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Faculty & Therapists
Our faculty and therapists are trained not only in their artistic discipline, but in classroom instruction techniques as well, meaning that they are able to individualize their approach to you or your child’s specific learning style and educational needs. Settlement gives students and families access to one of the best and most diverse networks of trained faculty in the country.
Adam is a pianist, composer and recording artist based in Philadelphia. Beyond his activities as a performer/composer, his interests run to journalism. He was formerly the Philadelphia correspondent for the internationally published Pulse! Magazine and was a contributor to the Philadelphia Weekly newspaper. Adam completed a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he worked with pianist Paul Bley, bassist Cecil McBee, and composers Lee Hyla, Robert Ceely, and John Heiss among others. Earlier studies included a scholarship for classical piano at Syracuse University as well as a BFA in film production from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.
Faculty
Education: Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, BFA Film Production; New England Conservatory of Music, MM Jazz Studies
Specialties: Jazz Piano
Divisions: Music
Aileen Bunch received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Temple University. She has a long history with the Kardon Center program; providing individual music therapy sessions at the Germantown and Mary Louise Curtis branches. She also teaches piano privately.
Regular
Education: Temple University, BM Music Therapy
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Aiyana Martin is a proud native from Chicago. She has trained under Lisa Willingham, Randy Duncan, Scoot Putman, Dr. E Gaynell Sherrod, Dr. Charles L Carter and many other outstanding professionals in the field. She received her BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2020. Aiyana is currently a member of the second company of PHILADANCO. Aiyana is educated in Dance Anatomy, Studies of Music and Dance, Production, and Injury prevention. She has worked as a teaching assistant/demonstrator for The Ailey Experience Program under the direction of Lisa Willingham, and also an interactive TedX Youth experience under the direction of Jill B. Ware. She has performed on Windy City Live, ABC 7 Chicago, InLight Richmond arts festival and a multitude of other locations. Aiyana also prides herself on being a community activist and has worked as a mentor for young children in multiple settings.
Creative Movement Teacher
Education: Virginia Commonwealth University, BFA in Dance and Choreography
Specialties: Kaleidoscope, Kaleidoscope Plus
Divisions: Early Childhood
Creative Movement, GTN
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Alan Ens is a guitarist who truly loves playing all styles of guitar out there from classical music to experimental improv and everything in between. He has spent time performing in rock bands, jazz groups, a free improv trio, a classical guitar orchestra as well as a guitar quartet after settling here post college at Uarts. He has continued after school with classical guitar and Suzuki teaching studies.
Alan teaches a very wide variety of students and on any given day will be improvising jazz in one lesson then in the next helping students out with classical pieces and in the next showing someone how to play a punk rock song. Alan enjoys being a guitar teacher that can identify with almost anyones musical tastes – and thats where a good music lesson starts.
In his free time – recording songs in his home studio is his current big passion.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Writing and recording original music in my home studio.
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM Jazz Guitar Performance
Specialties: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Suzuki, Ukulele, Music Technology, Jazz Ensemble
Divisions: Music
Albena Stoykova received her teaching and performance degree from the Sofia Music School and the Sofia Music Academy (Bulgaria) in 1987. She spent time teaching in the Youth Palace in Bulgaria and South Africa’s Music School “Mmabana.” She has played with international orchestras, the Radio Sofia Orchestra and Mmabatho Chamber Orchestra, and locally with the Musica 2000 Orchestra, as well as with the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Stoykova has played with string quartets in Paris, Athens and Colmar and won first place in the International Competition in Middlesborough, England.
Albena enjoys working with student ensembles, especially with the all violin ensembles. She composes songs for her students and has created a book for 5 years old violin beginners. She has been with Settlement Music School for over 25 years. Besides teaching, her interests include composing, painting, leading choirs, and performing.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Painting
Faculty
Education: Sofia Music School and the Sofia Music Academy, Violin Performance and Pedagogy
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Alexandra Tzitzikas is an active performer and teacher in the Philadelphia area. She is a prize winner of multiple piano competitions including: first prize in the senior division of the New Orleans Piano Institute Solo Competition, second prize (alternate) in the young artist division of the MTNA Piano State Competition, and honorable mention at the New Orleans Piano Institute Concerto Competition. Some of her students’ success includes first place in the Charleston International Competition, first place in the Crescendo International Music Competition, and gold in the Golden Key Music Festival.
Alexandra has earned a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from West Chester University and was awarded a full scholarship for her studies. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy at West Chester University, where she has been studying with Dr. Igor Resnianski.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from West Chester University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Alexandra Ovrutsky is a graduate of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, with a master’s degree in music theory, choral conducting, and piano performance, and received her bachelor’s degree from the Ippolitov-Ivanov Music College. She began her musical journey at the age of five with piano study. Mrs. Ovrutsky has been teaching children of all ages for over 25 years, including her own children, who are now graduates of Curtis and Juilliard, acclaimed musicians, and winners of many international competitions. Mrs. Ovrutsky was also a successful children’s choral instructor and served as a musical director and editor on the international programs of the Russian State Television and Radio. Mrs. Ovrutsky arrived in the United States in 1992 with her family, and has been teaching at Settlement since 2001. She has appeared as a chamber musician in the concert halls of Boston, Philadelphia, and the Florida Keys. Mrs. Ovrutsky believes that each student is unique and benefits from a unique approach.
Faculty
Education: Ippolitov-Ivanov Music College, BM; Tchaikovsky Conservatory, MM Music Theory, Choral Conducting, and Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Alexis Ramagnano earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Voice Concentration, at Temple University in 2006. She has been practicing as a Board Certified Music Therapist ever since. Alexis has experience working with various populations and ability levels ranging from young children to end of life. She is excited to be joining the Settlement Music School Creative Arts Music Therapy team.
CAT I Therapist
Education: Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Voice Concentration
Specialties: Music Therapy, Voice
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Ali Trofe’s passion for teaching piano continually grows through her rewarding experiences as a piano instructor. Ali received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Susquehanna University and her Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition to her background in piano education, Ali has equal practice in the realm of performance. She has played a broad range of keyboard repertoire in dozens of solo and collaborative performances. Ali has performed with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and at Niigata University during her study abroad in Japan. Ali’s central goal as a piano educator is to cultivate enthusiasm and a lifelong appreciation for music in her students. She strives to create a supportive, fun, and honest learning environment. One of Ali’s areas of pedagogical interest/research is the use of creative movement in the field of music education.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Susquehanna University, Master's in Piano Pegagogy from University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Assistant Teacher, MLC
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Assistant Teacher
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Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Andrea Carlson received a BM in Classical Guitar from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, studying with Steve Klein. Teaching is her passion, and with it she focuses on technique, theory, and a repertoire that inspires and promotes skill and musical expression. Her back ground in music also involves performance in classical guitar, jazz, singing, and composing. In 2009, she was a winner with the Philadelphia Songwriters Project song writing contest. Actively, she performs with her classical guitar playing and singing her original music and jazz standards in a variety of venues throughout the Philadelphia area, as well as New Jersey, New York, and Chicago. In 2012 she released her debut CD, Drivin’ Myself Wild for You. Along with her music, Andrea studied art at Columbia College in Chicago and also enjoys painting and other forms of art in her free time.
Faculty
Education: American Conservatory of Music, BM Classical Guitar
Specialties: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar, Guitar-Plectrum
Divisions: Music
A born and bred Philadelphian, Andreia completed her Bachelor of Music at Ithaca College in upstate NY, studying with both Philip Clark and Debra Moree, only to return to Philly to study at Temple University with Helen Kwalwasser, where she received her M.M. in String Pedagogy. Andreia has been a violin faculty member at Settlement Music School since 1994, specializing in one-on-one violin lessons, coaching chamber music, and teaching Suzuki Group classes. Along with helping her students build strong fundamentals, she is passionate about getting kids to explore and develop their creative expression. In 2012, Andreia co-founded Philalea, a chamber music ensemble devoted to piano trios, a genre she’s loved since her teenage years. Since 2015, Andreia has been traveling to Northern Vermont every summer to continue pursuing her love of chamber music by coaching and performing for the Vermont Music and Arts Center (VMAC).
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Outside of music, for fun during her downtime, Andreia trains in the martial art of Brazilian jiu jitsu and loves trying out recipes for all sorts of baked goodies.
Faculty
Education: Ithaca College, BM; Temple University, MM String Pedagogy
Specialties: Violin, Viola, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
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Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Jazz Performance from Temple University
Specialties: Saxophone
Divisions: Music
Andy Thierauf is a Philadelphia-based percussionist and composer who specializes in the creation and performance of contemporary music. He is particularly interested in combining percussion with theater, dance, and technology. He has appeared in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Argentina, and across the Midwest at music festivals, conferences, and symposiums. Andy has performed at SEAMUS and PASIC on several occasions and is a member of the PAS Music Technology Committee. Andy is half of stb x at, a dance/percussion duo with dancer and choreographer Sean Thomas Boyt. The ensemble has performed at various universities, art galleries, and non-traditional venues across the Midwest and East coast. A native of Cincinnati, OH, Andy received his B.M. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, his M.M. from The Ohio State University, and his D.M.A. degree in percussion performance and pedagogy at The University of Iowa under the direction of Dan Moore. He has studied percussion with Rusty Burge, Jim Culley, Allen Otte, Susan Powell and Joe Krygier, and composition with Tom Wells, Marc Ainger, Larry Fritts, and David Gompper.
Faculty
Education: University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, BM; The Ohio State University, MM; The University of Iowa, DMA Percussion Performance and Pedagogy
Specialties: Percussion, Music Technology
Divisions: Music
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Ansel Mapp graduated with an MM Piano Performance degree and as student of Dr. Min Kwon from the Mason Gross School of the Arts, at Rutgers University in 2025. He received a BA in Applied Music and Philosophy from Baylor University in 2022 and was a student of Dr. Terry Lynn Hudson. On December 4, 2021, Ansel performed his first solo recital, featuring all Black composers with works written by Valerie Capers, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Robert Nathaniel Dett, and arr. Dr. John L. Cornelius II, Associate Professor and Collaborative Pianist at Prairie View A&M University. On May 4, 2022, Ansel organized and performed in “A Requiem to bell hooks” with advisory from Dr. Lenore Wright. This program celebrating the life and works of feminist, social critic, and author bell hooks, sharing the inequities in concert programming, and performing works by Margaret Bonds and Florence Price. Ansel Mapp was a participant in the Inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition in June 2023, and participated in the National Association of Negro Musicians Scholarship competition in 2025.
Piano Faculty
Education: BA Applied Music and Philosophy from Baylor University, MM Piano Performance from Rutgers University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Ardian Cani graduated from Academy of The Arts of Tirana, Albania, in 1975 with a University Diploma in violin performance. His teachers were Pieter Gaci and Eno Koco. Ardian played for Symphony Orchestra of National Theatre of Opera of Albania for four years. Then he taught violin and viola at “Onufri” magnet music school (K-12) and performed as a violin soloist and concertmaster of the Elbasan city symphony orchestra. He was the founder of the chamber orchestra “Albanian Inspiration” and acted as a conductor and soloist of this orchestra in Albania and other European countries. In 2001 Ardian and his family moved to Philadelphia. He pursued his music studies and graduated from Eastern University at St. David’s, Pensylvania in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s equivalency degree. His mentor was Dr. Bryan Edgett. In 2007 Ardian was certified by the Pennsylvania Board of Education and holds a license to teach music K-12 in PA. Since 2002 Ardian has worked as a full-time string teacher for the School District of Philadelphia, and since 2001 he has taught violin at Settlement Music School.
Faculty
Education: Albanian University of Arts, University Diploma Violin Performance
Specialties: Violin, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Joining Settlement Music School in 2023, Bailey Marcucci has over twelve years of experience providing client care in a multitude of settings. Her years of experience range from providing direct support to clinical/therapeutic services across the lifespan, at multiple developmental levels, and varying mental health diagnoses. She incorporates an expressive, intermodal approach to treatment- inviting clients to explore and grow their skills while holding space for the hard stuff. She brings a warm, bright, compassionate, and patient approach to her work in a non-judgmental, creative, safe space.
When not with Settlement she enjoys traveling, find inspiration for her own artmaking in nature, and loves spending time with her four legged companions- Wonton & Pierogi.
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Art Therapy from Lesley University, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization from Caldwell University
Specialties: Therapeutic Visual Arts
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Barbara Golden, Ed.D., M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University, has been a pianist since early childhood and a music educator since 1972. She enjoyed teaching public school K – 12 music and began her years as a college music professor in 1994. She taught at Moravian College, Muhlenberg, Temple and University of the Arts. Her specialties include music education, accompanying, music theory, conducting, world music, relating art to music, drumming circles and improvisation. Besides studying piano she was trained in Dalcroze in NYC and studied the Orff, Kodaly and Suzuki methods as well. While doing her Masters and Doctoral work at Teachers College, she studied with Robert Pace to create group piano lessons. She has been music director and/or accompanist for shows and continues to perform in the Philadelphia area.
Faculty
Education: Doctorate in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Becky Ruiz is a former Settlement Music School alum who studied with Claire Belkovsky. She earned a Bachelor in Music in Piano Pedagogy from Temple University. Major teachers include Charles Abramovic, Alexander Fiorillo, and Maria Taylor. Since graduation, Becky has worked as a church organist/pianist for Asbury United Methodist Church in New Jersey. She has also started and runs a private piano studio, and works as a preschool music teacher in South Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Piano Pedagogy
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Ben Cohen is a Philadelphia-based percussionist and educator. He earned a Bachelor in Music in Jazz Performance in 2022 from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance and is currently continuing his studies to complete a Masters in Music (May 2024). Ben has studied with Dan Monaghan and Justin Faulkner, and was mentored by Dick Oatts, David Wong and Tim Warfield. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, Ben has performed at The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall as a member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and Philadelphia Sinfonia, where he studied classical percussion with David Nelson. Ben regularly performs at live music venues around the Philadelphia area with various ensembles.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor in Music in Jazz Performance in 2022 from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Benjamin Faehl has earned an Associate of Arts in Music from Bucks County Community College, and from West Chester University he has earned a Bachelor of Music in Theory & Composition, a Graduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy, a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy, and a Master of Music in Piano Performance. His primary teachers include Igor Resnianski, Patricia Powell, and Steven Bresnen. Benjamin has performed concerts with the Baroque ensemble La Fiocco and with the choir & orchestra of Trinity Episcopal Church of Solebury. In addition, he was both the accompanist and assistant conductor of Revival Productions’ performance of Handel’s Messiah in 2021. Aside from teaching and performing, Benjamin is the church pianist at Hope Presbyterian Church in Garnet Valley, PA.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Music Theory & Composition, Masters' in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance from West Chester University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Ben Goldman (he/him) is a percussionist and educator with diverse musical interests. Equally comfortable behind a drum-set, in an orchestra, a chamber ensemble, or in various world-percussion traditions, Ben is passionate about developing the next generation of musicians and music-lovers. In addition to leading his own jazz trio, Ben currently manages his chamber music duo, The Ben Diagram Duo, which has toured nationally. Ben is also passionate about social justice and equity in education policy and is on the DEI subcommittee at the University of Delaware.
Q: Who is your favorite composer?
A: John Coltrane
Faculty
Education: BFA in multi-focus percussion performance from California Institute of the Arts, MM in percussion performance from University of Delaware, M.ED in global education from University of Illinois
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Benjamin Hoffmann received his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Houghton College, Houghton, NY in 2008. He received his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Syracuse University in 2010. His principal studies have been with John Spradling, Dr. William John Newbrough and Dr. Fred Karpoff; he has also received lessons and master classes from Vladimir Feltsman, Jon-Kimura Parker and Ann Schein. He maintains an active schedule as an accompanist and collaborative performer in the Philadelphia area and is the staff accompanist at the Wynnefield branch of Settlement.
Faculty
Education: Houghton College, BM Piano Performance; Syracuse University, MM Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Beth Benson has been a member of Settlement Music School’s faculty since 1999. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Florida State University. Major teachers include Elizabeth Camus, Eric Ohlsson and Daniel Stolper. She performs with Newtown Chamber Orchestra and Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra and is an active freelancer on oboe, oboe d’amore and English horn. Beth also teaches for the Continuing Education program at Bucks County Community College and at the George School.
Faculty
Education: Florida State University, BM Performance
Specialties: Chamber Music, Oboe, Musicianship
Divisions: Music
After School Teacher
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Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Brian Brown earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from the Juilliard School. His major teachers include Paul Krzywicki, Don Harry, Donald Harwood and Vincent Penzarella. He is currently principal tuba of the Philly Pops, Delaware Symphony Orchestra and The Stamford (Conn.) Symphony Orchestra. As an active freelance musician, Mr. Brown has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia, among others. He is the tuba player for NFL Films. He is a member of the Westminster Brass and the Rowan University Faculty Brass Quintet. Mr Brown is Adjunct Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the College of New Jersey, Rowan University, and University of Delaware and instructor of tuba at Princeton University. Mr Brown has been a faculty member of the Settlement Music School since 1984.
Faculty
Education: Julliard School, BM Tuba Performance; Julliard School, MM
Specialties: Trombone, Tuba, Baritone, Horn, Euphonium
Divisions: Music
Assistant Director
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Carla (Chana) Crawford holds a Bachelor of Music from The Boston Conservatory with an emphasis in voice, a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in opera performance, and she is currently completing her Master of Music Therapy degree from Temple University. Ms. Crawford has had clinical training at Shriners Hospital for Children, HMS School for Cerebral Palsy, Wissahickon Hospice and the Kirkbride Center, all located in the Philadelphia area. During her internship at the Kirkbride Center, Chana conducted both group and individual music therapy sessions with clients who have co-occurring disorders. Upon completion of her internship from the Kirkbride Center, Chana began working professionally at the Settlement Music School and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team. Chana is committed to providing each client with individual attention and looks forward to empowering her clients to achieve their goals!
Regular
Education: The Boston Conservatory, BM Voice Performance; The Boston Conservatory, MM Opera Performance
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Carolyn Ellman, cellist, has a great variety of musical experience including symphony, opera, chamber music, television and theater. She has provided solo cello incidental music for local productions of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and Arthur Miller’s “Broken Glass” and has presented many recitals with pianist (and fellow Settlement Music School faculty member) David Shunskis. During the four years she was cellist with the Serafin String Quartet, the quartet made its debut with a concert in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, playing there the following season as well and featuring works by local composers on both programs. While living in France and Switzerland, she performed in master classes offered by Gregor Piatigorsky and Maurice Gendron. While performing in Geneva, Neuchâtel and Lausanne she had the opportunity to play Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s opera “Le Devin du Village”.
Here in the Philadelphia area, she is a long-time member of the Delaware Symphony and has played in many other local groups.
At Boston University she earned her Bachelor of Music degree studying with Leslie Parnas. Chamber music coaches included Eugene Lehner at B.U. and also Raphael Bronstein and Michael Tree at Kneisel Hall. Other special programs in which she participated included the Congress of Strings, the Music Academy of the West and the Institute for Advanced Musical Studies.
Of all her many pursuits, Carolyn is particularly proud of her more than twenty-five year association with the Settlement Music School!
Faculty
Education: Boston University, BM Cello Performance
Specialties: Cello
Divisions: Music
Caryn began working as a music therapist at Settlement Music School in 2014 after 12 years at Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy, including 9 years as a full-time clinician. She has experience working with a range of clients including people with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, dementia, mental illnesses and autism spectrum disorders. Caryn developed and continues to manage the therapeutic rock band to better meet the social, emotional and musical needs of several clients. Part of Caryn’s weekly schedule is spent at the off-site partnership with Widener Memorial School. She also supervises Master’s level students from Drexel University’s Creative Arts in Therapy Program. Prior to her work as a music therapist, Caryn was employed as a private school music educator and freelance horn player. Caryn’s education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University, a Master of Music in Horn Performance from Florida State University, a Master of Arts from the Hahnemann Creative Arts in Therapy Program at Drexel University and certification as a Neurological Music Therapist. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA.
Staff
Education: James Madison University, BM Music Education; Florida State University, MM Horn Performance; Drexel University, MA Creative Arts in Therapy
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Cathy Mazza has a Bachelor of Music in Keyboard Performance from West Chester University where she studied with Ben Whitten, and a Master of Music in Music Education from The University of the Arts. She is accompanist and co-director of the Gleeksman-Kohn Children’s Choir at Settlement, the staff accompanist for the Snyder School of Singing, and is an active freelance collaborative pianist and pop and rock performer. She also is a songwriter and composer, and sings with the Germantown Oratorio Choir. Cathy has been a music teacher for over 30 years.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and hiking and biking.
Faculty
Education: West Chester University, BM Keyboard Performance; University of the Arts, MM Music Education
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Flute from Shenandoah Conservatory, Master's in Flute from Temple University
Specialties: Flute
Divisions: Music
Chiara Ferrero is a Philadelphia-based violinist and arts administrator. Cultivating a successful career as an advocate for young artists, she was appointed Program Manager for the PMAY Artists’ Initiative in 2023. She is a certified Suzuki violin teacher and is currently on faculty at Settlement Music School teaching violin lessons and group classes for the Tapestry Suzuki program. Her students have gone on and become members of city youth orchestras and been featured as soloists with their school orchestras.
Also an accomplished violinist, Chiara freelances with orchestras across Pennsylvania. She has performed with orchestras and ensembles on the West Coast such as the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Baroque Ensemble. Chiara earned a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Delaware studying with Xiang Gao and a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Arizona with Timothy Kantor.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Spend time outdoors, play with my dog Pippo and cook!
PMAY Artists' Initiative Manager & Faculty
Education: University of Delaware
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Chloe Pyle is a passionate educator who strongly advocates for the accessibility of music education to all. She graduated from University of the Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance, and a Master’s in Music Education. Her main instrument is voice, but she has experience with trombone as well. You can often find her performing on both in the 76ers official house band.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from University of the Arts, Master's in Music Education from University of the Arts
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: BA in Technology in Music and Related Arts from Oberlin Conservatory
Specialties: Music Education Pathways
Divisions: Music
Christine Danoff’s principal teachers were Charles Wendt (University of Iowa), William Stokking (Philadelphia Orchestra), and Orlando Cole (New School of Music). She also studied violin and chamber music with Edgar Ortenberg (Budapest Quartet), and chamber music with Roman Totenberg, William Kroll, and members of the Stradivari and Colorado Quartets. Christine was runner-up in the National Federation of Music Clubs national competition, cello division, and Associate Fellow at the Berkshire Music Center, Tanglewood. She was also Principal cellist with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. She is currently a member of the Danoff String Quartet and a freelance performer in the Philadelphia area. A child of music educators, she began teaching at age 18 as an adjunct instructor for the Des Moines Public Schools. She has taught class cello in four Philadelphia Archdiocese high schools. She is proud to have the opportunity to share the gift of music with students of all ages, abilities and playing levels in a community music school setting.
Faculty
Education:
Specialties: Cello, Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
Chrysyn Harp is an international chamber and orchestral violist performing in Switzerland, Germany, France, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. After studying with Charles Forbes at Settlement Music School, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Mannes College of Music, where she studied with Lillian Fuchs and Karen Ritscher, and her Master’s of Fine Arts Degree from the State University of New York at Purchase, where she was a graduate fellow and student of Ira Weller. While studying at Yale University, Chrysyn received her Master’s of Music Degree where she was the teaching and faculty assistant to Jesse Levine. Chrysyn began her teaching career under the tutelage of Roberta Gaspari of the East Harlem Violin Program, and later taught in the School District of Philadelphia where she founded the music department at the Academy at Palumbo High School serving as the choir conductor, orchestra conductor, and head of the music department. As an avid orchestral player, she has performed with many orchestras including the Norwalk Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Waterbury Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Classical Symphony, and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.
Faculty
Education: Mannes College of Music, BM Violin Performance; State University of New York, MFA; Yale University, MM
Specialties: Viola, Violin, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Claire Casanova is a clarinetist, native Philadelphian and currently a senior at Temple University studying Music Education. At Temple she was rewarded the Presidential Scholarship and The Stuart J. Best Memorial Scholarship for Clarinet. During her sophomore year of high school, she was accepted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artists’ Initiative. She studied with Dr. Rie Suzuki, Clarinet Professor at Rowan University and Gi Lee, the assistant clarinetist of the Met Orchestra. She has participated in many ensembles including PMEA District 12, All-City Band and Orchestra, and Philadelphia Sinfonia Players. This year she created her own chamber group led by Gi Lee. Claire is also an alumna of Project 440’s Doing Good program where she became the Co-founder and Director of Outreach, in her own non-profit, Generation Music. This organization provides, encourages, and exposes classical music education to underrepresented youth in school districts that can not afford to do so. She has received the Sphinx Connect Fellowship to visit the Sphinx Connect convention in Detroit.
Faculty
Education: Studying Music Education at Temple University
Specialties: Childrens Music Workshop
Divisions: Early Childhood
Claire Coco is a cellist and music educator based in Philadelphia, PA. She earned a BM in Music Education from the Boyer College of Music at Temple University. In addition to teaching in Settlement’s MEP Program, Claire serves as an instrumental music teacher at 7 schools within the School District of Philadelphia. Currently, Claire is a member of the Main Line Symphony Orchestra.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Music Education and Cello
Specialties: Viola, Cello
Divisions: Music
Claudia Scaran earned her Master of Music Education & Bachelor of Music Education both from Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ). She is a Kodály certified teacher through the American Kodály Institute at Loyola University – Maryland. She also hold Orff Level 2 certification through West Chester University. In addition, Claudia currently performs with the Norristown Chorale (Norristown, PA) and is a proud member of their Chamber Singers ensemble. In addition, she is an elementary music teacher in the Pennsbury School District (Fallsington, PA) where she teaches K-5 general music and choir.
Faculty
Education: Master of Music Education & Bachelor of Music Education from Montclair State University
Specialties: Childrens Music Workshop
Divisions: Early Childhood
Connor O’Neill is a guitarist, composer, and producer who is at the forefront of Philadelphia’s burgeoning creative music scene. He graduated with a master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of the Arts in December 2019. He also received an undergraduate degree from the University of the Arts in 2017, receiving the School of Music Jazz Award and the Catherine T. Quaile Memorial Guitar Award that year. O’Neill was a member of Jazz Philadelphia’s first Core Cooperative, an entrepreneurship and wellness program focused on nurturing new artists in the Philadelphia jazz scene. O’Neill participated in the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program from 2010-2015, in which he composed, improvised, and performed under master musician Anthony Tidd. O’Neill has privately taught guitar, music theory, jazz history, improvisation, and musicianship since 2014. He currently offers private studio lessons and has taught at several local music schools since 2021.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's of Guitar Performance from The University of the Arts, Master's of Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts
Specialties: Guitar
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Jazz Guitar from University of the Arts
Specialties: Guitar
Divisions: Music
Dana K. Fiero has been teaching for The Music Education Pathways Program since 2016. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Music from Westminster Choir College and a Masters Degree in Music Education from Temple University where she focused on Vocal Development and Culturally Responsive Teaching. She teaches K-8 music full time for the school district of Philadelphia. She regularly performs with Singing City, PhilHarmonia and the Amici Opera Company as well as playing folk guitar and ukulele and performing original music.
Faculty
Education: Westminster Choir College, BM Vocal Music; Temple University, MM Music Education
Specialties: Music Education Pathways, Choir
Divisions: Music
Philadelphia native Dana D. Jackson began her career in early childhood education in 1994 through volunteering at the Parent Infant Center. This experience led her to take classes at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she obtained an Associates degree in Elementary Education. After graduating from CCP, she attended Saint Joseph’s University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2000. She taught for five years at Educare Learning Center, then taught Kindergarten in the Philadelphia School District starting in 2004. Her love for the Early Childhood field led her to Settlement Music School, where her goal as a lead pre-school teacher is to provide a safe, healthy, fun, and inviting environment in which every child is able to experience new things through play, building healthy relationships, and feeling proud of who they are.
Head Teacher, MLC
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Philadelphia native Dana D. Jackson began her career in early childhood education in 1994 through volunteering at the Parent Infant Center. This experience led her to take classes at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she obtained an Associates degree in Elementary Education. After graduating from CCP, she attended Saint Joseph’s University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2000. She taught for five years at Educare Learning Center, then taught Kindergarten in the Philadelphia School District starting in 2004. Her love for the Early Childhood field led her to Settlement Music School, where her goal as a lead pre-school teacher is to provide a safe, healthy, fun, and inviting environment in which every child is able to experience new things through play, building healthy relationships, and feeling proud of who they are.
Head Teacher
Education: Community College of Philadelphia, AA Elementary Education; Saint Joseph’s University, BS Elementary Education
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 5)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Violinist/violist Daniel Elyar has been performing and teaching throughout the Delaware Valley region for ten years. After completing his Master’s in Baroque Performance Practice at the Royal Conservatory in the Hague, he relocated to Philadelphia and began teaching in the area and, following that, at Settlement Music School. He specializes in the Suzuki Method training and early aged instruction, but has really enjoyed the variety of other ages and backgrounds of students that Settlement naturally offers. Daniel Elyar has been at Settlement since 2003 and enjoys the challenge of teaching a full schedule there as well as actively performing and recording in Baroque music ensembles in NYC and up and down the East Coast.
Faculty
Education: Royal Conservatory in the Hague, MM Baroque Performance Practice
Specialties: Violin, Viola, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Daniella is a body-based psychotherapist who believes in the power of movement and the healing that it brings to people all over the world. Movement has a way of revealing the unknown about our mind and body, leading us to self-discovery. Finding dance/movement therapy changed Daniella’s life and she is committed to providing therapeutic relief through the connection of the mind and body. Daniella traveled to Nicaragua and Dhrangahra, India to study dance as a spiritual and therapeutic art form. This experience led her to study Dance/Movement Therapy at Pratt Institute and become a Creative Arts Therapist. Daniella Brown is a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist with the American Dance Therapy Association. Daniella is an advocate for neurodiversity acceptance, safe spaces for children with sensory-sensitivities and the uplifting of various communities through arts integration.
Credentials: MS, R-DMT
Faculty
Education: Temple University -BA Sociology Pratt Institute MS Dance/Movement Therapy
Specialties: Dance
Divisions:
Danielle Dougherty, a Philadelphia based jazz vocalist, always jokes that she learned to sing before she learned to talk. After performances with the Philadelphia All City Jazz Band in high school, Danielle began to move towards forming her own band of musicians to play music with, which she found in abundance at Temple University. She graduated in May 2021 with her Bachelors in Music and she is currently pursuing her Masters in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance. She feels lucky to renew her love of this music every day in her classes, lessons, and ensembles. She has studied voice with Temple faculty Justin Faulkner, Bruce Barth, and Najwa Parkins. Danielle is the vocalist for the Temple University Jazz Band under the instruction of professional trumpeter, Terell Stafford. She recorded with the Big Band on their album, “Without You, No Me” in May 2021. With the Big Band, she has performed at Lincoln Center and Dizzy’s Club in New York City. Danielle also performs throughout the tri-state area in wedding bands as well as with her own ensemble at clubs like Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia. From August 2019-present day, Danielle has recorded vocals on over 40 tracks for pianist Micah Graves’ project “Not For the Ordinary.” The albums “Med Nama”, “In My Fairytale”, and “Pawns” were released in 2021, and the latest installation, “Crossroads” is set to release this year.
Faculty
Education: Bachelors in Music from Temple University, Masters candidate in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance.
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
David Shunskis is a pianist who is very active as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and teacher. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University in piano performance and music theory. His principal teacher was the late Vladimir Sokoloff of the Curtis Institute with whom he studied for over 10 years. He has also studied with Donn-Alexandre Feder, Orlando Cole, Edgar Ortenberg and Tana Bawden. Mr. Shunskis has taught at Settlement Music School for 40 years, where he also regularly presents recitals and children’s concerts. He is also Music Director and Organist of Trinity Memorial Church in Center City Philadelphia where he has conducted Fauré’s Requiem, Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass and Stabat Mater. In 2011, as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Mr. Shunskis played at the Kimmel Center as well as several times on the Jacob’s Music Noonday Recital Series at the Kimmel.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM and MM Piano Performance and Music Theory
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
David Giles graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy (where he spent his last two years of high school) and then went on to Indiana University, where he studied viola with David Dawson and Abraham Skernick, and chamber music with Fritz Magg and Georgy Sebok. From 1979-1982 he was a member of The Florida Orchestra, playing co-principal viola for the 1980-1981 season. While there, he became a founding member of Tampa Musica Viva Chamber Players, whose NPR and PBS performances, as well as those at the University of Tampa and in St. Petersburg, received critical and audience acclaim. A Philadelphian for more than 25 years, David’s work has included performances with Pennsylvania Pro Musica, Orchestra 2001, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and Choral Arts Philadelphia, among many others. He has performed in premieres of works by Rands, Fekete, Schnittke and others. He maintains an active studio, teaching privately and at Philadelphia’s venerable Settlement Music School.
Faculty
Education: Indiana University, BM Viola Performance
Specialties: Violin, Viola
Divisions: Music
Denise Nix has been an Early Childhood Educator and music teaching professional for over 35 years. She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with High Honors from the Community College of Philadelphia, and while attending there, she earned the Phi Theta Kappa and National Hispanic Honor Society awards.
Denise is the founder of Denise’s Young Musicians & Performing Arts Studio, a home-based teaching studio where she teaches piano, violin, flute, guitar, and percussion to children and teens. Her studio has a professional Facebook page of over 500 followers where she has become most well-known for her patient, creative, and nurturing work with very young children. Her studio has served numerous families in her local community for almost 10 years.
Denise Nix is deeply committed to teaching children’s music, and her studio has provided musical scholarships, presented award ceremonies, and hosted solo concerts for the students in her studio. She has also written, directed, and produced several children’s plays and music recitals for her students at the Venice Island Performing Arts Theatre in Manayunk.
Denise has studied the Suzuki Piano Method with two of the founding members of the Kingston Suzuki Music Association, Valery Lloyd-Watts and Carole Bigler. Denise also trained under Irina Gorin, one of the most prominent piano pedagogues for children in the United States, who uses a unique blend of Russian and American piano teaching methods.
A licensed KiddyKeys piano instructor and member of the Piano Teachers Federation, Denise Nix is also the creator and founder of “BittyStrings”, her program for very young violin students from ages 2 and up.
As a former Childcare Director, Denise has had a wide range of experiences in the field of early childhood education.
Denise has volunteered many years as a Children’s Face Painter for public libraries, foster care agencies, and the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festivals. She currently serves on a women’s ensemble choir, and she is the children’s handbell choir director at her local church.
Denise is the proud mom of 3 talented young adult sons, one of whom performs the leading role of Lafayette/
Jefferson in the prestigious musical Hamilton. She enjoys preparing southern cuisine, crafting, writing, illustrating children’s books, and vlogging for her new YouTube channel.
Faculty
Education: Community College of Philadelpia, AA Early Childhood Education
Specialties: Children's Music Playshop, Children’s Music Workshop
Divisions: Early Childhood
Denise Nix has been an Early Childhood Educator and music teaching professional for over 35 years. She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with High Honors from the Community College of Philadelphia, and while attending there, she earned the Phi Theta Kappa and National Hispanic Honor Society awards.
Denise is the founder of Denise’s Young Musicians & Performing Arts Studio, a home-based teaching studio where she teaches piano, violin, flute, guitar, and percussion to children and teens. Her studio has a professional Facebook page of over 500 followers where she has become most well-known for her patient, creative, and nurturing work with very young children. Her studio has served numerous families in her local community for almost 10 years.
Denise Nix is deeply committed to teaching children’s music, and her studio has provided musical scholarships, presented award ceremonies, and hosted solo concerts for the students in her studio. She has also written, directed, and produced several children’s plays and music recitals for her students at the Venice Island Performing Arts Theatre in Manayunk.
Denise has studied the Suzuki Piano Method with two of the founding members of the Kingston Suzuki Music Association, Valery Lloyd-Watts and Carole Bigler. Denise also trained under Irina Gorin, one of the most prominent piano pedagogues for children in the United States, who uses a unique blend of Russian and American piano teaching methods.
A licensed KiddyKeys piano instructor and member of the Piano Teachers Federation, Denise Nix is also the creator and founder of “BittyStrings”, her program for very young violin students from ages 2 and up.
As a former Childcare Director, Denise has had a wide range of experiences in the field of early childhood education.
Denise has volunteered many years as a Children’s Face Painter for public libraries, foster care agencies, and the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festivals. She currently serves on a women’s ensemble choir, and she is the children’s handbell choir director at her local church.
Denise is the proud mom of 3 talented young adult sons, one of whom performs the leading role of Lafayette/
Jefferson in the prestigious musical Hamilton. She enjoys preparing southern cuisine, crafting, writing, illustrating children’s books, and vlogging for her new YouTube channel.
Music, GTN
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Diane Goldsmith is a pianist who is much in demand as a solo recitalist, chamber musician and vocal accompanist. Winner of the Mason & Hamlin Competition, she regularly performs on regional arts series at cultural centers and colleges. Diane holds a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music and pursued her studies in chamber music, art song and opera at the Music Academy of the West. She did additional piano study with Gary Graffman. Diane has been a music critic and arts editor at major newspapers and also served as staff accompanist working with singers at Westminster Choir College. Her vocal trio, Follow the Drinking Gourd – named for the song used to guide slaves to freedom – and her chamber ensemble perform programs Diane develops, using music, narrative and images. With 20 years’ experience teaching, Diane takes special pride in bringing out the best in students by tailoring her approach to each student’s individual learning style, ability and musical interests.
Faculty
Education: Manhattan School of Music, MM
Specialties: Piano, Musicianship
Divisions: Music
Ann Stookey and Joseph W. Waz, Jr. Distinguished Faculty Chair
Dolly Krasnopolsky was born in the USSR and graduated from Moldova State Conservatory in Kishinev with a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Performing, Accompaniment, Education. Dolly has also had further training at the Moscow State Pedagogical University and at the Lithuanian State Conservatory, now known as The Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. She was awarded the gold medal for Best Teacher in USSR for her outstanding work for preparing students. Many of Dolly’s students have gone on to win numerous competitions and awards. She earned her PhD in the study of Bach from the State University of Vilnius. Dolly arrived in Philadelphia in 1989 and began work as a faculty member at Settlement Music School. In 2012, Settlement awarded her with the Schoenberg Award for Teaching Excellence. Since then, many of her students have graduated from prestigious universities and have pursued music careers. Such notable students of hers is Quiara Alegría Hudes, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Faculty
Education: Moldova State Conservatory Kishinev, BM and MM Performing, Accompaniment, Education; State University of Vilnius, PhD Study of Bach
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Dynasty Battles, the recipient of the 2021 Career Advancement Award by the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, has been featured with soprano Marietta Simpson in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and on music critic David Patrick Stearns’ radio program “Creatively Speaking” on Philadelphia’s WRTI (90.1 FM).
A highlight from this current 2022-23 season include a composition Battles debuted by multiple Grammy nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Ted Hearne, composed for Dynasty himself, which was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Recent engagements include hall debuts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in a concert curated by John Adams, the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall as a featured artist in the International Music Foundation’s Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, and the Benjamin Franklin Hall with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Additionally, he made his international debut at the Barbican Centre in London while in residency with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Career highlights include an invitation to perform George Walker’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in a private engagement at the distinguished composer’s home. In a project profiled by The New York Times, he also performed in Bowerbird Philly’s ongoing series highlighting the works of Julius Eastman.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s of Arts in Piano Performance from Temple University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Ed Contaldi is a Board Certified Music Therapist and certified Special Education Teacher. He received a Bachelor of Science in Special, Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University. He studied Music Therapy in Immaculata University’s Graduate program. Ed provides individual music therapy at the Kardon-Northeast Branch. Ed is also certified in the Affect-Based Language Curriculum (Greenspan/Lewis) and Therapeutic Listening. His approach to Music Therapy is informed by Stanley Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime philosophy and techniques. He also specializes in the use of adaptive computer technology to enhance our students’ self-expression through music.
Regular
Education: Temple University, BS Special, Early Childhood, and Elementary Education; Immaculata University, Music Therapy Graduate study
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Edward is a Philadelphia-based pianist, composer, and educator originally from the Dominican Republic. He began his formal music studies at The Fine Arts School and the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo, specializing in classical, jazz, Latin, and Afro-Caribbean piano. After moving to the U.S., he earned a Piano Performance degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, studying under AJ Luca and Tom Lawton, and later studied composition with Argentinian composer Agustín Calabrese. Edward teaches at Settlement Music School, offering personalized, step-by-step lessons that integrate music theory and reflect each student’s preferred style. He is an active performer in Philadelphia’s music scene, having performed with the Philly Pops Orchestra, Hector Rios & Latin Flavor, and Claveaché at major venues including The Kimmel Center and Comcast Center Plaza. Passionate about music education, Edward welcomes English- and Spanish-speaking students and supports them in developing their unique musical voice.
Faculty
Education:
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Clarinet study: A. Dell’osa, R. Schmidt, C. Turner, G. Rowe, A. Gigliotti, B. Portnoy, G. Mecoli. Sax study: V. Trombetta, H. Karabell. Flute study: J. Walker, F. Versaci, J. Kvell. Oboe study: S. Simon. Graduate of University of the Arts with Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education. Military Service with USMA Band. Glenn Miller Orchestra, Phil Giordano Jazz Orchestra, City Rhythm Orchestra, Philly Pops, many musical shows at various theaters. Opera Company of Philadelphia, extra saxophonist with Philadelphia Orchestra, Reading Symphony, Delaware Symphony Orchestra.
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM/BME
Specialties: Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone
Divisions: Music
Elizabeth Nardone teaches music for Settlement and for the Community Partnership School in Philadelphia. At Settlement, Elizabeth conducts the Beginning and Junior orchestras for the MEP programs at Pastorius and Thomas Holme Elementary Schools. She also conducts the Junior and Intermediate Orchestras at the Germantown Branch and the Intermediate Orchestra at the MLC Branch. Elizabeth most recently earned her Masters of Music Education from Temple University in May 2018. She also has a Masters in Suzuki Cello Pedagogy from the University of Denver and received her undergraduate degree in cello performance from the University of South Carolina. When she is not teaching, Elizabeth enjoys running, reading, and gardening. She also loves to climb mountains in Colorado every summer.
Faculty
Education: University of South Carolina, BM Cello Performance; Temple University, MM Music Education; University of Denver, MM Suzuki Cello Pedagogy
Specialties: Cello, Music Education Pathways, Suzuki, String Ensemble
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education:
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Ellyn Winski joined the Settlement Music School team as a Music Therapist in September 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton and is currently pursuing her Masters in Music Therapy and Counseling at Immaculata University. Ellyn looks forward to meeting and collaborating with her clients as well as witnessing their connections to music grow throughout the music therapy process!
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton, pursuing Master's in Music Therapy and Counseling at Immaculata University
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Emily Roane is a percussion and steel pan performer who moved to Philadelphia in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Major teachers include Dan Moore, James Dreier, and Gene Koshinski. Emily was selected as a finalist for the 2015 Hit Like A Girl drum set competition. She currently performs with the Philadelphia Pan Stars and Plenty Pepper Steel Band and is an active freelancer on drum set, hand percussion, steel pan, vibraphone, marimba, and basically any instrument you can play with sticks!
Faculty
Education: University of Minnesota Duluth, MM Performance; University of Iowa, BM Performance
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Violist Emma Hey received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. She has played in the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Winona, National Repertory Orchestra, Atlantic Music Festival Orchestra, and the AIMS festival orchestra in Graz, Austria. She has also been a performer in the Contemporary Music Workshop at the University of Minnesota, Arcana New Music Ensemble, Prometheus Chamber Orchestra, and Alter Ego Chamber Opera. As an educator, Emma maintains a private studio and is Teaching Artist in the Philadelphia Orchestra Association’s School Ensemble Program.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, Master of Music from the University of Minnesota
Specialties: Viola
Divisions: Music Education Pathways
Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois near the Chicagoland area, Emma Sullivan has been exposed to Classical Music her entire life. In high school, she had the wonderful opportunity to study at Merit School of Music, a program in Chicago with a similar mission to Settlement. She received her Bachelors in Music from Drake University in Des Moines, IA and her Masters in Music from University of Delaware, both focused in Cello Performance. Throughout her musical education, she has had the privilege of performing in master classes with musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Zlatomir Fung, Matt Haimovitz, and Anthony Ross. When not teaching, practicing or performing, Emma spends her time perfecting her chocolate chip cookies, crocheting failed bucket hats and stopping her cat from eating her plants.
Faculty
Education: Bachelors in Music with Cello Performance focus from Drake University, Masters in Music with Cello Performance focus from University of Delaware
Specialties: Cello
Divisions: Music
Eugene has taught Piano and Music Theory Instructor at Settlement Music School since 2000. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education with Piano Concentration from Temple University, Esther Boyer College of Music. In addition to teaching Piano, Music Theory, and Choral Accompaniment, he has also played with a premier entertainment company – EBE, Events Beyond Expectations – for the past ten years.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Music Education with Piano Concentration
Specialties: Piano, Musicianship
Divisions: Music
Eujin Bodek received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Pedagogy at Temple University where she studied with Charles Abramovic and Marian Filar. She also studied with Joseph Arcaro at Immaculata University. She received a Master’s Degree in Science in Instructional Media at West Chester University. She earned Suzuki Piano and Orff-Schulwerk Workshop Certificates. Her mother was her primary piano teacher until she entered college and her sisters are professional musicians. She performed piano trio with her sisters on many occasions. Eujin has taught piano privately and music classes at several local preschools. At Settlement she taught Traditional and Suzuki methods for piano, the Children’s Music Workshop, and served as a music teacher in the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program. She teaches piano from young to adult using pedagogical strategies to emphasize reading skills, basic theory, hand positions, and finger techniques with her students.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BA Piano Pedagogy; West Chester University, MS Instructional Media
Specialties: Piano, Children's Music Workshop, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Evan Kappelman is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and educator originating from the historically important jazz community of Kansas City. Evan has received honors such as being selected as the 2023 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition 1st Place Winner in Jazz, a 2nd Place Winner of the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award, a 2023 Downbeat Award Winner for the Graduate Jazz Combo division, was selected to perform with bandleader Christian McBride as a member of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Jazz Academy, and performed at Carnegie Hall followed by a tour across Asia with bandleader Sean Jones and guest artist Kurt Elling as a member of the NYO Jazz Program. Evan currently resides in Philadelphia as a recent graduate of the Temple University Jazz Studies Program under the tutelage of Dick Oatts, Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, Justin Faulkner, and Terell Stafford.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Jazz Saxophone Performance from Temple University, Master's in Jazz Saxophone Performance from Temple University
Specialties: Saxophone
Divisions: Music
Noon Time Aide, GTN
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Noontime Aide
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Fran Berge has performed widely on both historical and modern instruments. She was a founding member of the Fairmount String Quartet, a member of Tempesta di Mare Baroque Chamber Orchestra for many years, and performed frequently with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, the Philly Pops, Melomanie, the Washington Bach Consort, and the Carmel Bach Festival. Principal string teachers included violinist Eduardo Fiorelli and Angel Reyes, violist Karen Tuttle and Baroque violinists Stanley Richie, Marilyn McDonald, and Elizabeth Wallfisch. She really enjoys teaching and at Haverford College, she specializes in teaching Baroque performance practice.
Fran has a deep interest in the broader aspects of sound in our lives: the science of hearing and listening, the relationship between language and music, and the sociology of music ensembles. Through the Eastern European Folklife Center and on the Greek island of Naxos, she has also learned a considerable repertoire of Romanian and Greek folk music by ear. She loves to teach and coach chamber music at all levels. When not playing music, Fran likes to be out kayaking or camping in the mountains.
Faculty
Education: University of Michigan; Northwestern University; Temple University
Specialties: Chamber Music, Violin, Viola
Divisions: Music
Head Teacher, MLC
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Gail has many years of experience working in an early childhood setting. She has decided to make early learning part of her life’s work because she believes a child’s education is the most valuable thing in the world. Knowledge is power and she recognizes that the earlier it begins, the better for the child. Gail has been employed with Settlement Music School since 2008 and she truly feels that this is her second home. She believes that some of the most important skills to have when working with little children is patience, flexibility and love. She is also thrilled to have obtained her teacher aid diploma, CDA and my associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
Assistant Teacher
Education: Early Childhood Education, AA
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 4)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Glenn I. Stanford is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music with a B.A. in music education and an M.A. in elementary education from the then-Glassboro State College. A faculty member of the Settlement Music School saxophone staff for over 35 years, Mr. Stanford also has 37 years of public school instrument music teaching experience in the Camden City Public Schools. He has had many rich and varied performance experiences in classical, jazz, gospel and musical theater settings on the saxophone, clarinet and flute throughout his career. His primary approach to teaching is to foster and develop those skills that lead to a level of command of the instrument. With that command and appropriate stylistic knowledge, the student will be able to indulge in any kind of music that he or she desires.
Faculty
Education: Boston Conservatory of Music, BA Music Education; Glassboro State College, MA Elementary Education
Specialties: Clarinet, Saxophone
Divisions: Music
Grace Harman is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She received her Master’s Degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago in 2019, and since then has utilized her training with a with a variety of populations including survivors of domestic violence, incarcerated adults, young adults on the autism spectrum and adults experiencing grief and trauma. She is passionate about the power of embodiment and movement to support all manner of healing and transformation, and she is thrilled to join the Creative Arts Team at Settlement.
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Master's in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago
Specialties: Dance/Movement Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Grace received a Bachelors in Psychology and Science in Society from Wesleyan University. She has a background in health & reproductive justice work and youth theater & arts education.
Assistant Teacher, MLC
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Grace received a Bachelors in Psychology and Science in Society from Wesleyan University. She has a background in health & reproductive justice work and youth theater & arts education.
Kaleidoscope Assistant Teacher
Education: Bachelors in Psychology and Science in Society from Wesleyan University
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Gregory Tsafos attended High school from 2001-2005 at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). He attended undergrad at Temple University where he received a degree in Music Performance with a Tuba Concentration in 2011. He attended University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he received his Masters in Music Performance in 2014.
He began his teaching career as a Teaching Assistant with the UCLA Wind Ensemble as well as the UCLA Bruin Marching Band. When returning to Philadelphia, He was offered a position at Settlement Music School where he teaches Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone and Tuba. He is also a teacher for weekend music programs geared toward teaching 3-8 year olds music and rhythm at Settlement Music School.
Some past teaching experiences have been teaching at Father Judge High school for 1 year as the Band Director as well as music outreach at Carnell Elementary, Hardy Williams Elementary and Lee Elementary as the brass teacher for after school programs. He also has worked offsite for Settlement at Hardy Williams High School as the Band Director as well as off-site with after school programs where he teaches Brass. He has also worked at several camps during summer break as a general music teacher. Such camps include the band camp at Ridley Park High School teaching the Low Brass, the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) where he taught young students the basics of music and rhythm in Camden New Jersey, as well as a summer program at Carnell Elementary.
Currently, Gregory is a Performer with the Philadelphia Wind Symphony as a member of the Tuba Section.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Music Performance with a Tuba Concentration; University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), MM Music Performance
Specialties: Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Music Education Pathways, Baritone/Horn/Euphonium, French Horn, Children's Music Playshop, Children's Music Workshop
Divisions: Music
Guy West has been performing classical and flamenco guitar for over twenty-five years and has been teaching for over twenty years. His instruction primarily focuses on classical and flamenco styles and he enjoys teaching beginning to advanced students anything from Bach to bulerias.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance from Xavier University of Louisiana, Guy went on to obtain his Masters under Celin Romero from San Diego State University. It was during this time that he had the incredible opportunity to receive a private lesson with the legendary Maestro, Celedonio Romero. Masterclasses he has participated in include Pepe Romero, Jorge Morel and Adam Holzman. Guy has also studied flamenco guitar with Paco Sevilla and has researched the topic extensively.
Guy has been teaching at Settlement Music School since 2003 and currently performs as a soloist and flamenco accompanist.
Associate Staff Faculty
Education: Xavier University of Louisiana, BM Guitar Performance; San Diego State University, MM
Specialties: Classic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar-Plectrum, Acoustic Guitar
Divisions: Music
A graduate from Tokyo University in Japan with BA in Economics, Sato completed her Master of Music in piano performance at the University of the Arts under Susan Starr and Marina Grin. She performed with various instruments and singers at the Academy of Community Music, Temple Music Prep, Wilmington Music school, as well as events of National Federation of Music Clubs. In pedagogy, Sato received the certificates from Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) for the completion of pedagogical seminars from Book 1 through 5 under Joan Krzywicki and Dr. Ray Landers. Sato has had the rare opportunity to observe legendary pedagogue Dorothy DeLay at Aspen Music Festival and School for 7 years. Aside from music, Sato holds Diplomas in Color Therapy and Aroma Therapy through the School of Natural Sciences in London.
Faculty
Education: Tokyo University, BA Economics; University of the Arts, MM Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Trombonist Hayden Adams maintains an active performing schedule as a freelance musician in the greater Philadelphia area. He is the Second Trombonist of the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with the Wayne Oratorio Society, New City Brass Quintet, Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, and Haverford Chorale Orchestra. He has performed with other ensembles such as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra, Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and classical crossover vocal group ‘Il Divo’. He is a substitute musician with both the Capital Philharmonic and Symphony in C.
Hayden has played in numerous masterclasses and lessons with world-renowned trombonists such as Joseph Alessi, Nitzan Haroz, Colin Williams, Blair Bollinger, George Curran, John Rojak, Denson Paul Pollard, and Scott Hartman. He has also participated in music festivals across the country such as the Blackburn Music Academy – Festival Napa Valley, Eastman Summer Trombone Institute, and Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar.
Hayden holds a Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance from the Boston Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Norman Bolter, former trombonist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance from Temple University where he studied with Matthew Vaughn, Co-Principal trombone of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Faculty & Willow Grove Student Services Associate
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Heather has a rich teaching background, including roles at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids and The Bridges Music Program where she has served as a violin/viola teacher. She has held positions as Assistant Principal and member of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra and has performed with various prestigious ensembles, including the PMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra as principal violist, NAfME All Eastern Conference, and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra where she has performed in well-known halls all around Philadelphia.
Heather’s commitment to music education and performance is complemented by her involvement in numerous summer festivals and collaborations with renowned professors from the Peabody Institute, Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, Rice University, and The Cleveland Institute of Music. Her broad experience in pedagogy and orchestral music makes her a versatile and dedicated educator, ready to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Viola Performance from Peabody Institute - Johns Hopkins University
Specialties: Viola, VIolin
Divisions: Music
Ilya Ovrutsky is a graduate of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow with a master’s degree in flute/piccolo performance and received his bachelor’s degree from the R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music. Mr. Ovrutsky has performed extensively around the world as a member of Symphony Orchestra of The Moscow Bolshoi Theater, and of the former USSR State Symphony Orchestra under direction of E. Svetlanov. He has performed in the major concert halls of Russia, USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South America under the baton of world renowned conductors including V. Gergiev, M. Jansons, P. Kogan, A. Lazarev, A. Litton, K. Mazur, G. Rozhdestvenski, Y. Simonov, Y. Temirkanov, A. Zhuraitis, and others. In the United States, Mr. Ovrutsky has appeared in Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in New York, The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and other top halls of the major cities.
A dedicated flute teacher since arriving in the United States in 1992, Mr. Ovrutsky has been teaching at Settlement Music School since 1993 and at the Main Line Music Academy since 2004.
Mr. Ovrutsky has created his own unique method of teaching kids ages 5 and younger, and has been using it successfully for many years. Among his graduate and his current students are winners of local and regional competitions, and worldwide concert performers. Mr. Ovrutsky’s students have been named top prize winners at the American Fine Art Festival (AFAF), and have repeatedly been First Prize winners at the Tri-County Competition as well as competitions of the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music, BM; Tchaikovsky Conservatory, MM Flute/Piccolo Performance
Specialties: Flute
Divisions: Music
Pianist Irene Pokrovsky was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 4 and continued her education at the Special School for Gifted Children with Sarra Axelrod. Upon her graduation, she was accepted to the Uzeir Gadjibekov Conservatory (Baku), where she received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Performance, Teaching and Accompaniment. Irene participated in music festivals and competitions throughout the former Soviet Union, receiving several major awards. In 1994, she immigrated to the United States and started teaching piano at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia in 1996. Since 2008, she has served as Sacred Music Director at McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst military base.
Faculty
Education: Uzeir Gadjibekov Conservatory, BM and MM Performance, Teaching and Accompaniment
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Isabelle Sufler is a Settlement alumna and recent graduate of the world-renowned institution, Berklee College of Music, where she earned a degree in K-12 Music Education as a woodwind principal, specializing in musical theatre orchestra work. Isabelle is proficient in piccolo, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophones and has credits on productions of West Side Story, In the Heights, and Into the Woods, among many others. She currently is involved with the Broadway Theatre of Pitman as a pit musician.
Faculty
Education: Berklee College of Music, BM K-12 Music Education
Specialties: Flute
Divisions: Music
Isabella “Izzy” Ross is a recent graduate of University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where they earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Performance, specializing in Drum Set. Their teachers include Marc Dicciani, Sherrie Maricle, and Mike Dawson. Izzy performs on drums with local bands in the city of Philadelphia. They specialize in multiple drumming styles, including Rock, Jazz, and Latin.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Instrumental Performance, Drumset from University of the Arts
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Cellist Jacob Ginn enjoys a multifaceted career in music as both a performer and educator.
A specialist in Suzuki pedagogy, Jacob leads the Suzuki cello programs at Germantown Academy and Settlement Music School’s Tapestry Strings. He also coaches strings and piano chamber music to scholarship students in Settlement’s Pre-Advanced Studies program and serves as a cello coach for Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute’s Prysm Strings. He is a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association.
Jacob regularly performs with orchestras across the Mid-Atlantic region. While in Arizona, he often appeared with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Pops, West Valley Symphony, and Grammy-nominated True Concord. He is the former cellist of the Michie String Quartet at the University of Utah and member of the New World Trio and Levate Piano Trio.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Exploring Philadelphia’s many amazing restaurants!
Faculty
Education: University of Arizona, BM Cello Performance; University of Utah, MM Cello Performance
Specialties: Cello
Divisions: Music
Jay (James) Klales is unique among Settlement’s faculty in that he did not attend a degree program. He studied independently with Classical Guitarists Peter Segal, Peter Colonna, and Joseph Mayes. He also studied Baroque and Renaissance Lute with Joseph Mayes. He studied improvisations with Jazz bassist Al Stauffer and Music Theory with Settlement’s own Donald Rappaport. Jay has also attended master classes in guitar with Oscar Ghiglia and Michael Lorimer and a master class in Ukulele with Jake Shimabukoro. “I tend to follow my curiosity and am fairly obsessive about my interests!” “Harnessing that obsessiveness to follow healthy choices has been my challenge!”
Jay began performing acoustic blues guitar and then became interested in Classical Guitar and the lute. He has performed with vocalist Molly Pyle, flutist Janet Schreiner and recorderist Orum Stringer. With Orum Stringer he has a recording on the Griffin Renaissance Label entitled “The Portable Weiss Festival”; Works for Baroque Lute and Recorder by Sylivius Leopold Weiss and Ernst Gottlieb Baron. The Portable Weiss Festival true to it’s name did a national tour sponsored in part by Borders Books and Music. The recording includes a premier of Weiss’ Sonata in F with a reconstructed flute part by Dr. Eileen Hadidian!
As a teacher at the Chestnut Hill College’s Arts camp , Jay developed a course called “The Art of Jamming”. The course made it possible for classically trained students and rock oriented students to collaborate. Jay also ran The Rock Shack at Burn Brae Camp for the Creative Arts for over a decade. Helping young students form bands and develop their performance and improvisational skills. Again with a preference for mixing instrumentation so that a clarinet or violin student can perform with an electric band or a rock oriented student can play with a string ensemble. The resulting “cross talk” between unlikely instrumentalists he finds fascinating. At the Willow Grove Branch this idea is also seen in the new ensemble “The XperiMentals”, a group using guitar, cello, violin and piano and some electronic technology!
Jay currently is interested in the Ukulele and it’s ability to create community and has taught both adult and children’s classes on that instrument. He has also attended two Ukulele Festivals as well as workshops on the technic and culture of the Ukulele.
Faculty
Education: Private Study
Specialties: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar, Guitar-Plectrum
Divisions: Music
Jasmine Harris resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as both a musician and an educator. They obtained their Masters Degree from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, and, prior to this degree, obtained their Bachelor of Music from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Her musical background includes heavy involvement in both universities’ programs, as well as summer music festivals here and abroad. As a performer, she has played in halls such as the Kimmel Center and The Sandler Center, has performed in masterclasses with Paul Neubauer, Kim Kashkashian, and The Dover Quartet, and is a freelancer for events and weddings. They began teaching private viola and violin lessons during their undergraduate studies, and have continued to do so. She was a private teacher for Temple’s Community Music Scholars Program (CMSP), and has worked with Play On, Philly in the past.
In addition to teaching, she has been an educator in various capacities including substitute teaching for early and head start programs in Philadelphia, and a substitute teacher for Richmond City Public Schools. Her passion doesn’t stop at music. In addition to building a career as a professional violist, they are always looking to give back and engage with their community.
Faculty
Education: Master's in Viola Performance from Temple University
Specialties: Viola
Divisions: Music
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kardon Distinguished Faculty Chair
Jean Louise Shook received her Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University where she studied violin and chamber music with Edgar Ortenberg (formerly of the Budapest String Quartet) and piano with George Sementovsky and Natalie Hinderas. She has been a faculty member of the Settlement Music School since 1975, teaching violin, coaching chamber music and performing as a staff accompanist. Since 1999 Ms. Shook has held the ‘Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kardon Distinguished Faculty’ chair at Settlement. In 2005 she was awarded the Sol Schoenbach Award for outstanding service to the school. As pianist, Ms. Shook has frequently accompanied master classes of Pamela Frank, Ida Kavafian, Jaime Laredo, David Kim, Kim Kashkashian and Michael Tree, sponsored by Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Ms. Shook performs as violinist and pianist with the Elysian Camerata and is a member of and music arranger for the Danoff String Quartet. She has shared her passion for music and teaching with students of all skill levels and has had students presented on “From the Top” at Carnegie Hall, quarterfinalists in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and winners of the Tri-County Competition.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Violin Performance
Specialties: Chamber Music, Violin
Divisions: Music
Dr. Jeffrey Barudin joined the Settlement Music School’s percussion faculty in 2024. He currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Abington Friends School (Jenkintown, PA) and as an online music instructor with Maryville University. Previously, he was on the music faculty at the Sanford School, the Webster University Community Music School, and Lindenwood University. He is a freelance percussionist in the Philadelphia area, playing regularly with the Philadelphia Wind Symphony and the Atlantic Brass Band. He has a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Music Education, and graduate degrees in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s in Music Education from Penn State University, Master's in Percussion Performance from University of Michigan, Doctorate in Percussion Performance from University of Michigan
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Lillian Kraus Felber Distinguished Faculty Chair
Jeffrey Uhlig has appeared as collaborative pianist in many concerts in America and in Russia. He is in demand as a chamber music player and accompanist and has performed with many outstanding singers and instrumentalists including members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, The New York Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera. Some of his most notable collaborations have been with Metropolitan Opera mezzo soprano Barbara Dever, Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Trombonist Nitzan Haroz and Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim. For over 30 years he has taught at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia where he holds The Lillian Kraus Felber Distinguished Faculty Chair in Piano. In New Jersey, Mr. Uhlig is Principal Keyboard and Vocal Coach with The Ocean City Pops Orchestra. For many years he served as Principal Keyboard with Princeton Symphony Orchestra. He studied piano with William Masselos and Gaby Casadesus and studied art song literature with Dalton Baldwin. He received a Master of Music Degree from West Chester University.
Faculty
Education: West Chester University, MM Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Jerome Lang, a native of Philadelphia, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from West Chester State University, where he received a full scholarship. His teachers included Harry Wilkinson and Larry Dorminy, and Jerome was awarded a Graduate Assistant position in the School of Music upon graduating. He has worked extensively with students of all ages and backgrounds through his private piano studio and has been involved in local church music ministries as an accompanist, soloist, and choir director. Currently, he accompanies choirs and soloists at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and Martin Luther King High School.
Faculty
Education: West Chester State University, BS Music Education
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Jody Kidwell is a graduate of Ohio State University with a B.M. in Vocal Performance; a graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts; and twice attended The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Ms. Kidwell was a winner in the Third Luciano Pavarotti/Opera Company of Philadelphia (OCP) International Voice Competition, and was chosen by Mr. Pavarotti to sing in a production of Luisa Miller filmed by PBS. She sang the role of Desideria in Giancarlo Menotti’s The Saint of Bleecker Street to critical acclaim at the Academy of Music, originated the roles of Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden with Pennsylvania Opera Theater and Ester Zikorn in Center City Opera Theater’s premiere of Slaying the Dragon, and has performed with Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Columbus, Opera Delaware, and other opera companies. She has performed with orchestras throughout North and South America, is a frequent guest soloist with choral groups, and can be heard on the Lyrichord label in recordings of Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with Vox AmaDeus Ensemble.
Faculty
Education: Ohio State University, BM Vocal Performance; Academy of Vocal Arts
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
John M Frazier, a native of Philadelphia, holds a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from Temple University where he went on a full scholarship. Teachers include the late Anthony Gigiliotti (Philadelphia Orchestra), George Silfies (St. Louis Symphony) and Ronald Reuben (Philadelphia Orchestra). He has been on the faculties of Luzerne Music camp where he performed chamber music with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has played with Delaware Symphony, Opera Delaware, Harrisburg Symphony and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Mr. Frazier held positions at Ursinus College as well as Temple University and currently is an affiliate artist with Cairn University. He has played with The Lettermen, Van Cliburn and many others, and recorded with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and worked with such conductors as Alan Gilbert, Lawrence Leighton Smith and Stephen Gunzenhauser. Mr. Frazier resides in Abington, PA with his wife Phyllis, their children Madeleine and John.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, MM Clarinet Performance
Specialties: Clarinet, Saxophone
Divisions: Music
John Polanco Aviles, an accomplished trumpet player based in the Philadelphia music scene, has carved out a distinguished career across the Tri-state marked by both his performances and commitment to music education. A graduate of the University of the Arts, John has seamlessly blended his passion for teaching with a dynamic performing career, which has taken him to premier venues like the Wilma Theater and the Academy of Music. John has also shared some opportunities and experiences in the Philadelphia area within a wide range of musical genres including, Jazz, Classical, Hip-hop, R&B, Soul, Latin and contemporary music. His talent and dedication have led him to share the stage with renowned artists Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel. Additionally, he has performed with iconic salsa figures like Tito Puente Jr., Frankie Negron, Michael Stuart, Frankie Ruiz Jr. and Nino Segarra further highlighting his versatility across genres.
Faculty
Education: Master's in Arts in Teaching from University of the Arts
Specialties: Trumpet
Divisions: Music
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Jordan Graef graduated from Temple University in May 2013 with a B.M. in Music Education (Saxophone Concentration). While at Temple he studied saxophone with Marshall Taylor, Dick Oatts, and Tim Warfield and was part of the Diamond Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and University Chorale. In addition to teaching with Settlement, he teaches for The School District of Philadelphia as a Classroom Instrumental Music Teacher; he serves six schools throughout the week, teaching woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings to students in grades 4 – 12. Mr. Graef has also worked on the marching band staff of Strath Haven High School as a woodwind technician and marching instructor. He is active as a performer in many genre and is also an active member of the National Association for Music Education and a brother of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Music Education
Specialties: Band, Woodwinds, Clarinet, Saxophone, Music Education Pathways
Divisions: Music
Joseph Mancuso is a graduate of The Eastman School of Music where he received his Bachelor of Music in Applied Music. His principal teachers include Ramon Ricker, James Kalyn, Frank Mazzeo, and Anthony Ciccarelli. Throughout his career, Joe has had extensive performance/teaching experience in classical, jazz, ethnic, pop/rock, and musical theater settings, as well as teaching music theory and improvisation. Joe has been on the faculty of Settlement since 1996.
Faculty
Education: The Eastman School of Music, BM Applied Music
Specialties: Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute
Divisions: Music
Joshua Kwon is a pianist and educator with undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and masters degrees in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance from Temple University in Pennsylvania. His teachers include Bair Shagdaron and Rodney Reynerson in North Carolina and Maria Pico del Taylor and Charles Abramovic in Philadelphia. He enjoys both teaching and performing and has been a performer for both small and large venues including a performance with the Asheville Symphony and small charity concerts for local organizations such as the LuLu Shriners organization. Currently he is a teaching and performing in both New Jersey and the city of Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: Appalachian State University, BM Music Education and Music Performance; Temple University, MM Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
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Head Teacher, MLC
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Head Teacher
Education: Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Ms. Kanako Koyama is known as a dedicated piano teacher with nearly 20 years of experience. She has raised a gifted students, who regularly appear in public concerts, auditions, and competitions. Besides performance practice, Ms. Koyama has experience in teaching fundamental music theory and aural skills. Ms. Koyama received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music, and also received Master’s degree in harpsichord performance from Yale School of Music. Ms. Koyama currently works as a piano faculty and chamber music coach at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s of Music and Master’s of Music from Manhattan School of Music, Master’s of Music from Yale School of Music
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Family Services Provider & Teacher Liaison
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A native of North-Central Pennsylvania, Katherine Mallon-Day is an active performer in the Philadelphia area. She performs with the Opera Philadelphia chorus and the Philadelphia Singers Chorale, and is the alto soloist at St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley. A singing actor as well, Katherine has performed with the Arden Theatre Company, the Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, the People’s Light and Theatre Company, Gretna Theatre, and the Lost Colony in North Carolina. She has been featured locally in cabaret and solo recitals. She is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, where she received Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Musicology. Katherine has been a member of the Voice Faculty of Settlement Music School since 1987. Kate shares her life with husband Rich, and her favorite pastime (other than making music!) is hiking with family, friends and her dogs, Willow and Merlin.
Faculty
Education: University of Pennsylvania, BM; Temple University, MM Vocal Performance and Musicology
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
Organist and early keyboard specialist Kathleen Scheide earned degrees at New England Conservatory and the University of Southern California. Dr. Scheide has concertized as a throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Far East and the Caribbean. She is a published composer with a large imprint discography. She also teaches at several local colleges. Scheide lives in a 17th-century stone house, Wiggan, and plays organ in the 1740 stone barn at Church of the Loving Shepherd, Bournelyf, West Chester. Dr. Scheide is a Past Dean of the American Guild of Organists, San Diego Chapter, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Chapter. She was a Founding Member and of the San Diego Harpsichord Society and the Western Early Keyboard Society.
Faculty
Education: New England Conservatory; University of Southern California
Specialties: Organ, Piano, Harpsichord
Divisions: Music
Katie Hahn joined the Settlement Music School’s faculty in 2023. Katie studied at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where she obtained a master’s degree in Voice Performance/Pedagogy under the tutelage of Dr. Carl DuPont. She is also an alumnus of Temple University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance. A natural performer, Katie’s repertoire demonstrates versatility and includes musical theater, contemporary works, early music, and standard operatic works. In her studio she encourages students to cultivate consistency, providing tools for students to improve their singing through deliberate practice and establishing personalized goals to be achieved through healthy vocal habits.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s in Voice Performance from Temple University, Master’s in Voice Performance/Pedagogy from Johns Hopkins University
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
Kaye has been teaching Ballet at Settlement Music School since 1995. She received a Bachelor of Classical Dance from the National School of Ballet in Peru. She danced for five years in Ballet de Camara and seven years at Ballet Municipal in Lima. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and majored in Social Work Universidad Mayor de San Marcos. She moved to the United States in 1987 to attend the University of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Ballet. In 1988 she won first place at the Spotlight National Dance Competition and also danced for five years with the Mercury Dance Company in Philadelphia. In 1996, Kaye continued her education at Cabrini College and started teaching Creative Movement in the Kaleidoscope program. She offers teacher training and professional development workshops and collaborates with the Hispanic community. Kaye is the 2012 recipient of the Sol Schoenbach Award for Outstanding Service at Settlement Music School.
Creative Movement, MLC
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Kaye has been teaching Ballet at Settlement Music School since 1995. She received a Bachelor of Classical Dance from the National School of Ballet in Peru. She danced for five years in Ballet de Camara and seven years at Ballet Municipal in Lima. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and majored in Social Work Universidad Mayor de San Marcos. She moved to the United States in 1987 to attend the University of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Ballet. In 1988 she won first place at the Spotlight National Dance Competition and also danced for five years with the Mercury Dance Company in Philadelphia. In 1996, Kaye continued her education at Cabrini College and started teaching Creative Movement in the Kaleidoscope program. She offers teacher training and professional development workshops and collaborates with the Hispanic community. Kaye is the 2012 recipient of the Sol Schoenbach Award for Outstanding Service at Settlement Music School.
Faculty
Education: National School of Ballet, BA Classical Dance; Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, BS Social Science
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (Dance)
Divisions: Dance, Early Childhood
Kayla Sadowy holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University and a Masters of Music Therapy from Temple University. She has worked extensively in hospice care and bereavement, as well as in Hear Our Voices, an evidenced based song-writing program for children through Temple’s Arts and quality of Life Research Center. Kayla believes music therapy is a driving force of growth, discovery, and dignity and places these aspects at the forefront of her practice.
Regular
Education: BME, Capital University; MA, Temple University
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
new Assistant Teacher, MLC
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Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Kerri Ryan has been the Assistant Principal Violist of The Philadelphia Orchestra for the past nine seasons. She teaches viola lessons both privately and at Boyer College of Music at Temple University. Previously she was a member of the Minnesota Orchestra from 2000-2007, where she also held the title of Assistant Principal Viola.
While a member of the Minnesota Orchestra, Kerri and her husband, Philadelphia Orchestra violinist William Polk, performed Mozart’s Symphonia Concertante with The Minnesota Orchestra as part of their 2007 subscription series. William and Kerri are founding members of the award-winning Minneapolis Quartet, which received a McKnight Artist Fellowship Grant in 2003. Ms. Ryan graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music in 1998. As the winner of several youth competitions, Ms. Ryan performed as soloist with several orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra.
While pursuing a violin performance degree at the Curtis Institute of Music, Ms. Ryan began studying viola with Karen Tuttle. Ms. Ryan also studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a member of its Young Artist Program. Her teachers include Lee Snyder, Linda Sharon Cerone, David Cerone, Jascha Brodsky, Rafael Druian, and Arnold Steinhardt.
Faculty
Education: Curtis Institute of Music; Cleveland Institute of Music
Specialties: Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Bachelor's in Dance and BA in Art from Radford University, Master's in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University
Specialties: Dance/Movement Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Kirstin earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Temple University. Her clinical experience includes supporting children and their families at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and working with adults in rehabilitative and community mental health settings. She is currently working toward her Master of Clinical Social Work at University of Pennsylvania, furthering her counseling skills and knowledge of social welfare. Kirstin looks forward to supporting folks of all ages through music within the inviting and energetic environment of Settlement Music School.
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy from Temple University, pursuing Master's of Social Work from University of Pennsylvania
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Branch Director
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Community Engagement Manager
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Russian pianist Larisa Kifyak was born in Moscow to the family of a military engineer. After living in Germany for a couple years, she moved to Moldova with her parents, bringing a wonderful, ancient piano. Probably, that fact had an influence on her future musical career. She loved her piano dearly and began taking lessons at the young age of five. In a few months, her first piano teacher recommended for her to become a professional pianist. After graduating from a professional music school, where she gave her first piano recital, Larisa then continued her studies and graduated from the Gnesin Music Academy, with honors (Master’s degree) in Moscow. Following that, she pursued her education at the postgraduate course of St. Petersburg Conservatory (Ph.D). During her studies, she gave many solo and accompanying performances. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and accompanist at the Moldavian Conservatory and continued to perform in Moldova, Russia, and abroad.
Faculty
Education: Professional Music School, BM Piano; Gnesin Music Academy, MM Piano Performance; St. Petersburg Conservatory, Ph.D
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Latrisha is currently an Assistant Teacher at Settlement Music School. She has worked as an Early Childhood Educator for the last 10 years. Her specialty is with children ages three to five years old. She started her career in Early Childhood Education after graduating from Kingsborough Community College where she earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, she worked for the military where she continued to gain knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education. Latrisha also owned and facilitated a daycare for five years. She currently attends the Community College of Philadelphia where she continues to pursue a meaningful education. Latrisha lives in Philadelphia with her young family.
Assistant Teacher
Education: Kingsborough Community College, AA Early Childhood Education
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 1)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Head Teacher, MLC
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Arthur Judson Distinguished Faculty Chair
Lee Snyder received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with Stuart Canin (Paganini Competition winner). He earned two Master’s Degrees, one from Juilliard School while studying with Ivan Galamian and Dorothy Delay and the other from State University of New York at Stony Brook. He was a member of the American Symphony under Leopold Stokowski and the Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia under Anshel Brusilow. He has concertized in the U.S., Germany, and Central America. He has also performed concerti with several of the local orchestras. For many years, Mr. Snyder was a member of the Alverthorp Trio. As a teacher, Snyder has had nine students perform as soloists with the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as having many students win the local community orchestra solo competitions. Two of his former students are presently members of the Philadelphia Orchestra while others have graduated from the Curtis Institute, the Juilliard School of Music, Eastman, Cleveland Institute of Music, Peabody, and others. His students have positions in other major orchestra and there are a number of former students on the Settlement Music School faculty.
Faculty
Education: Oberlin Conservatory, BM Violin Performance; State University of New York at Stony Brook, MM
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Dr. Linda Reichert has enjoyed teaching piano at the Settlement Music School for more than 30 years; in addition, for the past seven years, she has coached the Benjamin and Carol Auger Contemporary Piano Quartet, an Advanced Study scholarship ensemble at Settlement. While completing her doctoral degree in piano performance at Temple University during the 1980s, she co-founded the Network for New Music, an organization devoted to performing and commissioning new music by living composers. As Artistic Director, she has helped lead NNM into prominence as one of the finest new music ensembles and commissioning organizations in the country. She regularly performs with the Network Ensemble, and is in demand as a speaker, music panelist, board member, and judge for numerous organizations and competitions. In addition to her passion for music, Linda enjoys gardening, dancing, hiking, traveling and being with her family.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, D.M.A Piano Performance
Specialties: Chamber Music, Piano
Divisions: Music
Lisa Chae enjoys teaching, as it is a big part of her life. It is her passion to teach others and help them appreciate music in a special way. Lisa is a graduate of The Mannes College of Music with an artist diploma and studied with Ms. Powers and Ms. Hyman. She also received a Bachelors of Music from The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. While there, she studied with Mr. Whitten and Dr. Feder. Lisa received Certificates from the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She taught piano at the Academy of Children’s Music in Fort Washington from 1983-91. She was the music director and accompanist at the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Elkins Park from 1984-87. Lisa has been teaching at Settlement Music School since 1992 using the Suzuki and Traditional methods. She has taught students of all ages and levels. Lisa enjoys painting, baking, running, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Faculty
Education: The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, BM Piano Performance; The Mannes College of Music, Artist Diploma
Specialties: Piano, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Lois Ann DiDomenico received her Bachelor of Music degree from The Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Alison R. Drake, and her Master of Music degree from the Philadelphia Musical Academy as a student of Genia Robinor and Jani Szanto. Additional studies were at the Peabody Conservatory of Music (Esteban), the International Summer School of the Arts in Nice, France, Suzuki Piano Certification with Patricia Freeman, and Children’s Music Workshop training with Martha Glaze Zook. She teaches both traditional and Suzuki methods. In 2007, she received the Sol Schoenbach Award for distinguished service to Settlement. She also taught piano for ten years at Friends Central School. Lois is a member of The Leschetizky Association of NYC and also serves on the board of her local community development corporation which supports start-up business/artist ventures. She and her husband have three sons who all studied at Settlement, and her other passions include gardening and raising Great Danes.
Faculty
Education: Philadelphia Musical Academy, BM Piano Performance; The Philadelphia Musical Academy, MM Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Music Performance from University Of The Arts
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Lori Tiberi has over fourteen years of direct art therapy experience, thirteen of those years in Philadelphia. She worked at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for individuals ages 14 and older who required physical and/or cognitive rehabilitation for injuries including spinal cord, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, amputation, and general medical conditions. Lori has her Master of Arts from Drexel University’s Creative Arts in Therapy Program and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Moore College of Art and Design.
Education: Drexel University, MA Creative Arts in Therapy; Moore College of Art and Design, BFA
Specialties: Art Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Lucas Gisonti has been a professional teacher and performer for the last 10 years. By 2017 Lucas had received both his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from The College of New Jersey and Mannes the New School for Music. There he studied with guitarist and member of the Newman & Oltman Duo, Michael Newman. In 2017, Lucas was awarded a fellowship to the Lanciano International Guitar Seminar in Abruzzo, Italy. The following year he was invited to perform in a masterclass for composer Leo Brouwer at the Mannes Auditorium. He has been living, performing and teaching in the Philadelphia area for the last three years.
Faculty
Education: The College of New Jersey, Mannes School of Music
Specialties: Guitar
Divisions: Music
Settlement alumnus Luke Honer began his guitar studies with William Peters in 1992. He went on to study the classical guitar at The Hartt School of Music where he received full tuition scholarships for his bachelors and masters degrees and was the first undergraduate guitarist to be admitted into the “Performance 20/20” honors chamber music program. At Hartt, Luke studied with Richard Provost and competed in numerous guitar competitions, he was 2nd place national finalist of the 2003 MTNA Classical Guitar Competition held in Salt Lake City. Luke has been teaching guitar at Settlement since 2004, in addition to his many private students he also teaches guitar classes and coaches ensembles.
Branch Director
Education: The Hartt School of Music, BM Classical Guitar; The Hartt School of Music, MM Classical Guitar
Specialties: Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Divisions: Music
Lynne Budnick-Lennon received a BA in Violin Performance from the New School of Music where she studied with Yumi Ninomiya Scott, violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. She received Suzuki Violin certification after studying with Linda Fiore and is active as a chamber musician around the Philadelphia area. Ms. Budnick Lennon has received additional specialized training in the teaching of young children from Temple University.
Faculty
Education: New School of Music, BA Violin Performance
Specialties: Violin, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Creative Arts Therapist
Education:
Specialties: Arts Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Madison Frank, M.M.T., MT-BC, has been a music therapist at the Kardon Center for Creative Arts Therapy since 2018. She received her Masters in Music Therapy at Temple University and works clinically with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings. She currently holds a role as an adjunct professor within Immaculata University’s Music Therapy Department and supervises undergraduate and graduate level music therapy students.
Credentials: M.M.T., MT-BC
Regular
Education: Temple University, BM Music Therapy
Specialties: Music Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Margarita Genova has been a member of Settlement Music School’s faculty since 2019. She earned a Master’s of Music in piano from the Academy of Music. Her major teachers include A. Kantardjiev, K. Fileva and Dimo Dimov, professor at the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. Margarita has performed as a soloist with Orpheus Orchestra and R. Christov, conductor in 1992 performing Haydn’s Keyboard Concerto in D Major, J. S. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No.1 in D Minorin 1993, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in 1996. In 1997, Margarita came to the US to make an arrangement of the jazz opera Vanqui by L. Burrs for voice and piano. The premiere in 1999 in Columbus, OH featured Aretha Franklin.
Faculty
Education: Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, BM Piano and Pedagogy; Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, MM Piano and Pedagogy
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
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Marissa DeVita is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist with 14 years of experience. She earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Art Therapy from Caldwell College. Marissa has provided art therapy through Settlement’s Kardon Center for the Arts Therapies (and formerly Kardon Institute) for the past 13 years. At the Widener Memorial School, she facilitates school-wide community based art projects including murals and art installations and provides group art therapy to classrooms. Marissa also has experience working with populations including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, child behavioral disorders, depression, anxiety, divorce, grief and loss and eating disorders. She has worked in varied settings including hospitals, outpatient facilities, schools and community health centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has supervised several art therapy students. Marissa enjoys creating her own artworks in her preferred mediums of painting, pastels, mixed media and photography.
Regular
Education: Caldwell College, MA Counseling Psychology
Specialties: Art Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
In the last 50 years, Martin Knoblauch has conducted over 500 works of orchestra, opera and choral repertoire throughout the Philadelphia area. His musical interests extend from Gregorian Chant to Wagner. He has Bachelors and Masters degrees in Orchestral and Opera Conducting from the University of the Arts. From 1968 to 1978 he served as an Assistant Conductor with the Philadelphia Lyric Opera, the Philadelphia Grand Opera and the Opera Company of Philadelphia while also conducting the Symphony Club of Philadelphia, the Olney Symphony Gilbert and Sullivan Players and serving as Music Director for the Appel Farm Spring Opera Festival and Summer Program. For over 25 years he was the Music Director of the Chestnut Hill Orchestra and was Music Director of the Northeast Oratorio Society. He has also served in various teaching positions including posts at Girard College and West Catholic High School for Girls. Knoblauch has worked for many years as a Church Musician and recently retired from his post as Music Director and Principal Organist for the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Philadelphia.
He is Music Director of the Pennsylvania Lyric Opera Theater in Scranton, a regular guest conductor for the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia and the Amici Opera. He also directs Bach Cantatas from his harpsichord with members of the opera companies and churches with which he is associated. This coming April he returns to the Kokomo Campus of Indiana University to conduct West Side Story.
He has a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University School of Law and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and the Federal Bar for the the Third Circuit.
When not involved in the practice of music or law, he pursues a myriad of interests including Amateur Radio, Astronomy, Medicine and Ancient Languages. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife Dianne of 46 years who is a violinist and singer.
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM and MM Orchestral and Opera Conducting; JD Temple University School of Law
Specialties: Adult Chamber Orchestra
Divisions: Music
Maya Kociba (she/they) originally hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she attended the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. During her time there, she studied piano under Michael Chertock and Dr. Andrew Villemez, and conducting and choral pedagogy under Dr. Eva Floyd and Dr. Bret Scott. Today, Maya is thrilled to be part of the Settlement Music School piano faculty, where she can continue to add to her 10+ years of piano teaching experience. Maya is also the co-founder and artistic director of the Transcendent Choir of Philadelphia, where they are committed to providing a positive choral environment for singers whose lived experience expands beyond the gender binary. The Transcendent Choir of Philadelphia, in only its first season, has collaborated with ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, as well as Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Philadelphia Orchestra for their annual Pride concert. When Maya isn’t teaching, she loves walking her dog, playing Stardew Valley, and playing board games with her husband and their friends!
Piano Faculty
Education: BM, Music Education, Piano/Choral
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Settlement organ and piano faculty member, McEwan Walters began his early keyboard studies with Ruth Thompson and Stella Knobel in Winnipeg before moving on to his baccalaureate studies at the University of Washington. During his undergrad, McEwan studied organ with Lockreem Johnson, piano with Donald King, and music theory and counterpoint with Paul Creston. After receiving a bachelor’s in music and in music education, McEwan returned to Winnipeg as an elementary school music teacher while continuing his piano studies with Leonard Isaacs of the University of Manitoba. McEwan went on to earn his master’s of music at the University of Minnesota studying piano with Bernard Wieser and organ with Duncan McNabb, followed by post-graduate studies at Temple University where he studied organ with Robert Smart and John Binsfeld, music history with Eve Meyer, and Harpsichord with Temple Painter. Currently, McEwan performs in a piano duo with fellow Settlement faculty member, Michael Caruso, and serves as the Organist and Choir Director at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Faculty
Education: University of Washington, BM Piano/BME; University of Manitoba, MM Piano; Temple University, MM Organ
Specialties: Organ, Piano
Divisions: Music
Visual Art, GTN
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Visual Arts Teacher
Education:
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Melissa Lisbão-Underwood graduated magna cum laude from Mason Gross School of the Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance. She was lucky to study under Francesca dePasquale, a phenomenal violinist who not only taught her how to play at a very high level but also modeled excellent teaching. Melissa believes that music connects people to themselves and to each other, and teaching music means building a more integrated world. Having learned through the Suzuki method at the age of four, she balances her classes by teaching not just technique but also ear-training, improvisation and musicianship. Melissa celebrates diverse learning styles, and always draws on what she observes of her students; their interests, their ways of understanding. As a teacher she aims to inspire her students, help them construct positive habits, embrace challenges, and celebrate their achievements as they develop their own personal voice within music.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s in Violin Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Melissa Walton is the Head Teacher in PS7. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in which she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arcadia University.
Melissa has been teaching for 11 years and has taught children from age 1 up to the first grade. Being a teacher is her passion. She believes that children learn best in a safe, positive learning environment with hands on experience.
When she’s not in the classroom, she’s spending time at home with her mom and dog. She loves to read, shop, cook, clean and hangout with her friends.
Head Teacher, GTN
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Melissa Walton is the Head Teacher in PS7. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in which she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arcadia University.
Melissa has been teaching for 11 years and has taught children from age 1 up to the first grade. Being a teacher is her passion. She believes that children learn best in a safe, positive learning environment with hands on experience.
When she’s not in the classroom, she’s spending time at home with her mom and dog. She loves to read, shop, cook, clean and hangout with her friends.
Head Teacher
Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BA Child Development and Family Relations; Arcadia University, MM Elementary Education
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 7)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Melony Merritt has worked with children since 2004, beginning as assistant teacher, safety committee and later becoming lead teacher and supervisor of the Pre-K classes. Melony currently has a CDA and many trainings credits.
Education: CDA
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Preschool (PS2)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Melony Merritt has worked with children since 2004, beginning as assistant teacher, safety committee and later becoming lead teacher and supervisor of the Pre-K classes. Melony currently has a CDA and many trainings credits.
Assistant Teacher, MLC
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Mervin Toussaint is an active saxophonist, keyboardist, producer, and music educator in the Philadelphia area. With a B.M. in Saxophone Performance and an M.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts, Mervin has gone on to perform solo as well as with a wide array of poets, singers, rappers, and spoken word artists. You can often find him playing at different venues in the city, including SOUTH Jazz Kitchen, Chris’s Jazz Cafe, JG Skyhigh, The Free Library, and Paris Bistro. Since 2016, Mervin has been sharing his knowledge and experience as a private instructor and ensemble coach.
Branch Coordinator & Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM Saxophone Performance & MM Jazz Studies
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Michael Caruso has been a member of Settlement Music School’s piano faculty since 1986. He earned his bachelor of music degree from the Philadelphia Musical Academy in 1971 and his master of music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University in 1973. His teachers have included Clement Petrillo and Julio Esteban, and he attended masterclasses with Leon Fleisher. From 1976 until 1986 he was the entertainment editor of the Main Line Times and the News of Delaware County; he has been the classical music critic for the Chestnut Hill Local since 1986. He reviews performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Academy of Vocal Arts, Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and local performances in Chestnut Hill.
Faculty
Education: Philadelphia Musical Academy, BM; Peabody Conservatory of Music, MM
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Hailing from Central New Jersey, Michael DiPietro earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship from The University of The Arts in 2023. Michael has studied with Don Glanden, Michael Johnson, John Swana, and Chris Fishman. He frequently performs in jazz groups around the city and has steadily been a member of the Philly fusion rock group Riko and Whaler Collective . He is also currently finishing his masters degree in Jazz Studies at Temple University after the closure of University of The Arts, where he is set to finish Spring of 2024. Michael is dedicated to helping his students reach their personal music goals and sharing the joy of experiencing and learning new music.
Faculty
Education: Master's in Jazz Studies (Piano) from Temple University, Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship from The University of The Arts
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
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Michael Mester has been studying percussion for the last 13 years. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music from Kutztown University, in 2021, and received a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Temple University, in 2023. Michael has studied with masters such as: John Riley, Justin Faulkner, Ari Hoenig, Khary Abdul Shaheed, Frank Kumor and Paul Gallelo. Michael is a freelancing musician in Philadelphia, who plays with multiple bands, and is an educator. Michael has experience with classical percussion, marching band, jazz, commercial music, and has been teaching for the last 5 years.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's of Commerical Music from Kutztown University
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Floater, MLC
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Kaleidoscope Assistant Teacher
Education: Majoring in Design at Moore College of Art
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Min Ji Cho was born in Korea, and began her piano studies at the age of seven. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Piano Performance from Yeungnam University, Korea. Min Ji holds a Master of Piano Performance degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she studied with Ruth Anne Rich and Rechard Cass. Currently Min Ji is working on completing her Master of Collaborative Piano degree from KU where she studied with Robert Koenig.
For over 30 years Min Ji has taught students of all ages and levels. Her teaching experience began in college and teaching piano lessons to high school students who were composition majors and needed to prepare for entering college. She came to the United States in 1994 to pursue further studies in piano performance. Min Ji has vast teaching experience and loves interacting with students of all levels and ages. She has worked as an accompanist for 20 years.
Min Ji Cho believes in getting to know her students and adapting lessons according to their unique learning styles and goals. She doesn’t use a prescribed “system” but rather tailor each student’s curriculum to them individually. She believes that learning the piano can be a powerful experience that will enhance their life in many ways, and she enjoys helping her students learn some of the life lessons and critical skills that come along with mastering the ins and outs of the instrument.
In her free time Min Ji enjoys traveling, baking, reading, and spending time with friends.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor of Music and a Master of Piano Performance from Yeungnam University, Korea, Master of Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Violinist Mitchell Newman was a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1987-2020. He worked with most of the major conductors of that era, including music directors Andre Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel. Mr. Newman’s passions include playing chamber music and teaching young people. He is committed to making sure the voices of people diverse background are heard in classical music. Mr. Newman studied violin at The Curtis Institute of Music with Aaron Rosand, David Cerone, and Yumi Ninomiya Scott and chamber music with Mischa Schneider, Felix Galamir, and Karen Tuttle.
Faculty
Education: Curtis Institute of Music, BM Violin Performance
Specialties: Violin, Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
Monique R. Johnson received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Temple University in Music Education. She studied violin with Larry Grika, Yumi Scott, and Lisa-Beth and conducting with Luis Biava, former Conductor in Residence of the Philadelphia Orchestra. She served as a member of the Educational Advisory Council of the Philadelphia Orchestra and interned at the Philadelphia Orchestra Library under former Principal Librarian Clinton Nieweg. Ms. Johnson has performed as a substitute violinist with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the Settlement Music School Music Education Outreach String Quintet. She was a member of the TSOP Orchestra during the filming and performance of the PBS Special “The Love Train, The Sound of Philadelphia,” which featured the O’Jays, the late Teddy Pendegrass, The Stylistics, The Delphonics, and the Three Degrees. Ms. Johnson served as a member of the string orchestra that accompanied Dionne Warwick at the Rehoboth Jazz Festival.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM Music Education; Temple University, MM Music Education
Specialties: String Ensemble, Violin, Viola, Suzuki, Adult Chamber Players
Divisions: Music
Nataly Snipelishsky received a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the Moldova Institute of the Arts where she won regional performance competitions. Beginning in 1998, Nataly joined the piano faculty as a teacher and accompanist at multiple branches of Settlement Music School. As more of her students auditioned successfully for scholarships and won piano competitions, she was promoted to Staff status and continues to teach at Willow Grove and Wynnefield Branches. Fluent in Russian and English, Nataly is also an active chamber musician and performs with violinists, singers and in piano four-hand ensembles professionally.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Reading
Faculty
Education: Moldova Institute of the Arts, MM Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Born in Iran, Negar Ghasemi is a Philadelphia-based pianist, composer, and educator, pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Temple University under the mentorship of Sara Davis Buechner. Prior to her undergraduate studies, she studied with faculties from Temple University Music Preparatory Program and Settlement Music School, and alumnus of Juilliard. Her major piano teachers in the United States include Kayoko Segawa, Meng Hao, and Emiko Edwards. She has also been a clarinet player, studying with Sean Bailey and Jon Katz. In the performance field, she has been active mostly as an accompanist, formerly serving the dance department at Boyer College of Music and dance as well. A major part of her musicianship is dedicated to teaching, with the goal to employ new perspectives, primarily focused on psychology, to help the students integrate their identity with music, and shape a personal, independent, and healthy relationship with the instrument. She has been active, teaching students from different levels and different ages. As a part of her passion for teaching, she has provided online lessons for students in Iran and held workshops for them within the country too. In addition to performance and teaching, she has activities in composition as a freelancer.
Faculty
Education: Pursuing Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Temple University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Nero Catalano studied classical guitar with Julian Gray at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and later went on to earn a BM from the University of the Arts, where he studied jazz guitar with Jimmy Bruno, Steve Giordano, and Tom Giacabetti. He taught guitar, bass, and coached ensembles at the Paul Green School of Rock Music during its formative years and went on to be the Music Director of the Downingtown and then the Philadelphia branches. Nero has recorded and toured playing original music as far as Shanghai and has played everywhere from CBGB to the Fillmore. He is also much in demand for pit orchestras and bands, performing most recently at the Arden and Walnut Street Theatres.
Faculty
Education:
Specialties: Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Jazz Ensemble
Divisions: Music
Nia has been a part of the educational field for over 10 years. She attended Chestnut Hill College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and she took courses geared toward children’s psychology, development, assessment (educational and psychological) and education. She also acquired master level college credits in Early Childhood Education. During her years of employment, she had the opportunity to teach children of varying abilities spanning from atypical development to the autism spectrum. She taught ages three months to school-age, primarily working with the preschool/pre-K children. She worked closely with therapeutic staff of special needs children to implement and expand the goals they had set through her observations. She used the therapeutic staff’s goals to enhance her lesson plans. Working with children is truly her passion and vocation in life.
Head Teacher, GTN
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Nia has been a part of the educational field for over 10 years. She attended Chestnut Hill College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and she took courses geared toward children’s psychology, development, assessment (educational and psychological) and education. She also acquired master level college credits in Early Childhood Education. During her years of employment, she had the opportunity to teach children of varying abilities spanning from atypical development to the autism spectrum. She taught ages three months to school-age, primarily working with the preschool/pre-K children. She worked closely with therapeutic staff of special needs children to implement and expand the goals they had set through her observations. She used the therapeutic staff’s goals to enhance her lesson plans. Working with children is truly her passion and vocation in life.
Head Teacher
Education: Chestnut Hill College, BA Psychology
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 6)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Head Teacher
Education: Associate's in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Philadelphia
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Head Teacher, MLC
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Pat studied with Orlando Cole at The New School, Curtis Institute of Music, and Temple University. She has completed up through Level 4 Suzuki Teacher Training. She has been teaching for 25 years, including 15 years at Settlement. She performs with the Philly POPS and Reading Symphony, has performed with the Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Walnut Street Theatre, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and has done recordings with Sigma Sound.
Faculty
Education: The New School, BM Performance; Temple University, MM Performance
Specialties: Cello, Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
Rahel Inniger received her “Lehrdiplom” in 1979 from the Conservatorium Bern (Switzerland) where she was a student of Rosemarie Stucki. As a 1980 recipient of a Kiefer/ Hablitzel Stiftung scholarship, she continued her education in the United States at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. where she studied with Barry Snyder. She left Rochester with a Master of Music in Performance and Literature degree in 1982 to accept a teaching position at the Musikschule Kandertal in Frutigen, Switzerland where she remained until 1986. During this time, Ms. Inniger served as accompanist at the Konservatorium Bern in the master classes of clarinetists Jost Michaels and Kurt Weber, violinist Igor Ozim and cellist Siegfried Palm. In Philadelphia Ms. Inniger is on the faculty at Settlement Music School where she teaches both piano and chamber music. Rahel Inniger performs as a recitalist, collaborating with instrumentalists and vocalists, and is a member of the Elysian Camerata.
Faculty
Education: Conservatorium Bern; Eastman School of Music, MM Performance and Literature
Specialties: Chamber Music, Piano
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Doctorate in Violin Performance from SUNY Stony Brook, Master's in Violin Performance from Cleveland Institute of Music
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Rebecca Bleicher-Nugent has been in partnership with Settlement Music School since 2019. She earned a Bachelors of Music Education from Marywood University and a Masters of Music Education from Kent State University with a concentration in General and Instrumental Music. In Scranton, she studied French Horn with Peter Ivanov. Since 2015, Rebecca works in the School District of Philadelphia as a General Music Teacher. There she partners with Lang Lang’s Key of Inspiration, Music and the Brain and Music Will to bring various musical philosophies to her little musicians.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's of Music Education from Marywood University, Master's of Music Education from Kent State University
Specialties: Music Education Pathways
Divisions: Music
Becky Dadi is a board certified music therapist with a music therapy degree from Berklee College of Music. Becky’s primary instrument is voice and also plays guitar and piano. Becky did her music therapy internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she further developed her clinical music therapy skills. At the completion of her internship, she went on to join the wonderful team of arts therapists and teachers at Settlement Music School. Becky has been a music therapist at Settlement Music School since September 2017. Her work encompasses providing music therapy for individual clients at the KNE branch, supporting the Kardon Chorale which consists of adults of varying disabilities and parents and providing therapeutic music groups at an off-site location in lower Bucks County.
Education: Berklee College of Music, BM Music Therapy
Specialties: Music Therapy, Children's Music Workshop, Children's Music Playshop
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Clarinetist Rié Suzuki is currently a member of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Princeton Festival Opera Orchestra, and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra. She is a frequent guest clarinetist with The Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops, among others. As an active chamber musician, Ms. Suzuki is a founding member of the Eastwinds Quintet, the New Horizons Chamber Ensemble, and Tripod Trio. Her recent solo appearances and collaborations include concerto performances with the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, co-premiering the wind ensemble edition of Leshonoff’s clarinet concerto “Nekudim”, and with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, a recital series with the Poulenc Trio in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and a concert tour of Central America sponsored by U.S. Embassy with the Liberty Winds. Ms. Suzuki has recorded on the Capstone, New World, Centaur, Naxos, and Warner Brothers labels, and her live performances on broadcast include WQXR in NYC, WRTI in Philadelphia, and podcasts from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Rié Suzuki holds a doctorate degree from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University where she was awarded the Orchestral Fellowship and a Peabody Career Grant. Ms. Suzuki is a clarinet professor at Rowan University.
Faculty
Education: BM, Mussahino Academia Musicae; MM, Webster University; DMA, Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University
Specialties: Clarinet, Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
Bob Gold grew up in an art-filled musical family, taking piano lessons at the Germantown branch of Settlement Music School with Irene Beck and violin lessons in his public school. As a science major at the University of Delaware, Bob re-connected with his passion for music, taking piano literature classes with pianist Michael Steinberg and discovering the beauty of jazz and improvised music. Upon graduation Bob concentrated on self teaching and forming a trio that performed, among other places, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia for many years. More recently, Bob has concentrated on solo piano, and in expanding his skills as both a private and classroom teacher. He has a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of the Arts and an Orff Schulwerk Certification from U. of Arts/Villanova University.
Faculty
Education: University of Delaware, BA; University of the Arts, MM Music Education
Specialties: Children's Music Workshop, Piano
Divisions: Early Childhood
Robert Capanna Musicianship Distinguished Faculty Chair
Roberto Pace is a composer, music director, pianist and educator. He is recognised in concert music, as well as in music for theater and dance. Mr. Pace studied at the New England Conservatory of Music with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Donald Martino, and the late great theorist Ernst Oster. He holds an M.F.A. in composition from SUNY Purchase, where he was the first to be awarded the Anthony Newman Prize for artistic and academic excellence. Mr. Pace’s recent commissions include the American Opera Projects, The Greenwich Village Orchestra, the canonization of Padre Pio, the Viola Society of Philadelphia, the baroque/contemporary ensemble Mélomanie, Chamber Music Now!, the Elysian Camerata and the American Composer’s Forum of Philadelphia. His work has received public as well as critical success: “…a fantasm of shifting moods, featuring eloquent writing for strings” (NY Times); and “a kaleidoscope of colors wrapped in rhythms that leap with energy” (Philadelphia Inquirer). He has served as music director and conductor at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s “Next Wave Festival, directed the music program of Fordham at Lincoln Center and lectured for the New York Philharmonic.
Faculty
Education: New England Conservatory of Music; SUNY Purchase, MFA Composition
Specialties: Piano, Musicianship, Music Appreciation, Composition
Divisions: Music
For over 20 years, Russell Klein has been teaching piano at Settlement Music School. It’s not a job, but a passion. Russell comes with a background of BA in Music Ed. from Temple University and M.Ed. from Chestnut Hill College. Russell continues to enhance his teaching skills by attending Suzuki teacher training and other piano pedagogy workshops. He enjoys introducing children, from age four, to play delightful children’s songs on the piano, which they can hear on CDs at home and to reading music. As Russell uses both the Suzuki and Traditional Piano Curriculums, it is exciting for him to see each individual student grow from beginning pieces to intermediate and more advanced pieces of a wide variety of styles including Classical, Ragtime and Jazz. When he’s not teaching, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife, Fern, and two children Staci and Bobby.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BA Music Education; Chestnut Hill College, MM Music Education
Specialties: Piano, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Music Teacher
Education: Bachelor's in Theatre, concentrations in Musical Theatre and Pre-Teaching from Rowan University, Master's in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities from New York University
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Music, MLC
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Sarah Kauphusman is a classical pianist and teacher originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She holds a BM in Applied Piano from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and is currently working toward her MM in Piano Performance at Temple University under Dr. Sara Davis Buechner.
In both playing and teaching, her primary aim is to evoke joy and connection, as well as a sense of child-like wonder in people of all ages. Other goals include promoting music written by under-represented composers and working to make classical music more accessible and approachable. To this end, Sarah is currently performing a series of children’s concerts in Philadelphia’s elementary schools, parks, and community venues, which combine both standard and less popular repertoire with whimsical and engaging stories. Ultimately, Sarah hopes to use community-based teaching, creative programming, and unconventional concert ideas to help reinvigorate the general public’s love for classical music
Piano Faculty
Education: BM - Applied Piano, MM - Piano Performance in progress
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Sarah Walsh is an educator and oboist in the Philadelphia/ South Jersey area. She received her bachelor’s in music education from Temple University, where she studied oboe under Jonathan Blumenfeld of the Philadelphia Orchestra. During her undergraduate degree, she participated in the Temple University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Orchestra, as well as various chamber groups. She is currently working towards her Master of Music in Instrumental Performance, studying with Elizabeth Masoudnia, the English Horn Player of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Education: Bachelor's in Music Education from Temple University
Specialties: Oboe
Divisions: Music
Sarah Warren, originally from Maryland, currently resides in Philadelphia, PA where she attended Temple University and obtained her BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography. Since graduation, Sarah has continued to perform professionally and teach at local dance and fitness studios. Sarah currently dances and performs with Nickerson-Rossi Dance, Putty Dance Project, and ARTIST HOUSE/Asya Zlatina & Dancers. She has also performed work for Melissa Rector, a. dance theatre, Matter Movement Group, Blanca Huertas Agnew, Keila Cordova Dances, The InterACTion Project, Alana Melene Dances, ContempraDANCE Theatre, Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre and other artists in the Philadelphia and NYC areas. Along with dance, Sarah is a certified Bar Method instructor who enjoys merging both her dance and fitness backgrounds in her teaching.
Faculty
Education: BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from Temple University
Specialties: Dance
Divisions: Dance
Originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania, Scott Edmunds is an active Philadelphia based pianist, composer, and educator. Scott earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Jazz Studies from Temple University, where he studied under renowned pianists Bruce Barth and Josh Richman. Scott has also had opportunities to perform with many influential musicians in the jazz genre such as Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Wycliffe Gordon, Ann Hampton Callaway, Marshall Gilkes, Grammy nominated vocalist Carla Cook, and Dick Oatts, as well as with acclaimed musicians on the European scene such as Perico Sambeat. Scott has similarly had opportunities to perform at festivals in the United States and Europe such as the Scranton Jazz Festival and the Mas I Mas Festival, as well as venues like the Kimmel Center, Chris’s Jazz Café, and South Jazz Club in Philadelphia; Fat Cat, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and The Appel Room at Lincoln Center in New York City; and Jamboree Jazz Club in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to teaching at Settlement, Scott is also on faculty at Cairn University, and Temple University.
Faculty
Education: Temple University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Sean Markey is a new member to the Settlement Music School’s faculty. In 2016 he graduated from Temple University’s Boyer School of Music in the top 5% of his class with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. Sean’s teachers include Tom Giacabetti, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Bruce Barth, Greg Kettinger and Ben Schachter. Sean performs under his own name and is included on two records, one being the Temple University Jazz Orchestra Sinatra record. Sean was a Jazz Theory Tutor at Temple University where he worked primarily with a special needs student. Sean also currently teaches at The Philadelphia School and will be pursuing his Master’s Degree within the next year.
Faculty
Education: Temple University's Boyer School of Music, BM Jazz Performance
Specialties: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar
Divisions: Music
Education: Master's in Jazz Performance
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Divisions: Music
Sharon Neff holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Houghton College and a Master of Music Degree from Eastman School of Music. Previous teaching jobs include Gloucester County Christian School (2005-2016) and The Conservatory of Music and Dance (2013-2014). As a teacher, she places a strong emphasis on healthy vocal technique, and incorporates voice science into her teaching curriculum. She strongly believes that all singers should understand exactly how their instrument works, and use that knowledge to sing healthily throughout their entire lives. Equally active as a performer, Sharon has performed opera roles with Delaware Valley Opera, Opera New Jersey, Main Line Opera, and the New York Lyric Opera Theatre. She has also been featured as a church soloist throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.
Q: Who is your favorite composer?
A: Giacomo Puccini
Faculty
Education: Houghton College, BM; Eastman School of Music, MM
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
A versatile singer comfortable in concert, oratorio and operatic repertoire, mezzo-soprano Sharon Rhinesmith has appeared as a soloist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Philadelphia Singers, Princeton Pro Musica, Opera Saratoga (formerly Lake George Opera), Taghkanic Chorale, The Music Group of Philadelphia, and ConcertOPERA Philadelphia among many others. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Voice Performance from Temple University and has been teaching voice for over 30 years. In addition to her position at Settlement, she is also on the voice faculty at Cedar Crest College in Allentown and at Temple Music Preparatory division in Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM and MM Voice Performance
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
Shelley Beard received her Bachelor’s Degree from Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with Victoria Chiang and her Master’s Degree from Indiana University School of Music, where she studied with Atar Arad. She is also a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, where she studied with David Holland. Additionally, Ms. Beard studied with Heidi Castleman at Aspen Music Festival. Currently, Ms. Beard is the Program Director and a faculty member at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious pre-collegiate schools of music.
As an active performer, Ms. Beard was a former and founding member of both the Tononi Quartet and the prize-winning Muhlenberg Piano Quartet performing at numerous national venues including The Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, Peabody Conservatory, Westminster Choir College, the Samuel Barber International Chamber Music Festival, Rampo College, etc.
Ms. Beard has extensive pedagogical training including a minor in Violin Pedagogy (focusing on Galamian, Rolland, Suzuki, and Gingold) from IU with Mimi Zweig; over 15 units of Suzuki training registered with the Suzuki Association of the America’s; and participation at the 2019 Dorothy Delay Symposium at The Juilliard School.
Ms. Beard has been honored to receive numerous teaching awards including the 2016 American Viola Society’s Maurice Riley Award; the 2018 Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s Ovation Award; and the Suzuki Association’s Certificate of Achievement in 2009. Ms. Beard has served on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association and the Philadelphia Viola Society.
During the span of her more than 20-year career, Ms. Beard has founded and developed multiple successful precollege string programs and camps and has also taught at the collegiate level. Her students have gone to win top prizes in many national and international competitions including several sponsored by the American String Teacher’s Association and have been accepted to numerous musical organizations including The Juilliard School, Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, National Youth Orchestra, Perlman Music Program, etc.
Ms. Beard is also an active performer of electric and crossover genres, a sought after recording artist, and is featured on the original folk rock album “Pieces Of You And Me”. She actively seeks out opportunities to give her students multicultural musical experiences.
Shelley resides in Lansdowne with her husband Jim, her daughter Violet, and their four cats.
Program Director & Faculty
Education: Bachelor's Degree from Peabody Conservatory, Master's Degree from Indiana University, Interlochen Arts Academy
Specialties: Violin, Viola
Divisions: Music
Shira is an Early Childhood specialist who has been working with children for over 20 years. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Biomedical Art at Cleveland Institute of Art, and loves to work with all kinds of art. She comes from a musical family and learned to play several instruments including guitar, piano, and cello. Her classes utilize music and movement to help children learn and grow.
Regular
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Biomedical Art at Cleveland Institute of Art
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Violinist So Jung Choi was born in Seoul, Korea, where she began formal violin study at the age of 4. She graduated from Sang Myung University, Seoul Korea. She has served a violin teacher and instructor in Yongsan Junior Orchestra and many other youth orchestra in South Korea. She is currently studying in the masters program in Violin Performance and String Pedagogy with Dr. Timothy Schwarz at Rowan University. She enjoys working with children and sharing her love of the violin with them.
Faculty
Education: Sang Myung University, BM; Rowan University, MM Violin Performance and String Pedagogy
Specialties: Violin
Divisions: Music
Stephani Bell earned her Bachelor and Master degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Performance and literature, is an alumna of the Juilliard School, and attended Northwestern University as a graduate teaching fellow under Gerardo Ribiero. Ms. Bell has held positions with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Portland Symphony, the New Hampshire Symphony and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. While pursuing her career in the NY metropolitan area for several years she performed with and was a
member of such groups as the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the American Composer’s Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, the New Jersey Symphony, the New York Pops and several Broadway shows.
Stephani has most recently served on the faculty at The Conservatory in Doylestown as a violin and viola teacher, a professor of violin and viola at Summit University and held a position on the faculty at Lafayette College for several years as conductor of the Lafayette chamber orchestra, chamber music coach and professor of violin. As a chamber musician, she has performed with Classicopia of Dartmouth College, the Satori Ensemble, and is currently an active member of the Penn Strings Ensemble. Ms. Bell has taught at summer music camps for many years specializing in violin instruction, chamber music, orchestra coaching, and as a soloist at Cannon
Music Camp at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, the Luzerne Music Center in New York with Elizabeth Pitcairn, Classicopia Music Camp at Dartmouth college in New Hampshire and MADCAP music day camp in Allentown, PA. She has also performed in summer festivals including the Heidelgerg Opera Festival in Germany, the Spoleto festival in South Carolina and Spoleto Italy, and the Lake George Opera festival in New York.
Locally, Stephani performs with the Pennsylvania Sinfonia, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Penn Strings, and several other local ensembles while maintaining an active private teaching studio, teaching violin and viola to all ages.
Faculty
Education: Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, Northwestern University
Specialties: Violin and Viola
Divisions: Music
Stephen Duffy is an alumnus of Settlement, having studied with Sandra Carlock and Yolanda Kulik. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he studied with Prof. Joseph Schwartz. Stephen has studied organ extensively as well and serves as organist at both Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and Our Lady of Calvary Catholic Church, both in Philadelphia. He also performs as a piano soloist throughout the region and as part of the Cosgrove-Duffy Duo.
Faculty
Education: Oberlin College and Conservatory, BM Piano Performance
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Sue Liedke received a double BA in Studio Art and Communications from Houghton College, and her MEd in Art Education from Tyler School of Art at Temple University. As an art educator Sue’s experience includes Family Arts Academy and Summer Art Camp at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Children’s Art Classes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Visual Art Teacher at Settlement Music School’s Kaleidoscope and Kaleidoscope Plus programs. She is the recipient of a grant to incorporate technology into the classroom, allowing early learners to experiment with digital film-making and photography. Her classes at Settlement regularly collaborate with Philadelphia street artists, muralists, and local businesses, and she strives to incorporate contemporary artists and techniques into her lessons.
Visual Art, MLC
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Sue Liedke received a double BA in Studio Art and Communications from Houghton College, and her MEd in Art Education from Tyler School of Art at Temple University. As an art educator Sue’s experience includes Family Arts Academy and Summer Art Camp at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Children’s Art Classes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Visual Art Teacher at Settlement Music School’s Kaleidoscope and Kaleidoscope Plus programs. She is the recipient of a grant to incorporate technology into the classroom, allowing early learners to experiment with digital film-making and photography. Her classes at Settlement regularly collaborate with Philadelphia street artists, muralists, and local businesses, and she strives to incorporate contemporary artists and techniques into her lessons.
Artist Teacher
Education: Houghton College, BA Studio Art and Communications; Tyler School of Art at Temple University, MEd Art Education
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (Art), Kailedoscope Plus
Divisions: Early Childhood
Suhae Lee was born in South Korea, and started to play the violin at the age of six. During her study in Busan High School of Arts, she moved to Russia and studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory where she received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees under professor Bladimir Yu. Ovcharek. Upon graduation, she moved to Europe and studied further under Ilya Grubert. After winning the Grand Prix Award in the 2002 IBLA Grand Prize in Italy, she was invited to Carnegie Hall. As a soloist, she performed with the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (Walt Disney Concert Hall), Moscow Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Petersburg Capella Symphony Orchestra, TPK Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg State Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, Hermitage State Orchestra, KBS Orchestra, Korea Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Symphony Orchestra and Romania Ploiesti Orchestra.
Faculty
Education: St. Petersburg Conservatory, MM and DMA
Specialties: Violin, Viola
Divisions: Music
After completing a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance at Chapman University, mezzo-soprano Susan Rheingans earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Los Angeles. Susan performed extensively as a classical singer across the United States and in Europe and Asia, before settling in Pennsylvania and pursuing a teaching career. Susan continues to perform on the east coast in opera, concert and musical theater. Her post-graduate education includes seminars in Contemporary Commercial Music pedagogy at Shenandoah University and Musical Theater pedagogy at Penn State University.
Susan emphasizes strong vocal technique and the development of musical and interpretive skills in her studio, and her students perform in a number of different styles, including classical and musical theater. Her high school-age students are frequently awarded vocal scholarships, win in competition, participate in high school apprentice programs, are chosen for City, District, Regional and State honor choirs and perform leading roles in school musicals. Pre-professional students have been accepted into major conservatory and university vocal programs and have been awarded vocal merit scholarships, and adult students successfully participate in a number of community musical activities. For more information about Susan and her students, please visit her website.
Faculty
Education: Chapman University, BM Flute Performance; California State University, MM Vocal Performance
Specialties: Voice
Divisions: Music
Suzanne Sweeney started her musical career actively playing piano in her community and taking classical lessons and jazz classes at the HARTT School of Music. Following her undergraduate degree in music education and graduate degree in music performance, Suzanne Sweeney played locally and taught for several years in the West Philadelphia area, with experience leading professional development in the Philadelphia School District and the University of Pennsylvania. She was nominated twice and awarded the Lindback Teaching Award in 2014. She supports teaching her students perseverance, creativity, and expression through music.
Music Education Pathways Manager & Faculty
Education: Roberts Wesleyan College, BME; Rowan University, MM
Specialties: SATB High School Choir, Children's Music Playshop, Children's Music Workshop
Divisions: Music, Early Childhood
Sydney Dombrowski earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in art therapy from Holy Family University. She has experience working with a wide range of diverse populations including autism, LGBTQIA+, eating disorders, bereavement, victims of crime, trauma, and various mental health disorders. Central to her therapeutic philosophy is the belief in fostering healing through empowerment, curiosity, and self-exploration utilizing diverse art modalities. Employing an eclectic approach to art therapy, Sydney specializes in tailoring treatments to each individual client because every person is unique, and no one size of therapy fits all! Emphasizing trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based care, she is committed to helping you find the type of therapy that feels right to you.
Creative Arts Therapist
Education: Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Specialization in Art Therapy from Holy Family University
Specialties: Art Therapy
Divisions: Kardon Center for Arts Therapy
Tamara has been teaching piano at Settlement Music School since 1997. She earned her Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy from Moldavian State Conservatory and was fortunate to become a piano student of a well known, talented teacher Yevsey Zak . She participated in many trainings to deepen her teaching experience. Her desire to learn and teach music never ends. It gives her tremendous pleasure and a great feeling of satisfaction to see her students making consistent progress. For her, teaching piano is not a job- it’s a lifelong passion. She is proud to say that one of her piano students has been with her for 18 years and now drives from Maryland every Saturday. Music glued them together!
Faculty
Education: Moldavian State Conservatory, MM Piano Pedagogy
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Executive Director of Early Childhood Programming
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Tayana Woodton is a cellist and Philadelphia native. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music at Mansfield University and her Master’s of Music at Binghamton University, and her major was Cello Performance at both universities. She studied under cellist and pedagogue Zachary Sweet to earn both degrees, who fostered her love of teaching. She currently works with the School District of Philadelphia, holds a fellowship with the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, and is Assistant Principal Cellist of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor’s of Music in Cello Performance at Mansfield University, Master’s of Music in Cello Performance at Binghamton University
Specialties: Cello
Divisions: Music
Teresa Cappello began her association with Settlement at the Germantown Branch as a 16 year old piano student of the late Irene Beck. Her teachers have included Jacques Voois, Jeanne Behrend and Lambert Orkis. After graduating from West Chester University with a B.S. in Music Education, Teresa obtained both Montessori and Dalcroze certificates and taught and developed music programs utilizing the Montessori philosophy. After completing graduate music therapy studies at Hahneman University, Teresa worked as a board certified music therapist with various populations, including persons with autism, developmental disabilities and adults living with mental health issues. She has also enjoyed being an accompanist and rehearsal pianist for regional musical theater and dance studios in the Philadelphia area. As a former accompanist for both the SMS Children’s Choir and Kardon Chorale, she collaborated in a music therapy study involving the first intergenerational choir between the school and the Germantown Home for Older Adults. Teresa presented the results of this study at a National Music Therapy Association conference in the early 2000s. Teaching piano to children, particularly those with special needs, has always been at the heart of her profession. Her other interests include antique shopping and flea marketing. She shares a home with her jazz bassist partner, Dennis, and their senior cat, Olivia.
Faculty
Education: West Chester University, BS Music Education; Hahneman University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Cellist Thomas Kraines has forged a multifaceted career, equally comfortable with avant-garde improvisation, new music, and traditional chamber music and solo repertoire. Mr. Kraines is the cellist of the Daedalus Quartet, and has also been heard with ensembles such as Music from Copland House, The Transformational Music Ensemble, the East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO), and the Network for New Music. An accomplished composer of chamber music, his works have been performed around the world. Mr. Kraines has taught at the Peabody Conservatory, the Longy School of Music, the Killington Music Festival, Yellow Barn, and Princeton University, and is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School.
Faculty
Education: Curtis Institute of Music, BM Cello Performance; The Juilliard School, MM Cello Performance
Specialties: Chamber Music, Cello
Divisions: Music
Thomas Meany is a graduate of the University of the Arts, where he studied with Adeline Tomasone and Loren Lind, later studying with Harold Bennett in New York City. Tom recently completed his Master of Music at Rowan University. He has performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Summertrio Chamber Music Festival and the Puccini Opera Orchestra in Italy. Thomas has played master classes with leading flautist such as the late Murray Panitz, Chicago Symphony’s Donald Peck, Samuel Baron at New York University and Toshio Takahashi at the East Tennessee Suzuki Flute Institute. In addition to performing regularly with guitarist Michael Simmons and the Philadelphia Flute Quartet, Mr. Meany has performed in recital for the Matinee Music Club, the Philadelphia Cultural Council, the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia, the Department of Recreation, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour (PennPAT), Concerts on the Square at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square, the New York Flute Club, the Saint William Sunday Concerts, Music at Abington and the Juilliard School. He has played flute for the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Orchestra Society, and the Lansdowne Symphony. Tom has been featured in live local broadcasts for WRTI, WXPN, GTownRadio and WWFM radio. Mr. Meany is a Certified Suzuki Instructor winning three consecutive scholarships from the Suzuki Association of the Americas. In addition to the Settlement Music School Tom also teaches at Our Lady of Good Counsel School. He is a founding member of the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia. Tom plays a Brannen-Cooper Flute.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Jogging, baking
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM; Rowan University, MM
Specialties: Chamber Music, Flute, Suzuki
Divisions: Music
Assistant Teacher, GTN
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Assistant Teacher
Education: Bachelor's in Music Theory and Composition from SUNY New Paltz, Master's in Social Work from West Chester University
Specialties: Kaleidoscope
Divisions: Early Childhood
Timothy Ragsdale, also known as “Timonbass,” is an accomplished bassist, influential educator, and the Principal Director of Ragsdale Bookings LLC. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Timothy is a versatile musician proficient in electric and upright bass with a repertoire spanning jazz, classical, R&B, soul, and beyond. He prides himself on his ability to adapt to any musical style, always striving to push the boundaries of music-making and bass playing.
With a mission to inspire growth, healing, and love through music, Timothy seeks to be the soundtrack for healing, relaxation, and elevating others’ frequencies. In addition to his role at Ragsdale Bookings LLC, Timothy freelances as a bassist, instructor, studio musician, and composer, aiming to make the world a better place one gig, record, and lesson at a time. With his dedication to excellence and passion for music, Timothy Ragsdale continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Music Performance from West Chester University
Specialties: Bass
Divisions: Music
Internationally renowned vibraphonist Tony Miceli has been performing steadily on the jazz scene since 1980. In All About Jazz, Vic Schermer describes him as … “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.” Tony Miceli is the consummate versatile musician who is involved in a number of musical projects and recordings. An artist who performs throughout the world, Tony has played in countless jazz festivals, percussion festivals, jazz clubs, colleges, and even prisons. Traveling around the world, he has performed in Spain, Ireland, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Belgium, and Patagonia. Based in Philadelphia, he performs and leads vibraphone workshops throughout the USA including Colorado, North Dakota, Delaware, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM Performance
Specialties: Jazz Ensembles, Percussion
Divisions: Music
Vanessa Putnam is a graduate of James Madison University where she received her Masters of Music in Harp Performance. She also earned her Bachelors of Music degree in Harp Performance from Florida State University. Her teachers include Dr. Anastasia Pike, Professor Mary Roman, Dr. Sue Carole DeVale, Dr. Jaclyn Wappel, and Mrs. Pamela Irwin. In her professional career she freelances with several orchestras, operas, and works with her percussion and harp duo playing contemporary works. She also performs for private weddings and events, creates harp ensemble arrangements, and teaches!
Faculty
Education: Bachelors of Music in Harp Performance from Florida State University, Masters of Music in Harp Performance from James Madison University
Specialties: Harp
Divisions: Music
Vasiliy Kifyak holds a Master’s Degree in Conducting, Piano Accompaniment and Music Theory from the Professional Music School in Kishinev, Moldova, and studied at Music Academy of Moldova. As Conductor of the Philharmonic Society Doina Chorus, he traveled and presented concerts at halls throughout cities in Spain and Italy and has taught at independent schools and in other community venues throughout Philadelphia.
Faculty
Education: Music Academy of Moldova; Professional Music School, MM Conducting, Piano Accompaniment, and Music Theory
Specialties: Piano, Musicianship
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Master's in Piano Pedagogy from Temple University
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Music Performance from Curtis Institute of Music
Specialties: Cello
Divisions: Music
Viktor Repik graduated from the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of the Ukraine, under the tutelage of Leonid Perenesienko and Yuri Mazurkevich. After graduation, Viktor performed in the Symphony and Pop Orchestras of the Ukrainian Radio and Television Corporation, and taught violin and chamber music in local schools. Viktor then went on to join as faculty member at the Music Conservatory in Oulu, Finland. Once in the USA, Viktor performed in various orchestras such as the Reading Orchestra, Bucks County Orchestra, and the Delaware Valley Philharmonic. Viktor is also an accomplished accompanist and has served as the accompanist for the Princeton Ballet School.
Faculty
Education: Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of the Ukraine, BM Violin Performance
Specialties: String Ensemble, Viola, Violin
Divisions: Music
Head Cook
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Bill Bonnell performs locally with orchestra and chamber groups. He is the K-12 Music Coordinator in the Phoenixville School District, where he directs the three concert bands, pit orchestra, and jazz ensemble at Phoenixville Middle School. Bill brings research-based practice and assessment strategies for musicians of any age to reach for peak performances. His teaching reflects the joy he has in sharing music with each student. Bill studied with Danny Carter of the National Symphony Orchestra, Ralph Lockwood at Arizona State University, and Randy Gardner of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Bill also performed for two summers at the Pierre Monteux School. He holds the B.M., M.M. degrees, and PA teaching certification from Temple University.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM and MM
Specialties: French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Baritone/Euphonium
Divisions: Music
Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Distinguished Faculty Chair
William Kerrigan received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Temple University. His principal teachers include Alan Abel, Jack Moore, and Charles Owen. He has been principal percussion/assistant timpani of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, principal percussion with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, principal percussion of Orchestra2001, and leader of the Phil-A-Rhythm Percussion Quartet. He also performed at the Aspen Music Festival, backed up such musicians as Shirley Bassey, Art Garfunkel, Al Green, Michael Feinstein, the Moody Blues, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and performed in the orchestras of the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. In addition to being Distinguished Faculty Chair at Settlement, he also has taught or continues to teach at the Community College of Philadelphia, Eastern University, Swarthmore College and the Wilmington Music School.
Faculty
Education: Temple University, BM and MM
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Violinist William Polk joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in October 2007. He previously served as associate principal second violin of the Minnesota Orchestra beginning in 2005. Prior to that he was guest principal second violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed as an orchestral musician with the San Francisco Symphony and the Saint Louis Symphony.
Mr. Polk participated as a chamber musician in the Mainly Mozart Summer Festival in San Diego, California, in 2006, and the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society in Madison, Wisconsin. In January 2007 he and his wife, Kerri Ryan, now assistant principal viola of The Philadelphia Orchestra, performed as soloists in Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante with the Minnesota Orchestra. Together, they founded and performed with the Minneapolis Quartet from 2002 to 2007, and they won a McKnight Artist Fellowship in 2006.
Mr. Polk attended Louisiana State University and the University of Minnesota, and his teachers have included Sally O’Reilly and Camilla Wicks.
Faculty
Education: Louisiana State University; University of Minnesota
Specialties: Chamber Music
Divisions: Music
William S. Cahn, born in Cleveland, Ohio, studied percussion with Cloyd Duff and Robert Pangborn, of the Cleveland Orchestra. During high school, he began teaching private lessons to beginners. While studying at the Eastman School of Music with William Street, he taught for the Rochester, NY School System. After graduating from Eastman with a Bachelor’s Combination Degree in Performance/Music Education, he became timpanist of the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. While there, he continued studying for a Master of Music Degree in Performance from Catholic University of America. He also studied percussion with Alan Abel of the Philadelphia Orchestra, who was head of the Percussion Department at Settlement Music School. Freelance performing has included Ambler Choral Society, Bach and Handel Chorale, Greater Trenton Symphony, Musica 2000 Symphony and the H.B. Smith Cornet Band. William has taught at Settlement Music School since January 1969 and taught at Cardinal Dougherty High School from 1971 to 1997.
Faculty
Education: Eastman School of Music, BM Performance/Music Education; Catholic University of America, MM Performance
Specialties: Percussion
Divisions: Music
Yoel DeJesus has been teaching Piano for 24 years all levels in contemporary, classical, jazz, improvisation, music theory and today’s popular music. Yoel, is also experienced instructor in music composition, artist development and music software and production. He has studied at the Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, New York and is part of the Alumni of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Yoel has worked in the Los Angeles area as a professional musician, music director and as an educator. Yoel is now happy to share and continue his musical journey here at the Settlement Music School.
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Piano Performance from University of the Arts
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Younkyung Kim is an avid educator and a versatile performer. She is currently a Doctor of Music candidate at Indiana University where she earned her Master of Music. She holds a B.M. from Oberlin Conservatory.
Younkyung’s teaching carries the influence of distinguished pianists and pedagogues from around the world. Her students have been accepted to prestigious music schools, and have won prizes in national and international competitions. Her teaching career spans from institutions such as Indiana University to Kabarak University (Kenya) where she’s had the pleasure of working with students of a broad range of cultures, personalities, ages, and learning styles.
Younkyung enjoys performing at national and international concert venues as a soloist and chamber musician. She loves playing the piano, harpsichord, and organ. Her repertoire consists of a wide range of keyboard works from William Byrd to George Crumb.
Younkyung enjoys her free time learning French, cooking, and playing games!
Faculty
Education: B.M, M.M in Piano Performance, D.M candidate
Specialties: Piano
Divisions: Music
Yvette Dorsey is an assistant pre-kindergarten classroom teacher at Settlement Music School. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from the Community College of Philadelphia and has worked with children for over eight years. She is a firm believer that each child can learn at his/her own pace. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, she has gone through extensive training to become a certified treatment foster parent. She has cared for several families over the years and in the last two and a half years, has been caring for four siblings. Mollett has one biological son, Joseph, and a husband, Maurice.
Assistant Teacher, GTN
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Yvette Dorsey is an assistant pre-kindergarten classroom teacher at Settlement Music School. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from the Community College of Philadelphia and has worked with children for over eight years. She is a firm believer that each child can learn at his/her own pace. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, she has gone through extensive training to become a certified treatment foster parent. She has cared for several families over the years and in the last two and a half years, has been caring for four siblings. Mollett has one biological son, Joseph, and a husband, Maurice.
Assistant Teacher
Education: Community College of Philadelphia, AA Early Childhood Education
Specialties: Kaleidoscope Pre-K (PS 6)
Divisions: Early Childhood
Zachary Poyatt graduated from the University of the Arts in 2009 with a BM in Jazz Guitar Performance. There he studied with Scott McGill, Tom Giacobetti, and Matt Davis, and participated in masterclasses with Jimmy Bruno, Vic Juris, and Pat Martino. While in high school, he was a student of Gerry Kunkel, guitar chair at the University of Maryland College Park, and took piano and theory lessons from Dr. Mark Cook, director of music theory and composition at Shepherd University. Zachary has played with a wide variety of Philadelphia bands and enjoys teaching a range of styles including jazz standards, funk, pop-rock, folk, and traditional music. Most recently, he performed a top 40 pop repertoire for four years at Howl At The Moon, totaling over 1,000 shows. Zachary loves Philadelphia and enjoys spending time with the friends he has met through the vibrant music community in the city.
Faculty
Education: University of the Arts, BM Jazz Guitar Performance
Specialties: Classical Guitar, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Suzuki Guitar
Divisions: Music
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Divisions: Music Education Pathways
Faculty
Education: Bachelor's in Viola Performance from Peabody Conservatory, Master's in Viola Performance from California Institute of the Arts
Specialties: Viola
Divisions: Music
What We Do
We designed our flexible, best-in-class programming in music, dance, and creative arts therapy with our students in mind.
History
Settlement has served as a community hub and trusted resource for music and the creative arts since 1908.
Our Branches
Our six branches serve the Greater Philadelphia region, ensuring that excellence in arts education is available to all, regardless of location.