ADRIAN ARAIZA, Guitar (electric, acoustic)

B.A. Music Performance, dual degree in Guitar Performance and Music Synthesis, Berklee College of Music, Boston Ma – 2003; Diplomate in classical guitar, Baja California Orchestra and El Centro Hispanoamericano de Guitarra, Tijuana; BC, Mexico – 1996; Training with Professor Eugenio Gutierrez;Teachers included Jon Finn, Joe Stump, David Newsam, Mike Ihde, and Apostolos Paraskevas. Numerous recitals playing Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Blues, Rock, Jazz, Pop, and also worked as a Studio Musician. In addition he has lectured different schools in Boston and also given lessons at University of Hermosillo Mexico; Teaching experience ranges from teaching 5 y.o. to seniors in different styles of music, from Electric Guitar to Classical Guitar.Composed a series of Avant-Garde/Computer Music (Ambient, Minimal, Sound Object and Sound escape) pieces, based on the studies of Steve Reich, Ake Parmerud, Varese, Risset, Richard Boulanger.

Watch Adrian play:
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SVETLANA OSTROVSKAYA, Piano

Svetlana Ostrovskaya, piano instructor at Newton Music Academy B.M., M.M. in piano performance and pedagogy (Gorky State Conservatory, Russia); studies with Esther Lipovich, Galina Fadeeva, Vasily Shaub,Valery Starinin; former faculty, Gorky State Conservatory; solo and chamber performances, radio and TV appearances; lectures, masterclasses on various pedagogical topics, educational concert series in Russia and U.S. Faculty, New England Conservatory; Former faculty, Gorky Conservatory, Russia; Director and Founder, Newton Music Academy.

NATALIE LOGAN, Voice

Natalie Logan (soprano) is an accomplished singing actress and a dedicated voice teacher. She enjoys teaching students of all levels, ages, and voice types. With a strong background in voice, dance, and acting, she works with her students in many genres, including musical theatre, opera and contemporary music. Ms. Logan focuses on developing a healthy, expressive singing technique, regardless of style. She prepares her students for successful auditions, competitions, recitals, recordings, and live performances in musical theater, opera, jazz, and contemporary music. Ms. Logan is passionate about helping students find their own voice through teaching a healthy technical foundation.
Ms. Logan’s repertoire spans the genres of opera, musical theater, jazz, and contemporary music. Winner of The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera), 2016-17, Ms. Logan has performed with Boston Lyric Opera, Handel + Haydn Society, Boston Opera Collaborative, Berlin Opera Academy, Opera Steamboat, Symphony Nova, NewburyPort Choral Society, Opera Steamboat, Odyssey Opera, Opera in the Ozarks, Chicago Summer Opera, and Opéra Louisiane.
Ms. Logan is voice faculty at Boston Conservatory Vocal/Choral Intensive. She holds a B.M. in Voice from Louisiana State University and M.M., P.S.C. in Voice Performance from the Boston Conservatory.

JENNIFER ZABELSKY, Voice

Dr. Zabelsky was a voice instructor at Boston University and the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA. She has had the opportunity to give recent masterclasses at the Saarburg International Music Festival in Germany and at the University of Nevada, Reno. She joined Michigan Opera Theatre to perform in their productions of La Bohème, The Passenger, and MacBeth. She has been a guest soloist with the Reno Chamber Orchestra and the Reno Philharmonic on many occasions. Her most recent appearance with the RCO was as the soprano soloist for Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass under the baton of Theodore Kuchar. Dr. Zabelsky was the Nevada State and Southwest Division winner, and a National Finalist in the 2002 MTNA Voice Competition. She joined Really Spicy Opera in its season to sing the part of Fiona in The Frat Party, a production that she also musically directed. She returned in the season to musically direct The Clever Artifice of Harriet and Margaret at the 2015 Minnesota Fringe Festival. Dr. Zabelsky has been awarded at grant from Euro Atlantic Art Foundation to sing at the Bologna International Opera Academy.

CHIHIRO ASANO, Voice

Chihiro Asano graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with an Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy & Performance and also with Graduate Diploma in Opera Performance. Chihiro also holds a B.M in Voice Performance from Tokyo College of Music with Top Honors. In addition to her musical studies, Chihiro worked as an assistant to an otolaryngologist in Tokyo Voice Center which is directly connected to a vocal health.

Her staged performances include opera, chamber works, and contemporary experimental music. Most recently, she was seen playing Hiroko Watanabe in Jack Perla’s An American Dream and Ljubica in Ana Sokolović’s SVADVA. Other leading opera roles include Carmen in Carmen, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Dame3 in The Magic Flute, and Whitch2 in Dido and Aeneas.

In addition to performance, Chihiro is also passionate about teaching voice to her students.

She works with students of various ages, levels and musical styles, from music theater to classical. In her teaching, she focuses on developing healthy singing habits, correct breathing, expanding vocal range as well as overall musicality and love for singing.

JONATHAN YASUDA, Piano

Jonathan teaches classical repertoire, jazz improvisational techniques, Broadway, rock, pop. He enjoys teaching students of various levels and ages, from beginner to advance. Raised in Wellesley, and living with his Newton-raised wife, Mary, in Framingham, he is very familiar with the multifaceted and diverse goals of local families. Jonathan founded the nonprofit Volunteer Musicians for the Arts, Inc (www.volunteermusicians.org) because he believes “everyone deserves orchestra seats.” He is privileged to have studied at such schools as New England Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, College of the Holy Cross (full-tuition academic presidential scholarship) and to have worked beyond the traditional concert hall, performing for corporate clients such as The Taj, Boston Harbor Hotel, Omni Parker House, CB Richard Ellis, Natixis Global Asset Management, among others. Jonathan is on a faculty at College of the Holy Cross.

Alexandra Henderson, Voice & Piano

Alexandra Henderson (Soprano) is an accomplished musician and actress with a passion for sharing the joy of music. Alexandra recently graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music and holds an M. M. in Vocal Performance with academic honors. She also holds a B. M. in Vocal Performance from the Meadows School of Music at Southern Methodist University. Most recently, Alexandra was a member of the Janiec Opera Company with the Brevard Music Festival where she performed the lead role of the “Governess” in Benjamin Britten’s Turn of the Screw. While at the New England Conservatory of Music, Alexandra was a member of the “Song Lab”: a select group of performers chosen to participate in annual recitals and celebrity masterclasses.

As a teacher, Alexandra focuses her instruction on prioritizing a love of music and a nurturing atmosphere. With experience in musical theater, classical, jazz, and popular music, Alexandra is an artist who can provide instruction on a wide variety of genres. Lessons with Alexandra will include vocal technique training, music theory, basic piano skills, and work on solo or ensemble repertoire. The basis of her teaching philosophy comes from a foundation of healthy singing technique, through which students of any age can safely explore their unique skills. Students in Alexandra’s studio can expect a year filled with music, exploration, and fun!

Sue Kim, Piano, Composition, Jazz Improvisation

Sue Kim is a versatile musician and teaches Classical, Song Writing, Jazz improvisation, composition, music theory, ear training and music digital production. She loves working with students of various ages and abilities, from very young to adult. Sue also works as a freelance composer and composed for Netflix Drama “See You in My 19th Life”, film “Cuban Earth” among others.

Sue Kim holds her Bachelor in Music, Contemporary Writing & Production and Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music, Boston as well as studied in Valencia, Spain. Sue is a Recipient of Asia Scholarship Tour award.

Kimmi Wang, Piano

Kimmi hold two decades of experience as both a performer and a teacher. Trained at the prestigious National Taiwan University of the Arts where she received the Concert Night Award (Valedictorian), she also studied Jazz Improvisation at UC Berkeley, She has performed on international stages in Asia and North America and on a more casual basis in Africa, Great Britain and Europe. Her specializations include classical composition and contemporary jazz. With extensive knowledge of piano pedagogy and teaching methodologies, her passion is to share her knowledge and love of music in order to foster young students’ musical growth. She has been successfully preparing Grades 1 to 8 candidates to succeed in the ARSRM examinations for both theory and practical exams. Kimmi integrates teaching music theory, ear training and sight reading into her lessons, and has a patient and adaptable teaching approach to guide K-12 students through comprehensive curricula, covering fundamental techniques, repertoire selection and music theory. She also prepares students for live auditions, performances and music examinations. Kimmi has taought at Young Artists Conservatory of Music in California, the Cristofori Music School, Singapore, and the Yamaha Music Academy in Taiwan.

OLIVIA RHEIN, Voice

Olivia Rhein (soprano) is a successful vocalist and a dedicated voice teacher. She received her Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, where she was classically trained in voice and vocal pedagogy.

Ms. Rhein is teaching a wide range of vocal styles including classical, musical theatre, opera, contemporary and pop. In her lessons she focuses on teaching healthy vocal technique routed in a classical foundation, developing a healthy, expressive singing and correct breathing regardless of musical style. Lessons will include warmups that directly correlate with the repertoire and work on improving the students’ vocal range and agility. Each lesson is structured to develop artistry, attention to character, and connection between music and text.

Ms. Rhein is passionate about helping students reach their full potential through fostering their confidence, working on their stage presence and overall musicality. Her strong piano accompaniment skills and brings a fresh and exciting energy to her lessons

Ms. Rhein performed as a soloist in musical theatre productions, as well as classical settings, and has been a part of multiple highly renowned choral ensembles.

Kristina Newman, Voice

Victoria Gitten, Voice

Vocalist Victoria Gitten is a voice teacher and coach, originally from Wayland, MA, who holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in Theater Performance from Wagner College and is currently pursuing her masters in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre at Emerson College. She is an experienced performer and teacher with extensive training in voice, acting, and dance. Some of her favorite roles include: Belle in Beauty and The Beast; Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Arielle Moore in Footloose; Guido’s Mother in Nine; and as a featured ensemble member in Anything Goes. Some other performance favorites include appearing as featured soprano soloist at a DeCordova Museum Benefit Concert; competing as a finalist in The Peter Elvins Vocal Competition; and recording the part of Becky in Stand Up and Shout Rumpelstiltskin (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). More recently, Victoria acted as an extra alongside actor Chris Evans in Defending Jacob (Paramount Television/Apple TV+), which premiered in June 2020. She was also selected to appear as Michelle in the new musical comedy, T: An MBTA Musical!

Victoria believes in teaching acting through song and using the voice as a vessel of expression. She loves working with students of all ages and levels. As a voice teacher, she shows her students the importance of a healthy vocal technique and musical foundation, while exploring all styles and genres of singing. Besides building a solid foundation in vocal skill, Victoria is happy to work with each student to explore the music and musical styles they enjoy, and to coach them to their strengths to successfully audition for opportunities in the performance arts – to showcase their very best self!

OLGA LITVINTSOVA, Violin & Viola

Olga Litvintsova, violin instructor at Newton Music Academy Master of Music, Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and Education, Donetsk Prokofiev Conservatory, Ukraine; Awards and Honors: 11TH International Tchaikovsky Competition participant, Moscow, Russia; 4th International Prokofiev Competition, Mariupol, Ukraine; more then 10 years of teaching and performing experience; First violin/Assistant to the Music Director at Kiev national Opera House and Donetks Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra; Performed as a featured soloist in front of British former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, participation in a Golden Jubilee celebration of Her Majesty The Queen of The United Kingdom, The Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Her Accession to the Throne (February 6, 2002); Extensively perform with Cape Symphony, Plymouth Philharmonic and Indian Hill Orchestras and as a member of “Con Anima” Duet; Recorded three albums released in London (UK) and Kiev (Ukraine).

CECILIA R. BERGER, Violin, Viola, Cello

Cecilia R. Berger has fulfilled her passion for music and education through teaching the violin and viola for over 25 years. She received her Master of Music degree in violin performance from Bowling Green State University, OH and her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Lawrence University, WI. Cecilia is an advocate of fundamental practice techniques as the foundation for providing individualized methods that work best for each student in achieving their best as a violinist/violist and musician.  Cecilia has performed with over 15 orchestras throughout her career, was the violist in the Heidenheim quartet, Chicago, and currently serves as the principal second violinist with the Pioneer Valley Symphony.  She has worked with youth not only as a private lesson instructor, but also is the founder of the Strings For Kids program in Greenfield Public Schools, MA, and the manager of the Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Connie Pao, Piano/Voice

ADAM MERRILL, Piano

Adam Merrill  earned Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance with Magna Cum Laude from Idaho State University. He currently studies at Longy School of Music to earn a Masters of Music in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Spencer Myer. Notably, Adam is a named Janet and Irving Plotkin Scholar, as well as a Teaching Assistant. Previously, he has studied with Dr. Kori Bond and Dr. Brandon Bascom.

Adam J. Merrill has 8 years of teaching experience and loves sharing his passion for music with his students. He wants to make music available to those who need it. It is because of this unyielding desire to give back that he decided to pursue Teaching. To do this, Adam have found that analysis, reading, research, and score study give me more opportunities to find expression and understanding in music. With this concept, he wants to share that all aspects of music making and music study can be used for artistic expression. He is not only teaching students how to  be proficient at piano playing, but also to use the piano as a tool to express their unique thoughts and feelings.

Mr. Merrill has found great joy and satisfaction by being involved in the creative music process. Adam’s music career took off in 2014 when he performed with the Idaho State Civic Symphony. Sense then he has premiered new works, given benefit concerts, collaborative recitals, as well as solo recitals. He holds many awards, most notably, first prize in the state MTNA Young Artist competition, first prize in the ISCS Young Artist competition, first prize in the Musicians West piano competition, as well as honorable mention from both the 2018 and 2019 International Buono and Bradshaw competition. In addition, he is the assistant director of Musicians West Piano competition and Festival.

SIVAN ETEDGEE, Piano

Sivan Etedgee, B.A. in Piano Performance, University of New Hampshire; M.M in Piano Performance, Magna Cum Laude, Boston University; Extensive experience teaching students ranging from age 6 to adult; Teaching style includes improvisation and music theory, with strong emphasis on classical repertoire; Former Faculty Berwick Academy in ME; Adjunct Faculty University of New Hampshire; member of New England Piano Teachers’ Association; Frequent lectures and performances throughout New England; Director of “Concerts at St. John’s” in Dedham; Principal Teachers include Anthony di Bonaventura, Christopher Kies and Luiz de Moura Castro.

IRINA VORDERER, Piano

Irina received her Master of Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Gorky Conservatory of Music in Russia, and Bachelor of Arts in Teaching and Performance from Tiraspol College of Music, Russia.  Irina has over 15 years of teaching students from young beginner through advanced level. She takes a flexible approach that fits to the needs and goals of each individual student. While teaching a solid musical foundation, she is always looking for ways to maintain student’s interest and enjoyment. In her lessons Irina includes music theory and composition, playing duets and encouraging student’s creativity. Former faculty, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston MA.

TERESA BLOEMER, Viola/Violin

Teresa Bloemer is a passionate and enthusiastic instructor, who loves working with students of all ages and skill levels. She received her Performance Diploma and Master’s in Viola performance from Boston University. She worked as a teaching assistant with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras where mentored the younger string players. She has extensive teaching experience, and works with students of all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced.

An active freelancer, Teresa has performed with many varied ensembles including the Ohio Light Opera, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra, and the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra. Recently she attended the Brevard Music Festival where she performed masterworks under the direction of Keith Lockhart, JoAnn Falletta, and other notable conductors. In 2015 she was selected to perform in the Castleton Festival Orchestra under the direction of Rafael Payare and Fabio Luisi. Her teachers have included Michelle LaCourse, Hye Min Choi, Susan Dubois, Daphne Gerling, Cynthia Roberts, Lisa Boyko, and Matthias Maurer.

Synthia Sture, Piano

Synthia holds DMA (with Major in Piano Performance) from Boston University, MM with Major in Piano Performance from Longy School of Music and BM with Major in Piano Performance from Riga, Latvia. She has 25 years of teaching experience, which started when she was still in high school. Synthia enjoys working with students of all ages and levels, from beginning to advanced. Many of her students are winners of prominent music competitions. She also worked as a teaching assistant and vocal coach for Composers/Vocalists in Boston University Opera class.

Synthia is a First prize winner 1997 in La Grange Symphony Orchestra competition. She was praised by Richard Dyer in Boston Globe for “tremendous virtuosity and heart” in 2002 for Premier of Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Vuk Kulenovich in Boston College; Synthia performed in Germany and France with chamber performances, made her Japan Tour in Hiroshima, Kyotao, Tokyo in 2008, performed in Hodson Concert Hall, Athens, Georgia recital with Levon Ambarcumian, Boston University, University of Georgia, Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Tufts University, First Baptist Church, and other places. Synthia is also fully proficient in Russian (Russian literature), French, Italian and German.

ZHANNA KAPLAN, Piano

Zhanna Kaplan received her Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Chistopol College of Music in Soviet Union.  Ms. Kaplan greatly enjoys teaching. She is focusing on nurturing musicianship, love for music and works with students of all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced. In addition to working with students on their piano technique, developing their hand movement and beautiful sound, she also teaches music theory and prepares her students for performing in recitals. Above all, Ms. Kaplan endeavors to foster a productive musical relationship with all her students that will allow them to flourish and reach their potential.