MUSIC
The Fine Arts Assocation
MUSIC
at The Fine Arts Assocation
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StringS
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Brass
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Woodwinds
Piano
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Percussion
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Voice
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From the
Director of Education Michael Lund Ziegler For sixty-two years, music has been the bedrock of The Fine Arts Association. At the organization’s founding, Jim and Louise Savage put their focus on creating opportunities for our local community to have the best musical opportunities right here, in Lake County. Our gaze remains steadfastly on that vision today. The teaching music faculty of The Fine Arts Association are among the best in the region, with years of experience and unparalleled success. At our institution, we pride ourselves on pairing music students with teaching faculty who will inspire student growth, nurture musicality, and provide students the tools they need to reach their full musical potential. Additionally, we are thrilled to offer our students opportunities to experience and learn from masters from throughout the country. Our Guest Artist and Artist in Residence programs bring national talent to our facility annually for performances, masterclasses, and workshops. While these events are open to the public, they are specifically tailored for the students of The Fine Arts Association. Finally, we boast an incredible facility with a 270-seat formal performance hall, an informal gallery performance space, and a multitude of teaching studios and chamber music spaces complete with Steinway pianos. Led by our incredible teaching faculty, The Fine Arts Association is the location for musical learning in Lake County.
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STRINGS
Bella Brandelis , violin • Master’s Degree in Music • More than 50 years’ experience teaching violin, piano, music theory, and music appreciation to children, age preschool to high school and adults. “I truly believe that music lessons can give children more than just the ability to play an instrument. One important lesson is, if one does something regularly, their best every day, a lot can be accomplished.”
Natalia DePoy , violin • Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Spanish; Master’s Degree in Violin Performance, Southeastern Louisiana University. • Career highlight: accompanying Placido Domingo with the Louisiana Symphony Orchestra, accompanying Josh Groban, and being an active freelance musician in New Orleans for around 10 years. “While studying Music, students work through math, linguistic, historical, reading, and /or scientific concepts I incorporate a multi-dimensional approach to educate my students in broad and inclusive ways. The aim is to grow as a violinist and use the instrument as a vehicle to learn other skills.”
Lauren Godfrey , violin • Graduate of Heidelberg University and the Suzuki Violin Training Program at Ithaca College. • Attended a special session at the Cleveland Institute of Music where Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was the guest teacher and continues to teach his repertoire with Suzuki and traditional students. “I love teaching violin to students of all ages. I believe all students can learn to play a musical instrument, reaping the known benefits of musical studies. A positive musical experience enhances their lives in many areas, including critical thinking skills, and a greater appreciation of music and the arts.”
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Carol Linsenmeier , viola/violin • Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education, Ph.D. In Special Education Research • Frequent performer in community orchestras including Lakeland Civic Orchestra and the Ashtabula Orchestra. “Any child can learn to play the violin when their musical development is nurtured by love and respect.”
Melissa Lund Ziegler , viola/violin • Artist Diploma, Ball State University; Master of Music, University of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music • Career highlight: performing chamber music with Schwob School of Music professor Katrin Meidell and former Principal Viola of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Mike Chen. “I believe music is a language innate to humans. With the right guidance, anybody can learn to play music, listen to music, and enjoy music. My job is to help you get where you want to go!”
Liliana Garlisi , harp • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance • Former harpist for Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra “Music should be a fun, rewarding way to enrich students’ lives.”
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STRINGS
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Jonathan “Skip” Edwards , guitar/bass • B.A. in Humanities and Music: The New College of San Francisco • Career highlight: performing “Dream Girls” “Teaching gives me the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experiences to future generations.”
Denny Carleton , guitar/ukulele/song writing • Original music has had 200,000 listens on Internet Radio. • Has played with some of Cleveland’s finest musicians. • Loves to teach from a creative viewpoint, teaching young musicians to improvise.
George Gecik, guitar • Studied classical guitar with Aaron Shearer, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, and attended/performed in Paris master classes with Narcisco Yepes. • Founder and CEO of Special Productions Inc.; supervised and managed 32 plus musicians of varying talent and temperament for over 20 years. Performed personally and booked national acts in regional area covering 5 states. “I love teaching and watching students learn.”
Alfredo Guerrieri , guitar/bass/bass guitar • Master’s Degree: Cleveland State University; Bachelor’s Degree: Berklee College of Music. • Performed with Tony award nominee Mary Bridget Davies at the Bermuda Music Festival “I always try to be flexible with my pedagogy. I like to mix reading with using the ear to learn!”
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BRASS
Bryan DePoy , trumpet • Doctor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University. Noted teachers include the legendary Robert Nagel (formerly of Yale University and the New York Brass Quintet), Charles Gorham (Indiana University), and Allen Dean (Yale University, St. Louis Brass Quintet). • Performed with the renowned New Mexico Brass Quintet and recorded a CD with the group. Was a leading freelancer in New Orleans, Louisiana. “I love helping students achieve levels they never imagined attainable, reaching higher levels of confidence. I use trumpet lessons as a springboard for personal and professional empowerment.”
Matthew Saunders , trombone • DMA, Music Composition: The Ohio State University. • Career Highlight: Performing as soloist in his trombone concerto “Homo Sapiens Trombonesis.” “I find that working with students inspires much of my creative and scholarly work, from original compositions and arrangements, to music theory research, to conducting the Lakeland Civic Orchestra. Seeing music through the eyes of students keeps it fresh and inspiring every semester.”
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WOODWINDS
Judith Elias , flute • B.M.E.: Youngstown State University; Graduate study: Kent State University. Studied flute extensively with Maurice Sharp and Raymond DeMattia. • Career highlight: performing with renowned organist, Todd Wilson at Lake Erie College. • Teaching philosophy: to encourage students to achieve their optimal potential through correct practice techniques while enjoying music. Lessons may include preparation for adjudicated events (contest), and auditions for placement or college.
Melissa Wallace , oboe • M.M: Kent State University; B.M: Baldwin Wallace University • Career highlight: Playing in the pit for “Carousel” at Rabbit Run Theater under the baton of a former Baldwin Wallace classmate. “The best part about teaching for me is getting to watch students grow as musicians and people. My goal as a teacher is to foster an environment where students feel comfortable creating and exploring sound.”
Chuck Baker , clarinet • Graduate of Oberlin College (B.M.) and Case Western Reserve University (M.A.); private student of Robert Marcellus for many years. • High level of professional and amateur clarinet playing partnered with a full career in public school music teaching. • Teaching philosophy: to instill the joy of playing from the initial beginning lesson through the most advanced level using the Bonade/Marcellus technique.
Ed Michaels , saxophone • Master of Music: Northwestern University; student of Dr. Fred Hemke. • Career highlight: the success of his students in Music Performance & Education. “Music is a gift that has the power to bring people together and brighten the world.”
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PIANO
Bella Brandelis • Master’s degree in Music • More than 50 years’ experience teaching violin, piano, music theory, and music appreciation to children, age preschool to high school and adults. “I truly believe that music lessons can give children more than just the ability to play an instrument. One important lesson is, if one does something regularly, their best every day, a lot can be accomplished.”
Liliana Garlisi • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance • Piano competition winner and concerto soloist “Music should be a fun, rewarding way to enrich students’ lives.”
Cliff Habian • International recording artist (Milestone/Fantasy records and also Azica records); majored in composition at CIM (Cleveland Institute of Music); International published author (Jazz Piano Essentials by Jamey Aebersold Jazz) • Has performed or worked with many famous musicians including Dave Brubeck, Trent Reznor, Freddy Cole, Bobby Vinton, Wayne Newton, Dion and many others “A real artist is always real.”
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PIANO
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Sanni Kearns • Master of Arts Degree in Music History and Literature; Suzuki Training Certificate; Certificate in Dalcroze Eurythmics; Bachelor of Music Education Degree with emphasis on piano performance. • Career highlight: Musical collaboration with friends has always been a passion. Whether on stage or in intimate settings, with strings, woodwinds or voice, sharing the joy of music with the world continues to be a thrill. “Piano playing is a life-long skill that supplies fulfillment of creativity, enhancing the nature of human beings. Each student’s needs are unique and are developed specifically, expanding the student’s knowledge and performance. Piano lessons include concentration on mastery of concepts such as interpretation, technique, musical style, expression, note reading and chord mastery. Performance opportunities, recitals, festival performances, and adjudicated contest performances are encouraged.”
Barbara Klonowski • Masters studies: CIM & Peabody Conservatory. Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, 4 year talent scholarship, Miami University. Piano studies with David Bean, Vitya Vronsky, Elizabeth Pastor. Chamber Music at Bowdoin College. CIM Preparatory School. • Memorable experiences: Playing the Davisbundlertanze at Bowdoin College in a program shared with pianist Emmanuel Ax. Performing an art song recital with mezzo Aldona Svedas at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley. “The more worlds and languages we are acquainted with the richer our lives: earth, sea, stars, music, and art. I would like my students to learn as much as they are able and willing to learn about the language of music. The piano is my vehicle. Eyes, ears, hands, brain work together toward musical knowledge and self-expression. Performance, technique, theory, and history are all a part of the equation. Above all, music is sound and is meant to be heard.”
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Feroza LaBonne • LTCL, LRSM Piano Teaching Diplomas from the Trinity College of Music and the Royal Schools of Music, London, U.K.; Master’s in Music Education from CWRU- CIM Joint Program. • Appeared on NPR affiliate in Albany NY, showcasing her prize winning Union College students, titled “Virtuoso Piano Teacher Feroza LaBonne”. “Nothing makes me happier than to see the look of joy on a student’s face when they connect with the exhilarating power of music! I aim to inspire each and every student to reach their full potential via a carefully tailored individualized approach, incorporating artistry with technical skills right from the very beginning. Recitals and exams are encouraged”.
Maryann Messina • Student of: Fine Arts’ founder James Savage, Andrius Kuprevicius, Pat Pace, Ron Smith, and Ms. Barbara Baumgartner; over 35 years of teaching experience • Career highlight: having performed (on piano, keyboards and as a vocalist) and recorded with many talented local musicians from the Cleveland area. “My studio is a place where students’ creativity is valued and nurtured. An individual’s learning style is of the utmost importance. No two people are alike. A sense of community makes music-making even more fun!”
Tim Minnis • D.M.A., Piano Performance • Career highlight: among a number of exciting New York appearances, a recital in the concert hall at the New York Historical Society “It has long been my contention, proven over many years of experience, that all students are capable of playing the piano well and with understanding, and that along with that ability comes a deeper understanding of music and the arts. In an increasingly polarized world, driven more and more by technology, the humanizing effect of music, especially the creation and re-creation of great works of art, can counterbalance much of the brutality of human experience, creating in the process young men and women of empathy and compassion. I can think of no more noble calling than assisting in the formation of such people.”
Marge Syroney • B. M. in Piano Performance: Cleveland Institute of Music; B. S. in Education: University of Akron; M.M. in Education: University of Akron; Certificate in teaching Suzuki Piano; Certificate in Orff Schulwerk: Cleveland State University • Many students have continued their musical studies and have become music teachers in schools and performers, teachers, and composers of church music. • Currently, she teaches piano at Fine Arts and the Mentor Senior Center. Also, a member of the Music Ministry at St. John Vianney, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
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PERCUSSION
Evan Mitchell • Studied with Richard Weiner, Principal Percussionist of the Cleveland Orchestra at the Cleveland Institute of Music. • Performs frequently with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and the Buffalo and Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestras. • Teaching philosophies stem from Nigerian drummer Tony Allen. “To be the best means you have to find a way to put something on the road, create something that wasn’t there, for other people to learn from.”
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VOICE
Lauren Feola • Master of Music, Vocal Performance • Career highlight: being chosen to sing abroad at an Italian military base “Learning music is a process of discovering; accordingly, our body, soul, and mind benefit from these discoveries.”
Bob Godfrey • Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance: Kent State University. • Has performed in numerous shows in a variety of local venues highlighted by a supporting role in Cleveland Opera’s production of “Die Fledermaus” in the State Theatre in Playhouse Square, and the lead role in the world premiere of a new musical, “Tuning In” in E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron. “After a performance, I have always loved to see my students proudly smiling with satisfaction realizing that their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence really carried them to success in this instance.”
Darryl Lewis • Master of Music: Kent State University; Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance: Mercyhurst College • Has sung with the Chautauqua Opera, Michigan Opera, and Rome Festival Opera • Takes pride in helping students find their own voice through the performing arts
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VOICE
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Phyllis Speirs • BA in Vocal Performance: Kent State University; continued studies at CIM and CSU. Studied with Dr. Faulks and Dr. William Martin, designated singer for the Cleveland Orchestra. Sang under Robert Shaw, and Louis Lane, Bob Page with the Cleveland Opera, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and Orchestra. • Career highlights include travels with the Cleveland Orchestra to Europe, the Pablo Casals Festival in San Juan, The Dominican Republic, and Carnegie Hall, and her debut as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra in a concert version of “Madame Butterfly”. “I believe the ultimate for any successful professional is to pass on your skill/technique to others who have the same passion. My philosophy is to teach a student how to sing, a concept that the body sings for you is a specific technique called diaphragmatic – costal breath control. This kind of training will allow you to sing any genre.”
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The Fine Arts Assocation Guided by our values of of Equity, Integrity, Growth, and Community The Fine Arts Association seeks to Create and Discover Beauty to foster a Community Empowered by the Arts.
38660 Mentor Ave. Willoughby, OH 44094 440-951-7500 FineArtsAssociation.org