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.

Ms. Ostrovskaya is a faculty member at the New England Conservatory, former faculty at the Gorky Conservatory in Russia, and the Director and Founder of the Newton Music Academy.

Sondra Kelly, Voice, Piano

For the past ten years, mezzo-soprano, Sondra Kelly, has been a teacher not only for Lincoln Center, but for conservatories, universities, young artist programs and music schools throughout the country. As a singer, Sondra has performed extensively throughout America, Europe and Asia, working with many prestigious conductors and directors, both ad the Metropolitan Opera and abroad.. She has sung over 250 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, New York. Her recordings are on Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical and Koch Schwann. All of her DVD’s are Live from the Met.
“My goal as a teacher is to instill confidence in my students so that they can become the musicians or performers they want to be. They must first learn the tools to accomplish this. Student’s needs are different because each student is unique. I empower them with the right skill set to get the job done.
I am extremely passionate about music and I enjoy sharing that passion with my students. Past students have said “my passion is contagious.” I’m extremely disciplined and a positive thinker, which enables me to stay at the top of my field. I teach the same objectives to my students.” – Sondra Kelly

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.

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.

Noah Stone, Piano

Noah Stone holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where they studied under Spencer Myer and Eri Nakamura. An enthusiastic teacher, chamber musician, and solo performer, Noah prioritizes emotional expression and interpersonal connection in their work.

As an educator, Noah’s goal is to equip students with the tools they need to achieve their personal and professional aspirations as pianists. They believe in a collaborative approach, viewing the student-teacher relationship as a partnership in the student’s unique musical journey. Above all, Noah is dedicated to helping students develop both the technical proficiency and musicianship necessary to express themselves through music.

As a performer, Noah’s programs reflect a deep love for both traditional and contemporary repertoire, with a commitment to broadening the canon and welcoming new audiences. Their performances span local and international stages, from community fundraisers to German song recitals in Berlin, Germany.

In their spare time, Noah enjoys running, 70s rock music, and spending time at the beach (with plenty of sunscreen).

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.

MARION AMELIA PALMIERO, Voice

Marion Amelia Palmiero is a Vermont-born Soprano with a passion for using music to evoke social change, community outreach, and inspire young musicians. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Music at the Longy School of Music, where she studies with Pamela Dellal. Marion has performed across New England in  opera, operetta and musical theater productions. Most recently, she’s been seen as Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, Cherubino in scenes of Le Nozze di Figaro, the First Actress in A…My Name is Alice, and Citizen’s Chorus of The Suppliant Women at Apollinaire Theater. Marion’s graduating recital, Metamorphosis, will address the mental illness epidemic that is rampaging the United States ‒ especially our youngest generation.

Some of Marion’s favorite performances, however, have been in atypical venues; she  participates annually in Project Serenade, a collaborative effort of the Opera Company of Middlebury and the Youth Opera Company of OCM where singers perform benefit concerts in nursing homes and senior centers as a way to give back to members of the community who can’t make it to the concert hall. 

When Marion began teaching, she was immediately fascinated by the technicality of the voice, and the incredible variety of education styles required for teaching students of all levels. Marion is grateful for the opportunity to teach aspiring performers for so many reasons ‒ in particular, she is able to explore the voice through the unique lens of each student. She finds teaching to be one of the most rewarding practices because she learns just as much from each and every student ‒ regardless of age or level ‒ as she hopes each student does from her. 

Marion’s teaching philosophy is founded on a  variety of vocalises and warm ups for finding a healthy, relaxed breath, tailoring speed of air, and creative exploration of the student’s instrument. Marion emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and open-mindedness in the learning process, and works with each student to make the practice room a safe place.

Kristina Newman, Voice

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

MARCELINE 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.

YUYEON LEE, Piano

Yuyeon Lee, a South Korean pianist renowned for her brilliant technique and delicate touch on the piano, has distinguished herself with outstanding performances held on various esteemed stages in Carnegie’s Weill Hall and the Tsai Performance Center in the United States, along with the Seoul Arts Center, Mozart Concert Hall, Suseong Artpia, and Youngsan Art Hall in South
Korea.
As a piano teacher, Yuyeon extends her commitment beyond conventional instruction, aiming to be a mentor who not only imparts musical knowledge but also inspires creativity and fosters a profound connection with music. She strives to create a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to express their musical ideas and emotions freely. At the heart of her teaching philosophy is the belief in music as a potent form of self-expression and the cultivation of a profound love for music that goes beyond simply reading notes on a page. By encouraging open discussions about the pieces they play, Yuyeon unlocks students’ creativity and ignites a lifelong passion for music. A crucial aspect of her approach is the development of self-confidence, as she helps each student recognize and believe in their unique musical abilities. Throughout their shared journey, they explore music, enhance technical skills, and nurture a deep, enduring appreciation for the art.
Yuyeon is currently pursuing a doctoral degree program at Boston University College of Fine Arts, where she studies under the guidance of Professor Boaz Sharon. She also holds a master’s degree from the same institution. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Sookmyung Women’s University, studying under Professor Hae Jeon Lee in South Korea.

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.