Abhay is a pianist and teacher based on Long Island, New York. Of Bengali descent, he was introduced to music through Hindustani Classical Music by his family, who were once Hindustani Classical singers. Since a young age, Abhay has taken a keen interest in the piano, as well as the trombone for a good portion of his youth. His musical palette spans a variety of genres other than Classical, including Jazz, R&B, Latin, Funk, and Rock. Abay is a Bachelor of Music Candidate in Music Education at the prestigious Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He has studied vast Classical repertoire and has been involved in a plethora of chamber ensembles, solo recitals, and orchestral performances, some of them whilst at ACSM. Note-able performances include: Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the QC Orchestra, a premiere of American composer Bruce Saylor’s song cycle based on Robert Frost poems “Frost & Snow”, QC’s Jazz Big Band, Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata, Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 7, contemporary Classical music such as Steve Reich’s Quartet for two pianos and two vibraphones, Frederic Rzewski’s Attica and Coming Together with Talujon Percussion, and much more. Furthermore, he is an active collaborative pianist who frequently works with vocalists and instrumentalists in the NYC area, with guidance and knowledge from Dr. Sherry Overholt. He has a passion for teaching piano, with students of different ages, ranging from age 6 to 80 years old, as well as students with varying skill levels. His passion and knowledge for music grows by the day, and he wishes to share it with as many people as he can!

Adam is a Long Island based music teacher in the New York City Department of Education. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Notre Dame, and  a Master's Degree in Music Education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. As an active member of the University of Notre Dame band program, Adam has taught and performed at numerous iconic venues and locations around the world, including Fenway Park, Boston's Symphony Hall, Cape Town, South Africa, and Hastings, New Zealand. As an educator, Adam has taught general music, band, and orchestra across all grade levels in a variety of different school environments. Adam has guided students towards successful performances in school and at NYSSMA Solo Festivals. In addition, Adam strives to help all students discover their own personal connection to music. Once this connection is established, practice becomes fun, and students can improve their skills while developing a lifelong love of music. Adam has the  education and expertise making him well versed to teach many instruments including saxophone, flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, and viola! 

Alejandro has enjoyed a multi-faceted career throughout the tri-state area. His endeavors have included performing in many of New York’s prestigious venues as well as a tour in China. His recent ventures include performing with Hofstra Symphony Orchestra, Suffolk Community College Wind Ensemble and Choir, and the Juilliard AXIOM ensemble. Alejandro joined the Mimesis Ensemble in recording their newest album “Another Day”. He recently participated in a masterclass for Stephen Taylor at Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Alejandro is also a passionate educator. He has been teaching privately throughout Queens and Long Island. He is currently completing his Doctoral degree at Stony Brook University, where he was a Teaching Assistant for the Stony Brook University Orchestra and the undergraduate Horn instructor. He is under the tutelage of David Jolley.

Alex is a private music instructor and is currently a high school music teacher at Long Island High School for the Arts where he teaches jazz ensemble, improvisation, audio production, and arranging. His goal in private instruction is to provide a fun and engaging learning environment. The first lesson with any student always starts with the same three questions:1. What makes you want to play this instrument? 2. What do you want to be able to do on this instrument?3. What is your favorite type of music? These questions give him the information he needs to cater the learning experience towards each individual student's interests. Alex's approach for all music lessons is to get students playing as quickly as possible. He uses familiar melodies and scaffolded notation to get students playing their instruments right away. Each lesson will introduce new music literacy concepts and technical skills that build on the previous lesson. It is his goal to ensure that every student has fun in their lesson while still learning the necessary and foundational skills on their instruments to consistently improve. He is skilled in preparing students for NYSSMA solos and has had the pleasure of students bringing back perfect scores. Alex is excited to join the LISM faculty where he will teach guitar and piano. 

Percussionist Alphonso is embodying what it means to be an adaptable percussionist. Having grown up in Queens, New York, he has been surrounded by music of all genres and styles for most of his life. Alphonso studied  percussion at Frank Sinatra School of The Arts and at the Aaron Copland School of Music  at Queens College. Alphonso has developed an eclectic taste in music spanning multiple genres and styles such as classical, Afro Cuban, Funk, Rock, Gospel, and many others. Alphonso has a vast number of performances under his belt, having performed with groups such as Talujon, Gamelan Yowana Sari, The New Westchester Symphony orchestra and Eternal love Baptist church, as well as the myriad of performances done while attending high school and College – All City Marching band, outreach performances at high schools, and several off Broadway shows.  Alphonso teaches percussion to students from beginner to advanced drum set lessons in addition to piano. Alphonso also has experience teaching students with special needs with patience and understanding. Alphonso is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of musicians!

Alyssa, is a graduate of Five Towns College and holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a concentration in voice. She has been classically trained vocally, but sings all styles anywhere from Opera to Pop music. Alyssa is a teacher of both Voice, and Piano. She has performed in many choral ensembles, solo recitals, as well as in her alternative country band. She has participated in NYSSMA both solo and with ensembles and now brings her experiences to her teaching. As a private instructor, Alyssa strives to meet each students goals to help them reach their highest potential. She looks forward to joining the LISM faculty where she will teach voice and piano!

Alyssa is a recent graduate of Molloy University with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. Alyssa has been singing since she could speak and has been playing the piano for over nine years. She loves performing. One of her most memorable musical accomplishments was the opportunity to sing for Billy Joel while attending the Long Island High School for the Arts. She has performed at Nassau Coliseum, and was the 2018 platinum award recipient at the Town of Oyster Bay Talent Competition. Alyssa is well versed in a variety of styles including pop, jazz, opera, classical, broadway and rock. Alyssa also writes her own original music. As a teacher she has worked with children of all ages throughout her career. Alyssa believes that music is the foundation to a well rounded individual and should be taught with compassion, understanding, passion, and creativity. She strives to bring all styles of music to the youth, showing the wide variety of sounds that voices and instruments can make. Alyssa would like to use her experiences as a performer to inspire and prepare students to express themselves in the real world of music. Alyssa is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach voice and piano! 

Soprano Amanda is a native of Long Island and an avid performer of opera, concert works and musical theatre. She teaches voice and piano and specializes in classical voice, musical theatre and beginner to intermediate piano. Amanda has performed with several opera companies across the United States, including Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera, Indianapolis Opera, North Shore Music Festival, Houston Grand Opera, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Opera in the Heights, and Opera in the Ozarks. In 2020, she was awarded an Encouragement Award for the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions in Houston. Notable roles include: Juliette (Roméo et Juliette), Suzel (L’amico Fritz), La Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), Dido (Dido and Aeneas), Carrie Pipperidge (Carousel), Princess Ninetta (The Love for Three Oranges), and Mrs. Gleaton (Susannah). In addition to operatic repertoire, she has performed as the soprano soloist in works such as Mass of the Children, Requiem for the Living, Eternal Light, The Messiah, and Ceremony of Carols. Amanda holds her Masters of Music from the University of Houston and her Bachelor of Music from New England Conservatory. In the fall of 2023, she will begin her post-baccalaureate degree in Music Education at Queens College.

Amy, is a Soprano based in New York City. She is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College, having earned a Bachelors of Music and Masters of Music in Vocal Performance as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Certificate in Music Education. While at Queens College, she performed in Die Fledermaus (chorus), Le nozze di Figaro (Countess), Suor Angelica (Suor Angelica)*, A Little Night Music (Mrs. Segstrom/Liebeslieder)*, and La Rondine (Magda)*. A two-time Young Artist with Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance, Amy has performed in their productions of Suor Angelica (Suor Dolcina) and Die Fledermaus (Melanie/Ida cover). She has also performed the role of the The Witch in Hansel and Gretel as a part of the Martina Arroyo Foundation’s outreach program in NYC public schools. Amy is student of H. Roz Woll.

Andrew is a professional musician and educator from Orange County, California. A seasoned brass player, Andrew teaches both trumpet and trombone. He started playing the trumpet at the age of 14 and has been pursuing a career with the instrument ever since. Andrew received his Bachelor’s in Music Performance from California State University Fullerton and his Master’s in Music Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He is currently in his second year of his Doctorate in Music at Stony Brook University. He has performed with The Silk Road Ensemble, Time For Three, and Randy Jackson; many musicals for local theater companies such as Cabaret, A Wonderful Town, Music Man and Beauty and the Beast; and with orchestras such as the Temecula Valley Symphony, Southland Symphony, and Synesthesia Sinfonietta. Andrew is excited to join the LISM faculty where he will teach all levels of trumpet and beginning to intermediate trombone!

Angie is a middle school music teacher in Queens, NY and has experience working with children from K-8. She holds a BA and MSed in music education from the Aaron Copland School of Music and her vocal training is within several genres such as Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz, and R&B. Angie is an active performer and singer with the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble based in Manhattan and the Queens College Choral Society and serves on the executive board. She is a current member of NAfME (National Association of Music Educators) and has over 5 years of experience with NYSSMA Festival Adjudications and regularly attends their conferences as well as for ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).

Anne is a recent graduate from LIU Post with a BA in Music Education B-12. While she is primarily a flutist, Anne plays multiple instruments including clarinet, saxophone, piano, and oboe. She has studied with Dr. Susan Deaver, Dr. James McRoy and Richie Iacona in flute, conducting, and jazz studies, respectively. At LIU, Anne has been a part of multiple ensembles such as the Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. James McRoy as principal flutist, LIU Post Orchestra, LIU Post Choir directed by Ed Norris, Chamber Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Big Band directed by Jeff Lederer, and the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz directed by Dr. Jennifer Scott Miceli. During the Summer of 2022, Anne had the amazing opportunity to tour with the Jazz Band and LISVJ to New Orleans, LA and got to immerse herself in the place where jazz resides. Anne also frequently performs at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts and was a featured soloist in the LIU Post Orchestra playing Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor. Outside of LIU, Anne is an active musician as she is the pianist and choir director at Baisley Church of God in St. Albans, Queens NY. Anne is very excited to be a part of the LISM faculty!

Annie is a New York based vocal teacher who began singing at a  young age and graduated from Talent Unlimited High School where she studied classical voice. Annie is a graduate of  Suny Cortland where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. During her time at Suny Cortland, Annie performed in musicals such as  "Company", "Big Fish" and "Cabaret" among others. Annie has performed in various regional theatre's throughout the US and is well-versed in many genres of music including classical, musical theatre, jazz and pop! She has a passion for guiding singers on  audition techniques, acting through song and building audition repertoire. Annie is excited to join the LISM faculty to share her love of music with her students while creating a fun learning environment. 

Ariana, mezzo soprano, is a Long Island native who feels equally at home with teaching and performing. She holds a dual Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College and a Master of Music in Opera Performance/Musical Theatre from Arizona State University. She has recently performed with The Glimmerglass Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Ithaca, Light Opera of New Jersey and Opera Night Long Island. She has also trained with Canto Vocal Programs, Opera Viva! and The Wesley Balk Opera/Music-Theater Institute. In 2018, she earned an Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and is also a recipient of the Opera Club of Syracuse Award
through the Civic Morning Musicals Competition. Ariana comes from a family of music educators and has been teaching since 2016. She has taught a wide variety of students including voice, violin and piano lessons as well as K-12 chorus, orchestra and band across Long Island. In 2017, she taught beginner music classes at Gymboree Play & Music to children from birth through five years old. Ariana is delighted to be joining the faculty at LISM and hopes to make music with you soon!

Brian strives to teach violin and viola in a thorough and thoughtful manner catered to each student, building up a deep understanding of concepts such as sound production, the grammar of musical phrases, and efficient, goal-oriented practicing. He started with viola in his
public school in Virginia at age 9, taking growing strides with the help of his private teachers. Now a second-year Master’s student at Stony Brook University, Brian is working towards a degree in viola performance under the direction of Matthew Lipman and Lawrence Dutton, with additional studies in the Emerson String Quartet Institute. Brian’s performance activities include concerts with the Stony Brook Contemporary Chamber Players, frequent appearances for the Music at the MART program at the Stony Brook Cancer Center, and freelance gigs throughout Long Island. He has held fellowships at the Manchester Music Festival, Madeline Island Chamber Music, Garth Newel Music Center, and the Renova Music Festival and played in masterclasses with artists such as Kim Kashkashian, Ettora Causa and Misha Amory. Previously, Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree in viola at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, studying with Choong-jin Chang and Victoria Chiang. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing soccer, building crosswords, and playing jazz with his family.

Brian is a musician/educator/composer/producer based in the NYC metro area holding a Bachelor Degree in Music with specialization in Percussion Performance from Aaron Copland School of Music. He began music on piano at a young age before discovering drums and percussion. He is well versed in many forms of World Percussion, Latin Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Contemporary Percussion, various styles of Drum Kit as well as many styles of piano. He has played PASIC 2015 with Yousif Sheronick, and 2016 with Queen's College Gamelan Yowana Sari. He has played alongside Talujon Percussion Quartet in 2015 for TEDx Met. He has played at the Royal Irish Academy of Music with the Queen's College Percussion Ensemble and regularly performs in the NYC Metro area. His most recent endeavors include composing, producing, and recording for his Contemporary duo, Wildacat. He has close to a decade’s worth of experience in teaching drums, percussion, and piano. Today Brian teaches drums, percussion and piano to students of all ages and performs in the NYC/Long Island areas. He has studied with some of today's most proficient, and well known percussionists/drummers, such as Michael Lipsey, Javier Diaz, David Cossin, and Daniel Sadownick.

Caitlin is a soprano from Port Jefferson, Long Island. From a young age, she began singing in several choral and vocal programs outside of school in genres such as jazz, musical theater, classical, opera, rock, and gospel. Growing up she became a candidate for American Idol and The Voice and performed in venues like The Knitting Factory, House of Blues, and The Bitter End, all while simultaneously studying voice and violin classically. Caitlin is currently a Bachelors of Music candidate at the Aaron Copland School of Music in Vocal Performance where she studies with Rose Marie Crouse. There she has sung Bianca in La Rondine, ensemble in Dido and Aeneas and The Merry Widow, Cinderella in a scenes production of Into the Woods, Fiordiligi in a scenes production of Così Fan Tutte and Miss Jessel in this year’s production of The Turn of the Screw. She has also studied with the faculty of the Westchester and Queens Summer Vocal Institutes for several years. Caitlin has taken several additional teaching courses at Queens College and teaches private lessons at several institutions, and is excited to join the LISM family where she is looking forward to teaching more students and sharing her passion for music with others across the NYC and Long Island area!

Cherette is a singer, recording artist and voice teacher based in​ the NYC area. Her career started in Canada where she attended the University​ of Ottawa and enjoyed some years as a professional Opera singer and recitalist​ with Opera Lyra Canada and The Opera Lyra Young Artist Program. She has worked and shared the stage with such talent as Metropolitan Opera stars Renee Fleming and Stephanie Blythe, in addition to esteemed Broadway stars such as Norm Lewis and Heidi Blickenstaff. She’s had the privilege to sing under the baton of Dr. Andre Thomas, Dr. Daniel Gordon, and Lawrence Ewashko. Today, in a return to her musical roots, she performs Gospel, Jazz, Soul and R&B. Singing these genres has afforded her opportunities to appear on MTV, Fuse TV, Sirius XM Radio and Bravo TV. Cherette has an active performing and teaching career.  Recently, she began performing with Live Music Pros in their feature event band, Atomic Funk Project, a vibrant and talented group of music professionals from the Greater NYC area. She is excited to join the Long Island Studio of Music team where she will teach voice and piano!

Chrissy is an active freelance flutist and educator in the New York City area. She currently serves as Principal Flute of Gateway Opera and New Amsterdam Opera and is the piccolo player for the New York Wind Orchestra and Orchestra 201. Past engagements include chairs with the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, Bronx Opera, Garden State Philharmonic, New York Concert Artists, One World Symphony, and Richmond County Orchestra among many others. Her extensive performing experience has taken her throughout the United States, playing in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall to the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, CA. Chrissy was the winner of the 1997 All-American Festival Solo Competition and has appeared as a soloist with the Astoria Symphony, the Baroque Consort of New York, the Brooklyn College Conservatory Orchestra, the Brooklyn College Conservatory Wind Ensemble, the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, the California Music Festival Orchestra, the Niles North Symphonic Orchestra, and the Niles North Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Highly sought after as a teacher, her students have participated in All-City Bands for Manhattan and Queens, All-County, All-State, All-Eastern, InterSchool Orchestras of New York, the Long Island Flute Club Honors Flute Choir, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, and Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts bands. In addition to maintaining a private flute studio, Ms. Fong also serves as a teaching artist for Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, and Stuyvesant High School. Chrissy earned a Master of Arts degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College under the Ronald Roseman Woodwind Scholarship and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College as a Presidential Scholar. Her predominant teachers include Bernard Z. Goldberg and Keith Underwood.

Courtney is a recent graduate from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where she studied K-12 music education with a concentration in voice. She completed her student teaching at Oceanside where she taught 7th-grade chorus and 1st - 6th-grade general music and chorus. During her student teaching, she also taught students with accommodation needs. She has explored a diverse range of music at Crane and led workshops on West African drum and dance. She explored the history of music around the world through ethnomusicology and conducted an ethnographic study of local Adirondack folk musicians. Courtney has been able to maintain and share the Adirondack folk music tradition kept by the musicians of the community. Currently, she is a camp counselor at the 2023 Crane Youth Music summer program and a teacher-supervisor and musical activities organizer at the 2023 New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Summer Recreation program. In Fall 2023, she will be the Music Director of the St. Catherine’s of Sienna Children’s Choir. As a singer, Courtney was selected as the alto quartet soloist for the Crane Chorus’ performance of Beethoven's Mass in C Major. She was a participant in Queens Summer Vocal Institute, Crane Youth Music, and Roots and Branches at Great Camp Sagamore.  As an educator, Courtney strives to create an experience that students relate with and become passionate to include music into their lives. She emphasizes on creating and sustaining a safe space within her classroom and lesson spaces. Courtney believes that safe spaces are rooted in love, kindness, and compassion. At LISM, Courtney teaches voice and piano. She brings a wealth of knowledge with her and is excited to guide the students of LISM along their musical path!

Courtney grew up in a musical household, where he started guitar studies at age 9. He went on to study under the world renowned classical guitarist William Zito at Nassau community college where he earned his performance associates. He went on to Adelphi University where he continued his studies and worked with world renowned conductor and composer Christopher Lyndon gee. Courtney graduated with a bachelor's degree in music performance with a concentration in composition and classical guitar. Courtney has performed throughout New York, playing both original songs and classical guitar. Courtney is currently on the adjunct music faculty at Nassau community college. Passionate about his teaching and performing, Courtney has years of experience a private lesson instructor. He is recording his first album of original music at cove city sound studios owned by Richie cannata of the Billy Joel band. Courtney teaches all levels of guitar; specializing in acoustic, classical, and electric. Teaches beginner piano, ukulele and electric bass.

Long Island native, Daniel is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Stony Brook University where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, respectively. In high school, Dan performed with the Nassau-Suffolk Wind Symphony, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, SCMEA Jazz, and played a side-by-side concert with the National Youth Orchestra. While at Eastman, Daniel performed with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and the Eastman Philharmonia. In the Fall, Daniel will be starting his Doctorate at Stony Brook University, continuing to study with Kevin Cobb of the American Brass Quintet, and play with the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra. Daniel teaches trumpet at Adelphi University, Nassau Community College, Long Island Studio of Music, and Franz Music Studio.

Danielle is a Music Education candidate at Adelphi University studying with flutist Bonnie McAlvin. She is an experienced flutist and pianist. In her younger years she participated in the NYSSMA and was a part of the Tri-M Music Honor Society tutoring younger students. She has experience in playing in chamber ensembles and concert bands, as well as performing in alumni community theater musicals. She is a color guard and winter guard instructor at Malverne High School.  Growing up in a family full of music lovers in addition to having a wonderful piano teacher, has made her develop a special love for music. Danielle strives to make music fun and spread that love and joy to younger musicians while also challenging and advancing their skills. Danielle is thrilled  to join the Long Island Studio of Music faculty where she will teach piano and flute.

Erik's unique and colorful tenor voice has been described as "youthful, amusing, and crowd-pleasing." Hailing from Brentwood, New York, he aims to inspire a world of goodwill through live performance and education in the arts. Equally at home with a variety of genres including opera/classical, musical theatre, pop/rock, and more, Erik has  experience teaching students of all ages and cognitive abilities. His students routinely earn outstanding NYSSMA scores and have been featured in performances at Radio City Music Hall, the John Engeman Theatre in Northport, Amityville Music Hall, the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, all-state and all-county choirs, and more. In-demand as a soloist and professional chorister in the New York City area, Erik was most recently featured as L'Huissier in Jean-Romain Vesperini's production of Saint-Saëns' HENRI VIII with Bard SummerScape, which was featured as The New York Times' Critics Pick. Having an appreciation and aptitude for new music, Erik has been involved in several world premieres with the Ethos New Music Society, Musica Viva NY, and Nickel City Opera. Erik earned his Master of Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and his Bachelor of Music from the SUNY Fredonia School of Music. He has participated in summer training programs with Classical Singing and New York in June, Spotlight on Opera, and SongFest. He is currently a soloist and section leader at The Congregational Church of Manhasset, and teaches private voice, beginning piano, and Occupational Octaves™ piano lessons in the Western Suffolk County area and virtually. 

Ethan is a clarinetist, pianist, tenor in the LIU Post Concert Choir and educator based in Long Island, New York. Ethan is finishing his master’s degree in Music Education at Long Island University this fall after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland in Spring, 2021. A continuing member of the LIU Post Concert Choir, Ethan has also been in ensemble groups  including SUNY Cortland Choral Union Tenor Section Lead, SUNY Cortland Orchestra and LIU Post Wind Symphony, to name a few. Ethan has been playing piano since the age of 4, and has accompanied local artists and groups.  As a Music minor at SUNY Cortland, Ethan was musical director and tenor section lead of the A Capella group “Pitches Be Crazy” and created original arrangements for the group. Ethan has substitute taught music in multiple schools on Long Island and enjoys all types of music. Classically trained in clarinet with Mr. Joseph Rutkowski and Dr. James McRoy and voice by Professor Edward Norris and Dr. Jennifer Miceli, Ethan has also participated in local theater programs, loves jamming and training jazz vocals with Professor Richard Iacona, studies music theory constantly and loves teaching all types of music (history, theory, conducting, arranging, composition). Ethan is excited to join the LISM faculty where he will teach clarinet, piano and voice!

Evan, is a Bachelor of Music candidate in Vocal Performance and Music Education at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Evan enjoys teaching voices of all ages, and all styles of music. He has studied with Anna-Marie Kirk, Deepak Marwah, and Andrew Wannigman. Evan has performed with various choirs throughout New York in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Kodak Theatre at the Eastman School of Music. Evan's philosophy of teaching is centered around helping students discover their passion within music, expanding their musical horizons, and teaching ideal methods of practice and preparation. Evan also has years of experience on the saxophone; playing works from legends such as Miles Davis, Cole Porter and John Coltrane. As a music educator Evan offers piano lessons to beginner students and also incorporates music theory in his teaching. Evan is excited to be joining the faculty of LISM where he will teach voice, piano and saxophone!

Gabrielle is a New York native and a graduate of Northwestern University’s renowned Musical Theatre program. She has been seen on professional stages in NYC, Chicago and across the US! Gabrielle holds a Jeff Nomination for “She Loves Me” at Blank Theatre in Chicago. Gabrielle is a former Soprano in the NAFME All-National Choir and has experience in myriad voice styles. She loves training her students for NYSSMA each year. Gabrielle’s students receive stellar scores and have been selected for All County Choir. In May of 2020, Gabrielle was a Top 8 Finalist on BroadwayWorld’s “Next On Stage” Competition from an initial 1,600 entries. She performed weekly for Broadway Judges Courtney Reed, Kate Rockwell, Lesli Margherita, and Derek Klena. Gabrielle is also popular in the NYC cabaret scene having performed at 54 Below, The Duplex, and Don’t Tell Mama, to name a few. Gabrielle is thrilled to share her love for music with LISM students.

At eleven years old, Grace was accepted into the Classical Instrumental department at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), a high school conservatory for the arts. She placed first place in the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, first place in the NOLA Chamber Festival Competition, runner up in the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Artist Concerto Competition, and was a finalist in the Oberlin Concerto Competition. Grace has attended summer festivals, such as HIMA, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Interlochen Music Festival, Interharmony International Music Festival, and Philadelphia Music International Festival.  She has also performed in masterclasses for instructors including Brooklyn Rider, Paul Neubauer, Ronald Copes, Jinjoo Cho, Kristen Lee, Maurcio Fuks, and Rachel Barton Pine. Grace attended Oberlin Conservatory on the Dean’s Scholarship, where she studied with Sibbi Bernhardsson, a former member of the  Pacifica Quartet. Grace is currently completing her Master’s of Music degree in Violin Performance at Stony Brook University under the tutelage of Phillip Setzer. Grace’s String Quartet, The Harlo Quartet, participates in the prestigious Emerson String Quartet Intensive at SBU, where they receive coachings with all members of the Emerson String Quartet. 

Gregory is a cellist and Long Island native. His undergraduate degree was in cello performance from SUNY Fredonia, and he recently completed his masters degree in performance at the University of Oregon. Gregory has been passionate about teaching and performing his entire life. Since he first started playing cello at age 8, Gregory has always been interested in teaching, inspired by his first cello teacher and his parents who were both in the education field. Some of his major accomplishments include acceptances into music programs such as the Meadowmount School of Music, a prestigious music intensive started by famed pedagouge Ivan Galamian. Gregory has competed in several music competitions and won prizes in the Morgan Park competition, the Long Island Choral Society Young Artists competition, and the SUNY Fredonia concerto competition. He has toured with orchestras both nationally and internationally, most recently in Brancaleoni, Italy. He has extensive experience playing in and coaching chamber music ensembles.

Isabel graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education. While at Ithaca College, Isabel won the Central New York/Finger Lakes National Association of Teachers of Singing First Place Award in her category two years in a row. She also performed in operas such as The Magic Flute (Erste Knaben) and Dido and Aneas (Chorus). As a music educator, Isabel has had the pleasure of student teaching at Herricks High School, Center Street Elementary School, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, the Ithaca Varna Center, and the TST BOCES Regional Alternative School. Through all of her in school teaching experience, Isabel has discovered she has a love for teaching music to special needs students. She is looking forward to working with LISM voice and piano students in hopes of inspiring young students to live out their musical dreams.

Jade is a Soprano, Music Education candidate with a minor in Musical Theater, at Hofstra University. As a former choir member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, sung the National Anthem at multiple sporting events (New York Islander’s, New York Mets, Long Island Ducks, Hofstra University’s Homecoming basketball games), participating in major choir ensembles (Nassau All County, Hofstra’s Chamber/Chorale, Hofstra’s Opera, and Hofstra’s Collegium ensemble); and auditioning for every theater opportunity in New York. More recently, Jade has performed alongside the “Eagles” as a Backup singer for The Eagles 2022 Hotel California tour on April 23rd 2022 at the USB Arena. In addition to her performing experiences, Jade has directed sseveral musical theater productions with her most recent show, “Matilda” at the Cultural Arts Playhouse. She is actively involved in the National Association for Music Education (NafMe) chapter, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and Masquerade Musical Theater Club through Hofstra University. Within these chapters, she has volunteered for multiple All County, NYSSMA, PEAK festivals throughout Long Island. Dedicating almost all of her free-time heavily towards these organizations, they became a second home to her. Jade is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach voice and piano!

Jeffrey L. is a Master of Music degree candidate in Oboe Performance at Stony Brook University under the tutelage of James Austin Smith. He performs regularly with the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, and actively plays across the greater NYC region. His passion for music is fueled by both performing orchestral and chamber repertoire, as well as teaching. He maintains a robust private studio. Growing up on Long Island, Jeffrey was previously a member of the New York Youth Symphony, as well as a student at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege program. Summer festivals include the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, and Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute. Jeffrey has also had the privilege of performing in masterclasses with some of the world’s leading oboists, such as Phillipe Tondre, Mary Lynch VanderKolk, Allan Vogel, Dwight Parry, John Ferrillo, and Robert Sheena. Memorable performances include a solo performance of Jacob TV’s Garden of Love for oboe and electronics at the University of Michigan’s historic Hill Auditorium. The performance was part of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance’s annual Collage Concert, showcasing performances by students across the artistic disciplines to a sold-out audience. Complementing his work as performer, Jeffrey has a profound interest in arts administration, and has completed internships with the Lake George Music Festival, assisting with patron services, the box office, and daily operations. Jeffrey received his BM in oboe performance from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. His teachers include Nancy Ambrose King, Lillian Copeland, and Keve Wilson. Jeffrey aspires to pursue a lasting career as a chamber musician, orchestral musician, and arts administrator.

Jeff is a Queens-based guitarist, bassist, and Jewish music educator who has been making noise for 20 years. Though he earned his Bachelors in Theatre Arts and Playwriting at SUNY Purchase, music was never too far out of focus. From 2013 to 2021 Jeff worked with children of all ages at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, a conservative Jewish sleepaway with a big focus on music and arts. There, Jeff taught kids to play guitar, bass, ukulele, and how to write songs and jam as a band. Jeff teaches music and songleads at Kulanu Hebrew School in Great Neck, working with grades K-6 to engage them with and expose them to Jewish music. He also regularly sings tenor with the Choral Torah Collective, a NYC-based choir that performs original a cappella arrangements based on Jewish texts. Jeff studies jazz guitar and performance with Ed Levy, a guitarist/multi-instrumentalist who has taught at University of Michigan School of Music and is currently enjoying his tenth year playing guitar in The Lion King on Broadway. Jeff also writes and performs his own music with his band Beyond the Branches, and plays bass in LI-based rock/ska/reggae/jam band, The Big Happy.

Jess is an actor and voice and piano teacher based on Long Island. Jess attended Western Connecticut State University. There, she studied Theatre Performance and Music with a Voice Concentration, earning special permission to join Music Education courses in order to lead music rehearsals and lessons in the future. After graduating from West Conn, Jess moved to Long Island and began teaching voice lessons for young artists to help them achieve their musical goals all while making lessons fun! When Jess isn’t teaching, she is auditioning and working as a Direct Support Professional for individuals with intellectual disabilities! She brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and patience to her style of teaching. Jess looks forward to joining the LISM faculty where she will teach voice and piano! 

Ji is a Korean American drummer and music producer. He was born in S. Korea, grew up in Argentina and his family migrated to the United States in the early 90’s. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Musicwhere he studied Music Business and drum set under Dave DiCenso (Hiromi, Two Ton Shoe), Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Dixie Dregs) and Kenwood Dennard (Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius).​ In addition to his teaching Ji is currently playing drum set for Promise Church NY and Korean Presbyterian Church of Queens. He also played with Captain Kirk Douglas (The Roots, The Tonight Show), Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Mat Godfrey (Brandon Niederauer Band), Eugene Park (Violin), Mumu Fresh (Common), Jon Coward and JiGroove. Well rounded in his training Ji also has experience teaching beginning piano and guitar as well!

Joanna holds an MFA in Musical Theater Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a BM in Vocal Performance from Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Joanna has extensive experience teaching both voice and piano to students of all ages. She is well-versed in musical theater audition techniques, various styles of acting, and NYSSMA preparation. Joanna performs professionally throughout Long Island. Most recently, Joanna was the onstage swing and understudy for Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls at Plaza Theatrical Productions. She also served as the Musical Director for Plaza’s “Theater in Residency” production of The Wizard of Oz. Joanna has also performed and music directed at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport in their Children’s Theater productions. Ms. Sanges is comfortable teaching all styles of music and loves finding ways to enhance each student’s unique talents.

Joseph, Violinist, received his Bachelor of Music Degree in performance at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. His principal teachers and coaches include Daniel Philips, Gregory Williams, Kristin Lee & Domgmyung Ahn. Joseph specializes in baroque performance practice. Currently, a candidate for music education at the Aaron Copland School of Music, he is well-versed in upper/lower string and piano pedagogy. His focus centers around helping his students manage their practicing skills in a lesson to create well-coordinated habits and routines at home. As a teacher, Joseph’s objective is to foster his students’ love of learning and music by having them develop an awareness of how they learn and how they organize themselves in the hopes that these skills will translate across multiple subjects. Joseph has an affinity for working with students with special learning needs.

Joy is a vocalist currently earning her undergraduate degree in vocal performance at Adelphi University under the instruction of Blythe Gaissert. She has experience in opera, art song, musical theater, jazz, and other styles of singing. This past spring Joy was awarded the Jerry Herman Broadway Legacy Prize from the ASCAP Foundation after performing at a concert held in the composer’s honor. Additionally, she works as a cantor in a parish of two churches in Queens, leading congregational singing every weekend. She attended the prestigious Queens Summer Vocal Institute where she performed works by Mozart, Monteverdi, and Kurt Weill among others. Joy is excited to join the LISM faculty and is eager to help students explore a number of musical genres and techniques, and hopes to lead them in pursuing repertoire that most interests them, while focusing keenly on healthy vocal production.

Kasandra is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She is a classically trained vocalist, specializing in both private voice and K-12 chorus. As a music educator, she believes in student centered learning. Her goals as a lesson instructor are for the student to have a well-rounded exploration and understanding of music, with their personal and individual musical goals at the core of her teaching. There is a quote by educator Ignacio Estrada that sums up Kasandra’s philosophy well: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” She teaches and has performed in many styles such as musical theater, pop, classical, and R&B. She assists at the Long Island Musical Theatre Festival during their summer theater intensives and has a passion for performance. She has acted and performed in musical theater productions since middle school, and continues to pursue her love of choir and performing with the Evoco Choir at Hofstra University.

Kellyann made her solo piano debut at Carnegie Hall, in 2015. As a piano teacher she is passionate about instilling a love of music in her students. Kellyann achieved her bachelor’s degree in music with a voice concentration at Adelphi University, where she attended the Honors College and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Kellyann had the privilege of studying under many brilliant musicians and educators over the years including professional Broadway pit musician Dr. Frank Hansen, professional pianist Dr. Adrienne Borbely, and opera singer Ms. Kelley Nassief. Kellyann teaches all styles of music including classical, musical theater, rock, pop, and jazz. She believes in encouraging students to explore different genres and styles while also nurturing a strong classical technical foundation. Kellyann is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach piano and voice to all levels of students!

Kiana is an actor and educator from Freeport, New York. She is a graduate of Five Towns College, and holds a B.F.A. in Theater Arts. Kiana has studied acting techniques such as Meisner, Stanislavsky, and Stella Adler, and has experience with both contemporary and classic works of theater. While at Five Towns, Kiana performed in numerous productions including As You Like It (Rosalind), The Drowsy Chaperone (Person in Chair), and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Frances). She also has had the pleasure of performing with Hip to Hip Theater Company, in their productions of The Adventures of Pericles (Thaisa) and Much Ado About Nothing (Friar, Verges). Her education and experience in theater have given her the passion and tools to help students put their best foot forward through their monologues!

Klaudia (Soprano) originally from Słupsk, Poland,is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music, where she earned both her B.M. and M.M. degrees in Vocal Performance. Throughout her studies, she has had the opportunity to perform leading roles in several productions such as Le Nozze di Figaro (Susanna), Die Fledermaus(Adele), Die Zauberflöte (1st Lady), Don Pasquale (Norina) and Suor Angelica(Suor Angelica). This year was her debut with the Chicago Summer Opera Company, where she sang the role of Drusilla in L’incoronazione di Poppea. In recital repertoire, Klaudia actively performs works by Polish composers such as Chopin, Karłowicz, and Moniuszko in the hopes of showcasing lesser known pieces from her home country. She currently resides in Northport, New York and regularly performs in the New York tri-state area. Klaudia is also a pianist who underwent rigorous piano training at the Aaron Copland School. She is looking forward to working with LISM voice, and piano students in hopes of inspiring students to reach their full musical potential!

Linda is a New York based soprano, music educator, and the co-founder of QueensSound Ensemble, a chamber music trio that has performed classical and contemporary works around the country at colleges and festivals. Linda is the co-creator and co-star in the popular children’s web series, Maestro’s Magical Music Box, as well as a frequent guest performer with the West Islip Orchestra. Regionally, Linda has performed with Dicapo Opera, dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Regina Opera, Rockland Opera, and Garden State Opera. She has also sung abroad with the Amalfi Coast Musical Festival and with Dicapo Opera in Szeged, Hungary. She studied vocal performance at The Hartt School of Music and Hunter College. She received her master’s in music education from Queens College. Linda is a special education music teacher with  Eastern Suffolk BOCES. She has experience teaching children with developmental and behavioral challenges (Kindergarten-High School) Linda is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach voice, piano and flute! 

Lindsay is thrilled to be part of the LISM faculty. Originally from Cherry Hill, NJ, Lindsay received her bachelors degree in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford. Upon graduation in 2004, Lindsay spent 2 years in the Hartford area where she created the first ever music program at the Connecticut Children’s Place School. She then settled in Queens, NY where she has been teaching private voice and piano for the last 15 years. Lindsay has helped numerous students prepare for both high school and college auditions. Many of her students have been accepted to some of NYC’s most prestigious performing arts high schools such as LaGuardia and Frank Sinatra HS, and universities such as NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts, Queens College, Molloy College, and Five Towns College. As a performer, Lindsay is currently a vocalist with Atomic Funk Project, a high energy wedding band performing throughout the tri state area, as well as Long Island based band Souled Out. Lindsay has also performed over the years in various A Cappella groups, choirs, community theater, and local bands. Lindsay teaches voice for all ages specializing in pop, R&B, and theater, as well as piano.

Laura is a low brass musician from Long Island who freelances as a performer and educator.  She is currently an active member of the Princeton Brass Band, South Shore Brass,  Northport Community Band, Northport Symphony Orchestra, and CM PAC’s pit orchestra. She has also performed with a variety of large ensembles, chamber groups, parades, and pit orchestras across the tri-state area. Laura completed her D.M.A. in euphonium performance at Rutgers University, where she was a student of Aaron VanderWeele. During her time at Rutgers, much of her research centered around the history of British brass bands, with a focus on the music of Peter Graham. She received both her M.A. in Music History and B.M. in Instrumental Performance from LIU Post. She currently teaches a course at Rutgers University, in addition to maintaining her own private studio.

Lindsay is a singer-songwriter from Long Island. She has performed her original music at many iconic venues such as City Winery NYC, Stephen Talkhouse, My Father’s Place, Rockwood Music Hall and many other NY venues. She recently graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Songwriting and received the 2022 Lee Villaire Performing Singer-Songwriter Award. Lindsay grew up in a musical family. She fell in love with guitar and ukulele at a young age and taught herself how to play. With 11 years of vocal studies, she specializes in Pop, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. Some of Lindsay’s favorite roles have been Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), Annie (Annie), and Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical the Musical). Lindsay has a passion for connecting with students and helping them grow their love of music. She accommodates students’ needs and makes sure each lesson is a positive experience. She is very excited to join the LISM faculty!

Mathew is a seasoned New York City guitarist and educator with a career spanning over two decades.  A musical journey From the NYC clubs to performances on global stages, he has honed his craft, becoming a masterful musician. Mathew’s foundation in music was forged at the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he earned his performance degree in 2006.  Shortly after graduating from Berklee, his band, the New York Funk Exchange, released two full-length albums and toured the country extensively, leaving their mark on the vibrant funk music scene.Beyond his performances, Mathew has taken on the role of mentor and educator.  Notably, he has served as both the teacher and guitarist for the extraordinary talent Brandon Taz Niederauer, a testament to his exceptional teaching and mentorship. Mat’s influence has reached the grand stages of Broadway, where he has served as a private instructor for the gifted casts of Broadway's School of Rock, nurturing young talents and guiding them towards musical excellence. In addition, he has contributed his knowledge and expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, helping graduate students solidify their understanding and abilities on the guitar. Mathew continues to inspire and educate, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of music. Whether commanding the stage with Taz, his own band Cannon Crew, or Enlightening students in the classroom, his passion for music shines brightly.

Matthew is an educator and performer with a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from The Hartt School. He is currently Pursuing a Doctorate in Music at Stony Brook University. As a performer, Matthew is an active freelancer in the New York area and has performed with Ensembles around the country. He has held spots as the Principal trombone of the Grand Symphonic Wind Symphony, the Beth El Symphony and the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra. Matthew teaches Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba, Trumpet, and Piano!

Matthew is a native of Benton, Kentucky and recently received his Masters of Music from Florida State University. He is also a graduate of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. During his studies at FSU, Mr. Youngblood served as a Graduate Assistant and maintained a studio of undergraduate voice students. Past roles include Tamino in Die Zauberflöte with the Queens Summer Vocal Institute, Javier in Luisa Fernanda, Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Don Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro with Florida State Opera. His musical journey began at the age of 6 with choral music being his introduction. In addition to his musical skills, Mr. Youngblood also has several years of improv theater experience. Whether it be teaching, performing, or studying, Mr. Youngblood believes that music is something to be shared and to enrich the lives of all who wish to take part.

Maya, soprano, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and has been a lover of the performing arts from a very young age. With several years of voice, choral, and piano training, she attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts where she began her studies in classical voice as well as musical theater and show tunes. Maya has a Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where she studied with Rose Marie Crouse. There, she has performed the roles of Frederika Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, Lisette and Yvette in La Rondine, Second Woman in Dido and Aeneas, a Grisette in The Merry Widow, Fiordiligi in a scenes production of Così fan tutte, and The Governess in The Turn of the Screw. She also has experience as an intern assistant director for ACSM. Recently, she has attended programs such as Classic Lyric Arts in Italy and the Berkshires, Classical Singing and New York in June, and Westchester Summer Vocal Institute. She is also an active cantor in several churches around the city. Maya remains to be a well-rounded musician with an excellent foundation in music theory and sight-singing. She adores all genres of music and has an extensive repertoire to share with her students, ranging from art songs, oratorio, arias, and musical theater. Maya is excited to introduce the beauty and joy of music to her students at LISM!

Melissa M. is a percussionist/drummer and pianist from Selden, NY. Melissa recently graduated with a Bachelor'sdegree in Music Education from LIU Post, where she studied under Frank Cassara and Matt Wilson. During her time at LIU, Melissa performed with the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble, where she took on the roles of principal percussionist and percussion assistant. She has been a member of several LIU Post Jazz Combos as a drummer, vibraphonist, and auxiliary percussionist. As a singer, Melissa has performed with the LIU Post Chorus and Women’s Choir, and she has studied jazz voice under Richie Iacona. Melissa has performed in various local and international venues and festivals, including the Tilles Center (NY), Carnegie Hall (NY), the Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia), Sydney Town Hall (Sydney, Australia), the Heineken Jazzaldía Festival (San Sebastián, Spain), and the What Is Music Festival (Frías, Spain). Most recently, she performed in the 2020 CBDNA Eastern Division Intercollegiate Band as the principal percussionist and timpanist. As an educator, Melissa has an affinity for working with young children and is looking forward to working with LISM students to help them to achieve their musical goals. 

Melissa N., Coloratura Soprano, received her Bachelor of Music degree from Long Island University, with a focus in Vocal Performance/Opera. She spent her undergraduate career learning extensively about opera, performing various arias and scenes. She has performed in a number of opera programs, including Songes d’ete en musique, an annual festival held in Quebec, CA, as well as Respiro Opera and Manhattan Opera Studio, both of which are held at Opera America in New York. Ms. Nyman was the co-founder of a small musical group called Operanomoly, which was dedicated to presenting Opera scenes in an accessible way for the public and performed throughout Long Island. Equally comfortable on the pop and rock platform, Melissa was actively performing in a band in various venues in the NY area from 2016-2019, and has recently started venturing into the world of extreme vocals. As an enthusiastic music educator, Melissa teaches voice and piano, with a strong focus on teaching music theory to her students. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Classical Composition at SUNY Purchase.

"Long Beach based violist Michela is an active musician and educator in the New York metropolitan area. She has appeared across the Northeast as both orchestral and chamber musician, most recently as assistant principal of the National Music Festival Orchestra viola section in Chestertown, Maryland. As a recording artist, she has contributed to recordings across various genres, including the award-winning 2016 recording of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible with Purchase Opera. She has enjoyed the privilege of performing in notable venues such as Symphony Space, Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Stage at Lincoln Center, and the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post. She has performed for and collaborated in masterclasses featuring such esteemed musicians as Kim Kashkashian, Sheila Browne, Andrew Manze, the Emerson String Quartet, and members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. In addition to a fulfilling performance career, Michela maintains a teaching studio across western Long Island, the five boroughs, and Westchester County. Students in Michela’s studio have earned such accolades as ‘Outstanding’ ratings at the NYSSMA festival at all levels of participation including All State, invitations to Area All-State and All-County festivals, principal and assistant principal seating in local youth orchestras, and placing in local concerto competitions. Her teaching style draws from a variety of methods, particularly Alexander Technique and related somatically-based practices, continuing in the tradition of her “Grandteacher,” Karen Tuttle. As an educator and mentor, it is her goal not only to guide students towards their greatest musical potential, but to aid her students in developing closer relationships to themselves through their own creativity. Michela holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in viola performance from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, where she studied under Danielle Farina and Shmuel Katz. She plays on an early 20th century viola made in Germany. She is proud to be a “from-the-start” violist rather than a violinist-turned-violist. When she isn’t teaching or gigging, she can be found baking something fun in her beachside home or biking the boardwalk."

Morgan is a well rounded music educator with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Hofstra University and a Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from LIU Post. Morgan specializes in classical voice and vocal jazz, but she is also well versed in contemporary pop and musical theatre. Morgan has also been playing violin since she was 7 years old, as well as piano, viola, cello, and ukulele. Morgan has been teaching in the classroom for 6 years and has been teaching private lessons to children and adults of all ages for 10 years. Currently, Morgan directs the high school choral ensembles and the select vocal jazz ensemble, along with various music teaching responsibilities at Kellenberg Memorial High School. Previously, Morgan held the role as General Music and Chorus Teacher at Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School, where she taught K-3rd Grade. Morgan’s favorite part of teaching music is seeing the progression her students make from the beginning and beyond. Morgan also understands that music is a healthy means of expression, and strives to help her students make that connection through performance and education.

“Just choose the one that fits in your backpack,” she was told, and thus began Nicole’s flute career at age seven. Nicole has been a part of a wide variety of ensembles including various sized orchestras, bands, klezmer groups, and pit orchestras. She has worked as an orchestra member with the College Light Opera Company where she played principal flute for nine different operettas and musicals. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole also participated in numerous virtual music projects with the opera company. She earned her undergraduate degree from the
University of Colorado Boulder with Professor Christina Jennings and has recently graduated with her Master’s degree at SUNY Purchase in the studio of
Tara O’Connor. She is now pursuing a doctoral degree at Stony Brook University with Ms. Carol Wincenc. She continues to teach students of all ages, constantly expanding her private flute studio. Nicole is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach flute, clarinet, and saxophone.

Nicolette is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, currently pursuing her Music Education degree at Adelphi University. She is a graduate of  Long Island High School for the Arts, with concentration in Musical Theatre/Drama. Her proficiency lies in cello, electric bass, piano, and voice-with expertise in jazz and musical theatre. Notable involvement includes "Harmonious Live!" (Disney+), award winning singer/songwriter and actress at International Modeling and Talent Association, and more! Her desired achievement is to inspire and motivate the students of LISM to unlock their full musical potential, becoming the best musicians they can be!

Nikhil is a clarinetist, woodwind doubler, and educator based in New York. Engaging his diverse areas of interest, Nikhil enjoys bringing to life music which traverses stylistic boundaries. He is particularly interested in exploring the intersectionality between jazz, western ‘classical’ music, and new music. Nikhil has performed with Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Silkroad Artists, Ensemble X, Albany Symphony, National Music Festival, PRISMA Festival Orchestra, DARQ Ensemble, Voyager Reed Quintet, Philharmonia Boston, and the Ithaca New Music Collective. Also an active saxophonist, Nikhil has worked with several professional theater companies as a woodwind doubler. Well versed in the jazz idiom, Nikhil completed a concentration in jazz studies at Ithaca College, studying saxophone, improvisation, and arranging, becoming often-featured soloist, and lead alto saxophone with the premier jazz ensemble. Nikhil is currently Doctoral Candidate at Stony Brook University, where he studied clarinet with Alan Kay. Nikhil also holds a M.M. from Boston Conservatory and a B.M. from Ithaca College.

Noelle, mezzo-soprano obtained her B.A at SUNY Purchase College in Vocal Performance. There she was classically trained as part of the Purchase Opera Conservatory. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the prestigious Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Noelle has studied and performed many operatic roles in her career. Noelle has worked closely with young students within a school setting, and has experience working with students with special needs. A patient and kind teacher, Noelle is eagerly excited to share the knowledge and wisdom she has gained with young and emerging singers! Noelle is extremely passionate about the communicative power of music, and is honored to become part of the Long Island Studio of Music family!

Patrice is a trained cellist, guitarist, pianist, songwriter and composer with over a decade of training and teaching experience. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and Audio Studies from Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, and is currently, completing her graduate studies at the Aaron Copeland of Music at Queens College studying in the Advanced Baccalaureate program in Music Education where she will receive her Masters in Music Education. She is passionate about teaching music to students of all levels and has a nurturing and effective approach that she has developed over the years. Patrice has had experience working with students with special needs and students on the autism spectrum. She looks forward to joining the faculty of LISM!

Phoebe is currently a Bachelors in Music Education candidate at the prestigious Aaron Copland School of Music with concentration in Choral Music. She also previously studied at the Fredonia School of Music. Phoebe is on the Music faculty at the Babylon Summer Music Camp where she co-directs the K-5 Musical Theatre Productions. Additionally, she teaches private classical and musical theatre voice, piano and trumpet. Her most recent performances were "Alice” in Falstaff and the “Baker” in Into the Woods. Her teaching philosophy is that students given the opportunity to learn music theory and culturally inclusive repertoire, will develop cultural awareness and a curiosity for music, thus creating future musicians. Phoebe comes from a big family of teachers and is excited to be a part of the LISM faculty!

Rayaz has over 15 years of experience as a drummer/percussionist in a variety of musical settings. During his undergraduate studies at Molloy college, he continued to perform in jazz, percussion, sinfonietta, and other assorted ensembles despite majoring in Philosophy. Since 2013, Rayaz has been freelancing throughout Long Island as a musical theatre pit orchestra musician, event percussionist, accompanist, and private instructor. He has performed in over 20 musical productions to date and is currently a primary musician at CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale. His event percussion work has been through contract with such companies as Hart to Hart Productions and Paparazzi Entertainment. Rayaz characterizes his teaching style as "flexible, but focused" because the essence of private instruction is to adapt to the needs and interests of each student. He specializes in introducing beginners to the world of percussion (especially kids!), but has offered moderate to intermediate instruction as well. Some teaching tools that he employs during lessons are: call and response activities, developing drum notation literacy, and ear training. Finally, he approaches performance with a mindset of thoughtful collaboration. He is looking forward to working with LISM students in hopes of inspiring young students to live out their musical dreams.

Rebecca, Soprano is a Long Island based singer and voice teacher hailed for her "attention grabbing voice" (Opera Wire). Favorite roles include Alcina (Alcina), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Euridice (Orfeo ed Euridice), First Lady (Die Zauberflöte), The Mother (Hansel and Gretel), Barbarina (Le nozze di Figaro), Edith (Pirates of Penzance), Cinderella (Into the Woods) and Rosalia (West Side Story). Rebecca recently worked with composer, Steven Belfer and writer, Stephen Michaelman to create the role of Sarah for the world premiere workshop of their new musical, Panama. In concert Rebecca has performed as the soprano soloist in a televised Schubert’s Mass in G Major with the St. Agnes Cathedral Singers. Rebecca has performed with Amadeus Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, the Allegro Singers, Brooklyn Telemann Chamber Society and Plaza Theatrical Productions. As a recitalist, she has performed various song, operetta, and opera repertoire in concert with the Songe d’été en musique festival in Quebec, Canada, Opera Night Long Island, Oyster Bay Music Festival and Merkin Hall. A passionate teacher, Rebecca loves to work with students to find their authentic voice through a solid technical foundation so they are able to excel in any repertoire and feel confident in their singing. Rebecca received her masters degree from Binghamton University and bachelors degree from American University, both in Vocal Performance.

Rebecca, Mezzo-Soprano, is a native New Yorker. She grew up surrounded by music, and attended Fiorello H. Laguardia High School where she began her classical training. She is a bachelor of music degree candidate in Vocal Performance in her final year at the prestigious Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where she studies with Dr. Sherry Overholt. Prior to her studies at Queens College, Rebecca also completed a year of studies in Vocal Performance at Carnegie Mellon University.  Notable roles on the operatic stage include: Mrs.Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw, Dorabella in Cosi fan Tutte, Second witch in Dido and Aeneas, Stepmother in Into the Woods, as well as ensemble in the Merry Widow. Rebecca has extensive experience singing choral works, both performing in church choirs and in major concert works. Equally at home in Musical Theater, Rebecca loves to impart her knowledge and joy of the repertoire to young singers as well.  Also a skilled pianist, Rebecca is thrilled to join the LISM faculty where she will teach voice and beginner piano!

Rebekah is the string teacher at Portledge School in Locust Valley, where she has been directing orchestras in grades 4-12 for the past thirteen years. She teaches violin viola, and piano and has been preparing students for NYSSMA for over twenty-five years. Rebekah studied composition in Chichester, England while earning her undergraduate degree at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where she graduated with honors. She also has a Master's in Music Education from Queens. She has served as a NYSSMA adjudicator in numerous festivals, including East Williston and Port Washington. Rebekah is a member of local organizations such as the Long Island String Festival Association and the Nassau County Music Educators Association. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her three beautiful kids, all of whom are string players!

Ruby is a cellist and music education major at Adelphi University where she is working under Broadway pit cellist, Deborah Sepe. Ruby has extensive experience in many musical environments including pit orchestras for musicals, various chamber ensembles, symphony and string orchestras, solo performances and more. In addition to her cello studies, Ruby also has years of experience playing violin, viola and piano, as well as a new found love for playing double bass. With a passionate love for sharing music with others, Ruby is elated to join the LISM faculty where she will teach, cello, violin, viola and beginner piano and double bass.

Sarah is a classically-trained vocalist with an expansive musical and performance background. She is currently pursuing her M.M. in Classical Vocal Performance at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. She graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she double-majored in Music (vocal performance) and Theatre (acting). Outside of classical singing, Sarah has studied and performed music ranging from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary musical theatre. Her love for singing has led her to fulfilling work as a soloist and ensemble member. As an alto chorister, she recently had the privilege of making her debuts at Carnegie Hall and David Geffen Hall. She is well-versed in audition technique and NYSSMA preparation, and has years of sight-reading experience. Sarah is so excited to join the LISM faculty and guide students on their musical journeys.

Violist Sophia is a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where she received a dual degree in Viola Performance and Political Science. She was mentored by acclaimed violist and pedagogue George Taylor. A New York native and currently based in New York City, Sophia’s 2022-2023 season includes engagements with Little Opera Theatre of New York, Amore Opera Orchestra, TUNDI Productions, and the Classical Music Institute. Engagements this season and seasons past at the Eastman School of Music have included Principal Violist of the Eastman Philharmonia and Principal Violist of the Eastman Opera Theatre Orchestra. She has had the privilege of performing on many iconic stages throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kodak Hall, Koussevitzky Music Shed, and the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center. Sophia has played in chamber, orchestral, musical theater, and operatic concerts in and around New York State as a freelance musician. She also maintains a private studio. Sophia takes an individualized approach to teaching, tailoring her lessons to best fit the needs of each student to ensure they thrive. She prides herself on creating a safe space for her students to be curious, try out new techniques and musical styles, and never be afraid to make mistakes. Sophia also works extensively on building her students technical skills, making sure they are set up for success. Sophia’s students consistently receive an “outstanding” grade at NYSSMA Festival, have gone to All-County and LISFA, have been accepted into the prestigious New York Youth Symphony, and most recently have been accepted into NYU to study viola performance. 

Violinist Tong hails from Shanghai and is an avid soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. He teaches both Violin and Viola. Tong has competed internationally, and placed 2nd in the Hong Kong International Violin Competition and 3rd prize in the Vancouver International Music Competition. In 2021, Tong was selected as one of the 7 finalists of Ysaye International Violin Competition. Tong has also participated in numerous music festivals including Verbier Music Festival, Festival de Granada, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Four Seasons Chamber Music Winter Workshop, International Musicians Seminar- Prussia Cove, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and The Chamber Music Workshop at Perlman Music Program. As a passionate chamber musician, Tong was coached by the members of Borromeo String Quartet, Juilliard String Quartet, Brentano String Quartet, Merry Peckham, John Heiss, and Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir. Tong also has treasured the privilege of sharing stages with Ida Kavafian, Colin Carr, Melvin Chan, Areta Zhulla, Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, and Paul Biss. Chen has received Bachelor, Master of Music degrees, and Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory under Miriam Fried, Paul Biss and Donald Weilerstein. He is also influenced by many important mentors including Mark Steinberg and Itzhak Perlman. Tong is currently pursuing his Doctoral Degree at Stony Brook University(SUNY). 

American clarinetist Valerie is an enthusiastic performer and teacher who has performed throughout the United States and abroad. Valerie teaches clarinet and saxophone! She is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned her DMA in 2021. While there, she prepared and presented a defense about the bass clarinet and the E-flat clarinet and their crucial purpose in the journey of a clarinet player. In 2020, Valerie performed in Kolkata, India with the Spartan Winds, a Michigan based clarinet quartet invitedas guests of the Kolkata Classics Club, alongside its founder Jennifer Heemstra. She has also performed with the Ithaca New Music Collective, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Kingsport Symphony Orchestra, and Massapequa Philharmonic, in addition to several chamber groups of many different combinations. Currently, Valerie is based on Long Island, NY. She is on faculty at Five Towns College in Dix Hills and teaches clarinet and saxophone on Long Island. Valerie studied primarily with Guy Yehuda, Richard Faria, Peter Cain, and Mindy Dragovich.

Born and raised on Long Island, Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Business and a Master's in Music Education from Hofstra University where he was a vocal student of Tammy Hensrud. He brings a comprehensive understanding of both the industry and pedagogy. His journey through Hofstra's esteemed ensembles, including the Chorale, Chamber Choir, as well as being a member of an ICCA award winning a cappella group, the Hofbeats, has cultivated a deep passion for music and performance. Currently serving as an Elementary Music Teacher in Suffolk County, Zach is dedicated to instilling a love for music in the minds of all students. He teaches voice to singers in a variety of styles, as well as piano and guitar. His commitment to education, combined with his rich musical background, promises to enrich the musical community of Long Island. With boundless enthusiasm and expertise, Zach is excited to be a part of the LISM Family.

Zach is a skilled pianist who has worked as an accompanist, coach, and music director for years all over Long Island. He is a versatile teacher who knows that every student has unlimited potential for creativity, and that every students path towards creating is unique. He believes that practicing, while needing to be consistent, also should be a time of exploration. He wants students to really engage with the music, in ways that make them excited to sit down at the piano. One of his goals is to pass his own eagerness to explore on to his students. One of Zach’s deepest held beliefs is that teaching is a two way process; that to be a good teacher one must be willing to really listen, and learn from their students. As an accompanist Zach has worked with people in styles ranging from opera to jazz standards, he has prepared people for competitions such as NYSSMA, and worked as a music director for many productions. He also loves playing as a soloist and collaborator in recitals. His recent theatre credits include Music Director/Pianist/Conductor for The Last Five Years at Cultural Arts Playhouse Merrick Music Director/Pianist/Conductor for Into the Woods at The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, and Music Director for The Addams Family at Cultural Arts Playhouse Syosset. Zach has a BM in piano performance from Aaron Copland School of Music, and performs frequently as a soloist, accompanist, and singer.