Faculty
Margaret Albrecht
Clarinet Instructor
Margaret Albrecht is an active performer and teacher throughout Michigan and Ohio, having performed most recently with Southwest Michigan Symphony, Lima Symphony, Adrian Symphony and Rochester Symphony. She also maintains status on the substitute musician rosters with Ann Arbor Symphony, Midland Symphony, Lima Symphony, Saginaw Bay Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Dearborn Symphony and Rochester Symphony. Margaret has earned two degrees from the University of Michigan in Clarinet Performance, A Specialist Degree (earned 2017) and a Masters Degree (earned 2015). She also earned her Bachelors degree in clarinet performance from Western Michigan University. Within the University of Michigan community, she has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, University Philharmonic Orchestra, the Contemporary Directions Ensemble, the University Symphony Band, the University Concert Band and various chamber ensembles including a clarinet, piano, violin and cello quartet, clarinet piano and cello trios, clarinet piano and violin trios and clarinet, bassoon and piano trios. Within the Western Michigan University community She has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Symphony Band, the Birds on a Wire new music ensemble, the university Opera productions of Copland’s Tenderland, and Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and a wide range of chamber music including, clarinet quintet, clarinet quartet, reed trios, and clarinet, piano and horn trios. Within the Metro Detroit community I have performed with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Opera MODO’s 2016 production of Carmen, and the University of Michigan’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. On an international level, I have performed with OperaMaya’s International Music Festival and was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association’s Orchestral Competition in 2017.
Margaret has been teaching privately in the greater Ann Arbor area for the past five years. Before her time in Ann Arbor, she worked with middle and high school students in the Kalamazoo and Sturgis districts, gaining experience in one on one lesson instruction, group lesson instruction, master-class/clinic work, and high school chamber music coaching. Her goals as an instructor are for her students to gain independence of thought and expression while developing a lifelong passion for music. Lessons will be focused on critical thinking, problem solving, discipline, and creative expression. Main topics covered in lessons will include development of technical prowess, cultivation of expression and musicality, and exploration of theoretical/historical knowledge surrounding the music worked on.
Students that have employed these skills have been successful in many areas of their musical, academic and personal lives including achieving first chair positions in their band programs, participating in Michigan Youth Orchestra, earning first division ratings at Solo and Ensemble, earning scholarships for attendance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, etc.
Margaret Albrecht is an active performer and teacher throughout Michigan and Ohio, having performed most recently with Southwest Michigan Symphony, Lima Symphony, Adrian Symphony and Rochester Symphony. She also maintains status on the substitute musician rosters with Ann Arbor Symphony, Midland Symphony, Lima Symphony, Saginaw Bay Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Dearborn Symphony and Rochester Symphony. Margaret has earned two degrees from the University of Michigan in Clarinet Performance, A Specialist Degree (earned 2017) and a Masters Degree (earned 2015). She also earned her Bachelors degree in clarinet performance from Western Michigan University. Within the University of Michigan community, she has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, University Philharmonic Orchestra, the Contemporary Directions Ensemble, the University Symphony Band, the University Concert Band and various chamber ensembles including a clarinet, piano, violin and cello quartet, clarinet piano and cello trios, clarinet piano and violin trios and clarinet, bassoon and piano trios. Within the Western Michigan University community She has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Symphony Band, the Birds on a Wire new music ensemble, the university Opera productions of Copland’s Tenderland, and Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and a wide range of chamber music including, clarinet quintet, clarinet quartet, reed trios, and clarinet, piano and horn trios. Within the Metro Detroit community I have performed with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Opera MODO’s 2016 production of Carmen, and the University of Michigan’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. On an international level, I have performed with OperaMaya’s International Music Festival and was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association’s Orchestral Competition in 2017.
Margaret has been teaching privately in the greater Ann Arbor area for the past five years. Before her time in Ann Arbor, she worked with middle and high school students in the Kalamazoo and Sturgis districts, gaining experience in one on one lesson instruction, group lesson instruction, master-class/clinic work, and high school chamber music coaching. Her goals as an instructor are for her students to gain independence of thought and expression while developing a lifelong passion for music. Lessons will be focused on critical thinking, problem solving, discipline, and creative expression. Main topics covered in lessons will include development of technical prowess, cultivation of expression and musicality, and exploration of theoretical/historical knowledge surrounding the music worked on.
Students that have employed these skills have been successful in many areas of their musical, academic and personal lives including achieving first chair positions in their band programs, participating in Michigan Youth Orchestra, earning first division ratings at Solo and Ensemble, earning scholarships for attendance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, etc.
Kasia Bielak-Hoops
Executive Director
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Paul Finkbeiner
Trumpet Instructor
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Joanna Goldstein
Flute Instructor
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Bethanni Grecynski
Trombone Instructor
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Ken Kozora
Trumpet Instructor
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Melissa Mashner
Flute Instructor
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Amelia Taylor
Suzuki Violin Instructor
Instructor: Chamber Roots Ensemble
Amelia was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She became fascinated with the violin as a toddler and began learning the violin through the Suzuki method. She completed her masters in performance violin at Louisiana State University and is now completing an artist diploma at the university of Michigan with David Halen.
Amelia strives to be a model ambassador for New Zealand, as well as an individual violin performer. She proudly acknowledges all the people that she has met and worked with during her development journey as a musician.
In 2013-15 Amelia was accepted in the Aspen music Festival where she studied with Espen Lilleslåtten. Amelia’s years in New Zealand were fruitful where she was accepted numerous times into the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the Adam Summer School for chamber music with the NZ String Quartet. Amelia has achieved numerous awards in the Competitions Society of the Performing Arts regional events and abroad in Sydney Australia.
Instructor: Chamber Roots Ensemble
Amelia was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She became fascinated with the violin as a toddler and began learning the violin through the Suzuki method. She completed her masters in performance violin at Louisiana State University and is now completing an artist diploma at the university of Michigan with David Halen.
Amelia strives to be a model ambassador for New Zealand, as well as an individual violin performer. She proudly acknowledges all the people that she has met and worked with during her development journey as a musician.
In 2013-15 Amelia was accepted in the Aspen music Festival where she studied with Espen Lilleslåtten. Amelia’s years in New Zealand were fruitful where she was accepted numerous times into the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the Adam Summer School for chamber music with the NZ String Quartet. Amelia has achieved numerous awards in the Competitions Society of the Performing Arts regional events and abroad in Sydney Australia.
Staff
Kasia Bielak-Hoops
Executive Director
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Cynthia Dahlgren
Community and Special Programs Coordinator
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Community Private Instructors
Alex Anest
Guitar Instructor
Guitar, Lap Steel and Mandolin
“I concentrate on teaching the common threads running through diverse musical styles, and am dedicated to teaching the concept of quality, so that students can take what they learn and apply it to any style of music.”
Alex Anest is a professional guitarist who has been teaching other people to play since he was fifteen years old. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University. Alex excels at teaching and playing all styles of music, especially American Musical Genres such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country.
As a performer, music has taken Alex all over the country and the world, from touring in Switzerland with Kevin Meisel & The Ragged Glories in 2004, 2005 and 2008, 2010 and 2012 to playing stateside with bands like Giraffe and Gas For Less. He has also appeared on numerous CDs and a few movie soundtracks. Alex takes students of all ages and abilities and enjoys teaching reading, theory, and improvisation.
Guitar, Lap Steel and Mandolin
“I concentrate on teaching the common threads running through diverse musical styles, and am dedicated to teaching the concept of quality, so that students can take what they learn and apply it to any style of music.”
Alex Anest is a professional guitarist who has been teaching other people to play since he was fifteen years old. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University. Alex excels at teaching and playing all styles of music, especially American Musical Genres such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country.
As a performer, music has taken Alex all over the country and the world, from touring in Switzerland with Kevin Meisel & The Ragged Glories in 2004, 2005 and 2008, 2010 and 2012 to playing stateside with bands like Giraffe and Gas For Less. He has also appeared on numerous CDs and a few movie soundtracks. Alex takes students of all ages and abilities and enjoys teaching reading, theory, and improvisation.
Cynthia Dahlgren
Community and Special Programs Coordinator
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Paul Finkbeiner
Trumpet Instructor
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Joanna Goldstein
Flute Instructor
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Bethanni Grecynski
Trombone Instructor
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Ken Kozora
Trumpet Instructor
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Kurt Krahnke
Bass Instructor
Kurt Krahnke was a student at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Mr. Krahnke has many recordings, and performances to his credit, and these include touring with such artists as: Ellen Rowe, Joe Henderson, Leon Thomas, Sonny Fortune, Maria Muldaur, James Dapogny and Mugrew Miller.
Kurt Krahnke was a student at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Mr. Krahnke has many recordings, and performances to his credit, and these include touring with such artists as: Ellen Rowe, Joe Henderson, Leon Thomas, Sonny Fortune, Maria Muldaur, James Dapogny and Mugrew Miller.
Morgan LaMonica
French Horn Instructor
Hailing from Atkinson, New Hampshire, Morgan holds a degree in French Horn Performance from the University of Michigan. Morgan also studied music education for two and a half years during her time at U-M. She has been teaching horn for nine years in a variety of settings, including private lessons, group lessons, and chamber music groups. She teaches all ages and skill levels from children to adults.
As a performer, Morgan is currently principal horn in the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and is second horn in the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. She also subs with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra (MVPO), and New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a performing artist with Chamber Music Michigan and has appeared as a soloist with the MVPO. Morgan has collaborated, performed, and recorded with a variety of artists, including Adam Unsworth (whom she studied with during her undergraduate degree), Nancy Ambrose King, Carol Jantsch, Michael Daugherty, and Timothy McAllister.
In lessons, Morgan focuses on having her students hone musicality and creativity while also learning fundamental music skills and horn technique. Morgan fosters a relaxed, creative learning environment so that all of her students are able to have positive musical experiences.
Hailing from Atkinson, New Hampshire, Morgan holds a degree in French Horn Performance from the University of Michigan. Morgan also studied music education for two and a half years during her time at U-M. She has been teaching horn for nine years in a variety of settings, including private lessons, group lessons, and chamber music groups. She teaches all ages and skill levels from children to adults.
As a performer, Morgan is currently principal horn in the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and is second horn in the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. She also subs with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra (MVPO), and New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a performing artist with Chamber Music Michigan and has appeared as a soloist with the MVPO. Morgan has collaborated, performed, and recorded with a variety of artists, including Adam Unsworth (whom she studied with during her undergraduate degree), Nancy Ambrose King, Carol Jantsch, Michael Daugherty, and Timothy McAllister.
In lessons, Morgan focuses on having her students hone musicality and creativity while also learning fundamental music skills and horn technique. Morgan fosters a relaxed, creative learning environment so that all of her students are able to have positive musical experiences.
Carla Margolis
Voice Instructor
Carla Margolis is currently studying voice at Eastern Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Margolis has studied Dalcroze Technique at the Dalcroze School of Music in NYC, Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Ms. Margolis has also studied vocal technique and jazz vocal technique at Indiana School of Music and has studied privately with Charles Preston, Janet Lawson and Diane Estes. Ms. Margolis has worked with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Chelsea Center for the Arts and Young People's Theatre. Ms. Margolis teaches voice and group classes in Dalcroze Technique at AASPA.
Carla Margolis is currently studying voice at Eastern Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Margolis has studied Dalcroze Technique at the Dalcroze School of Music in NYC, Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Ms. Margolis has also studied vocal technique and jazz vocal technique at Indiana School of Music and has studied privately with Charles Preston, Janet Lawson and Diane Estes. Ms. Margolis has worked with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Chelsea Center for the Arts and Young People's Theatre. Ms. Margolis teaches voice and group classes in Dalcroze Technique at AASPA.
Melissa Mashner
Flute Instructor
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Charlie Reischl
Bass Instructor
Charlie Reischl's teaching is informed by being a performing musician, community organizer and youth worker. He studied classical double bass performance at the University of Michigan and the Eastman School of music, and has played electric bass for 12 years. Charlie performs classical, jazz, folk, rock and bluegrass music around Southeast Michigan. He consults booking music and art installations in the Ann Arbor area for community festivals. Charlie also works at the Neutral Zone Teen Center as the Music Programs Coordinator.
I feel that students should be helped to find music they can become passionate and motivated about. I work on technical skills with students as a tool to get them to obtain their own artistic freedom. It’s important to keep students interested and positive about what they are working on! I try to make it fun for people and I think my students walk away with a better understanding of the instrument after having a good time.
Charlie Reischl's teaching is informed by being a performing musician, community organizer and youth worker. He studied classical double bass performance at the University of Michigan and the Eastman School of music, and has played electric bass for 12 years. Charlie performs classical, jazz, folk, rock and bluegrass music around Southeast Michigan. He consults booking music and art installations in the Ann Arbor area for community festivals. Charlie also works at the Neutral Zone Teen Center as the Music Programs Coordinator.
I feel that students should be helped to find music they can become passionate and motivated about. I work on technical skills with students as a tool to get them to obtain their own artistic freedom. It’s important to keep students interested and positive about what they are working on! I try to make it fun for people and I think my students walk away with a better understanding of the instrument after having a good time.
Amelia Taylor
Suzuki Violin Instructor
Instructor: Chamber Roots Ensemble
Amelia was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She became fascinated with the violin as a toddler and began learning the violin through the Suzuki method. She completed her masters in performance violin at Louisiana State University and is now completing an artist diploma at the university of Michigan with David Halen.
Amelia strives to be a model ambassador for New Zealand, as well as an individual violin performer. She proudly acknowledges all the people that she has met and worked with during her development journey as a musician.
In 2013-15 Amelia was accepted in the Aspen music Festival where she studied with Espen Lilleslåtten. Amelia’s years in New Zealand were fruitful where she was accepted numerous times into the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the Adam Summer School for chamber music with the NZ String Quartet. Amelia has achieved numerous awards in the Competitions Society of the Performing Arts regional events and abroad in Sydney Australia.
Instructor: Chamber Roots Ensemble
Amelia was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She became fascinated with the violin as a toddler and began learning the violin through the Suzuki method. She completed her masters in performance violin at Louisiana State University and is now completing an artist diploma at the university of Michigan with David Halen.
Amelia strives to be a model ambassador for New Zealand, as well as an individual violin performer. She proudly acknowledges all the people that she has met and worked with during her development journey as a musician.
In 2013-15 Amelia was accepted in the Aspen music Festival where she studied with Espen Lilleslåtten. Amelia’s years in New Zealand were fruitful where she was accepted numerous times into the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the Adam Summer School for chamber music with the NZ String Quartet. Amelia has achieved numerous awards in the Competitions Society of the Performing Arts regional events and abroad in Sydney Australia.
Board of Directors
Val JaskiewiczBoard Chair
|
Elaine SargousVice Chair
|
Mary Jean RaabSecretary
|
Mark BailyTreasurer
|
David Greene |
Don AllesMarketing & Media Lead
|
Latonya Woods |
Advisors
|
Abby Alwin
Wendy Bloom Cynthia L. Cattran Roger Chard Don Chisholm Katherine Collier Richard Dorner Chris Fellin |
John B. Fingerle
Penelope Fischer William Hayes Barbara Kramer Arie Lipsky E. Daniel Long Kay Long |
Roy Muir
Joe O’Neal Bob Philips Ingrid Sheldon Peter Sparling Virginia Weckstrom-Kantor Warren Widmayer |
