Suzuki Faculty

SUZUKI DIRECTOR

JULIANNE CARNEY-CHUNG

Suzuki Program Director Violinist Julianne Carney-Chung has led the BKCM Suzuki Program since 2009. An active and versatile performer, from classical to rock to improvisation, Julianne has studied Suzuki pedagogy extensively, including completing the Teacher Training Program at the preeminent School for Strings, under Allen Lieb and Louise Behrend. Prior to her tenure at BKCM, Julianne was a Thomas J. Watson Fellow and a music fellow at OMI Arts Center. Under Julianne’s leadership, the BKCM Suzuki Program has become a thriving center for excellence and community, nearly doubling in size and offering expanded teen programming, an early childhood component and a five-day summer camp. Julianne is also developing a pedagogy of improvisation for Suzuki students, using sonic storytelling and Soundpainting, an interdisciplinary conducting language of gestures for guiding improvisation.

Violin Department Head

NORA FRIEDMAN

Name: Nora Friedman

From: New York City, NY

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2011

My inspiration: Classical musicians like Maxim Vengerov, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Hillary Hahn, Bruce Molsky, bands like The Dixie Chicks, The Indigo Girls, Jazz musicians like Stephane Grappelli, Regina Carter, and blues musicians like Diane Monroe. Teachers like Dorothy Roffman, Amelia Gold, Roberta Guaspari, Ed Sprunger, Ed Kreitman and Allen Lieb.

Few people know that I… lived in Venezuela for six months or that I always thought I would be a writer, not a musician.

Education: Wesleyan University – BA in Latin American Studies
Cali School of Music at Montclair State University – Post-Baccalaureate
The Conservatory of Music of Brooklyn College – Graduate Degree

I play and teach:  Violin

Violin, Teen Coordinator, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

RUTH KLUKOFF

Name: Ruth Klukoff

From:  Born in Houston, TX, but raised in Alabama

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2013

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  My brother, Will.

Few people know that I… have the “packing gene”

Education:  Indiana University – BM Violin Performance

I play and teach:  Violin/viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Before relocating to NYC in 2014, I performed for 10 years in the pit with OperaTampa, under the direction of Anton Coppola and freelanced in the area, playing for touring productions of Broadway musicals, local plays, weddings, and charity events. I opened my private Suzuki studio in 2000 and taught students ages 4-80 (!) from my home, while also serving as Adjunct Faculty at Eckerd College (2009-14) and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School (2013-14). From 2004-2007, I taught Suzuki Violin at Gulfwinds Montessori School and Perkins Elementary School for Arts and International Studies, both in St. Petersburg, FL. One of my proudest achievements was the founding and direction of the Summer Strings Violin Camp, where students spent 2 weeks working hard, making music, and having fun!!

Violin, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

ALI KANG

Name: Ali Kang

From: New York, NY

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

My inspiration: J.S. Bach,  my daughter MJ, Suzuki teacher Allen Lieb

Few people know that I… study the Feldenkrais Method and love to sing.

Education:  University of Michigan – B.M., Violin Performance,
The Juilliard School – one year towards graduate studies

I play and teach:  Violin

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Jackson Heights Orchestra

Violin, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

AARON VAN HEYNINGEN

Name: Aaron Van Heyningen

From: Issaquah, Washington

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2013

My inspiration: Dr. Suzuki. He lived through turbulent times and still managed to work tirelessly to create a more beautiful world through education, compassion, and music.

Few people know that I… enjoy high-tech cooking, and I dream of turning my brown thumb into a green one.

Education: New York University – Bachelor of Music, Violin Performance
University of Akron – Master of Music, Violin Performance

I play and teach:  Violin

Violin, Piano

MARTHE MILLER

Name: Marthé Miller

From: Pittsburgh, PA

I started teaching music in…1965

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2005

My inspiration: My dad, James “Jimmy” Miller, singer/pianist who performed as a soloist and accompanist for televangelists and their celebrity guests; and my mom, Isabelle Miller, pianist and the first U.S. female band leader

Few people know that I… was a child model, did nail commercials, performed weekly as a singer with a long list of various celebrities, such as Mahalia Jackson, The “Queen of Gospel,” and Ethel Waters, the second African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Education: Oral Roberts University – B.M. Performance
Dana Graduate School of Music, Youngstown State University – M.M. Performance
Teachers College, Columbia University – Doctorate of College Teaching

I play and teach:  Voice, violin, viola, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  As a violist, I most notably performed in a quartet with Scott Joplin renditions arranged and conducted by Gunther Schuller. I hold the most Suzuki certifications in the world (21 and counting!).

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

Cello Department Head

JENNIFER GIRONE-VIRGILIO

Name: Jenna Girone-Virgilio

From: East Islip, NY

I started teaching music in… 2004

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2010

My inspiration: My students inspire me to be a better teacher every day! 🙂

Few people know that I… am learning to speak Bulgarian.

Education: The Hartt School at University of Hartford – Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance
Mannes College of Music at The New School – Master of Music in Cello Performance

I play and teach:  Cello

Myother artistic/musical endeavors:  I am a member of the Red Door Chamber Players where we have different instrumentation combinations for each concert which include, violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, guitar, piano, and voice. Every concert series is unique, so check us out in the link below!

I also perform with Rhymes with Opera, a contemporary opera company which was featured on the cover of Opera News magazine! We perform pieces that are commissioned for our small cast of singers and unique ensemble of violin, viola, cello, saxophone, percussion, and piano. Topics have included a sci-fi opera and an opera about four Dolly Parton super fans waiting to meet Dolly! For more information, go to the link below!

Cello

ALI JONES

Name: Alexandra (Ali) Jones

From: Brainerd, Minnesota

I started teaching music in… 2004

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Ordinary people!

Few people know that I… really enjoy snorkeling.

Education: NYU, BM
SUNY Purchase, MM

I play and teach: Cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: good ol’ fashion freelancing. I play with Ensemble Mise-en, Bridgeport Symphony, Tenth Intervention, American Modern Ensemble, Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra, DCINY, New England Symphonic Ensemble. And folk/pop artists like Landlady, The Relatives, Cassandra Jenkins, Kim Boekbinder, and Lydia Ainsworth.

Cello

NELLY ROCHA

Name: Nelly Rocha

From: Monterrey, Mexico

I started teaching music in… 2006

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: My family, my teachers, my colleagues, and my students!

Few people know that I… I’m training to run my first half-marathon

Education: University of Houston- Bachelor of Music, Cello Performance 
Arizona State University- Master of Music, Cello Performance

I play and teach: Cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I freelance in NY, I’m a member of Quartetto Tomassini and perform regularly with the non-profits Concerts in Motion and Music for Autism.

Cello

ERICH SCHOEN-RENÉ

Name:  Erich Schoen-René

From:  Brooklyn

I started teaching music in…1998

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

My inspiration: Life

Few people know that I… am an Adirondack 46er

Education: Bard College – Double degree, Music Performance and German
Manhattan School of Music – Master of Music, Cello Performance

I play and teach:  Cello

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Chelsea Symphony, Distinguished Concerts International Orchestra, and I have a long history of NYC freelance performance.

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

Guitar Department Head

MICHELE HORNER

Name: Michele Monahan Horner

From: Greenwich, CT

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2007

My inspiration: Bob Dylan

Few people know that I… still hold two school records in Field Hockey goalkeeping at Penn State!

Education:  Penn State University – B.A.

I play and teach: Suzuki guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m the author of the book LIFE LENS: Seeing Your Children in Color and am in demand as a speaker as well as a Suzuki guitar clinician.

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

HANNAH MURPHY

Name: Hannah Murphy

From: New Jersey

I started teaching music in… 2011

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: My own teachers.

Few people know that I… love rats!

Education: Rowan University – BM in Classical Guitar Performance
Mannes School of Music – MM in Classical Guitar Performance

I play and teach: Classical Guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I perform solo guitar and in a guitar duo with my husband, Phil Goldenberg.

Flute, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

TI CHUNG

Name: Ti Chung

From: Taiwan

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Kaori Fujii

Few people know that I…  I like math

Education: Texas Tech University, D.M.A. Flute Performance;
Purchase College, M.M. Flute Performance;
Stony Brook University, B.A. Music Performance

I play and teach:  flute, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Queensborough Symphony Orchestra, Hilltop Music Collective.

Piano Department Head

JUNKO NAGAI

Name: Junko Nagai

From: Japan

I started teaching music in… 2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2009

My inspiration: Everyone around me is an inspiration to me especially if he/she has a very strong philosophy of his/her own and knows where he wants to go…..

Few people know that I… am a strong believer in passion/creativity…. and I actually listen to a lot of pop music…. perhaps a little more than classical music…

Education:  Manhattan School of Music – BM
Manhattan School of Music – MM

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I do not have a “set” group but I do perform in various ensemble groups and I believe that playing ensemble is one of the best parts of being a musician.

Piano

SARAI BUCHANAN

Name: Sarai Buchanan

From: Chicago, Ill.

I started teaching music in… 2005

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: My sister, my piano teacher/mentor

Few people know that I… like to dance, especially Latin dance forms

Education:  Chicago College of Performing Arts | Roosevelt University – Bachelor of Musical Arts,
The City College of New York – Piano Performance.

I you play and teach:  Piano, Suzuki piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Duo Raiz and various piano duos

Piano, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

LYUBA DUBOV

Name: Lyuba Dubov

From: Minsk, Belarus

I started teaching music in…2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2006

My inspiration:  My family

Few people know that I… like cross country skiing

Education: Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College – BM
Teachers College at Columbia University – MA, Music Education

I play and teach: Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a freelance accompanist.

Piano

YULIYA HIGGINBOTHAM

Name: Yuliya Higginbotham

From: Ukraine

I started teaching music in…2003

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  S.Suzuki

Few people know that I… know 3 languages

Education:  M. Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Choir and chamber ensemble

Violin, Piano

MARTHE MILLER

Name: Marthé Miller

From: Pittsburgh, PA

I started teaching music in…1965

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2005

My inspiration: My dad, James “Jimmy” Miller, singer/pianist who performed as a soloist and accompanist for televangelists and their celebrity guests; and my mom, Isabelle Miller, pianist and the first U.S. female band leader

Few people know that I… was a child model, did nail commercials, performed weekly as a singer with a long list of various celebrities, such as Mahalia Jackson, The “Queen of Gospel,” and Ethel Waters, the second African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Education: Oral Roberts University – B.M. Performance
Dana Graduate School of Music, Youngstown State University – M.M. Performance
Teachers College, Columbia University – Doctorate of College Teaching

I play and teach:  Voice, violin, viola, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  As a violist, I most notably performed in a quartet with Scott Joplin renditions arranged and conducted by Gunther Schuller. I hold the most Suzuki certifications in the world (21 and counting!).

Piano

GRACE LIN

Name: Grace Lin

From: Taiwan

I started teaching music in… 2006

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2007

My inspiration: My inspiration is my piano teacher Shirley Cohen. She said, “Great teachers are humble and respectful. Great teachers teach with beautiful heart.”

Few people know that I… love to bake. My dream is to open a bakery

Education: Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University

I play and teach:  Piano and oboe

Piano

JEONG-HWA PARK

Name: Jeong-Hwa Park

From: South Korea

I started teaching music in…1996

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2012

My inspiration: Beethoven, Sheila Keats (my Suzuki piano trainer), Dr. Donald Pirone, Dr. Susan Sobolewski

Few people know that I… have attended several seminars on Autism

Education: Sungshin Women’s University, South Korea – Bachelor of Music
Arizona State University – Master of Music
Arizona State University – Doctor of Musical Arts

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra at Arizona State University. Presentation/performance at the CMS (College Music Society) International Conference. Concerts on the Slope in Brooklyn, NY. Old First Concert Series in San Francisco. Piano solo recital st Carnegie Hall (2003). Piano solo recital at Daejon Arts and Cultural Center. A pianist for Nassau Concert Choir for The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York.

Suzuki Early Childhood Education

MARJIE SHEMANSKI

Flute, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

TI CHUNG

Name: Ti Chung

From: Taiwan

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2017

My inspiration: Kaori Fujii

Few people know that I…  I like math

Education: Texas Tech University, D.M.A. Flute Performance;
Purchase College, M.M. Flute Performance;
Stony Brook University, B.A. Music Performance

I play and teach:  flute, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Queensborough Symphony Orchestra, Hilltop Music Collective.

Piano, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

LYUBA DUBOV

Name: Lyuba Dubov

From: Minsk, Belarus

I started teaching music in…2002

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2006

My inspiration:  My family

Few people know that I… like cross country skiing

Education: Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College – BM
Teachers College at Columbia University – MA, Music Education

I play and teach: Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a freelance accompanist.

Violin, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

ALI KANG

Name: Ali Kang

From: New York, NY

I started teaching music in… 2010

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2014

My inspiration: J.S. Bach,  my daughter MJ, Suzuki teacher Allen Lieb

Few people know that I… study the Feldenkrais Method and love to sing.

Education:  University of Michigan – B.M., Violin Performance,
The Juilliard School – one year towards graduate studies

I play and teach:  Violin

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Jackson Heights Orchestra

Violin, Teen Coordinator, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

RUTH KLUKOFF

Name: Ruth Klukoff

From:  Born in Houston, TX, but raised in Alabama

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2013

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  My brother, Will.

Few people know that I… have the “packing gene”

Education:  Indiana University – BM Violin Performance

I play and teach:  Violin/viola

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Before relocating to NYC in 2014, I performed for 10 years in the pit with OperaTampa, under the direction of Anton Coppola and freelanced in the area, playing for touring productions of Broadway musicals, local plays, weddings, and charity events. I opened my private Suzuki studio in 2000 and taught students ages 4-80 (!) from my home, while also serving as Adjunct Faculty at Eckerd College (2009-14) and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School (2013-14). From 2004-2007, I taught Suzuki Violin at Gulfwinds Montessori School and Perkins Elementary School for Arts and International Studies, both in St. Petersburg, FL. One of my proudest achievements was the founding and direction of the Summer Strings Violin Camp, where students spent 2 weeks working hard, making music, and having fun!!

Violin, Suzuki Early Childhood Education

AARON VAN HEYNINGEN

Name: Aaron Van Heyningen

From: Issaquah, Washington

I started teaching music in…1997

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2013

My inspiration: Dr. Suzuki. He lived through turbulent times and still managed to work tirelessly to create a more beautiful world through education, compassion, and music.

Few people know that I… enjoy high-tech cooking, and I dream of turning my brown thumb into a green one.

Education: New York University – Bachelor of Music, Violin Performance
University of Akron – Master of Music, Violin Performance

I play and teach:  Violin

Suzuki Collaborative Pianist

EMILE BLONDEL

Name: Emile Blondel

From: Charlottesville, VA

I started teaching music in… 2007

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2011

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  Bach

Few people know that I… also play the drums

Education:  North Carolina School of the Arts – BM
North Carolina School of the Arts – MM
Ecole Alfred Cortot in Paris, 2001-2004

I play and teach:  Piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Teaching Artist with National Dance Institute, frequent collaborator with puppetry, theatre and dance projects

Suzuki Collaborative Pianist

DEIRAN MANNING

Name: Deiran Manning

From: Maine

I started teaching music in… 2013

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2018

My inspiration: Mozart and my former teacher, Edmund Battersby.

Few people know that I… Sail, ride horses, and play ice hockey

Education: Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, bachelor of music in piano performance with a minor in vocal performance; Indiana University Jacobs school of music, master of music in piano performance; NYU Steinhardt advanced certificate in piano performance and pedagogy.

I play and teach:  Piano and voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m the Executive Director of the Winter Harbor Music Festival and Concert Series in Winter Harbor Maine ever summer.