Community Music School Faculty

VOICE, PIANO

ANNIE CHEN

Name:  MingYu (Annie) Chen

I’m from… Beijing, China

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: Carmen McRae

Few people know that I… have passion for animals.

Education: Central Conservatory of Music, Bachelor Degree of Arts; Queens College, Master Degree of Arts

I play and teach:  Voice and Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Annie Chen Octet (Quintet, Trio)

Biography: Annie Chen is a vocalist, composer, and bandleader from Beijing, based in New York since 2013. Her distinctive style draws on a rich continuum of musical traditions from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This creative vision – showcased on her releases “Pisces the Dreamer” (2014) and “Secret Treetop” (2018) – is supported by years of experience in China’s jazz, blues, and funk scenes as well as active study and collaboration within New York’s vibrant jazz community.

As a bandleader and composer, Annie has performed extensively in prestigious NYC venues including the Blue Note, Cornelia St. Cafe, Nublu, Flushing Town Hall, DROM, Shapeshifter Lab, and Club Bonafide. In China, she has brought her music to festivals such as Solana Summertime Festival, Chaoyang Music Festival, Beijing Nine-Gates Jazz Festival, CD Jazz Week, and the Shanghai International Jazz Festival, as well as venues such as Blue Note Beijing, East Shore Jazz Club, DDC, JiangHu, Guangzhou Xinghai Concert Hall and JZ Club Shanghai and Hangzhou. At JZ Club Hangzhou she led a band as artist in residence in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Annie’s debut release as a leader is “Pisces the Dreamer,” released in 2014 with a performance at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Festival. The album’s deft traversal of Chinese, Middle-Eastern, Eastern European and Afro-American musical landscapes has continued in 2018’s follow-up “Secret Treetop,” praised by Downbeat as “[a] clear-eyed fusion of East and West with an avant-garde twist,” and by New York Music Daily as “Fearlessly eclectic, soulful and smart.” In 2019, “Secret Treetop” was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album by the Chinese Music Industry Committee, an award analogous to a Grammy in the US. Both “Pisces the Dreamer” and “Secret Treetop” were reissued on vinyl by Fusion Music in 2019.

Annie’s main performing and recording ensemble is an unconventional octet featuring Tomoko Omura (violin), Alex LoRe (alto saxophone/flute), David Smith (trumpet), Rafal Sarnecki (guitar), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Mat Muntz (bass), and Jerad Lippi (drums), which developed the music on “Secret Treetop” through years of regular performance.

A lifelong student of music, Annie began her study of classical piano at the age of four, attending Beijing’s prestigious Central Conservatory of Music. After developing an interest in jazz, she traveled to New York in 2010 to study privately with Nancy Marano at Manhattan School of Music. She later obtained a Master of Music degree from Queens College, where she studied with Charenée Wade, Antonio Hart, David Berkman and Michael Philip Mossman.

Annie is also an experienced educator, having offered extensive, recurring masterclasses on vocal jazz performance and jazz appreciation as part of her residency in Hangzhou, China. In addition to online private and group lessons, Annie was recently commissioned by Beijing’s Ear King Music Company to produce Jazz Singing Masterclass Vol.1, an educational video series intended for students in China. As part of her mission to forge connections between distant musical worlds, she is also producing JZ Club on Air, a radio show dedicated to exposing Chinese audiences to the diverse and forward-thinking jazz currently emerging from New York.

VOICE, BROOKLYN HARMONICS TEENS

CHRISTINE CORNELL

Name: Christine Cornell

From: Milford, Connecticut

I started teaching music in… 2012

My inspiration: Freddie Mercury, Julie Andrews, Nancy Wilson (jazz), Nancy and Ann Wilson (Heart), Emmy Lou Harris, Wes Montgomery, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Angel Blue

Few people know that I… play electric bass in a rock band!

Education: Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Vocal Performance; Manhattan School of Music — Voice Performance

I play and teach:  Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a dues paying member of Actors Equity. I belong to Ghostlight Chorus NYC and Brooklyn Harmonics of BKCM. I have my own jazz group, Christine Cornell and the Quartet, and I perform duo with Justin Rothberg (guitar) and Rockabilly/Western Swing with the Rockafours (who played BKCM’s House Party in 2021).

Biography: Christine Cornell is a voice teacher at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She also co-directs BKCM’s Brooklyn Harmonics Teens (tight harmony vocal ensemble) with esteemed music director and colleague Jeffrey Klitz. Christine is a musician and teaching artist who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Although Christine’s musical training is classical with an added emphasis on jazz, she is well versed in most contemporary vocal styles that are required of today’s modern singer. Her pedagogy training encourages flexible and healthy vocalizing stemming from a traditional Bel Canto technique. Her studio is versatile and energetic with a repertoire ranging from Italian classics of the 1700s to today’s chart topping pop hits.

Christine has been running around New York City making music for 12 years. She can be seen on stages leading bands, backing up stars, dancing in musicals, and jamming with her guitar. Some favorite performances include: Joanna Gleason’s “Out of the Eclipse” (54 Below, Quick Center, Renberg), “The Most Happy Fella” (Goodspeed), “Celebrating the Life of Carol Hall” (the Times Center), “The Sound of Music” (Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacred Heart), “Master Class” (Gulf Shore Playhouse), “A Nantucket Christmas Carol” (White Heron Theatre) and “Four Saints in Three Acts” (BAM).

Christine also produces music available on all platforms. She can also be spotted at many of BKCM’s wonderful events, including the House Party (2019, 2021).

VOICE

ALEXIS HIGHTOWER

Voice

ANN MCCORMACK

Voice, Piano

LACY ROSE

Name: Lacy Rose

From: Texas

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Franz Schubert, John Dowland, Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Alfred Deller, Nick Drake, Dylan Thomas, William Blake, Shakespeare, Anne Carson, Joseph Cornell, Gustav Klimt, Leonora Carrington

Few people know that I… am the goddaughter of astronaut Charles Lacy Veach

Education: Loyola University – Vocal Performance

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I collaborate frequently with other New York based artists including dancer/choreographer Coco Karol, classical guitarist Colin Fullerton, composer/poet Alaina Ferris, composer John K Stone, and Osso String Quartet. I am currently composing original songs for a Dylan Thomas play entitled The Doctor and The Devils. This New Year’s Eve I will be performing along side Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley for Phantasmagoria at the Brooklyn Bazaar.

VOICE, PIANO

MELVIS SANTA

Name: Melvis Santa

From: Havana, Cuba

Few people know that I…  1- am a twin with a boy; 2- play bata drums, a set of three drums rarely played by women.

Education: Music Conservatory Amadeo Roldan – Music Education (Piano, Voice)

I play and teach: Piano, Voice

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe arts are one of the most transformative and uplifting forms of self-expression. My teaching approach draws from a student’s interests, skill level, cultural background and creativity to build a personalized program that will develop their unique artistic voice at their own learning pace. Each class encompasses fun and focused practice, including healthy posture, stretch exercises, active listening, basic music theory and improvisation.

Biography: Melvis Santa is a Grammy-nominated multidisciplinary artist, singer-songwriter, actress, educator and cultural ambassador who has spent the last two decades performing worldwide and teaching for the non-profit and university sectors with an emphasis on folk arts education.

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Melvis came to performance through her family roots in various cultural traditions. She made a splash at age 14 when she founded the all-female collective vocal group Sexto Sentido, which won the Young Jazz Competition JoJazz 2001, and was deemed by Chucho Valdés “the best Cuban vocal quartet of the past 30 years.” Later she joined Roberto Carcassés`s seminal fusion band Interactivo, touring worldwide and collaborating with national and international artists. In 2012 Melvis her spread wings and recorded her Cubadisco nominated album “Santa Habana” as a solo artist and composer.

Currently based in New York, Melvis continues to make a mark as a performer and educator. As a classically-trained multidisciplinary artist, her teaching background includes expertise in piano, voice, chorus, ensemble, storytelling and dance. Melvis projects herself as an arts advocate who uses her art as a platform for social change, empowering BIPOC girls and women. She has conducted residencies and masterclasses at major Universities including Yale University and Steinhardt School of Music at New York University. She also has worked as an arts curator at Harlem Jazz Museum, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and Tulane University. Melvis is an award winning teaching artist of NYFA, a Paul Simon Music Fellow and an on-demand cultural program creator in not-for-profit organizations such as City Lore. She is an enthusiastic music teacher who raises her students’ levels with quality education through her unique approach. Her mission is to always ensure equity and diversity within social/educational systems and organizational artistic practice.

Piano, Voice, Harp

LUCIA STAVROS

Name: Lucia Stavros

From: Cleveland, Ohio

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2020

My inspiration: I am inspired by so many artists and composers: JS Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Ann Hobson Pilot, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Astrid Gilberto, Elis Regina, Chet Baker, to name a few!

Few people know that I… have been practicing yoga for 18 years. 

Education: New England Conservatory of Music – BA; Fulbright Scholar 2010/11- L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris – Diplôme Supérieur d’Exécution

I play and teach:  Harp, Voice, Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Green and Glass, Ghost Ensemble, solo project “loosh”

Personal Teaching Statement: My teaching philosophy is founded in a disciplined work ethic and based on a holistic approach to practicing, technique, and project management. I often begin classes discussing how to avoid injury, maintain a healthy technique, and I also share my step-by-step organizational method for approaching any musical piece or project. Unlike music pedagogy that emphasizes rote learning or a replication of how the teacher creates music, I encourage my students to develop their own personal styles.

Biography: Lucia Stavros is a New York-based harpist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lucia attended New England Conservatory of Music and continued on to receive an advanced degree in Harp Performance from L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris as a Fulbright Scholar for music studies in France. Lucia is an international performer and has played at venues including the distinguished Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater, Jordan Hall, Théâtre Montansier de Versailles, The Universität der Künste Berlin, University Hall Uppsala in Sweden, the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid, and many more. Lucia records and performs with the experimental chamber group Ghost Ensemble, indie band Green and Glass, and has a vocal and harp solo project, loosh.

Lucia has been a music educator for the past 12 years and joined the faculty of Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in 2020, where she teaches harp, voice, and piano. Additional teaching experience include masterclasses at the Académie de Rouen (Sponsored by American Embassy Paris) in Rouen, France, and Nannaskolans Conservatoire in Uppsala, Sweden.

She has been featured as a solo artist, and as part of group recordings, on five albums. Lucia co-produced and co-wrote the EP and self-titled debut album for Green and Glass and is currently producing a solo album, anticipated release 2022.

Lucia’s projects explore the spiritual and emotional connections developed in music and through music. As described by The Autumn Roses website, Lucia’s work is “beautifully-patterned, symphonic, and idea-packed.”

Violin, Viola

JENNIFER AXELSON

Name: Jennifer Axelson

From: Kenosha, Wisconsin

I started teaching music in… 1994

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2007 (Queens), 2014 (Brooklyn)

My inspiration: Stephane Grappelli, Miles Davis, Trent Reznor

Few people know that I… worked at an amusement park

Education: University of Wisconsin Madison, BM
New York University, MA

I play and teach:  Violin, Viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Many freelance orchestras, orchestra pits, and jazz with Paul Knopf.

Personal Teaching Statement: Everyone has the ability to learn joyfully!

Biography: Violinist Jennifer Axelson is equally at home in both classical and jazz idioms. After moving to New York City, Jennifer continued to play “classical” music and became an improvisor. Her orchestra pit experience includes playing at Westport Country Playhouse, DiCapo Opera, Lucille Lortel Theater, and the Actors Shakespeare Company along with many other musicals and operas in New York and New Jersey.  Jennifer has played at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, David Geffen Hall, Webster Hall, Zinc, Shapeshifter Lab, and many other locations throughout New York City. She has played regularly with the Astoria Symphony, Richmond County Orchestra, and the Firey String Sistas, just to name a few. Chamber music experience includes playing violin in a string quartet on The Holland America Cruise Line. Jennifer has also played improvised music for The Scarab Tale, an off Broadway show. While living in Madison, Wisconsin she played in the Madison Symphony Orchestra under John DeMain and the Dubuque Symphony under Nicholas Palmer.

Jennifer holds a bachelor of music degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a master’s degree in jazz from NYU. She teaches regularly and has taught string classes in the NYC public schools for various organizations.

Violin, Viola

LUIS CASAL

Name: Luis Enrique Casal

From: Panama City, Panama

I started teaching music in… 1993

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2008

My inspiration: My teachers have been a source of inspiration. The way they transmitted their wisdom and the respect, commitment, and passion that they have/had towards the music, their instrument and their profession has been unmeasurable. Thank you Jorge Vergara, Carmen Cedeño, Cathy Robinson, the Miami String Quartet, Carolyn Huebl, Matthew Dane, Daniel Heiftetz, Atar Arad, Ilya Kaler, James Dunham, Allen Lieb, Craig Mumm, and Mary Ann Mumm.

Few people know that I… worked as a lead salsa singer

Education: New World School of the Arts – Bachelors in Music (Violin Performance)
Carnegie Mellon University – Masters in Music (Violin)
Carnegie Mellon University – Masters in Music (Viola)
Indiana University – Performance Diploma (Viola)
University of Oklahoma – Doctor in Musical Arts (Viola)

I play and teach:  Violin, Viola, Chamber Music

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  La Camerata Washington Heights; Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra; Música De Cámara Chamber Orchestra; Camerata Alfredo De Saint Malo; Isaac Casal’s Ensemblast Project

Personal Teaching Statement: My main goal is to teach my students how to practice, so that they can progress more efficiently at home.

Biography: The Panama News cites: “Panama does have a worthy classical scene, and right at the top of it we find Luis Enrique Casal.” A concert artist in both the violin and the viola, Luis was awarded “Remarkable Citizens of Panama 2015″ by Panama’s National Commission Pro Civic Values and Morals. Luis is vice president of the Sinfonía Concertante Foundation of Panama and adviser to the Alfredo De Saint Malo Music Festival. He has performed and/or given master classes in the Bahamas, England, France, Japan, Italy, Romania, Spain, the United States and Uruguay.

An experienced orchestra player, Luis has held the position of Principal Violist ad honorem of the National Symphony of Panama, Principal Violist of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Concertmaster of the Butler Symphony Orchestra in Butler, Pennsylvania, and guest concertmaster of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. He is co-founder and member of the Camerata Alfredo De Saint Malo, and currently performs as concertmaster of the ADCA Symphony Orchestra, concertmaster of the BCCO (Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra), principal violist of the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and violinist of the quartet Ensemblast Project.

His performances have included chamber music and solo appearances in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall, Merkin Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hall of the Americas at the Organization of American States, the Bruno Walter Auditorium, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Recent commitments have included performances and tour with his brother Isaac’s project, Ensemblast. Luis is also enthusiastic about collaborating with modern composers having premiered pieces by Carlos Bernales, Dinos Constantinides, Alexandra Dubois, Jorge Figueroa, Mikolja Gorecki, Howard Lew, Ricardo Risco, Bartosz Smoragiewicz and Norberto Ulloa.

He has recorded for the labels Earth Cd Partners and Multicultura Media’s Rootstock Recording.

Violin, Viola

ADRIATIK SEFA

Name: Adriatik Sefa

From: Elbasan, Albania

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2015

My inspiration: Old players such as Oistrakh, Heifetz

Few people know that I… like building things

Education: New Leaders For New Schools, Emerging Leaders Program, New York University, MA; Eastman School of Music, MM

I play and teach: Violin and Viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  ISO Orchestra

Personal Teaching Statement: My goal in teaching is to foster a love for music making and high standards for future developments at highest possible levels for all of my pupils.

Biography: Adriatik Sefa, a graduate from two well-known universities – Eastman School of Music and New York University, is the founder of the “Youth music competition.” Adriatik received his first lesson in a small town of Albania called Elbasan. After finishing high school at the “Onufri” music school, he continued his studies at the Academy of Arts in Tirana, Albania. He has performed throughout the world, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and USA.

Adriatik is a member of Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, a full time music director and a new leader at P.S. 65 Mother Hale Academy. In 2003, Adriatik performed at Carnegie Hall as a part of Fiddle Fest which included musicians such as Itzhak Perlman, Jashua Bell and Yo-Yo Ma. Adriatik has studied with well-known teachers such as Uto Ughi, Boris Belkin, Oleh Krysa, Zvi Zeitlin, Roland Xhoxhi, Zhani Ciko and Bujar Sykja.

Violin

JESSIE SNOKE

Name: Jessie Snoke

From: North Carolina

I started teaching music in… 2012

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2015

My inspiration: Hilary Hahn

Few people know that I… had a college mascot of a Fighting Pickle!

Education: UNC School of the Arts – Bachelor of Music
Hartt School – Masters of Music in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy

I play and teach: Violin

Tell us about any ensembles you perform with or other artistic/musical endeavors that you’re a part of:  Handel Festival Orchestra, Chelsea Symphony

Violin, Violin Friends, Chamber Music

JOHNNA WU

Name: Johnna Wu

From: Philadelphia and Indianapolis

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: my grandfather

Few people know that I… do yoga everyday

Education: Columbia University – Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music History and Theory, The Juilliard School – Masters of Music in Violin Performance

I play and teach: I play violin and also teach viola and cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am the founder of PinkNoise, an ensemble dedicated to integrating old and new music with improvisation through electronic and acoustic mediums.

CELLO

SARAH SONG

Name: Sarah Song

From: Houston, Texas

My inspiration: As of now, I’m really into Tuvan throat singing (Alash Ensemble), and am always listening to Solange.

Few people know that I… grew up taking piano lessons starting at the age of 5 with multiple piano teachers and hated it! (I enjoy playing today.)

Education: Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music, BM; University of Rochester: Eastman School, MM; Queens College: Aaron Copland School of Music Professional Studies, Certificate; CUNY Graduate Center Candidate for Doctorate in Musical Arts

I play and teach: Cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Chamber ensemble including: soprano, flute, harp, piano

Biography: Award-winning cellist Sarah Song is a graduate of The Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of David Ying (Ying Quartet). Prior to her masters studies at Eastman, Sarah received her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music with Brandon Vamos (Pacifica Quartet) and a Professional Studies Certificate from Queens College (Marcy Rosen).

Winner of the Classical Tahoe International String Quartet Apprenticeship, Sarah has shared the stage with members of the Metropolitan Opera under the leadership of Joel Rezven and Laurie Hamilton and concertized with soloists like Itamar Zorman, Emannual Ceysson, and Noah Bendix-Balgely. During her time as a fellow at the Madeline Island Music Festival (La Pointe, WI), Sarah worked with members from the Arianna String Quartet, American String Quartet, Shanghai String Quartet, St. Lawrence String Quartet and Brooklyn Rider. She is the recipient of the Chamber Music Live Award.

Most recently, she has competed as a semi-finalist in the 2020 Coltman Chamber Competition (Austin, TX) and won the 2021 Queens College Concerto Competition. She will solo with the Aaron Copland School of Music Orchestra this fall.

Alongside her performing career, Sarah is passionate about music accessibility and education for students of all ages and abilities. She has spent the last three years leading the cellists of El-Sistema-based program, ROCmusic Collective — a tuition-free, all access after school music program and working with conservatory students from Oaxaca, MX in a tuition-free festival.

Sarah lives in Brooklyn, NY and attends The CUNY Graduate Center studying with Marcy Rosen. She is interested in researching the crossroads of music theory, analysis and performance and Korean Pansori music.

Bass, Piano, Piano Friends

SHAYNA DULBERGER

Name: Shayna Dulberger

From: Mahopac, NY

I started teaching music in… 2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2016

My inspiration: Francois Rabbath, George Vance, Virginia Dixon, Gary Karr, Tommy Potter, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, John Patitucci and many more.

Few people know that I… lived on a glacier for 2 months when I was 18

Education: Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University  – BM in jazz studies; Suzuki Training Books 1-5 with Virginia Dixon; SECE Training with Lynn McCall

I play and teach:  Bass

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Nifty Knuckles (early jazz band), Dara & Shayna (cello & bass duets)

Personal Teaching Statement: Music is amazing! Learning bass is fun!

Biography: Shayna Dulberger has been teaching private music and group lessons in New York City since 2006. As a faculty member of Brooklyn Conservatory, Shayna teaches Double Bass, Electric Bass, Group Theory Classes, Piano Classes and Early Childhood Classes ages 0+. She completed her training in 2021 with Suzuki Teacher Trainer Virginia Dixon and is a registered Suzuki Teacher for all of the published Bass Books, 1 through 5. Shayna also completed her level 1 Suzuki Early Childhood training with Lynn McCall, the first teacher trainer for SECE in the U.S. Shayna has put together her own pre-Twinkle book for very young beginners. Her book “Bass Buddies” provides a method that includes movement and keeping a beat with very short, achievable pieces. Shayna’s students have been accepted to New York City’s Frank Sinatra and LaGuardia Performing Arts High Schools.

Piano, Bass, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

JEONG LIM YANG

Name: Jeong Lim Yang

I’m from… Seoul, South Korea

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: All the people who contribute this planet to be a better place for everyone! People who fought for their rights, freedom, art….

Few people know that I… go by Lim

Education: Berklee College of Music – Jazz Performance

I play and teach: upright bass, electric bass, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: my own band (quintet and quartet), Crooked Trio and about 15 more bands…

Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone

CLEAVE GUYTON

Name: Cleave Guyton Jr

From: New York, NY

I started teaching music… 30+ years ago

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1997

My inspiration: My dad, Muhammad Ali, and all great musicians

Few people know that I… am an avid hunter

Education: Berklee College of Music – BA
Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College – MM

I play and teach: the woodwind family – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Piccolo

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  The original Ray Charles, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Abdullah Ibrahim, Aretha Franklin bands and too many more to mention

Biography: Cleave Guyton is a professional musician who plays the saxophone, flute and clarinet. He has been fortunate to have worked with artists such as: Aretha Franklin, Abdullah Ibrahim, Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Nat Adderley, Abby Lincoln, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Jon Hendricks, The Ray Charles Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Little Jimmy Scott, Maceo Parker, Spike Lee, Joe Williams, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Ronny Jordan, The Mingus Big Band, Cleo Laine, Chaka Khan, The Boys Choir of Harlem and many more.

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Chamber Music

MARA MAYER

Name: Mara Mayer

From: Cleveland, OH

I started teaching music in…2009

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration:  my cat

Few people know that I… Used to work for a primatologist in Costa Rica

Education:  Eastman School of Music – BM

I play and teach:  Clarinet/bass clarinet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am the founder of Home Audio series, monthly house shows featuring experimental music in Brooklyn since 2011. I perform with the Nouveau Classical Project, Curiosity Cabinet, GABI, Feral Children, Banda de los Muertos and more as a freelancer. For the last few summers I have been a guest artist in Alaska at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone

JOSH SINTON

Name: Josh Sinton

From: Cologne, New Jersey

I started teaching music in… 1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2010

My inspiration: My wife, my daughter, my father, Steve Lacy

Few people know that I… am an excellent cook and work part-time at a wine store

Education: University of Chicago – B.A. with Honors
New England Conservatory – M.A. in Jazz Performance with Honors

I play and teach: saxophone, flute, and clarinet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: My own groups include musicianer and Ideal Bread as well as solo performances. I also perform with the Nate Wooley Quintet and Anthony Braxton’s Tricentric Orchestra. In the past I was a member of Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society and Andrew D’Angelo’s DNA Big Band.

Flute, Chamber Music

DAVID WECHSLER

Name: David Wechsler

From: Brooklyn, NY

I started teaching music in… 1972

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1980

My inspiration: Karl Kraber, Julius Baker, Michael Brecker, Johannes Brahms, Thelonious Monk

Few people know that I… sing, play alto and tenor saxophones, and in addition to having made a living as a professional classical flute player, I play many styles of music, including jazz, rock, and electronic music.

Education: Brooklyn College – Bachelor of Science in Music
SUNY Stony Brook – Master of Music
CUNY Graduate Center – Doctor of Musical Arts

I play and teach: all flutes, recorder, alto saxophone, and tenor saxophone

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Principal Flute, Queens Oratorio Society; Music Director, The OMNI Ensemble; freelance flutist in many NYC area orchestras; substitute flutist on many Broadway shows

Trumpet

HUGH ASH

Name: Hugh Ash

From: Baldwin, NY

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Albert Einstein

Few people know that I… also studied anthropology/archaeology in college

Education: Ithaca College – Bachelor of Music
SUNY Purchase – Master of Music in Trumpet Performance

I play and teach:  trumpet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I perform with The Curiosity Cabinet and Ensemble Mise-En

French Horn

ERIC DAVIS

TROMBONE, TUBA

HEATHER EWER

Name: Heather Ewer

From: Arvada, Colorado

I started teaching music in… 2004

Few people know that I… love musicals so much that I am writing one! It is about marching band. If I’m not playing in a brass band, you’ll likely find me sitting in the audience of a newly opened Broadway show!

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Western Michigan University; Masters in Tuba Performance, Colorado State University

I play and teach: Trombone, Tuba

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Brass by the Slice, Bridget’s Garden (trombone and tuba duet), L Train Brass Band, Brass Queens, and soon the eGalitarian brass quintet.

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe that a high quality education in music is for every student regardless of race, gender identity, or economic status. I believe first and foremost in developing a strong relationship with each private lesson student I have the pleasure of teaching. A relationship built on trust, communication, respect, kindness, and humor creates an environment where young musicians can flourish on their chosen instrument. I get to know each student as a person and then tailor the exercises that they will play to their individual musical goals and needs. I love arranging music for my students that they are passionate about!

Biography: Heather has been enamored with the tuba for 21 years and teaching young musicians to play trombone and tuba for 17 years. Teaching private music lessons has been both her longest held and her favorite job, so she is very grateful for the opportunity to teach at BKCM! She grew up in a musical family outside of Denver, Colorado, the daughter of a percussionist and a bassist. Heather and her twin trumpet player brother both trained to be band directors, following in their music educator mother’s footsteps.

Currently in her sixth year teaching middle school music, Heather moved to Brooklyn in July 2019. In addition to getting middle schoolers excited about being in an ensemble, Heather plays in several ensembles around the city. She is a sought after sousaphone player in the brass band scene, playing for Brass by the Slice, Brass Queens, Brooklyn Delta Jazz Party, New Heights Brass Band and the L Train Brass Band which she has also music directed for two years.

Heather also plays classical tuba in brass quintets, orchestras, and concert bands in the area, including eGaliterian, Brass in the Bandshell, and the Protestra. She has also played trombone in the brass band scene, and is a talented arranger who enjoys arranging music for her private lesson students.

Piano, Trumpet

ROGER LENT

Name: Roger Lent

From: I grew up in Houston, Texas but have lived in NYC for my adult life

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2005

My inspiration:  In no specific order… J.S. Bach, Charlie Parker, Gustav Mahler, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Frederic Chopin, Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Erroll Garner, Chick Corea, George Shearing, Arthur Rubinstein, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry, Nat King Cole, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Terence Blanchard, Hank Jones, Kenny Kirkland, Victor Feldman, Don Grolnick, Sonny Clark, The Empire Brass, Phil Smith, Leif Ove Andses, Bud Herseth, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, gospel music, Donny Hathaway, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, Michael Brecker, my teachers Don Jacoby, Bill Fielder and William Daghlian, the radio in the 1980s, my wife and my son, New York City, and many more influences too numerous to mention.

Few people know that I… haven’t owned a car since 1993.

Education:  Bachelors in Music – The University of North Texas; Masters in Music – Rutgers University

I play and teach:  Piano, Trumpet

My or other artistic/musical endeavors: The Roger Lent piano trio, The Uptown Brass Quintet

Personal Teaching Statement:  Practicing music is exercise for the brain and the soul.

Biography:  Roger Lent is a versatile, seasoned jazz musician at home with the piano and the trumpet. He is based in New York and has performed throughout North America and many European countries. He has appeared at Jazz@Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Aspen Jazz Festival, The Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scotts in London and major jazz clubs and performing arts centers around the United States.

Roger earned a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in music at Rutgers University with full scholarship and teaching assistantship. In New York, he studied classical piano intensively with the master artist teacher, William Daghlian. Since 2012, Roger has played piano for the show “Sleep No More” in Manhattan. He has maintained a studio of piano and trumpet students for over 20 years.

Trumpet, Music Partners

PABLO MASIS

Name: Pablo Masis

I’m from… Cleveland, Ohio

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

My inspiration: The music of Miles Davis inspired me to pursue a life of jazz study.

Few people know that I… spent four years of my childhood living on a Native American Reservation

Education: Lawrence University – BM, Trumpet Performance
University of New Orleans – MM, Jazz Studies

I play and teach:  Trumpet

My or other artistic/musical endeavors:  My jazz trio is my main ensemble, and I also perform with several large jazz ensembles and chamber music groups around the New York City area.

TRUMPET

ALLISON PHILIPS

Name: Allison Philips

From: South Orange, New Jersey

My inspiration: Lee Morgan, Ingrid Jensen, Ambrose Akinmusire

Education: Masters of Music – Jazz Performance, Het Conservatorium van Amsterdam; BFA – Jazz Trumpet Performance, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music

I play and teach: Trumpet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Allison Philips Trio, DeiCont | Philips Collective

Personal Teaching Statement: As an educator, I strive to build a well-rounded musical background while still focusing on the technique required to make the music actually happen. Whether teaching trumpet, or jazz ensemble, I think it is important to emphasize the history of the music or instrument, while not loosing track of personal expression and creativity.

Biography: Allison Philips is a Brooklyn-based trumpet player, composer, and educator. Philips is a trumpet player’s trumpet player. From the traditional trio setting to genre-bending explorations via electronics, Allison is always searching for new ground.

Jazz Scene has called The Allison Philips Trio “an invigorating list​en that probes, as Ornette Coleman did, the line between song and sonic exploration.” The group released their first EP in 2017 and will be releasing their first album “Placement and Longing” in 2021. Philips also co-leads the DeiCont | Philips Collective a group which Hot House Magazine has called “one of the most exciting emerging groups in NY.” The Allison Philips Trio and the DeiCont | Philips Collective have toured domestically and throughout Europe and Canada.

Allison has also performed with Sara McDonald’s “NY Chillharmonic,” Alita Moses, The Chronometer’s Orchestra, Phil’s Music Lab, Charlie Rosen’s Broadway Bigband, the BVR Flamenco Orchestra, Zulema’s Mambo Queens, and many others. She has performed on many acclaimed stages, including The Bimhuis, The North Sea Jazz Festival, The Bern Jazz Festival, The Festival of New Trumpet Music, Le Poisson Rouge, PENG Festival, 54 Below, The Jazz Standard, NJPAC and many others.

Philips holds a BFA in Jazz Performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City and an MM in Jazz Performance from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Philips was the 2016 recipient of the Hal Leonard Collegiate Scholarship. She has recently been awarded a New York Foundation of The Arts “City Artist Corp” grant. She has studied under several trumpet luminaries including Laurie Frink, Ingrid Jensen, Chris Jaudes, Tatum Greenblatt, Joe Magnarelli, Jimmy Owens, Ruud Breuls and Jan Oosthof. Between teaching and performing throughout Europe and North America, Allison spends her time commuting on her bicycle in Brooklyn and eating at B&H Dairy in the East Village.

Guitar, Ukulele

TY CITERMAN

Name: Ty Citerman

From: St. Louis, MO

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2015

My inspiration:  Ancient nameless music-makers; artists with names, from Meredith Monk to Duke Ellington; Olivier Messiaen to Julia Wolfe; Deerhoof to the Art Ensemble of Chicago; Charlie Christian to Sister Rosetta Tharpe; Hildegard Von Bingen to Fred Frith; Avrom Reyzen to Leslie Marmon Silko; J.S. Bach to John Zorn and Arnold Schoenberg; radical political organizers and thinkers like Angela Davis and Anne Braden; my teachers Chris Rosenberg and Paul Caputo; the night sky, a canoe, my daughters and so so much more…how to stop?

Few people know that I… make my own sauerkraut

Education:  Columbia University – BA in psychology
Brooklyn College (CUNY)  – MM in music composition

I play and teach:  Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I co-lead the 19 year-old irreverent chamber jazz group Gutbucket, which has released 6 CDs/LPs on Cuneiform Records, Cantaloupe Music, Enja, NRW, Knitting Factory Works and our own imprint Gut Records. The group has toured in more than 20 countries and 30+ of the US states.

I lead the avant-Jewish Tzadik Records recording quartet Bop Kabbalah, with a debut CD out in 2014. I also play guitar in Dana Lyn’s Mother Octopus, versions of James Ilgenfritz’s Anagram Ensemble, Jon Madof’s improvising quintet and am a frequent guitarist and composer with Anti-Social Music (ASM). I am an accompanist and song leader in several NYC-area synagogues, including Kolot Chayeinu and CBST, where I work with wonderful cantors and sometimes play with jazz luminaries like Marty Ehrlich and Shoko Nagai, who moonlight in that world.

Personal Teaching Statement: I work with students to develop a lifelong love of music making. In addition to exploring a diverse established repertoire, hands-on music theory and proper technique, I teach improvisation and songwriting, encouraging students to find their own voice in music.

Biography: Ty Citerman is a Brooklyn, NY-based guitarist and composer who writes, performs and teaches music across the spectrum of jazz, rock and contemporary classical. He holds a Master in Music (M.M.) degree in music composition from Brooklyn College (CUNY) and received Suzuki guitar training from Bill Kossler and David Madsen. He is also the proud recipient of a 2018 Brooklyn Arts Council grant to support the creation and performance of new work.

Ty’s nine year-old project Bop Kabbalah explores the juxtaposition of original composition, improvisation and Jewish musical traditions. Its trio incarnation, Bop Kabbalah+Voices (with Sara Serpa and Judith Berkson) released a recording of original settings of Yiddish labor texts on Infrequent Seams, which Eyal Hareuveni (in Salt Peanuts) called “inspiring and moving, and beautifully arranged and delivered.” Bop Kabbalah’s quartet premiered on John Zorn’s Tzadik Records “Radical Jewish Culture” series in 2014, and JazzTimes called the album “…one of the year’s most arresting recordings…”

Ty is a founding member of the irreverent jazz quartet Gutbucket, which has released six recordings of original music and toured across the US and Europe. Guitar Player called Ty’s music for Gutbucket “kinetic punk jazz opuses” that “reveal an explosive concoction containing lethal doses of Ornette Coleman, King Crimson, John Zorn, Black Sabbath, Stravinsky, and Fugazi.”

Ty composed original theme music for the podcast “Tradeoffs” and scored the 2019 St. Anne’s Warehouse Labapalooza! puppetry festival show “To Love What Death Has Touched” by Kevin White. Over the past two decades, he has performed on some of the world’s finest stages, including Carnegie Hall, the London Jazz Festival, Paris Jazz Festival, Belgrade Jazz Festival, Jazz a Vienne, the Bang on a Can Marathon, Earshot Jazz Festival, Jazz Saalfelden and more.

He continues to compose music for various instruments and is an active freelancer in the New York contemporary music scene. When he’s not making music, he’s busy raising two daughters, riding a bicycle, looking for a nice place to swim outdoors or aspiring to cook something delicious.

Guitar

CHRIS JENTSCH

Name: Chris Jentsch

From: Cherry Hill, NJ

I started teaching music in…1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2002

My inspiration: My wife, Bernadette Jentsch

Few people know that I… used to be a radio DJ

Education: Gettysburg College – B.A. History
New England Conservatory – B.M. Jazz Studies
Eastman School of Music – M.M. Jazz Studies
University of Miami – D.M.A. Jazz Composition

I play and teach:  guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Jentsch Group (Trio, Quartet, No Net, or Large)

Guitar, Guitar Friends, Guitar Ensemble

BENJAMIN LEE

Name: Benjamin Lee

From: Switzerland, Chapel Hill, Brooklyn

I started teaching music in… 1999

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Nature

Few people know that I… I’m a good baker

Education: 
UNC Greensboro – BA in Jazz and Classical Performance

I play and teach: Guitar, banjo, bass, and ukulele

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a member for the surf/punk band The Zolephants; my own project Baby Copperhead with string trio, including: Tom Swafford on violin, Jessica Pavone on viola, and Brent Arnold on cello.

Guitar, Guitar for Adults, Guitar Ensemble

MICHELE TEMPLE

Name: Michele Temple

From: Celina, Ohio

I started teaching music in… the 1970s

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2000

My inspiration:  boundary pushers, musical and otherwise

Few people know that I… was listed in a top 25 survey of female bassists https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-female-bassists/

Education:  Ashland University in Ohio – BA in Music Theory
Cleveland State University – MA in Musicology

I play and teach:  Guitar, Bass, Ukelele (if requested)

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Pere Ubu-bassist; Both Sides Now the music of Joni Mitchell – guitar accompanist; Urban Iguana Productions – my recording/composing studio; Ebow Quartet; Woman of Heart and Mind, a duo that performs the music of Joni Mitchell

Personal Teaching Statement: I am such a big music fan and I love to share what I know, and work with others that are also music lovers. As everyone has different tastes and objectives, I try to uncover each individuals’ musical interests and help bring whatever information is needed to enable them to play what will bring them joy.

Biography: Michele is a guitarist and electric bassist and sometime producer at her project studio Urban Iguana Productions. She is a long time composing, recording and performing member of international/touring recording artists Pere Ubu. In NYC, Michele has played on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, at The Apollo Theatre, the York Theater, Irondale Theater, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, the Fringe Festival, CBGBs, and many other locations. Most recently, Michele and Hannah Reimann, her working partner in Woman of Heart and Mind – a Joni Mitchell retrospective, received a City Artist Corp grant that enabled them to perform at the Village Trip festival in September.

Michele’s Master Thesis was published as the academic monograph, “Middle Eastern Influences on Late Medieval Italian Dances: Origins of the 29987 Istampittas,” which won the Dance Perspective Society’s Jose Rollins de la Torre Buena Prize in Dance Literature for most original new book in 2002.

Michele is a long time music instructor at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She counts among her former private students multi-Grammy award winning artist Alicia Keys.

Piano, Chamber Music

MICHAEL BROFMAN

Name: Mike Brofman

I’m from… New York City

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Musical: Franz Schubert
Other: Barack Obama

Few people know that I… am an avid philosophy reader (Camus is my favorite)

Education: Northwestern University, BM

I play and teach:  Piano, Chamber Music

My or other artistic/musical endeavors:  I am the artistic director of the Brooklyn Art Song Society, I work regularly with opera singers from the Metropolitan Opera and perform and teach around the country, including University of Chicago, UC-Davis, and Notre Dame University

Biography: Pianist Michael Brofman has earned a reputation as one of the finest vocal accompanists of his generation. He has performed hundreds of songs, from Schubert’s earliest lieder to premieres of new songs by today’s most-recognized composers. He was hailed by the New York Times as an “excellent pianist” and 
Feast of Music recently praised his “elegant and refined playing… exhibiting excellent touch and clean technique.” Parterre Box Blog called Mike a “master communicator at the piano,” and Voix des Arts praised his “finesse and flexibility.” Seen and Heard International recently wrote, “Brofman got to the core of each song…delving into their emotional depths.” Opera News stated, “Michael Brofman provided exquisite piano accompaniment.” Highlights of his 2021-2022 season include Finzi’s “A Young Man’s Exhortation” with tenor Dominic Armstrong, Tom Cipullo’s “Of A Certain Age” with soprano Laura Strickling, Britten’s “The Songs and Proverbs of William Blake” with baritone Michael Kelly, and Brahms’ “Four Serious Songs” with baritone Gregory Feldmann. Mike will give world premieres of works by Lembit Beecher, Herschel Garfein, and Reinaldo Moya. In addition, he will present concerts and masterclasses at Cornell University and take part in a tour of North Carolina performing David Ludwig’s “Songs of the Bleeding Pines.”

Mike has championed new works and has fostered relationships with many living composers, including Katherine Balch, Lembit Beecher, Tom Cipullo, Michael Djupstrom, Daniel Felsenfeld, Herschel Garfein, Daron Hagen, Jake Heggie, James Kallembach, Libby Larsen, Lowell Liebermann, David Ludwig, James Matheson, Reinaldo Moya, Harold Meltzer, Russell Platt, Kurt Rohde, Glen Roven, Andrew Staniland and Scott Wheeler. In all, he has premiered over 100 songs, many of them dedicated to him.

Mike is the founder and artistic director of the Brooklyn Art Song Society, an organization dedicated to the vast repertoire of poetry set to music now in its eighth season. His first CD “New Voices” on Roven Records includes four world-premiere recordings and was number one on Amazon’s new releases for Opera/Vocal and debuted in the top 10 of the Traditional Classical Billboard Chart. In this capacity, Mike has curated and performed in surveys of art song repertoire that have included the complete songs of Henri Duparc and Charles Ives, lieder from the last year of Schubert’s life, a survey of all the members of Les Six and much more.

An eloquent and passionate advocate for art song, Mike has been interviewed by Russell Platt for Opera News, for Caught In the Act on Brooklyn Public Television, on the WQXR radio show Soundcheck, on Seattle KING FM 98.1, and for the Linked Music blog. He also hosts his own internet show “Song and Wine.” His writings on music have been published by GPR Records, Sparks and Wiry Cries, and the Linked Music Blog. He is also earning a reputation as a gifted educator and has presented masterclasses at the University of Chicago, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern Maine.

Mike holds a bachelor of Music from Northwestern University where he studied with James Giles. There he was awarded the Frida A. Pick Award for Piano and featured on Chicago’s classical radio station. He spent several summers at the Aspen Music Festival as a student of Rita Sloan and continues his studies with Robert Durso of the Golandsky Institute. He resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn with his wife, violinist Stanichka Dimitrova, and daughters Julia and Lillian.

VOICE, PIANO

ANNIE CHEN

Name:  MingYu (Annie) Chen

I’m from… Beijing, China

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: Carmen McRae

Few people know that I… have passion for animals.

Education: Central Conservatory of Music, Bachelor Degree of Arts; Queens College, Master Degree of Arts

I play and teach:  Voice and Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Annie Chen Octet (Quintet, Trio)

Biography: Annie Chen is a vocalist, composer, and bandleader from Beijing, based in New York since 2013. Her distinctive style draws on a rich continuum of musical traditions from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This creative vision – showcased on her releases “Pisces the Dreamer” (2014) and “Secret Treetop” (2018) – is supported by years of experience in China’s jazz, blues, and funk scenes as well as active study and collaboration within New York’s vibrant jazz community.

As a bandleader and composer, Annie has performed extensively in prestigious NYC venues including the Blue Note, Cornelia St. Cafe, Nublu, Flushing Town Hall, DROM, Shapeshifter Lab, and Club Bonafide. In China, she has brought her music to festivals such as Solana Summertime Festival, Chaoyang Music Festival, Beijing Nine-Gates Jazz Festival, CD Jazz Week, and the Shanghai International Jazz Festival, as well as venues such as Blue Note Beijing, East Shore Jazz Club, DDC, JiangHu, Guangzhou Xinghai Concert Hall and JZ Club Shanghai and Hangzhou. At JZ Club Hangzhou she led a band as artist in residence in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Annie’s debut release as a leader is “Pisces the Dreamer,” released in 2014 with a performance at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Festival. The album’s deft traversal of Chinese, Middle-Eastern, Eastern European and Afro-American musical landscapes has continued in 2018’s follow-up “Secret Treetop,” praised by Downbeat as “[a] clear-eyed fusion of East and West with an avant-garde twist,” and by New York Music Daily as “Fearlessly eclectic, soulful and smart.” In 2019, “Secret Treetop” was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album by the Chinese Music Industry Committee, an award analogous to a Grammy in the US. Both “Pisces the Dreamer” and “Secret Treetop” were reissued on vinyl by Fusion Music in 2019.

Annie’s main performing and recording ensemble is an unconventional octet featuring Tomoko Omura (violin), Alex LoRe (alto saxophone/flute), David Smith (trumpet), Rafal Sarnecki (guitar), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Mat Muntz (bass), and Jerad Lippi (drums), which developed the music on “Secret Treetop” through years of regular performance.

A lifelong student of music, Annie began her study of classical piano at the age of four, attending Beijing’s prestigious Central Conservatory of Music. After developing an interest in jazz, she traveled to New York in 2010 to study privately with Nancy Marano at Manhattan School of Music. She later obtained a Master of Music degree from Queens College, where she studied with Charenée Wade, Antonio Hart, David Berkman and Michael Philip Mossman.

Annie is also an experienced educator, having offered extensive, recurring masterclasses on vocal jazz performance and jazz appreciation as part of her residency in Hangzhou, China. In addition to online private and group lessons, Annie was recently commissioned by Beijing’s Ear King Music Company to produce Jazz Singing Masterclass Vol.1, an educational video series intended for students in China. As part of her mission to forge connections between distant musical worlds, she is also producing JZ Club on Air, a radio show dedicated to exposing Chinese audiences to the diverse and forward-thinking jazz currently emerging from New York.

Piano, Chamber Music

RENE DENNIS

Name: René Dennis

From: all over the US (Air Force brat)

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2003

My inspiration: Beethoven

Few people know that I… worked on an organic vegetable farm for two weeks in Normandy, France

Education: University of the NC School of the Arts – Bachelor of Music
NYU – Master of the Arts

I play and teach:  piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I perform with Lake Ruth

Piano

LUCY GALLIHER

Name:  Lucy Galliher

I’m from… Washington, D.C.

I started teaching music in…1989

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1989

My inspiration: Thelonious Monk

Few people know that I… play J=hazz in Harlem every week at Chéri Harlem and the Shrine

Education: Oberlin College – BA

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I teach a Jazz Vocal Workshop at Greenwich House

PIANO

LAFAYETTE HARRIS

Name: Lafayette Harris

From: Baltimore, Maryland

My inspiration: Scott Joplin and Bud Powell

Education: BM Piano, Oberlin Conservatory (1985); MM, Rutger’s University (1990)

I play and teach: Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Regularly performs with Houston Person and Archie Shepp

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe that everyone can make progress as a musician. It all depends on how much they want to do it and of course their natural ability.

Biography: Known as a “go to” pianist by many musicians, Lafayette Harris Jr. currently performs and records with legendary saxophonist Houston Person where he has recorded on three of Mr. Person’s CDs.

Lafayette has toured with some of the greatest musicians of all time including the legendary Max Roach; jazz, funk pioneer, trumpeter Donald Byrd; trombone plunger master Al Grey; John Gordon’s Trombones Unlimited that featured: Slide Hampton, Al grey and Curtis Fuller, amongst others; and the Duke Ellington Legacy Orchestra. He has recorded and toured with four-time Grammy nominee – the late, great, Ernestine Anderson.

Lafayette is currently a regular member of Archie Shepp’s band. He also records and performs with his own bands that include Lonnie Plaxico, Jazzmeia Horn, Willie Jones III, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash. Lafayette has been the musical director for dance tap organization, Taplogy, since 2013 where he orchestrates and conducts the diverse musical ensemble.

Lafayette actually started playing music for money while still a 16-year-old teenager in his hometown of Baltimore with local drummer Willie Kee, who together with other teenagers formed a regularly gigging band – Life Unlimited. Lafayette worked with Life Unlimited even after leaving Baltimore for college at Denison and Oberlin. By the time he graduated from Oberlin Conservatory in 1985, Life Unlimited had disbanded and the R&B scene for bands in Baltimore was over.

One day later that summer, after a few weeks of lazy resting, “my father comes over to me as I’m laying on his sofa, puts his hand on my shoulder and says, ‘So what’s next for you son?'” Without hesitation Lafayette gave his plan: “Well, daddy, this summer I plan to work here in Baltimore as much as I can as a musician and then in September, I’m moving to New York to pursue my career as a musician.” He went on to move to New York and found many inspirations for his musical development including legendary pianist and instructor Barry Harris, Kenny Barron and Walter Bishop, Jr.  As he pursued his own self education, he drew on Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock and Scott Joplin for inspiration.

Since then, Lafayette has released nine CDs including his newest, “You Can’t Lose With The Blues,” which was #1 for two weeks on the Jazzweek Jazz Chart in February 2020, and remained on the top ten for 14 weeks.

Piano

HAEUN JOO

Name: Haeun Joo

From: Busan, South Korea

Education: Berklee College of Music; SUNY Purchase – M.M.

I play and teach: Piano

Biography: Haeun Joo is a jazz pianist from South Korea. She started playing the piano when she was five years old. While she was studying classical piano, she also played classical and gospel as an accompanist in church. She has great command over classical, gospel and also pop music.

Two of her greatest talents are piano performance and composition. Haeun Joo won the Korean Composition Competition two years in a row when she was in 5th and 6th grades. She studied classical composition in Busan Art High School in Korea and went to Howon University to study pop and jazz. She collaborated with several pop artists in Korea, and she performed as a singer-songwriter after winning a Singer-Songwriter Competition (Yoo Jae-Ha).

She moved to the U.S. in 2011 to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston where she was offered a scholarship. After she graduated Berklee, she received her M.M. from SUNY Purchase. Since then, she has collaborated with several musicians, playing and recording at various venues and recording studios. She is currently living in New York and her debut album came out in August 2021.

Piano

YOKO KIMURA-YATES

Name:  Yoko Kimura-Yates

I’m from… Sapporo City, Japan

I started teaching music… more than 25 years ago

I started teaching at the Conservatory… more than 20 years ago

My inspiration: I love nature and visual arts, which inspire my writing music.

Few people know that I…  Like to make art (painting, sculpting, craft, etc.) I also like to grow plants.

Education: Hokkaido University of Education, Sapporo, Japan – B.A. in Education
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA – B.A. in Music, summa cum laude
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA – Master of Education
Teachers College, Columbia University, NY – Doctoral study in Music Education

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I write music for the media, films, poems, stories, events and perform my compositions in my own quintet.

Personal Teaching Statement: As a pianist and composer, I have been teaching classical and jazz piano for more than 20 years focusing on basic techniques and musical knowledge from children to adults.

Understanding music as life – long learning, that also keeps us growing. I plan lessons based on students’ needs in their learning stages and interests, using these approaches to improve various elements of music making.

Biography: Yoko Yates, pianist and composer, was born in Sapporo City, Japan. She began her keyboard study at age four and was always exposed to variety of music in a music-loving family. In addition to her ongoing classical piano studies, as a student at Hokkaido University of Education, her interest towards “art” education motivated her to study more improvisational music and to find innovative approaches which nurture sensibilities and creativity of people in the US. She was awarded the Cultural Merit Scholarship from Sapporo City and the Professional Music scholarship from Berklee College of Music to further her studies in Boston. Graduating from Berklee with a B.A. in music, summa cum laude, she went on to receive a Master’s degree in education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She then continued her studies at Columbia University, Teachers College in New York for doctoral study in music education, where she was awarded a teaching assistantship and Minority Scholarship.

Yoko has been a member of the piano faculty at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Greenwich House Music School in Manhattan since 1996, along with teaching at numerous other schools. At Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, she served as the Piano Chair from 2011-2013. All through her schooling and teaching years, she has maintained a performing career as a pianist and sometimes as a vocalist, and has been particularly active as a composer in recent years. She has been contributing music to film, media and literacy events, which have been showcased at international film festivals and “Reuters Business Weekly.” Her album “Mystic Life” will be released by SteepleChase LookOut in April 2022.

Piano

SANTIAGO LEIBSON

Name: Santiago Leibson

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

My inspiration: Here is a list of a few artists that I deeply admire: Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Geri Allen and Martha Argerich.

Education: Master in Jazz Performance at NYU

I play and teach: Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Santiago Leibson Trio

Personal Teaching Statement: My main goal as an educator is to engage the students with music. For me, that means to realize that music (and art in general) is another way to communicate with each other. Thus, learning music will not only help you to become a musician but to become a better person, more emphatic and aware of the surroundings of our community.

Biography: Santiago Leibson is a Brooklyn-based, Argentinian-born jazz pianist and composer. His music is situated in the frontier of jazz, improvised music, classical and contemporary music. As a bandleader, he has released five records: “Amon” (2014), “Pendular” (2015), “Out of Orden” (2016), “Episodes” (2018) and “Little Pieces” (2020). JazzTrail says about “Episodes”: “’Episodes’ is a swinging album with abundant evocations of past grandeur. Thence, the trio of performers lay bare their solid command of time and space to create new narratives.”

As an active member of the New York music scene, he has worked with artists such as Tony Malaby, Guillermo Klein, Michael Attias, Francisco Mela, Sean Conly, Gerald Cleaver, Matt Pavolka, Mark Ferber, Oscar Noriega, Drew Gress, Billy Drummond, Jeff Hirshfield, Michael Formanek, Massa Kamaguchi and Cameron Brown.

In 2019 Santiago made his Carnegie Hall debut playing a solo concert of original and classical compositions at the prestigious series “Sophia Rossoff Presents” organized by the Abby Whiteside Foundation. He has also performed at venues such as Cornelia St. Café (New York), Firehouse 12 (New Haven, Connecticut), Jazz Filloa (Spain), Thelonious Club (Buenos Aires), Bourbon Street Music Club (Brazil), among others.

In 2014, he was awarded a grant from the Fondo Nacional de las Arts (National Arts Fund) in Argentina to continue his studies at New York University. In 2012, he won a scholarship to participate in the one-week residency program Encuentro Argentino de Improvisación y Composición Musical (National Meeting of Improvisation and Musical Composition). As an educator, Santiago has been an adjunct instructor at New York University from 2015 until 2016. He has also worked as a piano accompanist for Ballet Hispánico in New York.

Piano, Trumpet

ROGER LENT

Name: Roger Lent

From: I grew up in Houston, Texas but have lived in NYC for my adult life

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2005

My inspiration:  In no specific order… J.S. Bach, Charlie Parker, Gustav Mahler, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Frederic Chopin, Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Erroll Garner, Chick Corea, George Shearing, Arthur Rubinstein, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry, Nat King Cole, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Terence Blanchard, Hank Jones, Kenny Kirkland, Victor Feldman, Don Grolnick, Sonny Clark, The Empire Brass, Phil Smith, Leif Ove Andses, Bud Herseth, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, gospel music, Donny Hathaway, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, Michael Brecker, my teachers Don Jacoby, Bill Fielder and William Daghlian, the radio in the 1980s, my wife and my son, New York City, and many more influences too numerous to mention.

Few people know that I… haven’t owned a car since 1993.

Education:  Bachelors in Music – The University of North Texas; Masters in Music – Rutgers University

I play and teach:  Piano, Trumpet

My or other artistic/musical endeavors: The Roger Lent piano trio, The Uptown Brass Quintet

Personal Teaching Statement:  Practicing music is exercise for the brain and the soul.

Biography:  Roger Lent is a versatile, seasoned jazz musician at home with the piano and the trumpet. He is based in New York and has performed throughout North America and many European countries. He has appeared at Jazz@Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Aspen Jazz Festival, The Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scotts in London and major jazz clubs and performing arts centers around the United States.

Roger earned a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in music at Rutgers University with full scholarship and teaching assistantship. In New York, he studied classical piano intensively with the master artist teacher, William Daghlian. Since 2012, Roger has played piano for the show “Sleep No More” in Manhattan. He has maintained a studio of piano and trumpet students for over 20 years.

Piano

DOV MANSKI

Name:  Dov Manski

From: Bar Harbor, ME

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2016

My inspiration: For me, Duke Ellington’s music provides much inspiration. His compositions and orchestrations are unparalleled, and the sound and rhythm he achieves on the piano are truly unique.

Few people know that I… was born in Alaska.

Education: New England Conservatory – Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Currently I am working on a solo record, featuring original compositions for piano, wurlitzer, modular synths, and monophonic synths. I also have a duo project with vocalist Kristin Slipp where we explore jazz standards in new and interesting ways. Our debut album “A Thousand July’s” was released on Sunnyside Records in 2013.

Piano

LYUBOV MIRZOYEV

Name: Lyubov Mirzoyev

I’m from… Moscow, Russia

I started teaching music in… 1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2001

My inspiration: My mother

Few people know that I… am also a singer

Education:  Moscow Music College – BM
Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music – BA

I play and teach:  piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m an accompanist

Voice, Piano

LACY ROSE

Name: Lacy Rose

From: Texas

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Franz Schubert, John Dowland, Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Alfred Deller, Nick Drake, Dylan Thomas, William Blake, Shakespeare, Anne Carson, Joseph Cornell, Gustav Klimt, Leonora Carrington

Few people know that I… am the goddaughter of astronaut Charles Lacy Veach

Education: Loyola University – Vocal Performance

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I collaborate frequently with other New York based artists including dancer/choreographer Coco Karol, classical guitarist Colin Fullerton, composer/poet Alaina Ferris, composer John K Stone, and Osso String Quartet. I am currently composing original songs for a Dylan Thomas play entitled The Doctor and The Devils. This New Year’s Eve I will be performing along side Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley for Phantasmagoria at the Brooklyn Bazaar.

Piano

MICHAEL ROSE

Name:  Michael Rose

From:  New York City, NY

I started teaching music in…1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1995

My inspiration: At the moment, Dai Fujikura and Per Nørgård… always Bach and Beethoven, loads of Indian, Korean, and Japanese music, Cecil Taylor, Ockeghem and Monteverdi.

Education:  Oberlin College and Conservatory – BA and BM (piano)
New York University – PhD in composition (in progress)

I play and teach: Piano, Composition, Theory, History, Chamber Music, Accompanying

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Brooklyn New Music Collective

Personal Teaching Statement: I was brought up with Suzuki and Taubman technique and incorporate both into my teaching, though I do not follow Suzuki strictly. I strive to be open-minded and kind, and to bring other areas to bear on music, while encouraging students to explore different types of music and music theory, composition and improvisation.

Biography: Michael Rose’s compositions have been performed by eighth blackbird, the JACK Quartet, Richmond County Orchestra, Momenta String Quartet, Yarn/Wire, ICE, Brooklyn Art Song Society, Manchester Opera Projects and American Opera Projects, among many others in India, Japan and across Europe and the U.S. He has written for theater and film, composed several works for Korean and Japanese instruments, and done arranging work for Angelique Kidjo.

Awards include a Fulbright to India and residencies at Djerassi, Centrum, VCCA and Yaddo. After graduating from Oberlin, Michael studied with Seymour Bernstein, Peter Susser, and John Eaton, and is currently working towards his PhD at NYU’s school of Arts & Sciences. He has taught in India and Serbia, led several master classes as both pianist and composer, and is on faculty at Brooklyn Conservatory and Bronx Community College/CUNY.

As a pianist, Michael has performed at many of New York’s major halls, with opera companies and chamber groups, for Broadway auditions and open mic nights, with jazz groups and for NYU’s clarinet and double-reed studios.

Since 2003 he has run the Brooklyn New Music Collective concert series, presenting work almost entirely by living composers. Past performers include David del Tredici, So Percussion, and Isabel Leonard, and dozens of works have been premiered on the series.

Piano

MARTA SANCHEZ

Name:  Marta Sanchez

I’m from… Spain

I started teaching music in… 2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: I love many musicians. Among the piano players, and just to name some, I will say Paul Bley, Thelonious Monk, Jackie Byard, Vladimir Horowitz, Michelangelo, Geri Allen. Other musicians that inspire me deeply are John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, and many many others.

Few people know that I… also studied to be a film director and I almost became one!

Education: Conservatory of Madrid – Bachelor in Piano and Composition
Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Bachelor in Image and Sounds
NYU – Master of Music in Jazz Piano Performance

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I have my own project, Marta Sanchez Quintet. I play as a sideman with the Wing Walker Orquestra, Yuhan-Su Quintet, Jo Wallfish or Oscar Noriega, among others.

VOICE, PIANO

MELVIS SANTA

Name: Melvis Santa

From: Havana, Cuba

Few people know that I…  1- am a twin with a boy; 2- play bata drums, a set of three drums rarely played by women.

Education: Music Conservatory Amadeo Roldan – Music Education (Piano, Voice)

I play and teach: Piano, Voice

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe arts are one of the most transformative and uplifting forms of self-expression. My teaching approach draws from a student’s interests, skill level, cultural background and creativity to build a personalized program that will develop their unique artistic voice at their own learning pace. Each class encompasses fun and focused practice, including healthy posture, stretch exercises, active listening, basic music theory and improvisation.

Biography: Melvis Santa is a Grammy-nominated multidisciplinary artist, singer-songwriter, actress, educator and cultural ambassador who has spent the last two decades performing worldwide and teaching for the non-profit and university sectors with an emphasis on folk arts education.

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Melvis came to performance through her family roots in various cultural traditions. She made a splash at age 14 when she founded the all-female collective vocal group Sexto Sentido, which won the Young Jazz Competition JoJazz 2001, and was deemed by Chucho Valdés “the best Cuban vocal quartet of the past 30 years.” Later she joined Roberto Carcassés`s seminal fusion band Interactivo, touring worldwide and collaborating with national and international artists. In 2012 Melvis her spread wings and recorded her Cubadisco nominated album “Santa Habana” as a solo artist and composer.

Currently based in New York, Melvis continues to make a mark as a performer and educator. As a classically-trained multidisciplinary artist, her teaching background includes expertise in piano, voice, chorus, ensemble, storytelling and dance. Melvis projects herself as an arts advocate who uses her art as a platform for social change, empowering BIPOC girls and women. She has conducted residencies and masterclasses at major Universities including Yale University and Steinhardt School of Music at New York University. She also has worked as an arts curator at Harlem Jazz Museum, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and Tulane University. Melvis is an award winning teaching artist of NYFA, a Paul Simon Music Fellow and an on-demand cultural program creator in not-for-profit organizations such as City Lore. She is an enthusiastic music teacher who raises her students’ levels with quality education through her unique approach. Her mission is to always ensure equity and diversity within social/educational systems and organizational artistic practice.

Piano, Voice, Harp

LUCIA STAVROS

Name: Lucia Stavros

From: Cleveland, Ohio

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2020

My inspiration: I am inspired by so many artists and composers: JS Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Ann Hobson Pilot, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Astrid Gilberto, Elis Regina, Chet Baker, to name a few!

Few people know that I… have been practicing yoga for 18 years. 

Education: New England Conservatory of Music – BA; Fulbright Scholar 2010/11- L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris – Diplôme Supérieur d’Exécution

I play and teach:  Harp, Voice, Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Green and Glass, Ghost Ensemble, solo project “loosh”

Personal Teaching Statement: My teaching philosophy is founded in a disciplined work ethic and based on a holistic approach to practicing, technique, and project management. I often begin classes discussing how to avoid injury, maintain a healthy technique, and I also share my step-by-step organizational method for approaching any musical piece or project. Unlike music pedagogy that emphasizes rote learning or a replication of how the teacher creates music, I encourage my students to develop their own personal styles.

Biography: Lucia Stavros is a New York-based harpist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lucia attended New England Conservatory of Music and continued on to receive an advanced degree in Harp Performance from L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris as a Fulbright Scholar for music studies in France. Lucia is an international performer and has played at venues including the distinguished Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater, Jordan Hall, Théâtre Montansier de Versailles, The Universität der Künste Berlin, University Hall Uppsala in Sweden, the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid, and many more. Lucia records and performs with the experimental chamber group Ghost Ensemble, indie band Green and Glass, and has a vocal and harp solo project, loosh.

Lucia has been a music educator for the past 12 years and joined the faculty of Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in 2020, where she teaches harp, voice, and piano. Additional teaching experience include masterclasses at the Académie de Rouen (Sponsored by American Embassy Paris) in Rouen, France, and Nannaskolans Conservatoire in Uppsala, Sweden.

She has been featured as a solo artist, and as part of group recordings, on five albums. Lucia co-produced and co-wrote the EP and self-titled debut album for Green and Glass and is currently producing a solo album, anticipated release 2022.

Lucia’s projects explore the spiritual and emotional connections developed in music and through music. As described by The Autumn Roses website, Lucia’s work is “beautifully-patterned, symphonic, and idea-packed.”

Piano, Bass, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

JEONG LIM YANG

Name: Jeong Lim Yang

I’m from… Seoul, South Korea

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: All the people who contribute this planet to be a better place for everyone! People who fought for their rights, freedom, art….

Few people know that I… go by Lim

Education: Berklee College of Music – Jazz Performance

I play and teach: upright bass, electric bass, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: my own band (quintet and quartet), Crooked Trio and about 15 more bands…

Piano, Voice, Harp

LUCIA STAVROS

Name: Lucia Stavros

From: Cleveland, Ohio

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2020

My inspiration: I am inspired by so many artists and composers: JS Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Ann Hobson Pilot, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Astrid Gilberto, Elis Regina, Chet Baker, to name a few!

Few people know that I… have been practicing yoga for 18 years. 

Education: New England Conservatory of Music – BA; Fulbright Scholar 2010/11- L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris – Diplôme Supérieur d’Exécution

I play and teach:  Harp, Voice, Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Green and Glass, Ghost Ensemble, solo project “loosh”

Personal Teaching Statement: My teaching philosophy is founded in a disciplined work ethic and based on a holistic approach to practicing, technique, and project management. I often begin classes discussing how to avoid injury, maintain a healthy technique, and I also share my step-by-step organizational method for approaching any musical piece or project. Unlike music pedagogy that emphasizes rote learning or a replication of how the teacher creates music, I encourage my students to develop their own personal styles.

Biography: Lucia Stavros is a New York-based harpist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lucia attended New England Conservatory of Music and continued on to receive an advanced degree in Harp Performance from L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris as a Fulbright Scholar for music studies in France. Lucia is an international performer and has played at venues including the distinguished Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater, Jordan Hall, Théâtre Montansier de Versailles, The Universität der Künste Berlin, University Hall Uppsala in Sweden, the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid, and many more. Lucia records and performs with the experimental chamber group Ghost Ensemble, indie band Green and Glass, and has a vocal and harp solo project, loosh.

Lucia has been a music educator for the past 12 years and joined the faculty of Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in 2020, where she teaches harp, voice, and piano. Additional teaching experience include masterclasses at the Académie de Rouen (Sponsored by American Embassy Paris) in Rouen, France, and Nannaskolans Conservatoire in Uppsala, Sweden.

She has been featured as a solo artist, and as part of group recordings, on five albums. Lucia co-produced and co-wrote the EP and self-titled debut album for Green and Glass and is currently producing a solo album, anticipated release 2022.

Lucia’s projects explore the spiritual and emotional connections developed in music and through music. As described by The Autumn Roses website, Lucia’s work is “beautifully-patterned, symphonic, and idea-packed.”

Drums, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

NOEL BRENNAN

Name: Noel Brennan

From: Calais, Maine

I started teaching music in…2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Anindo Chatterjee, Flying Lotus, DJ Qbert, DJ D-Styles, Roy Haynes, Eric Harland

Few people know that I… am an Eagle Scout

Education: University Of Southern Maine – Jazz Performance with concentration in Percussion
New York University – Jazz Performance

I play and teach:  Drums, DJ and Tturntablism, percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I won the 2017 Keep Skratching contest with Swiftstyle. I also perform with my wife and fellow Conservatory faculty member Patricia Brennan in Antenna and TRYPTIK.

Drums

KIRK DRISCOLL

Name: Kirk Driscoll

From: Baltimore, Maryland

I started teaching music in…1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2002

My inspiration: Any and all that intrigue my interest in wanting to understand what I don’t already know.

Few people know that I… was also trained for classical percussion as well.

Education:  Peabody Conservatory
Berklee College of Music

I play and teach:  Drum set

My or other artistic/musical endeavors:  As a freelance musician there is a vast amount of artists I have the opportunity to perform with as well as leading my own groups. Check out my website for detailed info.

Tabla

SAMEER GUPTA

Name: Sameer Gupta

From: Brooklyn, New York

Education: BA in Percussion from Santa Clara University, 20-year student of Indian Tabla

I play and teach: Percussion

Biography: Sameer Gupta is known as one of the few percussionists simultaneously representing the traditions of American jazz on drum set and Indian classical music on tabla. Sameer completed his Western Classical Percussion Performance degree at Santa Clara University in California and his Jazz studies learning from elders like Bishop Norman Williams and his peers on the bandstands in San Francisco and Oakland to the world’s greatest musicians in Harlem and Brooklyn. His own interests and love of tabla helped guide Sameer to become a co-founder of the non-profit collective Brooklyn Raga Massive, which helps redefine the raga-inspired landscape.

Piano Friends

IVAN ARTEAGA

Songwriting, Vocal Class

JOY ASKEW

Name: Joy Askew

From: North of England (originally) Brooklyn lately

I started teaching music in… 1993

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Brad Mehldau, Bonnie Raitt, Miles Davis, Russell Brand.

Few people know that I… co-wrote 2 songs with Quincy Jones

Education: Newcastle College of Jazz & commercial Music (Diploma)

I play and teach: Voice, piano.

My other artistic/musical endeavors: My own band both brass and rock. The Sirens of Brooklyn.

Viva La Musica, Music Adventures

LUDOVICA BURTONE

Music Theory & Composition

IAN DAVIS

Name: Ian Davis

From: I was born in NYC then moved with my family to Franklin, Tennessee, then to Fairfield, Connecticut, and then back to NYC in 2007 for college.

I started teaching music in… 2011

My inspiration: Canons (musical), tape machines, old instruments, birds, trees, group singing, chess, and Film Forum 🙂

Education: New York University, Steinhardt, BM in Music Theory & Composition; Wesleyan University, MA in Music Composition

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Music Theory and Composition

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Relatives and Ian Davis: Rock Band

Personal Teaching Statement: As a teacher my goals are to be responsive to the interests of my students and to provide clear, consistent structure that helps students come away with tangible skills while allowing space for exploration, experimentation and play.

Biography: I began studying classical guitar at a young age with an amazing teacher named Evelyn Pelicane at the Westport School of Music. I studied with Evelyn from when I was seven years old until I graduated from high school. In 2007 I went to NYU where I majored in music theory and composition. While at NYU I met a singer named Katie Vogel and we formed a group called Relatives. Katie and I have recorded and released several records together and toured across Europe and the US – we just celebrated our 14-year anniversary as a band 🙂

I’ve worked as a music teacher with organizations such as the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, The New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers Program, and the Third Street Music Settlement. I’ve also worked as a freelance orchestral arranger and played in a number of bands. As an arranger, I’ve worked with Daniel Rossen (of Grizzly Bear), Feist, Kazu Makino (of Blonde Redhead), and Cassandra Jenkins, to name a few.

I went back to graduate school in 2017 at Wesleyan University where I studied with Paula Matthusen and Tyshawn Sorey. At Wesleyan, I got into Karnatak music and studied singing with B. Balasubrahmaniyan (whom I also worked for as a TA). I also studied organ with Ronald Ebrecht. I’ve had my own compositions performed by various ensembles including the Mivos Quartet, The SEM Ensemble and the Ostravska Banda.

Bluegrass Jam

MIKE CLIFFORD

Name: Mike Clifford

From:  New York

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1

My inspiration: Katie Traxler (Music Educator at PS 51)

Few people know that I…really don’t like to eat olives.

Education: NYU English Major/Philosophy Major/Music Minor
Pace University (Masters in Elementary Education)
Hunter College (Masters in Music Composition)

I play and teach: guitar, piano, ukulele, voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Singer-Songwriter (solo and full band), Bluegrass Jams all over

Musical Theater Workshop

HEATHER CURRAN

Name: Heather Curran

From: Bonita Springs, Florida

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration:  William Wade

Few people know that I… once took a stand-up comedy class, and it was terrifying

Education: University of South Florida –  BA Theater Performance

I play and teach:  Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I teach Sing for Parkinson’s Disease through Mark Morris Dance Center, perform and work with Gallery Players in Brooklyn, teach and perform with Broadway’s Babies, and am collaborating on a music improv/sketch comedy project with other artists from Magnet Theater.

Bass, Piano, Piano Friends

SHAYNA DULBERGER

Name: Shayna Dulberger

From: Mahopac, NY

I started teaching music in… 2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2016

My inspiration: Francois Rabbath, George Vance, Virginia Dixon, Gary Karr, Tommy Potter, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, John Patitucci and many more.

Few people know that I… lived on a glacier for 2 months when I was 18

Education: Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University  – BM in jazz studies; Suzuki Training Books 1-5 with Virginia Dixon; SECE Training with Lynn McCall

I play and teach:  Bass

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Nifty Knuckles (early jazz band), Dara & Shayna (cello & bass duets)

Personal Teaching Statement: Music is amazing! Learning bass is fun!

Biography: Shayna Dulberger has been teaching private music and group lessons in New York City since 2006. As a faculty member of Brooklyn Conservatory, Shayna teaches Double Bass, Electric Bass, Group Theory Classes, Piano Classes and Early Childhood Classes ages 0+. She completed her training in 2021 with Suzuki Teacher Trainer Virginia Dixon and is a registered Suzuki Teacher for all of the published Bass Books, 1 through 5. Shayna also completed her level 1 Suzuki Early Childhood training with Lynn McCall, the first teacher trainer for SECE in the U.S. Shayna has put together her own pre-Twinkle book for very young beginners. Her book “Bass Buddies” provides a method that includes movement and keeping a beat with very short, achievable pieces. Shayna’s students have been accepted to New York City’s Frank Sinatra and LaGuardia Performing Arts High Schools.

Guitar, Guitar Friends, Guitar Ensemble

BENJAMIN LEE

Name: Benjamin Lee

From: Switzerland, Chapel Hill, Brooklyn

I started teaching music in… 1999

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Nature

Few people know that I… I’m a good baker

Education: 
UNC Greensboro – BA in Jazz and Classical Performance

I play and teach: Guitar, banjo, bass, and ukulele

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a member for the surf/punk band The Zolephants; my own project Baby Copperhead with string trio, including: Tom Swafford on violin, Jessica Pavone on viola, and Brent Arnold on cello.

Sing & Play

MARY JO VERRUTO MCBRIDE

Name: Mary Jo Verruto McBride

From: Doylestown, Pennsylvania

I started teaching music in… 2012

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell

Few people know that I…have synesthesia

Education: BFA Musical Theatre – The Hartt School

I play and teach:  Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I wrote and produced a solo show called Born MYdentity. I perform for children around the city with Stomp and Shout, and I also present drama workshops on drug and alcohol abuse prevention in middle and high schools with a non-profit theatre company called Improbable Players.

Personal Teaching Statement: Meet each student where they are, and take them where they want to go 🙂

Biography: Mary Jo began taking piano lessons at the age of five: Fun fact— She learned to read music before she learned to read words!

Mary Jo began her teaching career as a children’s performer in 2011, schlepping her guitar and instruments throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. She is now in her fifth year teaching the Early Childhood class Sing and Play onsite here at BKCM, is a music director for the Brooklyn Children’s Theatre, and has a fierce group of private piano students on the side!

As a theatre performer, MJ has presented her original work in Manhattan festivals like United Solo and Emerging Artists Theatre New Works Festival, played leads in several regional Philadelphia musicals, and will be bringing her newest solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe this coming August at Greenside’s Forest Theatre @Infirmary Street. Stay tuned for crowdsourcing solicitations 😉

Bluegrass Jam

KEN SHOJI

Instrument Adventures, Music Partners

JENNIFER TAYLOR

Name:  Jennifer Taylor

I’m from… Chappaqua, New York

I started teaching music in… 2016

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Musically, I’m very inspired by my peers and past professors but in all other aspects of life, my biggest inspiration is my mom!

Few people know that I… was extremely interested in circus arts throughout middle and high school – I used to ride a unicycle!

Education: Elon University, BS in Music Education (K-12); Teachers College, Columbia University, MA in Music Education (Early Childhood Concentration)

I play and teach:  Alto Saxophone, Ukulele

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’ll be in the BKCM Big Bad Brass Band this fall!

Guitar, Guitar for Adults, Guitar Ensemble

MICHELE TEMPLE

Name: Michele Temple

From: Celina, Ohio

I started teaching music in… the 1970s

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2000

My inspiration:  boundary pushers, musical and otherwise

Few people know that I… was listed in a top 25 survey of female bassists https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-female-bassists/

Education:  Ashland University in Ohio – BA in Music Theory
Cleveland State University – MA in Musicology

I play and teach:  Guitar, Bass, Ukelele (if requested)

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Pere Ubu-bassist; Both Sides Now the music of Joni Mitchell – guitar accompanist; Urban Iguana Productions – my recording/composing studio; Ebow Quartet; Woman of Heart and Mind, a duo that performs the music of Joni Mitchell

Personal Teaching Statement: I am such a big music fan and I love to share what I know, and work with others that are also music lovers. As everyone has different tastes and objectives, I try to uncover each individuals’ musical interests and help bring whatever information is needed to enable them to play what will bring them joy.

Biography: Michele is a guitarist and electric bassist and sometime producer at her project studio Urban Iguana Productions. She is a long time composing, recording and performing member of international/touring recording artists Pere Ubu. In NYC, Michele has played on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, at The Apollo Theatre, the York Theater, Irondale Theater, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, the Fringe Festival, CBGBs, and many other locations. Most recently, Michele and Hannah Reimann, her working partner in Woman of Heart and Mind – a Joni Mitchell retrospective, received a City Artist Corp grant that enabled them to perform at the Village Trip festival in September.

Michele’s Master Thesis was published as the academic monograph, “Middle Eastern Influences on Late Medieval Italian Dances: Origins of the 29987 Istampittas,” which won the Dance Perspective Society’s Jose Rollins de la Torre Buena Prize in Dance Literature for most original new book in 2002.

Michele is a long time music instructor at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She counts among her former private students multi-Grammy award winning artist Alicia Keys.

Violin, Violin Friends, Chamber Music

JOHNNA WU

Name: Johnna Wu

From: Philadelphia and Indianapolis

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: my grandfather

Few people know that I… do yoga everyday

Education: Columbia University – Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music History and Theory, The Juilliard School – Masters of Music in Violin Performance

I play and teach: I play violin and also teach viola and cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am the founder of PinkNoise, an ensemble dedicated to integrating old and new music with improvisation through electronic and acoustic mediums.

Creative Music Ensemble, Music Theory for Adults

MIKE MCGINNIS

Name: Mike McGinnis

From: Sanford, ME

I started teaching music in…1991

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2002

My inspiration:Too many to list.

Few people know that I… am an amateur NYC historian.

Education: Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester – Masters of Music in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (performance emphasis)
University of Southern Maine – Bachelor of Music in Performance

I play and teach:  saxophone, clarinet, improvisation, composition, counterpoint, and arranging

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Hanks Roberts Sextet, Stew, Davalois Fearon Dance, Dana Lyn’s Mother Octopus,

Big Bad Brass Band, Jazz Instrumental Lab

PETER APFELBAUM

Name: Peter Apfelbaum

From: Berkeley, CA

I started teaching music in… 1974

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: Cecil Taylor, Roscoe Mitchell, Lamine Konte

Few people know that I…  not sure what people know?

Education: Creative Music Studio ’77

I play and teach: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Piano, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors: New York Hieroglyphics (leader/composer/sax/keys)
Sparkler (leader/composer/sax/keys/vocals)
Peter Apfelbaum/Marcus Rojas/Cyro Baptista Trio (sax/keys/percussion/flute)
Revelator with Bill Laswell (sax/keys/percussion/flute)
Bill Laswell & Method Of Defiance (sax/keys/percussion/flute)
Dafnis Prieto Quartet & Sextet (saxes/melodica/percussion)
Dafnis Prieto Big Band (saxes/melodica/percussion)
Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra (saxes)
CMS Legacy Ensemble (sax/flute)
Sana Nagano & Smashing Humans (sax)
Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet (saxes/flute/percussion)
MIchael McGinnis Quartet (organ/piano)
Peter Apfelbaum/Josh Jones Duo (keys/sax)
Alma Matters (Musical Director/keys/sax)
Kamikaze Ground Crew (composer/saxes/clarinet)
Creative Music Foundation (Artistic Director/Clinician)

Biography: Berkeley, California-born and based in New York City since 1998, saxophonist/pianist/drummer and composer Peter Apfelbaum is best known as leader of the genre-mashing big band, Hieroglyphics, which he formed while still in high school in 1977. The ensemble, which began to attract international attention in the 1980’s for its unique fusing of elements of world music with the aesthetics of the jazz avant-garde, received a Grammy nomination in 1991 for the album “Signs Of Life” (Antilles) and helped launch the careers of fellow Berkeleyans Joshua Redman, Benny Green, Craig Handy and Steven Bernstein, among others. The current version of the ensemble, now in its 43rd year and known as New York Hieroglyphics, released “It Is Written” in 2005 and toured an extended work, “Aural Histories” (commissioned by Chamber Music America), throughout the U.S. in 2008-2009.

An influential figure in new jazz for over three decades, Apfelbaum has worked with some of the leading figures in contemporary music, including the late Don Cherry (whose group, Multikulti, Apfelbaum was Musical Director of from 1989-1995), Cecil Taylor, Harry Belafonte, Omar Sosa, Bill Laswell and Phish. He has been commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and the National Swedish Radio Orchestra, among others. In 2013 he formed Sparkler, an electronica-based, vocal-driven sextet, which released its debut EP, “I Colored It In For You,” on Laswell’s MOD Technologies label in 2015 and premiered the commissioned work “The Ambidextrous Nature Of The Universe” at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2016.

He currently performs with Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra and Dafnis Prieto’s Sextet. In 2017, Apfelbaum was named an Artistic Director of Creative Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to offering workshops by improvising musicians from diverse backgrounds. CMJ New Music Report has called Apfelbaum “A visionary, galvanic composer like few others of his time.”

Klezmer Ensemble

ZOE AQUA

Name: Zoe Aqua

From: Denver, CO

I started teaching music in… 2011

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Beáta Salomon, an amazing fiddler and teacher of Hungarian folk music.

Few people know that I… Love houseplants!

Education: University of Michigan, B.M. in violin performance and music education
Ithaca College, M.M. in music education

I play and teach: Mainly violin, although I use ukulele, recorder, euphonium, brácsa and bass to teach

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a founder of Tsibele, a 5-person klezmer band as well as Farnakht, a violin/accordion duo focused on Eastern European music.

Drums, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

NOEL BRENNAN

Name: Noel Brennan

From: Calais, Maine

I started teaching music in…2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Anindo Chatterjee, Flying Lotus, DJ Qbert, DJ D-Styles, Roy Haynes, Eric Harland

Few people know that I… am an Eagle Scout

Education: University Of Southern Maine – Jazz Performance with concentration in Percussion
New York University – Jazz Performance

I play and teach:  Drums, DJ and Tturntablism, percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I won the 2017 Keep Skratching contest with Swiftstyle. I also perform with my wife and fellow Conservatory faculty member Patricia Brennan in Antenna and TRYPTIK.

VOICE, BROOKLYN HARMONICS TEENS

CHRISTINE CORNELL

Name: Christine Cornell

From: Milford, Connecticut

I started teaching music in… 2012

My inspiration: Freddie Mercury, Julie Andrews, Nancy Wilson (jazz), Nancy and Ann Wilson (Heart), Emmy Lou Harris, Wes Montgomery, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Angel Blue

Few people know that I… play electric bass in a rock band!

Education: Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Vocal Performance; Manhattan School of Music — Voice Performance

I play and teach:  Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a dues paying member of Actors Equity. I belong to Ghostlight Chorus NYC and Brooklyn Harmonics of BKCM. I have my own jazz group, Christine Cornell and the Quartet, and I perform duo with Justin Rothberg (guitar) and Rockabilly/Western Swing with the Rockafours (who played BKCM’s House Party in 2021).

Biography: Christine Cornell is a voice teacher at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She also co-directs BKCM’s Brooklyn Harmonics Teens (tight harmony vocal ensemble) with esteemed music director and colleague Jeffrey Klitz. Christine is a musician and teaching artist who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Although Christine’s musical training is classical with an added emphasis on jazz, she is well versed in most contemporary vocal styles that are required of today’s modern singer. Her pedagogy training encourages flexible and healthy vocalizing stemming from a traditional Bel Canto technique. Her studio is versatile and energetic with a repertoire ranging from Italian classics of the 1700s to today’s chart topping pop hits.

Christine has been running around New York City making music for 12 years. She can be seen on stages leading bands, backing up stars, dancing in musicals, and jamming with her guitar. Some favorite performances include: Joanna Gleason’s “Out of the Eclipse” (54 Below, Quick Center, Renberg), “The Most Happy Fella” (Goodspeed), “Celebrating the Life of Carol Hall” (the Times Center), “The Sound of Music” (Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacred Heart), “Master Class” (Gulf Shore Playhouse), “A Nantucket Christmas Carol” (White Heron Theatre) and “Four Saints in Three Acts” (BAM).

Christine also produces music available on all platforms. She can also be spotted at many of BKCM’s wonderful events, including the House Party (2019, 2021).

Jazz Explorers

CHARLOTTE GREVE

Name:  Charlotte Greve

I’m from… Lueneburg, Germany

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Wayne Shorter, my friends, my colleagues

Few people know that I… used to be very good at rhythmic sports gymnastics

Education: Jazz Institute Berlin, Jazz Education & Performance; New York University, Master’s in Jazz Performance

I play and teach:  Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Wood River, Lisbeth Quartett, Asterids, Marta Sanchez Room Tales, Duo w/ Simon Jermyn, Anna Webber/Angela Morris BigBand, Matt Pavolka’s Horns Band, The Choir Invisible, Sooner

Biography: Charlotte Greve is a Brooklyn-based alto saxophonist, composer, and singer originally from Germany. She has released eight albums as a leader, two of which received the ECHO Jazz Prize (the German equivalent of a GRAMMY).

Charlotte’s Brooklyn-based indie-pop influenced band Wood River released their Debut LP in 2015 and released their second full length album “More Than I Can See” on Yellowbird Records in 2020. Her large-scale multi genre piece “Sediments We Move” was released on New Amsterdam and Figureight Records in October 2021 and received significant attention:

“Best 25 classical tracks of 2021” – The New York Times
“Greve is definitely her own artist, and the blend of approaches here manages to surprise while also feeling carefully thought through … Greve displays a tight focus on arrangement and composition, with all the aesthetics at her disposal.” – The New York Times, 5 Classical Albums to Hear Right Now
“A stirring composite of choral hymns, progressive rock, and free jazz … rich in detail, but never overwrought. Instead … a fluid cycle of matter as sound: building, dissipating, and crystalizing once again.” – Pitchfork, 7.5

Further projects in New York include the trio The Choir Invisible and the ambient duo Sooner. As a side-woman, Charlotte continues to collaborate with different artists such as Chris Morrissey, Marta Sanchez and Vinnie Sperrazza.

Charlotte has received several awards for her work, including the 2012 and 2018 Echo Jazz, the 2010 JazzBaltica Award and the 2008 Praetorius-Musikpreis.

Since 2010 Charlotte has been touring with her own projects in the US, Europe and South Asia and has played at several major jazz and pop festivals such as Jazz Baltica, Jazzfest Berlin, Haldern Pop and Jazzfest Kolkata.

Born in 1988, Greve began playing classical flute at the age of eight and picked up the saxophone at age the age of sixteen. She received her undergraduate degree at the Jazz Institute Berlin in 2012. The same year, she moved to New York City to pursue a graduate degree at NYU Steinhardt.

Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

SARAH HANAHAN

Brooklyn Harmonics Teens

JEFF KLITZ

Name:  Jeffrey Klitz

I’m from… Storrs, CT

I started teaching music in… 1980

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Willa Cather, Wassily Kandinsky, Martha Graham, Duke Ellington, Caroline Shaw/Roomful of Teeth, Stephen Sondheim

Few people know that I… love soccer, still love playing.

Education: Yale, B.A. in music

I play and teach:  Piano, arranging for voices

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  writing a music theater piece with collaborators

Guitar, Guitar Friends, Guitar Ensemble

BENJAMIN LEE

Name: Benjamin Lee

From: Switzerland, Chapel Hill, Brooklyn

I started teaching music in… 1999

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Nature

Few people know that I… I’m a good baker

Education: 
UNC Greensboro – BA in Jazz and Classical Performance

I play and teach: Guitar, banjo, bass, and ukulele

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a member for the surf/punk band The Zolephants; my own project Baby Copperhead with string trio, including: Tom Swafford on violin, Jessica Pavone on viola, and Brent Arnold on cello.

Piano, Bass, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

JEONG LIM YANG

Name: Jeong Lim Yang

I’m from… Seoul, South Korea

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: All the people who contribute this planet to be a better place for everyone! People who fought for their rights, freedom, art….

Few people know that I… go by Lim

Education: Berklee College of Music – Jazz Performance

I play and teach: upright bass, electric bass, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: my own band (quintet and quartet), Crooked Trio and about 15 more bands…

Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

SEAN MORAN

Name: Sean Moran

From: Brooklyn

I started teaching music in…1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1999

My inspiration: Duke Ellington

Few people know that I… play in a metal band!

Education:  Virginia Commonwealth University – Bachelor of Music

I play and teach: guitar, bass, composition, theory

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Four Bags and my own trio called SUN TIGER

Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale Director

NICK NICASSIO

Name: Nicholas Nicassio

From: Los Angeles, CA

I started teaching music in…1999

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… Just starting this September

My inspiration: Former voice teacher, Naomi Farr

Few people know that I…  Have a Scuba certification and went diving with sharks in Palau

Education: University of California, Irvine, BA in English, Manhattan School of Music, MM in Voice, Rutgers University, DMA in Choral Conducting

I play and teach:  Choral Conductor, Voice, Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Conductor for the National Children’s Chorus and Music Director at St. Saviour Church, Brooklyn. Just finishing composing the score for the feature film, When the Moon Was Twice as Big.

Jazz Instrumental Lab

MATT PAVOLKA

Name: Matt Pavolka

From: Bloomington, Indiana

My inspiration: I have been inspired musically every day of my life in New York. If you’re not inspired, you’re not paying attention.

Education: Berklee College Of Music

I play and teach: Trombone, Bass, Electric Bass

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I currently have four working bands – a quartet with bass, guitar, keyboards and drums; a quintet with three horns, bass and drums; another quintet with trumpet, tenor, piano, bass and drums; and an upright bass duo.

Personal Teaching Statement: It’s all about the music and everyone is invited.

Biography: For over twenty-five years bassist/composer Matt Pavolka has been a vital force in the New York Jazz and Creative Music scenes. A partial list of musicians and bands that he has performed with includes Lee Konitz, Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Guillermo Klein, Chris Cheek, Kevin Hayes, Ben Monder, House of Illusion, Marty Ehrlich, Michael Attias, The Ryan Scott Orchestra, Magalie Souriou, Elysian Fields, Joe Beck, J. Geils, Tony Malaby, Bill McHenry, Matt Renzi and Alan Ferber. He has toured extensively in the United States, Europe and Japan and can be heard on many recordings, including releases from Magalie Souriou, Guillermo Klein, Michael Attias, Ernesto Jodos, Santiago Liebson, Marlon Browdon, Andre Fernandes, Nate Radley, Noah Preminger and House of Illusion. He has released five albums as a leader – “Something People Can Use” on Tone Of A Pitch Records, “The Horns Band” on the Fresh Sounds, New Talent label, and “Pavogüchi,” “Pavoguchi II” and “Pavoguchi III” on his own Aklovap Records label, and has four more releases scheduled in the coming year.

Matt grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. He began playing the trombone at an early age and studied with David Baker before heading to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship as a trombonist at age 18. He switched his major to bass in his first year there and was awarded an outstanding performance award on that instrument as well as the Charles Mingus Award for his work as a composer. Matt moved to New York in 1994. In addition to his work as a performing musician, composer and bandleader, he is active as a music educator.

BCCO Director

DOROTHY SAVITCH

Dorothy Savitch has led the Music Partners program since 1996, developing fully enriched, sequential programs that build upon students’ skills from year to year. Under Dorothy’s guidance, Music Partners has grown from six sites with 700 students to 34 sites with 4,500 participants. Dorothy has expanded the course offerings to meet the needs and interests of our diverse community, including chorus for seniors citizens, West African Drumming, GarageBand Songwriting and programs for toddlers and pre-kindergarten students. Dorothy has been on the BKCM faculty since 1989, and prior to becoming Program Director of Music Partners, she taught music theory, history, classical guitar, chorus and recorder. In 2002, Dorothy Savitch was also named as the first Music Director of the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra. Since 1997, Ms. Savitch has also been Music Director of Long Island’s Sound Symphony Orchestra. Since her tenure began, both orchestras have grown and expanded into two of the finest community ensembles in the New York metropolitan area. They have received high praise for their vibrant performances and expansive repertoire. Before her transition to the podium, Ms. Savitch studied the classical guitar with Christopher Parkening and Vicente Gomez, and toured throughout the West Coast. She received music degrees from Columbia University and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Her conducting teachers include Harold Farberman and Maurice Peress.

KLEZMER ENSEMBLE, ACCORDIAN

IRA TEMPLE

Guitar, Guitar for Adults, Guitar Ensemble

MICHELE TEMPLE

Name: Michele Temple

From: Celina, Ohio

I started teaching music in… the 1970s

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2000

My inspiration:  boundary pushers, musical and otherwise

Few people know that I… was listed in a top 25 survey of female bassists https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-female-bassists/

Education:  Ashland University in Ohio – BA in Music Theory
Cleveland State University – MA in Musicology

I play and teach:  Guitar, Bass, Ukelele (if requested)

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Pere Ubu-bassist; Both Sides Now the music of Joni Mitchell – guitar accompanist; Urban Iguana Productions – my recording/composing studio; Ebow Quartet; Woman of Heart and Mind, a duo that performs the music of Joni Mitchell

Personal Teaching Statement: I am such a big music fan and I love to share what I know, and work with others that are also music lovers. As everyone has different tastes and objectives, I try to uncover each individuals’ musical interests and help bring whatever information is needed to enable them to play what will bring them joy.

Biography: Michele is a guitarist and electric bassist and sometime producer at her project studio Urban Iguana Productions. She is a long time composing, recording and performing member of international/touring recording artists Pere Ubu. In NYC, Michele has played on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, at The Apollo Theatre, the York Theater, Irondale Theater, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, the Fringe Festival, CBGBs, and many other locations. Most recently, Michele and Hannah Reimann, her working partner in Woman of Heart and Mind – a Joni Mitchell retrospective, received a City Artist Corp grant that enabled them to perform at the Village Trip festival in September.

Michele’s Master Thesis was published as the academic monograph, “Middle Eastern Influences on Late Medieval Italian Dances: Origins of the 29987 Istampittas,” which won the Dance Perspective Society’s Jose Rollins de la Torre Buena Prize in Dance Literature for most original new book in 2002.

Michele is a long time music instructor at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She counts among her former private students multi-Grammy award winning artist Alicia Keys.

Piano, Chamber Music

MICHAEL BROFMAN

Name: Mike Brofman

I’m from… New York City

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Musical: Franz Schubert
Other: Barack Obama

Few people know that I… am an avid philosophy reader (Camus is my favorite)

Education: Northwestern University, BM

I play and teach:  Piano, Chamber Music

My or other artistic/musical endeavors:  I am the artistic director of the Brooklyn Art Song Society, I work regularly with opera singers from the Metropolitan Opera and perform and teach around the country, including University of Chicago, UC-Davis, and Notre Dame University

Biography: Pianist Michael Brofman has earned a reputation as one of the finest vocal accompanists of his generation. He has performed hundreds of songs, from Schubert’s earliest lieder to premieres of new songs by today’s most-recognized composers. He was hailed by the New York Times as an “excellent pianist” and 
Feast of Music recently praised his “elegant and refined playing… exhibiting excellent touch and clean technique.” Parterre Box Blog called Mike a “master communicator at the piano,” and Voix des Arts praised his “finesse and flexibility.” Seen and Heard International recently wrote, “Brofman got to the core of each song…delving into their emotional depths.” Opera News stated, “Michael Brofman provided exquisite piano accompaniment.” Highlights of his 2021-2022 season include Finzi’s “A Young Man’s Exhortation” with tenor Dominic Armstrong, Tom Cipullo’s “Of A Certain Age” with soprano Laura Strickling, Britten’s “The Songs and Proverbs of William Blake” with baritone Michael Kelly, and Brahms’ “Four Serious Songs” with baritone Gregory Feldmann. Mike will give world premieres of works by Lembit Beecher, Herschel Garfein, and Reinaldo Moya. In addition, he will present concerts and masterclasses at Cornell University and take part in a tour of North Carolina performing David Ludwig’s “Songs of the Bleeding Pines.”

Mike has championed new works and has fostered relationships with many living composers, including Katherine Balch, Lembit Beecher, Tom Cipullo, Michael Djupstrom, Daniel Felsenfeld, Herschel Garfein, Daron Hagen, Jake Heggie, James Kallembach, Libby Larsen, Lowell Liebermann, David Ludwig, James Matheson, Reinaldo Moya, Harold Meltzer, Russell Platt, Kurt Rohde, Glen Roven, Andrew Staniland and Scott Wheeler. In all, he has premiered over 100 songs, many of them dedicated to him.

Mike is the founder and artistic director of the Brooklyn Art Song Society, an organization dedicated to the vast repertoire of poetry set to music now in its eighth season. His first CD “New Voices” on Roven Records includes four world-premiere recordings and was number one on Amazon’s new releases for Opera/Vocal and debuted in the top 10 of the Traditional Classical Billboard Chart. In this capacity, Mike has curated and performed in surveys of art song repertoire that have included the complete songs of Henri Duparc and Charles Ives, lieder from the last year of Schubert’s life, a survey of all the members of Les Six and much more.

An eloquent and passionate advocate for art song, Mike has been interviewed by Russell Platt for Opera News, for Caught In the Act on Brooklyn Public Television, on the WQXR radio show Soundcheck, on Seattle KING FM 98.1, and for the Linked Music blog. He also hosts his own internet show “Song and Wine.” His writings on music have been published by GPR Records, Sparks and Wiry Cries, and the Linked Music Blog. He is also earning a reputation as a gifted educator and has presented masterclasses at the University of Chicago, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern Maine.

Mike holds a bachelor of Music from Northwestern University where he studied with James Giles. There he was awarded the Frida A. Pick Award for Piano and featured on Chicago’s classical radio station. He spent several summers at the Aspen Music Festival as a student of Rita Sloan and continues his studies with Robert Durso of the Golandsky Institute. He resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn with his wife, violinist Stanichka Dimitrova, and daughters Julia and Lillian.

Chamber Music

TOM CHIU

Name: Tom Chiu

From: Taiwan

I started teaching music in… 20

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 5

My inspiration: too numerous to list

Few people know that I… am a 5-star cook

Education: Yale, BA chemistry, music
Juilliard, MM
Juilliard, DMA

I play and teach: violin

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  FLUX Quartet, Tom Chiu’s Ensemble Metrix

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Chamber Music

MARA MAYER

Name: Mara Mayer

From: Cleveland, OH

I started teaching music in…2009

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration:  my cat

Few people know that I… Used to work for a primatologist in Costa Rica

Education:  Eastman School of Music – BM

I play and teach:  Clarinet/bass clarinet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am the founder of Home Audio series, monthly house shows featuring experimental music in Brooklyn since 2011. I perform with the Nouveau Classical Project, Curiosity Cabinet, GABI, Feral Children, Banda de los Muertos and more as a freelancer. For the last few summers I have been a guest artist in Alaska at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

Flute, Chamber Music

DAVID WECHSLER

Name: David Wechsler

From: Brooklyn, NY

I started teaching music in… 1972

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1980

My inspiration: Karl Kraber, Julius Baker, Michael Brecker, Johannes Brahms, Thelonious Monk

Few people know that I… sing, play alto and tenor saxophones, and in addition to having made a living as a professional classical flute player, I play many styles of music, including jazz, rock, and electronic music.

Education: Brooklyn College – Bachelor of Science in Music
SUNY Stony Brook – Master of Music
CUNY Graduate Center – Doctor of Musical Arts

I play and teach: all flutes, recorder, alto saxophone, and tenor saxophone

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Principal Flute, Queens Oratorio Society; Music Director, The OMNI Ensemble; freelance flutist in many NYC area orchestras; substitute flutist on many Broadway shows

Chamber Music

PETER WEITZNER

Name: Peter Weitzner

I’m from… Brooklyn

I started teaching music in…1977

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

My inspiration:Johann Sebastian Bach

Few people know that I… know too much about computers

Education: The Juilliard School – B.A.
The Juilliard School – M.M.

I play and teach: Double bass and chamber music

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Principal Bass, Stamford Symphony; Berkshire Bach Society; Curator and Host of BPL Chamber Players at the Central Branch of the Bklyn Pub Library. Frequent contributor of recordings to Performance Today.

Violin, Violin Friends, Chamber Music

JOHNNA WU

Name: Johnna Wu

From: Philadelphia and Indianapolis

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: my grandfather

Few people know that I… do yoga everyday

Education: Columbia University – Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music History and Theory, The Juilliard School – Masters of Music in Violin Performance

I play and teach: I play violin and also teach viola and cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am the founder of PinkNoise, an ensemble dedicated to integrating old and new music with improvisation through electronic and acoustic mediums.

Drums, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

NOEL BRENNAN

Name: Noel Brennan

From: Calais, Maine

I started teaching music in…2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Anindo Chatterjee, Flying Lotus, DJ Qbert, DJ D-Styles, Roy Haynes, Eric Harland

Few people know that I… am an Eagle Scout

Education: University Of Southern Maine – Jazz Performance with concentration in Percussion
New York University – Jazz Performance

I play and teach:  Drums, DJ and Tturntablism, percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I won the 2017 Keep Skratching contest with Swiftstyle. I also perform with my wife and fellow Conservatory faculty member Patricia Brennan in Antenna and TRYPTIK.

Piano, Bass, Amy Winehouse Jazz Program

JEONG LIM YANG

Name: Jeong Lim Yang

I’m from… Seoul, South Korea

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: All the people who contribute this planet to be a better place for everyone! People who fought for their rights, freedom, art….

Few people know that I… go by Lim

Education: Berklee College of Music – Jazz Performance

I play and teach: upright bass, electric bass, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: my own band (quintet and quartet), Crooked Trio and about 15 more bands…

Amy Winehouse Jazz Program, Music Partners

SEAN MORAN

Name: Sean Moran

From: Brooklyn

I started teaching music in…1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1999

My inspiration: Duke Ellington

Few people know that I… play in a metal band!

Education:  Virginia Commonwealth University – Bachelor of Music

I play and teach: guitar, bass, composition, theory

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Four Bags and my own trio called SUN TIGER

Jazz Explorers

CHARLOTTE GREVE

Name:  Charlotte Greve

I’m from… Lueneburg, Germany

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Wayne Shorter, my friends, my colleagues

Few people know that I… used to be very good at rhythmic sports gymnastics

Education: Jazz Institute Berlin, Jazz Education & Performance; New York University, Master’s in Jazz Performance

I play and teach:  Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Wood River, Lisbeth Quartett, Asterids, Marta Sanchez Room Tales, Duo w/ Simon Jermyn, Anna Webber/Angela Morris BigBand, Matt Pavolka’s Horns Band, The Choir Invisible, Sooner

Biography: Charlotte Greve is a Brooklyn-based alto saxophonist, composer, and singer originally from Germany. She has released eight albums as a leader, two of which received the ECHO Jazz Prize (the German equivalent of a GRAMMY).

Charlotte’s Brooklyn-based indie-pop influenced band Wood River released their Debut LP in 2015 and released their second full length album “More Than I Can See” on Yellowbird Records in 2020. Her large-scale multi genre piece “Sediments We Move” was released on New Amsterdam and Figureight Records in October 2021 and received significant attention:

“Best 25 classical tracks of 2021” – The New York Times
“Greve is definitely her own artist, and the blend of approaches here manages to surprise while also feeling carefully thought through … Greve displays a tight focus on arrangement and composition, with all the aesthetics at her disposal.” – The New York Times, 5 Classical Albums to Hear Right Now
“A stirring composite of choral hymns, progressive rock, and free jazz … rich in detail, but never overwrought. Instead … a fluid cycle of matter as sound: building, dissipating, and crystalizing once again.” – Pitchfork, 7.5

Further projects in New York include the trio The Choir Invisible and the ambient duo Sooner. As a side-woman, Charlotte continues to collaborate with different artists such as Chris Morrissey, Marta Sanchez and Vinnie Sperrazza.

Charlotte has received several awards for her work, including the 2012 and 2018 Echo Jazz, the 2010 JazzBaltica Award and the 2008 Praetorius-Musikpreis.

Since 2010 Charlotte has been touring with her own projects in the US, Europe and South Asia and has played at several major jazz and pop festivals such as Jazz Baltica, Jazzfest Berlin, Haldern Pop and Jazzfest Kolkata.

Born in 1988, Greve began playing classical flute at the age of eight and picked up the saxophone at age the age of sixteen. She received her undergraduate degree at the Jazz Institute Berlin in 2012. The same year, she moved to New York City to pursue a graduate degree at NYU Steinhardt.

Creative Music Ensemble, Music Theory for Adults

MIKE MCGINNIS

Name: Mike McGinnis

From: Sanford, ME

I started teaching music in…1991

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2002

My inspiration:Too many to list.

Few people know that I… am an amateur NYC historian.

Education: Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester – Masters of Music in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (performance emphasis)
University of Southern Maine – Bachelor of Music in Performance

I play and teach:  saxophone, clarinet, improvisation, composition, counterpoint, and arranging

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Hanks Roberts Sextet, Stew, Davalois Fearon Dance, Dana Lyn’s Mother Octopus,

TRUMPET

ALLISON PHILIPS

Name: Allison Philips

From: South Orange, New Jersey

My inspiration: Lee Morgan, Ingrid Jensen, Ambrose Akinmusire

Education: Masters of Music – Jazz Performance, Het Conservatorium van Amsterdam; BFA – Jazz Trumpet Performance, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music

I play and teach: Trumpet

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Allison Philips Trio, DeiCont | Philips Collective

Personal Teaching Statement: As an educator, I strive to build a well-rounded musical background while still focusing on the technique required to make the music actually happen. Whether teaching trumpet, or jazz ensemble, I think it is important to emphasize the history of the music or instrument, while not loosing track of personal expression and creativity.

Biography: Allison Philips is a Brooklyn-based trumpet player, composer, and educator. Philips is a trumpet player’s trumpet player. From the traditional trio setting to genre-bending explorations via electronics, Allison is always searching for new ground.

Jazz Scene has called The Allison Philips Trio “an invigorating list​en that probes, as Ornette Coleman did, the line between song and sonic exploration.” The group released their first EP in 2017 and will be releasing their first album “Placement and Longing” in 2021. Philips also co-leads the DeiCont | Philips Collective a group which Hot House Magazine has called “one of the most exciting emerging groups in NY.” The Allison Philips Trio and the DeiCont | Philips Collective have toured domestically and throughout Europe and Canada.

Allison has also performed with Sara McDonald’s “NY Chillharmonic,” Alita Moses, The Chronometer’s Orchestra, Phil’s Music Lab, Charlie Rosen’s Broadway Bigband, the BVR Flamenco Orchestra, Zulema’s Mambo Queens, and many others. She has performed on many acclaimed stages, including The Bimhuis, The North Sea Jazz Festival, The Bern Jazz Festival, The Festival of New Trumpet Music, Le Poisson Rouge, PENG Festival, 54 Below, The Jazz Standard, NJPAC and many others.

Philips holds a BFA in Jazz Performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City and an MM in Jazz Performance from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Philips was the 2016 recipient of the Hal Leonard Collegiate Scholarship. She has recently been awarded a New York Foundation of The Arts “City Artist Corp” grant. She has studied under several trumpet luminaries including Laurie Frink, Ingrid Jensen, Chris Jaudes, Tatum Greenblatt, Joe Magnarelli, Jimmy Owens, Ruud Breuls and Jan Oosthof. Between teaching and performing throughout Europe and North America, Allison spends her time commuting on her bicycle in Brooklyn and eating at B&H Dairy in the East Village.