Meet Our Instructors
Kelsey Robertson, Voice
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As a teacher, Ms. Robertson focuses on teaching her students how to sing with ease and confidence regardless of age and/or ability. Ms. Robertson creates a calming and positive atmosphere so that her students feel comfortable to grow artistically and technically. Kelsey has been teaching students of all ages for over 11 years. Her students have sung at Carnegie Hall, Broadway tours, and have been recipients of the NJ Rising Star Award, NJ All State Opera Festival. Students have gone on to study at Eastman School of Music, Ithaca College, Westminster Choir College. Montclair State University, Rutgers University.
Ms. Robertson teaches a range of genres and styles. Student repertoire includes classical, opera, musical theater, sacred, country, folk, pop and rock depending on age, skill and interest. She is always open to learning and teaching different styles and genres at the student’s request!
In order to guide the student to sing with confidence and ease, Ms. Robertson’s teaching technique emphasizes posture, breathing, vocal production, diction and communication.
Her years of intensive training with some of the finest pedagogues and vocal technicians in the country combined with her continued performance experience make her an excellent teacher.
One of the greatest pleasures that Ms. Robertson takes from teaching is watching her student’s grow as artists and humans. She also loves learning from her students and continually growing and changing her teaching methods to better serve each and every student.
Kelsey Robertson has been praised by the New York Times for her “verisimilitude” and “legato.” In the 2019-2020 season she made her role debut as Suzuki in Madame Butterfly with Baltimore Concert Opera. In the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 season, Ms. Robertson performed several roles as an Apprentice Artist with Palm Beach Opera. In the Spring of 2017, Ms. Robertson made her New York City Opera debut in the role of Fuego in the U.S. premiere of Los Elementos. The New York Classical Review praised her performance for her “fierce, smoky mezzo” and “ferocious coloratura.”
Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Robertson holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. Ms. Robertson’s award credits include Eastman School of Music Vocal Concerto Competition Winner, 2019 Metropolitan Opera National Council Colorado/Wyoming District Winner and Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition Third Prize Winner. She also placed as a finalist in the 2019 Violetta DuPont Vocal Competition and the 2019 Giulio Gari Foundation International Vocal Competition.
Meagan Sill, Voice
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Praised for having “cut and sparkle without shrillness,” Meagan Sill is a Bel Canto specialist and active performer in both the United States and Europe. Having received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in Jazz Studies from James Madison University and a Master of Vocal Performance from Indiana University under the tutelage of Carol Vaness, Ms. Sill’s first major performative work included Musetta in La Bohème, as well as the title role in both Lehár’s Friederike, and in the United States premiere of Kálmán’s Das Hollandweibchen during her two seasons with The Ohio Light Opera. It was at this point in her early career that Sill made the decision to dedicate herself to the study of the Bel Canto style and technique of singing.
Ms. Sill is sought after as a recurring principal, cover, and featured soloist. She recently performed an all Rossini program at the Festival Lanaudiére with Michael Spyres and Lawrence Brownlee. She has worked closely with the critically acclaimed historical ensemble Teatro Nuovo, where she has been a principal and a soloist, a principal cover, and where she sang the role of Lisa in La sonnambula in their 2021-2022 season. Meagan made her Kennedy Center debut as Cunegonde, in a program featuring excerpts from Bernstein’s Candide, as a guest artist with the Washington National Opera Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. Sill performed the role of Corphée in Gounod’s Sapho with the Washington Concert Opera and she was also featured as the principal Soprano in Frank Martin’s chamber opera Le vin Herbé with the Wolf Trap Opera.
Sill is rapidly gaining traction overseas after having an award winning 2021 summer season at the Rossini in Wildbad Bel Canto Festival in Bad Wildbad, Germany. In Wildbad, Meagan sang the principal role of Lucilla in La scala di seta, which has just seen a live recording release on Naxos, while simultaneously preparing a variety of concerts ranging from chamber music programs to semi-staged performances, all to critical praise, culminating in the winning of the annual Inge-Borkh Stipendium awarded by festival director, Jochen Schönleber. Meagan also received the Maestro Fabio Luisi Scholarship during her time in Italy while performing at the Solo Belcanto Festival in Montisi-Montalcino.
While primarily focusing on Bel Canto performance practice, Sill maintains an effortless performative flexibility and has performed a multitude of roles in the traditional vocal repertory, including Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Lyudmila (Ruslan i Lyudmila), Frasquita (Carmen), Ninetta (La gazza ladra), and Monica (The Medium). Her solo oratorio work includes Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Kleine Orgelmesse, and Handel’s Messiah as well as performances of Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate with the Union Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina, and again with the National Music festival in Chestertown, Maryland.
Meagan Sill is on the roster of Fischer Artists International, managed by Helmut Fischer.
Teaching Philosophy:
As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to instill technical proficiency, encourage creativity, and to help my students achieve their specific goals. I value music as a crucial means for any thriving community and I have immense passion for the arts as a vehicle for performative communication. As a teacher, I hope to convey the importance of music and the arts, nurture my students’ voices and further their talents, and to provide a safe and comfortable space for creative expression.
Ramilya Saubanova, Piano
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Ramilya Saubanova is a musician of profound sensitivity, passion and lyricism. In her artistry, she embodies a harmonious blend of eloquence and simplicity that resonates with audiences far and wide.
Ramilya began her musical journey in 1994 in Nizhnekamsk, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, where she first touched the keys of a piano at the age of eight. Over the years, she has nurtured her talent, shining brightly in competitions, festivals, and recitals across a multitude of cities, both in Russia and abroad, including France, Switzerland, the USA, and her beloved homeland of Tatarstan.
Ramilya Saubanova is a laureate of international competitions, including the World Vision Music International Competition, where she won the Grand–Prix at the National Level in 2021. In 2016, she was awarded a scholarship from the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, a testament to her outstanding musical abilities. Her recognition extends to the 2019–2022 Clara Asherfeld Piano Accompaniment Award, the 2021–2022 Arabella Leith Symington Griswold Scholarship, and scholarships from patrons such as Mr. and Mrs. Keter, Mr. Sofer, and Mr. Metshin, who supported her in 2018–2020. Ramilya’s gratitude also extends to Laura L. S. Lucas for her role in establishing The Alyne Ludwig–Subock Memorial Scholarship at the Peabody Conservatory, which Ramilya received in 2020–2021.
In 2020, Ramilya Saubanova was elected to join the American Honor Society Pi Kappa Lambda Society, an esteemed recognition of her scholarly and artistic achievements. Her musical journey has been marked by captivating performances of masterpieces by renowned composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Frederic Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, Rustem Yakhin, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky with the orchestras such as Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theatre Orchestra, Rostov Academic Symphony Orchestra, Kazan Large Concert Wind Orchestra, and Peabody Student Orchestra. Ramilya’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in her participation in masterclasses led by internationally acclaimed professors from around the world such as Frederic Voorn (Netherlands), Nelson Delle-Vigne Fabbri (Belgium), S. Edelman (Belgium), A. Diyev (Russia), E. Minkstimas (Lithuania, USA), T.Shklovskaya (Russia), T. Joamets (Estonia), S. Markarov (Paris), S. Spooner (USA), L. Fleisher (USA), and R. Goode (USA).
Her educational journey began at the Kazan Secondary Special Music School and continued at the Kazan State Conservatory named after Nazib Zhiganov under the guidance of Marina Sukharenko and Stella Fedoseeva.
From 2018 to 2023, Ramilya pursued her academic and artistic aspirations at the Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University, under the mentorship of Alexander Shtarkman, earning both Master’s (2020) and Doctor of Musical Arts (2023) degrees. Currently, Ramilya teaches at Patterson Park Academy of Music, Baltimore, where she imparts her refined skills and essential musical knowledge to her students. Her mission extends beyond music, as she aspires to nurture empathy and kindness in the hearts of her students through the transformative power of musical education. Outside of her musical pursuits, Ramilya finds solace in the simple joys of life, including walks in nature, quality time with her family, and the enchanting world of fiction and biographical literature.
Inês Andrade, Piano
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Portuguese pianist Inês Andrade performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, having presented concerts throughout Europe, North America, China, Singapore, and Cape Verde. Recent engagements include appearances at the Bay Chamber Concerts,
All-Steinway, All Together Gala, Boston Festival of New Jewish Music, Cistermusica, Festival Internazionale di Musica de Pordenone, and performances in venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (US), The Esplanade (Singapore), Shenzhen Concert Hall
(China), Centro Cultural de Belém (Portugal), and Alexander Girardi Hall (Italy). She has been praised for her "wonderful musicianship" and “excellent technique” (Diário de Notícias), after her performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto with the Lisbon Sinfonietta Orchestra. Inês has also appeared as a soloist with the NYU Symphony Orchestra, the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra, the MPMP Orchestra, and the Lisbon National Conservatory Orchestra, among others. She regularly collaborates with ensemble ALEA III and is a member of the ensemble Virtuoso Soloists. She has recorded for MEP Italia, Framart, and MPMP and was invited to participate in the documentary “A Vida Breve de António Fragoso” for the Portuguese national TV channel - RTP.
Inês is a passionate and dedicated teacher. She has taught piano, chamber music, ear training, and music theory at NYU Steinhardt, Boston University, EKS Music School, and Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal). Her students have been prizewinners at several piano competitions, and they have received the highest marks at the ABRSM and RCM examinations. She is the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Bendada Music Festival (Portugal). Inês Andrade holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master's in Piano Performance and
Pedagogy from Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa, and a Master’s degree from New York University. In 2018, she received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where she studied with Pavel Nerssesian. Among many other prizes, Inês is a laureate of the 2013 Steinhardt Concerto Competition and the 2011 Portuguese Young Musicians Prize and was distinguished by the BU Women’s Council, the BU Arts Initiative, and the Music Honor Society Pi Kappa Lambda.
Teaching philosophy:
My teaching philosophy as a piano teacher is grounded in the belief that every student, regardless of age, has the potential to develop a deep and lasting connection with music. I tailor my approach to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of each student, emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also fostering a genuine love and understanding of music. I am committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to explore their musical talents and express themselves through the piano. Simultaneously, I aim to instill values of dedication, curiosity, and perseverance, recognizing their significance not just in musical growth but also in all aspects of life. Through patient guidance and constructive feedback, my ultimate goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for music in my students, cultivating a sense of confidence and joy that extends far beyond the piano lessons themselves.
Christopher Banka, Piano
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A graduate of Mannes School of Music (MM in piano performance 2021) and Florida State University (BM in piano performance 2018), Christopher Banka has won numerous awards for solo and chamber piano. Chris has performed in more than 100 recitals, concerts, and master classes, including at the International Keyboard Institute & Festival, Kinhaven Music School, Meadowmount School of Music, the Princeton Festival, and Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall. In 2020, Chris was selected to represent the state of New Jersey in the MTNA Young Artist Piano Competition. He is currently studying piano with Vladimir Valjarević and Adrienne Kim; previous teachers include Read Gainsford and Joel Hastings.
My teaching philosophy is to instruct my students in a manner that garners a deep love of music. From this love comes a strong desire to learn, listen, practice, and perform. Understanding that a student is an individual with a unique set of strengths and weaknesses is crucial for this. Musical development is a lifelong journey. As a teacher, it is my job to help a student find their own artistic path. This creates an enjoyable, fun, and exciting learning environment that fosters a love for music.
Alexandra Pitocchi, Piano
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Alexandra Pitocchi, an active pianist and teacher, was born in Massapequa, NY. Starting at a young age, she developed a deep love for classical music and found the piano to be a great source of solace and self-expression. As an educator, Alexandra believes in the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation and giving each student the tools to become independent and confident musicians.
Alexandra began teaching piano during her undergraduate studies at the Crane School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a concentration Pedagogy. Here, she was able to gain extensive experience working closely with students of various ages and levels, allowing her to become familiar with a wide of array of repertoire and method books. While at Crane, Alexandra studied solo piano with Dr. Paul Wyse and piano pedagogy with Dr. Kathryn Sherman.
Alexandra also holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College, where she graduated with distinction. As a graduate assistant, she taught private piano lessons at Westminster Conservatory as well as group piano classes. During her time at Westminster Choir College, Alexandra completed internships under the guidance of Phyllis Lehrer and Betty Stoloff, focusing mainly on teaching in a group setting. She has also performed in master classes with prestigious pianists such as Lori Sims and Thomas Otten.
In addition to an extensive teaching career, Alexandra is an active soloist and collaborator and works regularly with vocalists. She has performed at multiple venues, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Snell Theater (Potsdam, NY), Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall (Potsdam, NY), and Williamson Hall (Princeton, NJ).
Zaira Castillo,
Piano
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Zaira brings her wealth of experience working with beginner to pre-collegiate students in her private studio. Guided by her teaching philosophy, she believes in nurturing each student's unique musical journey. With a commitment to infuse every lesson with joy and enjoyment, she ensures a gratifying and personalized musical experience for her students.
Zaira has performed in venues across Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago. She has also participated in renowned festivals, including the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance, the Los Angeles Liszt International Competition, the Frequency Series through Constellation Chicago, and most recently the Impromptu Fest through New Music Chicago.
Her programming choices blend classical with contemporary repertoire, bridging the gap between past and present. Zaira's performances feature works by composers like Ligeti, Kurtag, Saariaho, Takemitsu, and composers around her, alongside Schumann, Schubert, and Prokofiev. Currently based in Chicago, Zaira works as a freelance pianist and private instructor. She is also a member of the Codex piano trio.
Zaira's educational journey includes studying with esteemed mentors such as Alexandre Dossin for her Bachelor's degree and pianist Liza Stepanova for her Master's studies.
Teaching Philosophy:
I firmly believe that music is an essential part of life. Every student deserves the opportunity to grow and experience music-making regardless of age, financial status, or other circumstances. In my teaching, I strive to nurture musicality, technical proficiency, and appreciation of music. I work to cater to every student's needs based on their level of proficiency and hope to create a safe environment in which the student can express themselves freely.
Evan Ritter,
Piano
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Hailed by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as an artist “...poised to make an impact ... that will transform our lives and society,” Evan Ritter is a multifaceted pianist, composer, and teacher. His musical life began at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas where he studied violin with Nicolette Solomon and piano with Dr. Bret Serrin. While at SMID, Evan gave his public concerto debut with the Plano Symphony Orchestra two years after beginning piano lessons. He remained a piano student of Dr. Serrin until his high school graduation. Since then, he has captivated audiences worldwide and enjoyed a versatile career as a soloist and collaborative pianist in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Evan holds three degrees and several prizes from the Eastman School of Music. One of a select few dual-degree Master’s students, he earned graduate degrees in Piano Performance as well as Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music studying with Douglas Humpherys and Jean Barr. His love for collaboration coalesced at Eastman in 2014 when he founded the Windsor Piano Trio, a group which went on to win first prize at the MTNA National Competition. The trio concertized regularly in the USA and Canada and commissioned works by living composers to supplement the greater body of piano trio literature.
Since receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s $10,000 Young Artist Award on National Public Radio’s “From the Top”, Evan’s musical education was sponsored by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. He was one of 82 nationally-recognized Cooke Graduate Scholars in 2018.
Equally at home on-stage as a soloist and chamber musician, Evan has performed and studied at the Aspen Music Festival and School, Orford Musique in Montreal, New Mexico Chamber Music Festival, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, and the Gijon International Piano Festival in Spain where he worked closely with mentors including, Robert McDonald (Juilliard, Curtis), Marc Durand (University of Montreal), Logan Skelton (University of Michigan), and Andre Laplante. He has won and received top prizes at competitions including the Sixth International Chopin Youth Piano Competition, WRR Young Artist Piano Competition, Juanita Miller Concerto Competition, Hubbard Chamber Music Competition, Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition, the Fort Worth Symphony Young Artists Competition, Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition, and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts YoungArts Competition.
Evan has performed as a member of SoundExchange and The Andrew Alden Ensemble, and been a visiting artist at SouthEastern Young Artists, OpenClassical DFW, Street Symphony, and more. Recent performances include the Ritter-Riley Lecture Recitals, an Austin-based concert series aimed at de-mystifying and contextualizing the history surrounding classical repertoire and composers, and One Piano: Four Hands , another Austin-based series he created specifically for piano four-hands repertoire.
As a composer, Evan draws influence from the music of Arvo Pärt, Keiichi Okabe, John Cage, and Kaija Saariaho. His “Fantasy for Piano and Fixed Media” premiered in 2017 at the Eastman School of Music, and his “Chronologies for Violin and Fixed Media” premiered in 2019 at the Juilliard School. He was a member of the Eastman Audio Research Studio (EARS) where he studied composition under German composer Oliver Schneller. Recently, his piece for solo piano entitled “Spectator” premiered during Summer 2020 as part of a multi-disciplinary online recital through the Literary Music Series. Currently, Evan is engaged in composition projects including works for mixed instrumentation employing graphical scores, improvisation, and experimental notation. Additionally, he creates avant-garde video and static art, lending visual dimensions to installations and live performances.In a teaching career spanning over a decade, Evan has held faculty positions at the Eastman Community Music School, Clavier-Werke School of Music, Austin Chamber Music Center, and the Southeast Asia Music Festival. He is also the founder and director of the Austin Young Musicians Festival. Evan has been described by former students as “endlessly patient, kind, and sincere.” His teaching philosophy has been molded by his early childhood experience as a student of the Suzuki Method, the joy of collaboration through music, and a sincere belief that every child can. Evan has done his Suzuki training with Fay Adams.
Jon Armstrong, Guitar
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Jon Armstrong is a professional guitarist with over 35 years of teaching experience in both private and group lessons. A graduate of The College of Mount Saint Josephs Classical Guitar program, he graduated with a major in both Music Performance and Music Education.
He has studied and continues to teach and perform styles ranging from Classic and Modern Pop, Rock and Country to Classical and Jazz. He has supported acts such as Kane Brown, The Little River Band, Travis Tritt, Warrant, Micheal Schenker and many more.
Cristian Garcia, Guitar
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Los Angeles native Cristian Garcia has electrified audiences all over the world with his interpretations of both traditional and contemporary classical guitar repertoire. Cristian originally began as a self-taught guitarist before starting his studies with James Hunley and finding the passion for guitar.
Moving forward, he studied with John Dearman of the LAGQ before moving to New York City to study at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music with renowned guitarist and composer, David Leisner. Concluding his studies in New York, Cristian moved to Alicante, Spain to study with Ignacio Rodes at the Conservatory of Music “Oscar Espla” for professional studies.
Cristian has been a top-prize winner in numerous competitions such as The American Guitar Societies Bickford Competition, Mu Phi Epsilon Competition, and Los Cancioneros Competition. He has also been invited to perform in the United States, Europe, and Canada.
Concert highlights include Marsee Auditorium with the El Camino College Orchestra performing Mario Castelnuovo-Tedescos Guitar Concerto in D Major, a solo recital at the ADDA Performing Arts Center in Alicante (Spain), an invitation to the CREScendo music festival in Cres (Croatia), a recital in Tignes Espace as part of the Tignes music festival (France), and numerous chamber music concerts with Harp/Guitar performing the music of David Noon and Alan Hovhaness.
Outside of music, he enjoys chopping wood, chess, and a nice cup of coffee.
Teaching philosophy
As a teacher of music and guitar, I work hard to make sure every lesson is educational, fun, and motivating. I have over 12+ years of teaching experience working with complete beginners, all the way to advanced studies at the university level.
Together, we will give you the tools to play anything you want on the guitar. Pop, jazz, classical or any other style you wish. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help!
Malcolm Taylor, Drums
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Malcolm Taylor is a percussionist and educator based in Silver Spring, MD. He is a strong advocate for new music and collaborates with composers, artists, and dancers from diverse backgrounds. He is interested in incorporating theatrical elements and technology with percussion music and creating interdisciplinary performances, most notably collaborating with the Towson University Theatre Department on the 2018 production of “Icarus at the Border: a meditation on monstrous appetites.”
Malcolm is a founding member of Matchstick Percussion, a Maryland-based percussion quartet dedicated to uplifting voices of underrepresented composers. The group actively commissions and collaborates with composers and artists, and tours their programs across the East Coast.
Malcolm holds a Bachelors degree in Music Performance from Towson University and a Masters of Music from Penn State University where he was the Percussion Graduate Teaching Assistant. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts at George Mason University as a Presidential Scholar. His teachers include: Dr. Michelle Humphreys, Dr. Lee Hinkle, Mark Craig, Mike Noonan, Marsha Becker, Ronen Itzek, and John Spirtas.
Away from music, Malcolm enjoys cooking (and related videos), tasting new teas, and exploring computers and electronics.
Leonard Horne III, Drums
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Born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Snellville, Georgia, Leonard’s sound is a reflection of his southern roots. As a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Central University, Leonard has established himself as a music educator and percussionist.
As a music educator, Leonard has served as Assistant Band Director for Northern Guilford High School and Lexington Senior High School. His duties included coordinating all aspects of the percussion section and assisting the band director with any necessities regarding the band program. He has also had the opportunity to teach percussion at various schools such as Hillside High School, Voyager Academy, Discovery Charter School, and Bull City Music School. In addition, he has been able to conduct several masterclasses on the high school and collegiate level focusing on marching fundamentals and composition. Currently, he is the Band Director at Henderson Collegiate Middle School and the Percussion Instructor for North Carolina Central University.
Aside from his various performances with NCCU and UNCG, Leonard has had the honor of being selected to participate in the Adirondack Performing Arts Fellowship in Speculator, New York for consecutive years and has not only performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, but serves on the PAS Marching/Rudimental Commitee.
His love and dedication to music continues to provide him with opportunities to grow as a creative, percussionist and clinician. He is always seeking new ways to build connections within the music community and develop creative avenues to share his gift with the world.
Yuyu Ikeda,
Violin
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Bio
Violinist Yuyu Ikeda debuted at the age of ten as a soloist with the Bellflower SymphonyOrchestra, and has since then performed with the Ueno Orchestra in Japan and the Orchestra Collective of Orange County. An avid orchestral musician as well, Yuyu has performed with the New World Symphony, New York Classical Players, and the Pacific
Music Festival Orchestra where she served as concertmaster. Yuyu has also collaborated with many interdisciplinary artists and ensembles in New York City. Recently, she performed in a multimedia production with award-winning theatre group RenGyoSoh, and a showcase of Bach and Ysaye with dance and narration alongside members of the String Orchestra of New York City. At Juilliard, her quartet was invited to perform in Juilliard’s “Focus!” festival for contemporary music.
A passionate educator and outreach artist, Yuyu is a teaching fellow at Juilliard’s MAP program and at Midori and Friends, where her mission is to make music more accessible to underrepresented children around the city. She has also performed in Carnegie Hall’s Link-Up concert series, an educational program to introduce classical music to youth. Yuyu also enjoys bringing her music to hospitals and nursing homes, a project she started in middle school in Japan, and has brought to communities in Oberlin and Massachusetts.
Yuyu holds a Masters degree from the Juilliard School where she studied with Laurie Smukler, and received Bachelor’s in biology and violin performance from the Oberlin
College and Conservatory, under David Bowlin. Previously, she studied with Koichiro Harada and Linda Rose.
Teaching Philosophy
I put a strong emphasis on developing both solid fundamental technique and creative imagination from the early stages of learning violin. This may mean fixing bad habits that could lead to injury, practicing certain body movements that would help develop more variety in sound, and learning things that are not just about the act of playing - for example, the structure of the music, how to read rhythm, interpreting dynamic markings.
Holly Nelson,
Violin
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Violinist Holly Nelson believes in making music education fun and engaging. She draws on a wealth of technical and pedagogical knowledge garnered from her rigorous conservatory training at Mannes, CCM, Queens College and Peabody as well as her 15+ years performing professionally with ensembles including the National Philharmonic, Binghamton Philharmonic,
The Chamber Orchestra of New York and The Orchestra Now (TŌN.) She has extensive experience teaching students ages 4-18 with the Suzuki method at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (NY); Greenwich Suzuki Academy (CT) and United Nations International School (NY). She has held faculty positions at The University of Maryland Baltimore County, The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and The Starling Preparatory String Project of CCM. She has led workshops and masterclasses as a visiting artist-lecturer at Fordham University and The University of Texas El Paso. No matter the age or level, Holly strives to make each student feel welcome, supported and inspired.
In 2022, Ms. Nelson was honored to be the recipient of the Peabody Institute’s Presser Graduate Music Award, the conservatory’s most prestigious award. The 10K prize “is designed to encourage and support in a special way the advanced education and career of truly exceptional graduate music students who have the potential to make a distinguished contribution to the field of music.”
Ms. Nelson enjoys a career as an improvising, inter-disciplinary violinist, frequently performing tango, jazz, rock, pop, R&B and folk music in addition to classical music. Holly is also passionate about championing avant-garde and experimental classical music. As a Britten Pears Young Artist Program fellow in 2019 she premiered new works for chamber orchestra in Aldeburgh, England, and returned in 2020 as concertmaster for performances in London and Aldeburgh. In 2018, Holly performed with members of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) as a fellow at Banff’s Ensemble Evolution program in Canada. As co-concertmaster and Contemporary Ensemble violin fellow of the Atlantic Music Festival in 2017, Holly premiered 22 works for orchestra and chamber ensembles, and in 2014 and 2015 toured Switzerland and Luxembourg as a member of the Lucerne Festival’s Young Performance Ensemble, performing Tod Machover’s FENSADENSE for ten instrumentalists and electronics. At the Whitney Museum of American Art’s 2010 Biennial Opening Gala, she premiered Rashaad Newsome’s piece FIVE for amplified quintet, MC and dancers.
From 2016-17, Ms. Nelson performed regularly at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Museum of Art as a member of The Orchestra Now and has recorded for the Naxos record label as a member of the Chamber Orchestra of New York.
Ms. Nelson completed her bachelor’s degree at the Mannes College of Music and her master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where she was the teaching assistant to Giora Schmidt. Other mentors include Ann Setzer, Garrett Fischbach, Kurt Sassmannshaus and Daniel Phillips. Holly Nelson is currently a Dean’s Doctoral Fellow at the Peabody Institute of Music where she studies with internationally renowned violin soloist Vadim Gluzman.
Teaching Philosophy:
Violinist Holly Nelson believes in making music education fun and engaging. She draws on a wealth of technical and pedagogical knowledge garnered from her rigorous conservatory training, 20+ years of concertizing professionally and 10+ years of teaching in Suzuki-based programs as well as at the college level. No matter the age or level, Holly strives to make each student feel welcome, supported and inspired.
Ms. Nelson’s career as an improvising, inter-disciplinary violinist informs her multi-genre approach to pedagogy. In addition to teaching staples of the classical repertoire, Holly broadens her students’ musical vocabularies by introducing them to fiddle styles, improvisation, tango, rock and blues. In addition to developing her students’ violin technique, musical literacy and ear training, her ultimate goal is to cultivate students that play with passion and artistry. Ms. Nelson has studied Alexander technique, Pilates and yoga. By incorporating these concepts into her teaching of posture and movement with the violin, her students are able to eliminate tension while playing and express themselves fully.
Yezu Woo,
Violin
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Praised for “her technical quality, beauty of sound, and above all, the projection of an uncommon musical sensibility" (El Norte, Monterrey), Violinist Yezu Elizabeth Woo made her debut at Carnegie Hall at age 16, where she became the youngest performer to play all 24 of Niccolo Paganini’s Caprices for solo violin. Yezu has been invited to perform at the Lincoln Center, United Nations (NY), the Smetana Hall (Prague), Musikverein (Vienna), Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and the Berlin Philharmonie, and has recorded for EMI Classics and MOOK Sound. She was the Artistic Director and cofounder of Shattered Glass, a NYC string ensemble, which debuted to great acclaim in 2012. Winner of the Korean national award, "Outstanding International Musician of the Year" by the Arts Critics Association, as well as "Artist of the Year'' by the Gangwon Foundation, Yezu was appointed as Honorary Ambassador of the City of Chuncheon, where she is currently serving as the Artistic Director of New York in Chuncheon Music Festival.
Her commitment to Korean traditional and new music has led her to performances at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) ‘ART FESTA’ as part of the ongoing peace process between the two Koreas, as well as seeing collaborations with the KBS Korean Traditional Orchestra. Born in Freiburg, Germany, Yezu moved to the U.S. from South Korea at age ten to study with Albert Markov.
She received her B.M. Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, M.M. Degree at The Juilliard School, Performance Certificate from Bard Conservatory, and her Doctorate Degree at the Stony Brook University. Her principal teachers include Albert Markov, Catherine Cho, Laurie Smukler, Arnaud Sussmann and the members of the Emerson Quartet. Yezu is a recipient of Fulbright Scholarship (‘19-20) in Germany, where she was a member of the Ensemble Modern Academy, Frankfurt, and a researcher at the Isang-Yun-Haus in Berlin. She currently resides in New York City.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal as an educator is to provide students with the tools to be their own teachers, taking ownership of their musical development. To guide the development of instrumental playing is to have a foundation that connects at a profound level the understanding of the score, technical facility, intuition, and thinking critically about everything else that is connected.
Fundamental technique exercises such as scales, arpeggios, and etudes are essential in developing the ability to realize one’s musical ideas. A simple scale can outline various fundamental harmonies, and therefore these are exercises of hearing and the mind. Students are encouraged to invest in working on these exercises in their daily practice routine, as they sharpen the hearing. It is critical for students to examine their bodies while practicing, noticing any tension or discomfort, and working towards a way that feels most natural. The idea of naturalness should extend to the student’s musical language, and each student should be encouraged to find their voice.
Sarah Song,
Cello
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Cellist Sarah Song holds degrees from Indiana University, The Eastman School of Music, Queens College and is now pursuing her DMA at The CUNY Graduate Center with Marcy Rosen. She is a passionate soloist, chamber musician and improviser. She is seen performing in venues like Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, Flushing Town Hall, LGBTQ Center and The Dimenna Center. Sarah is the recipient of The Chamber Music Live Award, winner of the 2020 Concerto Competition at Queens College, semi- finalist at the Coltman Chamber Competition and Classical Tahoe’s 2019 quartet fellow. She is a 2023 Bespoken fellow mentored by Gina Izzo.
Harper Brinkley,
Cello
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Artist and instrumentalist Harper Brinkley (he/him) is like a pond. In one sense, he takes on the work of reflection: listening for listening’s sake, and gleaming back deeper perspectives towards our collective clarity and insight. As an historical and experimental musician, he works within, without, and between idioms to challenge their structures and appreciate their possibilities. Harper is also his own underwater world of imagination, kindness, curiosity, and color. He writes poetry and plans playdates. He delights in making little games when he practices the cello. He avidly contra dances. Harper teaches too, which means that he is a lifelong learner. He has special interest in supporting people with disabilities in his teaching due to his own experience navigating mental wellness with a neurological hand tremor.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Harper attended Oberlin College and Conservatory where he graduated with degrees in religion and cello performance under the tutelage of Darrett Adkins, Catharina Meints, and Rebecca Landell Reed. He was chosen as a fellow of the Next Festival of Emerging Artists in 2023 and has been a participant over multiple summers at both the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in Nelson, New Hampshire and Madeleine Island Chamber Music in La Pointe, Wisconsin. Harper resides now in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he is joyously writing, communing, and taking any gig for which you already have a simultaneous prior commitment. In the third sense of pondery, Harper is full of brain-eating amoebas, millions of pounds of toxic pollutants, and sand.
Alexa Ciciretti,
Cello
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Alexa Ciciretti is the cellist of Ensemble Cairn. Additionally, she has performed as guest solo cellist of Opera Nationale de Lorraine and with Ensemble Intercontemporain. She has performed solos and chamber music at Palais Garnier, Salle Cortot, Château de Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau, and the Centre tchèque de Paris. Her interest in contemporary music has led her to work closely with several important living composers, including on a portrait concert of Betsy Jolas and in an upcoming artist residency at Cité Internationale des Arts.
Ms. Ciciretti was a guest artist at the 2019 Ojai Festival, where she performed John Zorn’s Ouroboros with Jay Campbell of the JACK Quartet, which was hailed as an “impressive tour de force” (sequenza21.com). She also appeared alongside members of LUDWIG and Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists.
A member of the Spoleto Festival USA for several seasons, Ms. Ciciretti served as continuo cellist on the U.S. premiere of Vivaldi’s Farnace and section cellist on the U.S. premiere of Helmut Lachenmann’s Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern. Additionally, she was the principal cellist in Zemlinsky’s Lyrische Symphonie, a theatrical performance where she also played movements of Berg’s Lyrische Suite for string quartet.
As an invited member of the Lucerne Festival Academy, she participated in several European tours, both with the Alumni Orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Chailly and the Academy Orchestra under the direction of Matthias Pintscher. Additionally, she was the solo cellist in Wolfgang Rihm’s Jagden und Formen under George Benjamin, and was one of six orchestral cello soloists in the world premiere of Luca Francesconi’s Das Ding singt.
Ms. Ciciretti was a cello fellow at the New World Symphony for four years, serving as principal cellist in their 2019 tour to Carnegie Hall. A frequent principal cellist under Michael Tilson Thomas, she additionally performed as principal under conductors such as Osmo Vänskä, Matthias Pintscher, John Adams, Brad Lubman, and Mark Wigglesworth. She curated several recitals at New World Symphony, including two duo recitals with pianist John Wilson and a lecture-recital entitled “Pathologically Modern: New Paths to New Sound Worlds.” Ms. Ciciretti also performed contemporary chamber music extensively during her time at New World Symphony, including Peter Maxwell Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King with baritone Kelvin Thomas and George Crumb’s Black Angels.
Ms. Ciciretti collaborated with the Miami-based group Flamenco Sephardit in both the United States and Europe, and recently starred in the short film, “A Waning Heart,” which was screened at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
Ms. Ciciretti received her master’s degree and orchestral studies diploma from Eastman School of Music and her bachelor’s degree with a minor in historical performance from Oberlin Conservatory. Principal teachers include Steven Doane, Amir Eldan and Ronald Lowry.
Aidan Pasquale,
Double Bass
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Aidan Pasquale recently received his Bachelor’s of Music from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Double Bassist James VanDemark. Following his first year at Eastman, Aidan attended the Roundtop Festival as an orchestral fellow. In addition to playing as principal double bass of the Eastman Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra, Aidan has also played as principal bass in numerous opera productions. Upon graduating, Aidan was awarded the Performer’s Certificate, which is the highest honor given at the school awarding students who “demonstrate outstanding performance ability.” In 2023 Aidan was a finalist at the International Society of Basses Orchestral Competition. Aidan is now pursuing an artist’s diploma at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto studying with Jeffrey Beecher.
Kelley Barnett,
Flute and Recorder
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New York based flutist, Kelley Barnett, has travelled around the world performing a wide range of musical genres including Baroque, Classical and Romantic styles as well as Jazz, Contemporary Classical, and Cabaret. Kelley’s passion for music lies in forwarding musical composition and working with living composers. She is a member of ENSEMBLE MISE-EN, a Brooklyn based contemporary ensemble that strives to bring a repertoire of challenging new sounds to diverse audiences. As a composer, Barnett dabbles in electronically manipulated acoustic sound and noise. She premiered her first work on February 21st, 2015 titled Bolt from the Blue, for flute and tape.
Kelley studied at the Manhattan School of Music and received a Masters Degree in Contemporary Performance in 2015 studying under Dr. Tara O’Connor. She received a Bachelors and first Masters degree from Lynn University Conservatory of Music and studied with Jeffrey Khaner and Renee Siebert. She also recently obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kansas University in 2021.
Kelley has been teaching private and group flute and recorder lessons since 2007 and is a certified general education teacher. She has had the privilege of teaching the art of the flute to all ages and skill levels. In addition to flute instruction, Kelley also teaches early literacy and English language arts to students ranging from 2 years old to 8th grade. This gives her a unique outlook as many of the instructional methods and pedagogy cross curricular boundaries.
Teaching Philosophy
I am a fun and energetic instructor who enjoys sharing my knowledge and pushing my students to challenge themselves. I enjoy exploring different teaching methods and am always looking for new and better ways to help my students. Because of this, I am able to tailor my lesson plans to meet individual students' skill levels and goals. The most difficult skill for a beginner flutist to master is sound production. For beginner flutists, we focus the first couple of weeks primarily on making a sound and forming the correct embouchure, or lip position. We learn simple tunes by ear during this time and begin to associate them with musical notation. Once a good understanding of sound production is achieved, we begin to broaden the range and learn new notes. Each student has a unique learning style, and I strive to adapt my teaching style to be as effective as possible. We will discuss methods of practice and the reasons behind what we are learning. I help my students to set realistic short term and long term goals and give them the tools to reach those goals. My students progress quickly and gain knowledge of not only the flute, but also music theory, history, and performance practice.
Angela Park,
Oboe
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Oboist Angela Park completed her DMA in Oboe Performance and minored in Music Theory and Music Education from the University of Southern California. She received her Master's from Yale University and her Bachelor's from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an active performer and educator in the Los Angeles and DFW area. She is currently on faculty at Occidental College, Mount Saint Mary's University and Tarrant County College teaching oboe, music theory, music appreciation, and music research. Her primary teachers include Allan Vogel, Joel Timm, Marion Kuszyk, Stephen Taylor, Rebecca Henderson, and Donna Schmidt.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
I am an experienced oboist and a teacher and I have been teaching since 2009. As an instructor, I believe the foremost importance in teaching and learning music is to encourage one to engage with their inner expressiveness, and to give personal freedom in music so that one develops their own sense of musicality. It is a rewarding experience to share my musical experience with students, and I hope to continue cultivating musicians and to help in their musical journey.
Samuel Marques,
Clarinet
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Samuel Marques is the 2nd Clarinet – Soloist B with Portugal’s Centro Classical Orchestra. He regularly collaborates as a guest musician with Portugal’s Gulbenkian Orchestra, Oporto Symphony Orchestra Casa da Música, Remix Ensemble Casa da Música, Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra, Portuguese Chamber Orchestra and Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed with names such as Martha Argerich, Joyce DiDonato, Maria João Pires, Andrea Bocelli, Arcadi Volodos, Waltraud Meier, Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Mr. Marques is on the Clarinet faculty at Jobra Music Conservatory (Branca, Portugal) and Colégio Moderno Music School (Lisbon, Portugal). Mr. Marques began his studies at the age of five at his hometown’s wind band. Afterwards, he studied with Nelson Aguiar (Aveiro Music Conservatory), António Saiote (Music and Performing Arts College – Porto), Stanley Drucker and Pascual Martínez-Forteza (New York University’s Steinhardt School). At NYU he was also an Adjunct Instructor. Mr. Marques has been awarded in several competitions in Europe, United States and South America. Since 2013, he has been selected to numerous orchestra festivals, such as the National Repertory Orchestra (USA), Castleton Festival Orchestra (USA), World Peace Orchestra (USA), New York Youth Symphony (USA), Atlantic Music Festival (USA), Neue Philharmonie München (Germany), Internationale Junge Orchesterakademie (Germany), Höri Musiktage Bodensee Festival Orchestra (Germany), just to name a few. In the present year he has performed as a soloist with Portugal’s Filarmonia das Beiras Orchestra, has begun collaborating with Americantiga Ensemble and released the CD ‘SYMPHONIC CHRONICLES VOL I’ which includes Barbara Jazwinski’s Fantasy on Jazz for solo clarinet and orchestra, with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, under Navona Records. Mr. Marques regularly plays in duo with pianist Dana Radu, having performed concerts in many iconic concert halls all over Portugal. He is also a member of the reed quintet Prisma Quintet, with whom he just recorded a CD with music from Portuguese contemporary composers. Future projects include collaborations with Portugal’s Centro Classical Orchestra and Gulbenkian Orchestra, several chamber music projects with Prisma Quintet, being a Guest Teacher at the XV Masterclass & Orchestra Academy of Guia (Portugal) and teaching a Masterclass at Tulane University (New Orleans, USA).
Teaching Philosophy:
My main goal as a clarinet teacher is to motivate students to achieve excellence, providing them with skills to be autonomous and curious human beings, eager to be lifelong learners, while nurturing a love for music and the clarinet. The individual needs of a student are always my priority, and my lessons are a safe space for students of all ages and levels to experiment and develop into confident and successful musicians. In a typical lesson I believe it’s important to work on technique fundamentals (breathing, sound production, tone, posture, articulation, intonation) as well as on proper musical aspects (rhythm, style, phrasing, musical interpretation). Being a very active performer greatly benefits my teaching practice, as I try to be a role model of commitment, work ethic and musical performance to my students.
Ethan Lippert,
Bassoon
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Ethan Lippert is a freelance bassoonist based in northeastern Connecticut. He has performed as a bassoonist and contrabassoonist with symphony orchestras in central Texas, southern New England, and northwestern Florida. Ethan is a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Music at Florida State University, where he studies with Jeffrey Keesecker and previously served as one of the studio’s graduate teaching assistants for three years. He received his Master of Music degree in 2019 from the Yale School of Music, where he studied with Frank Morelli, and his Bachelor of Music degree in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Kristin Wolfe Jensen. During his time as the 2019-2020 Morse Postgraduate Fellow for Yale's Music in Schools Initiative, he commissioned four new works for reed quintet. In addition to bassoon lessons, he teaches general music and band in elementary and middle schools in the towns of Eastford, Scotland, and Plainfield, CT.
Mike Jauregui,
Trombone
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Mike Jauregui began playing trombone at age 4 under the mentorship of his father, professional bass-trombonist, Tony Jauregui. As a young musician, Mike was principal trombonist as well as featured soloist in a large variety of ensembles including the Buddy Rogers Youth Orchestra, the Claremont Youth Orchestra, the Coachella Valley Symphony, the Palm Springs High School Band, and his own Mike Jauregui Jazz band. At the age of 15 he began playing professionally with local big bands and combos with members from the original swing bands of the 30's/40's such as Harry James, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, and Stan Kenton. He also played principal trombone for the wind band directed by the late Will Schaefer, composer of the TV shows the Flintstones, the Jetsons, the Tonight's Show with Johnny Carson, and arranger of "It's A Small World" Ride in Disneyland.
His performance career at the University of Redlands, under the tutelage of Dr. Andrew Glendening, included Principal/Lead trombonist chairs in the University Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Opera Orchestra, Jazz Combo and Brass Quintet. He also held the assistant principal trombonist chair in the Redlands Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Jon Robertson. At Redlands, Mike received many opportunities such as private instruction with Gene Pokorny Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Per Brevig Metropolitan Opera. In 2009, Mike also had the privilege of winning a solo grant scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London under the direction of Ian Bousfield Vienna Philharmonic, and Denis Wick London Symphony Orchestra.
After his graduation, Mike ventured to Seattle to pursue a career in furthering his musicianship as a composer, conductor, guitarist, and singer along with his endeavors as a trombonist. Since his move to Seattle, Mike Jauregui has performed alongside Grammy-award winning film composer, Mateo Massina, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, REM’s Mike Mills, Big Star, Moby Grape’s Jerry Miller, and Sir Mix-a-Lot. Mike can be found in various avenues in the Seattle music community – from conducting orchestras, to teaching recreational and up-and-coming musicians, to playing with Seattle rock bands, orchestras, big bands, and combos.
In 2022, Mike started a music program at the campuses within the YMCA of Kitsap and Pierce counties, which include guitar ensemble, choir, band, and orchestra. He also started his own company called Mike Jauregui Productions, which provides services for artist development, recording and production, and live music events. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in Education at Eastern Washington University with aspirations of completing his Doctorate.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching focuses on my student's strengths and passion for learning. For over the past decade I've ensured that students are taught from an individualized curriculum that caters to them and brings them closer to their goals while emphasizing the music fundamentals that will prepare and enrich them for life.
Daniel Echazabal,
Trumpet
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Daniel is a Miami based trumpet player that holds a degree in Jazz performance from Florida International University and is currently the Graduate Assistant for the University of Florida School of Music Jazz Department. In his time as a musician, he has the opportunity to share the stage with artist and acts such as The Temptations, Ricky Martin, Maria Schneider, Yturvides Vilchez, Tony Succar, Nestor Torres, Bobby Rodriguez Big Band, Ryan Chapman Jazz Orchestra, and the Raices Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed as a guest artist for the Miami Dade College Big Band, as well as with the Broward College Big band. Daniel stays active in the music scene in Miami by performing with Rock with you entertainment, Tropics Entertainment, Church by The Glades, and other groups around the Miami area.
Lily Judge,
French Horn
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Lily Judge is a horn player based in NYC. She holds degrees in music and art history from Oberlin College & Conservatory, where she studied with Jeff Scott and Roland Pandolfi. Lily has been playing since she was 11 and since then has grown to appreciate horn playing in all contexts. Chamber music is a favorite; she often spends summers with her quintet Looking Glass Brass and has performed with them both domestically and internationally. Another highlight of her career has been performing as a soloist on Olivier Messiaen’s Des canyons aux étoiles… with the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble. Lily has participated in festivals such as the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the Stockholm Chamber Brass Academy, and the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, among others.
While the horn is off her face, Lily can be found concocting a stew, working her way through her YouTube “watch later” list, aimlessly wandering, and/or tying her friends’ shoelaces together.
Teaching philosophy:
Everyone plays horn, and music in general, for different reasons. I play horn because I love its sound and range, and I play music to connect with the people and world around me. Some people play because they enjoy having concrete goals to work toward; others because all their friends are doing it. Every origin story is equally legitimate!
Above all, music should be fun, and my main priority is to help my students identify how the horn can best serve them in their current stage of life and musicianship. I love to help people enjoy playing music by finding what excites them the most and setting actionable, accessible, yet challenging goals. Of course, there’s no avoiding the fact that the horn is very difficult and sometimes maddening, but I think having a sense of humor and humility is 90% of the battle. The other 10% I hope we can figure out together!
Alex Kaufman,
Saxophone
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Alex Kaufman is a saxophonist and woodwind doubler based in Central Florida. He is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, pursuing a degree in both Music Performance and Pre-Medical Biology. Alex has been playing the woodwind instruments since the age of 11. Since then, he has performed with numerous wind ensembles, jazz bands, and orchestras around Brevard and Alachua counties. He specializes in both classical and jazz music. Alex studies saxophone with Dr. Jonathan Helton, and previously, Mr. Jim Bishop, both of whom are graduates of Northwestern University. He also studies clarinet and flute in their respective studios at the university.
Alex has had numerous of his saxophone students make the Florida All State Band, as well as the Brevard All County Band. He has performed saxophone concertos with the First Coast Wind Symphony, the Melbourne Municipal Band, and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. Alex also plays reeds in the pit orchestra for musicals at the University of Florida, Sante Fe College, and the Cocoa Village Playhouse. He has performed with both the Florida All State Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, as well as the NAfME All National Jazz Band. He is the founder and past musical director of the Brevard Youth Big Band. Recently, Alex performed with the National Intercollegiate Symphonic Band on principal alto saxophone.
At the University of Florida, he performs with their Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, Saxophone Quartet, and Saxophone Ensemble.
Outside of his musical career, Alex enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and volunteering at animal shelters.
Benjamin Shafer,
Saxophone
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Benjamin Shafer is a multi-instrumentalist performer and educator based in St. Louis. As a driven and curious individual, Benjamin hopes to utilize his unique ability to improvise to promote genre-bending creativity, spontaneity and collaboration in his projects and growth towards the community around him. Benjamin graduated from Webster University (Bachelor's of Music: Jazz Performance) during which he began performing on the alto saxophone but quickly extended his scope towards the tenor saxophone, flute, piano and even voice. Valuing composition, Benjamin has a unique way of improvisation centered on developing ideas no matter how risky and he’s sure to bring a passionate performance no matter what stage he’s in. Benjamin does not limit himself to one genre and plays with a multitude of groups including pop, brass bands, jazz, funk, Brazilian, and fusion groups as a collaborator and leader.
Kathryn Sloat,
Harp
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Kathryn Sloat, “whose harp playing evokes the angels (Brooklyn Discovery),” is a contemporary harpist and improvising musician. She is a member of harp duo Lilac 94 with whom she recently won third prize in the International Harp Contest in Italy. Kathryn has played in pit orchestras for Off-Broadway and regional theater productions including Once Upon a Mattress and The Beast in the Jungle, as well as Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. In 2021 she was awarded an artist residency with Stonehenge NYC in which she gave performances and created music through improvisation and sound collage. In addition to her performance work, Kathryn is a dedicated harp teacher. She has taught individual and group lessons as a faculty member at various New York City schools for six years. She has also taught harp at the Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive, Luzerne Music Center, and Blue Lake Fine Arts summer camps. Kathryn has given educational performances and workshops as a soloist as well as a member of Lilac 94. In her free time she enjoys knitting, reading, and walking up and down mountains. She lives in New York with a cat named Wolfgang and a growing collection of plants.
Lora Baronian,
Music Theory
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Lora Baronian has maintained an active private music studio in the Washington, DC area for the past 20+ years. She teaches music theory, ear-training, sight-singing, and piano for students of all ages and levels, while also preparing high school students for AP Music Theory exams and those studying music professionally for college entrance exams. Current students have received high scores in AP Music Theory exams and Superior ratings in VMTA, MSMTA, ABRSM, and RCM music theory examinations and have been granted awards from the Royal Conservatory of Music, including the Hedy King Robinson Award. Former students have surpassed the theory requirements as they went on to study at prestigious music schools and conservatories, including Juilliard, Oberlin, New England, Mannes, Manhattan and Peabody, as well as at international institutions, such as Bydgoszcz Music School in Poland and Hochschule fur Musik und Tanz Köln in Germany.
Lora earned her Bachelor’s degree in music theory, piano, and pedagogy at the Mussorgsky College of Music in St. Petersburg, Russia, graduating magna cum laude, with additional studies at the Jazz College of Music of St. Petersburg. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in pedagogy and philology from Kalinin State University. After graduation, Lora started teaching at the Jazz School of Music, while also founding and directing a popular vocal and instrumental ensemble for several years. Following her move to the US, she joined the faculty of Harmonia School of Music and Arts and the Washington Conservatory of Music, where she taught for over 10 years.