Festival Orchestra, as well as at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Lake George Music Festival.
Liza Wu is a classical pianist/keyboardist, performing regularly in Manhattan, as well as internationally. She is an affiliate of Barnard/Columbia, NYU, Avenues, Marsalis RMPBB, and studio pianist of renowned vocalists Josephine Mongiardo, Harolyn Blackwell, and Catherine Malfitano. (Prev: Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral, Interlochen Arts Camps, School for Strings, Prof Perf Arts School, Westchester Cons, NY Youth Symph Singers, Columbia Artists' Theatricals, Bx Opera, Chelsea Opera & Orch, Concerts in Motion, 'Smash' (NBC).
Griffin Jennings is a producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist from New York City. He attended Oberlin conservatory, studying experimental and electronic composition. Griffin's music strives to sound human through an emphasis on warm, tactile sounds, simplicity of melody and harmony, and use of analog technology. Griffin specializes in teaching recording, mixing, and composition / media scoring.
Soprano Ellen Teufel is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, now based in New York City. She holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and Penn State University and has been a young artist with Opera on the Avalon, ISING International Young Artist Program, Bel Canto at Caramoor, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar. Favorite roles include Anna Bolena with dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Pamina with West Bay Opera, Alcina with Lyra New York, and Giannetta with Teatro Dobbiaco.
Bulgarian Violist Raisa, is a member of the English Symphony Orchestra and the Ulster Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly at The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, and in many international music festivals in the UK and Europe, plus appearing on ITV and BBC broadcasts. She is an experienced chamber musician, currently performing on a 1845 viola by J.B. Vuillaume and is completing her PhD in solo & chamber Viola repertoire. Raisa teaches at the Junior department of Trinity Laban Conservatoire, in addition to private teaching.
Violinist Isabella Geis is an active chamber and orchestral musician currently based in New York City where she is a student of Naoko Tanaka and David Chan at The Juilliard School. She has performed extensively in Cincinnati, her hometown, and in various venues throughout the US. She is looking forward to returning to her role as a teaching fellow in the CLIMB program at Juilliard which introduces young children to both literature and music.
Nik Hooks has enjoyed a varied career as a chamber, orchestra, and solo performer, having concertized in renowned venues across the globe. In 2019, he won the Principal Bassoon position with the Billings Symphony Orchestra and was the grand prize winner of the Sherman Walt Merit Award Competition. He holds a Performance Studies Certificate from The Colburn School and a Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory. His primary teachers include Judith Leclair, Richard Beene, Richard Svoboda, and Rick Ranti.
Mezzo-soprano Alma Neuhaus holds degrees from The Juilliard School (MM) and St. Olaf College (BM). Trained in classical singing, her repertoire spans from opera to contemporary works, jazz, and musical theater. Alma has been teaching music for over ten years including positions with Minnesota Opera and Juilliard Community Engagement. Her work as a voice teacher focuses on developing each individual’s unique voice in a safe space. Students of all ages and musical interests are welcome!
I strive to give my students the technical and musical skills to have a life-long appreciation of music-making. It is a priority for me to teach in a way that fosters curiosity, confidence, dedication, and cultural understanding. I make learning the violin fun and engaging for my students by adapting to their learning style, building trust, and celebrating any and all sounds we make together.
Molly Turner conducts, plays, and writes music. She is currently an Esa-Pekka Salonen Conducting Fellow at the Colburn School. Recently, she was featured conducting the Dallas Opera Orchestra, The Juilliard Orchestra, and the Rice Campanile Orchestra. She was a Community Engagement Fellow at Juilliard where she taught K-8 classrooms in group music lessons. With a background in music composition, she regularly arranges songs for beginners, integrates improvisation into lessons, and is open to all genres of music.
Amber Ginmi Scherer is a Korean-German classical pianist, educator, and activist. In May 2021, she graduated from Oberlin College & Conservatory with degrees in Psychology (BA) and Piano Performance (BM) from Oberlin College & Conservatory. During the 2021-22 season, she will be working as a Teaching Fellow for the AmeriCorps ArtistYear program in Queens, NYC. She hopes to pursue advanced degrees in Education and Public Policy, as they impact childhood development and musical training.
Up and coming fiddler and banjoist Keilan Aplin has steadily built a sound of her own through intensive studying of sound recordings, and extensive time playing and learning with friends and mentors at fiddle camps in the United States and abroad. In 2018 she studied under Norwegian fiddle mentors Anon Egeland and Laura Ellestad at the University College of Southeast Norway’s Folk music program. Through close listening to the stylings of West Virginia's Hammons family, and fiddlers like Lee Stoneking, Keilan has developed an anchored, subtly expressive approach to fiddle and banjo.
Jarien Jamanila is a saxophonist from San Diego, California. He graduated from Juilliard in June 2021 with a Bachelor's in Music in Jazz Studies. Some of his mentors include Gilbert Castellanos, Kamau Kenyatta and Charles McPherson, Marshall Hawkins, Wynton Marsalis and George Coleman. He’s had the opportunity to share the stage with Bobby Watson, Delfeayo Marsalis, Eric Reed, Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He is a specialist in with jazz music but is open to all kinds of music!
Dylan F. Thomas is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Valley Opera & Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where he has directed full productions of countless operas and musicals. He has directed operatic and musical theater productions for numerous organizations across the U.S., and has performed all over the world. Thomas has created a new approach to teaching acting, called "The Dressler Technique", which focuses on creating realistic, responsive, and repeatable performances for stage actors of all genres.
Philadelphian violinist Austin Berman began exploring diverse music at the age of five, free-styling to Buckwheat Zydeco, mime-conducting 1940s Looney Tunes soundtracks, and juggling bright orange Sil-X balls to the Electric Light Orchestra. Twenty years later, Austin is a graduate of Princeton University and the Juilliard School, an international violin competitor, and a concertmaster of the Juilliard Orchestra. Austin is a passionate teacher who prides himself on his analytical, strategic, and creative approach to music and violin technique
Award-winning drummer, composer and band leader Shawn Myers currently tours nationally and internationally with grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Leyla McCalla while maintaining an active performing schedule with many other artists. He has performed with many national and international luminaries, including Evan Christopher, Nduduzo Makhathini, Ed Petersen and Kenny Werner. He has studied drums and percussion with Billy Hart, Jamey Haddad, Jason Marsalis, and in Haiti, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Noah Halpern is a Jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Seattle, WA, Noah moved to New York in 2014 to attend The Juilliard School, where he went on to receive a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Jazz Studies ('18 and '20.) He has performed all over the world with artists ranging from Wynton Marsalis to Lil Buck. As a composer, he writes for dance, big band, as well as his own projects. Noah is passionate about sharing his love of trumpet, jazz, and songwriting.
Grammy award winning drummer, Zach Adleman, has performed at Carnegie Hall, the 57th Annual Grammy Awards After Parties, and the Newport Jazz Festival. Additionally, he holds a GRAMMY for playing percussion on the song "Water in Cupped Hands", on Ted Nash's 2016 release, the "Presidential Suite."
Flávia Darcie (she/her) is a Brazilian Mezzo-Soprano based in New York City. She holds a Master's Degree of Music in Voice from New York University and a Bachelor's degree of Music in Conducting from a university in São Paulo, where she was born and raised. She has been teaching voice for over 5 years, all music genres, and her goal as a music teacher is to help people develop and unlock their creativity while giving them strong pillars to do so. She creates a safe and nurturing environment where the student feels inspired to explore their own voice.
Madison (she/her) is a New York-based musicologist and soprano currently pursuing her Ph.D. in musicology at the CUNY Graduate Center. Through her research, performing, and teaching alike, Madison works to create a collaborative environment where limitations are challenged through the exploration of one’s voice, storytelling, and musicianship. Her teaching centers each student’s individual goals through creating a comfortable space where questions are encouraged, and every voice is given the platform to grow and be heard!
Mezzo-soprano Margaret Newcomb holds Master’s and Bachelor’s of Music degrees from Manhattan School of Music, where she graduated with high honors. She has appeared in some of the most renowned theaters and festivals throughout North America and Europe. As a classically trained singer, her performance credits include opera, concert, musical theater, and jazz. Margaret is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive environment to help students of all experience levels find their unique voices and and sing with ease, confidence, and joy.
Gregory Harrington is a concert soloist who has performed with esteemed orchestras & conductors around the globe. He has released 5 acclaimed solo recordings & his latest album of the Philip Glass Violin Concerto #2 & his arrangement of the "Hours Suite" (Janacek Philharmonic & Mark Shapiro) debuted at #3 on the Billboard Charts. He has 20 years teaching experience & studied under esteemed soloist & pedagogue Erick Friedman & Sally Thomas. Ideal for students looking to create an excellent foundation in violin playing.
Izaya Perrier is a PNW Native singer now based in New York City. In his earlier years of singing Izaya spent a lot of time studying and singing Jazz and Musical Theater before he found his true passion for Classical Music. For his undergraduate studies he attended the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and studied under Timothy Noble. Izaya has always found that variety and flexibility in singing is very important. When teaching vocal technique he uses music of different genres to solidify vocal strength and confidence in students.
Oboist, optimist, and singer/songwriter Dr. Lydia Consilvio is an avid chamber musician, having appeared on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center with her ensembles. She has played with the Annapolis (MD) Symphony and the Rochester (NY) Chamber Orchestra. Parts of her recording of Pasculli’s “Le Api” were played on an episode of BBC Radio 3. Lydia is a creator across genres, making double reed arrangements of Bach and popular music alike. Her instruction style is spirited, open-minded, and accessible.
Michael Kissinger began his career at age 16 when he produced his first concert featuring legendary jazz clarinetist Woody Herman. He is Artistic Director of Bravo! Concerts Northwest and the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival. He is a Guest Conductor of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and was Artistic Director of the Dubrovnik Jazz Festival in a 5-year project with the City of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Michael has been a clarinetist and conductor with artists ranging from Jose Feliciano, Diane Schuur, Brubeck Brothers, and the Oregon String Quartet.
Brian Wong is an active solo pianist, collaborative pianist and orchestral keyboardist currently based in New York City. Passionate about creating music with others, Brian has been the pianist for the studios of a wide variety of artists and is currently employed at The Juilliard School as a staff pianist. He was awarded the title 'Hong Kong Scholar” by the HKSAR Government in 2017.
Sami Braman has been playing the fiddle since she was 6 years old, coming up amid the festivals and communities of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant traditional music scene. She is a founding member of award-winning old-time band, The Onlies, a recipient of the Vinson Award for musical excellence, and a composer of tunes which have made their way into festival sessions across the country. Sami now teaches and performs across the U.S., and has appeared onstage alongside Laurie Lewis, Bruce Molsky, Elvis Costello, Chris Eldridge, and Darol Anger.
Joe Block is a Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader. He is currently getting his Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from the Juilliard School and holds a B.A from Columbia University in American Studies. Originally from Philadelphia, he has been playing piano since the age of two and has performed with many notable musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Leslie Odom Jr., Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Peter Bernstein. He has an extensive private studio and is excited to work with new students on Virtu.Academy!
Based in Texas, Seok Hee Jang is currently the Doctoral Teaching Fellow in clarinet at the University of North Texas. His past engagements include a tour of Portugal and Canada with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the North Texas Wind Symphony, the Orford Academy Orchestra, and the Republic of Korea Army Band. His primary teachers include Philip Paglialonga, Stephen Williamson, and Alain Desgagné. He holds a MM from DePaul University in Chicago as well as a BM from McGill University in Montreal.
Clarinetist Michael Thompson brings modern energy to the performance of classical music. Michael has been a member of groups across the nation, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the University of North Texas Wind Symphony, and the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra. As a chamber musician, he was a finalist in the 2019 George Papich Chamber Music Competition and continues to seek out new and exciting performance opportunities. Michael is in his second year of graduate studies at DePaul University, studying with Professor Julie DeRoche.
Amer is the principal clarinetist of the Akron Symphony Orchestra. He is also a guest musician with the New World Symphony, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. His career has brought him to travel the world, performing and teaching across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Serbia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Jordan. As an educator, Amer’s primary goal is to equip his students with tools to help guide them to be successful in any career within or outside of music.
Cole Davis is a rising star in the upright bass world. In 2017, he won the Ron Carter Bass Competition at only 20 years old. In 2018, he was named a “Future Jazz Master” by the National Endowment of the Arts. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan School of Music in 2019, Cole was awarded the rare honor of being accepted to the Juilliard Artist Diploma and Masters Degree Program concurrently. A busy sideman in New York City and abroad, he has played at The Kennedy Center, Rose Hall, The Appel Room, The Jazz Standard, and many other venues.
For more than eight years Alan A. has been involved with music education and has focused on teaching young adults and children. In California, Alan was a conductor of the Santa Rosa Debut Symphony Orchestra and led the orchestra’s educational program. He was responsible for providing the students with their first contact with an orchestral performance. He was also part of the New Mozart School’s team that serves more than 500 students in the Palo Alto area and was voted the Best of Silicon Valley.
Benjamin Ellis is adjunct professor of Guitar and director of the Classical Guitar Ensemble at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy. Ellis performs regularly and has been a featured soloist at festivals, universities and concert venues throughout the north east. Ellis is an active teacher in the Syracuse area and has been featured as a guest instructor at Syracuse University, Mansfield University and the Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University.
Markus Kaitila (b. Helsinki, 1992) has appeared as a recitalist and soloist of orchestras internationally. He won the Bronze Prize in the 2nd WPTA Finland International Piano Competition 2020 and First Prize at the Köhler-Osbahr piano competition (Duisburg) in 2013. Markus has completed residences at Music Academy of the West, Chautauqua Institution, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Pianofest in the Hamptons. He is an active performer, music director, coach, educator and producer based in New York City, where he freelances and teaches.
Jazz pianist, producer and educator Aman Almeida grew up in Bangalore, India. He has played with many distinguished artists including trumpet player Dominick Farinacci, film scorer Terence Blanchard and tenor saxophonist Ernie Krivda. In 2021, Aman received his B.M in professional music from the Berklee College of Music, Boston.
Born and raised in Brazil, I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 years old and played in my first recitals and took part in piano competitions by 8 years old. I moved to Curitiba to college, where I took my Bachelor in Music at the School of Fine Arts of Paraná. In 2019, I moved to the USA, where I went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I have been working as piano, music theory and history of music for 9 years and I am looking forward to teach and learn much more.
Su Jin Kang, composer and pianist, has been actively engaging in New York’s Classical music scene since 2015. She has been commissioned by the Zodiac Trio, National Sawdust, Sforzando Composer’s Collective etc. Kang started off as a pianist from the Chicago Academy for the Arts and was nominated as the featured pianist fo the 30th anniversary concert at the Harris Theater. She is currently at the Juilliard School receiving a Master’s of Music degree and is the recipient of the Gretchaninoff Memorial Prize and the J. & L. Dreyfus scholarship.
Giovanni Piacentini’s original music has been described as “...able to encapsulate tiny, winsome worlds as if passing through a gallery of paintings” (Winnipeg free press), and as “Stunningly beautiful with accessible compositional language.”(The Clarinet Magazine). Piacentini has been nominated for an Independent Music Award, he was a finalist at the Lee Ritenour International Guitar Competition and has performed extensively in America and abroad. He has toured China as a soloist and has released four studio albums.
Guitarist Emmett Sher grew up in Staten Island, New York. Coming from a musical family he started guitar at a young age and decided early on to pursue music professionally. Emmett went to Laguardia High School, the Brubeck Institute Fellowship program and finally, Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin, Emmett was awarded the Wendell and Bettye Logan Prize in Studies. Last summer, Emmett toured with various bands across the United States as well as Portugal. Emmett recently won second place in the Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar competition.
Ricardo Guerra is a Cuban-American drummer/percussionist, composer, and educator based in Miami, FL. Most recently, he started a Master's degree in performance at Global Jazz Institute at Berklee, where he has had the opportunity of studying with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Kris Davis, among others. Ricardo's teaching experience includes over 20 private students in his studio at a time, as well as work with non-profit organizations in Miami and virtual teaching in Panama and Costa Rica.
Shannon Vandzura, 26, flutist, enjoys a vibrant freelance career in the Northeast region. She frequently performs with the New York Philharmonic, Symphoria, New Haven Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Albany Symphony, Symphony in C, as well as other regional orchestras. She holds the position of Second Flute in the Montclair Orchestra and Nutmeg Symphony. She recently graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in the prestigious Orchestral Performance program in 2020.
Composer Soomin Kim is a passionate educator and collaborator. Soomin received the 2019 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award with her chamber ensemble piece titled “conjunctions.” She was also the composer-in-residence with the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra during their 2017-18 concert season, for whom she wrote a 9-minute orchestra piece titled “The Blue Marble.” Soomin is a graphic designer and musical theater singer/songwriter as well.
Natalia Badziak is a graduate of the Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, where she completed Bachelor’s degrees in viola performance and comparative literature, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she completed her Master’s degree. Natalia has taught both violin and viola for seven years in music schools, privately, and through conservatory preparatory departments to students of all ages. She specializes in contemporary music and has commissioned several new works for the viola that involve experimental techniques.
Based in Toronto, Filipino-American pianist Tristan Savella has been an active soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Canada, and Europe. His career has taken him to performances across New York, Austria, and Canada. Tristan holds a Bachelor of Music in Applied Music from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, a Master of Arts (Klavier Solistenausbildung) with highest distinction from the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School in Toronto.
Tony has been on the NYC World Beat, Rock, R&B, Jazz and contemporary Jazz scene for over 30 years, playing with world renowned musicians including; the Brazilian Power Samba band Pe De Bois, Babatunde Olatunji and Drums of Passion, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Terry Reid, Michal Urbaniak, Walter Bishop Jr., Randy Brecker, Michael Wolff, Badal Roy, Jeremy Wall (Spyro Gyra), Brian Kean, Frank Colon, Vic Juris, Jimmy Ponder and Carmen Lundy. He has toured Japan, Europe, Russia and the US with various artists and his own world- beat/contemporary j
Ariel Seung Hyun Lee, 23, a native of Seoul, South Korea, is currently pursuing an Master of Music degree in Violin Performance at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Li Lin. She has received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School and she is a former prize winner of the WDAV’s Young Chamber Musician’s Competition as well as the New York Concerti Sinfonietta Concerto Competition.
Marina Poplavskaya Guedouar has performed on stage since 1990, at first with the Bolshoi Theater children choir, and then, in 1997, she became a soloist with the New Opera in Moscow, where she performed under the leadership of Maestro E.Kolobov. Later, in 2001 she became the lead soloist at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovitch Danchenko Musical Theater. Since 1996 she has won numerous international competitions, including Maria Callas Grand Prix in 2005. Marina has helped artists and young singers to prepare for roles, graduate, and prepare for auditions.
Tai Shan is an award-winning Nashville Americana songwriter and music educator with fifteen years of experience. Her music has been featured in Billboard Magazine, American Songwriter, Americana UK, and on NPR. Her students have performed on stages across the United States, signed record label deals, released over twenty CDs, won Songwriter of the Year (IMTA), Best Song of the Year for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and attended Oberlin Conservatory and Berklee School of Music.
Composer-pianist Ryan Bridge, a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, is a creative force in today's world of classical music. Ryan Bridge has a teaching style that can be best characterized as a fine balance between rigor and warmth, making lessons fun for any level of student while helping them to achieve a high level of playing. All students have access to a weekly studio class, where we learn together and are motivated by a strong sense of community. I include a lesson summary and list of clear assignments for the week after each lesson.
Jazz vocalist Rosalie Swana has been teaching a wide range of students for five years, ages ranging from 3 to over 65. The daughter of Philadelphia’s renowned Jazz trumpeter John Swana, Rosalie came up fully immersed in Philadelphia’s rich Jazz culture. She started singing at the age of 3 and then pursued trumpet. Shortly after, Swana began studying piano at the Curtis Institute of Music and continued until she was 18. Throughout high school, Rosalie sang as well as played trumpet in various Jazz programs throughout the greater Philadelphia are
Alison received her Doctorate in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music in May 2020. She made her Carnegie Hall debut recently with works by Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. Alison has taught college students and beginner to advanced levels of all ages. She approaches each student as unique and caters the lessons to their individual learning style. Her teaching philosophy aims to develop the imaginative mind, sensitive ears, and technical facility so that students become self-directed learners with a fierce love of music.
Praised for his “delicious” collaboration by the New York Times, Josh Tatsuo Cullen is a classical pianist equally at home in musical theater. He made his debut at age nine with the Moscow Philharmonic, and later performed Mozart’s two-piano concerto with the distinguished Viennese pianist Paul Badura-Skoda. Josh recently played and conducted on the national tours of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anastasia, and Frozen. Josh taught piano at Juilliard as a graduate teaching fellow, and at NYU Steinhardt as an Adjunct Instructor.
Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Elena has performed with internationally acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra, English National Opera, West Australian Opera, Opera Philadelphia in iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, Apollo theater, Mann Center, Kimmel Center and Supreme Court Gardens. Equally as passionate off stage for teaching, Elena encourages students to find their inner voice and promotes techniques to build confidence so they can find security to express their natural artistic talent in all genres of music.
Canadian pianist Barry Tan, based in Los Angeles, California, is enjoying a career as an active performer and educator. He holds a Master of Music degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, under full scholarship, and is currently pursuing Doctoral studies at the University of Southern California, studying Piano Performance and Music Production. He is a Teaching Assistant to the Keyboard Department at USC where his duties include teaching group class piano, and individual lessons, and enjoys teaching privately in the Los Angeles area.
Rachel Halvorson is the principal violist of the Sarasota Orchestra and plays in the Sarasota String Quartet. She holds her Bachelors of Music from Oberlin Conservatory, and recently completed her Masters of Music at Rice University. She formerly held a contract with the Akron Symphony, and has performed with orchestras such as the Cincinnati, Houston, San Antonio, Syracuse and New World Symphonies. Rachel has joined Tanglewood, Spoleto Festival and National Repertory Orchestra on summer fellowships, and now performs at Music in the Mountains.
Soprano Katya Gruzglina holds degrees from the Juilliard School (Bachelor of Music) and Rice University (Master of Music) and has held faculty at Fullerton College and California College of Music, specializing in teaching adult beginners and adolescents. Katya teaches with the strong belief that each student has a unique instrument that is paired with unique needs. It is her highest priority to develop an individualized plan to cater to each student’s needs, interests and personality. Learn more at http://katyagruzglina.com
Composer Adam Billings is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied with revered composer and teacher Dr. Robert Beaser on scholarship. As an instructor, Adam enriches his students’ perspectives on contemporary music, philosophy and aesthetic style. In addition, he believes that it is crucial for young composers and musicians to understand the working world that they are headed into. Adam hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the world of music education for composers and musicians alike.
Cellist Maya Enstad holds a B.M. in cello performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She has appeared as a recitalist at the Bellingham Festival of Music’s “Welcome Home” concert series and has held fellowship positions at the Marrowstone Music Festival and at Bamfield’s Music by the Sea. With a background in both performance and education, Maya studied string pedagogy and elementary education at Oberlin. She believes in student-centered learning and designs individualized lessons based on her students’ goals and interests.
Over the years Roni Eytan has developed a unique way of playing the harmonica, by drawing on influences from a wide range of music, transcending the traditional sonorities associated with the instrument, and achieving a singular musical voice. Still only in his twenties, Roni has already performed with a galaxy of world-renowned musicians, such as bassists John Patitucci and Eddie Gomez, drummer Brian Blade, pianist-vocalist Kevin Hays and pianist John Beasley.
Alfonso Hernández is a Doctorate in Musical Arts candidate at the University of Maryland working with Russian pianist Larissa Dedova. Alfonso holds degrees from the University of Houston, Eastman School of Music, and Lynn University; he has participated in many renowned music festivals including the Chautauqua, Aspen, and Zeister Muziekdage in the Netherlands. A passionate educator, Alfonso is Co-founder of the International Chamber Music Festival of Guatemala and has served as visiting faculty at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala.
Violinist Ye Jin Min is currently a candidate for Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Yale School of Music, where she also holds Masters degree. Alongside her performance activities as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, Ye Jin is also a passionate teacher. As a committed music educator, she has been teaching violin, viola, music theory and music history in private lessons, workshops, and festivals since 2010. She also has been an audition panel for KNVC. Ye Jin's former students have won places in competitions and conservatories.
Luis Herrera holds a master’s degree and a Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory of Music. As a bilingual educator, Luis has previously taught at festivals in Panama and Costa Rica, where he is originally from, and has worked as the assistant director for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Days in the Arts at Tanglewood. He is currently on faculty at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School as a Percussion and Hand Drumming Instructor, and his most recent engagement places him as a percussionist in The Orchestra Now.
Ben is currently the Principal Trombone of Symphoria (Syracuse, NY) and The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (Ithaca, NY). Ben has also been fortunate to perform with the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestras as well as the Clinton Symphony, National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic, and American Institute of Musical Study in Graz, Austria. Ben holds a B.M. from the Eastman School of Music and is currently pursuing a M.M. at Yale University where he is also a Teaching Artist in The Yale New Haven Music In Schools Initiative.
Bass-baritone William Socolof from White Plains, New York began training at the Interlochen Arts Academy. In 2019, William participated in the Marlboro Music Festival, and will return in 2021. As a vocal fellow at Tanglewood Music Festival William appeared in Sondheim on Sondheim with the Boston Pops, Bach Cantatas conducted by John Harbison, and premiered works by Michael Gandolfi and Nico Muhly. In the 2020 season, William debuted with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Andris Nelsons, and with The Juilliard Chamber Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall.
Unrestrained curiosity and a devotion to fundamentals fuel Dan Pappalardo's relationship with music. Performing on both upright bass and bass guitar, Pappalardo has served artists from Billy Hart, Wallace Roney, and Sullivan Fortner to Cautious Clay and John Mayer. Dan has taught across different mediums for more than 15 years. His approach is simple: joy is infectious. He hopes to empower students to break perceived impossibilities into manageable pieces, with and without the bass.
Hornist Liana Hoffman is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music where she studies with William VerMeulen. She previously attended the Manhattan School of Music and has participated in music festivals all over the country. She is a substitute musician with the New World Symphony and has performed as an extra hornist with the London Symphony Orchestra. Liana has several years of teaching experience in both group and private settings and with horn players of all levels.
Alison Bieber, soprano, is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Alison has formal training in Opera and Musical Theater, with recent interests in Cabaret and Jazz. Her passion for music began as a young singer/songwriter, influenced by classic rock, pop, and country music. She has experience accommodating her music instruction to an array of different disabilities and severity levels.
Shuyi Guan was born in Shenyang, China; being inspired by great musicians at the time she began her career as a pianist at the Middle School attached to Shenyang Conservatory of Music. As a pianist, she received recognition from fellow musicians as she received the Dean's Talent Award of the Oberlin Conservatory, Thaviu/ Issak Endowed Scholarship, and Eckstein Fund at Northwestern University. In addition, she also received scholarships to further improve her musicianship attending the Banff Centre in 2010, 2011, 2012.
Kimberly Bill is a recent graduate of University of Colorado Boulder where she served as a Masters Teaching Assistant for Takács String Quartet violinist, Harumi Rhodes. Kimberly received her B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory where she had the privilege of studying Suzuki method pedagogy under the instruction of Mary Price at the Oberlin Community Music School. Kimberly has participated in festivals such as The New York String Orchestra Seminar and National Orchestra Institute, and is a substitute violinist for symphony orchestras in Colorado.
Performer and composer Caleb A. Smith is a multi-faceted artist who hopes to use his art to present relevant, relatable, and thought-provoking narratives to his audience. Caleb received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he attended on a full-tuition scholarship. Currently, Caleb is pursuing his Master’s Degree from Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music. He has studied with musicians such as trombonist Robin Eubanks, as well as with performer composers like Jason Moran, Vijay Iyer, and Gary Bartz.
Birsa Chatterjee is currently getting a Masters degree from the Juilliard School and has received a BA from Oberlin Conservatory both in Jazz Performance. He has studied under Jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Gary Bartz, and Billy Hart. As a teacher Chatterjee has a lot of experience working with students at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s weekly youth programs, Jazz House Kids, Juilliard youth programs and an extensive private studio.
Alex Pinto is a 2019 graduate from Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with Roy Poper to earn a degree in Trumpet Performance. He loves making music, whether it is with his trumpet, voice, whistling, or in any other way. With a background in orchestras, jazz bands, chamber groups, acapella groups, church choirs, and other ensembles, Alex has a variety of musical skills that he would love to pass on to anyone with an eagerness to learn. Can teach by ear or with sheet music!
Israeli violist Yehezkel Layoun (1991) earned his bachelor of music (2014) from Temple University as a student of Che-Hung Chen of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a master of music (2016) on full scholarship from Wichita State University, where he was a student of Boris Vayner of the St. Petersburg String Quartet. Most recently, he studied three years in an artist diploma program (2017- 2020) from Rutgers University on full scholarship, under the tutelage of Daniel Panner of the NYC Opera.
Hailed for her “masterful and show-stopping performance” (Opera News), internationally acclaimed soprano Ashley Milanese has performed with Teatro Regio Torino, Komische Oper Berlin, Opera Philadelphia, among others. When she is not performing, she enjoys teaching private voice lessons and masterclasses. Ashley teaches a foundation rooted in Classical Voice which enables her students to strengthen their musical ear, free their natural artistic inclinations, and build a strong technique so they can feel secure and confident across all genres.
With a repertoire spanning over 40 roles, Johnathan has sung at opera houses and concert halls world wide including Opera Philadelphia, Opéra de Lausanne, Komische Oper Berlin, English National Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Wolf Trap Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, David Geffen Hall, Carnegie Hall, Harris Hall and many more. John teaches the fundamentals of technique which can be used for every style of singing, promoting a healthy way of singing. www.mcculloughbaritone.com
An artist with a unique musical voice, Ine-Wilme Coetzee began her love of the cello at age five. A giver of the gift of music, Ine is relatable enthusiastic, creative and empathetic to musicians of all ages. From young beginners to adult students and everything in between, she is able to keep their attention and develop an intrinsic joy that comes from learning an instrument. Ine guides students through an individualized approach based on their personality and learning style, guiding and encouraging students at their own pace.
Currently the touring guitarist with British singer Seal, Russell has elevated his career quickly after graduating from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 2016. Resulting from his versatility, virtuosic ability, and fun-natured spirit, Russell has become frequently requested by some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry, which has led him to perform professionally with a wide range of artists like Jazz bassist Christian McBride, the legendary Gospel group the Clark Sisters, R&B singer Jaheim, and many others.
Dabin Ryu is from Seoul, South Korea. she started to play piano at the age of 4, She played classical piano for 10 years and then switched to jazz. Dabin graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz composition and performance, and graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies. She has a lot of performance experiences in Massachusetts and NYC. Not only playing as a side person, she also had band leader experiences. Dabin Ryu Quintet had summer tour in Seoul, South Korea.
Carson Fratus is a versatile percussionist/drummer and recent Fulbright Scholar. His unique skill set as a hand percussionist, drum set player, and classical European percussionist form a framework that allows him to be a strong collaborator and educator in many different settings. His work in orchestral, jazz, and contemporary ensembles creates a depth of musical understanding that is accessible to any student interested in the vast world of percussion.
Josue González has been described by legendary pianist Daniel Pollack as a technically flawless and fearless virtuoso, characterized by his strong temperament and lyrical touch. Currently 26 years old, Mr. Gonzalez expanded his knowledge attending top music conservatories such as the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music and the USC Thornton School of Music. Mr.Gonzalez has attained international recognition winning more than 2d national and international awards and competitions.
Andrew is a Trombone and Euphonium performer and instructor residing in New York City. With performance degrees from Interlochen Arts Academy, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Mannes School of Music, he has studied extensively with industry leaders from the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic, among others. He has performed at notable venues across the country and was appointed as the trombonist of the NYC new music collective Resonant Refractions.
Praised by Opera News as a "gleaming soprano," soprano Leela Subramaniam has been teaching students to great success for 7 years and sings on the world's most prestigious stages. The success of all of her students is grounded in her belief that singing with complete freedom and ease is possible for everyone, no matter what age, level, or genre. Trained classically, she received her M.M. and Professional Studies Certificate in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and her B.A. from the UCLA in Vocal Performance.