Madeline Jamison began playing piano at the age of three after being inspired by her grandmother's piano playing. Throughout Madeline’s childhood and teenage years, she studied piano with a variety of teachers, including Stefanie Jacob at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She also played flute, violin, and bass drum in ensembles such as symphonic band, orchestra, marching band, chamber groups, and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Dr. Sung Hoon Mo. Madeline’s wide range of musical experiences have given her a passion for well-rounded musicianship and a multifaceted approach to teaching. Most of all, she loves sharing the joy of music with her students and nurturing their growth.
As a native of Iowa, Joel Peterson grew up as an active member of the Eastern Iowa musical community. Starting violin lessons at age six, Joel was Suzuki trained and attended several years of Suzuki music camps in his formative years. Joel attended the Chicago Suzuki Institute, Ottawa Suzuki Institute, American Suzuki Institute, Credo Music Festival, and the Eastern Music Festival. As an accomplished violinist, Joel was the winner of the Muscatine Concerto Competition with his performance of Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Joel received his Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance and Music Education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music where he studied with Dr. Samantha George. His private instructors also include John Schultz, and his mother, Kris Peterson. Joel is currently studying to receive his Master’s Degree at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Timothy Lees and Stefani Matsuo.
K. Lydia Üsou is a classical pianist, accompanist, collaborator, and pedagogue with a profound passion for music that began at a young age. Born in North-East India, she moved to the U.S. in 2017 to advance her musical studies. Beginning piano lessons at the age of five, Ms. Üsou’s musical journey has been defined by her dedication on the piano, although she is also proficient in playing the violin and a traditional Naga folk instrument, Tati.
Ms. Üsou holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Applied Piano) from Campbellsville University. She has been recognized for her excellence in music, including receiving a prestigious music award in India for achieving the highest score in the NBSE board. Lydia has also been a presenter at the KMTA conference and is a winner of the KMTA Piano Ensemble competition. Additionally, she has completed board examinations from Trinity College of London in Music Theory, Violin, and Piano.
Lydia’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that a solid foundation in technique and music theory is the key to musical longevity. Her role as a former member and accompanist for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) further reflects her commitment to nurturing and fostering musical talent.
Elizabeth Good Levie is a pianist, vocalist, and elementary music teacher originally from Phoenix, AZ. She just moved to Ohio this summer and is excited to enter the music scene here. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Choral Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where she studied under Dr. Edith Copley. During her time there, she sang in a vocal jazz ensemble, multiple concert choirs, and an a cappella group. Elizabeth has served as an accompanist for voice students as well as high school and collegiate choirs. She has been playing piano since age six, as well as cello since age nine and voice since age twelve. Elizabeth's main goal in teaching piano is to instill a love of music in young students. She wants them to enjoy the journey of learning how to play an instrument while also feeling safe to make mistakes as they learn new skills. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys reading, baking sweet treats, and exercising.
Sean Kelley is a Cincinnati-raised songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and audio engineer. He earned his BA in Audio Design and Production from Columbia College Chicago, and has been active in Cincinnati's music scene ever since, having also taught 30-40 students over the years - with expertise in guitar, ukulele, percussion, and piano.
No matter the instrument of focus, Sean is devoted to inspiring students to find the joyous discipline of learning (and/or deepening) the skill of playing music. In addition to his love for music, Sean is also a big proponent of the value of Mindfulness and "Presence practices" - which he shares through podcasts and Guided Meditations."
Described as a violinist whose playing is “emotional and virtuosic” by Stadt Sulzbach-Rosenberg und Umland Newspaper, Jingting Liu has performed at venues such as Weil Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, National Centre for the Performing Arts in China, Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing, Zhongshan Concert Hall in Beijing, Steinway Music Hall in Shenzhen, China, etc.
As an experienced teacher, Jingting has taught in University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as a Graduate Teaching Assistant of Violin. She also served as a violin teacher in Ichi San Academy, Montessori Academy, American String Teachers Association (ASU 360 Project), String Project in Arizona State University, and Joy Music Company in Arizona.
Jingting Liu won the First Prize in Hong Kong International String Competition, and she was also the first place in Vivaldi Concerto Competition in Arizona. It leads to a performance of Vivaldi’s “Spring” Concerto with the Four Seasons Orchestra, which was broadcast by AZ-KBAQ radio station.
Jingting is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in UC-CCM under the tutelage of Prof. Won-Bin Yim, with full scholarship and served as his graduate assistant. She completed her bachelor and master degrees in Arizona State University where she was a student of Prof. Danwen Jiang.
John-Austin King is a classical pianist, teacher, and composer from Clover, SC. He holds
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in music performance from the UC-College Conservatory of
Music in Cincinnati. John Austin has performed internationally in Germany, Czech Republic, and
various regions of the United States. He has served as the accompanist for Greater Liberty Baptist Church in
Cincinnati since 2018. As an experienced teacher, John-Austin has taught students of all ages
and ranging in abilities from beginner to advanced. His teaching style is friendly and approachable.
Anja Ormiston is a violinist and violist based in Cincinnati. Originally from Scotland, she holds a Bachelor of Music (honours) in violin performance and a Master of Music in viola performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Anja has a wealth of teaching experience within non-profit projects, schools of all levels, and private studio tuition. Additionally, she enjoys a wide-ranging career collaborating with ensembles, orchestras, string trios/quartets and award-winning popular artists.
Amelia Korbitz is an American violinist with a passion for new music and collaboration through chamber music. She frequently performs works by living composers and is a co-founder of the Antigone Music Collective, a nonprofit organization with the mission of bringing new music by dedicated specialists to a broad audience. Amelia is committed to performing the music of underrepresented composers and advancing the role of women in classical music. She has won the UC College-Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition, took top honors at the New Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, and is a grant recipient of the Matinée Musicale Scholarship Fund as well as the 3Arts Foundation.
Amelia is a founder of Antigone Quartet, the core performing ensemble of the Antigone Music Collective. They perform regularly throughout the Midwest and have been invited to perform at the Southern Illinois Music Festival, Musica Le Mans, and the Musica Malicorne Festival in France. They have also been artists in residence at the Ascent International Music Festival. The Antigone Quartet was a finalist ensemble in the Glass City Chamber Competition as well as prizewinners in the UC College-Conservatory of Music Chamber Music Competition in 2022 and 2023. They have been featured on WGUC 90.9, performing the winning work of the inaugural Antigone Music Collective call for scores.
Solo performance highlights include Vivalid’s le Quattro Stagioni: Primavera with the West Suburban Symphony, L’Inverno with the Southern Illinois Music Festival Orchestra, Piazzolla’s Los Cuatros Estaciones Porteñas with the CCM Philharmonia Orchestra. She has spent five consecutive summers at the Southern Illinois Music Festival and as an associate concertmaster in 2022 and 2023. She is a violinist in the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and has also performed with the Queen City Opera, Green Lake Festival Orchestra, the Immaculata Chamber Music Series, and Solaris Chamber Music Series.
Amelia is a student of Dr. Won-Bin Yim and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory where she was a member of the CCM Philharmonia Orchestra and the contemporary music ensemble Musica Nova. Amelia has been a scholarship student at the Ascent International Chamber Music Festival, ENCORE String Quartet Intensive, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and the Green Lake Chamber Music Festival.
Julia Poetain began her studies on the violin at age 4 with Jason Posnock of the Asheville Symphony. Her other teachers include Charles and Rachel Stegeman, the late Richard DiAdamo, Fred Lifsitz, and the late Hong Guang Jia. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance in 2018 and her master’s degree in May 2023, both from Duquesne University. Julia performs regularly with the West Virginia Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Butler Symphony, Wheeling Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Westmoreland Symphony, and the Johnstown Symphony orchestras. Julia has appeared with artists such as Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, and Il Volo. Julia is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and currently lives in Cincinnati, OH.
A passionate and inspiring performer, Ava Shedd has developed into an accomplished violinist and musician who loves engaging with audiences and educating the next generation of young musicians. She has had years of orchestral, chamber and solo experiences which have shaped her into a well-rounded individual based in the world of classical music. Hailing from Virginia Beach VA, Ava has blossomed into the violinist she is today because of ensembles such as the Bayyouth Orchestras of Virginia, Hampton Roads Chamber Players and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra where she is currently a substitute section violin. Ava is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory. While her primary focus lies in the study of the violin, she also has years of experience in teaching and playing the piano. In her free time she enjoys listening to as much music as she can, visiting local coffee shops, thrifting, reading, and going on long walks.
Dr. Juan Guillermo Mireles is a devoted musician and educator, passionate about nurturing the growth of emerging talents. He has effectively taught cello and chamber music at college levels in the United States and Mexico, showcasing his adaptability across diverse teaching environments. His experience as a cello and chamber music coach for the Wichita Youth Symphony and Southwestern College underscores his dedication to guiding students towards success.
Currently enrolled in the Artist Diploma program at CCM and holding a recently conferred Doctorate in Musical Arts in Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dr. Mireles possesses a comprehensive understanding of both performance and education. His educational journey encompasses a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, a Master in Cello Performance, a second Master in Chamber Music, and a Diploma in String Pedagogy, accompanied by Suzuki training.
Dr. Mireles possesses a history of empowering students through private instruction, guiding them to succeed and gain acceptance into prestigious higher education institutions, including youth symphonies and state orchestras. His commitment to musical excellence, along with his extensive background, uniquely positions him to contribute meaningfully to any educational setting.
Austin Atkinson is a multi-instrumentalist, music educator, and producer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a degree in Music Education from University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). His music teaching focuses on piano, guitar, and saxophone. Since starting his private teaching studio in 2015 he has worked with several school music programs and music stores in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, with experience in individual, small group and large group instruction, marching band camps, instrument fittings, and concert sound engineering.
Austin’s performance experience includes community events and wedding performances in both classical and jazz settings, producing and recording rock, jazz, and folk music at his studio, plus pre-pandemic public concerts and in-studio recording with his band. He is comfortable teaching students of any age and skill level the fundamentals of reading music, playing and creating songs with proper technique, and playing songs using melodies and chord progressions. His music lessons revolve around the students’ individual goals and musical interests, with a focus on or mix of standard folk songs, popular and jazz tunes, classical performance, improvisation and creation, scales and music theory, and technique and fundamentals. The ultimate goal is to have fun playing music! In addition to this, Austin approaches his students’ education with understanding and flexibility, so that if a student is unable to complete an assignment in the expected time or is struggling with other factors in life, lessons will involve interaction with music in a way that manages stress and enhances problem solving skills for success in all areas of life.
John Fisher is a Cincinnati native with a lifelong commitment to the world of music. Having earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Theory from the esteemed Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, John has acquired a solid foundation in musical knowledge and understanding.
Currently, he is actively engaged in teaching piano, with a primary objective of nurturing a comprehensive understanding of music among his students. His aim is to provide multifaceted perspectives on the aesthetics and auditory aspects of music, as well as the mental and physical components necessary for proficient and effortless performance.
With over three decades of experience as an Organist, Pianist, and accompanist for local church choirs and congregations since 1992, John possesses a profound appreciation for a wide array of musical genres. His repertoire encompasses a diverse range of musical styles, from the timeless compositions of Beethoven to the contemporary allure of Coldplay.
John attributes his growth as a musician to the invaluable mentorship of esteemed professionals in the field. Their guidance has significantly shaped his musical sensibilities and serves as a constant source of inspiration to share his knowledge and expertise with the emerging generation of musicians.
Drawing upon his skills and expertise, John is deeply committed to nurturing the talents of aspiring musicians. Through his efforts, he endeavors to instill a profound understanding and appreciation of music, empowering his students to express themselves creatively and excel in their musical pursuits.
Yun-Huei Jen is a double bassist and pianist from Taiwan. She began studying double bass and piano at the age of 4, and has 4 years experience teaching students of all ages and abilities in U.S. After receiving her bachelor degree in Taiwan, in order to pursue a more professional education in music, Yun-Huei began her studies in the U.S at University of North Texas in 2017. She received her Masters degree in performance at University of North Texas studying with Dr. Gudrun Raschen. She also got her the Graduate Artist Certificate degree in double bass performance in next year, where she is a student of Jeff Bradetich. She is now pursuing her second year of Doctoral degree at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
She has won a number of international competitions while studying at UNT including UNT Concerto competition, the 2021 International Fringe Competition held in Hong Kong, 2nd prize of the online double bass competition, and honorable mention of the Progressive Musicians Competition. She has got full scholarship to attend the Heartland Chamber Music Festival and the Vancouver Symphony Summer Festival.
Lila Reeser is a violist and composer from Parrish, Florida. She began playing at the age of 9 and continued throughout school, with involvement in multiple ensembles around the area.
She received her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Composition and Music Theory from Florida State University where she studied under dr. Pamela Ryan. During her time there, she was heavily involved in orchestra, multiple chamber groups, as well as being a founding member of Florida State University’s New Music Ensemble, Polymorphia. Lila is a strong proponent of new music and loves composing for viola.
Prior to starting her masters at the University of Cincinnati, she worked with the Sarasota Youth Orchestra. Here, she worked with children and enjoyed watching the progress they made every rehearsal and being able to support them in their growth as young musicians.
Lila is currently studying with Dr. Catherine Lees at CCM while she finishes her Master’s Degree in viola performance. She has experience teaching both private lessons and group sectionals. She is looking forward to expanding her studio of violinists, violists, and early composers and to creating a safe environment that inspires students to have fun while learning new skills. In addition to music, Lila enjoys exploring Cincinnati and petting any dogs she can.
Dan Qiao has enjoyed a vibrant career as a concert violinist and chamber musician performing in concerts around the world, including in China, Germany, France, Poland, and the USA. Ms. Qiao has performed as a solo and chamber musician at such prestigious festivals as Beijing Modern Music Festival, Baroque Summer Festival, Mostly Modern music festival (Saratoga Springs, NY), Euro Music Festival (Halle, Germany), Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves (Bordeaux, France), and the Jubilee International Music Course (Opole, Poland), Lunigiana International Music Festival (Italy), Brevard Music Festival (NC, USA). She played chamber music recital with legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov at Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves in 2019. She also played in Carnegie hall in 2021. She has a long repertoire list including more than 30 baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary concerti.
Dan has received many honors and awards for her work as a solo and chamber musician, including 1st place and top scholarship in the Three Arts Scholarship Competition, and a multi-time winner of the CCM concerto competition, a multi-time winner of a Doug Davis Endowment Performance Award. She won the Quebec International Music Competition, "Bonn and Salzburg" Grand Prize Virtuoso. She won the concerto competition in Italy “LIMF” and the special prize. She also won the American Music /Contemporary Music Competition in many other international competitions. She was the first place winner in the 2022 Music International Grand Prix For Adult String and Third place winner for the ensemble. She played in Merkin Hall, Lincoln Center in May 2022.
Dan is also a new music promoter. She values passionate performances, collaborations, and making modern music more approachable for today’s audiences. She did many world premieres in NYC. She is an experienced teacher for 13 years. Her private students have been admitted by a lot of famous music colleges in China and the USA.
Starting violin at age 4, She was the first-place winner in the graduate entrance exam in the orchestra department at Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. In 2015 she moved to the USA to pursue another Master's and Doctor degree. Now, She is a DMA candidate at the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.
Born and raised in Durango, Colorado, violist Nicholas Wilbur holds a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Kenichiro Matsuda. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with George Taylor.
Nicholas began playing music at the age of four, originally learning bluegrass fiddling before beginning his studies as a classical violinist with Dr. Kasia Sokol Borup and Dr. Nathan Lambert. He began playing the viola at age twelve, and his teachers include William Foster of the National Symphony Orchestra and Dr. M. Brent Williams.
As an orchestral violist, Nicholas was the youngest member of the San Juan Symphony in two decades, where he played for two seasons before leaving to attend the Eastman School of Music. At Eastman, Nicholas held principal positions in both symphonic and opera orchestras. Nicholas attended both the Summer Music Institute fellowship run by the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C., and National Orchestral Institute as a full-scholarship fellow. He has worked with renowned conductors including JoAnn Falletta, David Zinman, James Judd, David Alan Miller, Ward Stare, Mark Gibson, and Neil Varon. Nicholas has also been featured in masterclasses and coachings with artists such as C.J. Chang, Daniel Foster, Joan DerHovsepian, Alan Harris, Federico Agostini, David Ying, Robin Scott, and Nicholas Stovall.
As a member of the Antigone Quartet, Nicholas has shared in winning a finalist position in the Glass City Chamber Music Competition as well as Third Prize in the 2022 CCM Chamber Music Competition (the only string quartet to earn a prize).The Antigone Quartet have toured and concertized in the United States and Europe, and were invited to perform in the Southern Illinois Music Festival (SIFest), Musica Malicorne in Le Mans, France, as well as the CCM Atrium Recital Series at the University of Cincinnati.
Nicholas has nearly a decade of experience as a viola and violin instructor and is passionate about helping his students find their own musical voice and developing the technique to express it. In his time away from the viola, Nicholas is an active composer and arranger for a variety of instruments and ensembles. He is also an amateur chef and non-classical music enthusiast. Nicholas performs on a viola made by Stanley Kiernoziak in 2017.
Peter Kim is an orchestral double-bassist and educator currently based in the greater area of Cincinnati. Originally from North Carolina, Peter earned his Bachelor Degree in Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied with Professor Craig Brown of the North Carolina Symphony. During his undergraduate degree, Peter performed as principal bassists with the University Symphony Orchestra, as well as the UNCG Opera and Gate-City Camerata. After graduating, Peter moved to Cincinnati to complete a Master’s Degree in Music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he studied with Professor Rachel Calin. Peter is currently continuing his studies at CCM to earn his Artist Diploma. His other notable teachers include Jeff Turner, Max Dimoff, Joe Conyers, Braizahn Jones, George Speed and Owen Lee.
During his time as a student, Peter performed with many different types of orchestras including Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, Lima Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and The National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic. There he worked with many influential conductors such as Joann Falletta, Marin Alsop, Ruth Reinhardt and more. Peter currently is a section bass player at the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family, dog, and cat.
Violinist Jade McClellan is an Atlanta native who began playing the violin after her mom asked if she would be interested in learning the instrument. At the time, she didn't even know what a violin was! That simple yes set her on an exciting musical path on which she has performed in the United States and Japan, and the Czech Republic. She has organized musical events and fundraisers to use music as a tool for good. Her favorite venues to perform are at churches and in nursing homes to share healing and love through music. An engaging soloist and chamber musician, she is currently studying with Kurt Sassmannshaus at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She previously studied under Carla Trynchuk at Andrews University. She is also a passionate and creative teacher and sharing the joy of music with children is one of her greatest joys. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature with her dog.