Corey grew up in Cincinnati, playing the bass since age 10. He graduated with his Bachelors at Northern Kentucky University, and with his Masters and Artist Diploma at the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music. He now performs with many professional organizations in the tristate such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Queen City Opera. Corey is passionate about teaching as well, and has taught students through the Cincinnati String Project and NKU’s Music Preparatory program.
Madeline 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.
Lydia 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.
Lydia 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 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 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 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 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 K 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.
A passionate and inspiring performer, Ava 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.
John 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 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.
Peter 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.
Pianist Aidan H. is a Cincinnati-based soloist and chamber musician. He holds a BM from Lee University and an MM from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He has studied with Cahill Smith, Joong-Han Jung, and Émile Naoumoff. Aidan is currently pursuing a DMA at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music where he studies with Sara Daneshpour.
Aidan has received recognition in numerous solo and concerto competitions. These include awards in the Tri-State Piano Concerto Competition, Lee University International Piano Competition, and Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition. Aidan also received second prize in the George R. Johnson Concerto Competition and was selected as winner of the Lee University Concerto Competition performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
Aidan has studied and performed at summer festivals like the Lee University International Festival and Competition and the Atlantic Music Festival. He has performed in masterclasses in both solo and collaborative settings. In solo masterclasses, Aidan has performed for Natalya Antonova, Ning An, Sun Min Kim, Scott Cuellar, and Renana Gutman. Collaborative Masterclass appearances include performances for Aram Arakelyan, Allen Perriello, and Youngmi Kim.
Amanda M. is a musician, piano and wind teacher, and Employment Specialist in the northern Cincinnati area. Amanda learned how to play piano, clarinet, flute, and saxophone at an early age growing up in New Castle, Indiana. She received her Bachelor of Music at Morehead State University in 2016, and Master of Music at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 2018. Amanda has been teaching piano and wind instruments with Cincinnati School of Music and Cincinnati Strings and Piano for 5 years, works as an Employment Specialist with Buckner Employment, and is also a mom to two beautiful children.
Born in Beijing, China, Muning is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Viola Performance at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (UC/CCM) with conducting as her cognate, where she studies with Catharine Lees and Aik Khai Pung. She also received her Masters Degree in Viola Performance from UC-CCM with Graduate Incentive Award, and Bachelors Degree in Viola Performance from Renmin University of China (RUC), where she studied with Yue Qi.
Muning is a passionate musician, she has been performing as an orchestral violist/violinist in CCM Philharmonia Orchestra, CCM Concert Orchestra, CCM Chamber Orchestra. She was Principal Violist of RUC Youth Philharmonia Orchestra and RUC Youth Chamber Orchestra. She has also performed in Australia, Vienna, Ireland, United States and China with Beijing 101 Middle School Philharmonia Orchestra, RUC Youth Philharmonia Orchestra, CCM Philharmonia and Concert orchestra and Beijing Philharmonic Orchestra.
Muning has attended music festivals such as National Orchestral Institute, Rencontres Musicales Internationales Des Graves, and the Beijing International Music Festival & Academy. She has played in masterclasses for Susan Dubois, Keju Wang. Muning also have teaching experiences for over 5 years of violin and viola, and piano.
Pianist Yeon-Kyung Kim is from South Korea and has grown a passion for performing and teaching. She is now pursuing her final degree in piano performance at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) under the tutelage of James Tocco. Her former teachers include Aviram Reichert, Christopher Harding, and Emile Naoumoff, who was the last student of Nadia Boulanger. She has been a scholarship recipient throughout her music education.
Ms. Kim regularly performs as a solo pianist and a chamber musician. She performed at multiple venues at CCM, in Northern and Southern Indiana, Detroit Metropolitan area including Ann Arbor, and in Seoul, South Korea. She is a 1st prize winner in Chamber music at Seoul Art Concours, where she played as an initial member of Quartet Y. She also presented at masterclasses for John O’Conor, André Watts, Peter Takács, and Norman Krieger. Ms. Kim has served as a rehearsal pianist at CCM Opera for two consecutive years. For the 2020-2021 season, she is presenting various works with the CCM Wind Symphony as a soloist and keyboardist.
She has taught various piano group classes and private lessons as a Graduate Assistant of Secondary Piano of CCM. On top of teaching, Ms. Kim presents her pedagogy research on teaching Leonard Bernstein’s Anniversaries at conferences, such as, National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy and Music Teachers Association (Ohio & SouthWest Ohio). Her session “Talk to the Lens!: Recording Teaching Video” is selected for the 2021 Virtual Collegiate Chapter Symposium of MTNA, and she is also presenting at the 2021 MTNA National Conference with the CCM Collegiate Chapter in March.
Ms. Kim's private teaching ranges K-12, from beginner to early advanced, and online or in-person! From 2017, she has spent three summers at Indiana University Piano Academy (IUPA) as a Live-in Counselor, where she gained a new perspective on educating young advanced students and administrative skill.
Garrett grew up in Michigan and now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. He comes from a very musical family, with his parents and sister all being classically trained musicians. Garrett's musical training began at a young age starting on the piano, progressing to percussion in junior high/high school, and then studying voice and composition during his college and graduate studies. He holds a BIS in Music Composition from Central Michigan University where he studied with his father, Dr. David Gillingham. He continued his study in music composition at Michigan State University with Dr. Jere Hutcheson and Dr. Mark Sullivan, earning a Masters in Music Composition. While at MSU, he also studied voice under award-winning tenor, Johnathan Riesen. From 2010 to the present, Garrett has also sung lead in a barbershop quartet, Ebb N' Flow. The quartet won the Pioneer District (Michigan and Ontario) championship in 2011, and also went on to represent the district at the Barbershop Harmony Society International competition in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Garrett Gillingham is primarily a freelance composer, having written for many classical ensembles, as well as over ten film scores, many of which have been selected at film festivals such as the Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood, the Traverse City International Film Festival, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. His teaching experience includes Delta College (University Center, MI) where he taught Piano I and II, as well as Jazz History. Additionally, he taught music technology, theory, and film music for several years at Central Michigan University's Summer Music Camp. Garrett prides himself in teaching with a laid back style, with a caring attitude and an emphasis of love instead of fear. In his spare time, he enjoys running and spending time with his parents' pug, Lily.
As a collaborative pianist and piano teacher, Abigail has a passion for performing with other musicians and sharing the love of music with others. Born into a musical family, Abigail has been attending music lessons since inside the womb and has been actively pursuing classical music since age 5 upon listening to a Bach minuet in G. While she is still as fascinated with Bach, now she specializes in collaborating on violin repertoire, French melodie, and American art song. A three-time winner of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association Senior Piano Competition, Abigail’s playing has been described as having “great facility, drama, lyricism, [and] expressiveness” (Sandra Meyer, Professor Emerita at Oklahoma Baptist University). Abigail made her orchestral debut in April 2022, performing Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concert No. 2 in G minor with the Cedarville University Orchestra. As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through the Music Teachers National Association, Abigail is well equipped to pass on her love of music to others and has taught for several years in both central Oklahoma and southeast Ohio. A graduate of Cedarville University’s piano performance and keyboard pedagogy programs, Abigail currently is pursuing her masters at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Collaborative Piano, after which she intends to continue a career of collaboration and teaching in the Dayton/Cincinnati metropolitan area.
Shiyang graduated from the Middle School Affiliated to Wuhan Conservatory of Music. Now studying at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in the United States, majoring in piano performance, in the studio of Prof.Dror Biran. In 2016, she won the gold medal in the Jiangxi Division of the Steinberg Piano Competition. In 2017, she studied under Professor Jiang Liping, former director of the Piano Department of Wuhan Conservatory of Music. In July 2018, I participated in the Music of Summer Concert with professors from the Piano Department of Wuhan Conservatory of Music. In the same month, she went to the 4th International American Master Music Festival in the United States and won a scholarship. She won the third prize in the no-age group piano solo competition of the International Music Player Festival. In the 2018 school year, she won the professional outstanding individual scholarship of Wuhan Conservatory of Music for her outstanding professional performance, and won the Bronze Award in the professional group of the Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition. In 2019, the solo recital held at Jiangxi Teachers College of Art was well received. In 2021, she won the gold medal in the Jiangxi Division of the Pearl River Kaiserburg International Youth Piano Competition, was selected for the final round of the Golden Bell Award for Chinese Music, and won the first prize in the Asian Piano Competition of the Tchaikovsky Art Award. In 2022, she won the London Young Musician Gold Award and the 2022 European Music Competition as a Gold Award. She was chosen as the piano art director of chorus competitions for many times. During her studies, she was taught by many famous teachers, and participated in the chamber music quintet performance at the Art Center of the University of Delaware, which received unanimous praise.
Pianist Aidan is a Cincinnati-based soloist and chamber musician. He holds a BM from Lee University and an MM from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He has studied with Cahill Smith, Joong-Han Jung, and Émile Naoumoff. Aidan is currently pursuing a DMA at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music where he studies with Sara Daneshpour.
Aidan has received recognition in numerous solo and concerto competitions. These include awards in the Tri-State Piano Concerto Competition, Lee University International Piano Competition, and Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition. Aidan also received second prize in the George R. Johnson Concerto Competition and was selected as winner of the Lee University Concerto Competition performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
Aidan has studied and performed at summer festivals like the Lee University International Festival and Competition and the Atlantic Music Festival. He has performed in masterclasses in both solo and collaborative settings. In solo masterclasses, Aidan has performed for Natalya Antonova, Ning An, Sun Min Kim, Scott Cuellar, and Renana Gutman. Collaborative Masterclass appearances include performances for Aram Arakelyan, Allen Perriello, and Youngmi Kim.
Hannah Schendel is a conductor, violinist and pianist. She began studying violin and piano at the age of 4, and has experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. Originally from Minneapolis, Hannah taught private lessons and coached chamber music ensembles in addition to her duties at Bethel University where she was Director of Orchestras and String Activities.
Hannah recently completed coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) under the mentorship of Mark Gibson. She holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (Violin) from the University of Minnesota.