Hannah Amoako MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BA, Music, Queens College CUNY; MS, Music Therapy, Molloy College

Division

Music Therapy/Adapted Instruction

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Born In

Queens, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Hannah worked as a private and public school music teacher in NYC and Long Island for over ten years and continues to teach students of all ages and abilities.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe music is deeply and inherently therapeutic and everyone can learn to interact with it! Whether through learning an instrument or learning what sounds and vibrations one is drawn to, anyone of any ability can have a fulfilling relationship with music. It is my privilege as therapist and teacher to help clients discover where that relationship can take them.”

Lois Anderson

Degrees & Studies

B.M., M.M. Manhattan School of Music

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Born In

Connecticut

Performances & Distinctions

Pianist Lois Anderson has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, orchestral keyboards with Orchestra New England and New Jersey Symphony, and worked with singers of the National Chorale and Lake George Opera Festival in concerts and tours. She has performed with Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, the Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival, new works with Manhattan Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and premiers involving piano with Gamelan Son of Lion.

Teaching Philosophy

"Music study is individualized, meeting each student where they are in terms of skills: technique, reading, interpretation, style, expression. Study can be creative, explore the great piano repertoire, and follow the student’s interests."

Naseer Ashraf

Degrees & Studies

B.M., University of Rhode Island; M.M., SUNY at Purchase College; Artist Diploma in Piano Performance, SUNY at Purchase College.

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Performances & Distinctions

Solo and recital appearances in Providence (RI), New York (NY), Portland & Ashland (OR), and Atlanta & Savannah (GA). Composition student of Du Yun, Laura Kaminsky, and Eliane Aberdam; piano student of Sławomir Dobrzański, Stephanie Brown, and Miyoko Lotto; viola student of Joseph Ceo and Ann Danis. Naseer is a staff pianist at SUNY at Purchase College, and music director of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Pearl River, NY. He has been a guest artist at the University of Rhode Island Summer Music Academy. He has had the privilege of performing with Bradley Brookshire (Harpsichordist and Assistant Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera), the late Susan Thomas (principal flute, Rhode Island Philharmonic), and collaborating with the students in the studios of several renowned musicians, such as Dr. Tara Helen O’Connor, James Austin Smith, Timothy Cobb (Principal Bass, New York Philharmonic), Demian Austin (Principal Trombone, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), among several others. Naseer was a concerto soloist with the South County Chamber Orchestra (RI), and has had his compositions performed by chamber ensembles associated with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

Teaching Philosophy

“Every person is unique in mind and body, and no method or approach will be exactly the same from one student to another. When first I meet a new student, I feel as though I am learning to teach all over again. I believe it is a teacher’s duty to discover how each student learns, then guide them along their unique musical journey. Fostering an environment of trust is necessary in order for a student to feel open and safe to try, fail, and have the courage to try again. Developing musicality comes from frequent exposure to all kinds of music. Strong technique starts in the mind, and is all about producing the best tone in the easiest and most comfortable way. Musical literacy is at the forefront of my teaching, as I believe it is the key to boundless musical exploration. Above all—particularly for young beginners—parental involvement and support are crucial to a student’s success.”

Phyllis Bethel, MA, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BA, Wesleyan University; MA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2000 Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born In

Harlem, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Over 23 years of experience as a music therapist working with special needs individuals. Studied with various noted African and Latin percussionists before settling at the world-renowned Harbor School of the Performing Arts in East Harlem, New York. During her tenure there, she studied at the National School of Modern Dance and Folklore in Havana. She performed with several Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, and African folkloric groups, including Women of the Calabash, Retumba Con Pie, Obini Aché, and Riské. She founded the internationally known women’s percussion and vocal ensemble ASÉ which was the first group to record women playing bata drums. She has also recorded with Paul Simon (producer) on Edie Brickell’s “Picture Perfect Morning.” She is versed in pop, rock, gospel, and percussive styles and finds accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists some of the most rewarding creative endeavors.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe it is a privilege and an honor to work with special needs individuals. This work has provided some of the richest learning experiences in my professional life.”

Douglas Bish

Degrees & Studies

B.M., University of the Pacific; M.M., University of Oregon; Artist Diploma in Clarinet, Vienna Music Academy (Austria); D.M.A., Boston University

Division

Dean, Prep Theory, Clarinet, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2006

Born In

Menlo Park, California

Performances & Distinctions

Solo and recital appearances throughout Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Principal clarinetist with such ensembles as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Philharmonic, Charleston (SC) Symphony, ALEA III (Boston), American Chamber Winds, Northwest Clarinet Quartet, Keystone Wind Ensemble, Tanglewood’s Fromm Festival, and on Broadway. A recording contract with the Austrian National Radio. A music faculty member at Boston University, the Boston Conservatory of Music, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and Dean at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and City College of San Francisco. Clarinet student of William Dominik, Robert Vagner, Rudolf Jettel (Vienna Philharmonic) and Pasquale Cardillo (Boston Symphony). Conducting a study with Hans Swarovsky. Dr. Bish has conducted professional, community, and academic orchestras and wind bands around the world, and high school All-State, Area All-State, and Regional bands and orchestras in seventeen of the United States. Formerly the Conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, he currently serves as the Conservatory’s Dean of Students and Faculty.

Teaching Philosophy

“Sharing the benefits of music study with another individual is a chance to connect on a personal level through an artistic medium respected and revered throughout history. Over the years, I have taught a few students who were so passionate about their study of the clarinet that they were driven to become professional musicians, and several have succeeded in achieving that goal. But for most of my students, learning about music through the study of their instrument is the best way ultimately to develop an appreciation of music, and all the arts, in a deeper and more meaningful way than the person who has not committed themselves to this practice. Music is largely responsible for shaping my life and my perception of the world, and sharing this with others through the clarinet or saxophone, by teaching orchestral conducting, coaching chamber music, or conducting bands and orchestras continues to be my great privilege. From my own experience, I know that studying music changes lives for the better, often profoundly, and every day in this wonderful career as a music teacher I consider to be a gift.”

Katherine Branch

Degrees & Studies

Degrees and Studies: Suzuki violin/viola certification, Books 1-8, The School for Strings, NYC. Studies at the University of New Mexico, and with Victor Lionti in Westchester. Master’s degree, Lehman College.

Division

Suzuki Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2016

Born In

Berwyn, Illinois

Performances & Distinctions

Violist with the Chappaqua Orchestra since 1978; formerly violist with Orquestra Sinfonica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador. Numerous chamber music performances in the Westchester region. A former faculty member at the Conservatorio in Quito, Ecuador. Award from the Journal News as one of the Top Ten Educators in Westchester County.

Teaching Philosophy

“My teaching philosophy is that of Dr. Suzuki – ‘Every child can learn given the correct environment, supportive parents, and effective teaching.’ ”

Dr. Tina Brescia, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BS Music Education, Skidmore College; MA, Music Therapy, NYU; DA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Music Therapy Institute Director of Onsite Services

Born In

Rockville, CT

Performances & Distinctions

Over 32 years of experience in the field of music therapy including work in hospital settings & schools. 2005 published a study in the monograph series: Qualitative Inquiries in Music Therapy, Vol. 2.; She has been an adjunct member of the NYU Music Therapy faculty since 1996 and enjoys her role as a teacher and clinical supervisor to master’s students during their training process.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music should be accessible to all those who want to enjoy this creative means of expression. It is through the act of listening intently and without judgment to everything that an individual brings to us through their physical and emotional expression that we as music therapists can build a world of music with those individuals where growth and change can occur.”

Angeline Brown, MMT, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BA, Music Binghamton University, MMT, Music Therapy, Temple University

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2001

Born In

Manhattan, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Angeline works extensively as a pianist and Music Director for several community theaters in New York and Connecticut

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music is truly universal – it is a wonderful medium through which change and growth can happen. I encourage all of my clients to freely express themselves musically; I act as a musical guide as I address physical/cognitive/emotional goals. It is truly an amazing process to witness.”

Nely Burla

Degrees & Studies

D.M. in Piano Performance, Diploma with Honors, Saratov State Conservatory (Russia); M.M. in Piano Performance and Teaching, Diploma with Honors, Donetsk State Music Academy and Kharkov State Academy of Arts (Ukraine); B.M. in Piano Performance and Teaching, Diploma with Honors, Donetsk State Music College.

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Performances & Distinctions

Nely Burla has performed numerous recitals as a soloist and chamber musician in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Canada, and United States. As a collaborative pianist she has performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Steinway Hall, Yamaha Artist Services, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College, New York State Music Teachers Association, New York State School Music Association, Connecticut International Music Competition, University of Toronto, Canadian Music Competitions, Glenn Gould Studio at CBC (Toronto), Toronto Center for the Performing Arts, Kiwanis Music Festival, Peel Music Festival (Ontario), Upper Galilee Performing Arts Center and Jerusalem Cultural Center (Israel) among many other concert venues, auditions and festivals.

Mrs. Burla has many years of experience as a piano teacher for children of all ages, as well as for students at the Collegiate level. She has taught at Donetsk State Music Academy (Ukraine), Yip’s Music Center (Toronto), and Amadeus Conservatory (Chappaqua) among others, and has also worked as a collaborative pianist at Hoff Barthelson Music School, University of Toronto and Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto). Her students have earned high scores on NYSSMA auditions, Royal Conservatory of Music examinations from grade 1 to Performance and Teachers Diplomas. Her former students now teach in music schools and colleges. She also has written publications for teachers currently held in the Russian State Library in Moscow. Mrs. Burla is currently on the faculty of The School for Strings in New York City.

Mrs. Burla will be very happy to share her love for music and teach your children online or in person at your convenience.

Paula Chan Bing

Degrees & Studies

MM, Flute Performance, Indiana University; BA, Music Education, University of Maryland

Division

Flute, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2015

Born In

Washington D.C.

Performances & Distinctions

Assistant Principle flutist of the Xalapa Orchestra (Vera Cruz, Mexico); performances with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Philharmonia Virtuosi, Queens Symphony, Harlem Festival Orchestra, Opera Ebony, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, and the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York. Solost with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vanderbilt Chamber Symphony of Long Island. Flute/piccolo and Asian flute soloist for the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. Performances on western and world flutes for numerous documentaries, and with the World Myth and Music Ensemble. Recordings with Celine Dion, Oud virtuoso Simon Shaheen, and on The Billie Holiday Songbook with composer Terrance Blanchard, as well as on numerous movie soundtracks, including Malcolm X and other Spike Lee projects.

Served as Associate Director of Juilliard’s first interactive CD-ROM project, The Juilliard Musical Adventure, which won two Codie Awards in for “Best Innovative Use of Sound and Music in a Software Program” and “Best Middle School Educational Music Software Program. Teaching activities include creative music education specialist for the Kennedy Center, Los Angeles Music Center, Lincoln Center Institute, Midori and Friends Foundation, New York Philharmonic, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Young Concert Artists International. Current faculty, Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School, Rockland Conservatory of Music; former faculty, Indiana University.

Teaching Philosophy

The Latin root of the word “educate”—is“educe,”– to bring forth that which is within. Learning to play an instrument can help bring forth the talents and passions within any child or adult, enhancing their lifelong relationship with all music. For me, one of the greatest joys, and challenges, in playing the flute is the development of a beautiful tone–our musical voice. Our lessons will also focus on the use of the body in tone production and learning about performance practices through many styles and genres of musical repertoire. While a teacher must point out a student’s challenges, she must also guide musical growth to transform those challenges into hope. This includes helping develop practice techniques and clarifying the all-important role of parents. I also encourage communication between myself, the student, parents, the Music Conservatory of Westchester and, at times, the school music teacher. Learning to play the flute can be an exciting journey, but it is also a vehicle through which students can develop commitment and discipline through the joys of creative discovery and self-expression—all of which are transferable to their life skills and development as human beings.

Carly S. Cheriff

Degrees & Studies

BMus- Music Education/ Voice Concentration (New York University)
MA- Special Education/ Autism Spectrum Disorder Concentration (Saint Joseph's University)
Pending MA- Music Therapy (New York University)

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2023

Born In

White Plains, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Carly taught music within a NYC self-contained public-school setting for 5 years. Aside from being a NYS Certified Music Educator, Carly is also an Environmental Educator and a self-published children's book author. There are upcoming plans for Carly and her banjo to travel around NY State sharing My Hudson River; The Musical Story of How Pete Seeger Save's The Hudson.

Teaching Philosophy

"I believe deeply in the power of music to connect people with the world around them. Through music, one can develop skills applicable to all areas of life. I hope to facilitate therapeutic musical experiences that are meaningful, culturally sensitive, and inclusive."

Dario Chiazzolino

Degrees & Studies

B.M. G. Verdi Conservatory, Turin – Italy; M.M at UM, Rome – Italy

Division

Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2016

Born In

Turin, Italy

Performances & Distinctions

Internationally acclaimed artist Dario Chiazzolino is deemed as one of the most considerable of today’s jazz guitarists. The recipient of numerous awards, Dario has been playing the guitar professionally since age 14. He was awarded as “Best Guitar Player” in diverse music competitions, including Umbria Jazz Festival ( IT ), Top Jazz (UK) and in several magazines such as Italian Jazz Magazine, Guitarlist, and D-Magazine. He has performed all over the world both as a bandleader and sideman with many of the top American and European jazz artists including Yellow Jackets, Billy Cobham, Bob Mintzer, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Andy Sheppard, Dominique Di Piazza, Jason Rebello, and many others. According to Guitar WorldMagazine, Dario particularly impresses thanks to his innovative improvisational skill. His phrasing is unpredictable and looks forward to the future. He has recorded 8 albums as a leader, and 12 as a sideman and an in-demand educator, Dario has been teaching in Italy for 15 years and has held teaching residencies in Europe and the USA. Dario the artist endorser of many prestigious music instruments brands including Gibson, DvMark, Kinmann Pick Ups, Essetipicks and Mogami cables.

Teaching Philosophy

“As a music teacher, it is my belief that all students should be offered the opportunity to discover and explore their innate potential as musicians, and to increase these natural capacities through formal music instruction. I aim to value the individual learning styles of my students and optimize their potential by providing music activities that stimulate their ears, their creativity and their musicality. In summary, my charge as a music educator is to bring all of my students into a life-long love of music, while solidifying that appreciation with practical skills and true musicianship. In practical terms, my guitar teaching approach is based on 4 basic elements: development of guitar sound; development of a strong sense of time & rhythm; development of technique; development of phrasing.”

Ti Chung

Degrees & Studies

A native Taiwanese, Dr. Ti Chung is a versatile flutist and educator resides in New York City area. She holds her D.M.A. in the flute performance at Texas Tech University, M.M. Degree from SUNY Purchase College and a B.A. from SUNY Stony Brook University. Dr. Chung also instructs piano and music theory classes.

Division

Suzuki Flute

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Taiwan

Performances & Distinctions

As a performer, Ti appeared as a soloist to play the Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 with Queensboro Symphony Orchestra and Liebermann’s flute concerto with Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra as the winner of concerto competition. She regularly performs with Queensboro Symphony Orchestra and Hilltops Music Collectives, and a number of recitals within the past few years in a variety of settings in collaboration with artists from many disciplines, including Chelsea Symphony, Mise-En Ensemble, New York Electroacoustic Music Festival, Musiktage Festival in Austria, Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Education Woodwind Quintet, and the convention of National Flute Association with Texas Tech University Flute Choir. In 2013, Ti Chung coordinated a cultural exchange project with Peking University, China and presented as guest artists with Dr. Lisa Garner Santa.

Teaching Philosophy

As an educator, Dr. Chung is a certified teacher on both Suzuki flute and Suzuki Early Childhood, and currently serves as the faculty member in Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Greenwich Suzuki Academy and Ridgefield Suzuki School. Her students include a broad level of students from the beginner to high school intermediates and adults. In 2011-2014, she had been the teaching assistant in the flute studio of Texas Tech University. Dr. Ti Chung’s teachers include Dr. Lisa Garner Santa, Dr. Tara O’Connor, Dr. Conor Nelson, Kaori Fujii, and she performed in the master classes by Tatjana Ruhland, Paula Robinson, Carol Wincenc, Susan Milan, Christina Jennings, Claudio Barile, Pamela Youngblood, Ayako Oshima.

Steve Coyne

Degrees & Studies

B.M. from Berklee College of Music and an M.S. in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University.

Division

Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Performances & Distinctions

Steve has performed and recorded with Billboard Charting Smooth Jazz artists Ragan Whiteside and Dennis Johnson, 3 Time Grammy Winner Tom Swift, Steve Buslowe (Meatloaf, Celine Dion), 2x Platinum selling vocalist Michael Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness, D-Metal Stars, Animaze), Mike Lapond (Symphony X) and band members of the groups Dokken, House of Lords and Autograph. Steve released an instrumental rock album on Shredguy records and is a songwriter for the band Eynomia on Pure Steel Records. Steve has studied guitar with Tony MacAlpine, Jon Finn, Al Joseph and Luca Mantovanelli.
Steve is endorsed by and has done clinics for GHS/Rocktron.
Steve holds a New York teacher certification and has been a music teacher for the city of Mt. Vernon, New York for 22 years.

Teaching Philosophy

“ I am a very technique oriented player in the way that a lot of my ideas involve logistics on the guitar and the technical limitations and advantages of the guitar. When I started compiling a series of progressive exercises for the guitar, I realized that rather than lead students through each technique (alternate picking, sweep picking, hybrid picking and tapping) individually, I began to design exercises that could be adapted to each technique within the same chapter or practice session. This helps my students to build all techniques simultaneously. I found that this helps to inspire students to a greater level as they amalgamate and synthesize techniques to create something that is new and unique to them.”

Peter Davis, MS, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BA, SUNY, Empire State College; MS in Music Therapy, Molloy College

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2013

Born In

New York, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Original recordings: “Radio Imagination!” &” Brand New Lullabyes and Love Songs, Vol. I”; Publication:

Teaching Philosophy

“I approach my work with the goal of meeting each individual’s needs while focusing on the joy of being in and making music. By presenting a program of preferred music/songs, each client is motivated to spontaneously and purposefully engage in music in their own unique way. Thus, engagement and positive responses stem from the individual’s inherent desire to participate in music. Put simply, my clients join in the music because they want to. They are motivated, inspired, and moved to do so. I “open the door,” and invite each individual to join me in making music.”

Olivia DiIorio, MA, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BS in Classical Performance – Voice /Music Therapy, SUNY New Paltz
MS in Music Therapy SUNY New Paltz

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Valhalla, NY

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in meeting each person where they are and accepting their individuality. Music has the ability to help us connect to self and others, inspire creativity, and organize the brain. My goal is to use music to help people develop to their greatest potential.

Frederick Draper

Degrees & Studies

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Division

Classical Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2005

Born In

Kewanee, Illinois

Performances & Distinctions

His musical career began at age 14 when he formed a rock-and-roll band, “Fred and the Fenders”. In the late 1960s, he entered the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to pursue serious training in the classical guitar. While still a Conservatory student, he was named Associate Teacher to his own teacher, José Rey de la Torre, at the Music and Arts Institute. Fred was fortunate to participate in Andrés Segovia’s 1966 North Carolina master class. Past performance highlights include critically acclaimed Carnegie Recital Hall concerts in 1976, 1978, and 1981. He continues to give concerts in the Segovia tradition. He has recorded two CD’s: A Frederick Draper Recital, and Romance.

Teaching Philosophy

In his teaching, he has two basic precepts. The first is that young people know what they like but don’t always know what they could like if given the chance. “I started out as part-owner of a coffee house, exploring rock, jazz, and folk, so I think I can understand what attracts students to music. Initially, I work with my students on what’s familiar and enjoyable to them. I introduce them to the classical form a little later.” Second, Fred feels that to keep the spirit of music alive in each person, we must “give that music away” to another person. “I ask students to think about the person(s) with whom they want to share the piece they’re studying. This form of musically “paying it forward” gives perspective to all study.”

Elham Fanous

Degrees & Studies

M.M., Manhattan School of Music; B.M., Hunter College, City University of New York

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Performances & Distinctions

Mr. Fanous has performed as a soloist at the Kennedy Center and library of Congress in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and at various venues in Germany, Holland, Italy, and Poland. He has also played for members of the diplomatic corps of Australia, China, Germany, Italy, and Korea, as well as for former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and international dignitaries in Kabul, and at the Afghan Embassy in Washington DC in the Embassy Series “Uniting People Through Music Diplomacy.” Outreach performances in New York include solo recitals for Canadian Women for Afghan Women, Alignist Book Club, Women for Afghan Women, NYU Forum on Law, Culture and Society, Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, and Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts.

Mr. Fanous has been awarded full scholarships to participate in notable summer festivals including Classical Bridge at Steinway Hall and Merkin Hall, the International Keyboard Institute and Festival at Hunter College, the Chopin to Gorècki piano festival in Poland, and others. Competition prizes include the Golden Key International Piano Competition in Frankfurt and the Hunter College Concerto Competition. He has been profiled on National Public Radio, WQXR Artists to Watch, the BBC, NBC Nightly News, Military Times, AirForce Times, the New York Post, and media outlets in Germany, Italy, Britain, India, Pakistan, Taiwan and China. He has received awards from the Young Musical Scholars Foundation and Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Fund, and is the subject of a German television documentary.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that every student has a unique way of learning and the teacher must adapt to that. It is important to relate to each student so that they feel comfortable learning with that particular teacher and to have some personal connection with them. The psychology of teaching is one of the most important and crucial aspect of teaching that every teacher should understand. Music has changed my life and I believe it can change others’ as well.

Tatiana Feigin

Degrees & Studies

B.A., Music College of Moscow Conservatory; M.A., St. Petersburg State Conservatory

Division

Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2003

Born In

Moscow, Russia

Performances & Distinctions

Numerous performances in Russia with members of the Moscow Philharmonia Society. Performances in the New York area at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Hall (Kaufman Center), Long Island University and other venues, as well as numerous performances in The Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Ms. Feigin performs in The Feigin Duo with her brother, pianist Eugene Feigin, as well as with The Rachmaninoff Trio, with whom she recorded Rachmaninoff’s Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 on the Centaur label. She has been heard on WQXR radio in New York, and AVRO radio in The Netherlands. Ms. Feigin has taught at the Rockland Conservatory of Music and Newark School for the Arts.

Ming Fong

Degrees & Studies

B.M., University of Kansas; M.M., Rice University

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1995

Born In

Beijing, China

Performances & Distinctions

Ming Fong is one of the most active musicians of his generation in his native country. He has successfully given concerts in most major concert halls in China, including the National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing Concert Hall, Forbidden City Concert Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, Tsinghua Center for Arts Education to name a few. His concert highlights include the acclaimed performance of Rachmaninoff Second Concerto in the ten thousand-seat Great Hall of People in Beijing with the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra of Russia on its first historic visit to China, and his China-premiere performance of Shostakovich First Concerto with Beijing Symphony Orchestra. Other notable performances include successful concert tours appearing as a concerto soloist with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin Symphony Orchestras, the Guangzhou Philharmonic and Harbin Opera House Orchestra in addition to numerous solo and chamber music concerts throughout China.

Mr. Fong has performed extensively in his adopted home in the United States, including solo recitals in Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and Steinway Hall in NYC; appearance at the Aspen Music Festival and Summit Music Festival; and concerto performance with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Hutchinson Symphony Orchestras, the Southeastern Music Center Orchestra and the Lawrence Chamber. In 2004, Ming Fong founded the Beijing International Music Festival & Academy (www.bimfa.org) — the first and only international music festival of its kind in the historic Chinese capital. Ming Fong won the Grand Prize of the Edmund and Thelma Miller Young Artists’ Competition, the First Prize of the Naftzger Young Artists’ Auditions and the Third Prize of the Kingsville International Piano Competition. He was also a finalist in the Pro Musicis International Competition in New York City. Mr. Fong currently resides in New York City where he serves on the piano faculties of The Music Conservatory of Westchester and The Third Street Music School Settlement.

Teaching Philosophy

“I encourage my students to develop a disciplined and comprehensive approach to learning the piano. Building strong techniques, understanding the history and theory of music, presentation of performance, enjoying one’s own playing and participation in ensembles are all essential and inseparable aspects of learning music. I believe this surely leads to the ultimate fulfillment “Joy of Music” in life.”

Song Gonzalez

Degrees & Studies

BM in Piano Performance, Indiana University Jacob School of Music

Division

Piano, Group Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2016

Born In

Xuzhou, China

Performances & Distinctions

Has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist at venues such as Steinway Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, and Avery Fisher Hall.

Teaching Philosophy

“Just like building a complex structure, laying a solid foundation is the key to all that come next. I think of teaching young beginners as an opportunity to show them a way, a creative and fun way, to begin a journey to self discovery and expression. It is extremely important to establish the technique, the fundamentals of good piano playing, at the beginning stage of learning, while offer useful tactics to help parents help their children form a healthy practice routine outside of the classroom. Patience is a virtue, creative learning is the key, a nurturing and positive environment is what will allow young children to flourish into the individuals they choose and want to be.”

Juliet Gopoian

Degrees & Studies

B.M., The Juilliard School

Division

Piano, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1991

Born In

Tehran, Iran

Performances & Distinctions

As a performer, Ms. Gopoian was a founding member of the Hitchcock Trio. As an educator, she has been an active member of the New York State Music Teachers Association, serving as Co-Chair of its annual competition. As an avid music supporter, she was a founding Board member of the Westchester Philharmonic, later becoming co-chair of the Orchestra’s programming and education committees. Ms. Gopoian holds a Certificate in Arts Administration from Purchase College and served as the Conservatory’s assistant dean and coordinator of the piano department from 1994 through 2007.

Teaching Philosophy

Ms. Gopoian said, “I believe that all students should experience music at their highest potential. This can be achieved if a teacher is able to impart all the elements of music-making — reading, rhythmic accuracy, hand position, finger dexterity, style and dynamics. This should be a goal for beginning as well as advanced students. To accomplish these goals one must introduce each musical concept separately, always keeping in mind that each student processes materials and learns at his or her own pace.”

Svetlana Gorokhovich

Degrees & Studies

M.A., Kazan State Conservatory (Russia); Diploma, Leningrad State Conservatory

Division

Piano, Piano Partners, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1997

Born In

Kazan, Russia

Performances & Distinctions

Svetlana Gorokhovich is an internationally recognized pianist and recording artist who has appeared in major concert halls in the United States, Germany, Italy, Holland, Japan, the Caribbean, and Iceland. In New York she has appeared in Carnegie Hall, Zankel Hall, and Weill Recital Hall. Ms. Gorokhovich performs with Irena Portenko as a piano duo in the U.S. and Germany, and with cellist Misha Quint with whom she has made numerous recordings, including “Tempo Trapezio” (2014) on the Blue Griffin label, “One Piano Four Hands” (2012) for SMH Records, and “Valse Sentimentale” (2010) for Volshebnik Productions. From 1991-1996 Svetlana collaborated with internationally acclaimed violinist Dmitri Berlinsky, touring worldwide. Their unique recording of Russian chamber music compositions, Souvenir D’un Lieu Cher (Helicon), released in 1997, received enthusiastic reviews. Ms. Gorokhovich is a winner of the International Bartok-Kabalevsky Piano Competition at Radford University (1997) and IBLA International Competition in Italy (1999).

Teaching Philosophy

“My teaching philosophy is based on the concept of the uniqueness of each student’s individuality. Therefore, my goal is to discover the distinctive personality of every student and to bring it to a higher artistic level. I pursue my students to develop deep interest and passion for music as a form of art and use it as a means to express themselves and to make it their lifelong companion. I believe in a combination of inspiration, strict discipline and warm personal relation with every student and their family.”

Silvia Grendze

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Manhattan School of Music; School for Strings, Suzuki Teacher Training; Studies in Education and Special Education at Manhattanville College; Independent Studies about J.S. Bach with Dr. Francis Brancaleone

Division

Violin, Viola

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2018

Born In

New York, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Silvia Padegs Grendze is a freelance violinist and a Suzuki violin/viola teacher. As a violinist, she has performed with local, national, and international orchestras and ensembles. Ms. Grendze’s violin studies began at the age of three years, studying with the disciples of Dr. Suzuki, and later studying with Louise Behrend at the School for Strings in NYC. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music, studying with Erick Friedman and Burton Kaplan. Since graduating, she has been an active freelancer and has pursued her passion for teaching. She has taught privately, in schools, in choirs, and elsewhere. She is also currently pursuing her passion for J. S. Bach, by researching, together with Dr. Francis Brancaleone, and doing a complete harmonic, historic, and philosophic analysis of the Bach partitas and sonatas for solo violin. Silvia continues to perform internationally, including countries such as Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Venezuela, and Australia. Concertmaster of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra for 10 years, she has performed as Principal/section leader for both the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and Ridgefield Symphony Orchestras. She plays on an 1864 Samuel Nemessanyi violin.

Teaching Philosophy

“Music and all of the arts are essential parts of everyone’s education. The parent/teacher/child triangular relationship is the most important factor for success in a child’s education. Through teaching music, we are not only training the future Artist, but the future creative thinker, compassionate citizen, and sophisticated audience member.”

Renee Guerrero

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Texas State University, San Marcos; M.M. and Professional Studies Certificate, Manhattan School of Music

Division

Piano, Prep Accompanist

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2009

Born In

San Jose, California

Performances & Distinctions

New York City solo debut at Yamaha Young Artist Showcase. Appearances at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall under the auspices of the Italian Academy Foundation, at Kaufman Center’s Merkin Hall, and internationally at the Young & Jazz festival in Amalfi, Italy, where she performed George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and the International Music Festival in Osimo, Italy. As a collaborative pianist, she has performed with Bronx Opera, New Rochelle Opera, VoiceExperience with Sherrill Milnes, the Altamura Arts Festival, and numerous performances under the baton of Maestro Anton Coppola. Ms. Guerrero is music director of Leonia Presbyterian Church, piano faculty member for the Narnia Festival in Umbria, Italy, and has served as a vocal coach at the Altamura Arts festival.

Adrienne Harmon

Degrees & Studies

The Cleveland Institute of Music 2016-2017 (artist diploma two semesters completed and Suzuki Pedagogy trained in books 1-4), DePaul University Master of Music Violin Performance 2011, The Cleveland Institute of Music Bachelors of Music Violin Performance 2007.

Division

Violin, Suzuki Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2019

Born In

Albany, New York

Performances & Distinctions

Adrienne Harmon is an active performer and teacher in the Hudson Valley region. Originally from New England, Adrienne received her pedagogical foundation at the New England Conservatory and Walnut Hill School for the Arts. She received multiple degrees in music performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music and DePaul University School of Music and trained in the Chicago Civic Orchestra program as a principal musician. Adrienne received Suzuki teacher training from Kimberly Meier-Sims at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Ann Smelser in Chicago Suzuki Summer Institute. Ms. Harmon’s teaching philosophy is that everyone has musical ability and it is her pursuit to set students up for success in reaching their musical goals with the tools they already possess.

Ms. Harmon’s musical career span over ten years and throughout many states including Illinois, Kentucky, New York and Tennessee, where she served as a second violin in The Nashville Symphony for multiple seasons. Adrienne has also performed with notable ensembles such as The Cleveland Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s and most recently has become member of The Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Harmon is also the Assistant Concertmaster of The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with The Hudson Valley Philharmonic and The Chappaqua Orchestra. Ms. Harmon is also violin faculty at the Nesin Cultural Arts music program in Monticello, New York and serves an associate musician with The Orchestra Now program at Bard College.

Teaching Philosophy

Every person has music inside of them and my job is to help them find the right tools to access their ability. My pursuit is to set the student up for success in reaching their musical goals.

Jarrett Hoffman

Degrees & Studies

B.M., B.A., Oberlin College and Conservatory; M.M., Manhattan School of Music

Division

Clarinet

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2020

Born In

Morgantown, West Virginia

Performances & Distinctions

Performances with the West Point Band, The Chappaqua Orchestra, Taconic Opera, and Garden State Philharmonic. Appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Barclays Center. Fellowships at the Round Top Festival Institute, the Banff Centre, and Atlantic Music Festival. Guest artist for the Uganda Village Project. Former teachers include Anthony McGill (principal clarinet, New York Philharmonic), Richard Hawkins (clarinet professor, Oberlin Conservatory), Jeanne Frieben (bass clarinet, West Virginia Symphony), and John Weigand (clarinet professor, West Virginia University).

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is all about tapping into the personality, creativity, and emotional expressiveness of each individual student, combined with a dedication to the art of problem solving. From young players to senior citizens, and from the many who have achieved All-County and All-State honors to those whose goal is simply to fill their hearts with music, I’m so grateful to all of my students for the joy they’ve brought me through working with them.

Thomas Jamerson

Degrees & Studies

B.M. and M.M., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

Division

Voice

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2001

Born In

New Orleans, Louisiana

Performances & Distinctions

In his long and illustrious career, Thomas Jamerson has performed leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera National Company, New York City Opera, Opera Metropolitana, Caracas Venezuala and regional opera companies throughout the United States, including: the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Baltimore Opera, Greater Miami Opera, New Orleans Opera, and Tulsa Opera. His concert roles include performances with the St. Louis Symphony, Hartford Symphony and the Israeli Philharmonic with which he toured, singing the role of Schaunard in La Bohéme. As a leading artist with the New York City Opera for 15 years, Mr. Jamerson sang over 60 roles. In his debut role as Silvio in Pagliacci, he shared the stage with opera greats Beverly Sills and Norman Treigle. Other notable roles include: Germont in La Traviata, Sharpless in Madam Butterfly, Ping in Turnadot, Valentin in Faust, Brétigny in Manon, Harlekin in Ariadne auf Naxos, and Fanial in Der Rosenkavalier. He also appeared in the movie Foul Play with Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in the role of Pish Push in Mikado. He has recorded on RCA Red Seal. In addition to his teaching, Mr. Jamerson is the baritone soloist at Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains.

Lauren Jenkins

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, SUNY; P.C., Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, SUNY; M.M., Carnegie Mellon University; Suzuki Pre-Twinkle & Book 1 Training, Atlanta Suzuki Institute.

Division

Violin, Suzuki Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Greenville, NC

Performances & Distinctions

Lauren Jenkins is a dedicated educator and performer proficient in both classical and cross-over genres. Born and raised in North Carolina before moving to Atlanta, Lauren grew up in a Suzuki program that had a fiddling focus in addition to its classical repertoire. This influence has greatly shaped her professional career, both as a performer and an educator. Lauren’s passion for both classical and other genres makes her a versatile violinist.

At the age of 16, Lauren had her solo debut at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. During this European tour she also performed as a soloist in various cathedrals in Innsbruck, Salzburg, Gratz and Bavaria. In 2014, Lauren was a touring member of the Manchester Chamber Orchestra and performed in cities all over the Northeast. Two years later, Lauren co-founded the Chinquapin String Quartet. The quartet held a summer residency at the Chinquapin Arts Center in Grants Pass, OR in 2016 and 2017 and performed all over southern Oregon. Lauren is an avid chamber musician to this day.

Lauren has performed with various professional orchestras all over the south and northeast. She is currently in the violin section of the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic and has performed with the Transiberian Orchestra as well as with Josh Groban. In addition to the violin, Lauren loves to sing and incorporates vocals into her cross-over projects whenever possible. Her current projects include Cocktail Country, which is an old time country trio and Treefingers, which is a multi-genre duo. Lauren fiddles and sings in each of her ongoing projects, both of which perform on a monthly basis.

Teaching Philosophy

“To make a resolution and act accordingly is to live with hope. There may be difficulties and hardships, but not disappointment or despair if you follow the path steadily. Do not hurry. This is a fundamental rule. If you hurry and collapse or tumble down, nothing is achieved. DO not rest in your efforts; this is another fundamental rule. Without stopping, without haste, carefully taking a step at a time forward will surely get you there.”

Lubima Kalinkova-Shentov

Degrees & Studies

M.M. The Juilliard School; M.A., Academy of Music, Bucharest, Romania

Division

Double Bass, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2007

Born In

Sofia, Bulgaria

Performances & Distinctions

Appearances with orchestras throughout Europe and the United States. Solo and chamber music performances at Lincoln Center in New York. Recordings with Budapest Radio Orchestra and winner of Silver Medal from Bulgarian Ministry of Education, and international competitions in Germany and Italy. Ms. Kalinkova-Shentov is a faculty member in the Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School. She currently teaches instrumental music in the Tuckahoe School District, and formerly taught in the Mt. Vernon School District.

Casey Kearney

Degrees & Studies

Bachelor of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, 2017; Master of Music, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 2019.

Division

Oboe

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2020

Born In

Yorktown Heights, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Casey has performed with the San Francisco Symphony and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the latter ensemble as English horn. She has been playing in orchestras and ensembles since age twelve, when she played with the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s chamber orchestra the year of its conception. In addition to the chamber orchestra, she also participated in chamber and baroque ensembles at MCW before leaving New York to begin her collegiate studies.

Prior to joining the Music Conservatory of Westchester faculty, she freelanced in the greater Chicago area after completing her Master’s degree. She has participated in various festivals, including the Music Academy of the West, National Orchestral Institute, and the National Repertory Orchestra. She was a finalist in auditions for positions with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Oregon Symphony, and the Elgin Symphony, and was a semi-finalist in the most recent oboe audition with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In 2016, she performed the English horn with the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra in Sibelius’ The Swan of Tuonela, the recording of which is streamable online.

Teaching Philosophy

“I strive to help my students find their own voice on their instrument, and how to use it as a tool to make beautiful things that they take pride in. I aim to help students find authority and confidence and to make art and find joy. I’m also a firm believer in being open about things like performance anxiety, mental health, and injury prevention. We all encounter these hurdles, and by being open about our struggles we can better be prepared going forward.”

Justin Kessler

Degrees & Studies

Master of Music in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase, Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry from SUNY Oneonta, and Associate Degree in Audio Production from New England Institute of Arts

Division

Recording Engineering & Music Production

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2023

Performances & Distinctions

Justin Kessler is an experienced recording engineer, educator, composer, producer and musician. Since 2013, he has been Assistant Professor of Music Production and Recording Arts at Mercy College, and has previously taught at Texas A&M University, Ramapo College, Westchester Community College, Nassau Community College, and SUNY Purchase. As a recording engineer, he has won three Emmy Awards, worked with such artists as Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Idina Menzel, Eartha Kit, and Ben Vereen. As Staff Recording and Mix Engineer at Clinton Recording Studios in New York City, he worked on projects with Jewel, Smoky Robinson, Chick Corea, Bob Dylan, Yo Yo Ma, John Mayer and many others, as well as working on film scores for No Country for Old Men, The Reaping, Dream Girls, and The Bucket List. At Allaire Recording Studios in Shokan, NY, he worked on projects with producers Paul Stacey (The Black Crowes), Neil Dorfman (Paul McCartney, Sting, Bruce Springsteen) and Craig Street (Norah Jones, KD Lang, Cassandra Wilson). Justin has additionally worked on numerous audio, film and television projects as a producer and freelance engineer.

Teaching Philosophy

Justin currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music Production & Recording Arts at Mercy College, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of music professionals. He is also a dedicated teacher of mindfulness and meditation, helping others cultivate inner peace and wellness.

Mark Kraszewski

Degrees & Studies

Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music

Division

Saxophone

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Performances & Distinctions

Mark Kraszewski received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music, as well as his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees (with high distinction). He has held teaching positions at the University of Rochester and at Cornell University. He has also taught at the Hochstein School of Music and for the Midori & Friends Foundation.

Dr. Kraszewski has performed with numerous artists including Eddie Daniels, Bobby Millitello, Craig Brann, Sean Conly, Leo P, Michael Olatuja, Marcus Strickland, E.J. Strickland, Leo Genovese and many others. As a jazz performer, he has played at venues such as Shapesifter Lab, Sony Music Hall, S.O.B’s and DROM. He has given classical performances at Symphony Space, the Dimenna Center and Heinz Hall, as well as at international venues such as Tokyo City Opera Hall and the National Theater and Concert Hall in Taipei.

As a soloist, Dr. Kraszewski has performed with the Eastman Philharmonia and the University of Rochester Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble. For seven years, he was the tenor saxophonist for the Vertex Saxophone Quartet in Rochester and was featured on Rochester’s classical radio station series, Live from Hochstein. He has premiered works by composers including Bernard Rands and Robert Pierzack and is currently involved in commissions of new works by Francine Trester and Nathan Froebe.

Dr. Kraszewski has given performances and master classes at Nazareth College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, among others. He has presented jazz and classical performances as well as lecture-recitals at academic conferences, including regional and national North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences, the World Saxophone Congresses in France and Croatia. and many International Saxophone Symposia.

David Krieger

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Rubin Academy, Tel Aviv; M.M., Peabody Conservatory; Additional Graduate Studies, Yale University, Indiana University

Division

Cello

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1983

Born In

Israel

Performances & Distinctions

Born in Israel and raised on a kibbutz, David Krieger became the first cellist and soloist with the Israel Orchestra of the Kibbutzim for three years. After immigrating to the United States and completing his musical training, he established himself as a sought-after performer and educator. Mr. Krieger was a founding member, along with Conservatory faculty pianist Efrem Briskin, of the Emelin Trio which has performed extensively in Westchester. He and Mr. Briskin also co-founded SUMMIT Music Festival, an intensive summer program of pre-professional training for high school and college students. He was principal cellist with the Westchester Symphony and has toured extensively in the United States and Europe. He has served on the Conservatory’s faculty for 26 years. Mr. Krieger has served on the faculty at Fordham University and has been affiliated with Columbia University and Purchase College Conservatory of Music.

Teaching Philosophy

“Learning to play an instrument should be well planned and well structured, much like the inspiring shape of a pyramid: the broader the base, the higher the reach. As such, the teacher and student can measure achievements, and can project to future accomplishments.”

Jaejin Lee

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Seoul National University, Korea; M.M., Michigan State University; D.M.A., University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2012

Born In

Seoul, Korea

Performances & Distinctions

Appearances as a soloist in Chopin Gala Concert in San Francisco, Pianomania in Walnut Creek, CA, Graves Sunday at Five in Ohio, Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, SUNY International Piano Recital Series in New Paltz, Music 2000 and Grandin Festival in Cincinnati, Sul-Ak Music Festival in Korea, Tong-Il Han Piano Institute Music Festival in Hawaii, Academie de Musicque de Sion in Switzerland, Schuleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany, and London Piano Festival in England. Numerous appearances as a member of Veritas Ensemble, performing and premiering works of contemporary composers in the San Francisco bay area. Extensive training and teaching experience in both private and group setting such as Suzuki, Orff, Music Mind Games and Peery Piano Method. Dr. Lee has taught at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Capital University and University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department. During summer, she teaches at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan and Summer Music and Arts at MCW.

Teaching Philosophy

“My goal as a teacher is to bring out each student’s potential to the highest artistic level. I emphasize a strong foundation of technique and intervallic reading skills for beginners, developing artistic interpretation according to various musical style for intermediate students, and expanding repertoire for advanced students. I individualize my teaching plan according to each student’s age, temperament and learning style.”

James Lorusso

Degrees & Studies

B. M., Mercy College

Division

Classical Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1973

Born In

New Rochelle, NY

Performances & Distinctions

James Lorusso is a graduate of the Music Conservatory of Westchester, through its collaboration with Mercy College, where he was the recipient of a Conservatory scholarship as well as a scholarship from the Epstein Fine Arts Fund. He studied guitar with Leo Brouwer, Alirio Diaz, Angel Romero, Manuel Barrueco and musical interpretation with renowned pianist Bruce Hungerford. Mr. Lorusso made his New York Debut at CAMI Hall in 1984, and was a top prize winner in the 1983 international guitar competition at the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Puerto Rico. Mr. Lorusso has served on the Conservatory faculty for over 30 years and is also a faculty member at Manhattanville College and Westchester Community College. He has also taught at Marymount College and the American Institute of Guitar. He has studied in Spain with guitarists Narciso Yepes and Jose-Luis Lopategui.

Teaching Philosophy

Of his approach to teaching, Mr. Lorusso says, “Ï try to treat students as individuals and learn as much as I can about their musical tastes so I can help them fulfill their musical dreams. Instead of following traditional rules of pedagogy I like to use whatever works for each student. Each person has a system of thinking that is unique and as a teacher, I need to understand that system.”Mr. Lorusso identifies each student’s strong and weak points. “For example, some people have naturally good technique but can’t read well, while others excel at reading but struggle with the physical aspects of playing. I first try to build up what is weak because what they do naturally will always get stronger. It’s important to let students know what their strong points are because sometimes people aren’t aware of their own gifts. I try to mix this with a sound foundation of technical training on the instrument starting with things that I believe to be essential.”

Scott Louis

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Matt Malanowski

Degrees & Studies

MM. Master of Music in Jazz Piano Performance, Manhattan School of Music. NY, NY. May, 2020 BM. Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance, Manhattan School of Music. NY, NY. May, 2018.

Division

Jazz Piano and Music Theory

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2020

Born In

Farmingdale. New York

Performances & Distinctions

Matt has performed at many prestigious venues in the United States, as well as across Europe and Brazil. Some of the United States performance venues include the Grammy Awards, Capitol Records Studios, and Carnegie Hall. Matt has also toured in Germany, France, Austria, and Brazil playing at multiple venues and different jazz festivals.

Teaching Philosophy

My goal as a teacher is to spread the same joy that music has brought me. I think music is the most powerful way in which human beings of all kinds can connect to each other to find common ground. It is important to continue to educate the new generations about the importance and significance of music and art in this world. I pledge, as a teacher, to do my part in furthering the education of new generations, and to help push the music forward. I believe in getting to know each student to be able to determine exactly how to help them individually. I pride myself on my ability to find a very specific path which each student could take in order to get them learning in the most comfortable and suited way possible. It is important that a student helps guide their own path of learning just as equally as the teacher does. Keeping the students’ interest and having patience will lead to a great connection and a willingness to learn. Finally, I believe that each generation has a new take on the music and it is important to nurture that and help bring it about, not diminish the excitement that surrounds it. It is our job as teachers to provide the platform with which students can excel and discover their individuality and voice within the music.

Christine Mann

Degrees & Studies

B Mus. Performance – Cello University of Massachusetts Amherst, Performance Certificate – Cello University of Massachusetts Amherst

Division

Cello, Musical Munchkins

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2019

Born In

White Plains, New York

Performances & Distinctions

Christine Mann earned her B.M. and Performance Certificate in Cello Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied with Astrid Schween and Edward Arron. As an active cellist in the metro area, her performances include northeast venues such as Boston Symphony Hall, Barrington Stage Company and at festivals such as the Bach Festival and Symposium in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Teaching Philosophy

As a former MCW student, she enjoys giving back to the community that started her interest in a music career. Christine meets students where they are and takes an individualized approach in lessons. She guides students towards a love for music using a positive environment and strong musical foundation.

Dr. Holly Mentzer, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

B.M., M.M., The Juilliard School, M.A, PhD, Music Therapy, New York University

Division

Music Therapy/Adapted Instruction

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2023

Born In

New Orleans, LA

Performances & Distinctions

15 years of experience in music therapy in medical settings and schools, 20 year career in music publishing, solo and chamber music performance as a flutist, and performances as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with early music ensembles in New York City and Putnam County.

Teaching Philosophy

"I believe that every individual has the ability to access music that they are drawn to, regardless of age, ability, and socio-economic background. Music is a universal language and is part of our body, heart, and soul. All human beings have the potential to experience and play music."

Rale Micic

Degrees & Studies

Diploma, Music School Davorin Jenko (Serbia); B.M. Jazz Composition and Guitar, Berklee College of Music

Division

Electric Guitar, Young Songwriters, Songwriting Workshop

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2007

Born In

Belgrade Serbia

Performances & Distinctions

Rale Micic came to the US in 1995 after receiving a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music where he studied with George Garzone, John Thomas, and Bob Brookmeyer. Numerous performances in prominent jazz clubs including the Village Vanguard, Catalina, Blues Alley, Scullers, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, and many others. Appearances in San Jose, North City, and Hartford jazz Festivals among others. Mr. Micic is a member of the Tom Harrell Chamber Trio, Modern Life Trio, and the Rale Micic Trio and Quintet, with whom he regularly performs. His recordings and performances have been acclaimed in Downbeat, Jazz Times, Jazzwise, All About Jazz and other print and online publications. A CTA recording artist, Micic has recorded three albums, collaborating with saxophonist Bob Reynolds, trumpeter Tom Harrell, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. He is a D’Addario Strings artist along with renowned guitarists Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Lenny Kravitz.

Jean Newton

Degrees & Studies

Master of Music, harpsichord, Aaron Copland School, Queens College, C.U.N.Y.; Ph.D, Graduate School and University Center, C.U.N.Y.

Division

Harpsichord, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2005

Born In

New York, New York

Performances & Distinctions

New York recital Debut at Merkin Concert Hall in 1983, including the world premiere of David Alpher’s American Reflections. Performances in the New York area with the New York Baroque Ensemble, Cantabile Chamber Players, Bronx Arts Ensemble, New York String Ensemble, Concert Artist Guild productions. Appearances at Weill Recital Hall, 92nd Street YMHA, Bruno Walter Auditorium (Lincoln Center Library), Deutsches Haus-Goethe Institute, Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, Christ & St. Stephen’s Church and others. Dr. Newton has recorded for Ongaku Records. A specialist in historical tuning and temperaments, Dr. Newton was harpsichord and fortepiano tuner for artists such as Leonard Bernstein, Malcom Bilson, and Steven Lubin, and at venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Manhattan School of Music and others. She formerly taught at Manhattan School of Music, and Queens College (City University of New York).

Teaching Philosophy

Most harpsichord students have previously played piano, so I emphasize how to make music sound beautiful and expressive on the harpsichord, which is fundamentally very different from the piano. I also focus on developing a solid technique and an understanding of musical structure, as well as historical context. The harpsichord had an important role in chamber music, and I encourage students to join an ensemble. It’s a challenge to try your hand at playing continuo, but it’s an amazing and joyful experience to play music with others.

François Nezwazky

Degrees & Studies

B.M., University of Michigan School of Music; Suzuki Certification Piano Books 1-7, School for Strings, New York, NY

Division

Suzuki Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2019

Born In

Detroit, Michigan

Performances & Distinctions

Pianist, performer and teacher FRANÇOIS NEZWAZKY has played frequently in solo, vocal and chamber music concerts around New York City at Lincoln Center, Carnegie-Weill Recital Hall, Steinway Hall, Yamaha Piano Salon, the Tenri Cultural Institute, NYU Skirball Center and other venues. He has premiered works of composers Elodie Lauten and Sebastian Danila. He has soloed in concerti with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony and, on harpsichord, with Musica Bella. François is also a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, has worked as a concert technician for Yamaha Artist Services, given lecture-recitals to demonstrate historical tuning temperaments and also lectured on the acoustical interaction of piano hammers and strings. François serves on the board of the Leschetizky Association and is chair of the Members Musicales program. The Leschetizky Association published his article, “Should We Really Be Playing In Equal Temperament?” in their Annual Bulletin. François currently teaches piano privately in Queens and is also on the faculty of the Virtuoso Suzuki Academy in Mineola, NY.

Teaching Philosophy

Music is a gift for a lifetime. It is important to recognize students’ individual learning styles and to cultivate their unique talents. I find the Suzuki approach ideal for the application of my teaching philosophy, especially to children, young and old.

Michael Pallas

Degrees & Studies

B. M., The Hartt School of Music

Division

Trombone, Music Theory

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2015

Performances & Distinctions

Michael Pallas is known for his clear tone and melodic improvisation. He has performed with his quintet at New England’s longest-running jazz series “Monday Night Jazz in Bushnell Park,” and was one of fifteen young jazz musicians nationwide to participate in the Ravinia Steans Music Institute Jazz Fellowship program in Chicago where he has the opportunity to work with Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and NEA Jazz Master Nathan Davis. Pallas has performed with such notable artists such as Rene McLean, Gary Bartz, Lewis Nash, Nat Reeves, Wayne Bergeron, Wycliffe Gordon, Andy Martin, and Gordon Goodwin, and has appeared at many well-known venues in New York City. Pallas is a teaching artist at the Renaissance Youth Center in the South Bronx and is also a producer for R&B and hip-hop artists.

Nicole Peragine

Degrees & Studies

B.M. in Music Education from the Crane School of Music; M.M. in Viola Performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro

Division

Junior Strings, Viola, Conservatory Sinfonia

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2017

Performances & Distinctions

Violist and conductor Nicole Peragine received her Bachelor of Music Education at the Crane School of Music and her Master of Music from the UNCG School of Music in Viola Performance. She had the great privilege of studying viola with Dr. Shelly Tramposh and Dr. Scott Rawls. During her years of study, she attended the Max Aronoff Viola Institute and Brevard Music Center. While at the Crane School of Music, she was a Presidential Scholar Grant recipient for her work in curriculum design focused on injury free performance. During her time in North Carolina, Ms. Peragine taught HS Orchestra and AP Music Theory while also playing viola for the Fayetteville Symphony and Carolina Philharmonic. She had the great honor of playing in Carnegie Hall with the Carolina Phil under the baton of Maestro David Michael Wolff. During this time, she also worked with Maestro Wolff to launch the youth orchestra program associated with the Carolina Phil. Ms. Peragine has served as an education writer for the North Carolina Symphony’s Friday Favorite concert series and has consulted on or coordinated a variety of education projects. She currently directs the Orchestra Program at Fox Lane High School, sits principal viola for the Chappaqua Orchestra, and freelances in the Hudson Valley region.

Teaching Philosophy

Nicole Peragine believes all people have the ability and should have the opportunity to make great music. She believes music enables one to be a more complete human being and that it is a critical component to a child’s overall development. Through exploration and connection with our rich musical heritage, Ms. Peragine’s students walk away from rehearsals empowered with a deeper understanding of the literature, technique and how it helps us to achieve musical goals, and the importance of perseverance.

Mary Elizabeth Poore

Degrees & Studies

B.M. and M.M., Indiana University

Division

Voice, Vocal Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1993

Born In

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Performances & Distinctions

Mary Elizabeth Poore has performed throughout the United States in concert and opera at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Merkin Concert Hall, The American Academy in Rome, and the Library of Congress, and has sung with companies including Michigan Opera Theater, Orlando Opera, Virginia Opera, Mobile Opera, Des Moines Opera, Sarasota Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and Lyric Opera of Cleveland. She has been featured in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the country and was the soprano soloist for the annual Basically Bach Festival in New York for many years. Ms. Poore created the title role in the world premiere of Libby Larsen’s Mrs. Dalloway for the Lyric Opera of Cleveland and performed in the world premiere of John Kelly’s Light Shall Lift Them at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of the Next Wave Festival. She has recorded for labels including Capstone Records, Living Artist Recordings and Newport Classic Records. She was the national winner of the National Federation of Music’s Young Artist of the Year, and a first prize winner of the Oratorio Society of New York, which led to her Carnegie Hall debut singing the soprano solos in Handel’s Messiah, She was a winner of the Distinguished Performance Award of the Minna Kaufman Ruud Fund and a finalist in the Bayrische Rundfunk Munich International Vocal Competition. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Ms. Poore, a devoted music educator, is currently on the faculty of the Bel Canto Institute in Florence, Italy, and the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Ms. Poore has lived and performed in Italy where she studied with the world-renowned Italian opera coach, Luigi Ricci.

Teaching Philosophy

“I enjoy teaching students of all ages and in various stages of vocal development, striving to bring out the best in each, finding a healthy vocal production with good technique, and building confidence while sharing my joy of vocal music! I enjoy preparing students for competitions, auditions and roles both professionally and in their schools and sharing in their successes. All my students have a wide variety of musical interests including classical, opera, musical theater and pop and I encourage them all to continually perform as part of their musical training.”

Irena Portenko

Degrees & Studies

B.M. and Post-Graduate Study, Kiev National Academy of Music (Ukraine); M.M., and D.M.A., University of Michigan

Division

Piano, Piano Partners

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2007

Born In

Kyiv, Ukraine

Performances & Distinctions

Irena Portenko made her New York debut in 2009 at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, under the auspices of Concert Artists International. She has appeared as an orchestral soloist under the batons of Volodymyr Kozhuhar (Ukraine), Kenneth Kiesler (USA), Rossen Milanov (Bulgaria), Volodymyr Sirenko (Ukraine), Uwe Harrer (Austria), Allin Vlasenko (Ukraine), and Dai Uk Lee (Korea). An avid chamber musician, and has appeared with distinguished artists at festivals and recitals in the Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, and the US. Ms. Portenko’s recordings include Chopin’s Études on the Blue Griffin Label, and Tchaikovsky’s First and Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerti with the Ukrainian National Symphony. Her passion for collaborating with contemporary composers has led her to perform numerous works by living American, Ukrainian, Chinese and German composers, including the Tryptich “Venetian Blinds” for solo piano by Grammy Award winner Michael Daugherty (2003). In 2014, she launched “Music in the Alps,” a summer music festival in Austria.

Teaching Philosophy

“Piano is an instrument I love. Piano has an incomparable variety of sounds and possibilities. It can also sound like a human voice or like another instrument. One has to practice and to study a lot to be able to open the world of music to a listener. Besides that, one has to feel, understand and experience even more in order to teach piano. To be called “a teacher” is a gigantic responsibility, that involves everything that a human being has: its emotional, intellectual and physical aspects. It is my job as a teacher to ignite the spark of curiosity in the mind of the students and to make sure, they feel safe, creative and appreciated for what they give back, as they learn and explore music. I feel grateful for being able to continue sharing my passion, my skills and to have this exclusive profession – a pianist.”

Rebecca Quigley

Degrees & Studies

MM Nino Rota Conservatory Italy

Division

Flute

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Performances & Distinctions

Rebecca Quigley received her Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her undergraduate degree from Skidmore College. Her primary teachers include Frances Drinker, Jan Vinci and Alexander Murray. Rebecca has performed with Collegium Westchester, Taconic Opera, the Conductor’s Institute at Bard College, The Riverside Orchestra, Croton Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, Cortlandt Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra 914, and at the 2009 National Flute Association Convention with Robert Dick. She is a founding member of the flute choir Northern Westchester Flutes, and the woodwind quintet Senasqua Winds. Fluent in Japanese, Rebecca has studied the shakuhachi, or Japanese bamboo flute. She has served as the Webmaster for the New York Flute Club, was a member of the editorial advisory board from 2011-2017 for the National Flute Association’s The Flutist Quarterly, and currently serves on the Board of Orchestra 914. Rebecca is the author of Planning the Music for Your Wedding (2003), published by Cherry Lane Music. She has taught at the Skidmore Summer Flute Institute and at Concordia College. Rebecca lives in Cortlandt Manor, New York, with her husband, two teenagers and their dog.

Teaching Philosophy

When we think back to our childhoods, we invariably remember the teachers who made the greatest impact on our studies. I have been blessed to have a few of these individuals in my life, and I emulate their work and passion in every lesson I teach. So while we are learning the embouchure, breathing, technique and fundamentals of flute and piccolo playing, we may sing a silly sentence to capture a tricky rhythm, or stand with our backs against the wall to make sure we aren’t moving unnecessarily. I ensure that students understand the history of what they are playing, the composer’s motivation and inspiration, and why the music sounds as it does through music theory discussions. I encourage performances whenever possible because it develops skills that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives – practice, preparation, public speaking, story-telling and the sense of accomplishment when the performance concludes.

Alfred Renino

Degrees & Studies

B.M. and Performer’s Certificate, SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music

Division

Electric Bass

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2005

Born In

White Plains, New York

Performances & Distinctions

Performances with the Leslie West Band, Micky Dolenz (formerly of The Monkees), Legends in Concert on Broadway, and Celebrity Pro Jam Band at China Club in NYC. Mr. Renino has recorded with The Vineyard Sound a cappella vocal ensemble on the Critique Records label, with The Nude Ants on “Greetings from…..” on the Teldec label, and on Jonathan Sprout’s album “American Heroes #3” which was nominated for a Grammy award in 2010. He has taught at Concordia College, Harrison High School, and Westchester Music and Arts Camp.

John Replogle

Degrees & Studies

B.M. Berklee College of Music, Masters of Music from New England Conservatory

Division

Trumpet

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Born In

NYC

Performances & Distinctions

John Replogle is a freelance musician and educator in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music, and a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory. Since moving to New York, John has played Broadway shows including Book of Mormon, Matilda, Pippin, Paramour, The Prom, and Hello Dolly!, at Radio City Music Hall, and with the Big Apple Circus. In addition to his work in New York, John has performed in venues throughout Boston, MA. Most recently, he played lead trumpet for Hugh Jackman at the Boston TD Garden and for The Who at Fenway Park.

John has toured nationally and internationally including the national tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot, with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, and with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. He is frequently called for recording sessions as well and was recently featured on an episode of Z Nation on the SyFy network.

As an educator, John has experience teaching clinics on trumpet pedagogy and section playing, as well as brass instrument instruction. He is a teaching artist for the WeBop program at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and for the Bronx Arts Ensemble. John received the Maynard Ferguson Award and the Ray Kotwica Award in 2007 for Excellence in Performance.

Teaching Philosophy

“I have studied with many teachers to refine my own playing and improve my trumpet performance pedagogy for the benefit of my students. The Donald S. Reinhardt method of brass teaching has been a core component of my studies over the last 18 years and has enabled me to successfully and quickly help students resolve issues with the mechanics of playing a brass instrument. The techniques imparted have enabled my students to perform both efficiently and with a positive mindset. I have a strong passion for helping students achieve their musical goals and equipping them with the skills and tools needed to express their musical message confidently and successfully to an audience.”

Jacob Robinson

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., Manhattan School of Music

Division

Drum Set, Buckets & Beats

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2011

Born In

Whately, Massachusetts

Performances & Distinctions

Drummer Jake Robinson has been teaching and performing in the New York area since earning his Masters in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music on scholarship. While in school, he studied under world-renowned drummers Billy Hart and John Riley, and additionally with Gary Bartz, Marcus Belgrave, and Robin Eubanks. A most versatile player, Jake is well versed in many different styles and stays busy performing Jazz, Funk, Pop, and everything in between. He gives clinics and masterclasses throughout NYC and New England, tours nationally and internationally, and has performed at world-class venues including Birdland NYC, Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, and Canterbury Cathedral in England. At the Conservatory, Jake also serves as Assistant Dean and Director of the Summer Music & Arts Programs.

Teaching Philosophy

“My approach to teaching the drums is based on 3 tenets: Building proper fundamentals and technique, introducing a variety of music and styles, and guiding students’ down the musical paths towards which they gravitate. It is important to me that all of my students learn how to read music and play with good technique, but it is equally important to open up their ears to the vast amount of music that pertains to the instrument. Not only does this expand students’ knowledge of the instrument and of music, but it helps them discover which music speaks to them the loudest. When capable enough, I utilize the Alan Dawson method for drum set, which uses several classic percussion texts, such as Syncopation by Ted Reed, and Modern Rudimental Swing Solos by Charley Wilcoxon, to apply rudiments to the drum set, develop limb independence, and discover the challenges and applications of Jazz drumming.”

Maryna Rogozhyna

Degrees & Studies

B.M. and M.M., Kiev State Conservatory (Ukraine); Post Graduate Diploma, National Academy of Music (Ukraine); Professional Studies, Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2007

Performances & Distinctions

At the age of 8, Ms. Rogozhyna won a Bach Competition in her native Ukraine. When she was 15, she received the first prize at the National College Student Competition. In 1991, Maryna won the All-Union Piano Competition in Samara, Russia. She extensively performs solo and chamber music recitals in Ukraine, Russia, Czech Republic, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Ms. Rogozhyna’s concert engagements in the U.S. include recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, LeFrak Concert Hall, Donnel Library, Tenri Cultural Institute, Hunter Music Festival, the Manhattan Virtuosi Concert Series, and many others. She is a faculty member at Mamaroneck School of Music, the Northern Westchester School for the Arts, and the Music Conservatory of Westchester, and she has served as a faculty member at the Long Island School of Music and Arts and the Kiev Pedagogical Institute in Ukraine.

Christina Khimm Rosand

Degrees & Studies

B.A., Sarah Lawrence College; Graduate Studies, Manhattan School of Music

Division

Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1988

Born In

Seoul, Korea

Performances & Distinctions

Christina Khimm Rosand has had a successful career as a pedagogue in the U.S.A. since 1989 when she began to teach at Queens College. She was born in Seoul, Korea in 1953 and made solo debut with the Seoul Philharmonic at the age of 10. She came to America in 1970 to study with Dorothy Delay at the Juilliard School of Music. In 1971 the Manhattan School of Music gave her a full scholarship to study with Raphael Bronstein that resulted in winning the concerto competition at MSM as well as Young Artist Competition in New York. She moved to Sarah Lawrence College in 1973 to broaden her educational horizons,where Dorothy Delay continued to teach her and where she earned her B.A. degree. She continued her studies with two legendary violinists in 1975, studying with both Ruggiero Ricci and Aaron Rosand, in 1988 she acquired a certificate to teach the Suzuki method that enabled her to teach less advanced students. Her success has led to positions at the Hoff-Barthelson music school,Music Conservatory of Westchester, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College.

She has enjoyed a varied career as a soloist and chamber musician in addition to her work as a teacher. Her solo engagements elicited critical praise for “insightful musicianship, elegant tone, and technical mastery of her instrument.” She was also a member of the Laurentian String Quartet for several years. Since 1994 she has served as outreach director and faculty member of the annual Summit Music Festival. Christina Khimm Rosand married legendary American violinist Aaron Rosand. In 1996 they founded “The Aaron Rosand Intensive Program “at the Summit Music Festival where she currently serves as director of the program.She has 2 CDs available on the Sohn and Artkor labels featuring works by Schnittke, Foote, Grieg, Vivaldi, and Mozart.

Laetitia Ruccolo

Degrees & Studies

B.M. Ecole Normale Supérieure de Musique, Paris; B.A. Languages, University Aix-Marseille; State Diploma in Piano Pedagogy, Paris; M.M. University Mozarteum Salzburg; M.M.Mannes College of Music, New York

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2013

Born In

Mulhouse, France

Performances & Distinctions

Laetitia has performed all over Europe and the States as a solo pianist and accompanist. In New York, she played at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera Guild. She performed in concerts hosted by violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She is one of the founding members of the companies Loft Opera and Bare Opera, and she regularly collaborates with opera companies in New York and Europe. She was a young artist at the National Opera Studio in London, where she did some residencies at the Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera and Opera North Leeds. Passionate about art songs, she participated in SongFest and the Schubert Institute, where she worked with artists like Helmut Deutsch, Christa Ludwig, Elly Ameling, Julius Drake, and Roger Vignoles. Laetitia has always been interested in new music, she often collaborates with The Center For Contemporary Opera, and she has worked with many living composers, like John Musto, Libby Larsen, Mohammed Fairouz and Christian Lauba. She was also part of the Klezmer group 12th Night Music, coached by David Krakauer.

Teaching Philosophy

“My goal as a piano teacher, as well as an accompanist, is to develop the natural musicality of the students as early as possible. I encourage them to experiment a lot of dynamics, articulations or different kinds of repertoire. I advise them also to listen to a lot of different music and to go to see performances, starting with the concerts at the Conservatory. I often play for beginner pianists during the lesson. The intention is to give them the autonomy to be able to make their own musical decisions. My thesis for the French State Diploma of Pedagogy was on Liszt’s technique applied to beginner pianists. He was convinced that having a clear musical idea helps to develop the technique, and recommended to work on the technical problems in the context of a piece, rather than pure exercises without musical interest for the student. As an ex ballet dancer, I give a lot of importance to the student’s position at the instrument. An unhealthy position can create many unnecessary difficulties or even some injuries. It is important to have a good posture from the very beginning. Reading music fluently is essential, and I always make sure that the students make the connection between written music and the keyboard. For the children who have difficulties or who are still very young, I use a method inspired by Kurtág, that uses signs instead of notes. For the others, the Thompson method is fun and interesting. I usually complete it with some little 4 hands pieces that I play with the students. We are lucky to have a huge piano literature, many of the most famous composers wrote easy piano pieces, from Bach to Bartók. I’m mostly inspired by the Russian and French schools.”

Bill Ruyle

Division

Concert Percussion

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2017

Performances & Distinctions

Bill Ruyle has been a percussionist/composer/collaborator for new music, dance, and theater in NYC and abroad for over forty years. He began his career playing percussion at Lamama for the landmark original production of “Fragments of a Trilogy” (Elektra, Medea, The Trojan Women) composed by Elizabeth Swados and directed by Adrei Serban. He has served as music director for numerous revivals of the “Trilogy” in NYC, Asia, and Europe. His off-Broadway experience is extensive and includes playing for the original productions of “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and “The Hunger Artist” by Martha Clarke. On Broadway, he has played for the shows “The Pirates of Penzance” (dir. Wilford Leach),”Three Penny Opera”, “Juan Darien” (dir. Julie Taymor),”The Secret Garden”, “The Green Bird” (dir. Julie Taymor), “Aida”, “Big River”, “The Boy from Oz”, “Wicked”, and played percussion and hammered dulcimer for “Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark” (dir. Julie Taymor). Bill has also played for 8 “Shakespeare in the Park” productions in NYC including, “Cymbeline” (dir. Andrei Serban), “Julius Ceasar” and, “The Seagull” (dir. Mike Nichols). He has played in the ensembles of Peter Zummo, Jon Gibson, Peter Gordon, Bill Obrecht, Scott Johnson, Phillip Jonston, “Blue” Gene Tyranny, Bob Een, Naaz Hosseini, The Feetwarmers, The Manhattan Marimba Quartet, Last Forever with Dick Connette, Newband, and The Hudson Valley Philharmonic. His own compositions have been performed nationally and internationally. He has composed modern dance scores for choreographers Diane Madden, Susan Rethorst, Joanne Jansen, Lila York, and Tamar Rogoff. Bill has taught in many educational outreach programs including The Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School, Lincoln Center Institute, and Link Up! at Carnegie Hall.

Lisa Sandagata, MA, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BMus, Manhattanville: MA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1988

Born In

New Haven, CT

Performances & Distinctions

Over 30 years of experience working as a music therapist with individuals with special learning needs, Lisa also has extensive experience teaching piano and adapted instruction.

Teaching Philosophy

“I learned early in my musical career that I was inspired and motivated to share music with others, using it as an avenue for connection, growth and change. I believe in the power of music to affect change. I believe in the innate musical nature of all individuals. My work involves providing a musical experience that is unique to each individual, helping them connect to themselves and others and helping them reach their highest potential in music and in life, Music is so versatile and so many elements of music can be manipulated. I love welcoming individuals into the music and observing the many different ways one can “be in music”.

Kristina Satuho

Degrees & Studies

B.M., M.M., in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Arizona State University; Artist Diploma in Piano Performance, SUNY at Purchase College.

Division

Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Tallinn, Estonia

Performances & Distinctions

Kristina Shatuho has performed as a soloist and a chamber musician in Estonia, Finland, and the U.S. She has appeared as a soloist with the Georg Ots Symphony Orchestra performing Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23. During her time at Arizona State University she has performed extensively in the Phoenix area in such venues as Scottsdale Center for the Art, Tempe Center for the Art, Gammage Auditorium, Kerr Cultural Center, Oracle Piano Society, Performing Art Series at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church. Kristina has won a chamber competition at SUNY Purchase and was a laureate at the Estonian National Piano Competition.

Teaching Philosophy

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” - Plato
As a teacher I strive to abide by what Plato said by inspiring my students through music, helping them find their personality, creativity and expressivity through music.

Adam Schommer

Degrees & Studies

Mr. Schommer received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with Rick Solis of the Cleveland Orchestra, and he earned a Masters in French horn performance from the University of Cincinnati where he studied with Randy Gardner, formerly of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Schommer did an artist diploma at SUNY Purchase studying with John Clark and Ann Ellsworth.

Division

French Horn

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2019

Born In

Monroe, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Adam Schommer serves as adjunct faculty teaching French horn at Lehman College and Nyack College. He has had the privilege of working with a multitude of artists and ensembles such as Ray Chew, Benji Kaplan, Gerard Schwartz, Lanfranco Marcelletti, John Clark, Sting, David Amram, Miguel Harth-­Bedoya, George Saenz, and The Artemis Ensemble, The Allentown Symphony, and John Luther Adams. Mr. Schommer has been a soloist with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and the Chelsea Symphony, and was concerto competition winner at the Lucca Opera Theater’s 2002 season in Italy.

Teaching Philosophy

“My teaching philosophy is geared towards long term learning. This means I build a student’s skill from the ground up and will spend as much time as it takes for the student to demonstrate correct embouchure, posture, and breathing practices. This frustrates some students in this day of instant gratification, but the benefits over time are worth the wait and diligence. I am a visual and kinesthetic learner myself, so I rely greatly on mental images, and the specific bodily functions and tiny muscles necessary to produce the best result.”

Paul Sessoms

Degrees & Studies

University of North Carolina School of the Arts - High School Diploma with concentration in Classical Guitar
Conservatorium van Amsterdam - BM, Classical Guitar Performance
Conservatorium van Maastricht - MM, Classical Guitar Performance

Division

Classical Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2023

Born In

Nashville, Tennessee

Performances & Distinctions

Paul Sessoms has performed at various venues in the United States and in Europe as a solo Classical Guitarist. Such as Oosterkerk, Westerkerk, Martin County Community Center, and various churches in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He also has performed in many ensembles. For example jazz trio, classical guitar trio, classical guitar quartet, and jazz big band in concert halls and churches mainly in the North Carolina and Ohio area. In addition to Classical Guitar, Paul has an extensive Jazz Guitar background, which he pursued alongside his classical studies. Paul has also competed in many competitions such as the Antwerpen Gitaar Competition, Twents Guitar Competition, Koblenz Guitar Competition, Stroud Guitar Competition, Eastern Carolina University Competition and Piedmont Guitar Society Competition in which he received 4th prize at the age of 17. At the end of his Master's studies, Paul received a mark of 9.5/10 and graduated with Honors/Distinction.

Teaching Philosophy

"I believe that every person is able to play music because it is a part of our human nature. Like breathing, music is a free flowing experience that everyone can connect and relate to. The music teacher helps the student obtain this ability to create music through the use of an instrument or voice. The instrument is only a tool for the student or performer to use to express themselves. My goal as a teacher is to help the students express themselves as best as they can through the Classical Guitar as well as help them realize what they want to express through music."

Gili Sharett

Degrees & Studies

DMA State University of New York, Stony Brook 2005; MM State University of New York, Stony Brook 1999; BA, Magna Cum Laude, Rubin Academy, Tel Aviv 1995

Division

Bassoon, Chamber Ensembles

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2016

Born In

Tel Aviv, Israel

Performances & Distinctions

Performed with the Israel Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, American Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New Jersey Symphony, and Encores! at City Center. An experienced chamber musician who has performed classical, jazz, and 20th-century works. Dr. Sharett is a member of Ariel Winds, an all-female woodwind quintet. Broadway performances include The King and I, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Beauty and the Beast, 110 in the Shade, South Pacific, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, and Lincoln Center’s productions of The Frogs and The Light in the Piazza, winner of eight Tony awards and cast album Grammy nomination, for which she also played the Live from Lincoln Center broadcast. She currently performs in the orchestra for The Phantom of The Opera. Festival appearances include the Verbier Music Festival (Switzerland), Winter in Jerusalem (Israel), Vermont Mozart Festival, and Bard SummerScape (New York). Honors include an America-Israel Cultural Foundation Award (1993–1995), and she played a solo recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in 2005. Her teachers include Mordechai Rechtman, Kim Laskowski, Arlen Fast, Frank Morelli, Lenny Hindell, and Dennis Godburn. As an active educator, Sharett has performed for the New York Philharmonic Education series KidZone, Young Audiences, Midori and Friends, and the 92nd Street Y. She has taught at Hartwick Music Festival in Oneonta and the Brevard Music Center, and is currently on the faculties of Queens College, The Bloomingdale School of Music, in addition to The Music Conservatory of Westchester. Sharett has recorded on the Nonesuch, Naïve, and Tzadik labels.

Teaching Philosophy

“My driving force is to show the next generation of bassoonists how to to create a beautiful tone and share true musical expression. I think it’s important that studying is enjoyable yet concise in order for my student to learn proper technique and the tools to create fantastic musicianship.”

Julie Sherwood, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BFA Music Theater, The New School, NY, NY; MA in Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2013

Born In

New Orleans, LA

Performances & Distinctions

Has specialty training and experience working with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Teaches continuing education courses for board-certified music therapists. Provides music therapy presentations in medical and psychiatric settings. Has experience as a clinical music therapy supervisor. Has more than 26 years of experience teaching voice and piano lessons, music directing theatrical productions, and performing professionally.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe passionately in a strengths-based approach to music therapy. This means collaborating with each participant to explore and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities and promote a greater sense of empowerment and self-appreciation. I believe creative expression is inherently therapeutic, and music therapy has the power to help each of us experience more joy, tranquility, and satisfaction.”

Sara Silva

Degrees & Studies

Bachelors in Violin performance Frederic Chopin Conservatory Paris – France, Master in Violin performance Syracuse university Suzuki Teacher’s certification Violin books I – III Ithaca College

Division

Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2016

Born In

Bogota, Colombia

Performances & Distinctions

After her 6 years tenure with the National Symphony of Colombia, she came to the USA for her master’s degree. She is a member of Symphoria (the successor organization of the Syracuse Symphony), she is a member of the Binghamton Tri-Cities Opera, Utica Symphony, she has performed with organizations as the Binghamton Philharmonic, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of Northern NY, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, the Catskills Symphony Orchestra and the Bowdoin Music Festival. Sara performs with the Alzo Symphony Orchestra in New York City, The Distinguished Concert International of NY, The Hudson Valley Philharmonic, the New Rochelle Opera and the Chelsea Symphony Orchestra. She is also a recipient of the Syracuse University Full Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship, the Frederic Chopin Conservatory Scholarship and the Colombia Government Carolina Oramas Scholarship for abroad studies.

Hunter Somogie

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Crane School of Music

Division

Classical Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2018

Born In

Albany, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Guitarist-Composer Hunter Somogie has been making music since the age of ten. Beginning with clarinet, he then switched to guitar at 13. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music in May 2017 with a degree in Guitar Performance. After graduating, he attended the inaugural year of the guitar program at the Brevard Music Festival. Since then, Hunter has been teaching and performing in the New York City area, as well as premiering new music with the vocal group, Ös Ensemble. Hunter has studied guitar with masters Marcin Dylla, Martha Masters, Adam Holzman, Chris Stell, Alex Tsiboulski, and Doug Rubio.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe a wholesome and holistic approach to education is the most beneficial for students and teachers alike. It is a teacher’s obligation to communicate musical thoughts to students by relating new ideas to familiar concepts. On top of musical and technical proficiency, I strive for my students to learn how to develop a strong work ethic.”

Donald Stevens, MA-MT

Degrees & Studies

BA – Music, Southern Connecticut State University; MA- Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2011

Performances & Distinctions

Over the past 11 years, Donald has worked as a Music Therapist in the Westchester area. During his time at the Music Conservatory, Donald has written music for students and was able to perform original pieces on huge platforms such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Capitol Theatre, and much more. Outside of his work as a music therapist, Donald works as the Director of Music at Bethel Baptist Church, where he oversees various singing groups.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music can bring out the best in an individual, and also has the ability to speak directly to a person. Music has always been a natural source of medicine that heals the soul. I approach music and therapy with the mindset that every child and adult has an ability, not a disability. The goal is not how well you can play an instrument or sing, but how well are you able to receive the universal sound of music.”

Katsuko (“Kay”) Tsuji

Division

Suzuki Piano

Born In

Osaka, Japan

Performances & Distinctions

Katsuko (“Kay”) Tsuji is a leading instructor of Suzuki piano pedagogy. Ms. Tsuji was born into a musical family and started her early music training at age 3 at the Yamaha and Suzuki music schools. Her musical passion extended not only to classical music but also Jazz and Latin. Ms. Tsuji earned her bachelor’s degree in music from Osaka College of Music and her master’s degree in music from Mannes College of Music and the Juilliard School, with additional studies at the Aspen Music School, Yamaha Music School, and Suzuki talent education in Japan.

As a Suzuki teacher, Ms. Tsuji studied pedagogy with Cathy Hagrave, Jane Reede, Fey Adams, and Joan Krzywicki while being inspired by Nancy Model’s Suzuki/Taubmann approach. She has taken continuing education courses in Suzuki training at the School for Strings under the guidance of Marina Obukvsky. Ms. Tsuji is active member of ASCAP, MTNA, NGPT, MEANJ, and PMTGNJ. Her students range from ages two to ninety-nine and she enjoys working with special needs students.

Ms. Tsuji has received numerous teaching awards, including the National Honor Award, Piano Teacher Hall of Fame from American College of Musicians, and the Highest Score Award from ABRSM (Associate Board of Royal School of Music). In addition to teaching, Ms. Tsuji also serves as organist/keyboardist at Paramus Congregational Church, Mission Church, and as a music therapist at Bergen Regional Medical Center.

Teaching Philosophy

Everyone have different goals when they sign up for piano lessons. Some students strive to become very accomplished pianists. Some students just enjoy learning to play. All children develop differently and require different kind of support to meet their individual needs. I establish small specific individual goals and customized curriculums for each of my students. My studio’s wide goals are to all my students to have great appreciation for music and play music for their lives.

Alex Wintz

Degrees & Studies

B.M. Berklee College of Music, M.M. The Juilliard School

Division

Guitar

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Born In

Yorktown Heights, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Grammy-nominated guitarist Alex Wintz is quickly gaining a name in the international jazz community as a performer, educator, and composer. His talent and embracing of contemporary influences, molded with a deep gratitude to the traditions of the past, have garnered him numerous accolades from across the globe. Wintz is a frequent collaborator with Etienne Charles, Ben Williams and Sound Effect, Roxy Coss, Jeremy Pelt, Peter and Will Anderson, and Nick Finzer. He has performed at the Newport, Monterey, Montreux, and Montreal Jazz Festivals, among other major venues.

Born in California and raised in New Jersey, Alex began playing guitar at an early age. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Berklee College of Music in 2010 and completed his Master’s degree from the Juilliard School in 2012. Awards include the National Foundation for the Arts’ ARTS Award, Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship All Star, Most Outstanding High School Jazz Soloist in the Downbeat Music Awards, Berklee Guitar Achievement Award, and semi-finalist in the Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition and Detroit Jazz Festival Competition. Alex currently serves on the guitar faculty at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Jazz for Teens program.

In 2017, Wintz released “LifeCycle”, his debut recording on Etienne Charles’ Culture Shock imprint. The album garnered critical acclaim from Downbeat Magazine (3.5 Stars), All About Jazz, and The New York Jazz Record.

“Live to Tape,” Wintz’s upcoming release featuring his trio of Dave Baron (bass) and Jimmy MacBride (drums), was released in November 2020. As a sideman, Wintz has appeared on over 30 releases, including the 2020 Grammy-nominated Terraza 7 Big Band recording, “One Day Wonder.”

Teaching Philosophy

“When a student walks into my classroom, I want them to feel like they are receiving a high level of attention and focus. The teacher-student relationship is a special bond that requires trust in the instructor. I take this seriously and reinforce trust through encouragement, consistency and enthusiasm, week in and week out. The three major facets of my teaching style reflect my own musical journey: a) attention to detail, b) artistic cultivation, and c) emphasis on the fundamentals. I blend these points together in a personalized way to match each student’s unique strengths and challenges. If a student submits an assignment, I want them to be able demonstrate how its concepts can be applied not just on the staff paper, but in real-time improvised situations. When original ideas, compositions, and arrangements are workshopped, my goal is to assist the student via informed criticism and collaboration, never discounting their own evolving musical intuitions. Additionally, I want each student to be solid on the overall mechanics of the guitar so they can flourish in any musical situation. This includes proficiency in sight-reading, left-hand/right-hand technique, ability to improvise over fast/slow tempos, and ease in any musical setting. Each student comes to a music class with a different understanding and different road they want to travel. My job is to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed while continuing to inform and stimulate their own artistic hopes and dreams.”

Hiroshi Yamazaki

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Osaka College of Music (Japan)

Division

Jazz Piano

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2002

Born In

Japan

Performances & Distinctions

A native of Japan, Hiroshi Yamazaki gave his first professional jazz performance at age 22 at the popular S.A.B. Hall in Osaka. Shortly after completing college, he moved to NYC where he studied with the great pianist Buddy Montgomery and forged his own voice as an improviser, composer and arranger. His New York debut took place in 1988 at the Jazz Center of New York where he appeared with bassist Paul West and drummer Leroy Williams. He has appeared at some of the most popular jazz venues in New York City including the Village Gate, Bluenote, and Birdland. In 1996, he released his debut recording, Sketch Of Bridge, with Ron Carter on bass and Lewis Nash on drums. A second album, We May Say Love, followed in 2000. Currently, Hiroshi performs in the New York region and in Japan with Rufus Reid, Akira Tana, Tony Jefferson, Steve LaSpina, and Andrew Beals. He leads his own jazz groups and serves as a sideman with the Glenda Davenport Quartet, Bill Crow Trio and Jan Leder Quartet.

Alana Youssefian

Degrees & Studies

B.M. Oberlin Conservatory, M.M. Rice University Shepherd School of Music, M.M. The Juilliard School

Division

Violin

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2020

Born In

Philadelphia, PA

Performances & Distinctions

Violinist Alana Youssefian has quickly forged a reputation as a sought-after soloist known for her engaging performances, fierce virtuosity, and passionate interpretations of works spanning the baroque era to the music of today. Alana enjoys an active solo career with the world’s leading ensembles, in addition to holding engagements at venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, and Alice Tully Hall. In April 2020 her debut album Brillance Indéniable was released on the Avie label to rave reviews. Her videos on the Voices of Music YouTube channel have garnered over one million views. Ms. Youssefian was selected as an American Fellow of The English Concert and Juilliard Fellow of Mercury in 2018, as well as the winner of The Juilliard School’s 2017 Historical Performance Concerto Competition. An audience favorite, she was recently named Best Recital Soloist of the 2019-2020 season by the San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards.

A passionate music educator, Ms. Youssefian has enjoyed sharing her love of music through teaching over the past decade. She has taught in private and masterclass settings through prestigious organizations such as Ars Lyrica Houston, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, and Oberlin Conservatory, and has guest lectured at New York University’s Steinhardt School and San Francisco Community College. In her free time, Alana enjoys spending time with her husband Jared and their cats Jimmy and Django, thriller novels, and 60’s British rock.

Teaching Philosophy

“My teaching employs an all-encompassing style that covers not only technical needs but also performance techniques and stage confidence for students of all levels. My performance-heavy background allows me to help students truly connect with their music, from Bach to modern composers and songwriters. Music is expressed through the entire body, so I like to take a holistic approach to the physical, mental, and emotional flow of playing an instrument. Students who study with me receive an upbeat, personalized classical training approach that helps them achieve their goals to the fullest while learning to love music!”

Mikhail Zeiger

Degrees & Studies

B.M., Simferopol Music College; M.M., Gorky Conservatory; Ph.D. Composition, Moscow Conservatory (Russia); Certified Teacher of the Royal Conservatory of Music

Division

Piano, Piano Partners, Composition

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2003

Born In

Moscow, Russia

Performances & Distinctions

Mikhail Zeiger earned his bachelor’s degree with the highest honors at Simferopol Music College. He went on to receive a master’s degree in piano and composition at Gorky Conservatory, and a Ph.D. in composition at Moscow Conservatory. He has resided in the United States since 1995. Mikhail is also a professor of piano and composition at SUNY Old Westbury. As a performer, Mikhail has toured Russia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. He made his New York recital debut at Steinway Hall in 1996. He has made solo appearances with the Liederkranz Orchestra New York, the Moscow Cantilena Orchestra, and the Voronezh Philharmonic. Chamber music appearances include performances with members of the New York Philharmonic, violinist Nina Beilina, and bassist Mikhail Svetlov. As a composer, his works include symphonic, operatic, ballet, vocal, choral and chamber pieces. His work has been performed throughout Russia; in 1992, he received the All-Russian Composers Union Award, and in Europe, he was named ‘Man of the Year 1992-93’ by the Cambridge Biographical Center in England. In 1996, New York’s Bacchanalia Festival Orchestra commissioned his arrangement for violin and string orchestra of Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style, which was premiered at Weill Recital Hall.

Teaching Philosophy

“My teaching is based on personal experience as an active performer and composer. I encourage the student to enjoy music first by listening to it closely and thinking about it before learning it. I believe that for students to perform music successfully, they need to gain the ability to express themselves in accordance with the specific style of the music.” The technique is also an important component of Mikhail’s teaching approach. “The student should understand how the instrument works, how to achieve a good touch in order to produce the best sound and unleash the instrument’s potential. I also emphasize good practice methods.”