Powell Academy of Music

Renee
Holzmeier recently settled in Columbus, OH after living and working
in New York City for 9 years. She has had a versatile performance
career, appearing in numerous opera and musical theatre
productions, summer festivals, concerts and recitals, outreach and
educational programs, and with jazz and folk ensembles, as well as
premiering new works in classical, jazz and cross-over
genres. 
A
graduate of Cincinnati College's Conservatory of Music, Renee
received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2007. While
attending CCM, Renee studied voice with both William McGraw and
Barbara Clark (Paver) and was awarded the John Lehman Award for
Excellence in Leadership and Musicianship. Renee also studied with
the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy and the Moores Opera Center in
Houston, TX. 
While
living in NYC, Renee taught voice privately, working with students
ranging from young beginners to professional performers. Her
students have appeared in regional and national
Broadway touring productions.  Renee’s teaching methods
are individualized, encouraging, and focused, addressing the unique
needs of each student. 
An
active member of The Voice Foundation, Renee stays up to date with
the latest in voice science and pedagogy - her future goals include
further education and specialization in speech pathology and
singing health. She also works regularly as a voiceover
artist, producing a wide range of content from her Grandview
recording studio. 

Renee Holzmeier recently settled in Columbus, OH after living and working in New York City for 9 years. She has had a versatile performance career, appearing in numerous opera and musical theatre productions, summer festivals, concerts and recitals, outreach and educational programs, and with jazz and folk ensembles, as well as premiering new works in classical, jazz and cross-over genres. 

A graduate of Cincinnati College's Conservatory of Music, Renee received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2007. While attending CCM, Renee studied voice with both William McGraw and Barbara Clark (Paver) and was awarded the John Lehman Award for Excellence in Leadership and Musicianship. Renee also studied with the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy and the Moores Opera Center in Houston, TX. 

While living in NYC, Renee taught voice privately, working with students ranging from young beginners to professional performers. Her students have appeared in regional and national Broadway touring productions.  Renee’s teaching methods are individualized, encouraging, and focused, addressing the unique needs of each student. 

An active member of The Voice Foundation, Renee stays up to date with the latest in voice science and pedagogy - her future goals include further education and specialization in speech pathology and singing health. She also works regularly as a voiceover artist, producing a wide range of content from her Grandview recording studio. 

Professionally trained with a
B.A. in percussion from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul
Minnesota, Alex has been practicing the art of drumming for over 20
years. Throughout his musical journey Alex has studied and
performed a range of musical styles including rock, blues, jazz,
fusion, hip-hop, country, funk, disco, R&B and Latin from
studio settings to music festivals. Along with stylistic methods
Alex has also had the opportunity to study rhythmic methods and
conceptual approaches with renowned drummers such as Gordy
Knudston, Marve Dahlgren, David Stanoch and Michael
Bland.
As a musician, Alex utilizes a
variety of coordination methods, techniques, applications, and
pedagogy to accommodate any skill level and strives to provide a
creative positive learning environment that fosters confidence and
encourages each student to reach his or her full potential. With
many years spent honing his craft and gaining musical experiences
from touring and performing live across country to working in the
studio and collaborating with artists, Alex is ready to guide you
through creative musical pathways and improve your performance.
Alex Vaughn has been teaching at the Powell Academy of music since
April 2018.

Professionally trained with a B.A. in percussion from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul Minnesota, Alex has been practicing the art of drumming for over 20 years. Throughout his musical journey Alex has studied and performed a range of musical styles including rock, blues, jazz, fusion, hip-hop, country, funk, disco, R&B and Latin from studio settings to music festivals. Along with stylistic methods Alex has also had the opportunity to study rhythmic methods and conceptual approaches with renowned drummers such as Gordy Knudston, Marve Dahlgren, David Stanoch and Michael Bland.

As a musician, Alex utilizes a variety of coordination methods, techniques, applications, and pedagogy to accommodate any skill level and strives to provide a creative positive learning environment that fosters confidence and encourages each student to reach his or her full potential. With many years spent honing his craft and gaining musical experiences from touring and performing live across country to working in the studio and collaborating with artists, Alex is ready to guide you through creative musical pathways and improve your performance. Alex Vaughn has been teaching at the Powell Academy of music since April 2018.

Christiana Calantropo is a violinist and dancer from Virginia
Beach, VA. She started violin with the Suzuki method at age 5,
participating in her first international Suzuki performance tour to
Italy at the age of 10 with the Suzuki Strings of Hampton Roads.
Christiana furthered her musical studies in high school at The
Governor’s School for the Arts, with whom she had the privilege of
performing as Concertmaster at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Christiana received her Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration
in Music Industry from James Madison University. During her
studies, she has performed extensively in musicals, weddings, opera
orchestras, chamber music groups, for nursing homes, and for city
events in Virginia Beach with the group Dolce Strings. In recent
years, she has branched out into improvisational playing and
creating her own electronic-based music. Christiana is new to
Columbus and is looking forward to building her studio! She strives
to craft a fun teaching experience that inspires you and your
musical heart.

Christiana Calantropo is a violinist and dancer from Virginia Beach, VA. She started violin with the Suzuki method at age 5, participating in her first international Suzuki performance tour to Italy at the age of 10 with the Suzuki Strings of Hampton Roads. Christiana furthered her musical studies in high school at The Governor’s School for the Arts, with whom she had the privilege of performing as Concertmaster at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Christiana received her Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration in Music Industry from James Madison University. During her studies, she has performed extensively in musicals, weddings, opera orchestras, chamber music groups, for nursing homes, and for city events in Virginia Beach with the group Dolce Strings. In recent years, she has branched out into improvisational playing and creating her own electronic-based music. Christiana is new to Columbus and is looking forward to building her studio! She strives to craft a fun teaching experience that inspires you and your musical heart.

Meg Linebaugh is a
singer and educator based in Columbus, Ohio. Ms. Linebaugh earned a
Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ohio Wesleyan University
in 2015 and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Cleveland
Institute of Music in 2018. She is passionate about classical vocal
music, musical theater and opera. She has performed with Ohio
Wesleyan Opera Theater, Ohio Wesleyan Choral Arts Society, Columbus
Dance Theater, Ohio Song Project, Cleveland Institute of Music
Opera Theater, and Opera Columbus. Her performance highlights
include Hänsel in Hänsel und
Gretel, Neris in Medea, La Zia Principessa
in Suor Angelica, Carmen in scenes
from Carmen, and Desiree Armfeldt in A
Little Night Music.
 
Her teaching experiences
include student teaching placements in middle and high school choir
in Delaware City Schools, substitute teaching for elementary
general music (and various other subjects), and teaching voice and
piano lessons. She is constantly working to find new ways to help
her students grow into technically accurate and dynamic musicians
and performers. Ms. Linebaugh is passionate about performing and
teaching students of all ages. She strives to inspire her students
to embrace their unique talents and to enjoy the process and
experiences of making music. 

Matt Michalski is a instructor,
guitarist and composer whose early influences include many of
classic rock’s greatest bands such as Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and
the Rolling Stones. Further studies of these types of acts brought
Matt to the same conclusion as many other guitarists: “The Blues
had a baby, and they called it Rock and Roll.” With his late
teenage discovery of what is now called Alternative rock, the world
of music opened up for Matt, and his life long love of music
blossomed.
Like many guitarists,
Matt is primarily self taught, but
has studied classical guitar repertoire with Paul Reilly at Ball
State University. He has also taken lessons with many of Columbus,
Ohio’s finest players, including Stan Smith at Capital University
and local blues master David Friedlander.
Matt has been teaching guitar to
students of all ages for over a decade and is a 33 year veteran of
the Columbus music scene. He currently plays with the Instrumental
Surf band, The Bastard Sons of Neptune (https://www.facebook.com/THE-BASTARD-SONS-
OF-NEPTUNE-109881392377629/?ref=bookmarks) and his
own quartet Match (https://www.facebook.com/The-Band-
Match-1024720584321663/), and also plays solo throughout Central Ohio. He
looks forward to helping you achieve your musical goals.

Matt Michalski is a instructor, guitarist and composer whose early influences include many of classic rock’s greatest bands such as Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and the Rolling Stones. Further studies of these types of acts brought Matt to the same conclusion as many other guitarists: “The Blues had a baby, and they called it Rock and Roll.” With his late teenage discovery of what is now called Alternative rock, the world of music opened up for Matt, and his life long love of music blossomed.

Like many guitarists, Matt is primarily self taught, but has studied classical guitar repertoire with Paul Reilly at Ball State University. He has also taken lessons with many of Columbus, Ohio’s finest players, including Stan Smith at Capital University and local blues master David Friedlander.

Matt has been teaching guitar to students of all ages for over a decade and is a 33 year veteran of the Columbus music scene. He currently plays with the Instrumental Surf band, The Bastard Sons of Neptune (https://www.facebook.com/THE-BASTARD-SONS- OF-NEPTUNE-109881392377629/?ref=bookmarks) and his own quartet Match (https://www.facebook.com/The-Band- Match-1024720584321663/), and also plays solo throughout Central Ohio. He looks forward to helping you achieve your musical goals.

Jeanmarie Strawbridge has been teaching at the Powell Academy of
Music since 2016. She has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in
Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as
well as two Masters degrees in Piano Performance and Piano
Pedagogy, both from The Ohio State University. During her time at
Ohio State, Jeanmarie held a full-time associateship, teaching
undergraduate group piano classes, for which she was awarded the
Outstanding Graduate Associate Award. Jeanmarie also was a winner
of the Ohio State Concerto Competition and performed Beethoven’s
Piano Concerto No. 3 with the university symphony. Additionally,
she has presented lecture recitals on teaching and performing
topics at state conferences and is involved in Music Teachers
National Association and Ohio Music Teachers Association events. In
her student-centric teaching, Jeanmarie hopes to foster a love for
music, superior technique, a high musical aptitude, and a sense of
achievement in each of her students. 

Jeanmarie has had the privilege of studying with esteemed
professors including Steven Glaser, Maria Staeblein, and Elena
Abend. She has also studied at the Corsi Internazionali di Musica
in Urbino, Italy. Beyond her teaching,
Jeanmarie has served as a pianist for the Columbus Ballet
(BalletMet) and has worked with members of the Columbus Symphony
Orchestra, as well as Opera Columbus. 

Elizabeth Reeves received her B.M. in music performance from
Wright State University in 2012, where she studied with Dr.
Christopher Chaffee. While at WSU, she was a winner of the 2010
School of Music Concerto Competition, for which she performed as a
soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra. In 2009 and 2010,
Elizabeth was also a finalist in the Collegiate Division of the
Central Ohio Flute Association Competition. She was honored to
receive the 2010 Agnes Fowler Scholarship from the Ohio Federation
of Music Clubs, and the Robert Stofer Music Award in 2011 from
Wright State University. In 2012, Elizabeth moved to Phoenix to
pursue her Master’s degree in music performance at Arizona State
University, where she studied with Dr. Elizabeth Buck. At ASU, she
performed regularly with the ASU Symphony Orchestra, the ASU Flute
Choir, and the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) before
receiving her degree in 2014. A native of Southwest Ohio, she and
her husband moved to Columbus in 2015. They enjoy cooking, spending
time with their friends and family, and being outside with their
dog, Rey.

Elizabeth Reeves received her B.M. in music performance from Wright State University in 2012, where she studied with Dr. Christopher Chaffee. While at WSU, she was a winner of the 2010 School of Music Concerto Competition, for which she performed as a soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra. In 2009 and 2010, Elizabeth was also a finalist in the Collegiate Division of the Central Ohio Flute Association Competition. She was honored to receive the 2010 Agnes Fowler Scholarship from the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, and the Robert Stofer Music Award in 2011 from Wright State University. In 2012, Elizabeth moved to Phoenix to pursue her Master’s degree in music performance at Arizona State University, where she studied with Dr. Elizabeth Buck. At ASU, she performed regularly with the ASU Symphony Orchestra, the ASU Flute Choir, and the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) before receiving her degree in 2014. A native of Southwest Ohio, she and her husband moved to Columbus in 2015. They enjoy cooking, spending time with their friends and family, and being outside with their dog, Rey.

Bryan Anthony Percoco received a MM in music composition and a
BM in classical guitar performance from the University of
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He also holds a
certificate in performance and composition from the Upbeat
International Music School in Milna, Croatia. Additional studies
include lectures and private lessons at two summer courses in Italy
with music faculty from institutions such as Princeton, Yale,
Eastman, Peabody, Oberlin and Italian conservatories.
Bryan’s compositions have been performed and recorded throughout
the United States and Europe. His orchestra music has been recorded
in the Czech Republic by the Janacek Philharmonic and the Brno
Philharmonic. His orchestra music has been selected to be released
worldwide on the ABLAZE records label release “Orchestral Masters
Vol. 4”. His most recent orchestra composition was selected as a
finalist in the American Prize competition. He was selected to
write music for the renowned Italian string quartet, Quartetto
Indaco, which premiered in Italy at the HighSCORE festival. In
addition to composing, Bryan is a focused and dedicated,
multi-faceted instrumentalist with years of professional
performance experience on both piano and guitar, and can teach and
perform styles ranging from jazz, classical, rock and many other
popular styles.

Bryan Anthony Percoco received a MM in music composition and a BM in classical guitar performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He also holds a certificate in performance and composition from the Upbeat International Music School in Milna, Croatia. Additional studies include lectures and private lessons at two summer courses in Italy with music faculty from institutions such as Princeton, Yale, Eastman, Peabody, Oberlin and Italian conservatories.

Bryan’s compositions have been performed and recorded throughout the United States and Europe. His orchestra music has been recorded in the Czech Republic by the Janacek Philharmonic and the Brno Philharmonic. His orchestra music has been selected to be released worldwide on the ABLAZE records label release “Orchestral Masters Vol. 4”. His most recent orchestra composition was selected as a finalist in the American Prize competition. He was selected to write music for the renowned Italian string quartet, Quartetto Indaco, which premiered in Italy at the HighSCORE festival. In addition to composing, Bryan is a focused and dedicated, multi-faceted instrumentalist with years of professional performance experience on both piano and guitar, and can teach and perform styles ranging from jazz, classical, rock and many other popular styles.

The music of Zach Koors has impacted audiences in places such
as Berklee College of Music in Boston, Belmont University in
Nashville, and University of Arizona in Tucson, among many others.
In just the past few years, many soloists, chamber groups and large
ensembles across the country have commissioned Zach to write more
than ten compositions for instrumentations ranging from solo
percussion with audio playback to SATB chorus with organ, brass and
timpani.
 
In October of 2017, Zach curated a free public concert that
took place in Columbus, OH. Among the performances was “Etch,” a
30-minute work in 4 movements composed for a mixed ensemble of
18 Columbus instrumentalists. 
 
As a soloist, Zach performs arrangements of his compositions
by playing drums, percussion, bass or keyboards with multi-track
audio. He also plays bass in a trio, named Sea State, in which the
other members, Dan Seibert and Jim Lindroth, play drums/synths and
mbira/bodhran, respectively.
 
Zach maintains an active teaching studio of 30+ drumset,
percussion and piano students per week. Many other teachers and
students are using his recently composed collection of 10 Etudes
for Marimba Four-hands as a fresh new tool in mallet percussion
education.
 
Born and raised in Ohio, Zach currently lives in Columbus with
his wife, Sophie, and their black lab, Dan.

Currently choir director and worship accompanist at New
California Church. Worship accompanist at Beautiful Savior Lutheran
Church, Powell, Ohio. Over 30 years of teaching and performance
experience, including 16 years as music director for The Ink Spots.
First call keyboardist for Broadway touring shows in Columbus and
Dayton, performing over 40 Broadway tours. Band leader or pianist
for Bob Newhart, Buddy DeFranco, Doc Severinson, The Four Aces, The
Four Lads, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, John Lithgow,
Hal Linden, Jim Nabors, Don Knotts, The Dorsey Brothers, The Four
Freshman, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, World tour of The Zelda
Symphony Symphony, many cruise lines, and most notably, Andrea
Bocelli, and Il Divo.
Certified instructor of The Yamaha Music Education System. Local
teaching experience includes five years as Adjunct Instructor of
Piano at Denison University, and many years of instruction at Coyle
Music Centers, Hauer Music, Columbus Music Academy, and others. I
have also served as a church accompanist for as long as I can
remember, and have been signed to a major record label (Curb
Records) in Nashville.

Currently choir director and worship accompanist at New California Church. Worship accompanist at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Powell, Ohio. Over 30 years of teaching and performance experience, including 16 years as music director for The Ink Spots. First call keyboardist for Broadway touring shows in Columbus and Dayton, performing over 40 Broadway tours. Band leader or pianist for Bob Newhart, Buddy DeFranco, Doc Severinson, The Four Aces, The Four Lads, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, John Lithgow, Hal Linden, Jim Nabors, Don Knotts, The Dorsey Brothers, The Four Freshman, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, World tour of The Zelda Symphony Symphony, many cruise lines, and most notably, Andrea Bocelli, and Il Divo.

Certified instructor of The Yamaha Music Education System. Local teaching experience includes five years as Adjunct Instructor of Piano at Denison University, and many years of instruction at Coyle Music Centers, Hauer Music, Columbus Music Academy, and others. I have also served as a church accompanist for as long as I can remember, and have been signed to a major record label (Curb Records) in Nashville.

Saori Collins has taught a variety of students from diverse age
groups and cultures by adjusting methods and strategies based on
each individual’s needs and goals for almost 20
years.  Her methods keep students involved and interested
in the material, thereby encouraging them to reach their full
potential. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
and Master of Music in Voice Pedagogy at Notre Dame de Namur
University, Belmont, CA.  Saori served as voice trainer
for Ragazzi, the Peninsula Boys Chorus in the
San Francisco Bay Area where she worked with boy sopranos and young
male singers.  At the San Francisco School of the
Arts, she taught voice, musicianship and theory
classes.  She directed a choir at
the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program West Elementary
School, San Francisco, CA.  Saori is a member
of National Association of Teachers of
Singing and Music Teachers National
Association for which she served as president of the
San Francisco Chapter.  Her teachers include Eileen
Davis, Pamela Fry and Nancy Hiller. 

Saori Collins has taught a variety of students from diverse age groups and cultures by adjusting methods and strategies based on each individual’s needs and goals for almost 20 years.  Her methods keep students involved and interested in the material, thereby encouraging them to reach their full potential. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Master of Music in Voice Pedagogy at Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA.  Saori served as voice trainer for Ragazzi, the Peninsula Boys Chorus in the San Francisco Bay Area where she worked with boy sopranos and young male singers.  At the San Francisco School of the Arts, she taught voice, musicianship and theory classes.  She directed a choir at the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program West Elementary School, San Francisco, CA.  Saori is a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing and Music Teachers National Association for which she served as president of the San Francisco Chapter.  Her teachers include Eileen Davis, Pamela Fry and Nancy Hiller. 

Helen Cates began studying the violin at age 5 at the
Staedtische Musikschule Aalen, Germany. Her primary teachers
include Liviu Bogdan, Jonathan Thomas and Gabriele Turck in
Stuttgart, Germany. At a young age she performed with orchestras
such as the Aalener Sinfonieorchester, the Kammerorchester
Rosenstein and the Junge Philharmonie Ostwuerttemberg. With them
she has travelled throughout Europe, including Germany, Italy,
Belgium, Spain, France and Austria. She has performed as a soloist
with the Kammerorchester Rosenstein in 2010 and the Indiana
University South Bend Philharmonic in 2013. In 2011 and 2012 Ms
Cates participated in the MasterWorks Festival.
She has completed a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana
University South Bend studying under Jameson Cooper. In addition
she holds a Masters in Music degree from Bowling Green State
University, where she was a member of the Graduate String Quartet.
Ms. Cates enjoys teaching and inspiring young musicians toward
excellence. She continues to be passionate performer of chamber and
orchestral music.

Helen Cates began studying the violin at age 5 at the Staedtische Musikschule Aalen, Germany. Her primary teachers include Liviu Bogdan, Jonathan Thomas and Gabriele Turck in Stuttgart, Germany. At a young age she performed with orchestras such as the Aalener Sinfonieorchester, the Kammerorchester Rosenstein and the Junge Philharmonie Ostwuerttemberg. With them she has travelled throughout Europe, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, France and Austria. She has performed as a soloist with the Kammerorchester Rosenstein in 2010 and the Indiana University South Bend Philharmonic in 2013. In 2011 and 2012 Ms Cates participated in the MasterWorks Festival.

She has completed a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University South Bend studying under Jameson Cooper. In addition she holds a Masters in Music degree from Bowling Green State University, where she was a member of the Graduate String Quartet. Ms. Cates enjoys teaching and inspiring young musicians toward excellence. She continues to be passionate performer of chamber and orchestral music.

Sarah Dudley is a soprano originally from the Columbus, Ohio
area. She recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a
Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She also graduated Cum Laude
with a duel Bachelors in Vocal Performance and Music Education from
Bowling Green State University.
Her performance repertoire includes opera, musical theatre, and
concert works. Her most recent roles include Magda de Civry in La
Rondine, Dido in Dido; Aeneas, and Beggar Woman (cover) in Sweeney
Todd with The Ohio State University Opera and Lyric Theatre. She
also sang the role of The Fairy Godmother/Step Mother in Cinderella
and Jack’s Mother/The Giant’s Wife in Jack and the Beanstalk with
Opera Columbus’s “Opera Goes to School.” Other performance credits
include The Figaro Project: Scènes de la Beaumarchais (La
Contessa), The Heist (Mrs.Westbrook), Dido and Aeneas (First
Witch), and La bohème (Chorus). Her concert works include soprano
soloist for Link Up! The Orchestra Rocks with The Columbus Symphony
Orchestra, and Verdi’s Requiem with Dayton Opera.
Sarah has taught private voice lessons for over six years to
students of all ages and levels. She has experience teaching
various genres such as classical, musical theatre, pop, and jazz.
It is her passion to perform for audiences, as well as help
students discover their own voice and unlock their own passion for
the stage.

Sarah Dudley is a soprano originally from the Columbus, Ohio area. She recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She also graduated Cum Laude with a duel Bachelors in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Bowling Green State University.

Her performance repertoire includes opera, musical theatre, and concert works. Her most recent roles include Magda de Civry in La Rondine, Dido in Dido; Aeneas, and Beggar Woman (cover) in Sweeney Todd with The Ohio State University Opera and Lyric Theatre. She also sang the role of The Fairy Godmother/Step Mother in Cinderella and Jack’s Mother/The Giant’s Wife in Jack and the Beanstalk with Opera Columbus’s “Opera Goes to School.” Other performance credits include The Figaro Project: Scènes de la Beaumarchais (La Contessa), The Heist (Mrs.Westbrook), Dido and Aeneas (First Witch), and La bohème (Chorus). Her concert works include soprano soloist for Link Up! The Orchestra Rocks with The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and Verdi’s Requiem with Dayton Opera.

Sarah has taught private voice lessons for over six years to students of all ages and levels. She has experience teaching various genres such as classical, musical theatre, pop, and jazz. It is her passion to perform for audiences, as well as help students discover their own voice and unlock their own passion for the stage.

Seth Alexander was raised in
Columbus, OH within a family of drummers and musicians alike. After
graduating as Valedictorian of Reynoldsburg High School and being
awarded the John Philip Sousa Award, he was accepted into the Ohio
University School of Music. Seth completed his Bachelor’s of Music
in 2016, studying percussion with Professor Roger Braun and
teaching locally in the Athens Community Music School. He was then
offered a Graduate Assistantship at Ohio University, where
Seth pursued the high-level study of jazz, drum set, composition,
and contemporary music. In 2018, he completed his master’s degree
and moved home to Columbus, Ohio.

Seth maintains a strong performing and teaching career with the
community. His latest endeavors are with Julia Neville, the
Largemouth Brass Band, and Wolfmen- all Ohio-native bands that
perform regularly throughout the state. Seth performs and studies
several styles of music, including rock, jazz, pop, country, Latin,
hip-hop, funk, and fusion. He also composes new music that can be
found through Ohio Percussion Publishing. He is excited to join the
Powell and Lewis Center Music Academies and begin molding music
minds!

Layne began studying piano around age 7 and, despite her
aversion to practice, found that it quickly became an essential
part of her life. Layne went on to study music therapy at Eastern
Michigan University with a focus on piano as a primary instrument.
Along the way, she gained experience with acoustic guitar. Now,
Layne is a certified music therapist who has experience working
with children and adults with developmental and intellectual
disabilities and mental illness. When it comes to her lessons,
Layne believes in helping new students of all abilities start
making music right away. With a focus on instilling passion for
music, she uses teaching methods that best match the student she is
working with. She is comfortable teaching adapted lessons to those
who may need a different kind of music education and works with her
students to make sure they are working toward their own goals for
their musical development. Layne is experienced in performing
classical and popular music on piano as well as popular music on
guitar. She is experienced in teaching songwriting to beginners,
the use of voice and guitar or piano simultaneously, and various
improvisation techniques. 

Layne began studying piano around age 7 and, despite her aversion to practice, found that it quickly became an essential part of her life. Layne went on to study music therapy at Eastern Michigan University with a focus on piano as a primary instrument. Along the way, she gained experience with acoustic guitar. Now, Layne is a certified music therapist who has experience working with children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and mental illness. When it comes to her lessons, Layne believes in helping new students of all abilities start making music right away. With a focus on instilling passion for music, she uses teaching methods that best match the student she is working with. She is comfortable teaching adapted lessons to those who may need a different kind of music education and works with her students to make sure they are working toward their own goals for their musical development. Layne is experienced in performing classical and popular music on piano as well as popular music on guitar. She is experienced in teaching songwriting to beginners, the use of voice and guitar or piano simultaneously, and various improvisation techniques. 

Isaac’s passion for music formed early on in his life with piano
lessons beginning at 6. From 2007 onwards, he regularly volunteered
at assisted living homes to provide music for the infirmed, and,
beginning in high school, he received his vendors’ license to act
as a street musician at farmer’s markets. He was also deeply
involved in local concert and jazz bands.
Isaac Wade earned his Bachelor of Arts at Otterbein University
in 2017. While in Otterbein University, he spearheaded Otterbein’s
chapter of FMTA’s (Future Music Teacher’s Association) community
outreach program; a program designed to provide free piano lessons
to students that couldn’t otherwise pay for lessons. All the while
participating heavily in Otterbein’s Classical, Folk, and Jazz
community. After college, he continued to participate in local
community choirs and participating in the Saint Michael’s Church
Choir.
All of these experiences have informed him of two fundamental
ideals regarding music: 1) Anyone can make music if their heart
is in it. 2) Music is supposed to be fun; if it isn’t,
someone’s doing something wrong.

Isaac’s passion for music formed early on in his life with piano lessons beginning at 6. From 2007 onwards, he regularly volunteered at assisted living homes to provide music for the infirmed, and, beginning in high school, he received his vendors’ license to act as a street musician at farmer’s markets. He was also deeply involved in local concert and jazz bands.

Isaac Wade earned his Bachelor of Arts at Otterbein University in 2017. While in Otterbein University, he spearheaded Otterbein’s chapter of FMTA’s (Future Music Teacher’s Association) community outreach program; a program designed to provide free piano lessons to students that couldn’t otherwise pay for lessons. All the while participating heavily in Otterbein’s Classical, Folk, and Jazz community. After college, he continued to participate in local community choirs and participating in the Saint Michael’s Church Choir.

All of these experiences have informed him of two fundamental ideals regarding music: 1) Anyone can make music if their heart is in it. 2) Music is supposed to be fun; if it isn’t, someone’s doing something wrong.

Yuway's a classically
trained pianist and began learning piano when she was four years
old. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Piano Performance in
Malaysia where she grew up. Her passion for music and learning
brought her to study in the States and she later recieved her
Master's from Bowling Green State University and a Doctorate in
Piano Pedagoy from Texas Texh University. Yuway has been teaching
piano for more than 10 years. She has taught students ranging from
ages 4 and up, from the elementary level to the collegiate level
when she was a teaching assistant at Texas Tech where she received
the Helen Devitt Jones Exellence on Teaching Award. She is
comfortable speaking English, Mandarin and Cantonese. 
Yuway primarily enjoys playing classical music like works by
Chopin, Liszt and Beethoven. However, she is also fond of other
styles and comfortable playing and teaching them as well. Yuway
believes that music learning can be an enjoyable process and that
music at every level can be expressive, and fun. While every
student learns differently, they all can benefit from studying
piano, by learning to be persistent and disciplined, and how to
work efficiently. Yuway lives in Columbus with her husband and
energetic 2 year old daughter. 

Samantha Stiner is a Contralto hailing from Philipsburg,
Pennsylvania. She is currently pursing a Doctorate of Musical Arts
at The Ohio State University in Columbus. Previously she has
received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from West Chester
University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Vocal
Performance at the University of Wyoming. With a large, rich voice,
Samantha’s repertoire is diverse, though she has a strong focus on
contemporary works. Recent operatic roles performed include
Florence Pike in Albert Herring, Marcellina in the Marriage of
Figaro, and R.N. in Bluebeard’s Waiting room. In 2016 Samantha
received the Young Artist Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan
Opera National Council Auditions in Denver, Colorado. Her concert
repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and
Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder among many others. Samantha has also
created a name for herself as a recitalist in contemporary music.
Her recital, “Hot off the Press”, has toured nationally and allowed
her to create contacts with many American composers. Most recently
she has been in master classes with composers Lori Laitman, Jake
Heggie, and Libby Larsen. In addition, Samantha has been teaching
private lessons in voice, piano, and guitar for almost decade.
Prior students have gone on to become professional rock and folk
artists, music educators, scholarship recipients, and church
musicians.

Samantha Stiner is a Contralto hailing from Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at The Ohio State University in Columbus. Previously she has received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Wyoming. With a large, rich voice, Samantha’s repertoire is diverse, though she has a strong focus on contemporary works. Recent operatic roles performed include Florence Pike in Albert Herring, Marcellina in the Marriage of Figaro, and R.N. in Bluebeard’s Waiting room. In 2016 Samantha received the Young Artist Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in Denver, Colorado. Her concert repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder among many others. Samantha has also created a name for herself as a recitalist in contemporary music. Her recital, “Hot off the Press”, has toured nationally and allowed her to create contacts with many American composers. Most recently she has been in master classes with composers Lori Laitman, Jake Heggie, and Libby Larsen. In addition, Samantha has been teaching private lessons in voice, piano, and guitar for almost decade. Prior students have gone on to become professional rock and folk artists, music educators, scholarship recipients, and church musicians.

Mercedes began studying violin at age 8 after learning about the
different orchestral instruments during a school assembly - a
surprise to her family, considering there isn’t a musical bone in
their lineage. After studying primarily classical music, Mercedes
discovered her love for contemporary performance and moved to
Boston where she received her Bachelor of Music in Contemporary
Writing and Production from Berklee College of Music. During her
time at Berklee she studied Jazz under Mimi Rabson, traditional
Middle Eastern music under Simon Shaheen, and Contemporary / Pop
under Mike Block. 
After
graduation, she relocated to New York where she performed and
managed projects for commercial advertisements with Antfood, a
renowned music & sound design studio. In April of 2018 she self
released a collection of violin and vocal based compositions
titled “Nothing To Show” under the
moniker Meche. Outside of teaching, Mercedes
spends her time experimenting with various loop & effects
pedals in a constant quest to create new textures and evolve her
sound.