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. 

Alle is a passionate music educator dedicated to nurturing the musical potential in every student. With a strong foundation in classical voice, earned through a Bachelor's and Master's degree from The Crane School of Music, Alle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her teaching. Currently sharing the joy of music with young learners as an elementary school music teacher in the Patchogue-Medford School District, Alle combines classroom expertise with a deep love for performance. An active participant in local theater, she understands the thrill of the stage and infuses this passion into her teaching. Specializing in vocal technique and piano fundamentals, Alle is committed to helping students discover their unique voices and build a strong musical foundation. Through a supportive and encouraging environment, she fosters a love for music, expression, and exploration. Whether preparing students for NYSSMA or simply igniting a lifelong passion for music, Alle believes in the transformative power of music for all learners, including those with special needs.

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 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! 

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!

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!

Bethany is a soprano, ​a​ graduate of Adelphi University with a bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. When teaching voice and the fundamentals of piano, she uses her performance experience and skills to help students grow as musicians and accomplish their goals. She is well versed in many genres/styles including classical, art song, opera, musical theatre, pop. She has attended the prestigious Queens Summer Vocal Institute. She is also a cantor at a church in Great Neck. She enjoys composition and music theory, using these skills to understand each piece on a deeper level; focusing on conveying these important details when teaching. She also is passionate about helping students improve in performance confidence and vocal health. Bethany is excited to join the LISM faculty to teach voice and piano, and to share her love and passion for music!

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.

Craig has over 15 years experience working as voice teacher, vocal coach, and pianist in the Long Island area.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano from Westminster Choir College and is currently working towards a certification in Vocology from Lamar University.  He believes that the most crucial aspect of voice lessons is discovering your authentic voice and nurturing it in a healthy, sustainable way.  Whatever style they like to sing or the level a student is at, Craig loves to help students realize their full potential as a singer and feel good about it in the process.  In addition to teaching, he is also Coordinator of Music for a local church, a professional theater music director and programs and plays keyboards for several theater productions every year at various institutions including Nassau Community College, Hofstra University, and the Engeman Theater.

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.

Elizabeth's journey began at the age of 11 when she became the youngest member of the prestigious New York Youth Symphony. Hailing from Long Island, NY, she continued to shape her artistry, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Elizabeth's musical achievements are marked by her performance of Milhaud’s L’Orestie d’Eschyle, a rendition that earned a Grammy award nomination. Under the guidance of notable teachers such as Yehonatan Berick, Judith Ingolfsson, and Nurit Pacht, she has become a versatile multigenre violinist. As an orchestral and chamber musician, Elizabeth has graced the stages of renowned institutions like Orchestra 914, Catskill Symphony Orchestra, Long Island Concert Orchestra, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony and more. Her journey has taken her to prestigious festivals, including concertmaster for the Eastern Music Festival, Le Domaine Forget in Canada, and The Next Festival of Emerging Artists. She has also served as NYSSMA adjudicator for all string levels. As a highly sought-after soloist, Elizabeth has illuminated diverse stages, from New York Fashion Week to the Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in Bulgaria. She currently performs as a soloist for many upscale and luxurious events in the NYC area. A multi talented musician, Elizabeth will teach both Violin and Piano at LISM!

Ethan is a Double Bass, Bachelor of Music Candidate at the prestigious Aaron Copland School of Music studying with Daniel Krekeler and previously Edward Francis Smith. He has performed in their Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and in their production of Humpernik’s Hansel and Gretel. Ethan has performed with the New York State Orchestra alongside Kerson Leon, the New York Youth Symphony orchestra, later went on their 24’ Greece tour, and often plays for theaters all over Long Island. This November Ethan will perform with the New York State Symphony at Weill Hall/Carnegie Hall. Ethan is excited to join the LISM faculty where he will teach both Double Bass and Electric Bass.

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!

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.

Hanbo is quickly becoming a sought-after violinist both as a soloist and chamber musician. Hanbo is currently pursuing a DMA Degree at Stony Brook University under violinist and chamber musician Arnaud Sussmann and Emerson Quartet. He completed his master’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under violinist and chamber musician Ian Swensen and completed his undergraduate music studies at Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing under violinist Xi Chen. As a chamber musician, he founded Duke Quartet in March 2018 and studied with the famous chamber musician Professor Frank Gefang Yang and won the first prize of Chamber Music in the Hummingbird Music Award of the China-Germany Youth Music Competition hosted by the German Embassy with full scores in 2018. In 2020, they won the second prize of string quartet of the Futian International String Competition. They have been described by the Juilliard Quartet as "a very high-level, promising young Quartet". In 2021, he won the first prize and the best Bach music award of International Best Bach Performance Music Competition; in 2018, he won the Excellent Award of Violin Group C of the American International Music Competition; in 2017, he participated in the first Qingyuan International Arts Festival and won the third prize in the violin group after a fierce competition. Hanbo was also the concertmaster of the Youth Orchestra of the Central Conservatory of Music from 2019 to 2021, and successfully performed orchestra works by Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Mahler. In 2021, he led the orchestra in exploring new music, and performed a new music concert with 11 young composers on April 29, 2021. He has performed in many famous venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York city, National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing; Beijing Concert Hall; Oriental Art Center in Shanghai; Grand Theatre in Suzhou and Yale Center in Beijing. Hanbo enjoys teaching violin students of all ages and levels and is excited to join the LISM faculty!

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.

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!

Kimberly “Kimbo” grew up in Northern New Jersey, where she participated in musical community projects through Crescendo Suzuki Studio, New Sussex Symphony, Harmonium Choral Society, and the New Jersey public schools. As an orchestral musician, she has performed under Jaime Laredo in the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and participated in Carnegie Hall’s collaboration with the United Nations’ initiative to advocate for widespread music education. A passionate supporter of contemporary music, Kimbo has enjoyed premiering new music, including works by Michael Frazier, Stephen Hartke, Jesse Jones, and Christopher Theofanidis. Kimbo was also a finalist in Oberlin Conservatory’s inaugural Bach Competition. She has studied with notable violists Kirsten Docter, Matthew Lipman, Lawrence Dutton, Caroline Coade, and Ayane Kozasa. She developed a love for chamber music through playing music with her parents and brother, all of whom are musicians. It was Kimbo’s family that gave her a love of music, and encouraged that performing is about connecting with other people and bringing joy to their lives. As a teaching artist, she hopes to spread values of community, responsibility, creativity, eagerness, and passion through music. 

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!

Kyla is a Long Island based music educator.  She grew up singing in choirs on Long Island and now teaches music at Hommocks Middle School in the Mamaroneck School District, where she also serves as the vocal technician for their musical productions. Her other engagements in Westchester include directing the Junior Voices ensemble at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School and working with the Westchester Children’s Chorus as social media manager and conducting apprentice. Kyla graduated summa cum laude from Hofstra University with a B.S. in Music Education, where she sang with the Vocal Jazz Quartet, the Chorale, and the Chamber Choir and served as the ensemble manager. Kyla was a student of Tammy Hensrud. She Formerly, she sang sacred music as a soprano at St. Johns Episcopal Church at Lattingtown. Currently, she pursues her love for singing as a member of the eVoco Voice Collective under the direction of Dr. David Fryling. 

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!

Madeline is a music education degree candidate at LIU Post.  Previously, she studied at Sacred Heart University under Janet Boughton (Royal Academy of Music) where she performed in their orchestra.  She possesses vast solo and orchestral experience and has fourteen years of experience playing the violin. She was a former member of the Gemini Youth Orchestra under Dr. Andrew Perea and performed at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts alongside performances at Andrew Carnegie Hall. She has been exposed to many different teaching styles. It is her teaching philosophy to tailor lessons to the student so that it will provide the most room for advancement possible. Madeline teaches advanced violin and viola, and intermediate cello. It is important to her that her students will not only learn to play music in lessons but also appreciate it.  The love of music is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and she is honored to be a part of it.

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.

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.

Nick is a composer and guitarist from New York City whose work includes acoustic, electronic, and electro-acoustic music, as well as intermedia pieces and multichannel installations. Nick’s compositions have been performed throughout the USA and internationally by leading artists such as cellist Séverine Ballon, soprano Tony Arnold, the JACK Quartet, Splinter Reeds, the Ekmeles Vocal Ensemble, the TAK Ensemble, Line Upon Line Percussion, Ensemble Dal Niente, and Wild Up. He has been a featured artist at international festivals including Gaudeamus Muziekweek (Netherlands) and the Impuls Academy (Austria) and at venues such as the Juilliard School in NYC and the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark. As a guitarist, Nick specializes in various styles including rock, blues, folk, and heavy metal. Nick completed his D.M.A. in Music Composition at Stanford University, where he studied with Mark Applebaum and Brian Ferneyhough. He also completed the H&S Dean’s Fellowship at Stanford University, where he was a Lecturer in the Department of Music and the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA). He completed his B.M. in Music Composition at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. Nick’s private students include musicians of all ages and experience levels in guitar performance, composition/songwriting, music theory, and audio technology. Nick also offers advising services for students preparing for auditions and college applications.

“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.

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 is a recent graduate from Muhlenberg College where she earned a BA in both music and theater with a concentration in vocal performance. She has been performing since the age of six and has trained in the styles of Musical Theatre, Classical, and Pop. Rebecca served as the Music Director for the Muhlenberg Dynamics. She also had the opportunity to study physical theater in Arezzo, Italy at the Accademia Dell'Arte where she was trained in Commedia Dell’Arte and sang on international stages. Rebecca is a working actor, singer and director in the New York City area. Rebecca’s experience in performance has driven a passion for helping young singers with audition material, acting through the song and inspiring confidence in new performers. She is so excited to join the LISM community and to share a love for music with her students!

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.

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.

Shawn is a Long Island based music educator, as well as an active double and electric bassist on Long Island and in New York City. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance and is also nearing completion on a degree in music education from the Crane School of Music. Shawn has performed with a number of classical groups, including an apprenticeship with the Orchestra of Northern New York for two years. While at the Crane School of Music, he has performed with the Giroux Honors Combo, Latin ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, various pit orchestras, and a number of chamber groups. Shawn has been teaching privately for a number of years and has a passion for private lesson instruction. Currently, he is preparing to student teach in the Brentwood School District this fall. He will also return to the faculty at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts this summer. Shawn is excited to join the LISM faculty where he will teach all strings and piano!

Soprano, Thais, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance with a Minor in Piano from the Manhattan School of Music and Masters in the same from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She was a Spectrum Artist at the Virginia Opera, touring the state of Virginia in Children's Operas Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs and Little Red Riding Hood and sang several roles with the NY Opera Forum.  Thais was the Soprano Section Leader and Soloist for St. James Episcopal, Richmond, VA; St. Joseph’s Astoria, NY; 1st Unitarian Brooklyn Heights, NY; Garden City Community Church, Garden City, NY and the New Synagogue of Fort Lee, NJ.  She has been a soprano soloist with the Assisi Music Festival, the NYC Master Chorale, The Columbia University Bach Society, and the Huntington Choral Society.  Thais also performs pop and rock and is the lead singer for The Candy House with frequent appearances as a backup singer for Snapperhead and The Lawn Boys.  Thais has been teaching piano and voice since 1994.

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.

Victoria, a talented violinist and violist is a Bachelor of Music degree candidate studying performance and music education at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College under Daniel Philips. She has served as Concertmistress and Principal Second Violin in the Symphony Orchestra and performed with the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra and South Shore Symphony Orchestra. Her notable performances include the ESPN NHL Network Theme Song Commercial and Julius Eastman’s "Femenine" with the Talea Ensemble. A Mannes Prep graduate, Victoria studied under Dr. Laura Mount and Dr. Ann Setzer, and participated in masterclasses with members of the New York Philharmonic. She has won prizes from the Rondo Young Artists Competition and the Anselmo Academy of Music and the Arts. She has attended prestigious programs such as the Meadowmount School of Music and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival. Victoria's opera credits include "The Merry Widow," "Alcina," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Cosi Fan Tutte" at the Winter Harbor Music Festival. She is active in the New York Youth Chamber Music Program, directed by Amelia Dietrich, and has played in masterclasses with the Azuri Quartet, Jessie Montgomery, and Jaime Amador. Victoria has collaborated with esteemed musicians like Marcy Rosen, Tito Munoz, and Paul Biss, underscoring her dedication and contributions to the field of music. A skilled and talented pianist as well, Victoria is excited to join the LISM faculty where she will teach violin, viola and piano! 

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.