Community Music School Faculty

Voice

MARIANA ASLAN

Name: Mariana Aslan

From: Argentina

I started teaching music in… 1992

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2004

My inspiration: Nordoff-Robbins, Colwyn Trevarthen, my children, and innumerable musicians

Few people know that I… have practiced martial arts for many years (Tai Chi Chuan and Shao Lin Chuan)

Education: Juan José Castro Conservatory (Argentina) – Choral Conductor
CUNY – MM in Vocal Performance
NYU – MA in Music Therapy

I play and teach: Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I sing periodically in classical music concerts with Theresa Rosas (pianist). I’ve also performed with the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra a couple of times, and I’ve done some concerts of tango and Argentine folk music

Voice, Music Partners

CHRISTINE CORNELL

Name: Christine Cornell

From: Connecticut

I started teaching music in… 2012

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… This is my first year!

My inspiration: Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Noel Coward, Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), Nancy Wilson (jazz legend), Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Riccardo Muti, Jeanine Tesoro, and Frank Loesser.

Few people know that I…  Love drawing and Calligraphy.

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, Brooklyn Harmonics of BKCM, and I have my own jazz group Christine Cornell and the Quartet.

Voice, Piano

LYNDOL DESCANT

Name: Lyndol Descant

From: Houston, Texas

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2012

My inspiration: The Bad Plus, Vincent Van Gogh, Maria from the Sound of Music,

Few people know that I…  also love horses

Education: Texas A&M University –  Cum Laude Double Major in French and International Studies
American School of Modern Music – Jazz Piano and Composition

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Descant Trio – my own jazz pop project which plays my originals + jazz/pop covers for private events and public venues

2 EP’s released under Lyndol Descant – original compositions that I self produced

I’m currently composing for a variety of projects from film to podcasts

Queens Country Roots – Hard Blues Rock Band that I play keys/backing vocals

Vile Bodies – Psych rock band, I play Synth Keyboard/backing vocals

And I’m always expanding!

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.

Piano, Voice, Harp

LUCIA STAVROS

Name: Lucia Stavros

From: Cleveland

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… This is my first year!

My inspiration: Ann Hobson Pilot. JS BACH, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Joao Gilberto, Elis Regina, Chet Baker to name a few!

Few people know that I…  have been practicing yoga for 17 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”

Violin, Viola

JENNIFER AXELSON

Name: Jennifer Axelson

From: 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 and viola

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

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 FAMILY

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 and viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  La Camerata Washington Heights; Metro Chamber Orchestra; Música De Cámara Chamber Orchestra; Camerata Alfredo De Saint Malo

Violin, Viola

ADRIATIK SEFA

Name: Adriatik Sefa

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 15

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 15

My inspiration: Old Player such as Oistrakh, Heifetz

Few people know that I… like building things

Education: University of Arts, Tirana
Eastman School of Music

I play and teach:  Violin and viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  ISO Orchestra

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

TOM SWAFFORD

Name: Tom Swafford

From: Seattle, WA

I started teaching music in… 1993

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2012

My inspiration: The teachers I had growing up. Particularly my violin teacher, Karla Kantner, and the conductor of the Seattle Youth Symphony, Vilem Sokol. Both were extremely knowledgeable and had a great passion for music. They were demanding teachers, but also creative. Ms. Kantner was also a composer and wrote music for all of her students based on their names. Mr. Sokal had a biting sense of humor — which I loved.

Few people know that I… am also a composer. I am currently writing a musical!

Education: Tufts University – BA in music and clinical psychology
University of California, Berkeley – MA in music composition
University of California, Berkeley. Ph.D. in music composition

I play and teach:  violin

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I lead the 11 piece ensemble String Power, whose members include several Brooklyn Conservatory faculty members. The group was formed in 2007 and we released our debut album in 2015. We play arrangements of a wide variety of music- including music by Charles Mingus, The Velvet Underground and Egyptian composer Mohammed Abd al-Wahhab; we also play my own compositions.

I wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book for a musical comedy called Bad Actor. We had a successful workshop performance on October 19, 2017 at The Tank in New York City and we look forward to developing it further.

I also do a lot of freelancing in many styles including Bluegrass, Old Time, Classical, Jazz and Experimental Music.

Cello

TARA HANISH

Name: Tara Hanish

From: Michigan

I started teaching music in… 2003

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2015

My inspiration: My mom and my high school cello teacher, Louis Potter

Few people know that I… won a YouTube contest in 2008 to play with the Foo Fighters at the Grammy Awards

Education: University of Michigan – B.M. Cello Performance
University of Miami – M.M. Cello Performance,
Cleveland Institute of Music – Professional Studies Diploma

I play and teach: Cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a freelance performer around NYC in both classical and non-classical cello. I’m the cellist/vocalist for The Whiskey Girls (alternative cello duo), the manager/cellist of Mayfield Strings (string ensembles for events). I used to be the cellist for Seafair (indie rock band).

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: Shinichi Suzuki, Virginia Dixon, Linda McKnight, Gary Karr, Ralph Bowen, Dave Liebman

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

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

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I play jazz standards, old timey, rock, classical, noise, and experimental music

Piano, Jazz Explorers

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 – BM
Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College – MM

I play and teach: the woodwind family

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.

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

Piano, Trumpet

ROGER LENT

Name: Roger Lent

From: I grew up in Houston 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, 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, Wynton Marsalis, 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:  University of North Texas – Music
Rutgers University – Music

I play and teach:  piano and trumpet

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

Trombone

KALIA VANDEVER

Name: Kalia Vandever

From: Los Angeles, CA

I started teaching music in… 2013

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: My family

Few people know that I… am half Filipino

Education: The Juilliard School – Bachelor of Music

I play and teach:  Trombone

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Kalia Vandever Quartet

Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory

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
CUNY Brooklyn College – 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.

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 Friends

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 Friends

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

Piano, Piano Friends

PATRICIA BRENNAN

Name: Hilda Patricia Brennan

From:  Mexico

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: My family

Few people know that I… played soccer in middle school/high school.

Education: Curtis Institute of Music – Bachelor of Music
New York University – Master in Jazz Performance and Composition

I play and teach:  Piano and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Member of the following ensembles: Grammy nominated The John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus which was named rising star big band in the 2017 Downbeat poll, and Vijay Iyer’s Blind Spot with Teju Cole, a project led by renowned pianist and MacArthur Fellow (the “genius grant”)  Vijay Iyer along with bassist Linda Oh and writer Teju Cole.

I have also collaborated with Vijay Iyer in other projects, including the large ensemble project Open City and several small ensemble performances along with renowned musicians like bassist Reggie Workman and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith. I am a member of Phalanx Ambassadors, a project led by pianist Matt Mitchell along with guitarist Miles Okazaki, bassist Kim Cass, drum set player Kate Gentile and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. Also, some of my own projects are ANTENNA, a collective of composers and improvisers and TRIPTYK, a dynamic electroacoustic trio along with percussionist Noel Brennan and violinist/violist Leonor Falcon.

I have also done several recordings, including an ECM recording with bassist Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus called The Distance and Matt Mitchell’s new record A Pouting Grimace under Pi Recordings label. I recently recorded a new record with the Grammy nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble which is expected to be released on January 2018 under New Amsterdam Records.

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

I play and teach:  Piano and 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

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

Voice, Piano

LYNDOL DESCANT

Name: Lyndol Descant

From: Houston, Texas

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2012

My inspiration: The Bad Plus, Vincent Van Gogh, Maria from the Sound of Music,

Few people know that I…  also love horses

Education: Texas A&M University –  Cum Laude Double Major in French and International Studies
American School of Modern Music – Jazz Piano and Composition

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Descant Trio – my own jazz pop project which plays my originals + jazz/pop covers for private events and public venues

2 EP’s released under Lyndol Descant – original compositions that I self produced

I’m currently composing for a variety of projects from film to podcasts

Queens Country Roots – Hard Blues Rock Band that I play keys/backing vocals

Vile Bodies – Psych rock band, I play Synth Keyboard/backing vocals

And I’m always expanding!

Piano

NOA FORT

Name:  Noa Fort

I’m from… Israel

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 1 year as a music therapist.

My inspiration: Nina Simone, Norma Winstone, Thelonious Monk, Meredith Monk.

Few people know that I… Sang in the Israeli Sesame Street as a child 🙂

Education: Biology Bachelor degree (Hebrew University in Jerusalem), Music Performance (Jazz piano) Bachelor degree (Jersualem Academy of Music and Dance)
NYU – Music Therapy Master’s degree

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Noa Fort Quartet (original music by me)

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

NOAH HAIDU

Name: Noah Haidu

From: Brooklyn

I started teaching music in… 1998

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2001

My inspiration: Herbie Hancock

Few people know that I… come from a family of classical pianists

Education: Bachelor of Music from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music
Master of Music from SUNY Purchase

I play and teach: Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I perform with Billy Hart, Todd Coolman, Gary Thomas, Steve Wilson Sharel Cassity, John Irabagon, and I have released 3 CD’s on the Posi-Tone and Cellar Live Labels.

Piano

YOKO KIMURA-YATES

Name:  Yoko Kimura-Yates

I’m from… Japan

I started teaching music… more than 25 years ago

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

My inspiration: Any musicians (artists in general) who have their own voices

Few people know that I…  Like to make arts (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.

Piano, Trumpet

ROGER LENT

Name: Roger Lent

From: I grew up in Houston 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, 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, Wynton Marsalis, 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:  University of North Texas – Music
Rutgers University – Music

I play and teach:  piano and trumpet

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

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:  NYC, 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… the guy who sings Chinese opera renditions of Adele songs on YouTube is pretty fantastic too…

Education:  Oberlin College and Conservatory – BA and BM
NYU – PhD in composition (in progress)

I play and teach: piano, along with composition, theory, history

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Brooklyn New Music Collective

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.

Piano

JULIAN SHORE

Name: Julian Shore

From: Rhode Island

I started teaching music in…2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration:  Wayne Shorter, Gabriel Fauré, Hilma af Klint

Few people know that I… Love wiffleball

Education:  Berklee College of Music – BM

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  My own projects as a leader- also touring with Gretchen Parlato, Theo Bleckmann, Sara Gazarek etc.

Piano, Voice, Harp

LUCIA STAVROS

Name: Lucia Stavros

From: Cleveland

I started teaching music in… 2008

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… This is my first year!

My inspiration: Ann Hobson Pilot. JS BACH, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Joao Gilberto, Elis Regina, Chet Baker to name a few!

Few people know that I…  have been practicing yoga for 17 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”

Piano, Jazz Explorers

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…

Drums, Drumming Friends, Teen Jazz

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.

Jazz and Pop Vocals

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.

Composition Club

JUDITH BERKSON

Name: Judith Berkson

From: Chicago

I started teaching music in… 2004

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: sounds, nature, and Miles Davis

Few people know that I… am a Cantor

Education: 
New England Conservatory: BM voice performance
Wesleyan University: MA composition

I play and teach: voice, piano, theory and composition

My other artistic/musical endeavors: S.E.M Ensemble, Kronos Quartet, ASM

Piano, Piano Friends

PATRICIA BRENNAN

Name: Hilda Patricia Brennan

From:  Mexico

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: My family

Few people know that I… played soccer in middle school/high school.

Education: Curtis Institute of Music – Bachelor of Music
New York University – Master in Jazz Performance and Composition

I play and teach:  Piano and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Member of the following ensembles: Grammy nominated The John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus which was named rising star big band in the 2017 Downbeat poll, and Vijay Iyer’s Blind Spot with Teju Cole, a project led by renowned pianist and MacArthur Fellow (the “genius grant”)  Vijay Iyer along with bassist Linda Oh and writer Teju Cole.

I have also collaborated with Vijay Iyer in other projects, including the large ensemble project Open City and several small ensemble performances along with renowned musicians like bassist Reggie Workman and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith. I am a member of Phalanx Ambassadors, a project led by pianist Matt Mitchell along with guitarist Miles Okazaki, bassist Kim Cass, drum set player Kate Gentile and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. Also, some of my own projects are ANTENNA, a collective of composers and improvisers and TRIPTYK, a dynamic electroacoustic trio along with percussionist Noel Brennan and violinist/violist Leonor Falcon.

I have also done several recordings, including an ECM recording with bassist Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus called The Distance and Matt Mitchell’s new record A Pouting Grimace under Pi Recordings label. I recently recorded a new record with the Grammy nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble which is expected to be released on January 2018 under New Amsterdam Records.

Music Theory

IAN DAVIS

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: Shinichi Suzuki, Virginia Dixon, Linda McKnight, Gary Karr, Ralph Bowen, Dave Liebman

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

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

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I play jazz standards, old timey, rock, classical, noise, and experimental music

Piano Friends

IVAN ARTEAGA

Drums, Drumming Friends, Teen Jazz

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.

Guitar Friends

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 Friends

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

Chamber Music, Violin Friends

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.

Sing & Play, Music Adventures

MARY JO MCBRIDE

Name: Mary Jo McBride

From: Doylestown, Pa

I started teaching music in… 2012

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

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

Few people know that I…have synesthesia

Education: The Hartt School – BFA Musical Theatre

I play and teach:  Piano

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.

Mandarian Immersion CMS Early Childhood

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)

Viva La Musica, Music Adventures

LUDOVICA BURTONE

Music Theater Friends & Workshop, Instrument Adventures, Music Partners

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.

Instrument Adventures, Music Partners

JENNIFER TAYLOR

Name:  Jennifer Taylor

I’m from… Westchester, NY

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, Music Education (K-12), Teachers College, Columbia University, 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!

Bluegrass Jam Workshop

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

CMS Accompanist

BRENDAN POLK

Big Bad Brass

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, Robert Rauschenberg

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

I play and teach:  saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, drums, congas/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)

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.

CMS Ensembles

SARAH HANAHAN

Drums, Drumming Friends, Teen Jazz

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.

Teen Jazz

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,

Teen Jazz

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

LESLEY MOK

Name:  Lesley Mok

I’m from: San Mateo, CA

I started teaching music in… 2009

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Danilo Perez & Terri Lyne Carrington, Michelle Obama, Reid Hoffman, John Coltrane, my mother.

Few people know that I…played flute in middle school!

Education: Berklee College of Music – BM, Performance
Berklee College of Music – MM, Contemporary Performance

I play and teach:  Drums and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I play in various ensembles in NYC including Christian Li, and Martin Nevin. I work in government relations at The Center for Arts Education, and I’m working on an app for creative professionals.

Piano, Jazz Explorers

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…

Jazz Explorers

CHARLOTTE GREVE

Name:  Charlotte Greve

I’m from… 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, 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

Brooklyn Harmonics, Brooklyn Harmonics Teens, Music Theatre For Adults

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

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.

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.

Jazz Instrumental Lab

MATT PAVOLKA

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

I play and teach:  Piano and 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

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

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.

Chamber Music, Violin Friends

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.