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Meet the Faculty

Director Gretchen Sterling - Piano (Master Teacher)

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Gretchen Sterling studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales, and was one of the youngest students ever accepted into the undergraduate program, auditioning at age 15. She went on to complete her Master's in piano performance from the London College of Music by age 20. Following her studies, she built a reputation for her innovative methods in teaching piano technique and has been teaching for over 20 years. Gretchen studied with prominent artists such as Vivien Harvey Slater, Fazliddin Husanov, Dr. Michael Schreider, Irina Morozova, and participated in Masterclasses with Bernard Roberts, Boris Berman, Martin Jones, Irina Osipova, Julian Jacobson, and Robert Sholl. Having worked closely with these artists allowed Gretchen to experience a unique tradition in Classical training that can directly be traced back to Russian Composer Nikolai Medtner and Ludwig van Beethoven; the pianistic lineage dates from Slater back to Eisenberger to Leschetizky to Liszt to Czerny to Beethoven. 

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Gretchen has performed in Wales, England, Germany, India, and along the US East Coast. She has been recorded for WCNY radio, TV, and received prizes for her performances of Beethoven (Eric Hodges Beethoven Prize: 1st Place), Mozart (B# and Etude 3rd Prize and RWCMD Concerto Semi-Finalist), and Chopin (B# and Etude 1st Prize). She is also an avid improviser and has been known to spontaneously compose complex, genre-bending works on the spot. Her interest in music's effects on the brain led her to complete scientific studies on Music and the Brain through Berklee College of Music, and additionally, she holds certificates in audio engineering and electronic music production.​

Prof. Minji Nam - Piano (Master Teacher)

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Minji Nam is an energetic pianist, chamber musician, and vocal coach with over 15 years experience teaching piano and 8 years working at Universities. As a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Professor Nam has worked as faculty for Yale University, the Washington National Opera, the McDuffie Center for Strings, Florida State University, Aspen Music Festival and School, Bowdoin International Music Festival, National Music Festival, and the MTNA competition. Additionally, she has performed as a Guest Artist for the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Atlanta Chamber Players, and the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival.

 

As Head Coordinator of Collaborative Piano at the Yale School of Music, Professor Nam worked with students and renowned faculty, performing for recitals, masterclasses, and coordinating the collaborative piano program. At Florida State University, she worked as a collaborative pianist and as the Music Director for their Opera Production outreach program; where she created programs designed to be more approachable for young kids without classical music exposure. She also worked as a vocal coach with FSU singers in the opera productions for Don Giovannni, Béatrice et Bénédict, Alcina, and Carmen. At the Aspen Music Festival, she performed in the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble and regularly with all of the festival orchestras and was selected to perform in recital with the Principal Flutist of the Ireland National Symphony at Harris Concert Hall. She has performed in recitals and masterclasses with other prominant artists to include Hsin-Yun Huang, Demarre McGill, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Eric Silberger, Ignace Jang, Annie Fullard, Daniel Tosky, Amy Schwartz-Morreti, Evan Jones, Robert McDuffie, Walfrid Kujala, Emmanuel Pahud, Hilary Hahn, Augustin Hadelich, Anne Sophie-Mutter, Kyung-Sun Lee, Midori, Robert Lipsett, Lambert Orkis, Renée Fleming, and Jessye Norman.

 

She is currently in production of a full-length album with Jacquelin Cordova-Arrington and will record the live performance at Carnegie Hall. Professor Nam is dedicated to organizing benefit concerts for non-profit organizations that aid cancer patients or survivors. With a future aspiration, she also envisions establishing her own non-profit to further support this cause. 

Dr. Giampiero Bugliarello - Piano

Born in Sicily, Giampiero is passionate and extremely knowledgeable. After attending 3 masterclasses at the Internationale Sommerakademie, Hochschule Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria, he went on to obtain his Master of Music, graduating with honors at the Conservatorio Vincenzo Bellini in Catania, Italy. Giampiero then received an additional Master of Music and Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance at the Catholic University of America. He has taught masterclasses at various public schools and even Radford University. He has instructed students at The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C. and The Music School of Delaware. 

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Competitions

  • 3rd place, The Sixth Catholic University of America Piano Competition, Washington, D.C. (2019)

  • 1st place, The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music Concerto Competition, Washington, D.C. (2016)

  • 2nd place, II Concorso Musicale Internazionale “Erik Satie,” Lecce (2013)

  • 1st place, XV Concorso Musicale Nazionale Città di Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Messina (2013)

  • 3rd place, XXVIII Concorso Pianistico Nazionale “J. S. Bach,” Sestri Levante (2013)

  • 2nd place, III Concorso Musicale Nazionale Vincenzo Bellini, Catania (2011)

  • 3rd place, XIX Concorso Internazionale per Giovani Musicisti “Gianluca Campochiaro,” Catania (2010)

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Publications

  • Julian Aguirre: An Over-Nationalized Argentinian Romantic?, C.U.A. (2022)

  • The Afro-Cuban Movement and Alejandro García Caturla’s Contribution to the Musical Identity of Cuba, C.U.A. (2022)

  • The Case of Emilio Blas Atehortúa and the Potential for Universal Music, C.U.A. (2021)

  • La Voz de las Calles: Music in Aid of Poverty, C.U.A., 2021The Symphonic Poem: Innovation from Uruguay. Knowing Fabini Through His Work “La Isla delos Ceibos,” C.U.A. (2021)

  • Domenico Zipoli: A Story of Brotherhood Between Two Peoples, C.U.A. (2021)

  • The Legend of Agustín Pío Barrios and Cacique Nitsuga Mangoré: An Overview of the Composerand his Piece, “La Catedral,” C.U.A. (2020)

  • 4 Peças Líricas, Op. 13: The Authentic Talent of Alberto Nepomuceno, C.U.A. (2020)

  • The Broken Music Box: Villa-Lobos as Mechanical Engineer, C.U.A. (2020)

  • José Rolón Alcaraz: Vals CNaprice “Sobre las Olas,” C.U.A. (2020)

Selection of Performances

  • Wilmington Concert Hall, Wilmington, DE, (2022)

  • Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, (2022)

  • Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, Bethesda, MD, (2022)

  • The University Club of New York, New York, (2022)

  • Temple B’nai Israel, Little Rock, AR (2022)

  • Lyon College, Batesville, AR (2022)

  • New River Valley Fine Arts Center, Pulaski, VA (2022)

  • Covington Center for the Performing Arts, Radford (2022)

  • Ukranian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, D.C. (2022)

  • Newark United Methodist Church, Newark, D.C. (2022)

  • Ward Hall, Washington, D.C. (2022)

  • San Pietro Hotel, Taormina (2020)

  • Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. (2019)

  • Heritage Hall, Washington D.C. (2017)

  • The Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center, National Harbor, MD (2016)

  • Largo Abate Ferrara, Trecastagni (2016)

  • Hartke Theater, Washington, D.C. (2016)

  • Salone degli Specchi, Giarre (2015)

  • Castello Ursino, Catania (2014)

  • Wiener Saal, Salzburg (2014)

  • Studienkonzertsaal Universitàt Mozarteum, Salzburg (2014)

  • Santa Chiara Church, Catania (2014)

  • Trecastagni Municipal Theater (2014)

  • Baia Verde Grand Hotel, Acicastello (2014)

  • Teatro del Tre, Catania (2014)

  • Castello di Calatabiano, Catania (2013)

  • Palazzo Biscari, Catania (2013)

  • Congress Hall Katane Palace, Catania (2013)

  • Teatro Brancati, Catania (2012)

  • Cultural Center Le Ciminiere, Catania (2012)

  • Teatro di Donnafugata, Ragusa (2012)

  • Eremo della Giubiliana, Ragusa (2012)

  • Library of San Domenico Church, Catania (2011)

  • Cultural Center Area Expo, Pedara (2010)

Doctoral-Candidate Florrie Marshall - Violin/Viola/Piano

Doctoral-candidate Florrie Marshall is an internationally experienced teacher and performing Strings-artist, majoring in Violin and Viola. She obtained her BA at East Carolina University, then an MM for Viola at Yale University, where she is also currently pursuing her DMA. She has notable teaching experience at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, as well as at the schools she has attended. Florrie has performed at venues including the following:

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  • ClasClas Chamber Music Festival | Spain | 2018, 2019

  • Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival “Winter Workshop” | North Carolina | 2016, 17, 19

  • Lincoln Center, NYC | United Nations Chamber Music Society | 2019

  • National Sawdust, NYC | Chris Grymes and Open G Records | 2019

  • Carnegie Hall, Weill Hall, NYC | The United Nations Chamber Music |2019

  • Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium, Perlman Stage, NYC | New Manhattan Sinfonietta | 2018

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC | United Nations Chamber Music Society | 2018

  • “A Concert on Memory” | Sound Bridges International Company, at Yale University | 2018

  • Baruch Performing Arts Center, NYC | United Nations Chamber Music Society | 2018

  • Bohemian National Hall Embassy, NYC | United Nations Chamber Music Society | 2018

  • Carnegie Hall, Perlman Stage, NYC | New England Symphonic Ensemble | 2017

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Her awards at the Yale School of Music include the UCROSS Foundation Artist Residency (2022), Philip F. Nelson Prize (2018), Interdisciplinary Arts Award (2017), and the Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award. For more information about her live performances, visit her website. 

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Prof. Scott Shuman - Audio Engineering/Blues Guitar

Scott Shuman is a Grammy-Winning Audio Engineer, accomplished Guitarist, Songwriter, Producer, Technical Director, and Sound Designer. He majored in Music Production at Lake Forest College, then moved to St. Louis where he was mentored by Mississippi Blues legend Henry Townsend. He has also worked extensively with Grammy Awarded recording engineer/producer Paul Grupp. With over 47 years experience, he saw the transition from analog to digital and has amassed incredible knowledge of both the music and television industry. After producing a TV show "Mhz Presents", he received the Lilly Film Maker's Award for best music soundtrack and the show won an Emmy for best technical direction. 

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Starting back in 1976, he worked at a small studio in Chicago, then apprenticed at Willow Mill studio. He then started his own recording business in 1991. By 1998, his quality and work ethic had led him to win a contract for digital remastering exclusively with Time Warner. This opened the door to working closely with the major record labels including Universal, Sony, Warner, and EMI. Scott provided production masters for pressing of an average of 50,000 units and over 1,500 masters for worldwide distribution. Later that year, Scott recorded Steppin' Fast for Squeeze Bayou, which won the prestigious 'Prix Dehors de Nous' Award from the Cajun French Music Association.
 
In 2002, he began live mixing for several music television programs for Commonwealth Broadcasting, working with national and international artists such as Chick Correa, BR549, etc. In 2004, his work made Billboard #4 for Jazz for Lovers. He moved up from the audio console to television Producer in 2005, and creating and producing over 6 seasons of over 60 shows for broadcast. In 2006, he received the WAMA Award for Best traditional Folk Music Recording. In 2007, became certified in Final Cut Pro and began editing for Exuberant TV as well as Commonwealth Broadcasting, Creating several series' for PBS distribution as well as 15/30 second promos, and interstitials for broadcast. By 2008, he became a partner in Front Row Digital TV and constructed an HD TV studio, a mobile HD studio with Audio mixing,  producing 3 seasons of "BBs Presents The Best of the Blues: Live From St Louis." He created and authored CDs/DVDs for the Blues series and Produced 2 seasons of a music series called "Spotlight". 

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He won at the 2008 at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards for producing, engineering and mastering "The Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen". He also won the Grafton Music Association's Best Production of 2008. As a performing guitarist, his original music has appeared on the Pacifica network, numerous radio stations across the United States, and he toured extensively with his band and Henry Townsend. 

Dr. Bo-Kyung Hwang - Piano

Born in Seoul, South Korean pianist Bo-Kyung Hwang has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. 

She received her Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University under renowned pianist and professor, Yong Hi Moon. She received her Masters in Piano Performance from Northwestern University. Attending Northwestern University on a full-tuition scholarship, she studied under the guidance of Steinway artist Professor Alan Chow. Recently, she has obtained her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at Shenandoah Conservatory on a full-tuition scholarship under under Leva Jokubaviciute and Alexander Bernstein.

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Bo-Kyung has won numerous awards including the first prize at the 32nd International Young Artist Piano Competition and premiered Kaleidoscope by Taiwanese composer, Li-Ly Chang in Kennedy Center, Washington D.C. She is a recent semi-finalist of Boulder International Chamber Music Competition with Cellist Sung Chan Chang (the Associate Principal cello of the Hawaii Symphony), and has won the finalist of Ensemble Connect in 2020 – a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education. Bo-Kyung is also a prize recipient of the Pauline Falvin Memorial Award in Solo Piano and the Clara Ascherfeld Award in Accompanying and from Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. She also received a full-tuition Collaborative fellowship from Bowdoin Festival.

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Praised as musician of “Clarity, sincerity, and sparkling tone in her music” by the World Piano Pedagogy Conference in Arizona, South Korean pianist Bo Kyung Hwang has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Bo Kyung made her professional concerto debut at the age of twelve, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1 with the Seoul Royal Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra in Michigan and was selected to perform Beethoven Sonata, Op. 110 to great acclaim at the 2009 World Piano Pedagogy Conference in Arizona on a program of outstanding students from Korea. Performances throughout England, France, Italy, Austria, and the United States have taken Bo-
Kyung to many of the world’s most prestigious concert venues in cities such as Paris, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Milan, Salzburg, London, Wisconsin, Chicago, New York, Arizona, Michigan, Delaware, Washington D.C, Maryland, Virginia, Main, and Florida.


Dr. Bo Kyung actively engages in both as a soloist and as a chamber musician across the regions of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as internationally. Her dedication is fervently directed towards the exploration and advocacy of contemporary classical music, a commitment she upholds through meticulous research and collaboration with esteemed composers of the modern era. She has made substantial contributions to the realm of new music through premiering, performing, and recording new compositions for the public. Her musical leadership extends across a varied spectrum of responsibilities, enveloping roles such as an adjudicator in local competitions and festivals. Moreover, she holds the esteemed position of Ffounder and Artistic Director of the House of YoungArts – a non-profit organization with a scholarship program for young artists in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Prof. Kaisar Anvar - Piano

Professor Kaisar Anvar hails from Karamay, Xinjiang, China. Beginning his musical journey under acclaimed piano professor Mrs. Tumris Musabayov and Professor Svetlana Abdukarimova from the Tashkent Conservatory in Uzbekistan, he performed in a masterclass by Dr. Richard Mercier. Afterwards, he was accepted into the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he gave an NPR Live Performance. He was awarded a full scholarship offer from Yale University, where he studied with Boris Berman and obtained his Master's Degree in Piano Performance. 

 

Kaisar was one of the Dean’s selective artists to perform for Yale School of Music Opening Ceremony and was the Concerto Competition Winner to perform at the Ruby Diamond Hall. His ability to adapt to different learning styles and communicate complex musical concepts in clear and accessible manner, resulting in an honorary award "For Extraordinary dedication and achievement in field of teaching music and presenting students to perform at Carnegie Hall". He has performed as an Accompanist with the Appenzeller Chamber Orchestra. He is fluent in English, Chinese, Turkish, Java Programming, and plays chess at a professional level. Today, Prof. Anvar continues conducting independent research on Uyghur music.

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Masterclasses

  • Boris Berman

  • Chen HungKuan

  • Peter Frankl

  • Yang WeiYi

  • Yves Henry

  • YoshikazuNagai

  • Yoheved Kaplinsky

  • Jerome Löwenthal

  • Solomon Mikowsky

  • Olga Kern

  • Nelita True

  • Menahem Pressler

Performances

  • Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) Solo Piano Recital Debut

  • Texas Asia Society Solo Piano Recital Debut

  • Master’s Graduation Recital

  • Morse Recital Hall

  • Whitney Center Piano Recital Debut

  • Music Talk at Whitney Humanities Center

  • Winner Concert at Ruby Diamond Hall

  • Invitational Performance at Georgia Capital City Club,

  • Ford Plantation Solo Performance Debut

  • Solo Debut Recital in Skidaway Island and Hilton Head Island

  • From the Top Radio Performance on NPR

Prof. Heidi Jacobs- Piano

Heidi Jacobs earned her Bachelor’s in piano performance at the Eastern New Mexico University where she received a full piano scholarship and the first prize in the MTNA Young Artist State Piano Competition.  She went on to complete her Master’s in Piano Performance at Florida State University where she was awarded a graduate assistantship and performed with top instrumental and vocal students seeking advanced performance degrees.

 
She has taught piano lessons to many students with her dedication to nurture them with positive encouragement and promote a work ethic with inspirational motivation. Her energy, artistic vision, and commitment to customize the lessons enabled her students to develop their skills quickly and enjoy learning piano.

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Prof. Michael Kelley- Classical Vocals/Musical Theater/Piano

Michael Kelley is a Baritone singer, actor, teacher, and Director hailing from Bartlett, Illinois. He graduated University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor’s in Vocal performance and Theatre, with a heavy emphasis on acting and directing. During this time, he studied under Professor Paul Rowe, Professor Jeanette Thompson, and Professor Thomas Kasdorf. 

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Having appeared in operas, musicals, and straight plays with notable roles including The Baker in Into the Woods, Puck in Benjamin Britten’s adaptation of A Midsummer night’s dream, a featured ensemble member in La boheme, and a Clown in The 39 Steps. As a classically trained singer, Michael performs in Italian, French, German, and English. However, his true passions lie within German Lieder and English language folk, and he enjoys singing works by Schumann, Bach, Niles, and Sondheim. Among his directing credits are Evil Dead: The Musical (Assistant Director) and Ghost Quartet (Director, Producer). 

 

Michael is a versatile teacher who has worked with Montessori preschool and also instructs adults. His teaching style focuses on developing natural vibrato, monologue work, sight reading vocal music, singing in different languages (German, Italian, Latin, and French), musical theatre/classical/folk music repertoire, character/scene work, vocal health/safety, Linklater technique, Memorization methods, and Audition Prep for undergraduate music schools/theatrical productions.

Prof. Jennifer Lu- Piano

Jennifer Lu began studying with highly esteemed pianists Mary Anita Lillpop and Dr. Qiong Yu at the age of 8. Her graduate studies took her in a new direction with a dual concentration in Finance and IT and a minor in mathematics from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. Currently, Jen runs a tutoring business that specializes in standardized test prep for college-bound high schoolers. After more than a decade of tutoring, she has worked with students from a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds across North America, Europe, and Asia. Her approachable teaching style and dedication to building students’ confidence have garnered her dozens of 5-star reviews and 580K+ views on her educational YouTube channel with almost 8,000 subscribers.

 

Jen's diverse experiences, excellent learning standards, and empathetic personality have made her a very adaptable teacher who offers unique insights to each individual student she works with. She specializes in getting Beginner students off the ground with a solid foundation and creating a fun, motivating learning environment in which many styles of music may be covered based on the student's interests.

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Prof. Dustin Sebes - Guitar

Dustin Sebes is a professional musician, artist, and teacher who has been studying, playing and performing music extensively for over 32 years. Initially studying guitar under renowned jazz guitarist Walt Bibinger, Dustin then began teaching private guitar lessons while attending Ramapo College of New Jersey in the late 1990's. Graduating with honors, Dustin attained a bachelor's degree in the fine arts with a concentration in music. Since then, he has continued teaching privately and at various music schools in addition to composing and performing original music on stage in numerous bands including, but not limited to Conformicide, The Green Room, Coma Ghost, Capita, Identity Debt, Missing Debussy, Youth League & The Spies, KSSH!, Sister Ancestor, Frenular Delta, The Red Room, Spookey Ruben, Joe Harvard, Jack "Jacko" Monahan, The RMC Teacher Band, Gig For Good and ELO II.  In addition to working with various bands and ensembles, Dustin also performs solo as a singer-songwriter.

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He currently teaches guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, piano and mandolin in addition to band and ensemble mentoring. Areas of expertise include music theory and guitar fretboard theory, sight reading, composition, creative songwriting, repertoire building, and improvisation, with concentrations in classical, jazz, rock, metal, folk, blue grass and pop styles. From beginners to advanced, Dustin has successfully taught thousands of lessons to students from all over the country.

Performances

  • San Remo, Italy

    • Sanremo Music Festival

  • Williamsburg, Virginia

    • ​College of William and Mary

  • Providence, Rhode Island

    • ​The Parlour

  • Baltimore, Maryland

    • Reverb​

  • New York​

    • ​NuBlu

    • The Bitter End

    • B.B. Kings

    • The Knitting Factory

    • The Alphabet Lounge

    • Otto's Shrunken Head

    • Don Hill's

    • Ace Of Clubs

    • 169 Bar

    • The Gershwin Hotel

    • Kenny's Castaways

    • Le Poisson Rouge

    • Gold Sounds Bar

    • 65 Pearl Street

  • New Jersey

    • ​The Stone Pony

    • The Saint

    • The Wonder Bar

    • The Brighton Bar

    • The Court Tavern

    • Asbury Park Yacht Club

    • Ghost Harbor Creative

    • Kula Farms

    • Chubby's

    • The Chubby Pickel

    • Chasers

    • Orphan Annies

    • Boontunes

    • Club Rock

    • The Meatlocker

  • New Jersey - Continued

    • Pino's

    • Espresso Joes

    • Art Space 88

    • The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council

    • Red Bank Artisan Collective

    • Red Tank Brewery

    • Lousy Land

    • Asbury Park Underground Art & Music Crawl

    • Up Joe’s Alley

    • Bleeding Ear Drums

    • Porta

    • Club Deep

    • Zimmerli Art Museum

    • Riverfront Renaissance Center For The Arts

    • Overnight Sensations WRSU, Rutgers Radio

    • Brave New Radio WPSC - William Patterson University

    • Birch Hill Nightclub

    • All Star Music Empire

    • Power Play Gaming

    • Obsessions

    • The Down Under

    • EJ's Tap House

    • Club Bene

    • Chubb Park

    • Union County Performing Arts Center

    • The Hamilton Stage

    • The Crossroads

    • Roxy And Dukes

    • Sempervivum

    • Red Bank Elks Lodge

    • Pattenburg House

    • Division Street Music

    • Rutgers University

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