Our Faculty
Westminster Conservatory offers superior faculty at all locations and tailors lessons, workshops and classes to the needs of the individual student.
VLADIMIR AGILIN
Violin
M.A., B.S., Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory; Diploma, Central Music School (Moscow). Studied with M. Pitkus, U. Yankilevich and M. Gleizarova. International concert career as a soloist and ensemble performer with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the State Symphony of Russia under Eugene Svetlanov. Current performances with the chamber orchestra “Virtuosos of Moscow” under Vladimir Spivakov. Master classes in Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Australia. Founder and president: May International Music Festival since 2002 (New York and New Jersey); American Fine Arts Festival. Teaching experience: Lucy Moses School, NYC, violin and chamber music; master teacher of violin, chamber music and youth orchestra conductor, Moscow Municipal Children’s Music School. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
NATASHA AGILINA
Piano
M.M., State Kharkov Conservatory, Russia; B.M., State Gnesin Music College, Russia; Moscow State Music School. Studied with V. Belov, A. Egorov, B.M. Berlin & S.L. Dizhur. Teaching experience: Private studio since 2001; Master Teacher of piano & chamber music & Head of Piano Department, Moscow G. Neigauz State Music School; Accompanist, American Fine Arts Festival. Performance experience: Chamber Music with viola in various halls. Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award, 1997. Member, NJMTA & MTNA. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
ERIK ALLESEE
Piano
M.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.M., Oberlin Conservatory. Studied piano with Sedmara Rutstein and José Ramos-Santana. Instructor and Artist teacher, Mercer County Community College since 1999, teaching group and private piano lessons. Three-time winner of Southwest Florida Symphony Concerto Competition which resulted in performances with the orchestra. Collaborations with fellow faculty member Laurie Altman in performances of his works. Frequent accompanist at the College of New Jersey. Adjudicator in several piano competitions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Conservatory faculty since 1997.
LAURIE ALTMAN
Jazz Piano, Composition, Improvisation
B.M., Mannes College of Music. Studied with William Sydeman and Lester Trimble. Extensive teaching, concert and lecturing experience: Rutgers University, University of North Carolina, Stanford University. Assistant professor, Westminster Choir College. Commissions from Rutgers University, The American Boychoir (an opera) and University of North Carolina. Recent performances of his music have been at St. Peter’s Citicorp in New York City (Three for Duke) and in Chicago by members of the Orpheus Chamber Ensemble. The year (2004) included performances of works in Chicago, Kansas City, Madison, WI and Philadelphia. This year (2005) will feature premiers of Mr. Altman’s works in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Mexico City and Havana, Cuba. Recipient of numerous awards including two National Endowments, a Lincoln Center Forum Award, a BMI Composer Award, the Mason Gross Composition Prize and a University Professors Composition Citation. Nine recordings, including For Now at Least and Carnival of Crime, were nominated in 1991 for a Grammy Award. His newest CD, Accordingly, on Affetto records features Mr. Altman’s jazz piano playing, his compositions and the bassist Ed Schuller. College faculty since 1985. Conservatory faculty since 1982.
MELISSA BURTON ANDERSON
Cello
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory, B.A. Oberlin College, San Francisco Conservatory. Studied with Richard Kapuscinski, Bonnie Hampton, Laszlo Varga, William Pleeth and Burton Kaplan. Performance experience: Section Cellist, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony. Associate Principal Cellist, Honolulu Symphony. Chamber Music: Cello Divas, Seneca Trio, Genesis String Quartet. Anchorage Music Festival, Spoleto Festival, Utah Festival Opera. Teaching experience: Eastman Community Music School, Houghton College, San Francisco Community Music Center. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
FIORELLA ARAYA
Piano, Early Childhood
M.M., piano pedagogy and performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.M., (honors) piano performance, University of Costa Rica. Piano studies with Ena Bronstein Barton, Brian Ganz and Sara Feterman Rotkopf. Piano pedagogy studies with Phyllis Lehrer, James Goldsworthy, Ingrid Clarfield and Jean Stackhouse. Winner of the first prize in the intermediate level of the 2000 International Piano Competition, Maria Clara Cullel Teixido and second prize in the advanced level of the 2002 competition. Teaching experience: group piano instruction, University of Costa Rica; private studio in Costa Rica. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
HEATHER ATAGAN THORARINSON
Piano
M.M., B.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Studied under Ingrid Clarfield and Eileen Craig. Received first and second place honors in Westminster Piano Competition '02 and '03. Performed in the Associated Music Teachers League of New York Young Musicians' Concert at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall and with the Westminster Community Orchestra. Assistant director of the Westminster Piano Week for Middle School Students, and an assistant teacher at Westminster High School Solo Artists piano week and Westminster High School Piano Camp. Also teaches at the Calgary Arts Summer School in Calgary. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
SUSAN BENNETT BAKSHI
Suzuki Piano, Music Theory
M.M., Indiana University School of Music (theory, piano); B.M., Westminster College (piano performance with violin minor). Academic papers on required reading list for Doctoral Pedagogy class and Contemporary Analysis course at Indiana University. Studied piano with Tong Il Han, David Bar-Illan, Alton Jones and Rosi Grundschlag. Suzuki training with Haruko Kataoka, Ray Landers, Bruce Anderson and numerous others. Co-president of Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association; co-founder of Piano Pals Workshops; director of Columbus Pro-Musica Suzuki Program 1986-89 (Columbus, IN). Teaching experience: home studio since 1975; Stewart Montessori School (general music) 1985-89; Academy of Children’s Music, Ft. Washington, PA (1989-93). Accompanist for Ithaca College Suzuki Summer Institute since 1992, GPSA programs, Philadelphia area recitals, numerous productions. Conservatory faculty since 1992.
ENA BRONSTEIN BARTON
Piano Department Head
B.M., University of Chile; Graduate of Escuela Moderna de Musica, Santiago, Chile. Studied with Claudio Arrau and Rafael de Silva. International concert career as soloist, duo pianist and chamber musician. Teaching experience: Westminster Choir College of Rider University; California State University, Fresno; artist-in-residence, Monterey Peninsula College (Calif.), University of Veracruz, Xalapa (Mexico), University of Chile. Conservatory faculty since 1982.
ELENA B. BENEDICT
Piano
M.M., Kypgyzstan State Conservatory (Russia); B.M., Kurenkeev College of Music (Frunze). Performing experience: piano solo, chamber music and accompanist throughout Russia, Kypgyzstan, Germany, Turkey. Concert appearances with State Philharmonic Orchestra. National and international touring as prime accompanist with Philharmonic Concert Choir, recordings for State Radio and TV. Concert touring with Moscow Operetta Theatre. Recitals with soloists, choirs and instrumentalists in SC and NJ. Chairperson, Young Artist Competition, NJMTNA. Teaching experience: Prjevalst College of Music (Russia) State Music School for Gifted Children (Frunze), Magdebürg Music School (Germany); private studio since 1996. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
MELISSA BOHL
Oboe, Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion Department Head, Coordinator of Outreach Recitals
M.F.A., Princeton University; M.A., University of Notre Dame; B.M. with Performer’s Certificate, Eastman School of Music. Studied with Ray Still, Robert Sprenkle and Jerry Sirucek. Principal oboe, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Edison Symphony Orchestra; oboe and English horn, Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea, Ocean Wind Trio. Teaching experience: Rider University, University of Southern Mississippi, Kinhaven Music School, University of Notre Dame and Louisville Conservatory. Adjunct faculty, Lawrenceville School. Conservatory faculty since 1984.
NATHAN BREWER
Actors Company Artistic Director
B.A., Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Founder and artistic director of The Actors Company since 2002. Led the K-12 choral program at Liberty Corner Church in New Jersey since 1999. In New York City, where he resides, Nathan has also enjoyed performing with professional choruses, orchestras, operas, and cabarets, as well as teaching for Rosie’s Broadway Kids. As an Associate Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Nathan has directed high school musicals in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New York City, and has directed musicals and plays for The Princeton Festival, Producer's Club, and Manhattan Theatre Source. Assistant Director, TheatreworksUSA, Hedgerow Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
KIMBERLY BRYAN
Flute
M.M., flute performance, Longy School of Music; B.S., music education, elementary education and Bible, Philadelphia Biblical University. Studied with Robert Willoughby, Kazuo Tokito, Vanessa Mulvey and Nancy Etris. Master classes with Paula Robison, Marianne Gedigian, Kazuo Tokito and Geralyn Coticone. Teaching experience: Csehy Summer School of Music, Philadelphia Christian Center School of Music, private teaching studio since 1996. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
ERIN BULLARD
Music Therapy
Conservatory faculty since 2009.
BEN CAHILL
Jazz Piano, Improvisation
B.S., electrical engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; University of Miami, recording engineering and jazz program. Studied music analysis and composition under Eastman School of Music's Dr. Ernest Livingstone, studied jazz piano performance under Dave Roitstein and Vince Lawrence Maggio, studied jazz performance and composition with Westminster's Laurie Altman and wrote several compositions played in Westminster Jazz Faculty recitals. Has written and arranged a number of choral and handbell pieces for Presbyterian Church, Flemington, NJ, at which he also studies organ, and served as church's Youth Choir director. Perfomance experience: currently plays in various jazz and rock ensembles in the NJ area. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
KATE CAMPBELL
Piano
M.M., piano performance, University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.M., piano performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Teaching experience: Piano Faculty, San Francisco Community Music Center, Crowden Center for Music in the Community, San Francisco, CA, Staff Accompanist and Adjunct Faculty, University of San Francisco, private studio since 2006. Winner, UW-Madison Beethoven Competition; Finalist, Wisconsin Public Radio's Neale-Silva Young Artists' Competition. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
LAURIE CASCANTE
Suzuki Cello, Cello
B.M., Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music. Studied with Hirofumi Kanno and Philadelphia Orchestra member, Lloyd Smith. Suzuki training with Annette Costanzi, Pamela Davenport, Rick Mooney, Hartt College of Music Suzuki Institute. Faculty member, Trenton Community Music School and Trenton International Charter School. Conservatory faculty since 1995.
BING BING CHANG
Piano
D.M.A., Rutgers University; M.M., (Pi Kappa Lambda National Honor), Boston Conservatory; B.M., (Honors), Hongkong Baptist University; FTCL, England. Studied with Susan Starr, Samuel Dilworth-Leslie, Jonathan Bass, Yen-shun Shiu, Si-lai Li; chamber music with Jonathan Feldman, Arnold Steinhardt; master classes with Diane Andersen, Martin Canin, Luiz de Moura Castro, Peter Eicher, Claude Frank, Jerome Lowenthal, Ming-qiang Li, Salvatore Moltisanti, Einar Steen-Nokleberg. Soloist, chamber player and accompanist extensively in the US, Europe, China. Festival participation in Aspen, Bowdoin, Prague, Kromeriz Symphonic Workshop, Moscow Gnessin School, Ecole Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot. Award winner of South Orange Artist Competition, Hongkong Baptist University Scholastic Award, Dr. Lam Chung Hung Scholarship. Teaching experience: Rutgers Community Music Program, Song of Songs Music School, Wai Chow Public School; private studio since 1990. Frequent competition and audition judge. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
DIANA CHAROS REILLY
Chamber Music, Flute
B.M., flute performance, Hartt School of Music; Graduate, Juilliard School Pre-College; Continued graduate studies at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Studied with John Wion and Dr. Brad Garner. Teaching experience: music director, New Jersey Youth Symphony Flute Choir and Advanced Flute Forum; music faculty, Rutgers Prep and Skidmore Flute Institute at Skidmore College. Performance experience: masterclasses given by the late Jean Pierre-Rampal and James Galway; Carnegie Hall under Maestro Paul Hostetter. Recorded numerous CDs, including "Jack the Ripper" and "Sleeping Beauty." Conservatory faculty since 2006.
TRACEY RICHARDS CHEBRA
Voice Department Head
M.M., voice performance, B.M.E., magna cum laude, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Mu Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Lamda. Master classes and opera coaching with Richard Miller, Arvid Knudsen, Boris Goldovsky and Wesley Balk. Performed with numerous musical organizations, including The Boheme Society and the Opera Repertory Theatre of Greensboro, NC. Teaching experience: instructor of voice, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; private studio since 1981. Conservatory faculty since 1983.
KATHERINE MILLER CHEN
Choral Readiness Coordinator
B.A., Wellesley College. Studied with Martin Brody, Laurel E. Fay, and John Adams. Teaching experience: Children's Choral Director, Children's Chimes Choir Director, World Music Camp curriculum developer and teacher and Soprano Soloist at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in West Windsor, NJ. Elementary/Intermediate Piano Teacher and Accompanist/Arranger at various schools in West Windsor, as well as an Early Education Music Teaching position at the Westminster Conservatory. Currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
JENNY CHIOU
Piano
D.M. (I.P.), piano performance and pedagogy, Northwestern University; M.M., piano performance, West Chester University (Pa.); B.S., information and computer engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan. Piano studies with Mei-Ling Huang, Richard Veleta, Sylvia Wang; piano pedagogy studies with Timothy Blair, Frances Larimer, Marcia Norman, Mary Beth Molenaar. Phi Kappa Lambda Honor Society member. Winner of numerous competitions and prizes. Teaching experience: piano instructor, Ya-Winn Music Store (Taiwan); lecturer and piano instructor, Northwestern University; piano instructor, National High School Music Institute. Solo, accompanying, chamber and keyboard technology performing experience in Taiwan and the US. Adjudicating for Illinois State Music Teachers Association from 1997 to 1999. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
SOO KYUNG CHO
Piano
M.M., piano performance, Manhattan School of Music; professional studies certificate and piano pedagogy certificiate, Manhattan School of Music; B.M., piano performance, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. Dalcroze studies at the Juilliard School, Robert Abramson Dalcroze Academy. Piano performance studies with Kyung Sook Lee, Dimitri Rachmanov, Ankady Aronov. Piano pedagogy studies with Vera Willis. Piano accompaniment studies with Anthony Manoli. Dalcroze method studies with Daniel Cataneo, Robert Abramson. Master classes with John Perry, Lazar Berman, David Dubal. Recipient of Norman Stanley Smith Award. Performances as soloist, accompanist, chamber music in the US, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea. Publication: Korean Edition of Feel It by Robert Abramson, Tae Rim Publishing Co. Private studio in Fort Lee since 1993, in Princeton Junction since 2000. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
JIHYE CHOI
Piano
M.M. (in progress), piano performance & pedagogy, Westminster Choir College; B.M., piano performance, University of the Philippines, Cum Laude. Current studies with Ingrid Clarfield, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Dr. Chiu-Ling Lin, Thomas J. Parente, Dr. James Goldsworthy. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
ILEANA CIUMAC
Violin
M.M., B.M., violin performance and pedagogy, Cluj-Napoca Conservatory, Romania. Studied with Ferenc Balojh and Stefan Ruha. Solo and ensemble performer with the Symphonic Orchestra and Opera Symphonic Orchestra in Timisoara, W. Romania, for 10 years. Recitals and concerts across Romania, as well as in Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the United States. Current performances with the Greater Trenton Symphony, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Garden State Philharmonic, Chamber Symphony of Princeton, the Goodnight Trio and the Stockton Chamber Players, Newtown Chamber Orchestra Boheme Opera Company, among others. Currently concertmistress of the WCO. Conservatory faculty since 1995.
ANA CONSTANTINE
Violin
Studies at Bucharest Music Academy, Dinu Lipatti Music High School, Bucharest; George Enesco Music High School, Bucharest. Teaching experience: private studio, Forest Hills, NY; Dinu Lipatti Music High School, Bucharest. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
TARA COOKE-VENTRESCA
Piano, Music Therapy
M.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; M.A., music therapy, New York University; Graduate Diploma, Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music (Kecskemet, Hungary); B.A. Catholic University of America. Piano studies with Phyllis Lehrer. Worked at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy (N.Y.U.) in improvisatory work and composition with various clients and populations. Taught piano at the New School of Music, Kingston, NJ; children’s music classes, American University; public schools, New Jersey. Private piano studio. Conservatory faculty since 1996.
DONNA PIERCE COPTI
Voice
Professional Studies Program; B.M., voice performance, Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University; B.S., King’s College. Vocal studies with Thomas Houser, Ruth Drucker, Flore Wend; studied in Vienna with Carol Blaickner-Mayo; special studies in German Lieder, American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Performances with the Peabody Opera Theater; Baltimore Opera; Summer Opera Theater (Washington, D.C.); Young Victorian Theater Company (Baltimore); Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; solo recitals and chamber music performances; theatrical performances at Center Stage, Baltimore. Children’s a cappella song teacher; lecturer/recitalist for the Peabody Preparatory Elderhostel Program. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
ERIC COYNE
Cello
M.M., Temple University; B.M., University of Iowa. Teachers include Jeffrey Solow, Charles Wendt, Tanya Carey and Amos Yang. Pedagogical studies with Jeffrey Solow. Chamber music coaching with Lambert Orkis, David Salness, Jeffrey Solow and Luis Biava. Member of the Haddonfield Symphony and former member of the Muhlenberg Piano Quartet. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
JILL CRAWFORD
Flute
M.M., Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University; B.M., New England Conservatory of Music. Studied with James Scott, Lois Schaefer; baroque flute with Sandra Miller. Performs chamber music in ensembles Trillium, Col Legno and the Volanti Flute Quartet. Soloist with New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra and substitute in various area ensembles. Certified in Suzuki flute method and Orff Schulwerk. Conservatory faculty since 1983.
ELIZABETH CROCKETT
Piano
Bucks County Community College; LaSalle University. Studied with Edward Ferdinand, Marcella Treichel, and Dr. Henry Cook. Teaching experience: piano instructor, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA and Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School, Bensalem, PA; director of music, Scottsville Methodist Church; private studio since 1990. Various free-lance and accompanying positions throughout Pennsylvania. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
JAMES DAY
Guitar
D.M.A., M.M., performance and literature (guitar), Eastman School of Music; B.M., North Carolina School of the Arts. Studied with Nicholas Goluses, Aaron Shearer and Paul O’Dette. Advanced studies with Oscar Ghiglia at the Academia Chigiana, Siena, Italy. Internationally active as a soloist and chamber musician. Prize winner of the 1995 Rantucci International Guitar Festival and Competition. Teaching experience: Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Eastman School of Music; The College of New Jersey; North Carolina School of the Arts. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
GREGORY DeLUCA
Piano
M.M., piano performance, The Boston Conservatory; B.M., piano performance and music education, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. Studied with Max Levinson and Susan Starr respectively. Teaching experience: instructor, Bach to Rock Music School; private studio since 1998. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
BARDHA DENIZI
Violin, Viola
Graduate, State Academie of Arts of Tirana, performance and education; post-graduate studies, Conservatoire Superior National de Paris. Studied with Ludovik Naraci, Sofokle Paparisto and Robert Papavrami (Tirana); Arcady Parsegov in ex-USSR; Jacques Gesthem, Paris. Performance experience as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician in Albania, Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Turkey and the United States. Publications: The Method of Violin Teaching, House Edition of School Books, Tirana. Awards: Laureate, first violin competition, Tirana; Medal of Recognition (N. Frasheri), Decree of Presidency of National Assembly of Republic of Albania; Honoree, International Who’s Who. Teaching experience: 35 years in Europe; 2 years in the US; private studio; Stradivarius Inc. Chamber music coach of the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
ELLEN FISHER DEERBERG
Flute
B.M., flute performance, Temple University. Flute studies with Murray Panitz. Woodwind ensemble studies with Anthony Gigliotti, Richard Woodhams, and Bernard Garfield. Performed with the Kennett Symphony, Opera Delaware and Delaware Children's Opera, Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, University of Delaware and West Chester University Faculty Recitals, Wilmington Music School Faculty Artist Recitals, Longwood Gardens Concert Series, Hadley Fund Concerts, Fellowship of Friends Concerts, Westminster Presbyterian Concert Series and the First and Central Presbyterian Concerts and Bach Marathon. Teaching experience at Wilmington Music School, Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music and her private studio since 1987. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
MIRIAM ELEY
Piano, Theory, Composition
M.M., with distinction, Indiana University; B.M., Baylor University. Studied with James Tocco, Fernando Laires, Drusilla Huffmaster and Roger Keyes. Studied piano pedagogy with Frances Clark and Louise Goss. Teaching experience: The Lawrenceville School, The New School for Music Study, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary School of Church Music, Brewton-Parker College, Indiana University and private studio. Adjunct assistant professor, Westminster Choir College (since 1995). Conservatory faculty since 1987.
KENNETH ELLISON
Clarinet, Saxophone
D.M.A. candidate, Rutgers University; M.M., Arizona State University; B.M., Furman University. Active performer with many ensembles, including the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Riverside Symphonia and the Greenville Symphony; performed under such conductors as Andrea Quinn, John Rutter, Frederick Fennell and Rossen Milanov at such venues as Avery Fisher Hall, Merkin Hall, NJPAC and the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. Member of the Princeton Symphony woodwind trio for the BRAVO! Program, the NJ Arts Collective and Sonora Winds, the latter of which performs on a concert series in Philadelphia and around New Jersey. He can be heard as the solo clarinetist on the soundtrack of Jennifer Raikes’ new documentary, Bad Hair Life distributed by Middlemarch films and has just recorded Leonard Bernstein’s version of Peter Pan. Conservatory faculty since 1996.
CLIPPER ERICKSON
Piano
M.M., Yale University; B.M., Indiana University and The Juilliard School with honors. Studied with John Ogdon, Jerome Lowenthal, Claude Frank, Boris Berman. Awards include prizes at the Busoni Competition, Kapell Competition and Affiliate Artists. Roster member, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour. Annual performances throughout the US as soloist with orchestra and in recital. CD releases include The Mystic and the Muse, (premier recording of piano music by Cyril Scott and Roger Quilter), American Journey (music composed entirely by American composers) and Woven Images (music inspired by the visual arts). Part-time faculty, Bucknell University, since 2003. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
NANCY FROYSLAND HOERL
Voice, Opera Outings Coordinator
M.M., vocal performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., Moorhead State University, MN; Lieder and opera at the Vienna Conservatory of Music, Austria; Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies with Sir Peter Pears and John Shirley-Quirk, Aldeburgh, England. Westminster Choir College faculty since 1995. Conservatory faculty since 1991.
JENNIFER GARR
Early Childhood
B.M.E., Major: Voice; Minor: Piano, Ithaca College; Orff Certification, Level 1, Lincoln Center Institute, Juilliard School. Was honored with the Morris County Award for Outstanding Teaching, June 1999. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
DEBORAH GERS
Clarinet, Saxophone
M.M., clarinet performance, University of Cincinnati; B.M., Music Performance, Eastern Kentucky University. Studied with Thomas LeGrand, Emil Schmachtenberg, Carmine Campione and Earl M. Thomas. Has performed with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Network for New Music, Delaware Valley Philharmonic, West Virginia Symphony, Newtown Chamber Orchestra, Pennsylvania Sinfonia and has freelanced Bass/Utility Clarinet with various groups. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
INESSA GLEYZEROVA
Piano
D.M.A., M.M., Belorussian State Conservatory, Minsk, Russia; B.M., Kaliningrad College of Music, Russia; postgraduate studies at Hochschule für Musik, Germany with Les Natochenny. Performing experience: Artist Ascending series, Memphis; Meranofest ’95, Italy; N.Y. debut recital at Weill Recital Hall; chamber recital with violinist Gerald Beal at Merkin Hall; winner of First Prize, MetLife Piano Competition. Teaching experience: assistant to Professor Rachlenko, Belorussian State Conservatory; Children’s Music School, Minsk; Jackson Heights School of Music, Queens, N.Y.; private studio since 1994. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
MIKA GODBOLE
Percussion
M.M., percussion concentration, Rowan University; B.A., music performance, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Studied with Don Liuzzi, Dean Witten, Angela Zator-Nelson and Dr. Gary J. Olmstead. Musical experience and activities include notable performances at various recitals and festivals, Aspen Festival and School of Music, Rowan musical activities, and many freelance performances. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
MICHAEL GREEN
Musicianship
University of California at Los Angeles, Scoring Music for Films; Michigan State University, music composition. Private trumpet studies with Vincent Penzarella (New York Philharmonic), Jerome Callet and Laurie Frink; private piano studies with David Leonhardt (jazz recording artist) and music composition studies with Dr. James Niblock. Performance experience: various Orchestras and Brass Bands, extensive freelance performances in commercial venues, private and corportate events on trumpet and piano, dozens of pit orchestras, and shows. Frequent performances as soloist or with orchestral ensembles accompanying choral works. Active as a composer. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
MARY GREENBERG
Piano
B.A., Indiana University. Studied with Ena Bronstein Barton, Phyllis Lehrer, Zadel Skolovsky and Hans Boepple. Performance experience: recitals at Westminster Choir College, Rider University, Greenwood House. Member of Belle Mead Friends of Music and Piano Teachers Forum. Also an actress and writer. Teaching experience: private studio. Conservatory faculty since 1987.
ELIZABETH GUERRIERO
Suzuki Violin, Violin, Viola
M.M., violin performance and suzuki pedagogy, University of Denver; B.M., violin performance, Hartt School. Principal Violin and Pedagogy Teachers are James Maurer, Katie Lansdale, Brian Lewis, Linda Fiore and Charles Castleman. Performed at the Lancaster Music Festival, Summer Strings Colorado, Bowdoin Music Festival, the International School for Musical Arts and the Brandeis Summer Music Festival. Director, String Fling of South Jersey. 2003 MTNA Graduating Teacher Award; Clinician, PMEA Teacher Workshops, NJ Regional Orchestra, Greater Philadelphia Violin Workshop. Former member, Ridgefield Symphony and Connecticut Chamber Orchestra. Affiliated with American String Teachers Association, Music Educators National Conference, Music Teachers National Association, and Suzuki Association of the Americas. Board, Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
IVY HAGA
Bassoon
D.M.A. candidate, M.M., Rutgers University; B.M., music education, Virginia Commonwealth University. Studied with Brian Kershner, Bruce Hammel, Robert Wagner. Performing experience: member of Sonora Winds; soloist with Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Symphony’s BRAVO! educational outreach program, Artemis Chamber Ensemble, New Jersey Arts Collective, Chicago Civic Orchestra, BassMasters Bassoon Ensemble. Recorded with National Chamber Players. Semi-finalist in Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Teaching experience: Lawrenceville School, Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, middle schools in Virginia. Conservatory faculty since 2001.
JAMIE HAHN
Piano
M.M., piano accompanying and vocal coaching, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., with honors, Elizabethtown College. Piano studies with J.J. Penna and Dalton Baldwin. Staff Accompanist at Westminster Choir College. Teaching experience: adjunct faculty, Elizabethtown College Preparatory Division. Conservatory faculty since 2001.
CAROLYN HANEY-KIMOCK
Voice
M.M., voice performance and pedagogy, B.M., music education, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Additional studies at the New England Conservatory and Brevard Music Center. Voice studies with Margaret Cusack, Lorna MacDonald and Ellen Lang. Vocal coaching with Glenn Parker, J.J. Penna and Harold Evans. Favorite roles performed: Dido (Dido and Aeneas), The Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors) and Mimi (La Boheme). Awards and honors include the Marian Anderson Award. Directed Premier Theatre Company productions of Oliver and The Sound of Music. Westminster Choir College Middle School Vocal Camp faculty. Conservatory faculty since 1997.
URSKA HAULE FEGUS
Suzuki Violin
Conservatory faculty since 2009.
IKUMI HIRAIWA
Piano
M.M., Piano Pedagogy and Performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., Music, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Recipient of first place at Westminster Piano Graduate Competition, 2006 and UCLA Benno Rubinyi Competition, 2005. Studied privately with James Goldsworthy, Jennifer Snow, Walter Ponce, and Victor Labenske. Studied pedagogy with Jennifer Snow, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Betty Stoloff, Ingrid Clarfield, and James Goldsworthy. Member of College Music Society, MTNA, and NJMTA; certified NCTM. Teaching experience: coach at UCLA Summer Chamber Music Institute and basic musicianship instructor at Point Loma Keyboard Institute, San Diego. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
JANICE HOFREITER
Piano
Conservatory faculty since 2008.
PAUL HOFREITER
Guitar, Bass, Double Bass
Education: The Lawrenceville School, University of the Arts. Studied with Henry Scott of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Tony Marino, Craig Thomas and Pat Mercuri. Performing experience: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra; la Orquesta Sinfonica de las Americas; freelance work in Philadelphia area, including jazz appearances alongside Delfeyo Marsalis and Jimmy Bruno, in addition to playing in various groups of his own making. Teaching experience: The Lawrenceville School; The Pennington School; Creative Music Studios, Ewing, NJ. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
ERIC HOUGHTON
Piano
M.M., Manhattan School of Music; B.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Studied with Harold Zabrack, Marc Silverman and Constance Keene. Performed in Carnegie Recital Hall and Sheldon Hall in St. Louis; recitals in Michigan, Ohio and Long Island, NY. Composer of Pioneer Songs, Victory Songs, Four Victor Hugo Songs, More Scenes From Childhood. ASCAP member; winner of “Meet the Composer” award in 1994. Conservatory faculty since 1984.
JEANNINE HUMMEL
Piano
Piano Pedagogy Certificate, Westminster Conservatory. Studied in Berne and Paris; piano studies with Sylvie Webb, Laurie Altman and Lillian Livingston. Recent performances include a summer faculty recital, a world premiere of “Exit Music,” a work for two pianos written by her husband, composer Laurie Altman; world premiere performance of her husband’s new work “Filaments,” for two pianos and eight hands, joined by Westminster Choir College faculty Lillian Livingston, Ingrid Clarfield and her husband. Frequent performer with the Belle Mead Friends of Music and Westminster Conservatory. Member of Piano Teachers Forum. Private piano studio in Princeton. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
ALEXANDER IZOTOV
Violin, Viola
M.M., B.M., music performance and education, Gnesin Institute of Music. Performing experience: acclaimed soloist, orchestral and chamber musician whose multi-faceted career has spanned over 40 years. As a member of the Russia State Symphony, Izotov has performed in virtually every major classical venue of the world, including Carnegie Hall (New York), Musikverein (Vienna), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Salle Pleyel (Paris), Suntory Hall (Tokyo), and Royal Albert Hall (London). Mr. Izotov can be heard on over 250 recordings of various symphonic repertoire on BMG, Sony, Canyon Classics, and Melodya labels. Teaching experience: Moscow Jewish Music Academy; Gnesin Institute of Music. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
MICHAEL JACOBSEN
Suzuki Piano
M.M., piano performance with honors, University of Northern Iowa; B.M., Central Washington University. Gold medalist, Spokane Allied Arts Festival Piano Competition. Studied piano with Howard Aibel. Completed long-term Suzuki teacher training with Peggy Swingle. Additional Suzuki training with Dr. Haruko Kataoka, Doris Koppelman, Gail Lange and Bruce Anderson. Past president of the Suzuki Association of Washington State. Active Suzuki institute and workshop clinician. Developer of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association Suzuki Graduation Program. Producer of historical concert reenactments. Program developer for Westminster Family Concert Series and Faculty Recital Series. Music director of the Westminster Conservatory Children’s Opera Workshop. Composer of children’s operas. Composer Member of Opera America. Private studio in Bellevue, WA, 1985-94. Conservatory faculty since 1994.
MARK JOHNSTONE
Guitar
B.A., guitar performance and american history, University of St. Thomas. Teaching experience: Current guitar faculty at Settlement Music, Philadelphia, PA; The Pennington School, NJ. Performance experience: freelance musician, out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, performed throughout the United States and Europe. Published internationally with Mel Bay Publications, Pacific, MO. Under contract to publish two-volume anthology of guitar arrangements. Membership to IK# Music Honors Society. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
GEORGE JONES
Clarinet
Ph.D., New York University; M.M., B.M., Eastman School of Music. Studied with Rufus Mont Arey, Gustave Reese, Charles Warren Fox. Teaching experience: Rutgers University (Professor of Music Emeritus), Princeton University, Eastman School of Music and Hochstein School of Music. Performance experience: first clarinetist with Rochester Philharmonic, Trenton Symphony, Princeton Symphony, National Opera Orchestra. Conservatory faculty since 1974.
EUNJU JOUNG KIM
Piano
M.M., church music, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., Gyeong Sang National University, Korea. Studies with Harvey Wedeen, Phyllis Lehrer, Eunhi Eum and Byungkyun Song. Master class with Eric Himey. Recipient of Sa Do Scholarship in Korea. Member of “Camerata” performance with Westminster Community Orchestra. Private studio since 1990; Conservatory faculty since 1998.
LAURA KLEIN
Piano
NCTM, M.M. (in progress), piano performance & pedagogy, Westminster Choir College; B.M., piano performance, Mars Hill College, NC. Studies with Dr. Robin Garner, Dr. Andrew Cooperstock, and Phyllis Lehrer. Taught privately for eight years and recently served on faculty at Walla Walla University. Active solo and ensemble performer. Began playing at age five and since then has participated in numerous competitions, summer music programs, and international delegations as a solo performer. Nationally certified through Music Teachers National Association. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
LARISSA KORKINA
Piano
M.M., Byelorussian Academy of Music; studied with M. Voskresensky at Moscow Conservatory and G. Shershevsky at Byelorussian Academy of Music. Prize winner as best accompanist at regional and state competitions in Russia. Concert touring with soloists and instrumentalists throughout Russia and the tri-state area. Coach-accompanist for the Opera International and Opera Festival of New Jersey. Recipient of Genia Robinor Pedagogy Awards from Piano Teachers Society of America, Young Pianists Competitions of New Jersey and Cecilian Music Club. Her students are winners of numerous competitions and have performed at such prestigious halls as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Merkin Concert Hall. She is a frequent adjudicator for competitions, festivals and the Governors School. Teaching experience: Byelorussian State Academy of Music, Special Music of School for gifted students, Princeton private studio, Hun School and The College of New Jersey. Conservatory faculty since 1993.
PATRICIA LANDY
Piano
D.M.A., accompanying, University of Southern California; M.M., University of Wisconsin; B.M., Cleveland Institute of Music. Piano studies with Jean Barr, Brooks Smith, Gwendolyn Koldofsky, Howard Karp, Elizabeth Pastor. Additional studies with Phyllis Lehrer, Dalton Baldwin, Samuel Sanders, John Perry. Teaching experience: piano instructor, University of Southern California, Cleveland Music School Settlement; lecturer in music theory and accompanying, Westminster Continuing Education Professional Development program; choir and piano classes at the Wardlaw-Hartridge School. Performances in Southern California, Cleveland and the New Jersey tri-state area. Frequent judge of competitions in New Jersey. Executive Board member, NJMTNA. Regular Performances with “Piarine,” a piano and clarinet duo . Writings have been published in American Music Teacher and Piano Quarterly magazines. Conservatory faculty since 1989.
JOHN LANE
Flute
M.M., flute pedagogy, Indiana University; B.M., Indiana University. Teaching experience: private instructor, The Lawrenceville School; flute instructor, Music & Arts and Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks Museum. Private studio since 2000. Solo and Ensemble performance experience throughout New Jersey. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
MATTHEW J. LaPINE
Early Childhood
M.M. candidate, choral conducting and music education, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.M., music education, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Piano studies with Lillian Livingston, Anne-Marie Novak and Francis McGuigan; voice studies with Marvin Kennze and Sonja Funk-Olin; composition studies with Dr. Jay Kawarsky; Dalcroze studies with Thomas Parente. Named 2003-2004 Andrew J. Rider Scholar; winner, 2003 Westminster Choir College Sophomore Piano Competition. Featured in performances with the NJ Symphony Orchestra and Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestra. Member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir and former member of Westminster Jubilee Singers. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
MARY ELIZABETH LATORRE
Piano, Early Childhood, Student Recital Accompanist
B.S., Hofstra University; Graduate studies, Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Hochschule fur Musik (Munich, Germany), Salzburg College (Salzburg, Austria). Certification: Kodaly Level I, Musikgarten. Faculty, Suburban Communit Music Center (Early Childhood), Pianist/accompanist, George Street Playhouse (Children's Summer Theater Academy), Hofstra University Music Department, Adelphi University, Westminster Choir College, National Grand Opera, Metropolitan Opera Guild, Bronx Opera, Amato Opera, Island Lyric Opera. Performances as soloist with the 92nd Street Y Chamber Orchestra, WNYC, Young Artists. Previous studies with Phyllis Lehrer, Blanche Abram, Dalton Baldwin, and Glenn Parker. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
PHYLLIS ALPERT LEHRER
Piano
M.M., The Juilliard School; B.A., University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music; further studies at Harvard, Yale and Stanford Universities. Studied with Jeanette Haien, Adele Marcus, Adolph Baller, Lily Dumont and Paula Kessler Hondius. Professor, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Master classes, concerts and lectures in US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Estonia, Russia and Taiwan. Co-author Inner Game of Music Piano Workbook with Barry Green. Editor, Chopin: An Album and co-editor with Paul Sheftel of several keyboard anthologies with CDs for Carl Fischer, Inc. Co-author of the new book, A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers. Duo partner, Ena Bronstein Barton. Conservatory faculty since 1970.
SUZANNE LEHRER
Piano
M.M., piano performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A. in music with concentration in piano, University of Rochester. Classical piano studies with Ena Bronstein Barton, German Diez, José Ramos-Santana, Jonathan Bass, Patricia Hanson, Betty Stoloff. Jazz piano studies with Peter Cassino and Laurie Altman. Member of Music Teachers National Association, NJ Music Teachers Association and Piano Teachers’ Forum. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
DAWN LEMASNEY
Voice
M.M. with distinction, voice performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.S., magna cum laude, music education, Messiah College (Grantham, PA.). Vocal studies with Margaret Cusack and Elaine Henderson. Vocal coaching with Martin Katz, Dalton Baldwin, Glenn Parker and J.J. Penna. Member of NJ National Association of Teachers of Singing. One of 12 teachers selected to participate in the NATS Summer Internship Program, 2002. Choral performances with Westminster Symphonic Choir, Opera Festival of New Jersey and Harrisburg Civic Opera Association. Created the role of Vicora in Stephen Lias’ Forbidden Earth. Frequent guest soloist for churches in the central NJ and southeast PA areas. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
CRAIG LEVESQUE
Horn, Music Theory, Music History
Ph.D. candidate, music theory and composition, Rutgers University; M.A, music history, B.A., music theory, University of New Hampshire. Currently studying with Dr. Charles Wuorinen; studied composition with Niel Sir and Dr. Andrew Boysen, Jr. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
HYUN SOO LIM
Violin
Conservatory faculty since 2009.
TERESA LIM
Piano, Music Theory, Early Childhood
M.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; M.A., church music, Santa Clara University. LTCL in piano and voice (performance and pedagogy), Trinity College of Music, London. Yamaha Teachers Diploma, Yamaha Music Foundation, Japan. Piano studies with Ena Bronstein Barton, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Jim Goldsworthy, Hans Boepple, John Howard, Hilary Coates, Peter Uppard. Teaching experience: Yamaha Music Academy; Yamaha Music School; Singapore. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
FANG-TING LIU
Piano
M.M. with distinction, piano performance and piano accompanying/coaching, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A, piano performance, violin and organ studies, Soochow University, Taiwan. Piano studies with Ena Bronstein Barton, German Diez and Christiana Lin; accompanying and coaching with J.J. Penna and Dalton Baldwin; master classes with Frederick Marvin, Joseph Bloch, John Vanghan, Peter Rolf, Thomas Otten, Wolfram Rieger and Diana Richardson. Performance experience as soloist, vocal accompanist and chamber musician; concert appearances with Manhattan Festival Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Symphony Orchestra and Soochow University Symphony Orchestra. Private studio since 1995. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
LILLIAN LIVINGSTON
Piano
B.M., Indiana University; further study, Roosevelt University. Studied with Ozan Marsh, Rudolph Ganz and Mollie Margolies. Teaching experience: adjunct associate professor, Westminster Choir College; private studio. Director of Westminster’s Professional Development Certificate Program; co-director of Westminster Choir College Piano Camp for Piano Teachers and Piano Camp for Middle School Students. Frequent clinician and master class presenter. Past president, New Jersey Music Teachers National Association; serves on the Board of Judges for the National Guild of Piano Teachers; frequent adjudicator for competitions. Recipient of numerous awards for teaching and performance. Widely respected as one of the foremost authorities on teaching the adult student, presenting seminars at the World Piano Pedagogy Conferences and MTNA National Convention. Has published articles on the adult student in Keyboard Companion and The American Music Teacher. As a performing pianist, she is part of a duo-piano team with Ingrid Clarfield. Conservatory faculty since 1989.
LUANN LONGENECKER
Early Childhood Department Head
M.M.E. matriculation, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.S., elementary education, Lebanon Valley College; graduate studies, Shippensburg University; specialized Early Childhood music training with authors of Kindermusik and other curricula; presenter for teacher-training workshops and national conferences. Level 1 Orff certification, Westminster Choir College; additional studies in organ and piano. Preschool and elementary teaching experience in NJ and PA. Adjunct instructor (Fall 2004), Westminster Choir College; handbell choirs director, Middlebush Reformed Church; choral accompanist, Franklin Township High School. Nominated for upcoming publication of Who’s Who in American Women. Conservatory faculty since 1988.
YVONNE MACDONALD
Schola and Concino Choir Conductor
G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M., Royal College of Music, London, England. Teaching experience: Perse School for Girls, Cambridge, England. District Music co-Coordinator, music teacher and choir director, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Adjunct instructor for elementary education Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Director of Youth Choirs and Handbells, Princeton United Methodist Church. In Cambridge sang in a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers with King's College Choir and played Oboe in a performance of Handel's Water Music with original orchestration. Prepared the West Windsor-Plainsboro Upper Elementary School Choir for a National Children's Choir concert in Carnegie Hall with Henry Leck. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
DEVIN MARIMAN
Community Chorus Conductor
M.M., choral conducting and voice performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Teaching and conducting experience: adjunct assistant professor of conducting, adjunct assistant professor of voice, Westminster Choir College; conductor, College Choir and Women’s Ensemble, The College of New Jersey; conductor, Garden State Philharmonic Chorus; chorus master, Westminster Conservatory Children’s Opera; director of vocal division, NJ Governor’s School of the Arts. Coordinator of Westminster Choir College Performance Collection. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
CARMEN MATEIESCU
Piano, Theory Department Head, YAP/YMP Academic Coordinator
Ph.D., composition and theory, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; M.M., composition and theory and B.M., piano pedagogy; University of Music in Bucharest Romania. Studied with composers Gerald Chenoweth, Nicolas Roussakis, and Stefan Niculescu and pianists Stefania Daniel-Cumpata, Mariana Soimaru, and Marta Paladi (all pupils of Florica Musicescu). Author of the textbook series Theory, Solfege, Ear Training, volumes 1-4; co-author of the LP series The Traditional Folk Music Band on Romanian ethnic music (with Dr. Speranta Radulescu); published articles on ethnomusicology. Adjudicator of numerous composition contests for children. Adjunct faculty, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, 1997-2005; adjunct faculty Westminster Choir College, Rider University, 2000-present. Private studio in South Brunswick (1986-2000) and West Windsor (2000-present). Conservatory faculty since 1988.
ROSE McCATHRAN
Piano
M.M., B.M., piano pedagogy and performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Studied privately with Ingrid Clarfield. Studied pedagogy with Ingrid Clarfield, Lillian Livingston, Dr. James Goldsworthy, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, and Betty Stoloff. Recipient of the Maurice C. Shapiro Scholarship Award for a piano competition performance at Strathmore Hall in Rockville, Maryland, 2003. Teaching experience: private lessons and piano instructor/teaching assistant at Middle School Piano Camp, High School Solo Piano Camp, and High School Piano Camp, all of which took place at Westminster. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
KATHERINE McCLURE
Flute
M.M., Mason Gross School of the Arts; B.A., Skidmore College. Studied with Julius Baker, William Bennett, Michel Debost, Jean-Pierre Rampal, James Scott and Robert Dick. Two years of baroque traverso flute study with Pierre Sechet and Philippe Suzanne in Paris. Teaching experience: Conservatoire Indépendant Alfred Loewenguth in Paris; Rutgers University; Peddie School; Wagner College. Currently teaches at The Lawrenceville School and maintains a private studio. Performs with Newtown Chamber Symphony, Riverside Symphonia, Princeton Symphony, Greater Trenton Symphony, Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Edison Symphony. Member of the Volanti Flute Quartet. Duo partner with Esma Pasic-Filipovic, piano, since 1998. Conservatory faculty since 1988.
AURORA MICU
Voice
M.M., voice performance and pedagogy; B.M., voice performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; Pre-college Diploma, The Juilliard School. International Institute of Vocal Arts, Italy; Intermezzo Young Artist Program. Studied with Anne Ackley Gray, Zehava Gal and Laura Brooks Rice. Recitals at Westminster and Juilliard; performances and touring with the Westminster Choir, Westminster Opera Theater roles in L’Incoronazione di Poppea and Amahl and the Night Visitors; performances with the Musical Amateurs Society of Princeton. Recipient of numerous scholarships and awards including the George Vassos French Mélodie Award; Elaine Isaacson Browne Award. Recital and master class performances at the Britten-Pears Music Festival (UK); International Chamber Music and Early Music Festivals (Romania) and Bay View Music Festival (MI). Opera festivals include International Institute of Vocal Arts, Chiari Italy with Poppea (L’incoronatione di Poppea), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni); Intermezzo Young Artist Program with Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi) and Susanna (Marriage of Figaro, Act IV); Shaker Mountain Opera Festival with Antonia (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), The Countess (Marriage of Figaro), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), The Monitor (Suor Angelica) and Flora Bevoix (La Traviata); Westminster Summer Concert Series with Anna (Le Villi). Conservatory faculty since 1997.
DENISE MIHALIK
Voice
M.M., University of North Carolina at Greensboro; B.M.E., summa cum laude, Westminster Choir College of Rider University, member Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. Studied with Jane Bunnell, Metropolitan Opera principal artist. Teaching experience: voice, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC; diction, UNC-Greensboro. Apprenticeship with Lyric Opera Cleveland. Toured nationally with the National Opera Company. Favorite roles include Rosina, Cherubino, Perichole, Orlofsky, Siebel, Hansel, Mercedes, Olga Olsen and Flora. Opera companies and orchestras include Natchez Opera Festival, Greensboro Opera Company, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Metro Lyric Opera, North Carolina Symphony and Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, among others. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
JOE MILLER
Honor Youth Chorale Conductor
Conservatory faculty since 2008.
CHIKA MIMURA
Suzuki Violin
Conservatory faculty since 2009.
LINDA MINDLIN
Voice
B.M.E, voice performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; graduate voice pedagogy studies, master classes with Shirlee Emmons, Richard Miller, Barbara Hahn, Zehava Gal, Juliann Baird and others; voice study with Diane Curry, Emma Small, Zehava Gal and others. Opera performances with the Opera Festival of New Jersey; oratorio and concert soloist with area choruses and orchestras. Performance in recital, operetta and musical theater; extensive ensemble and choral experience, including The Dale Warland Singers. Voice clinician for the Middlesex County Teen Arts Festival and choral vocal coach for area choruses. Teacher in artist-in-residency programs in schools. Previous positions as director of youth choirs; music director of youth summer music program in New Brunswick, NJ. Private voice studio since 1986. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
JUDITH MORSE
Viola, Violin
Ed.M., M.A., music education, Columbia University; B.M., music performance, Manhattan School of Music; Conducting Diploma, Vienna Conservatory. Studied violin/viola with Raphael Bronstein and Samuel Applebaum. Teaching experience: String Specialist K-12 and teaching assistant to Samuel Applebaum at various universities throughout the United States. Performance experience: Conductor & Music Director, Edison Symphony Orchestra, conducted at Carnegie Hall 2008 and various concert performances throughout the United States. Violin performances at Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Irish Philharmonic, American Ballet Orchestra, and various music artists. Member of MENC & NJ Music Educators, and a member of the 2007, 2008 Marquis Who's Who of American Women. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
SUSAN MOXLEY
Trombone, Baritone Horn
B.A., music performance, Glassboro State College. Teaching experience: private students ranging in age from elementary through high school. Performance experience: full-time musician with 590th Air Force Band of the East, four years; 63rd Army National Guard Band, eight years. Maintains active performing schedule in the area with several concert bands, orchestras, a brass band, and small brass groups. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
EMILY MULLER
Viola, Violin
B.M., New School of Music. Performance experience: Delaware Symphony violinist for 8 years; played with Philly Pops, Concerto Soloists, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Company of Delaware, Reading Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Orchestra 2001, Kennet Square Symphony, Trenton Symphony, Riverside Symphony and current member of the Princeton Symphony, finishing 8th year there. Teaching experience: string teacher and string orchestra conductor at the Waldorf School of Princeton; occasional string coach for the Middle School level of the Princeton Youth Orchestra. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
NICHOLAS MYNYK (leave of absence)
Piano
M.M., B.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University; Professional Diploma, Pontificio Instituto di Musica Sacra, Rome. Studies with George Castanzo, Sharon Toman, Lillian Livingston, Gavin Black, Betty Stoloff, Phyllis Lehrer, Ena Barton. Performances at Westminster Choir College, Princeton University, Marywood University, University of Scranton, Duke University. Conductor of the Academy of St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra with performances throughout France and northern Italy. Teaching experience: Somerville School of Music, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Trenton, NJ), St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Newtown, PA). Conservatory faculty since 2002.
ALISON NEELY
Piano, Honors Music Program Director
M.A., Hartt School of Music; B.A. with honors, Wesleyan University. Piano studies with Paul Rutman, Leonard Shure, Sanda Schuldmann, Gellert Modos. Additional studies in Ideokenesis and Bioenergetics with Ann Cowlin and Leslie Case. Winner of the Tischler Prize. Frequent adjudicator and clinician throughout the tri-state area. Teaching experience: Neighborhood School of Music; Wesleyan University; private studio since 1979. Conservatory faculty since 1991.
FLORA NEWBERRY
Trumpet
B.M., trumpet performance, The Juilliard School; jazz studies, William Paterson College. Performing experience: principal trumpet, Orquesta Sinfonica of Guanajuato, Mexico; touring with the Kit McClure Big Band; area pit orchestras; Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Trenton Symphony, Washington Cornetts and Sackbuts, Burlington Brass; freelance engagements with groups playing renaissance to contemporary music. Active composer and leader of therapeutic music groups for senior citizens. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
RUTH OCHS
Community Orchestra Conductor
Ph.D., musicology (in progress), Princeton University; M.M., orchestral conducting, The University of Texas at Austin; B.A., music, magna cum laude, Harvard University. Student of Michael Jinbo; studied several summers at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, ME; Fulbright Scholar to Germany. Conducting positions: conductor with The University of Texas String Project and music director of the Austin Philharmonic; presently conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
SANDRA OLSON
Flute
D.M.A. (a.b.d.), flute performance, University of Illinois. Studied with Geoffrey Gilbert, Alex Murray and Gerald Carey. Currently teaching band and choir at Crossroads South Middle School in South Brunswick, NJ. Teaching experience: assistant professor of flute, Eastern Illinois University and Millikin University; director of Tampa Suzuki flute players, University of South Florida. Performance experience: principal flute, Brevard Symphony Orchestra (FL); principal flute, Decatur Symphony (IL). Conservatory faculty since 1994.
KEVIN O'MALIA
Piano
B.M., summa cum laude, M.M., with distinction, church music, Westminster Choir College. Studies with Pamela Carroll, Mark Anderson (organ), Diane Belcher (organ) and JJ Penna. Solo and ensemble recitals in the US, England and France, both piano and organ, Canterbury Cathedral, Norte Dame, Paris, also the Academy of Music in Philadelphia and at the White House. Distinguished appearances with Marilyn Horne, Anne Sophie Mutter and Booker Rowe. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
ELENA PANOVA
Piano, Chamber Music Coordinator
M.M., with honors, Sverdlovsk Pedagogical State University (Russia); B.M., Tchaikovsky Musical College (Russia). Performing experience as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician in Russia and US. Teaching experience: State Music School No. 2, St. Petersburg, Russia; Rutgers Community Music Program; Peddie School. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
ESMA PASIC-FILIPOVIC
Piano, Concerto Competition Coordinator
M.M.A., B.M.A., Academy of Arts, University Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. Piano performance studies with Arbo Valdma. Winner at competitions in Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia. Solo performances, performances with orchestra and chamber music performances in the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, US. Teaching experience: Music Academy of University of Sarajevo; Hochschule für Musik, und Darstellende Kunst, Vienna; Yonkers, NY, Princeton. Private studio since 1981. Adjudicator at piano festivals in NJ. Duo partner with Katherine McClure, flute. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
DANIEL PEREZ
Improvisation
B.M., saxophone performance, Berklee College of Music, World Scholarship Tour and Berklee Achievement Scholarship recipient. Studied with Grammy winner Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat &Tears), Frank Tiberi (Woody Herman Band), Wayne Naus (Buddy Rich Band), Scott Grimaldi (Nelson Riddle Orchestra). Teaching experience: private studio since 2000; Saxophone instructor, Fontaine Music Academy. Performances with Don Braden, 2007 Gospel Fest winners George Sykes: SIII & The Truth. Appearances since 2006 in NY, NJ, PA, MA, AK, CA, the Caribbean. Recordings with 2006 Grammy nominee Christian Scott, Conservatory faculty since 2008.
VANESSA PERRY
Musical Theatre
B.M., Shenandoah University, M.M., Catholic University. As producer and performer, created series of concerts that include Vanessa: Live from Dante Hall, Vanessa and Friends, A tribute to Italy and That’s Amore. Performed in many operas and oratorios with companies that include the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, The Summer Opera Theater of Washington DC, Fairfax Choral Society, The Prince William Symphony Orchestra, and The Shaker Mountain Arts Festival. Director of Musical Theater for Harmonia School where she directed over 14 musicals. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
DEZHENG PING
Violin
B.A., Beijing Central Conservatory of Music; M.A., Minnesota State University Moorhead. Served on Concertmaster with Manalapan Battleground Symphony Orchestra. Full time violinist with Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and Beijing National Symphony Orchestra in China. Has given numerous recitals and soloist performances with Orchestras. The main repertories including performing Mozart violin concerto in A major with China Central Philharmonic in Beijing Concert Hall; and Bruch violin concerto in G minor with Manalapan Symphony Orchestra. Performed with String Quartet and broadcasted by the PPT TV Station on Mozart Festival. Member of both the American Federation of Musicians and Music Teacher National Association. Performed in various countries, including Japan, Malaysia and Macao in Asia, as well as European countries such as Spain, Swaziland, England, Italy, France and Germany. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
PETER PLOMCHOK
Guitar
B.A., Rutgers University. Studied with Robert DiNardo, Edward Flanagan, Joseph Federico; performed in master classes with jazz guitarists Jimmy Raney and Attila Zoller. Teaching experience: Settlement Music School, Music Masters and Neupauer Conservatory of Music. Conservatory faculty since 1984.
AGNES POLTORAK
Piano
M.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College. Piano studies with Ena Bronstein Barton and pedagogy with Phyllis Alpert Lehrer and Louise Goss. Teaching experience: The New School for Music Study; Tom Lee Music Academy (Vancouver, BC). Associate adjunct professor of piano, Westminster Choir College. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
DARLENE POPKEY
Piano
M.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.M., piano performance, University of Western Ontario. Teaching experience: private studio since 1996. Performing experience: early music harpsichord and flute performances. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
GALINA PRILUTSKAYA
Piano
M.M., Astrakhan Conservatory, Russia; B.A., Moscow College, named after Ippolitov-Ivanov. Studied with Grefory Dinar, Valentino Pavlova and Irma Perlin. Master classes with Boris Zemlyausiliz and Roman Klyachko. Performances as soloist, accompanist and chamber musician in the US and Russia. Frequent adjudicator and master class lecturer. Many students have won numerous competitions and play with orchestras. Teaching experience: Moscow State Music School, private studio in the Moscow region and Princeton. Conservatory faculty since 1992.
TOM PURVIANCE
Piano
M.M., music history, Temple University; B.M., piano performance, Westminster Choir College. Additional graduate studies in voice from Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts. Performance experience in United States and Europe as soloist in recital and with orchestra. Conservatory faculty since 2009.
CECELIA REILLY
Piano
M.M., composition, B.M., music education, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Studied with Ena Bronstein Barton, Stefan Young and Laurie Altman. Teaching experience: high school chorus, handbells, private piano, band, voice in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands for seven years; high school chorus and piano in Trenton, NJ for two years. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
JESSICA REY-DE-CASTRO
Piano
M.M., piano pedagogy and performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., Middlebury College. Studied privately with Phyllis Lehrer, Beth Olsen, and Diana Fanning. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
HEATHER RHEAM
Trumpet
M.M., trumpet performance, Michigan State University; B.M., Trumpet Performance, Rutgers University. Performed with various Rutgers University and Michigan State University Ensembles, Ceremonial Brass Trumpet Quartet and a freelance trumpet performer since 1996. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
KYU-JUNG RHEE
Piano
D.M.A., M.M., B.M., Rutgers University. Piano studies with Theodore Lettvin, Samuel Dilworth-Leslie and Maria Valgoczy; chamber music studies with Bernard Greenhouse, Zara Nelsova and Arnold Steinhardt; master classes with Carola Grindea, Richard Goode, Russell Sherman, Nelita True, Robert Taub, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, John Perry and Donald Weilerstein. Participation in festivals at Rutgers University, Round Top (TX) and Aspen. Recipient of the Nicholas Scholarship, Aspen Music Festival Scholarship, Darrell Morrow Scholarship and Eubie Blake Scholarship. Prizewinner, Joanna Hodges Piano Competition. Former faculty, Kon-Kuk University, Yewon School of the Arts for Gifted Children, Han-Yang Women’s College (Seoul, Korea) and Rutgers University Community Music School. Currently serves as music director of the Princeton Presbyterian Church. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
MARVIN ROSEN
Piano, Scholarship Competition Coordinator
Ed.D., Columbia University; M.M., Manhattan School of Music; B.A., Trenton State College. Piano studies with Shirley Bachelor and Karl Ulrich Schnabel. Pedagogy study with Robert Pace, Frances Clark and Louise Goss. Solo performances at Westminster Choir College; the Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.; Moniuszko Music Society, Warsaw, Poland; and many others. Two recordings of music by Alan Hovhaness for Koch International Classics. Host of weekly radio program “Classical Discoveries” on WPRB. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
SETH ROSENTHAL
Flute
B.A., Queens College CUNY. Principal teachers were Julius Baker, Harold Bennett, John Wion, James Pappoutsakis. Performed with State Symphony of Mexico, NJ Symphony, NYC Opera, Sol Hurok Enterprises (Royal Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Australian Ballet, Mazawsze Ballet, Moiseiev Ballet touring orchestras), Sarasota Chamber Festival, Young Artists at Tanglewood, Queens Symphony, Goldman Band, Seuffert Band, Orchestra da Camera. Currently performs with the Edison Symphony, Shore Ballet, Metro Lyric Opera of NJ, Garden State Symphonic Band, Con Brio Winds, Queens Festival Winds and other groups, chamber music and school concerts throughout NJ and NY. Member of the Board, NY Flute Club. Former instructor at Long Island Institute of Music, with private studios originally in NYC and now NJ since 1977. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
LYNN RUBIER-CAPRON
Suzuki Violin
Conservatory faculty since 2009.
TOMASZ RZECZYCKI
Cello
D.M.A, cello performance, The University of Texas at Austin; M.M., cello performance, Shenendoah Conservatory; B.A., music, Music Academy in Cracow, Poland. Studied with and was teaching assistant for Phyllis Young. Performing experience as chamber musician and orchestral player: Bach Academy under Helmuth Rilling (Arthuas Musik recordings); Pavarotti Orchestra (South American tour); Warsaw Mozart Festival (period instrument); Austin Symphony; Abilene Philharmonic. Collaboration with numerous artists, including Martin Ostertag, Thomas Brandis, Claus Kanngiesser, Lynn Harrell, Evelyn Elsing, Daniel Morganstern, Paul Olefsky, Krzysztof Penderecki. Teaching experience: Austin Chamber Music Academy, Princeton Day School, Waldorf School. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
ERICA SCHLEGEL
Piano
B.M., piano pedagogy and piano accompanying, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Piano studies with Phyllis Lehrer and JJ. Penna. Teaching experience: current faculty at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton; former faculty at the Somerville School of Music. Accompanying experience includes Princeton Summer Theater, Westminster summer programs, local children’s choirs and vocal studios at Westminster Choir College. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
NICHOLAS SCHIDLOVSKY
Piano
Ph.D., M.F.A., Princeton University, Department of Music; B.A., Williams College. Pianist, historical ethnomusicologist, composer, and vocal (liturgical) collegium director. Extensive record of music teaching and musicianship including the faculties of Westminster Choir College and Westminster Conservatory. Public lectures at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) and Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC). Recipient of prestigious awards as musician and scholar (well-known for leading publications as medievalist and global chant specialist) from the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Martha B. Rockefeller Fund for Music, International Research and Exchanges Board, Fulbright-Hays, Dumbarton Oaks, and others). Participant in premier exchange as an American music student at the Moscow Conservatory, U.S.S.R., 1978-80. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
ALYNN SCHWIEP
Piano
M.M (in progress), piano pedagogy, B.M., piano pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
MARJORIE SELDEN
Viola, Violin
M.M., B.M., Boston University, SUNY Albany, Rutgers University. Studied with Nathan Gottschalk, Walter Trampler, Michael Tree. Currently principal violist with Newtown Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of St. Peter-by-the-Sea. Also regular member in Delaware Valley Philharmonic and Edison Symphony. Conservatory faculty 1987-90, 2002 - .
SARAH SENSENIG
Voice
M.M., voice performance, Eastman School of Music; B.M., voice performance, Westminster Choir College. Teachers and coaches include Margaret Cusack, Carol Webber, J.J. Penna, Benton Hess. Summer Music Festivals attended include Aspen Music Festival, Chautauqua Institute Voice Program, Spoleto Festival USA, Si parla, si canta in Italy. Awards from Eastman School of Music are Renee Fleming Award, Eastman Concerto Competition Winner, Friends of Eastman Opera Competition Finalist. Opera Roles at Westminster include Cherubino in Marriage of Figaro, Nancy in Albert Herring, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Dido in Dido and Aeneas, and, at Eastman, Valencienne in The Merry Widow. Also teaches at the Pennington School. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
KATHY SHANKLIN
Piano
B.A., Western Illinois University; B.M., organ performance, IU-PU at Fort Wayne; graduate studies in piano accompanying and coaching, Westminster Choir College. Music director at Princeton Ballet School, 1998-2002. Adjunct music faculty at the Lawrenceville School since 2002. Conservatory faculty since 2002.
ANGELINA SHAPOVAL
Piano
B.M., San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Piano studies with Mack McCray, harpsichord with L. Goldberg. Solo and chamber performances, Violin-Piano Duo Consortium, San Francisco Conservatory Baroque Orchestra (harpsichord). Workshops in choral conducting and performance; director of music for church children’s program. Teaching experience: Calder Academy of Music (Cupertino, CA.) and private studio in Princeton area. Conservatory faculty since 2001.
WILLIAM SHEIBINGER
Piano
B.M., Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Teacher’s certificate, Westminster Conservatory. Studied with Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Ena Bronstein Barton. Conservatory faculty since 1994.
DAURI SHIPPEY
Voice
M.M., B.M., voice & opera, The Juilliard School. Major teachers included Beverley Peck Johnson, Eleanor Steber, Martial Singhe and Judith Coen. Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, Joy in Singing International, Pavarotti International, Minna Kaufmann Ruud Competition. Member of NATS and Mu Phi Epsilon. Has sung leading roles internationally, including Tosca, Turandot, Kostelnicka, Micaela, Countess, Suor Angelica, Giorgetta, Fiordiligi, Donna Elvira and recitals, including soloist at National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C. Founder and Director of Passaggio Chorale. Private studio since 1995. Summer voice faculty of Spoleto (Italy) Vocal Arts Symposium. Conservatory faculty since 2006.
RITA SHKLAR
Piano
M.M., Rutgers University; B.M., Rimsky-Korsakov Musical College of the State Conservatory, St. Petersburg, Russia; Graduate studies, Longy School of Music, Cambridge, MA. Studied with Theodore Lettvin, Victor Rosenbaum and Faina Bryanskaya. Master classes with Claude Frank, Nathan Perelman and Grigory Sokolov. Solo and chamber recitals in the US, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Russia. Frequent adjudicator and master class lecturer throughout the tri-state area. Teaching experience: The College of New Jersey since 2002; Professional Development Certificate Program, Westminster Choir College; private music studios in Boston and NJ. Recipient of several teaching awards, including Cecilian Distinguished Pedagogy Award for outstanding teaching; Certificates of Excellence in teaching from American Concert Alliance and American Fine Arts Festival. Students have won prizes at the NJMTA Young Artist Competition, the Steinway Society Competition and the Cecilian Young Artist Competition, among others; students’ venues include Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall), Merkin Hall (New York) and Kimmel Arts Center (Philadelphia). Conservatory faculty since 1994.
ALISON SIMPSON
Harp
B.M., Cleveland Institute of Music; B.A., Wheaton College; further graduate study at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Studied with Alice Chalifoux. Teaching experience: Settlement School, Solebury School and private studio. Conservatory faculty since 1985.
DANIELLE SINCLAIR
Voice
M.M., vocal performance, University of Northern Iowa; B.S., music and french, Indiana University. Vocal studies with Zehava Gal, Harold Evans and Marianne Weltmann. Solo performances with Seattle Symphony, Broadway Symphony, Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs, Concert Opera Philadelphia. Currently on roster of New York City Opera. Frequent appearances on Westminster’s recital series. Director of Youth Opera Workshop. Private studio since 1994. Conservatory faculty since 2000.
SETH SLAYMAKER
Piano
M.M., B.M., piano pedagogy and performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Recipient of first place honors in the Westminster Piano Competition ’04-06 and second place ’07. Studied privately with Ingrid Clarfield and Mary T. Soper. Studied pedagogy with Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Lillian Livingston, Betty Stoloff, Ingrid Clarfield, and Dr. James Goldsworthy. Teaching experience: private lessons and theory teacher for the Westminster Conservatory Middle School Piano Camp. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
FRANCES TAYLOR
Piano
M.M., music education, Teachers College, Columbia University; diploma in music, Mannes College of Music; B.A., with honors, sociology, Essex University. Suzuki training from School for Strings in New York and Neighborhood Music School in New Haven. Former faculty member of Mannes College of Music, The Hartt School of Music and Tabor Community Arts Center. Conservatory faculty since 2004.
MIKE TAYLOR
Guitar, Bass
B.M., jazz performance, Temple University. Esther Boyer Scholarship and Temple Jazz Scholarship recipient. Recording experience: has recorded on more than 20 recordings including The Edge City Collective's Trilogy and with the legendary Odean Pope on his tribute "To the Roach." Performing experience: actively working with Matt Davis' Aerial Photograph, The Chance Trio and Minas; freelance musician working with many top musicians, including John Swana, Sid Simmons, Tom Lawton, Jon Madof and Bobby Zankel. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
PATRICIA THEL
Cantus Choir Conductor
M.M., East Carolina University; B.M., University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Sang with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under Robert Shaw. Teaching experience: choral conducting and public school music in GA, NC and Washington, DC; master teacher in a lab school setting at Ithaca College School of Music. Has taught as adjunct on Westminster Choir College faculty. Founder of Westminster Conservatory Children’s Choirs. Conservatory faculty since 1988.
KRISTEN TOPHAM
Piano
M.M., piano performance and pedagogy, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.M., piano performance, Brigham Young University. Studied with Ingrid Clarfield, Marlene Bachelder and Sandra Pucciati. Honorable mention in NJMTA collegiate competition, 2005; performed at Carnegie Hall for the American Music Teachers Association competition, 2004. Conservatory faculty since 2003.
TIMOTHY P. URBAN
Voice, Recorder, Music Theory
Ph.D., M.A., Rutgers University; M.M., SUNY Binghamton, M.F.A., Sarah Lawrence College. Additional studies at Kodály Pedagogical Institute, Kecskemét, Hungary and Leipzig University, Germany. Performances throughout Hungary, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the US. Teaching experience: Rutgers University, Columbia University, SUNY Binghamton, Seton Hall University, Westminster Choir College, Brookdale Community College; guest lecturer and clinician at University of San Diego, Hong Kong Baptist University and National Sun Yat Sen University (Taiwan). Conservatory faculty since 1995.
YANA VASILYENA
Piano
B.M., piano performance, Manhattan School of Music. Teaching experience: Manhattan School of Music, Preparatory Division, Accompanist, Princeton Repertoire Ballet, Piano Instructor & Accompanist, Lawrenceville Preparatory School. Conservatory faculty from 1995-97, 2006 - .
CAROL REDFIELD VIZZINI
Cello, Early Childhood, String Department Head
B.M., Philadelphia Musical Academy. Studied with Elsa Hilger and George Ricci. Biography in Who’s Who of American Women, 1999-2000; Who’s Who in the World, 17th edition; International Who’s Who in Music and Musicians’ Directory, 17th edition. Performance experience: Princeton Chamber Symphony, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea, freelance (chamber music and orchestral). Teaching experience: Delbarton School, Lawrenceville School, Hun School and private studio; coaching staff of Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra and New Jersey Youth Symphony. Conservatory faculty since 1987.
SYLVIE WEBB
Piano
Studied piano in France. Gold Medal from National Conservatory of St. Germain en Laye; Prix d’Excellence from regional Conservatory; First Prize winner in the Greater Paris Piano Competition. Frequent soloist and chamber musician in France and tri-state area. Private studio in Princeton. Conservatory faculty since 1994.
DEBRA WIGGINS
Piano
B.S., cum laude, La Salle University; Certificate of Piano Pedagogy, Westminster Choir College; University of Frankfurt, Germany, studied piano with Frau Mendelssohn-Schollwoeck; College of New Jersey, studied piano with Shirley Bachelor; Rowan University, music history, theory and ear training. Further piano study with Esma Pasic-Filapovic, Mathew Bengtson, and Dolly Krasnapolski. Voice study with Dolores Ferraro. Teaching experience: Wilmington Music School, Wilmington, DE; Woodland Country Day School, Bridgeton, NJ – instructor and accompanist; Private Studio. Voice performances: Chorus member for Delaware Symphony Orchestra; Choral Arts Society, Philadelphia, PA; Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, Philadelphia, PA. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
HENDRY WIJAYA
Piano
D.M.A., M.M., B.M., Manhattan School of Music; L.R.S.M. diploma with highest distinction, Royal Schools of Music. Piano studies: Constance Keene, Herbert Stessin, Robert Weirich; chamber music: Jeanne Baxtresser, Sylvia Rosenberg, Frank Morelli, Linda Chesis. Winner in 1996 of Artist International’s Young Artist Piano Award; New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall; first public performance at age four on the National Public Radio of Indonesia. Performances at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall, Yamaha Hall, Eastern Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival. Author of an advice column in Staccato, a monthly music education magazine in Indonesia. Music director, Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church. Advisor and visiting artist for E.L.M.S. Conservatory in Jakarta. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
BARBARA HIGHTON WILLIAMS
Flute
B.A., with honors, Principia College. Studied with Thomas Perazzoli, Jacob Berg, Frances Blaisdell and Jayn Rosenfeld. Master classes with Frances Blaisdell, Julius Baker and Joshua Smith. Former member of San Jose Wind Symphony. Chamber, solo and freelance orchestral performances in California, France, Washington, DC and throughout New Jersey. Member of the Volanti Flute Quartet. Private teaching studio in Princeton since 1996. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
CRAIG WILLIAMS
Organ
M.M., organ performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University; Church Music Certificate with honors, Westminster Conservatory; M.M., piano, The Juilliard School; B.M., cum laude, piano, University of Southern California. Organ studies with Eugene Roan, conducting studies with Allan Crowell and Andrew Megill. First recipient of the Currin Scholarship (full graduate) in organ performance. Organist and Director of Music, Cadet Chapel, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; adjunct professor of organ, Nyack College. Conservatory faculty since 1999.
KEVIN WILLOIS
Flute
M.M., flute performance; B.M., music education and performance, Rutgers University Mason Gross School for the Arts. Member of Hofstra University orchestra and concert band; performances with Freeport, Queensboro College and Mercer County Community bands. Principal flute, Rutgers Orchestra and SummerFest Orchestra. Concerts and recordings with various R&B groups in the last 20 years. Current member of Sonora Winds. Conservatory faculty since 1998.
AMY WOLFE
Flute
M.M., University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.M., magna cum laude and Performer’s Certificate, SUNY/Fredonia. Studied with Donald H. Hartman, Robert Cole, Bonita Boyd (Chautauqua Institution), Murray Panitz (Temple University Music Institute and Festival) and Patricia Spencer. Master classes with Marcel Moyse and Karl Kraber. Semi-finalist, Coleman Chamber Music Competition. Performances with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Princeton Pro Musica, Trenton Symphony, Riverside Symphonia. Recording with the American Boychoir, James Litton, conductor. Member of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra since 1982. Conservatory faculty since 1978.
RICHARD WOO
Piano
M.M. (in progress) piano pedagogy and performance, Westminster Choir College of Rider University, B.S., Rutgers University. Studying privately with Ingrid Clarfield. Past teachers include Qian Xin Mao and Marjorie Sarosky. Studying pedagogy with Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Dr. Chiu-Ling Lin, Thomas J. Parente, Dr. James Goldsworthy, and Ingrid Clarfield. Teaching experience includes private students, Lou Rose Music Center, and Westminster’s High School Piano Camp. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
AMY GOODMAN WULFMAN
Chamber Music
M.M., University of Wisconsin; B.A., Yale University. Studied at the Vienna Academy with Gunter Pichler and Michael Frischenschlager. Performance experience: international career as a concert violinist, performing with orchestras in Europe and in the United States, performing and recording with the baroque ensemble Capella Academica under Eduard Melkus. Played in numerous chamber music concerts, including perfomances at the Bach Aria Festival in Stonybrook, NY. Teaching experience: faculty of the New England Conservatory, the Phillips Andover Academy, and Music on the Hill, all located in the Boston area; current faculty of The Lawrenceville School. Co-founder of the New Haven Summer Quartet Camp. Conservatory faculty since 2008.
GRACE YANG
Piano
M.M., B.M., Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea. Masterclasses with Ingrid Clarfield, Westminster Choir College. Performing experience: Church Pianist/Concert Accompanist, Arcola Korean United Methodist Church, Paramus, NJ & Kwang-Lim United Methodist Church, Seoul, South Korea. Teaching experience: La La Music Institute, South Korea; private studio since 1997. Honored with 1st prize, Organ Performance Competition, Westminster Choir College, 1998; Concert Finalist, International Musical Festival, Geneva, 1995 & Summer Musical Festival, 1995. Conservatory faculty since 2005.
MARLENE YENI-MAITLAND
Piano
M.M.E., Westminster Choir College of Rider University; B.A., State University of New York, Empire State College; Certified in Dalcroze Eurthymics, Juilliard Dalcroze Institute; Piano Studies, Vera Popova, Phyllis Lehrer; Improvisation/jazz studies, Robert Abramson, Ken McIntyre, Sal Mosca; Dalcroze clinician, workshop presenter, Towson University, University of Delaware, Rutgers University, ECMMA International Convention, Montessori Administrators Conferences; Adjunct Professor Middlesex Community College, 2002-2006; Dalcroze Eurhythmics instructor, Lucy Moses School, NYC, 1999-2003; Piano/theory faculty, Turtle Bay Music School NYC, 1976-1981; Early childhood music certification, Kindermusik, Musikgarten; Music director, Unitarian Montessori School, NJ, 2003-present; Active accompanist; Private piano studio since 1974. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
DARRYL YOKLEY
Saxophone
M.M., saxophone performance, Michigan State University; B.M., saxophone performance, Duquesne University. Studied with James Houlik, Joseph Lulloff, Tim Gordon, Stephen Pollock, Mike Tomaro, and Derrick Gardner. Teaching experience: clinician, Oak Park School District, Detroit, MI; woodwind instructor, Wolverine Band; private instruction, saxophone, improvisation, flute and clarinet. Active performer with The Four Tops and The Temptations, as well as previous work with a variety of ensembles. Semifinalist, Honors Competition, Michigan State University, 2005-06. Conservatory faculty since 2007.
MARION ZARZECZNA
Piano
B.M., Curtis Institute of Music. Teaching experience: Curtis Institute of Music, Westminster Choir College. Awards: Fullbright grant in Italy; Leschetizky Debut Prize, NY; Kranichsteiner Musikpreis for Modern Music, Darmstadt, Germany; Premio Viotti, Vercelli, Italy; Stokes Award, Trenton. Recitalist and orchestra soloist in Europe and US. Conservatory faculty since 1972.
MARIA ZOLOTAREFF
Piano
M.M., B.M., Manhattan School of Music. Further studies: Mozarteum, Austria; Cambridge, England; Westminster Choir College. Studied with Heida Hermans, Jeaneane Dowis, Agustin Anievas, Alexander Fiorillo; accompanying with Carl von Schillhawsky, Martin Katz and Margaret Singer. Performances as soloist, accompanist and chamber music throughout Brazil, Russia, Europe and North America. Member, Associated Board of the Royal School of Music; Music Teachers National Association; artistic advisor to The Greater Princeton Steinway Society, former vice-president and chairman of the Scholarship Committee to the Greater Steinway Society. Teaching experience: Haddonfield School of Creative and Performing Arts; The Hun School; private studio since 1970. Conservatory faculty since 1986.
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