| Lois Anderson | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Faculty Positions Kean University, Union, NJ adjunct professor, music survey, class piano, music fundamentals, staff accompanist, since 2005 Crestwood Music, Eastchester, NY piano faculty since 1998 New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ staff accompanist, coaching/accompanying 1997 - 2007 previous teaching: Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT affiliate professor, piano The Kent School, Kent, CT piano faculty Diller-Quaille School of Music, New York, NY music for young children | | Education: | Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY Master of Music - Piano Bachelor of Music - Piano with Robert Helps, Sonia Vargas, Marc Silverman, accompanying with Donal Nold, Joseph Seiger Voice with Arturo Spinetti | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | Performances New Jersey Symphony orchestral keyboards 1985 to present New Jersey Chamber Music Society Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Merkin Hall, NYC chamber music performances Orchestra New England The National Chorale, Lincoln Center, NYC accompanist in concerts and tour Lake George Opera Festival New Jersey State Repertory Opera Carnegie Hall The Kitchen, NYC Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC WQXR Radio, The Listening Room National Public Radio Contemporary ensembles, performances, recordings British Saxophone Congress, Cardiff, Wales Yale University, New Haven, CT Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio She was nothing less than spectacular as she put out orchestral textures with dazzling technique" the Newark Star-Ledger wrote of Lois Anderson. Active as a pianist and collaborative artist, she has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, the British Saxophone Congress in Wales, orchestral keyboards with Orchestra New England and New Jersey Symphony, and has been heard on WQXR and National Public Radio. Her work with singers has included tours with the National Chorale and Lake George Opera Festival. She has given many works their premier performances and first recordings, participating in numerous contemporary music concerts at Storm King Music Festival in Cornwall, NY, and recently recording new music of Walter Hartley with members of Manhattan Chamber Orchestra for the Keuka Classical label. As a composer and arranger her musical scores have been heard on ABC-TV and PBS and her original music is in the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art as part of a global Internet collaborative art work. Lois currently teaches at Kean University. | |
| | Ronit Ashirov | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Over 10 years teaching adults and children of all ages and levels | | Education: | BA Hunter College | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | Ronit Ashirov- Piano teacher / Artistic Adviser a co founder of Arkadi Foundation (a non profit organization). Ronit was born in Israel and studied piano from age 5 in the Netanya conservatory and continued her Music education BA at Hunter College, NYC. She teaches kids and adults at all levels. She maintains a piano studio in New City, New York. Ronit's experience of casting singers and producing concerts in the New York Metro area is extensive. She often knows how to recognize a talent and advise the artist on how to process in development to the next step. | |
| | Gaurav Bali | Instruments Played : | Guitar | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar | | Experience: | 17 Years | | Education: | | | Located: | Northern New Jersey, Rockland County New York | | From an early age Gaurav was surrounded by music and started taking guitar lessons in 1985. Throughout his teens, he studied with many great teachers and started giving guitar lessons at age 17. In 1999, Gaurav joined rock band EVE TO ADAM and they recorded their debut album “Auburn Slip” in 2000 at his home recording studio in Northern NJ. Since then, ETA has released two more albums (“Antidote” and “Queens to Eden”) and have toured the US with legendary bands such as Motley Crue, Scorpions, and Tesla. In 2007, ETA toured for 10 months with many platinum selling acts ( Saliva, Smile Empty Soul) including the biggest selling rock group of that year, Daughtry. Over the last 17 years Gaurav has taught students of all ages and ability levels, including a multi – million selling Grammy winning artist. | |
| | Ryan Beswick | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 7 years | | Education: | B.A. in Jazz Piano from Mason Gross School of Music at Rutgers University | | Located: | Rockland County, New York | | |
| | Serge Bonnaire | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Over 20 years – Faculty positions include Conservatoire Européen de Musique de Paris, France – University of the West Indies, Barbados – Private studio/Advanced Piano Seminar, New York and Florence, Italy. | | Education: | Master of Arts from Teachers College-Columbia University, New York, NY - Manhattan School of Music, piano with Sonia Vargas – Juilliard orchestral conducting under Vincent LaSelva – Conservatoire Européeen de Musique de Paris, piano with Aline Fidler and Yvonne Lefébure – École Normale de Musique de Paris. | | Located: | Westchester, NY, Rockland County, NY | | A pupil of the late Claudio Arrau, Serge Bonnaire has established a distinguished career as a chamber musician, soloist, recitalist, and professor, and has garnered an enviable reputation as a performer whose impassioned music-making and thrilling style are bringing new life to the concert stage. Born in Martinique, he began his piano studies at the early age of five. His first recital took place in 1970. Two years later, he gave an orchestral concert in Paris featuring Bach’s D minor concerto BWV 1052. Press called him “astonishing”, “a sublime musician”. Later, he pursued his formal studies at the Conservatoire Européen de Musique de Paris with Aline Fidler and Yvonne Lefébure, and at the Ècole Normale de Musique de Paris. In 1987, he was the unanimous recipient of the prestigious First Grand Prize and Gold Medal in both the U.F.A.M. and the Johann Sebastian Bach International Piano Competitions held in Paris. Mr. Bonnaire also studied at the Manhattan School of Music under Sonia Vargas and at the Juilliard School under Vincent LaSelva. He holds a Master of Arts from Teachers College-Columbia University. Mr. Bonnaire launched his American career in May 1993 in New York’s fabled Carnegie Hall with a much noted performance of Chopin’s, Liszt’s and Debussy’s piano music. He has since appeared with many of the world leading orchestras both in Europe and in the United States. He has been the guest artist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Herbert Blomstedt, The National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovitch, l’Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, l’Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux, l’Orchestre de Paris under Daniel Barenboim, l’Orchestre des Pays de la Loire, l’Orchestre Symphonique de Bordeaux, l’Orchestre National de France, l’Orchestre Philharmonique Européen, the Cleveland Orchestra, and other regional orchestras. Leonard Bernstein with whom he performed said of him: “ A truly splendid musician who has the gift to reveal the essence of everything he touches.” | |
| | Camila Celin | Instruments Played : | Guitar | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar | | Experience: | Over 10 years teaching students | | Education: | Classical guitar and popular Latin America music at Acedemia Musical Francisco Cristancho in Bogota, Colombia. Classical guitar, jazz and composition at El I.S.A (Isntituto Superior de Artes) Havana, Cuba. BA in music composition and performance at Brooklyn College, CUNY. Currently under the guidance of sarod player Sougata Roy Choudhury, tabla legend Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, and sitar maestro Pandit Krishna Bhatt. | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Born in Bogota Colombia, Camila Celin began learning Guitar at age 9. Initially inspired by tradition and popular Latin American music, she had extensive training in classical guitar, jazz, traditional Cuban music, and most recently Indian music. An enthusiastic and dynamic teacher, Celin has been teaching for over 10 years. Her style reflects her outlook on life, which puts inspiration, enjoyment and fun above everything else. She strives to make learning guitar an easy and enjoyable experience from the very first day, helping her students develop a strong emotional connection with their music. Her curriculum is driven by the inspiration of her students yet she ensures that students continuously develop technically, musically, and emotionally in their overall knowledge of music.
In her years of musical travels she collaborated with many great artists including guitar legend Debashish Bhattacharya for which she received a Grammy nomination in 2008. Currently living between Kolkata and New York, she is an active performer and recording artist. | |
| | Paul Cesario | Instruments Played : | Drums, Drum set, Percussion | | | Instruments Taught : | Drums, Drum set, Percussion | | Experience: | 5 years | | Education: | Drummers Collective, N.Y.C. B.M Purchase College Conservatory of Music | | Located: | Rockland County, New York | | |
| | Jarrett Cherner | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano (jazz, beg/int classical, theory, improvisation, ear training, etc.) | | Experience: | Private Piano Studio, Boston/San Francisco/New York City, 2003 - present • Teach all ages and all levels, specializing in jazz piano • Customize lessons to accommodate musical interest of students San Jose Jazz Workshop, San Jose, CA, Piano Faculty, Summers 2007 & 2008 • Designed and taught piano master class, theory/musicianship class • Led multiple student combos, beginning to advanced levels Jazz School, Berkeley, CA, Private Piano Teacher, Classes, Accompanist, 2006 - 2008 • Taught private piano lessons at summer program 2006 • Substitute teaching for piano classes (beg, int, & adv) Marin Academy High School, San Rafael, CA, Assistant Teacher, 2006 • Work with Jazz Band, Chorus, & World Music classes • Coach/rehearse small ensembles & tutor piano students Music Maker School, Acton, MA, Private Piano Teacher, Spring 2004-2005 • Piano studio with over 20 private students • Customize lessons for all ages, young children through adult New England Conservatory of Music Prep. School, Boston, MA, Substitute Teaching, Fall 2003 • Coached High School Jazz Ensemble - focused on group communication • Taught Jazz Theory Class - emphasized ear training | | Education: | Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY Master of Music in Jazz Piano Performance, anticipated 2010 New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA Undergraduate Diploma in Jazz Piano Performance, 2004 Principal teachers included: Danilo Pérez, Jerry Bergonzi, Michael Cain, Frank Carlberg Tufts University, Medford, MA Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 2003 | | Located: | Manhattan, New York City | | New York based Pianist, Composer, and Educator Jarrett Cherner was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After completing degrees in Mathematics at Tufts University (2003, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and Jazz Piano Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music (2004), he returned to the west coast, becoming an active and in-demand pianist on the vibrant West Coast jazz scene. While based in San Francisco, Cherner performed with (among many others) the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Collective West Jazz Orchestra, Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra, Kasey Knudsen Sextet, Fred Randolph Quintet, Terrence Brewer, Orquesta Bakan, and ran one of the city’s best weekly jazz jam sessions (JazzOnMonday: with Mike Olmos, DeeJay Foster/David Ewell/Eric Markowitz, & Jeff Marrs) at Grant & Green in North Beach. Cherner has toured nationally and internationally, performing at venues such as Yoshi’s (Oakland, CA), Jazz at Pearl’s (San Francisco), Jazzschool (Berkeley, CA), JazzZone (Lima, Perú), La Ve Lee (Los Angeles, CA), Ryles Jazz Club (Cambridge, MA), Jordan Hall (Boston, MA), Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY), and festivals including Festival de Jazz Lima (Perú), San Francisco Jazz Festival (CA), San Jose Jazz Festival (CA), Fillmore Jazz Festival (CA), Sonoma Jazz Festival (CA), and the Cape Cod Jazz Festival (MA). In 2005 Cherner recorded his first album as a leader, Burgeoning, featuring his compositions (which received an honorable mention from the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards) and the talented team of Jorge Roeder on bass and Jorge Pérez-Albela on drums. Cherner is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City where he studies with Jason Moran. Previous teachers have included Danilo Pérez, Michael Cain, Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Bloom, & Warren Senders. As an educator, Cherner has been on the faculty at the San Jose Summer Jazz Workshop (2007 & 2008), the Jazzschool’s Summer Youth Program (2006), Music Maker School (2004-2005), the Talented and Gifted Hispanic summer program at UMass Boston (2003), and Summerbridge San Francisco (2002) in addition to maintaining a private studio. | |
| | Chad Christopher | Instruments Played : | Bassoon | | | Instruments Taught : | Bassoon | | Experience: | Major teachers include Judith LeClair Principal of the New York Philharmonic, Dr. Matthew Morris, Amy Marinello, John Clouser Principal of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Participant in the National Orchestral Institute, Blossom Music Festival, and Brevard Music Festival. Four years of teaching bassoonists in Texas public schools. | | Education: | Master of Music Candidate The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music Baylor University.
| | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | |
| | Hannah Chung | Instruments Played : | Violin | | | Instruments Taught : | Violin | | Experience: | 7 years teaching experience | | Education: | BM University of Southern California, MM Manhattan School Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Violinist Hannah Chung began her violin studies at the age of five. As both a soloist and an ensemble player, she has performed in the US, Canada, Japan, Italy, France, Korea, Israel, Hungary, Paraguay, and most recently Finland. A participant of many festivals including the Casalmaggiore International Festival, Le Conservatoire Americain de Fontainbleau, Keshet Eilon Violin Mastercourse, and Ishikawa Music Festival, Chung has worked with many esteemed violin pedagogues including Koichiro Harada, Nam Yun Kim, Krystof Werzyn, Taras Gabora, and Cihat Askin. As an avid chamber musician, Chung has worked with various ensembles; Penderecki, Takacs, Pacifica, American, and Arianna quartets. Chung graduated with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the University of Southern California under Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster, Martin Chalifour and her master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music under Lucie Robert. | |
| | Fran Clancy | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 30 years | | Education: | BS in Liberal Arts Empire State College, undergraduate work at The State University of New York at Purchase in theory, jazz and harmony. Extensive experience in teaching classical and popular music to students on the beginning and intermediate levels. Ongoing personal development by taking pedagogy and masterclasses. Teacher's workshop for the Robert Pace Method. | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | |
| | Will Clark | Instruments Played : | Drums, Drum set, Classical Percussion | | | Instruments Taught : | Drums, Drum set, Classical Percussion | | Experience: | 7 years teaching private lessons in all styles to students ages 8 to 60, Manhattan School of Music Arts-in-Education instructor, ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty) Teaching Artist | | Education: | Manhattan School of Music BA, MM | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Will Clark moved to New York in 2003 to pursue his love for jazz. As a recipient of the SHO Performing Artist Award, and the John Coltrane Scholarship, he was able to attend the Manhattan School of Music. He received his Bachelor's degree in 2007 and went on to complete his Master's in 2009. At the age of 24, Clark has already performed and recorded with many jazz greats including Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Toninho Horta, George Garzone, and Steve Wilson to name a few. Not limited to the jazz world, he has also worked as a classical percussionist and in the cabaret scene, most notably in a run at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel with Broadway star Euan Morton. Will has toured throughout the United States as well as in Canada and Europe. In New York, Clark has performed at Carnegie Hall, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, and the Jazz Standard among other venues. He continues to live and play in Manhattan. | |
| | Alexander Clough | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Adjunct instructor, Purchase College.
Private teacher for 4 years | | Education: | BA from Tufts University.
Nearly-completed MM from Purchase College | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC, Westchester NY, Rockland County NY, Brooklyn, NY | | Alexander Clough is a Brooklyn-born and bred jazz pianist, composer, and instructor. He is currently completing his Masters degree at SUNY Purchase's prestigious Conservatory of Music and holds his Bachelor's from Tufts University, where he graduated cum laude with a BA in both Economics and International Relations. Alexander has studied with a who's-who of great jazz pianists, including Kevin Hays and David Hazeltine. He performs around New York City with his working trio and as a sideman for an assortment of great bands and artists. As a teacher, Alexander emphasizes developing a strong technique, good ear, and healthy appreciation for the music. Above all else, playing music should be fun! | |
| | Paul DalCero | Instruments Played : | Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar | | Experience: | Ten years teaching students of all ages and experience levels. | | Education: | B.A. in Audio Engineering from Five Towns College. | | Located: | Orange County, NY | | Paul DalCero has been playing original music in the band Next II Nothing for the last 15 years. The band has toured the U.S. and has opened for such bands as The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Sum 41, Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, The Suicide Machines and tons more. They also did work with Yoo Hoo, Billabong Clothing, and even had the song "Dedicated" on the Playstation 2 game, Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002. About 5 years ago the band decided to actually make some money playing music so they took the energy and stage show from the punk rock scene and started a cover band. A band which was voted “one of the Hudson Valley’s best cover bands of 2011” by the Time Herald Record. | |
| | Angelo Di Loreto | Instruments Played : | Piano, Drums | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano, Drums | | Experience: | While not performing, Angelo strives to be an educator and give back the music he loves to the community. | | Education: | Bachelor of Music from Manhattan School of Music.
Currently pursuing a masters degree at Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | While Angelo Di Loreto is currently pursuing a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Piano Performance at Manhattan School of Music, he has had a multi-faceted musical journey up until the point he decided to choose that major. Angelo began his musical studies at age 8 when he began studying classical percussion and rock/jazz drumset. He then started studying classical piano at age 12 and that quickly became his passion. Equally skilled in both classical and jazz, Angelo was a 5 year member of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra (GBYO), performing as principal for both percussion and piano for 4 of those years. During his tenure with the orchestra, Angelo had the honor to perform in legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and in cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Hartford, and Albany for the annual New York State Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. In January 2006, Angelo's arrangement, A Music Supreme: Reminiscences of John Coltrane for tenor saxophone jazz quartet and orchestra, was premiered at the nationally televised event. The piece subsequently received a 2008 DownBeat Student Music Award for Best Jazz Arrangement.
Angelo was also the winner of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra's 2008 Senior Concerto Competition and performed Alan Hovhaness' Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints for Marimba and Orchestra with the GBYO in February 2008. Angelo attended the Eastman School of Music Precollege Division for 4 years, throughout high school. While there, he had the honor to participate in a wide variety of masterclasses held by the likes of Dave Liebman, Ted Rosenthal, Bill Charlap, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Bernstein, Pat LaBarbera, Warren Vache, and Reggie Thomas, to name a few. He also graduated with top honors and received the Jazz Departmental Award. Angelo also works as a vocal accompanist/coach, and has a strong connection with the sacred music of the Catholic Church. In January 2011, Angelo made his his conducting debut with the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.
He completed undergraduate studies at Manhattan School of Music in May 2011. During his undergrad tenure there, Angelo was chosen to perform in the Chamber Jazz Ensemble, and currently is the pianist/sings in Vocal Jazz Ensemble and is the pianist for the Vocal Combo. He has worked as an assistant for the Jazz Arts Department under foremost jazz educator and assistant dean Justin Di Cioccio. This fall, he was selected as the pianist for the two top ensembles at the school, the Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Philharmonic, for the 2011-2012 schoolyear.
In March 2010, Angelo put together a collective jazz quintet called Colony, comprised of 4 other outstanding musicians from MSM (and all born in one of the original colonial states, hence the band’s name). The group has performed extensively throughout New York City since then, embarking on two summer tours in 2010 and 2011, and releasing their first album this fall. The group continues to perform and the tour archive can be found on the next page. Two of Angelo’s compositions that he wrote for the band garnered him an ASCAP Jazz Composer’s Award in spring 2011. He is an active licensed ASCAP composer.
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| | Jennifer Feinstein | Instruments Played : | Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Voice | | Experience: | 2 years as a graduate voice instructor at Yale University | | Education: | M.M. in Vocal Performance, Yale University M.M. in Vocal Performance, Indiana University at Bloomington, B.M. in Vocal Performance, Indiana University at Bloomington | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Jennifer Feinstein, mezzo-soprano, is a recent graduate from Yale University, obtaining her second Master's degree in Vocal Performance in May 2011. She also has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University at Bloomington, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. She is signed with Barrett Vantage Artists in NYC. Ms. Feinstein’s most recent performance credits include her Spoleto Festival USA debut as Mrs. Nolan in The Medium by Menotti, as well as her Bard SummerScape Festival debut as Gussi in Bittersweet by Noel Coward, both made in summer 2011. In Spring 2011 she debuted at the Beethoven Easter Festival in Warsaw, Poland, as Francisca in Maria Padilla, which was recorded in a live concert performance for the Naxos label. In Spring 2011 she also made her debut with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy, as Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town. | |
| | Alden Gatt | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 9 years teaching experience | | Education: | BA Piano Performance from Eastman School of Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Alden Gatt graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a B.A. in piano performance. Originally from Naples, Florida, Alden began his musical training at age eight and won top awards in many local and regional piano competitions, including the Turiel Prize in the Naples Music Club. Alden won the Southwest Florida Concerto Competition in 2006 and had the honor of performing Prokofiev’s First Piano Concerto with the Southwest Florida Symphony.
Influenced by the inquiry-based pedagogical approach designed by the Lincoln Center Institute, Alden designs lessons where students learn through guided exploration and discovery. Alden teaches to preserve and nurture playfulness and independence in his students, as these traits ground a rewarding relationship with music. Such a relationship, rather than wearing students down, will highten emotional sensitivity, strengthen empathy for others, deepen the personal capacity for joy, and reinvigorate the artistic spirit. Remembering that he most enjoyed learning when his teacher was inspired, Alden always tries to communicate that inspiration to his own students through energy, dedication, and compassion | |
| | Zach Goodman | Instruments Played : | Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar, Bass, Keyboard | | Experience: | 7 years teaching various ages and levels | | Education: | BM Jazz Performance from Stony Brook University | | Located: | Long Island, NY | | At Stony Brook University Zach Goodman studied jazz performance with DownBeat award winning trombonist Ray Anderson. When off from teaching he can be found freelancing as a multi-instrumentalist playing everything from Pop, Jazz,Classic R&B to Country.
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| | Sam Harris | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 7 years teaching all skill levels and styles | | Education: | B.M. Manhattan School of Music. M.M Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | NYC, Manhattan | | "He plays from a place of sincerity that sets him apart from his counterparts. His willingness to straddle the fence of jazz piano history allows him to create a fresh take on jazz... I will be watching and listening to his every move."
-Jason Moran
Sam Harris's life in music began at the age of two, when, thanks to incredible foresight, his mother put him in early piano lessons. Sam quickly excelled in his classical training, and by the age of ten was competing regularly on the local and statewide levels and performing in masterclasses for such distinguished artists as Van Cliburn winners Jose Feghali and Vladimir Viardo. At Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet High School in Dallas, Texas, he discovered jazz and was soon consumed with the dual pursuit of classical and improvisatory music. His talents were recognized in the national Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards (Best Original Composition winner 2004, Best Jazz Soloist honorable mention 2004) and the NEA Arts Recognition and Talent Search. In 2004 he moved to New York to attend the Manhattan School of Music on scholarship, where he studied privately with Garry Dial, Jason Moran, and John Riley. After graduating in only three years, he returned to MSM and in 2009 graduated with his Master's degree. He has appeared at such venues as Iridium, Dizzy's Coca Cola Club, the Jazz Gallery, 55 bar, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Carnegie Hall, as well as the 2003 and 2004 IAJE Conferences, the Portland Jazz Festival, and the Pontevdra (Spain) Jazz Festival. He has performed in bands led by such forward-thinking musicians as Logan Richardson, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Linda Oh, and has also performed with artists like Dave Douglas, Joel Frahm, Dave Leibman, Tony Malaby, Clarence Penn, and Francisco Mela.
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| | Kimberly Hawkey | Instruments Played : | Voice, Piano, Autoharp, Flute | | | Instruments Taught : | Voice, Piano, Musical Theatre Coaching | | Experience: | 6 years. Has taught at Long Lake Camp for the Performing Arts, the Mike Risko Music School and Fordham College at Lincoln Center | | Education: | Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Bachelor of Science in Music and Psychology. Concentration in Vocal Performance under the direction of Elaine Lachica | | Located: | Westchester, NY | | Kimberly is a classically trained musician who began her piano studies at the age of four. An avid lover of the theatre, Kimberly has been seen on the stage as an actor, singer and dancer in various venues in the Albany area. She continued to study music theory and performance throughout her undergraduate years at Fordham College, during which she served as the President and Director of the Musical Theatre group. With 6 years of teaching experience, Kimberly is passionate about fostering a love of music in children and adults of every age. With her well-rounded background, she is happy to coach every style from musical theatre, to classical, to pop/rock. Her success lies in making a personal connection with the student, in which the individual is open about his or her musical goals and interests. | |
| | Nathan Herrera | Instruments Played : | Guitar | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar | | Experience: | As a teacher, Nathan has taught privately and at schools for the last ten years, including being the head of the guitar department at Southeastern University in Central Florida teaching classical, commercial, beginning jazz guitar, and guitar ensemble.
Nathan enjoys teaching on all levels, from absolute beginners to experienced players at all ages. He is laid back but thorough, and enjoys teaching students to make music. He teaches a variety of genres, from classical, to rock and pop, flamenco, accompaniment to songwriting, and also theory and composition. Nathan’s approach to teaching is to tailor a lesson plan according to the student’s goals and desires, while opening them up to new possibilities by exploring a variety of musical styles. Within the lesson, the student can expect to be taught the fundamentals of proper technique, which provides the foundation that everything will be based upon. This will include scales, arpeggios, various left and right hand exercises, sight reading, as well as playing by ear. Nathan will ask what the student’s favorite type of music is, as well as what the student wants to learn. Songs and exercises will be chosen from the particular method(s) that Nathan feels is best for the student, songs or pieces that the student wants to learn, as well as popular songs that have a certain technical or musical value.
| | Education: | Bachelor’s degree in guitar performance with a concentration in composition from Florida Southern College under the direction of Dr. Mark Switzer | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Nathan Herrera (b. 1976) has been playing guitar since the age of 15. Mr. Herrera’s mother and father, his first teachers, introduced him to flamenco and Spanish guitar through the recordings of the great guitar maestros. Mr. Herrera went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance with a concentration in composition from Florida Southern College under the direction of Dr. Mark Switzer. He has pursued his passion through master classes with Pepe Romero, LA Guitar Quartet, Adam Del Monte, and Oscar Guzman. Mr. Herrera has also studied flamenco guitar and percussion in Seville, Spain with the accomplished guitarist Juan Nunez. He has also studied locally with guitarist Jose Maria Moreno, in Miami with Paco Fonta, and recently with maestro Juan Diego Mateos. In 2005, Nathan released his debut CD, “Alegria”. In addition to enjoying success in performing solo and with various dance companies such as Oasis Flamenco, Flamencos Unídos, and the Florida Dance Theatre, Mr. Herrera created the show American Gypsies with dancer Sandra Serrano which toured central Florida in 2006. Nathan has made appearances on local and international television programs, commercials, newspapers and magazines. In November of 2008, Herrera performed for the French presidency at the European Union territories convention and in May 2009, He performed for the Spanish Ambassador to London.
Nathan has performed his recording, Alegría live throughout the Southeast and in the Cayman Islands, and has received airplay on the Radio Cayman and Rooster 101.9. Herrera is currently working on his next CD, “Hope”.
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| | Matt Holman | Instruments Played : | Trumpet | | | Instruments Taught : | Trumpet | | Experience: | 10 Years | | Education: | B.M. in Jazz Studies from Indiana University, M.M in Jazz Trumpet from Manhattan School of Music (current) | | Located: | New York City, Manhattan | | New York based trumpeter, composer, and educator Matt Holman has played and or recorded with artists including Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Darcy James Argue, Jon Gordon, Kate McGarry, Bob Newhart, and Human Motion. With such diverse influences as Wayne Shorter, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Sigur Ros, Matt has composed works for Marvin Stamm, Ed Soph, David Baker, Marie Speziale, and The National Conservatory of Costa Rica. He has participated in festivals including the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music, the Moers Festival, the School for Improvised Music, and Interlochen Arts Camp. Matt has received awards from the International Trumpet Guilds Jazz Improvisation Competition, the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition, the National Trumpet Competition, the ASCAP Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, and Downbeat Magazine. A dedicated and passionate educator, he has taught at the Birch Creek Performance Center, the British School of Chicago, Indianhead Arts Center, Plato Academy, the Whitewater Summer Jazz Camp, and served as a teaching artist at dozens of middle and high schools throughout the United States. Having studied with teachers including Laurie Frink, Dominic Spera, George Garzone, and Pat Harbison, Matt holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University and is currently a masters candidate at Manhattan School of Music where he studies composition with Phil Markowitz and Dr. Mark Stambaugh. | |
| | Andy Jaeger | Instruments Played : | Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba | | | Instruments Taught : | Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba | | Experience: | 15 years of private teaching beginner to college level students in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, California, and New York. Elementary, Middle, and High school music teacher in the public schools of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota as well as Pasadena, California. | | Education: | Bachelor of Music Education: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (cum laude). Master of Music Performance: Indiana University (summa cum laude).
Teachers include: M. Dee Stewart(Philadelphia Orchestra), Carl Lenthe(Bavarian State Opera), Jiggs Whigham(European Jazz Great), Bill Reichenbach(LA Studio Musician), Michael Mulcahy and Jay Friedman(Chicago Symphony) | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC, Westchester NY, Rockland County NY | | Andy Jaeger has played tenor and bass trombone for 27 years, and has been performing and teaching professionally since 1996. As a native of Wisconsin, Andy received his bachelors degree in Music Education from The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He went on to complete his masters degree in performance at Indiana University.
Andy is versatile in many musical styles including classical, jazz, salsa, blues, pop, and rock. He has performed with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Guy Lombardo Band, and The Mills Brothers. For 7 years, he toured nationally and internationally with the musicals Annie, Singin’ In the Rain, and A Christmas Carol, as well as 3 Princess Cruise ships. Andy currently freelances in New York City, performing with Broadway singers and musicians, local orchestras, chamber groups, and runs West Side Brass a professional brass quartet.
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| | Melissa Khong | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Melissa has taught children and adults of all ages for 6 years and seeks to instill a true love for music first and foremost in her students. | | Education: | Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Philosophy degree in Musicology at the City University of New York, where her interests include 19th-century French music and culture. | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | New York-based pianist and musicologist, Melissa Khong, has performed extensively in her native Singapore as well as in the United States and Europe. Her musical and intellectual pursuits have earned her several accolades, including the First Prize at the 2007 Young Pianist Competition in Singapore, the Licentiate in Performance from both the Royal Schools of Music and the Trinity College of Music, as well as the prestigious MEP scholarship from the Singapore Government in 2003 and 2004.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Melissa has performed at the inaugural Singapore Chamber Festival, the Manhattan School of Music Chamber Series, the Casalmaggiore International Festival, and the Courchevel Music Festival. Her interest in chamber music has led her to work with distinguished musicians including Ursula Oppens, Alan Kay, Peter Winograd, Gerald Robbins, Heasook Rhee, Ina Schülter and conductors Chan Tze Law and Chua Lik Wuk.
A graduate of the Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music, Melissa’s teachers include Benjamin Loh, Daniel Epstein, and Jeffrey Cohen. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Philosophy degree in Musicology at the City University of New York, where her interests include 19th-century French music and culture.
In 2009, Melissa was invited to attend the 4th Singapore Piano Pedagogy Symposium, where she worked with renowned local and international teachers, including William Westney and Joanne Haroutounian. | |
| | Salley Kim | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Pianist Salley Kim, a native of Los Angeles, has given numerous performances throughout the United States and Italy. To highlight, she has given performances at Colburn School of Music as a Young Recitalist Winner, performed in various venues throughout California as a state Master Class and Panel Honors winner, and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Positano, Italy. Additionally, she was a state finalist in the CAMPT honors audition, and has received 2nd place at the Korea Times Music Festival, John Walker Competition, and the Cypress College Competition.
Beginning her studies at the age of 6, she studied under Young Sook Park. While at the Northwestern University, studying under the tutelage of Alan Chow, she was a recipient of the Henrietta Schwartz scholarship, A&H Cottingim Vankirk Scholarship, and the Corrine Frada Pick Piano Award. She then attended the Manhattan School of Music to complete her Master of Music under the direction of Nina Svetlanova, a pupil of the legendary Heinrich Neuhaus.
Salley Kim has performed in various music festivals, including ARIA International Music Festival, the Las Vegas Music Festival, and the New Orleans Music Festival. Here she has studied with renown faculty such as Angela Cheng, Yong Hi Moon, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and Emilio del Rosario. She has also performed in Master Classes for Nelita True, Melvin Chen, and James Giles
| | Education: | BM Northwestern University
MM Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | As a piano teacher, I strongly believe in the importance of a firm musical foundation. In lessons, body posture, hand position, and technique are strongly emphasized. I teach my students to become comfortable with reading notes, sight-reading, memorization, and performing. Additionally, theory and ear-training are incorporated in the lesson as well. These aspects are very important as they are the fundamental things needed to produce a well-rounded musician. Thus, in my lesson plans, I cater to each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses in order to provide a well-rounded education.
My teaching philosophy holds to the belief that lessons should be tailored to the student’s needs and goals. I work to motivate and instill self discipline in the students. Furthermore, I teach my students to develop their own unique style, attempting to bring out the highest potential and level of musicianship from each student. Thus, I familiarize the students with various classical styles and repertoire as I feel this is an important part of musical education. I work to make piano lessons enriching and enjoyable for every piano student.
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| | Adam Kromelow | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | As well as teaching private piano students for the past 6 years, Adam has also student taught high school big bands, and is currently a TA at Manhattan School of Music for theory and ear training. | | Education: | Manhattan School of Music BM candidate (Spring 2011) | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Adam Kromelow is a pianist/composer/teacher who has been playing since he was in elementary school. At age 21, he has performed at major venues in cities such as Chicago, New York, Los Los Angeles, Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul. Adam has received numerous awards including the IMEA outstanding soloist award, the Downbeat Magazine award for outstanding jazz performance, and the Manhattan School of Music President’s award.
Lately, Adam has been performing as a leader and sideman in numerous ensembles. Recent performances have been at New York’s Iridium and Smoke Jazz Club, Chicago’s Jazz Showcase and Velvet Lounge, and Hollywood’s Catalina’s Jazz Club featuring guest artist Bob Mintzer. He has also given masterclasses at high schools in the Chicago area and at Birch Creek Music Performance Center. In addition, Adam was one of three pianists that were selected in 2009 to perform at the 92nd Street Y of New York’s Jazz In July masterclass led by modern jazz legend Bill Charlap. Adam currently resides in New York City where he studies under jazz piano icons Jason Moran and Vijay Iyer, as well as drummer Gregg Bendian (known for his work with Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman, and Cecil Taylor). Recently, Adam has been playing duo performances with Gregg in New York and Chicago, and will also be a member of a quartet featuring Monk Competition winner Jon Irabagon. Adam is also a faculty member at Silvermusic, and a Teacher’s Assistant in the Manhattan School of Music Theory and Ear-training departments. Adam is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. | |
| | Janet Lantz | Instruments Played : | French Horn, Piano, Recorder | | | Instruments Taught : | French Horn, Piano, Recorder | | Experience: | In addition to her private teaching studio Janet has taught at Kean University,
Dwight Englewood School, and City Music School and has conducted Master
Classes in schools throughout the US. She welcomes the opportunity to
share her love of music through teaching. | | Education: | Bachelors Degree of Music from Juilliard
Masters Degree of Music from Juilliard | | Located: | Rockland County, New York | | Originally from Florida, Janet Lantz came to New York to attend the
Juilliard School. After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees she
remained in New York to freelance. Her career includes performances
with the Westfield Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Long Island and
Brooklyn Philharmonics, American Ballet Theater and New York Chamber
Soloists. She is a member of several chamber groups, notably the
Virtuosi Quintet and Solid Brass.
Janet has played for over 60 shows on Broadway, most recently Phantom
of the Opera, Mary Poppins and The Lion King. Other memorable concerts
were performances with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and the Mel Lewis
Jazz Orchestra.
These diverse ensembles, styles and colleagues have given Ms. Lantz the
skill and temperament to effectively teach at every level. | |
| | Zara Lawler | Instruments Played : | Flute | | | Instruments Taught : | Flute | | Experience: | Flutist Zara Lawler made her New York debut at Merkin Concert Hall, has been a soloist with many orchestras including the Houston and Atlanta Symphonies, and was the assistant principal flute of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for three years. For the last ten years, her work has expanded to include dance, theater and storytelling elements, with the innovative chamber groups Asterisk and Full Fathom, with the national touring ensemble Tales & Scales, and in several collaborations with choreographer C. Neil Parsons. In 2009, she was a featured soloist for the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention. With Tales & Scales, Lawler performed over 200 shows a year, combining music, theater and dance, for children and family audiences in venues ranging from school cafeterias to symphony orchestra halls. She was Co-Artistic Director of Tales & Scales for two years. Lawler studied at the Juilliard School with Carol Wincenc and Samuel Baron, and has performed at many summer festivals including Marlboro Music, Tanglewood, Schleswig-Holstein, and the Banff Center for the Arts. She has won numerous competitions including Artists International, Ima Hogg, and the New York Flute Club. Lawler is currently based in New York City, where she works as a flutist, interdisciplinary performing artist and coach. Private teaching, 1990-present; Coach, Manhattan School of Music, 2008-09; Music, Movement & Theater Workshops for children and families, 2000-present; Tales & Scales, 2000-2008; faculty, Rockland Conservatory of Music, 2009-present | | Education: | BA in Music from Barnard College 1992 MM in Music from The Juilliard School 1994 Studied with Carol Wincenc and Samuel Baron | | Located: | Rockland County, NY, Manhattan, NYC | | |
| | Jennifer Lee | Instruments Played : | Violin | | | Instruments Taught : | Violin | | Experience: | Private Studio, NYC, New York Music and Arts Faculty(2008-2009), Midori and Friends Teaching Artist, Suzuki Teacher
Training at School for Strings, John Jay College Mozart Academy, Musicwise (music introduction classes for young children)
| | Education: | Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, summa cum laude at Northwestern University; Master of Music in Violin Performance at
Manhattan School of Music
| | Located: | NYC, Manhattan | | Violinist Jennifer Lee graduated summa cum laude at Northwestern
University where she studied with world-renowned pedagogues Almita and
Roland Vamos. She went on to receive her Master of Music in Violin
Performance at the Manhattan School of Music in the studio of Lucie
Robert. Ms. Lee has performed around the world in Germany, Russia,
Holland, Switzerland, Lithuania, Slovenia and Armenia under the
direction of acclaimed conductors including Christoph von Dohnanyi and
Christoph Eschenbach. She has also participated in numerous
prestigious programs such as the Aspen Music Festival,
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival and Pacific Music Festival
collaborating with the likes of soloists Frank Peter Zimmerman and
Jonathan Biss. In 2009, Ms. Lee recorded Handel's Alexander's Feast
for Hanssler Classic. Most recently, she completed a 21 city, 23
concert United States Tour with pianist Lang Lang appearing in venues
such as Carnegie Hall. When not performing Jennifer fulfills her
passion for teaching by serving as a teaching artist for the Midori
and Friends Foundation while maintaining a private teaching studio in
New York City, and actively plays chamber music with the Opus 9
Ensemble as a core member. | |
| | Jodie Levinson | Instruments Played : | Voice and Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Voice and Piano | | Experience: | Jodie divides her time teaching voice at Bank St. School of Education and at The Dalton School as well as teaching private voice and piano around town. Jodie will bring learned techniques and performance experience to her lessons that focus on exercises and warm ups to improve pitch, strength, tone and overall enjoyment! Lessons also include continued work on songs selected by the student to expand range, style and musical tastes | | Education: | Skidmore College | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Jodie is a performer, songwriter and teacher living in Manhattan. During the year, Jodie divides her time teaching voice at Bank St. School of Education and at The Dalton School as well as teaching private voice and piano around town. Jodie will bring learned techniques and performance experience to her lessons that focus on exercises and warm ups to improve pitch, strength, tone and overall enjoyment! Lessons also include continued work on songs selected by the student to expand range, style and musical tastes.
Jodie Levinson holds a BA from Skidmore College where she was musical director of the competitive all-female acapella group, The Skidmore Accents. She has studied voice
with coaches in and around Manhattan for many years along with her studies on piano. In addition to her work as teacher, Jodie is an accomplished songwriter and has recorded in various studios and has written for upcoming artists in the NYC area. She can be found playing songs off her latest album in and around Manhattan with her band | |
| | Crystal Medina | Instruments Played : | Clarinet | | | Instruments Taught : | Clarinet | | Experience: | | | Education: | Crystal Medina has received a Bachelors in Music Education concentration in instrumental K-12 from University of North Carolina at Greensboro under the direction of Dr. Kelly Burke. Ms. Medina also received her Masters degree from Manhattan School of Music and her Professional Studies Diploma in Clarinet Performance from Mannes College of Music under Charles Neidich and Ayako Oshima. | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Crystal Medina is committed to sharing the benefits and joys of music, chamber ensemble performance, and clarinet with students of all ages. Ms. Medina has given master classes, private lessons, and has also worked as a teaching artist on both coasts of the United States. Ms. Medina believes in introducing musical concepts, healthy practicing habits, the value of discipline in practicing, while approaching the clarinet in a fun, uncomplicated manner. Ms. Medina combines her studies in clarinet pedagogy with different method books to suit the needs of each individual student. | |
| | Rachel Menconi | Instruments Played : | Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Voice | | Experience: | 9+ years teaching voice and acting to children, teens, and adults (All levels), Member of The Recording Academy (The Grammys), Certified member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Member of North American Music Association (NAMTA), Member of BMI, 10+ years of song writing experience, 5+ years recording studio experience, 20+ years performance experience, 12+ years Of Musical Theatre Training, and 17+ years of intense Bel Canto singing technique with a master teacher. | | Education: | The Stella Adler Acting Studio, Five Towns College, The Hages Music Studios | | Located: | Rockland County, NY, Northern NJ | | Rachel has been performing/training for her entire life. She was born into a very musical family. Her grandfather was a pianist, composer, conductor of his own orchestras, and attended Julliard. Her Grandmother was a singer who won many competitions and played piano. (That is actually how they met.) Her Aunt worked at ABC Music Publishing for 30+ years. Being continuously surrounded with such a musical family, it is no wonder why Rachel realized what her passion was at the tender age of 2.
At the age of 3, Rachel started taking dance lessons. After seeing that she needed more than one recital a year, her mother enrolled her (at the age of 6) into a musical theatre school where she trained for 10 years. Rachel started taking Bel Canto singing lessons at the age of 8 and has continued training ever since. She has studied with renowned composers, casting directors, and instructors, as well as studied at NYC’s and NJ’s finest privately owned schools. Ms. Menconi is proud to say that she has trained and performed with Grammy award winners/nominees, Emmy award winners/nominees, and Tony award winners/nominees. She has also performed to sold out audiences and has been honored with standing ovations. Rachel is also a member of both AFTRA & MAC.
As an educator, Rachel has been teaching both voice and acting to children, teens, and to adults for 9+ years. She is able to focus on each student's individual needs and develop their skills at a comfortable pace. She challenges each person without intimidation. Rachel understands that each student learns differently.
Being a performer, Rachel is able to understand her students every step of the way, because she’s been there too. Even the best performers get nervous. Ms. Menconi teaches her students the tricks of getting rid of stage fright and ways to always have a great performance even when life gets you down.
Rachel teaches the Bel Canto Singing Technique that can be used for all genres (musical theatre, pop, rock, r & b, alternative, etc.) Ms. Menconi not only teaches her students to gain a consistent and healthy singing/performance technique (they can use while practicing and performing) but she gives all of her students the proper tools to eventually become self-sufficient performers!
Rachel Menconi’s album “Just Meant To Be” (released on September 28, 2011) is available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Myspace Music, Nokia, and Vervelife. | |
| | Zach Mo | Instruments Played : | Piano, Violin | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 6 years | | Education: | Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, St. Petersburg State Conservatory,
MM Manhattan School of Music
| | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Pianist Zach Mo has had a wide-ranging variety of performing and teaching experiences around the globe. His performance engagements have taken him to Russia and China, in addition to the United States, as a solo recitalist, a chamber musician, a choral accompanist, and an orchestral pianist. As a teacher, he has instructed students of all ages and skill levels. He has been invited to China as a guest instructor at the Piano Arts School in his home province of Hunan. Additionally, he has been a studio pianist and vocal coach for multiple vocal studios at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan.
Mr. Mo recently received his Master’s of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Daniel Epstein. He has also studied at Northwestern University, the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he the recipient of the Lucille Kimball Scholarship. Furthermore, he has had the privilege of participating in master classes with such great pianists as Yefim Bronfman, Murray Perahia, and Barry Snyder. | |
| | Marielle Murphy | Instruments Played : | Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Voice, Beginning Piano | | Experience: | 3 years teaching private students | | Education: | Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Soprano Marielle Murphy, from Carmel, CA, has performed from the west coast all the way to New York. Recent roles include Zerbinetta (Ariadne auf Naxos), Madame Herz (Der Schauspieldirektor), and Melisande (Pelleas et Melisande). She has sung with Aspen Opera Theatre Center, New York Opera Exchange, OperaWorks Advanced Artist Program, Bach in the Heights, The Carmel Bach Festival, The Junior Bach Festival of Berkeley, and Opera San Jose. She appeared on NPR's From the Top and has won awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Friends of Eastman Opera Competition, Carmel Music Society Vocal Competition, National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, among others. This spring she will sing the role of Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte and will attend the Caramoor Bel Canto Young Artist Program as an apprentice. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Marielle resides in New York City where she continues her studies with Rita Shane. | |
| | Alon Nechushtan | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | Teaching piano at various schools in NYC including Third street Music School, 92Y, Miles lower east side school, Henry School Settlement, Paul Taylor School, jose Limon School, La Guardia Summer School and more.
| | Education: | Bachelor of music in piano and composition from the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem, 2000
Masters of music in Jazz Piano and Jazz composition from the New England Conservatory, Boston, 2003 | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Since moving to New York in the early 2003, Alon has played piano and collaborated with Jazz greats including William Parker, Daniel Carter, Roy Campbel, Sam Ford, Bob Moses, Ben Allison, Quinsin Nachoff, John Ellis, Anat Cohen, Fransisco Mela, Andy Statman, Chris Lightcap, Fima Efron, Frank London, Chris Cheek, Chris Speed, Michael Marcus, Jeff Hirshfield, Matt Darriau, Marc Helias, Marc Dresser, Andrew Cyrile, Assif Tzahar, Harold Rubin, Marcus Rojaz, Brigann Kraus, Lukas Ligeti, Bob Gulotti, John Lockwood, Ed Schuller, George Schuller, Alicia Svigals, Alber Beger, Albert and Yossi Piamenta, and many more.
Alon has played as sideman in various ensembles including Frank London's trio (with Marcus Rojaz and Frank London), Baye Kouyate and his afro beat ensemble featuring Emilio Valdez, Alicia Sviagals Klezmer Quartet with Larry Eagle, Kenny Wollesen Himalays with Ben Goldberg and other guests, Nick Gianni's Evolution , Root Valdez and QB3 , Daniel Carter Quartet with Roy Campbell and Sabir Mateen, William Parkers Ensemble with Andrew Bemkey and Matt Welch, Jeremy Dannmen quartet with Ben Allison and Tony Moreno, New York Sound painting Orchestra, Dave Schnitter, Bruce Cox, Saul Rubin ensemble and many more. As an active band leader, Alon founded quintet TALAT in 2002. The ensemble is dedicated to his original works and recorded a CD on John Zorn's Tzadik Records mixed by the great Bill Laswell. The group played and toured frequently in Canada, Israel, Brazil, Europe, U.K, France and the U.S in venues such as the Washington D.C Jewish music Festival, Palm Beach Celebrate Israel Festival Florida, The Blue Note Jazz Club, Joes' Pub at the Public Theatre, Cambridge Sons of Abraham Festival, CGBG's Gathering of the stars Festival, Brooklyn and Williamsburg Jazz Festival, Columbia University' Israel Day and many more.
Alon has released his piano trio Labyrinths on the Swedish label Ayler records, with the Bob Gulotti and John Lockwood on the rhythm section, playing his original compositions. Another Trio with Dan Weiss and Francois Moutin is in the post production stages and will be released in the fall. | |
| | Martin Nevin | Instruments Played : | Bass, Upright bass | | | Instruments Taught : | Bass, Upright bass | | Experience: | Martin Nevin grew up in Los Angeles and started playing electric bass when he was 12 years old. After hearing his first Thelonious Monk record, he became deeply interested in jazz and picked up the upright bass. In 2006 Martin received a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music, where he studied bass with Jay Anderson and David Grossman, and composition with J. Mark Stambaugh and Michael Patterson. Since then he has performed and/or recorded with notable artists such as Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Logan Richardson, and Matt Marantz, and in venues such as The Jazz Gallery, The 55 bar, the Deer Head Inn, and Kuumbwa Jazz Center. His talent has been recognized by the Downbeat Student Music Awards, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and Disney Spotlight Awards among others. Martin is also an educator, and has taught at programs including the Stanford Jazz Workshop. Martin currently resides in New York City where he continues to compose, teach, and perform. | | Education: | Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | NYC, Manhattan | | |
| | Laura Oatts | Instruments Played : | Violin | | | Instruments Taught : | Violin | | Experience: | Many years teaching students of all ages. | | Education: | Bachelors in Music at the St. Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts, (now part of Webster University), and at Stony Brook University, where she was the first Violinist in the Graduate String Quartet. | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | Violinist, Laura Oatts, got her Bachelors degree in Music Performance at the St. Louis
Conservatory of Music and Schools for the Arts. At Stony Brook University, she was the first
Violinist in the Graduate String Quartet. She has toured with the English Chamber Orchestra, the
Soviet Émigré Chamber Orchestra, New York City Ballet orchestra and the St. Luke’s Chamber
Ensemble. She has played with the American Symphony, the Caramoor Festival Orchestra, the
Opera Orchestra of New York, American Ballet Theater, the Kammer Guild Orchestra, Musica
Aterna (at the Metropolitan Museum of Art), Manhattan Philharmonic, Musica Sacra, the New
York Choral Society and the American Song Book at Lincoln Center. She has worked on
numerous occasions under the direction of Lenard Bernstein and James Levine.
The Chamber Music Laura has played includes concerts, music festivals, and tours in Europe and
the United States with the Astor String Quartet and the Piano Trio St. Gilles, as well as string
quartets in television and film appearances. She is involved in a series of Chamber music
concerts with the concertmasters of the New York City Ballet in Saratoga.
Laura plays with the New York City Ballet, where she has been working for the past 28 years.
She is a long time member of the following orchestras: American Composer’s Orchestra (with
Dennis Russel Davies and new music director George Manahan), New York Pops (with Skitch
Henderson), and the Westchester Philharmonic conducted by Itzhak Perlman. Laura has been a
member of five long running Broadway shows: “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Victor Victoria,”
“The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Crazy for You,” and the original production of Stephen Sondheim's
“Into the Woods”. In addition, she has played for 35 other Broadway shows on Broadway.
Laura has recorded extensively. This includes Classical, Jazz, Pop, Broadway, Film, and Jingles.
Movie soundtracks includes “The Age of Innocence” and “The Winslow Boy,” "Shaft,"
"Runaway Bride", Malcolm X," "Marvin's Room," "Snake Eyes," "What makes a Family,"
"Tadpole," and "Strip Search" (for HBO). She has played on 7 Grammy Award winning albums.
Additional albums include Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith, Rosemary
Clooney, and Pavarotti. Laura was also featured on TV with Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson,
The Jackson 5, Harry Connick Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Burt Bacharach, on stage at Carnegie Hall
with Sting.
Her television appearances include being featured as a First Violinist in the Pine Valley String
Quartet as a recurring role on "All My Children". She also appeared in the String Quartet for
Tim Robbins’ Showtime pilot “Possible Side Effects.” In addition she has appeared several
times on "Good Morning America" and "Late Night with David Letterman".
Her movie appearances include playing on screen in Tom Hank’s “The Money Pit.” Most
recently, she can be seen and heard playing First Violin for the string quartet in the movie "The
Black Swan".
She recorded for the new video game soundtrack, “Home Front,” which is played on the video
game system, Xbox 360.
Laura has extensive teaching experience giving private lessons to students of all ages. She
currently teaches for the organization, “Music To Your Home.”
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| | Luka Oida | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 4 years | | Education: | Ms. Oida holds a Masters in Music degree at New York’s Manhattan School of Music, where she studied piano performance under Phillip Kawin. She received her Bachelor of Music degree at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music with Alan Chow. Prior to Northwestern, Ms. Oida studied with Dr. Louise Lepley at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Southern California born pianist Luka Oida has made solo and chamber music appearances in major cities throughout the country, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Her talent has also taken her beyond the United States to Austria, Italy, and Japan.
As a soloist, she has performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor with Austria’s Vienna Residence Orchestra. She has also performed at the International Music Academy in Italy, Aspen Music Festival and School, New Orleans International Piano Institute, and the Gold Coast Chamber Music Festival, to name a few. Recent chamber music masterclasses include working with Lambert Orkis, Wu Han, and Jeffrey Kahane.
She has received an Honorable Mention in the Collaborative Artists East West Scholarship Competition, as well as Second Place in the Esther M. Johnson Music Awards of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica. | |
| | Arianna Pallens | Instruments Played : | Piano, Guitar, Voice | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano, Guitar | | Experience: | Music Therapist - Rockland Conservatory of Music, Pearl River, NY September 2008 - present, Music Therapy Intern - Matheny Medical and Educational Center, Peapack, NJ, July 2007 - December 2007. | | Education: | SUNY Fredonia School of Music, Bachelor of Science - Music Therapy, Bachelor of Arts - Applied Music, Studied Voice with Quinn Patrick - Mezzo-Soprano | | Located: | Rockland County, NY, Northern NJ | | Arianna studied at the SUNY Fredonia School of Music from 2002-2007. While there, she had the privilege of performing many great choral works including Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Israel in Egypt, and Handel's Messiah with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. She attended master classes with world renowned singers such as Renee Flemming. She also had the honor of performing in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's "Candide" under the direction of Dr. David Rudge. While studying in the music therapy field, Arianna was able to gain clinical experience with a variety of different populations including geriatrics, adults, and children with special needs. She currently works at the Fred S. Keller School in Palisades, NY with preschool children on the autism spectrum, as well as at the Rockland Conservatory of Music in Pearl River, NY. There, she sees students with varying special needs for individual Music Therapy sessions. | |
| | Raymond Portante | Instruments Played : | Drums | | | Instruments Taught : | Drums | | Experience: | Teaching is a way of life for Mr. Portante. Not only is he an accomplished and experienced drum instructor, working with both beginners and seasoned drummers, he is also a certified 6th Dan Master in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo. He owns and operates East Coast Martial Arts in Chestnut Ridge, NY and often applies the same basic teaching principles to the instruction of both arts. His basic premise is that his job is to simply pass along his knowledge and experience from one generation to the next, whether it be the next generation of drummers or the next generation of martial artists. It is then that the student has the opportunity to process, digest, and form their very own individual artistic style. | | Education: | Attended Berklee College of Music, Boston | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | Mr. Raymond Portante has been influenced by an eclectic group of drummers including Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr, John Bonham, David Garibaldi of Tower of Power, and Steve Gadd, drummers who exemplify the importance of "feel", which is the most inherently necessary function of any drummer. His initial formal drum training began with a Rockland County, NY instructor named Nick Page. Mr. Page was a product of the "swing era" and taught him how to "drive" the music. Luckily enough, while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston Mr. Portante had the opportunity to study with Gary Chaffee, head of the percussion department. It was while studying with Mr. Chaffee that he began to dig deep into the "soul" of drumming. After leaving Berklee Mr. Portante attended "the school of hard knocks". West 30th in Manhattan was littered with recording studios. It was there that he really began to understand the "art" of drumming. While spending approximately 10 years recording various jingles, industrial films, state sponsored commercials, television ads, and artist demos Mr. Portante learned that oftentimes, especially when it pertains to drumming, less is more.
Currently Mr. Portante performs throughout the tri-state area with a Nyack based classic R&B band called "The Unit". When he's not performing with his band he has the good fortune to be asked by other musicians to do both live performances and studio work. | |
| | Jay Rattman | Instruments Played : | Saxophone (SATB), Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute | | | Instruments Taught : | Saxophone (SATB), Clarinet, Bass Clarinet | | Experience: | Rattman has taught privately, in New York City public
schools, at COTA Camp Jazz, and via distance learning from Manhattan
School of Music. He also presented in a teaching artists masterclass
with Yo Yo Ma and his Silk Road Ensemble. | | Education: | BM Manhattan School of Music.
Pursuing MM from Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Jay Rattman, 22, from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania maintains an active
schedule as a freelance woodwind artist and creative musician in and
around New York City.
At an early age he was mentored by saxophone greats Phil Woods and
David Liebman. He received a bachelor’s degree in alto saxophone
performance in three years from Manhattan School of Music where he
studied with Dick Oatts, Steve Slagle, Steve Wilson, Joe Temperley and
David Krakauer. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree there. At
the school, he has performed in every ensemble in the jazz department
in addition to numerous classical chamber ensembles.
He has performed in venues as varied as Jazz @ Lincoln
Center, The Blue Note, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, the
Mercury Lounge, the Bitter End, and numerous jazz venues in
Pennsylvania including the Deer Head Inn and the Celebration of the
Arts (COTA) jazz festival, in addition to appearing with Nellie
McKay’s Aristocrats on the National Public Radio show “The Sound of
Young America” taped live at WNYC.
He gigs on occassion with Bob Dorough, the originator of
“School House Rock” in addition to having performed with musicians as
drastically varied as David Liebman, Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians,
and the José Limón Dance Company. He can be heard playing bass
clarinet on vibraphonist Stefon Harris’s Grammy-nominated CD,
“Urbanus.” Rattman is a member of the Manhattan Saxophone Quartet,
Drew Nugent’s Midnight Society, and Phil Woods’s Festival Orchestra.
His talents have been recognized by the NFAA ARTS awards and the ASCAP
Young Jazz Composer Awards. | |
| | Vincent Reina | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 17 years | | Education: | Manhattan School Of Music, B.A. Purchase College Conservatory Of Music, M.A.T. Manhattanville College | | Located: | Rockland County, NY, Manhattan, NYC | | |
| | Tracy L. Reina | Instruments Played : | | | | Instruments Taught : | | | Experience: | 7 years as a Producer at MTV Networks, 4 years as Administrator for Music To Your Home, Inc. | | Education: | B.A. SUNY Potsdam, Minor Music Business | | Located: | Manhattan, Rockland County | | Tracy Reina studied and performed music of all styles from an early age. Mrs Reina was an opera major at the Crane School of Music before changing gears to study music business. Mrs. Reina worked as a staff producer at MTV Networks for seven years, interviewing some of the world's most accomplished musicians and actors including: John Mellencamp, Jimmy Page, David Crosby, Mike Myers, Helen Hunt, Hulk Hogan, Dick Cavett, Peter Gabriel, Iggy Pop, Ted Nugent, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bryan Adams, Queen's Roger Taylor & Brian May, Rush's Alex Lifeson & Geddy Lee, Daryl Hall, John Oates and Aerosmith's Joe Perry, to name a few. Mrs. Reina was responsible for producing programs for VH1 Classic, a music video channel. Currently Mrs. Reina runs the day to day operations at Music To Your Home, Inc. Mrs. Reina is knowledgeable in the areas of music instruction and has matched up hundreds of our clients with our talented contracted teachers. | |
| | Jeff Richardi | Instruments Played : | Saxophone & Clarinet | | | Instruments Taught : | Saxophone & Clarinet | | Experience: | 4 years | | Education: | BM - Jazz Performance from McGill University
MM Candidate Purchase College for Jazz Performance | | Located: | manhattan, NYC | | Jeff Richardi attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec for his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. There he studied saxophone with Remi Bolduc and Frank Lozano, and jazz arranging with Joe Sullivan. Jeff was a member of the McGill Jazz Orchestra for three years as well as the Nova Quartet, a band that won 2nd place in the 2007 Jazz en Raffale young artist competition of Quebec. Jeff was also a member of the Thundertones, a jazz quintet that was featured at the Montreal Jazz Festival in June 2008, and the New Groove Orchestra, a ten-piece funk/r&b ensemble that was also featured at the same jazz festival. At McGill, Jeff was awarded the Schulich Scholar Award in 2006 for musical achievement, and graduated in May of 2009 with an “Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Saxophone” distinction.
Jeff is currently attending Purchase College for his Master’s in Jazz Performance where he is studying saxophone with Eric Alexander, and composition with John Abercrombie and Andy LaVerne. He hopes to pursue a career in performing, composing, and teaching music. | |
| | David Rosenthal | Instruments Played : | Guitar | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar | | Experience: | 4 Years | | Education: | B.M candidate Manhattan School Of Music | | Located: | NYC. Manhattan | | At the age of eighteen, jazz guitarist David Rosenthal has had the honor to play with some of the biggest names in jazz including, Oscar Peterson, Benny Golson, Dave Leibman, Al Jarreau, Jon Hendricks, Hank Jones, and Barry Harris as well as some younger commercial artists including Coolio, The Neville Brothers, Kirk Whalum and Dave Koz. In 2005 and 2006, David was selected as the only high school guitarist from North America to participate in the Gibson Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles. As a member of the Gibson Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles, BET featured the ensembles in four episodes that aired in 2006. David was also selected as one of seven eighteen-year-old jazz musicians from around the world to be recognized as a 2007 NFAA Stan Getz/Clifford Brown Fellow, where he will perform at the IAJE conference and the Monterey Jazz Festival. David Rosenthal's numerous performance opportunities include the Henry Fonda theatre, The Vic in Santa Monica, The Knitting factory in Hollywood, the pre and post parties to the GRAMMY awards, Dizzy Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center, The Hartford Jazz festival, and three sold out shows at the Iron Horse Music Hall in North Hampton. David recently recorded and released his debut CD featuring his original compositions with musicians Jamire Williams on drums, Earl Travis on Bass, and Christian Sands on piano. David is currently enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music where he studies under the tutelage of Rodney Jones. | |
| | Libbie Schrader | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | My students range in age from 6 to 15 years old. The curriculum I teach begins with books 1-4 of John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course, followed by books 2-4 of the Suzuki Piano School. As my students progress, they are taught theory from Julie McIntosh Johnson’s “Basics of Keyboard Theory” series, Hanon exercises, as well as two-hand scales going up to 4 octaves. From 2002-2007, I maintained a steady clientele of 20 students in the Beverly Hills and Hancock Park areas of Los Angeles. My clientele included both adults and children, which a focus on children aged 6-16. For adults I have used both the Faber & Faber and Alfred method books. For six years, I taught private piano lessons during a long-established summer program at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles. I taught about 8 students every day during the six-week session. Students ranged in age from 5 to 14. | | Education: | 1999-2000 Year abroad studying Irish traditional music and classical composition (Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland)
1997-2001 B.A. in Music, graduated Phi Beta Kappa (Pomona College, Claremont, CA)
| | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Oregon-raised and Brooklyn-based, Libbie Schrader is a singer/songwriter with a passionate alt-pop/rock style. Libbie was the first winner of the Pantene Pro-Voice competition, beating out over 1,200 other female-fronted acts when she opened for Jewel at SummerStage in New York's Central Park. Prizes included a nationwide club tour at venues including the House of Blues in New Orleans and the Roxy in Los Angeles, as well as a demo deal with Atlantic Records. Schrader's band also took part in Jewel's "Soul City Cafe" program for independent artists, and as a result she opened three shows on Jewel's "This Way" tour. Libbie received a coveted MySpace feature in 2006, and she also appeared on the 2006 Gilmore Girls season finale performing her song "Sweet When You Wanna Be." Her song "Wish You Were the Woman" was a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition. She also just raised $26,000 through her fanbase for her latest album, "Magdalene."
Libbie's songs are featured regularly in a wide variety of MTV shows. In 2008 her songs appeared on "The Hills," "True Life," and "Parental Control," to name a few. She was also a recipient of a 2008 ASCAPlus Award.
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| | Dave Strumfeld | Instruments Played : | Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar, Bass guitar | | Experience: | 13 years playing.
Session Guitarist and Pit Orchestra Musician since 2001.
Guitar, piano, and music theory teacher in Westchester and upstate New York since 2004.
Songwriter's Institute teacher at SUNY Purchase, Summers 2010 and 2011. | | Education: | Undergraduate degree in Music: Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase 2008
Masters in Music from SUNY Purchase 2011 | | Located: | Westchester, NY | | Born guitar in-hand in Brooklyn and raised in Albany, Dave Strumfeld — Master of Music Composition from Purchase College — is an accomplished performer, singer and musician. He is the songwriter and front man for the Dave Strumfeld Group, whose fantasy-inspired concept album entitled, “In a Bubble", is available on the online market. Dave's unique approach to teaching guitar has his students writing music, playing by ear, and understanding music and fretboard theory, all while learning and/or improving instrument technique. Dave's passion for music inspires his students' creativity and their quest for knowledge.
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| | Dan Taber | Instruments Played : | Guitar, Bass | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar, Bass, Piano, Voice | | Experience: | 10 years | | Education: | SUNY Purchase Conservatory, Studio Composition | | Located: | Rockland County, New York, Westchester, New York | | Dan Taber graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Music Conservatory at Purchase College with a degree in Studio Composition. This program focuses primarily on the intensive study of performance, songwriting, and engineering while exploring all other academic aspects of music. The second degree he simultaneously earned was in Literature. He has been teaching for ten years and has twenty years experience performing in theatre and for numerous professional ensembles. In this time, Dan thoroughly explored genres including jazz, classical, rock and roll, blues and R&B. His primary instrument is the guitar and he is also proficient with the bass
guitar, voice and piano. Teaching and working as an entertainer has significantly improved Dan's ability to communicate effectively.
Subsequently, he's learned to adapt appropriately to diverse situations. Dan has performed in such venues as Joe's Pub, Kenny's Castaways and the Lion's Den. Currently, he is completing an instructional book on improvisation and recording new material. | |
| | Sevgi Tekin | Instruments Played : | Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Piano | | Experience: | 10+ years teaching students of all ages | | Education: | Istanbul State Conservatory,
MM Manhattan School of Music | | Located: | Rockland County, NY | | Since her New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1988, which was hailed "vigorous" by The New York Times, Sevgi Tekin has enjoyed a growing international recognition. A native of Turkey, Ms.Tekin began to play by ear and Improvise on the piano at the age of two, gave her first public performance at the age of seven and later graduated from the Istanbul State Conservatory where she studied with Gulsin Onay and Kamuran Gundemir. Winning a state competition in 1984, she came to the United States where she received her Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music as a student of Zenon Fishbein. Ms.Tekin's numerous distinctions have included piano awards in the Artists International Fifteenth Annual Young Artist Competition and Artists International 1994 Distinguished Artist Competition. Since her arrival in the United States she has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, beginning with her orchestral debut at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York. She has also performed at Merkin Concert Hall, Bruno Walter Auditorium, The United Nations Auditorium, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, National Gallery of Art and CRR Concert Hall. Her performances have taken her across the United States with concerts in Boston, New York, Duxbury, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Chicago where she has appeared at the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts Series which was broadcast live over WFMT and its three hundred affiliated satellite stations across the country. Ms. Tekin has been a featured guest artist at the Mid Summer Music Festival in Pesaro, Italy and in Brazil where she performed as a soloist with the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra, as well as live concerts recorded and broadcast by the Turkish National Radio. She has also recorded for several radio broadcasting networks such as National Public Radio WNYC, "Voice of America", WGTS, and has made a television appearance for the NY-NJ cable television. | |
| | Brian Thompson | Instruments Played : | Viola, Violin | | | Instruments Taught : | Viola, Violin | | Experience: | 4 years teaching Violin and Viola to all ages and levels in the NYC area | | Education: | Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, MM Viola Performance, May 2008 | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Brian began playing violin at age 7, adding the viola during high school. A champion of conservation, Brian's early ambition was to advocate for the wise stewardship of the planet's remaining natural and wild places, work he advanced during his tenure at The Nature Conservancy and NYC Parks & Recreation. Competing passions brought him back to his early love of music, this time with a focus on the viola, studying with Stephanie Griffin and completing a Masters in Performance at Brooklyn College’s Conservatory of Music in 2008. Today he recycles restlessly and freelances the rich and varied NYC music scene, actively seeking a wide range of musical experience, from the classical and operatic standards to explorations in musical theater and new music. Ever seeking opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, he has premiered solo, chamber, and orchestral works by emerging composers. Brian is also busy with a variety of recording projects, including tracks to folk, pop and rock albums, as well as operatic, film and orchestral scores. In addition to performing, Brian is eager to share his love of music with the next generation, teaching students of all levels on both violin and viola. | |
| | Yukari Watanabe | Instruments Played : | Flute & Piano | | | Instruments Taught : | Flute & Piano | | Experience: | Jazz Flute Masterclass in Tokyo,
Manhattan School of Music Arts in Education instructor group flute class,
Currently teaching piano, flute, theory, ear training and group improvisation at private studio and music schools | | Education: | Tokyo University for Foreign Studies, B.A. in Sociology and International Relations,
BM Manhattan School of Music, Jazz Flute, | | Located: | Manhattan, NYC | | Innovative musicality. Mesmerizing tone.
Japanese-American flutist and composer YUKARI is an emerging artist based in New York.
Her versatile flute performances and recordings range from jazz, pop, world music, chamber and orchestral music. Performance credits include engagements at top-notch NYC venues such as the Blue Note, Dizzie’s Club and Carnegie Hall. On recent projects, she has performed with Greg Hutchinson,Clarence Penn, Lonnie Plaxico, and Marc Copland. She is the recipient of numerous grants and awards as a flutist, including Jazz Flute master class competition by NFA 2009 and outstanding musiciainship awards from Berklee College of Music. She is active as a composer and an educator and has given jazz flute master classes and improvisation workshops in New York and Tokyo. YUKARI also has been featured in numerous print and television commercials and on radio programs.
Her life interests led her to Tokyo University for Foreign Studies, where she received a B.A. in Sociology and International Relations.
Upon graduation, YUKARI embarked on a novel approach to re-immerse herself in world music. She traveled to over 20 countries, including India, Indonesia and Turkey and many others in Europe, to gain experience playing with the local musicians and their music. During her visit to Puerto Rico, she performed with the Fania All Stars.
In 2000, YUKARI moved to New York City to study jazz. At the Manhattan School of Music, she studied Jazz privately with Steve Willson, Dick Oatts, David Liebman, Jason Moran, and Greg Osby; classical flute with Patricia Spencer and Linda Chesis; composition with Reiko Fueting.
While attending school, she continued to perform internationally, leading her group “SPICEPOT." Her first album, “Spectacular,” was released at the famed Tribeca Film Festival.
She has been working extensively on various projects such as the chamber music group led by the composer Michael Patterson, the avant-garde music trio “YUKARI’s Wonderland,” “Smoky and Tubes” with the guitarist Dan Lippel, and collaborations with the sculptor Alain Kirili and painter Mark Wiener.
Her composition credits include a yoga/meditation CD, “LUMINOUS,” which was released in 2009, and she was invited to perform at the Yoga Festival 2009 in Japan. Also, she composed music for a theater play entitled THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NO PLACE directed by Jenn Ben Yakov, which was performed at the Stahlhouderij Theater in Amsterdam. YUKARI's 2nd album is about to be released by the inner circle music label in early 2010. Yukari uses a Miyazawa flute.
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| | Manuel Weyand | Instruments Played : | Drums | | | Instruments Taught : | Drums | | Experience: | B.A. Purchase College Conservatory of Music M.A. Candidate Manhattan School of Music Jazz studies | | Education: | | | Located: | Manhattan, New York City | | Manuel Weyand is a New York City based Jazz Drummer. He began to play the drums, when he was just nine years old. In early 2004 he moved to Boston, MA to take part in a summer program at the Berklee College of Music. In the fall of the same year he began his studies at SUNY Purchase, where he studied under Richie Morales, Kenny Washington and John Riley among others. He graduated with a Bachelor’s magna cum laude in Jazz Studies in May 2008. Currently Manuel is pursuing his Master’s of Music at the renowned Manhattan School of Music. His group “Meaningtone” placed second in the international Generations Jazz Competition in San Francisco, where the group received tutelage from venerable Jazz masters such as Eric Alexander, Ray Drummond and Jimmy Cobb. Manuel has been featured in many well-known U.S. Jazz Clubs such as Smalls NYC, Smoke NYC, Chris’s Jazz Café Philadelphia, and Yoshi’s San Francisco. He has also performed extensively in Germany, as well as in Spain, Hungary, Austria, and Israel. Manuel is also a dedicated educator. He has taught music in various schools in the tri-state area, in addition to leading workshops and master classes. | |
| | David Yannuzzi | Instruments Played : | Guitar, lap slide guitar and pedal steel guitars | | | Instruments Taught : | Guitar, lap slide guitar and pedal steel guitars | | Experience: | 7 years | | Education: | B.M Berklee College of Music, MA— 2004
Certified Pro Tools operator - Pro tools media | | Located: | Rockland County, New York | | David Yannuzzi is a musician who specializes in Guitar, lap slide guitar and pedal steel guitars. He has a diverse background having studied Jazz and world music styles, rhythm, song form, and improvisation that he applies to rock, folk and pop styles. He is an inspiring and supportive teacher who encourages students to follow their natural instincts while guiding them and giving them a foundation of musicianship they can develop and build upon. Recently he has started to use his skills as a producer, engineer and arranger to help artists in the studio. David is also an active session musician & performer in NYC and the Hudson Valley. | |
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