Linda Allen has been with The Music Settlement for over forty years and served as Registrar from 1978-2012. She previously was a music instructor for the Cleveland Public Schools Supplementary Center for 9 years, and also taught theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music and CWRU.

She earned her BM and MM degrees in composition at CIM, where her major teachers were Arthur Loesser, piano and Marcel Dick, composition. She received many scholarships and awards, including the CIM Bloch Award and the Aspen Music Festival composition prize.

A former long time member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and the Robert Page Singers, she is currently organist and choir director at St. James Anglican Catholic Church. She is also a member of the keyboard/percussion section of the Lakeside Summer Symphony and the Cleveland Women's orchestra.

Ms. Deon Bennie graduated for Hiram College with a Bachelor's Degree in Financial Accounting and has worked in the Accounting field for many years. She has sang in a choir since childhood and currently enjoys singing in the SEUCC (South Euclid United Church of Christ) Vine Choir. She also loves baking, putting puzzles together, listening to audio books and spending time with family.

Rachel has more than 25 years of teaching in both traditional and Suzuki cello methods, and in teaching general music to young children. She is certified in Suzuki cello books 1 through 10 and completed her practicum studies in 2012.

In addition to her extensive Suzuki method training, Rachel is certified in level 1 of the Orff Schulwerk method for children and is trained in the Music Together¨ early childhood music program.

After moving to Cleveland in 1998, Rachel became a member of "The Strings" chamber group with members of the Cleveland Orchestra, and has performed as a free-lance musician. Ms. Bernstein's teachers include members of the Boston Symphony at the Tanglewood Institute and Anne Cole of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rachel performed in a master class with the late Mistislav Rostropovich and as principal cellist under the baton of Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Institute. She has also performed with composer and pianist Marc Neikrug as part of the Santa Fe Chamber Music series and Grammy award winner Marc Doss in recital at The Music Settlement.

Education

Mrs. Binder received her Bachelor's degree in Individual and Family Studies from Kent State University in 1997. She has worked as an early childhood educator and social worker within various organizations throughout Cleveland. Mrs. Binder enjoys all genres of music and singing. She began working at The Music Settlement in 2020

Hannah Bohn, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist who joined the Music Settlement team in August 2023. Hannah graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. Hannah completed her internship at Park Nicollet Healthcare in Minneapolis, Minnesota working in hospice, cancer care, and a level 1 trauma facility. Throughout her clinical experience, Hannah has worked in a wide range of settings such as mental health programs, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and residential facilities for adults with disabilities.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, crocheting, baking, and spending time in nature. Hannah frequently goes on hikes and enjoys exploring her hometown of Cleveland. She loves the beautiful and diverse music and food scene of Cleveland and is always proud and enthusiastic to be a part of it.

Dave grew up in NorthEast Ohio and has a lot of pride for the region. After obtaining his Bachelor's in Social Work at Champlain College in Burlington Vermont, then his Masters of Science in Social Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University, he began his professional career at the Community Foundation of Lorain County. His duties there included administrative support and reviewing grant applications.

It was his experience while migrating the Foundation's paper-based grant application processes to a cloud-based software system which led him to a brief stint in the for-profit world, at AmpliFund, where he enjoyed training staff of nonprofit and government entities across the country to utilize grants management software to more efficiently and effectively manage their grants portfolios.

He returned to the nonprofit sector to fulfill his personal and professional desire to serve the region's communities - in his most recent career chapters he worked with the Sisters of Charity Health System & Cleveland Public Library, in executive assistant & project coordination capacities at both. With music being one of his greatest loves in life, he is excited to align that love with the mission and services of The Music Settlement.

Dave has one dog and in his free time likes to explore nature, play video & board games, get together with family & friends, and watch Cleveland's sports teams.

Jeff Brown serves as Chair of the Center for Music and brings to The Music Settlement a diverse background as a performer, educator, and administrator. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, where he earned the Performer’s Certificate, the Master of Music, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. He studied with Natalya Antonova and served as her teaching assistant, and his early training was with Jane Allen at the University of Missouri.

He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a solo recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist with orchestras. He was a prizewinner in the Kosciuszko Chopin Competition, the Eastman Concerto Competition, and the Kneisel German Lieder Competition, and he was a recipient of the Artist Presentation Society Award of St. Louis. He has been on the collaborative piano faculty of the American Institute of Musical Studies in Austria, La Musica Lirica International Music Festival in Italy, and the DaXia Vocal Arts Festival in China.

Prior to joining The Music Settlement, he served for many years on the faculty at Western Illinois University as Professor of Piano and Director of the School of Music. He is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association and other organizations committed to community engagement and education, and he has presented masterclasses and lectures at universities and conservatories throughout the United States.

Education

Kate Burleigh has worked with children, others and her own, for the past two decades. When she is not enjoying time with kids, Kate loves to read, be with friends and family and practice her ukulele. Kate is a believer in good humor and lifelong learning.

Savanna Butcher (soprano), of Jane Lew, West Virginia, is a recent graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music where she received her Master of Music degree, studying with Dr. Mary Schiller. Applauded for her “sparkling high notes” and “silvery legato line”, Savanna has studied and performed the role of Young Alyce in American composer Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied, excerpts from the role of Madame Herz in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor, and Soeur Katherine in Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites. Savanna recently made her international debut, starring inNo String Theatre’s presentation of The Magic Flute as Pamina in Toronto, Ontario. In 2022, on the big island of Hawaii, she sang excepts from the role of Mabel in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance and was additionally in the featured quartet in Hawaii Performing Arts Festival’s production of Orpheus in the Underworld. Savanna finds joy in workshopping and premiering newly composed works by local up-and-coming composers, such as the role of Virginia in Gabe Stossel’s micro-opera, Sylvia, and Dr. David Taddie’s chamber orchestra piece, “Ghost House”. As a multi-faceted and passionate musician, Savanna received her dual bachelor’s degree in music education and music composition from West Virginia University (2021), where she wrote and premiered 10 original compositions one of which was premiered in Vienna, Austria as part of the Vienna Summer Music Festival. Savanna began her teaching career early and has continued to be an active teacher in the community, across Ohio and West Virginia.

Education

Mrs. Clouser had a rock-n-roll start, playing electric bass in rock bands. Her love of all music ultimately brought her to classical orchestral performance and the passion of instilling the love of music to others through music education.

Mrs. Clouser received her BM from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City studying with Orin O’Brien and continued with graduate studies at the Julliard School and ultimately received her MM from McGill University in Montreal.

Nicole is an active freelancer, performer and educator in the Cleveland area regularly performing with the Cleveland Pops and is devoted to teaching instrumental music at Shaker Heights Middle School and Woodbury Elementary in Shaker Heights, OH. She has performed with orchestras across the country as well as engagements at Blossom Music Center.

When she is not doing musical “things” she is hanging out with her family and wielding another bow in tournament archery.

Education

Dominick Chicotel has been facilitating structured dramatic play at The Music Settlement since 2015, and has been working with children ages 3-13 for over twenty years. He graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts, and moved to the Cleveland area shortly after. Dominick then spent two years working for the Great Lakes Theater residency program. Dominick then received a Master's degree in Education from Ursuline College, and began running his own classrooms. Dominick has also directed countless theater productions for children ages 5-13 throughout the greater Cleveland area.

Alysa Cielo began at The Music Settlement in 2017, while doing her student teaching. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Cielo enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and planning meaningful, fun experiences to promote development in the children in her classroom.

Nikki brings to The Music Settlement an established background in customer service, program coordination, and education. Her varied career includes tenures with several international organizations and non-profits, including Give Kids The World, Hilton Worldwide, and The Walt Disney Company.

As a musician, Nikki performed with Encore! Cast Performing Arts at the Walt Disney World Resort, where she sang in charity concerts and performed alongside Jackie Evancho as part of the 2010 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC. She also has experience as a professional teaching artist in both theatrical and visual arts.

A Cleveland native and avid volunteer, Nikki is passionate about baking, board games, and spending time with her family. She is now also a proud TMS parent as her daughter attends preschool at The Music Settlement.

Education

Violinist Jennifer Cluggish is a registered violin teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and began teaching Suzuki in 2005.

Ms. Cluggish has held positions on the faculty of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, Miami University of Oxford Ohio, and Washington Conservatory of Music in Washington D.C. She also served as the director of the Cincinnati Suzuki School in Cincinnati, Ohio from 2006-2016.

Her pedagogy training includes Suzuki books 1-7 with Doris Preucil, Ed Kreitman, Michelle George, and Nancy Jackson. Additional pedagogy studies include courses with Mimi Zweig at Jacob’s School of Music, Kurt Sussmanshaus at the College-Conservatory of Music, and Rebecca Henry at the Peabody School of Music. Ms. Cluggish is also experienced in the Paul Rolland method, Music Mind Games theory curriculum, and Musikgarten early childhood classes.

In addition, Ms. Cluggish is a freelance musician and performs with the West Virginia Symphony, Richmond Symphony, and Huntington Symphony. Ms. Cluggish’s other projects include performing chamber music for weddings and other events.

Education

Emily joins The Music Settlement with over twenty years of experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, admission and marketing in both higher education and the non-profit sector. She joins us from Cleveland Play House (CPH) where within her role as Acting Director of Development, led the development team, and as Philanthropic Advisor, developed relationships with individual and major donors.

Prior to her work at CPH, she was the Director of Alumni Engagement at Oberlin College where she led a team tasked with regional and career-related programming, alumni and affinity programming, board cultivation and collaboration, volunteer engagement nationally, and class and affinity-based fundraising. Throughout her career she has also worked at institutions such as Cleveland State University, Hiram College, The Civic Commons, Case Western Reserve University and Albion College.

Emily grew up in Kent, Ohio and enjoys giving back. She finds much joy and fulfillment in building relationships professionally across greater Cleveland. Her current non-profit work includes service on the boards for the Collective Arts Network (CAN) Journal board and the Women’s Leadership Conference of NEO advisory board. She also enjoys mentorship as a College Now mentor. Emily is passionate about Cleveland, arts and culture, and serving her community through work at arts-centric non-profit organizations.

Education

Patty Console, MT-BC is a retired music therapist from the Center for Music Therapy. She began working at The Music Settlement in 2006. She received her teacher training in Suzuki Piano, Book 1 in 2016 and began accepting beginning piano students within a music therapy context. She now teaches beginning piano students in the Center for Music.

Education

Elissa Davis graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor in Science of Education.

Teaching has always been her passion and dream career when she was a kid. She was a student teacher and a sub at TMS before being hired full time.

When not teaching she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends

Ms. Monica Dieter started as a parent at The Music Settlement and now teaches Morning Preschool in Ohio City. She has a degree from Kent State, 8 years’ experience in early childhood education, and a strong Montessori background. In her spare time, you can find her and her daughters sipping coffee and chocolate milk at Rising Star with a stack of good books or playing in the Metroparks!

Lauren DiFranco is currently attending Cleveland State University and is part of the undergraduate P-5 Early Childhood Education program. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher as she grew up watching her late father teach at the high school she later attended. Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, babysitting, and working on various art projects in her spare time.

I began teaching with The Music Settlement in 2021. I have a background in art and performance, so my focus is on creation and dramatic play with children. I believe that we learn best while having fun and find that being surrounded by creative & unique little ones provides endless joy and inspiration.

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Dara is the mother of 3 young men. She has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood .

She is grateful to join the TMS family, sharing her gifts and heart with amazing little humans and their families.

Melanie Emig is a Suzuki piano instructor and music educator. Raised in a musical family, she realized at an early age that music was her life's passion. She began studying Suzuki piano at the age of three and continued on to study voice and flute.

A graduate from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in vocal performance, Melanie performed with early music groups Apollo's Fire, Quire Cleveland and with Trinity Cathedral Chamber Choir. In 2018, she was a part of the world premiere of Cenk Ergun's FORMARE performed at the Cleveland Museum of Art. In 2019, she curated her first show entitled "SAMPLES" with the organization Fresh Perspectives.

As an educator, Melanie models her instruction after Dr. Suzuki's belief that we "should strive to deeply instill a beautiful, sensitive heart and splendid ability in children, believing that every child can develop into an adult who has these basic characteristics." She believes in fostering good habits and advocating for healthy, efficient, and intuitive playing.

Education

Ms. Kellee Etheridge earned a degree in business management from University of Phoenix in 2014. She has been with The Music Settlement for 22 years. Kellee is also a personal chef with her own event planning and catering service. Kellee enjoys spending time with family and friends when she has free time.

Education

A scholarship student of Lithuanian pianist Andrius Kuprevicius, Patti Evans earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Cleveland State University. Further certifications in child brain development, significant experience with Dorothy Taubman’s groundbreaking approach to piano technique, 20+ years of homeschooling, and her respect for family culture give her exceptional pedagogical insight.

Patti is an active member of NE-OMTA (Northeast Ohio Music Teachers Association), OFMC (Ohio Federation of Music Clubs), and coordinates the Jr. Fortnightly Musical Club of Cleveland. Her award-winning students regularly participate in festivals, recitals, workshops, masterclasses, and competitions. She is on the piano faculty at Lorain County Community College and joined The Music Settlement in 1992. Her studio accepts students as young as age four.

Education

Amy Fischer, through her career, has worked with children from ages 3 to 13. She finds Early Childhood to be a true joy as they are the most honest humans. It’s a gift to be part of a child’s educational journey.

Darren Frate has been playing bass for more than 35 years, including 15 as a teacher. He specializes in electric bass, music theory, and ensembles. He has toured and played with a variety of national acts, including Herman's Hermits ("I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am"), Dickey Betts from the Allman Brothers ("Ramblin' Man"), Gary Lewis and the Playboys ("This Diamond Ring"), Mitch Ryder ("Devil With a Blue Dress On"), Ian Hunter ("Cleveland Rocks"), Gerald Levert ("Casanova"), and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Darren has also recorded several CDs with his own folk and jazz groups. The latest release by his current group, Velvet Voyage, features legendary jazz guitarist Mike Stern, known for his work with Miles Davis.

Education

Clare graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with young children in home, school, and daycare settings for many years and has lived in Cleveland since 2002.

Ms. Sandy Gasper has been working in the childcare field since 1996, obtaining her Associate's Degree from Lakeland Community College and Bachelor’s of Education from Lake Erie College. She has worked with children aged infant through middle school with various positions as a teacher, summer camp supervisor, and multiple disability assistant. She has worked as a preschool teacher at The Music Settlement since October of 2018. When not working with children she enjoys spending time with her family on beach vacations or attending concerts.

Ann began her musical studies on piano at age 8. At age 11, she continued piano studies with Marianne Mastics and began string bass studies with George Wisneskey. In high school, she studied string bass with Harry Barnoff at The Cleveland Music School Settlement (dba "The Music Settlement"). She also studied string bass with David Perlman, principal bass for The Cleveland Orchestra and John Schaeffer, principal bass for the New York Philharmonic.

Her classical performance résumé includes appointments as principal bass with the Symphonic Orchestra of the State of Mexico in Toluca, Mexico, assistant principal bass with the Oregon Symphony in Portland, Oregon, and in the Symphonic Orchestra of Seville, Spain.

She has played in orchestras backing up Kenny Rogers, Scott Hamilton, Kenny Loggins, Roger Daltry, Luciano Pavarotti, Jewel, Dennis DeYoung, the Three Tenors, Andrea Bocelli and the Moody Blues.

Ann has taught music at public and private institutions throughout Northeast Ohio. She currently plays principal bass with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra and is a member of the Firelands Symphony.

Education

McKenna Glorioso is a violinist, violist, and music educator based in Cleveland. McKenna has two degrees in Violin Performance: a Bachelor of Music from McGill University and a Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. They studied Suzuki Pedagogy with Kimberly Meier-Sims at the Cleveland Institute of Music and received additional pedagogy instruction from Prof. Andre Roy at McGill University. Although their primary instrument is violin, McKenna enjoys playing many instruments including the piano, electric bass, and theremin.

McKenna worked as a Teaching Artist in Rainey Institute’s El Sistema program from 2018 - 2022, which fostered a belief in accessible music education for all and a deep connection to the Cleveland community. Along with teaching in the El Sistema program, McKenna also worked in Rainey’s Development office as the organization’s Grants Manager, through which they expanded and diversified funding for Rainey’s programs and operations.

As a performer, McKenna is a violinist in the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Principal 2nd Violin of the Suburban Symphony. They also play frequently with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Blue Water Chamber Orchestra, Firelands Symphony, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and Cleveland Opera Theatre. In 2023, McKenna joined the national tour for “Our Planet: Live in Concert,” performing over 50 shows and traveling to over 30 states in just three months. McKenna also founded and manages Ensemble Mercury, a string quartet that plays for events around Northeast Ohio.

Finally, McKenna made their debut as a composer in 2023 through Maelstrom Collaborative Arts’ Cadre showcase. Along with their collaborators, they curated, presented, and performed in the work “Human/Nature,” an interactive art, music, and dance installation.

Education

Kathy Grau has been at The Music Settlement since 2009! She supports children and families in Early Childhood daily with a warm greeting and keen sense of play. She enjoys all things green, spending time with family, and watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Robert performs a wide range of solo, chamber, and concerto repertoire. Accomplishments include touring the eastern United States and Europe with The Cleveland Orchestra, performing Mahler's Symphony No. 7 under the direction of Franz Welser-Most. He has earned several first prizes in national guitar competitions. He received the 2007 Distinguished Alumni award from Grand Valley State University, and has released two compact discs titled "Robert Gruca Classical Guitar" and "Handel - Arrangements for Guitar."

In addition to performing, Robert Gruca is a highly motivated and dedicated guitar instructor. Robert recently completed Every Child Can! and Guitar Unit 1 of the Suzuki Method of music instruction.

Together with TMS faculty flutist Linda White, Robert performs as part of the Gruca White Ensemble (www.grucawhiteensemble.com), an ensemble-in-residence at The Music Settlement. Their debut CD, "A Different Take," was released on November 13, 2020.

Education

Anna Grudskaya is a classically-trained pianist and pedagogue. Winner of Santa Clara University's Concerto/Aria Competition, Van Waynen Piano Competition, and the 2017 Hartt Chamber Music Competition, Dr. Grudskaya has performed in concert halls in the United States and abroad. Festival appearances have included the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria; International Keyboard Institute and Festival; Aspen Music Festival; and Beijing International Music Festival and Academy. Grudskaya has earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts at The Hartt School, as well as degrees from Mannes College, New York University, and Santa Clara University. Having completed Suzuki Teacher Training at The School for Strings, Grudskaya's approach to teaching includes a unique blend of both traditional and Suzuki methods. Aside from her work at The Music Settlement, she serves as piano instructor at The Hartt School Community Division and summer piano faculty at Interlochen Arts Camp.

Education

Classrooms attend Library once each week, for story-time and an understanding of how a library works.

Mrs. Guilmette joined The Music Settlement in 2002 as a substitute teacher in Early Childhood. After years of supporting Preschool and Day School classrooms as well as the Early Childhood office, Donna began her current role as Library Specialist in the fall of 2010. Her daughter also attended TMS as a preschooler.

Donna will work with classroom teachers to develop ways to best introduce literature and literacy to each class. This may involve traditional story times both in the library and in the classroom as well as literacy activities and activities related to using the resources available in a library.

Donna welcomes input regarding the resources we purchase for our library. If your family has a specific book that introduces cultural traditions which you think would be an asset to our library, please let her know.

Stephan Haluska is a harpist, composer, arranger, and improviser whose music spans from classical and traditional, to jazz, pop, and experimental. Stephan attempts to expand the harp beyond its preconceived notions and stereotypes, creating new roles and opportunities for the instrument. He examines the harp’s unique textural, harmonic, and percussive qualities. He focuses on including non-traditional harp techniques, adding preparations and tools, and explores harp sounds only possible through the use of electronic effects pedals and computer processing.

Stephan holds an MFA in Harp Performance with a concentration in Improvisation from Mills College in Oakland, CA where he studied with Zeena Parkins, Roscoe Mitchell, Fred Frith, and Karen Gottlieb. Stephan received his BA in Music Theory and Composition from Bowling Green State University where he studied with Mikel Kuehn, Elainie Lillios, and Chris Dietz. Stephan grew up in the Cleveland area where studied harp with longtime TMS harp teacher, Jocelyn Chang. Stephan releases original music for solo harp and with collaborative groups under his own name.

Stephan has been with The Music Settlement since 2017 where he teaches private harp students, group harp outreach classes, and group Suzuki music theory. He performs as a soloist and collaborator at venues around the Cleveland area, including several performances at BOP STOP at The Music Settlement.

Education

Faye Hargate has over 15 years of experience teaching youth and working with children and families. With a background in theatre arts, community programming, and library story-times, Faye infuses her classes with creativity, exploration, and teamwork. She is a Cleveland native and loves hiking, painting, and spending time with her family exploring the sights of the city.

Jessie Hattier moved to Cleveland in 2000 to obtain her M.S. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University. Since graduation she has been working in the sciences, and has had the opportunity to teach people of all ages and backgrounds. Her greatest and most challenging job to date has been raising two highly inquisitive daughters. They have led her to her true passion for teaching young children.

Cleveland native Helen Hawersaat picked up the cello at age four and has been playing (and participating in events at TMS!) ever since. She has completed training in all units of the Suzuki method, and is committed to personalized, holistic teaching. She fully believes that any willing child or adult can learn to make music.

A student of Richard Aaron, she graduated maxima cum laude from the University of Michigan School of Music in 2017. She began teaching at The Music Settlement in 2018 as an outreach instructor and a private teacher. She has also taught at the Toledo Symphony School of Music and the Avon School of Music.

Helen is also active as a chamber musician in the Cleveland area. She regularly coordinates and performs music for concerts, weddings, and other events, and recently has appeared on the BrownBag Concert Series at Trinity Cathedral in 2021 and 2022, in the CityMusic Cleveland 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Pantheon Ensemble, and on The Music Settlement’s Signature Series in 2019. She and harpist Celisa Gutierrez released their debut album, Immaculate Heart, in 2018.

Education

Karen Heitlinger has worked in early childhood at The Music Settlement since 1999. She was initially a classroom instructor and in 2005 moved into the role of Administrator of the Preschool/Day School programs. In 2014, Karen was named Chair of the Center for Early Childhood.

She is a Registered Art Therapist and holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Ursuline College, and Bachelor’s degrees in Child Psychology and Art Education from The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Karen has more than 20 years' experience working with children in a variety of roles; As a classroom instructor, an art therapist, and as a director of expressive arts programs for children and families at Ursuline College and Ruffing Montessori’s summer camp. Children’s joy is what draws her to the field of early childhood: the thrill of discovery, the wonder of new experience, and the honesty of new challenges. She is dedicated to being a resource to children, families, and educators.

Education

Megan joined TMS in June, 2024 as Human Resources Manager. With many years of experience in varied settings, she is excited to return to a non-profit organization, which is where her career began. Recently she has assisted national and global companies in human resources business partnership roles. She is an attorney and SHRM certified HR professional, with experience in compliance and advising organizations on employment matters.

Education

Glenn Holmes, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has performed as a guest soloist both in the classical and jazz idioms. He is a former member of the Wichita Symphony and a published composer. He is also a past member of the Jazz faculty of Wichita State, Friends University and Cleveland State University.

Performances have been with Benny Golson, Sean Jones, Doc Cheatum, Earl Warren, Jerry Hahn, Richie Cole, Charlie Rouse, Andy Narell, Keith Copeland, Eddie Daniels, Steve Houghton, Don Braden, Joe Williams, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Watson, Frank Mantooth, Dennis Wilson, Benny Bailey, Ignacio Beroa, Uhron Israel, Robin Eubanks, Vanessa Rubin, Antonio Hart, James Newton, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, Javon Jackson, Charlie Haden, Russell Malone, Cindy Blackman-Santana, the Jazz Heritage Orchestra and others.

Currently, Glenn has his own quartet and works as a freelance bassist. He is currently on the faculty of The Music School Settlement (Cleveland, OH).

Education

Brandy Hudelson is a dedicated educator and accomplished artist, an internationally renowned flutist, chamber musician, and composer. As a classical flutist, Brandy has performed on the stages of esteemed orchestras such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, CityMusic Cleveland, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and many others.

She also performs throughout the U.S. with her pioneering wind trio The Aurea Silva Trio. The trio has commissioned and premiered several new works, including award winning composer Patrick Harlin’s Dead Reckoner and Michael Schachter’s Trio for Flute, Bassoon, and Piano.

Brandy has a wide range of teaching experience, having served on the faculties of Oakland University and Interlochen Arts Camp, leading workshops and flute festivals, and teaching students of all ages. She enjoys working with students on their own unique paths and helping them enjoy playing the flute to the fullest. She is equally at home teaching beginner and intermediate students, adult amateurs, university-level students, professionals, and working on college audition preparation.

Brandy is also widely known as a beatbox flutist and composer. Her popular works are performed all over the world and have earned the distinction of First Prize in the National Flute Association Newly Composed Music Competition Solo Flute and Chamber Music categories.

Brandy holds a B.M. in performance from Michigan State University, a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, and a Certificate in Advanced Flute Studies from Carnegie Mellon University where she studied with Jeanne Baxtresser.

When Brandy is not performing and teaching, she spends time with her husband and daughter, and enjoys gardening, foraging, making fermented foods, and cooking.

Education

Christopher Jenkins, Associate Dean for Academic Support at Oberlin Conservatory, is an educator, administrator, and performing violist. At Oberlin, he is a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Conservatory Liaison to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. He was Deputy Director and professor of viola and violin at the Barenboim-Said Foundation in Ramallah, West Bank, from 2013-14, and served as Dean of the Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA), the Sphinx Organization’s summer music program for minority youth, for seven years. In 2005, he was a laureate of the Sphinx Competition. Through a Curriculum Diversification Grant from the American Society for Aesthetics, in 2017 Mr. Jenkins published an annotated bibliography of works pertaining to African-American participation in the field of classical music, and presents on issues of diversity within classical music.

In 2011, Mr. Jenkins earned a master's degree from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, focusing on the study of human rights and conflict resolution. His international engagement has included performances and teaching in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Israel, China, Colombia, and South Africa, including a performance with the Jordan National Symphony at the World Heritage Site of Petra in 2016. In the summer of 2017, he served as a guest artist and teacher at the Afghan National Institute of Music in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is currently earning a DMA in viola performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a PhD in Historical Musicology from Case Western Reserve, where his work focuses on the music of African-American composers. His teachers have included Lynne Ramsey, Michael Tree, Martha Katz, Karen Dreyfus, Karen Ritscher, Michelle LaCourse, and Carol Rodland. Previous alma maters include Harvard University, New England Conservatory, and the Manhattan School of Music.

Education

Jessica Matoney Johnson began teaching at The Music Settlement in 2012. She graduated from Notre Dame College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood. She arrived at TMS with two years of teaching experience at a inclusion preschool. Mrs. Johnson enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves learning and experiencing new things with the children in her classroom.

Seth L Johnson is an established guitarist, a passionate composer and dedicated educator of all ages and skill levels. Born in Buffalo, NY, and raised in Cleveland, he began playing and experimenting with guitars at age 10. Largely self-taught, Seth has had the opportunity to share the stage or record with diverse and noteworthy artists such as Pharoah Monch, Jean Grae, Camp Lo, Andy Allo, Mob Deep, and countless others. His festival performances have taken him to Rotterdam, Singapore, and Morrocco.

Johnson grasps and interprets a well-rounded, expansive scope of musical genres. He plays Jazz, Western Classical, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Peruvian, Brazilian, African, Country, Funk, Bosa Nova, Hip Hop, and any popular North American styles. From free improvised music, to Rock, to Jazz standards, he will have fun with all of it, taking the music as far as his body allows.

Education

Arthur Kane joined The Music Settlement's faculty in 1973. Since 1990 he has been Head of the Piano Department, and teaches piano, harpsichord, and organ. He has been Director of The Music Settlement's Piano Camp since its inception in 2001. He has performed widely in the U.S. and Europe, including his own compositions. Arthur is the Director of Music and Liturgy at Our Lady of Hope in Bedford, OH, and has served as the organist at synagogues around Greater Cleveland.

Education

I am in my 6th year teaching at The Music Settlement. This year I am teaching Kindergarten in Ohio City. I have been teaching early childhood for over 20 years. I enjoy reading, cooking and the beach! I am a mom to a beautiful daughter, who is attending Kent State, and we have a little dog, Teddy!

Cleveland native Bryan Kennard is a composer and flutist who has written works for a variety of settings, including big band, classical and jazz chamber ensembles, and full orchestra. Bryan has taught courses in jazz, composition, and arranging at Youngstown State University and the University of Miami, and he is an active performer throughout Northeast Ohio. He received a DMA in Jazz Composition from the Univ. of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where he served as Coordinator/Composition Fellow with the Henry Mancini Institute. He also holds degrees from the Univ. of Texas at Austin (MM), Youngstown State Univ. (MM), and Mercyhurst Univ. (BM). He has studied jazz composition and arranging with Gary Lindsay, Stephen Guerra, John Daversa, John Mills, and Dave Morgan.

Dina Khudayberdieva learned her first piano piece at the age of six years. After completing her degree, she began teaching piano in the Preparatory Department of the Tashkent Conservatory. For 20 years, Dina specialized in preparing students for competitions and conservatory auditions. She was a laureate and prize winner of many national piano competitions, and performed regularly as a soloist with the Uzbekistan Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently, Dina teaches at The Music Settlement and serves as a choir director at the Reformation Lutheran Church. She was also a faculty member of the Cleveland Institute of Music where she taught for 9 years. Dina's students perform in many annual recitals, participate in music festivals, Buckeye Auditions, Cleveland State University recitals, and have competition opportunities throughout the year.

Education

I am thrilled to be in my 16th year as a teacher with The Music Settlement (TMS). My current favorite role is being your child's Social Emotional Learning teacher. I also support teachers as an Intervention Specialist when our little one's feelings get big and confusing. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Marquette University. My five grown children are TMS alumni and often come back to visit me, my husband, and my furry pal, Luna, in Cleveland Heights.

Ok-Sim Nam Kim has been a member of The Music Settlement's voice faculty since 1990. Her opera roles include Violetta (La Traviata), Micaela (Carmen), and Gilda (Rigoletto). She taught music at Kangwoon High School, Seoul, Korea for ten years. Ok-Sim won the first prize at a contest for music teachers sponsored by Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea. She is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon. She has served as Soloist for the Fairmount Presbyterian Church choir, Cleveland Heights; Conductor, Euclid Lutheran Church choir; and has directed and conducted the choir for Temple Israel Ner Tamid in Mayfield Heights since 2000. Ok-Sim has been a member of Governing Council of the Arts Song Festival since 2007.

Education

Marsha Croskey Kincade is an oboist and music educator. She has taught private lessons for over a decade and has also coached middle school and high school double reed sectionals. Marsha is the principal oboe of the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra and also performs yearly with Winds of the Mountain Empire in Big Stone Gap, VA. Her primary teachers are Tedrow Perkins, Jacqueline Leclair, and Lynne Mangan.

Throughout her career, she has taught in a variety of classroom settings in Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia schools. This includes teaching elementary general music, elementary strings, and elementary, middle, and high school band. At The Music Settlement, Marsha serves as an instructor for private lessons and Music Safari Camp. She also serves as the director for Magnifi-Pops, a pop orchestra outreach program at Magnificat High School.

Along with her work at The Music Settlement, she is also the music and band teacher at Our Lady of Angels School. Marsha has also served as an instructor for Single Reed Pedagogy and Double Reed and Flute Pedagogy at Case Western Reserve University.

Along with teaching, she has presented sessions at professional development conferences and presented research at state and national level conferences. She is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, The National Association for Music Education, the International Double Reed Society, and the National Band Association.

Education

Julie Myers King, cellist, is a member of the Akron Symphony, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony (and serves as Personnel Manager), the Blossom Festival Orchestra, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and often performs with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, as well as at Playhouse Square and the Cleveland Playhouse.

Ms. King has been on the faculty of The Music Settlement since 1993. She holds degrees in cello performance from Indiana University and Louisiana State University. She is an active freelancer in the Northeast Ohio area, and spent thirteen winters as the Assistant Principal Cellist of the Sarasota Opera Orchestra as well as seven summers participating in The Spoleto Festival. She is the cellist with The Athena Quartet and she has also performed as baroque cellist with the Cleveland Camerata and the Case Western Reserve Baroque Orchestra.

Ms. King has played with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart, Paul Shaffer, The Three Tenors, Clay Aiken, Sarah Brightman, Dennis DeYoung, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Roberta Flack, Don Henley and Mannheim Steamroller. In addition, she can be heard on the Albany Record label as well as the soundtrack for the movie, “Across the Universe,” and seen on the HBO special “The 2012 Rock Hall Inductions.” She resides in Cleveland Heights with her husband Richard, their children Charlie and Amelia, and their dog, Ernie.

Education

Paul Kirk has been playing bowed string instruments since 1980 and has been teaching them privately in classroom settings and workshop formats since 1988. He studied music theory, composition, music education, music history, and musicology at Cleveland State University. While at CSU, Paul played violas da gamba, krummhorns, and recorders in early music ensembles. He was a founding member of Good Company: A Vocal Ensemble and has founded many of his own bands over the years including A Hundred Thousand Welcomes Celtic Ensemble, Knives and Forks English Country Dance Ensemble, and Down the Road Old-Time String Band. He has composed over 500 folk tunes in a variety of styles.

Paul has closely studied the music of Appalachia, the history of American old-time fiddling, source fiddlers, as well as the social aspects of the music. Since July 1, 2018, he has been creating and sharing videos each Sunday through his Old-Time Tune of the Week series on YouTube. Paul puts a great focus on fiddle bowing patterns and techniques and has devised practical methods for teaching with excellent results. One of his specialties is teaching old-time fiddle to crossover students, especially those coming from a background in classical violin and other musical traditions.

In 2022, Paul was designated as a master old-time fiddler and received a Traditional Arts grant from the Ohio Arts Council to work with an apprentice of his choice.

Paul taught viola, choir, music history, and assisted with drama and art for ten consecutive summers at orchestra and fine arts camps for The Music Settlement when it was known as the Cleveland Music School Settlement.

Education

Callista Koh has been a full time Suzuki violin instructor at the Music Settlement since September of 2001, and the Suzuki Department Chair since August 2010.

Prior to her appointment at The Music Settlement, Callista was on the Suzuki faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Fairmount Fine Arts Center, where she was also Assistant Director of their Suzuki program. From 2003-2008, she served on the faculty of the East Cleveland Suzuki Strings Program, the first Suzuki program of its kind in the United States, along with Michele Higa-George, then Director of the Sato Center at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Callista had the opportunity to take the performing group from ECSS, Rainbow Strings, to the 2004 National Suzuki Conference in Minneapolis, where they performed during the opening ceremony. She presented a workshop during the conference as well. Callista has also been on the faculty for the Evergreen Music Festival in Washington State and the Vermont Youth Orchestra Festival.

An active freelance violinist in the area, Callista has performed with the Akron, Canton, and Wheeling Symphony Orchestras, the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, and The Cleveland Orchestra. She has also performed at Playhouse Square, Cleveland Playhouse, Blossom, Porthouse Theater and the Cleveland Museum of Art, playing a wide variety of music ranging from classical to Broadway musicals and rock concerts. In 2006, she had the opportunity to perform for President Clinton, and was also invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra when the ceremony came to Cleveland both in 2009 and 2012.

Callista founded Arts for Us in December 2007, a concert series at The Music Settlement dedicated to providing individuals with special needs and their families an opportunity to enjoy the highest quality live musical performances in a comfortable and welcoming setting. The series was inspired by her son, Evan, a child with special needs who loves music, and the desire to share the concert experience together.

Lisa Huisman Koops, Ph.D., Music & Movement teacher, is also an associate professor of music education at Case Western Reserve University. She specializes in early childhood music, elementary general music, and world music education. Her research focuses on the vital role of the family in optimizing early childhood music development and education; additional research interests include international models for children’s music education with a focus on The Gambia, West Africa and inclusionary models of early childhood music education for children with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, Michigan) and Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Music Education from Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan).

Koops has taught general music in Zeeland (Michigan) Public Schools as well as early childhood music at Michigan State University’s Community Music School. She has presented research in the fields of music education, ethnomusicology, and liturgical music and has published articles in Journal of Research in Music Education, Research Studies in Music Education, Early Childhood Education Journal, Contributions to Music Education, Perspectives: the Journal of the Music and Movement Association, Music Educators Journal, Journal of Music Teacher Education, TRIAD, Audie, and The Hymn. Koops has also contributed chapters to the Oxford Handbook of Children’s Music Cultures (Oxford, 2012) and Learning from Young Children: Research in Early Childhood Music (Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2011).

Koops is the recipient of an ACES+ grant (2013), UCITE Nord Grant (2012), a Glennan Fellowship (2008), a Worldwide Learning Environment grant (2008), and two W. P. Jones Presidential Faculty Development awards (2010, 2012) at Case Western Reserve University. She won an “Excellence in Teaching” citation from Michigan State University (2006) and was a 2009 nominee for the CWRU Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Koops recently served as a consultant for The Cleveland Orchestra’s “Musical Neighborhoods” 3-year early childhood music initiative funded by PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great program and conducts workshops for early childhood and elementary teachers.

Nathan B. Kruse is Associate Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University. Kruse joined the CWRU faculty in 2013 and teaches courses in research methods, music cognition and learning, vernacular music, and classroom guitar. Prior to his appointment at CWRU, he served as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Music Education at the University of North Texas. He earned music education degrees from Butler University (BME), the University of New Mexico (MM), and Michigan State University (Ph.D.).

Kruse’s research interests include adult music education and lifespan learning, ethnographic traditions of community music, and school-university partnerships. He has presented research at national and international conferences in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, China, Thailand, Greece, and Canada, and his publications have appeared in books and peer-reviewed research journals, including the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Arts Education Policy Review, the International Journal of Community Music, the Journal of Music Teacher Education, Research Studies in Music Education, the Journal of Music, Technology, and Education, Contributions to Music Education, and Visions of Research in Music Education. He is currently an editorial board member of the Journal of Music Teacher Education and Visions of Research in Music Education.

Kruse taught middle school and high school instrumental music in New Mexico and Michigan, and remains an active public school colleague as a conductor, clinician, and performer. He is a member of the College Music Society, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), Pi Kappa Lambda, Mu Phi Epsilon, and Kappa Kappa Psi. In addition, Kruse was a graduate fellow in the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (2006-2007), and was a recipient of the Excellence-in-Teaching Citation at Michigan State University (2007), the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Adult and Community Music Education Special Research Interest Group (2008), and was nominated for the J. H. Shelton Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of North Texas (2010) and the John S. Diekhoff Award for Graduate Mentorship at Case Western Reserve University (2015).

Education

Jenny LaPerch joined The Music Settlement in 2022. Her admiration for TMS has been growing since her college days after dropping off the children she babysat to Lunch Bunch, through to her family's relocation back to Cleveland with her second son's enrollment in the 3-day 3's in 2019, and present day, in being a part of an inspiring group of talented colleagues teaching preschool. Mrs. LaPerch enjoys spending time with her 3 children, husband, and chocolate lab. During those coveted moments of free time, you can find her drinking coffee, practicing yoga, walking with friends, or painting rooms in her house (a favorite pastime from her time in interior decorating while living in Maryland).

Mezzo-soprano Kim Lauritsen frequently appears with The Cleveland Orchestra, most recently as soloist in The Lord of the Rings Symphony at the Blossom Music Center under the direction of the composer Howard Shore, and at Severence Hall in Debussys Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien under the baton of Matthias Pintscher. She has performed lead roles with Opera per tutti, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Opera Cleveland on Tour, CIM Opera Theater, the Janiec Opera Company, and UNL's Opera Theater. A champion of new music, Ms. Lauritsen recently debuted roles in Jim Harris and Mark Hayes' new musical "Civil War Voices", Monica Houghton's opera "The Big Bonanza", and Randall Eng's opera "Florida".

Ms. Lauritsen performs with the Opera Cleveland Chorus, is Music Director of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and teaches voice, violin, and theory at The Music Settlement. She is the recipient of the Boris Goldovsky Prize in Opera, the Vassos Prize in Art Song, a Special Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Guild, and is a student of George Vassos.

Education

Ken has performed with Arthur Fiedler, Freda Payne, Jean Carne, Petula Clark, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, The Miracles, Michael McDonald, The Funk Brothers, and Aretha Franklin (to name a few). With his group Horns and Things, Ken has had the privilege of being the opening act for the late Dexter Gordon, El DeBarge, Freddie Hubbard, Ronnie Laws, Phillip Bailey and Joe Sample.

Ken has also done pit work for numerous plays at The Cleveland Playhouse and in Playhouse Square. LeeGrand has also performed at venues including The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jacobs Field, Gund Arena, and Blossom Music Center. As a traveling musician, Ken has performed extensively throughout The United States and Europe.

For the last 16 years, Ken has been the resident artist for the Grammy Signature School Shaker Heights School District Music Department that has 1000+ students from grade 5 through 12.

Education

Ms. Maben has a Music degree from Xavier and is working on an ECE degree. She has been at TMS since 2013 in Early Childhood classrooms and leading Arts for the Young Music programs for young children and families. Outside of school she enjoys shows, concerts, coffee and music history.

Clarinetist Victoria Marra graduated from Baldwin Wallace College where she studied in the Conservatory with Dr. Alan Squire. Further studies were at the Johannessen International School of the Arts, Canada. As soloist she performed in Cleveland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Toronto. She has presented world premieres of solo, chamber, and orchestral compositions by Ohio composers. Victoria was soloist with the Cleveland Composers Guild and the Guild of Temple Musicians. For thirteen summers she performed with the Blossom Festival Band. She is principal clarinetist of the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and is guest conductor of that ensemble. Her students are members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Contemporary Youth Orchestra and World Youth Symphony.

Education

Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music

Gabriela Martinez began her musical studies at the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Music Conservatory in Havana, Cuba. She completed the high school music program at The National School of Music in Havana. Later on, she moved to Santiago, Chile where she obtained the Bachelor Degree in Choral Direction and Vocal Performance at the University of Chile. In 2011, she received her Master Degree in Vocal Performance at The Cleveland State University(CSU).

Among all the musical and artistic activities performed in Chile, Mrs. Martinez was an active member of “Bellas Artes” Chamber Choral Group, touring important venues in South America and Europe. As the Music Director of the Chorus of the Municipal Theater of Temuco, Chile, Gabriela performed symphonic and operatic repertoire. She played different roles in operas such as Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Boheme, as well as performing soloistic parts in important symphonic vocal works.

In 2009 she performed with the Cleveland Orchestra in operas such as Cosi fan tutte and Le Nozze di Figaro.

She worked at Beck Center for the Arts teaching voice and piano from 2012 until 2016. Gabriela is currently a member of the Voice Faculty at Cleveland State University and she is also the Music Director at the North Olmsted Methodist Church, where she conducts the choir and bell choir.

Mrs. Martinez has been an active performer, appearing in different and important local concert venues performing works such as Handel’s Messiah with the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Faure’s Requiem, Lifesongs by David R. Gillingham with the Cleveland State University’s band and operatic arias and art song repertoire at solo recitals with piano as well as accompanied by various instrumental ensembles.

Education

Alyssa is majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and minoring in Dance Performance and Pedagogy at Slippery Rock University. At Slippery Rock, Alyssa was actively involved in their Dance Theater and served on multiple executive boards for student organizations, learning the importance of strong leadership and collaboration. She brings both creativity and communication skills to our team. During her time with us, Alyssa will be supporting various marketing and social media projects.

Education

Melissa Massey graduated from Edinboro University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught for over 13 years, and started working at the TMS in 2019. She enjoys playing the flute, singing in the choir, and teaching sign language to children.

Christopher McDonald serves as a Suzuki Guitar teacher at The Music Settlement. Christopher moved to Cleveland July 2024 after accepting a full-time educator position for the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, where he works with young musicians in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Christopher has performed solo recitals throughout Michigan and South Carolina. He has performed with the inaugural “Spark Collective,” the “USC Graduate Guitar Quartet,” and the University of South Carolina’s productions of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS and A Procession Winding Around Me, as well as One Voice Chorus’ production of The Man Behind the DREAM.

Christopher has taught guitar, music theory, and aural skills classes at the University of South Carolina and has instructed private lessons at Carolina Music Studios and the Suzuki Academy of Columbia & USC, where he directed the advanced guitar ensemble. He completed his Suzuki guitar books 1-3 trainings with MaryLou Roberts. In Summer 2024, he was invited to lecture on lute music and coach a guitar ensemble at the Shearer Summer Institute. As a scholar, Christopher researches the compositional trends in lute music during the transition between the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Christopher has studied with Brad DeRoche, Bryan Rombalski, and Christopher Berg, with whom he is continuing his training.

Christopher looks forward to contributing to Cleveland’s vibrant music and arts community through his work at The Music Settlement and the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society.

In his free time, Christopher enjoys running, playing chess, hiking, and reading.

Education

Eve McPherson is Associate Professor of Music at Kent State University at Trumbull. She earned a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master’s in ethnomusicology from Tufts University. Her research focuses on voice studies and Turkish music practices. McPherson also holds a master’s degree in voice from the University of California at Santa Barbara. As a performer, she has most frequently appeared as the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte), which the Bay State Banner described as “note perfect…and formidable.” She has especially enjoyed premiering new works such as the role of Anchee Min in William Kraft’s Red Azalea and Ertuğrul Oğuz Fırat’s Gerçek, Simge, Oyun, which was subsequently released on AK records and broadcast on the TRT (Turkish National Radio). Other favorable reviews of performances have appeared in publications such the UK’s Opera Now, the LA Times, the Santa Barbara Independent, and the Lansing State Journal. Locally she enjoys partnering with the Music for Our Children benefit concert series in Cleveland and the Arts on Atlantic series in Warren, Ohio. She is a staff singer at Christ Episcopal Church in Warren.

Education

Sydney has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kent State University and comes to TMS after nearly three years with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where she served as their Acquisition Marketing Lead and their Digital Media Analyst before that. While at Goodyear, Sydney was involved in employee resource groups such as the Goodyear Women’s Network and the Goodyear Black Network which both support and encourage inclusion and diversity.

Prior to Goodyear, Sydney spent almost another three years with Geometry Global as a Media Planner and Buyer after having interned in Marketing during school. She has a passion for music and community engagement and hopes to foster meaningful and diverse initiatives serving her community of Cleveland, east to west.

Joseph H. Miller is one of the most asked-for trumpet players in Northeast Ohio. His big sound, joyful approach, and high-energy solo work can be heard from Playhouse Square to the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and many places in between.

Joe is currently the Principal Trumpet at Playhouse Square, second chair/split lead and soloist with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and performs locally and regionally with his own group and several jazz, salsa, and funk groups. He has performed for many internationally touring Broadway shows, as well as dozens of solo artists including Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Tony Vega, La India, Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli, and more. He toured internationally with the Acid Jazz group, Liquid Soul, and with Bobby Caldwell. Joe’s recording credits are also many and varied, including a Grammy-nominated recording with Doug Johns; the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra; The Jack Schantz Jazz Unit; Paul Ferguson’s Jazz Orchestra; Sammy Deleon; the late Gerald Levert; and many more.

Joe has been a member of the Music Faculty at Cleveland State University since 2011, specializing in Jazz and Commercial music, and has been with The Music Settlement since 2017. He has been teaching trumpet in and around Cleveland for more than 25 years. In that time, he has been a resident coach and artist with many schools in the area, and has built a reputation for helping students with sound, range, and technique. Joe is a proud Cleveland State University alum and former (and forever) student of Charles Couch (Cleveland Orchestra, retired) and jazz great Kenny Davis.

Education

Dr. Kelli Minelli is a musicologist and scholar, serving as the Donor & Database Manager at The Music Settlement. Kelli comes to TMS from Piano Cleveland where she began her career in advancement and fundraising as their Development Officer.

Kelli holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance from the University of New Hampshire and a Ph.D. in Historical Musicology from Case Western Reserve University. During her time at CWRU, she was a Research Fellow at the Library of Congress in 2018, where she later completed her dissertation archival research. Her work focuses on the relationships between singing, narrative, and agency in films and musicals, with a specialty in animation. Her doctoral dissertation is titled, “The Whole Other World of Ashman and Menken: Broadway Conventions in Disney’s ‘Renaissance’ Musicals” and is accessible via OhioLINK. She has presented her research at regional and national conferences, including the Society for American Music and the American Musicological Society, and has a chapter in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook to the Television Musical.

Kelli is an avid educator; she has taught private and group voice lessons, undergraduate courses at CWRU, and most recently, has presented musical theatre programming at the Cuyahoga Country Public Libraries in partnership with Playhouse Square. She is a lifelong crafter and may be recognized from her work and teaching at The Artful Yarn in Chagrin Falls.

Violist Eva Mondragón has cultivated an engaging and diverse career as a music collaborator and educator. Originally beginning her classical musical studies on violin, Eva switched to viola in high school, and then pursued her undergraduate studies at the Peabody Conservatory under the guidance of Victoria Chiang. After completing her undergraduate degree, Eva began her Master of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music under the tutelage of Cleveland Orchestra violist Mark Jackobs. It was during this time that Eva discovered her passion for teaching and working with the next generation of musicians, which ultimately inspired her to pursue her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Maryland in College Park. While at UMD, Eva collaborated with UMD faculty and guest artists in community engagement concerts, performing traditional and contemporary works in new and creative ways. She also pursued her pedagogical interests, and received training and credentialing in Suzuki violin and participated in a variety of workshops and seminars, such as the Karen Tuttle Workshop at the University of Delaware.

After completing her DMA, Eva happily returned back to the Northeast Ohio area. As an active freelancing musician, Eva frequently performs with the Akron, Canton, Ashland and Firelands Symphony Orchestras, as well as continuing to perform as the Assistant Principal in the New Orchestra of Washington, based in Washington DC. Eva has attended the ENCORE School for Strings, the Aspen Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, in addition to performing in the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Verbier, Switzerland, and the Grant Park Festival Orchestra as a member of the Project Inclusion string quartet.

Currently, Eva lives in Akron where she enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and cat.

Education

Joseph Mook is a private music teacher in the greater Cleveland area, teaching children, teens, and adults, piano, violin, trumpet, and other musical instruments, as well as to love and enjoy music. He additionally is the worship team leader at his church, Gateway Church Downtown, where he plays keyboard, directs the church band in rehearsals, and leads the congregation in worship on Sundays.

Joseph has played violin in several community orchestras, most recently with Symphony West Orchestra. He occasionally performs for gigs at weddings and accompanies other musicians on piano. Joseph also has been enjoying being the keyboardist for a local rock cover band, Hero II, which performs mostly rock from the 70s-today in smaller venues around town. He's picked up many different performance styles and music tech knowledge just from his short time with Hero II.

Additionally, Joseph has been asked by the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC) to help adjudicate solo piano entries for their Junior Music Festivals since 2020, giving students honest feedback and insight in how they performed and how to grow as musicians.

He gained his Bachelor’s of Music Education from The Ohio State University in 2012, cum laude and with Honors, where he studied his principal instrument of piano under Dr. Steven Glaser primarily, but also with Drs. Rina Shimizu-Grow and Ryan Behan. During his free time, he enjoys basking in the cultural opportunities of University Circle in Cleveland, and especially hearing a pitch-perfect concert by the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra.

Education

A native Clevelander, Kaitlin has a degree in Music Education with a minor in world music from Kent State University. She has taught preschool music, is an experienced home nanny, and is excited to embark on more early childhood teaching. She enjoys reading, hiking, and learning new musical instruments.

Drew Parent is a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist based in Cleveland, OH. Prior to working at the Music Settlement, Drew held music faculty positions at Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Trine University, and most recently Tiffin University where he was the Director of Bands as well taught percussion lessons, percussion ensemble, jazz band, funk band, rhythm section courses, and music entrepreneurship. He has also worked as a percussion instructor and clinician for high school band programs all over the midwest region for the last fifteen years.

A native of Mid-Michigan, Drew began his musical journey at the age of eight with piano lessons, soon followed by guitar, saxophone, and finally settling on drums and percussion in high school. Throughout high school and college Drew was a member of both drum corps and indoor percussion ensembles that included the Madison Scouts, The Glassmen, The Americanos, and NorthCoast Academy Percussion. Drew graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education from Saginaw Valley State University and then attended graduate school at Central Michigan University where he earned a masters degree in percussion performance.

In 2011 Drew co-founded the Detroit-based ensemble Rela Percussion. Since then Rela has commissioned a number of works for percussion quartet as well as performed in chamber ensemble competitions across the country. In 2017 Rela held a residency at The Toledo Museum of Art where they spent two weeks making percussion instruments from glass. As part of this project they commissioned the piece Glass Cathedral by David Gillingham to be performed on four glass marimbas.

Currently Drew is the Percussion Advisor for the Shaker Heights Public Schools band program, is an active gigging and session drummer, and also a multi-instrumentalist playing keyboards, saxophone, and bass guitar on a number of projects. In his spare time Drew enjoys getting outside to hike, go paddle boarding, play disc golf, and spend time with his wife and two children.

Education

Van Parker enjoys a dynamic career as a highly sought-after orchestral and chamber musician, soloist, conductor, recording artist, new music collaborator, and music educator. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, they have been featured as a recitalist throughout the Great Lakes region and perform frequently with the Akron, Ashland, Firelands, Lima, Mansfield, and Youngstown Symphonies, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and Cleveland Opera Theater.

Van is an advocate for the works of living composers and has participated in premieres of works by Eric Whitacre, Lewis Nielsen, John Wineglass, Michael Shirtz, Jeff Scott, and Deborah Phelps, from whom he commissioned the piece Cui Bono, a duet for horn and violin. They are also a frequent performer on historical instruments as a member of Orchestra19, an ensemble dedicated to period performance of 19th century music, and as a member of the Evelyn Dunbar Early Music Festival they have performed Niccolo Piccini’s 18th century opera, La Buona Figliuola. This performance marked the opera’s first fully-staged presentation in the United States using period instruments, pitch, and tuning. Van has toured internationally with Ensemble du Monde and is a member of New York's Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra. They have also served as principal horn of the Charleston, SC-based Colour of Music Festival Orchestra, a unique ensemble showcasing the talents of black musicians from around the world.

A talented educator who has guided students through successful auditions for the Cincinnati Conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, and several other elite institutions, Van is on faculty at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio and has served as a brass coach for the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra, Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and Kaboom Collective, in addition to being an assistant director of the All-Ohio State Fair Band.

Education

Daniel Pereira, from Caracas, Venezuela, enjoys a multifaceted and versatile career as a cello teacher, chamber music coach, orchestral performer and chamber musician. Since 2005, he has been a member of the cello section of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. He performs regularly with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and New World Symphony. From 2006 - 2017, Pereira served as a regular substitute with The Cleveland Orchestra. During that period he was able to work under some of the world’s leading conductors including Franz Welzer-Möst, Herbert Blomstedt, Alan Gilbert, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Stéphane Denève, among others, and travel throughout the United States and Europe.

Education

Luke Pernici is a local musician who has played in a variety of bands in and around Cleveland, including ET King and the Determination, Liz Bullock and the Tremonts, GROUP and others. While his primary instrument is guitar, he also plays bass, piano, drums, ukulele, and has been known to sing (sometimes). He has taught a variety of students over the seven years he's been active in the music scene, and utilizes these skills to give students an enjoyable, informative experience. He caters his lessons to the way a student learns best, and tries to indulge their tastes, while also injecting music that he thinks is important.

Lydia Plaut is a violist, violinist, and educator in northeast Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music degree from New England Conservatory in Viola Performance with a Concentration in Music-in-Education and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Viola Performance and Violin Suzuki Pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Having grown up as a Suzuki student herself, Lydia is passionate about sharing the Suzuki philosophy with the next generation of musicians. She is a registered Suzuki teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, studying with Kimberly Meier-Sims and Nancy Lokken.

Lydia has performed around the country at summer music festivals including Festival Napa Valley, Madeline Island Chamber Music, Aspen Music Festival, and Heifetz International Music Institute. She frequently performs with the Akron and Firelands Symphony Orchestras, and is a former member of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. She is passionate about making music accessible to all people and has experience teaching musicians of all ages in a variety of settings.

Education

Rachel Plentovich, MT-BC is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who joined The Music Settlement in the spring of 2023. She earned her bachelor’s in music therapy from Cleveland State University and completed her internship at The Fine Arts Association of Willoughby. Rachel enjoys working in community-based music therapy, so she was excited to join the team and is passionate about the work we do here at TMS. She has previous experience working with children of all ages and needs, from early childhood through high school. She also has worked with adults in a wide range of settings, serving both groups and individuals through music therapy. Rachel’s background encompasses working with individuals with ID/DD, individuals with other disabilities, autistic individuals, older adults in memory care, and individuals with mental health needs.

Rachel’s role with The Music Settlement consists of both clinic-based work at the University Circle campus as well as community contracts around the Cleveland area, including mental health facilities and adult care programs. Rachel is passionate about treating each client as their own unique person, so she utilizes a humanistic, person-centered, and evidence-based approach to help her clients find healing and achieve their goals.

When she is not at work, Rachel loves to spend time with her husband and friends, discover new places to visit nearby and afar, go to concerts and listen to live music, and relax with nature and plants. She loves the music and arts culture here in Cleveland and is proud to be a part of The Music Settlement’s legacy of music therapy.

Geri received her Bachelor of Music degree from Ohio University (Summa Cum Laude), where she majored in Music Therapy and worked at The Music Settlement as a Registered Music Therapist/Intern Supervisor for five years.

She went on to receive a joint Master of Social Science Administration and Juris Doctor (Law Review, Magna Cum Laude and Order of the Coif) program degrees from the Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (MSASS) and the School of Law, respectively.

After law school, Geri joined the legal department at Forest City Enterprises (now Forest City Realty Trust), where she spent 27 years ultimately becoming general counsel, executive vice president and secretary for the last 15 years. In this role, she was responsible for all legal affairs for the company and had a leadership role in the company’s reorganization and transition to a Real Estate Investment Trust. As a member of the company’s executive team, she played a key role in executing the strategic plan, board and corporate governance practices and policies, as well as billions of dollars of capital markets transactions.

Through her years at Forest City, she continued her relationship with The Music Settlement serving in various positions including Chairman of the Finance and Governance Committees, member of the Development and Executive Committees, and Board Chairman (2012-2015). She also co-chaired The Settlement’s Centennial Celebration Year.

Her current non-profit work includes service on the boards of Cuyahoga Community College and University Circle, Inc. Some of her professional affiliations include the CWRU Society of Benchers and In Counsel with Women.

Geri has been recognized for her community service as a YWCA Woman of Achievement, Women Who Give Back (Kaleidoscope Magazine), the St. Thomas More Award (Lawyer’s Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland), the Athena Award (Smart Business), Smart Living Award for the Arts (Judson), Humanitarian Award (The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio), a Crain’s Business Cleveland Woman of Note, Liberia Economic Development Initiative (“LEDI”) International Life Changers Award, and as a Rainmaker (Northern Ohio Live). She was inducted into the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitalier and awarded the “Geralyn M. Presti Endowed Chair for Music Therapy” (The Music Settlement).

She has also received recognition for her professional accomplishments, some of which include The Centennial Medal (CWRU Law School), induction to the CWRU Benchers Society, the Burton Legends in the Law Award (Burton Awards, D.C.), American ORT Jurisprudence Award, Public Company General Counsel Award (Crain’s Cleveland Business), Women Honoring Women Award (Association of Corporate Counsel and The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association), Ohio Super Lawyer (Super Lawyer’s Magazine), Top General Counsel Award (2013 and 2014) (First Chair, Chicago), Top Attorneys of Cleveland, and the Harry Schloss Award (Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.).

Peter comes to The Music Settlement with a background in public transit administration at GCRTA and as a former adult student on piano and electric bass. He earned a degree in Computer Science from Cleveland State University while working at the Rock & Roll of Fame in customer service and I.T.

In his free time, Peter enjoys playing and writing music, seeing wildlife and nature, and sharing meals with friends. Peter is excited to join the enrollment team and supports The Music Settlement's mission and community, helping to build connections through music.

Education

Kirsten Radivoyevitch has been working with families, parents, and children for over 30 years as a Teacher, Director, and Parent Educator. She is currently a SPARK Parent Partner and an adjunct faculty member in the early childhood education department at Cuyahoga Community College. As a mother of four children, she has gotten a lot of practice using Conscious Discipline to keep her emotional responses in check while guiding others in working through their big feelings.

Dawn Ray-Novak comes to The Music Settlement with 15 years of children and education experience, serving those with developmental disabilities, and 9 years of business, manager, and supervisor experience. Prior to joining TMS in the spring of 2018 Dawn was privileged to stay at home and raise her son and watch him grow. As her son completed his 3rdand final year at the Music Settlement, Dawn takes his place and hopes to gain as much wisdom and comradery from her co-workers as her son did from his teachers.

Anne Reed, MT-BC is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with a specialty in Neurologic Music Therapy. Anne graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in 1988. She joined the music therapy department at The Music Settlement in November of 1989, where she served as a staff music therapist, staff supervisor, and internship supervisor. In September of 2005, Anne left TMS and accepted a position with Beech Brook, where she served as the Music Therapy Program Manager for nine years, overseeing the research conducted at the agency with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and demonstrated severe emotional disturbances and attachment issues.

In October of 2014, Anne returned to The Music Settlement. She became the Clinical Director at the agency in August of 2016 and served as the Interim Chair from July 2019- October 2021. She is now the Clinical Supervisor for the Center. Aside from her administrative responsibilities, she conducts individual music therapy sessions with children and adults having multiple disabilities such as attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, epilepsy, apraxia of speech, and autism.

Anne has co-authored articles in the Journal of Music Therapy and other journals. Anne has presented at regional and national music therapy conferences, an international conference on conflict resolution at Cuyahoga Community College, and for the Adoption Network of Greater Cleveland. She has co-presented on the topics of music therapy and abuse recovery and attachment issues for undergraduate music therapy students and graduate social work students at local and state universities. Anne completed her third Neurologic Music Therapy Fellowship training in December of 2022 from The Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy.

Lexie attends Cleveland State University and is working to receive a Bachelor’s degree in P-5 Education. Ms. Reilly learned about TMS during student teaching and has always been called to teaching. Outside of working or studying, Lexie enjoys reading, online shopping, and attending concerts.

Steve Renko is an award-winning drummer and percussionist. After his first professional engagements at the age of 9, Steve became a widely sought sideman with Jazz, Blues, Rock and Funk outfits in his hometown Cleveland, Ohio.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree from the New School for Jazz in New York, he has studied with world renowned musicians like Bobby Sanabria, Matt Wilson, Jamey Haddad Bob McKee and The Clayton Brothers.

Steve has carved out a professional career performing and touring with a variety of groups from Cleveland, New York City, Detroit and Hartford, CT. A regular in the recording studio, Steve has also worked with acclaimed songwriters and producers in New York City and Cleveland, Ohio.

As an educator, Steve has over a decade of experience teaching individual and group drum set and percussion lessons with Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, as well as in his private studio. Steve also recently completed his M.L.S. at Queens College with a Certificate in Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials.

Education

Eric Richmond received his undergraduate music education degree from The Ohio State University and his Master of Arts from Case Western Reserve University. He has also taught music in the Cleveland Municipal Schools, East Cleveland City Schools and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools Districts. In addition, he was instrumental music instructor for the REACH program at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. Eric has performanced with Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, The Sounds of Sousa Band, The Allegheny Summer Music Festival with Clark Terry, and the Suburban Symphony Orchestra. Eric has performed at the Place, Ohio and State Theaters with soul music artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, The Four Tops and The Dells. Also, he has performed with Broadway legends such as Mitzi Gaynor and Diane Carol.

Presently, he is on staff at The Music Settlement as the low brass instructor and serves as Brass/Woodwind Department Head. He is a regular guest lecturer at Kent State University’s music education department. As member of local of the American Federation of Musician, Eric continues freelance playing the euphonium and the trombone.

Education

Well respected and seasoned, Ed Ridley's musical abilities have impacted Northeast Ohio, the US, and abroad for over 35 years.

Ed's versatility can be seen through his varied experience of accompanying major artists, including Walter Hawkins, Aretha Franklin, Jon Hendricks, Vanessa Rubin, Peter Yarrow and Lauryn Hill. Having dozens of recording credits, over 100 professional theater credits, and numerous composer and arranger credits, Ed's world is constantly full of musical adventure.

Performer, composer, arranger, producer, conductor, musical director, and educator are all roles that Ed has maintained consistently throughout his musical career.

Education

Cory Roberts is a classical guitarist based in Lakewood. Suzuki guitar has been a life-long learning process for him that began at the age four. Studying under his mother Marylou Roberts, who played a roll in developing the Suzuki books and became the first certified Suzuki Guitar Teacher trainer in the world, Cory became one of the first students to complete all nine Suzuki Guitar books. He began studying with Jason Vieaux with once a month road trips in 2006 and began his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2008. During his time at CIM, in addition to solo performing, Cory studied pedagogy and gained experience in ensembles. In 2012, he graduated from CIM with a bachelor of music in guitar performance. Cory continues his musical education by studying Suzuki guitar, this time from a teacher’s perspective. He has completed teacher training in Suzuki Books 1-4.

Education

Helen Rucinski is a violist and teacher from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is a section violist in the Akron Symphony Orchestra and a regular substitute with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra. Previously, she served as co-principal violist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a section violist in the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and has performed as a substitute with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, New World Symphony, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. During the summer, Helen has been a Fellow at Tanglewood Music Center, the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, and a student at the Heifetz International Music Institute.

As a teacher, Helen completed her Suzuki violin pedagogy training in units 1-6 with Kimberly Meier-Sims at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and she coaches the second violin section of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Helen also has experience teaching students outside of classical music. She has worked as a college access advisor and ACT program teacher for College Now Greater Cleveland, as an AmeriCorps member and program assistant for the Jumpstart preschool education program in Chicago, and as a Fellow and mentor for Northwestern University’s Arts & Music Programs for Education in Detention Centers (AMPED).

Helen received her Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Music degrees from Northwestern University. Her teachers include Almita Vamos, Li-Kuo Chang, Lynne Ramsey, and Jeffrey Irvine.

Education

Mrs. Samantha Sachteleben received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University. She spent over a decade as a special education teacher while earning her Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. She started as a parent at The Music Settlement and is excited to take on an educator role. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and hiking in the Cleveland area!

Max Schlenk is a recent graduate of Oberlin Conservatory returning to the Cleveland music scene after spending some time in NYC. He started developing his skills under the tutelage of Ken LeeGrand, Chris Burge, Ron Blake, and Gary Bartz.

An alumnus of J@MS (Jazz at The Music Settlement) and The Berklee 5 Week Aspire Program during high school, Max gained the skills and knowledge to excel during college and in the professional world of music. Having regular performances around the greater Cleveland area, he has acquainted himself with a multitude of styles such as Jazz, R&B, and Funk. He has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Luis Perdomo, Camilla Meza, Dion Parson, and Vladimir Cetkar.

Additional work includes years of teaching experience throughout high school and undergraduate, as well as community service performances and projects. He aims to take his teachings and knowledge to create himself as a class act musician and entertainer.

Education

Afi Scruggs is an experienced musician, songwriter and teaching artist. Her primary instrument is electric bass. She also plays keyboards, mandolin and balaphone, the West African ancestor of the xylophone.

She is the staff bassist for Progressive Evangelistic Baptist Church and also plays bass for the youth choir of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, both in Cleveland. In addition to gospel, Afi plays blues and jazz.

Afi has been a teaching artist since 2004. She’s developed arts-integrated curriculum for subjects ranging from social studies to financial management. She conducts songwriting workshops for grades K-6, using the blues to teach literacy. She’s also coached middle and high school students for the “Stop The Hate: Youth Sing Out” songwriting competition sponsored by the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and Roots of American Music.

Afi is also an award-winning author, columnist and reporter, whose work has been featured on NPR, The Plain Dealer and in national and international publications and news sites.

My name is Andrea Searcy and I have been working with children in several capacities since 2014, from providing child care services to tutoring. I managed a summer youth program turned year-long program at a local non-profit up until 2021. I received my Associate's of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Tri-C in December 2021 and am currently working on my Bachelor's degree at Cleveland State.

Richard Seil has a wide background in private and collegiate teaching that extends over 30 years. His private teaching philosophy emphasizes the Suzuki philosophy and pedagogical approach, and he has also taught a wide variety of traditional students. He is extremely excited to be back in Northeast Ohio. His teachers include world-famous pedagogues Menahem Pressler (IU), James Tocco (CCM), Karen Shaw (IU), Richard Fields (CCM) and Robert Mayerovitch (BW). Furthermore, Dr. Seil’s Suzuki certification through Book 5 of the Suzuki Piano Curriculum (studied with Rita Hauck) has provided him with a wealth of skills to positively influence developing musical minds of all ages. Professionally, his most recent collegiate position was as a sabbatical replacement for his former teacher, Robert Mayerovitch at BW in Berea, Ohio. Mr. Rich has taught at the Wyoming Fine Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Slater Music Academy and Tallant Music Studio in Ft. Thomas, KY, for the past 15 years. Additionally, he has held teaching assistantships at Indiana University and the University of Cincinnati.

His teaching philosophy, whether teaching a young beginner, a budding professional, an adult beginner or an adult returning to the piano, can be summed up in one word: adaptive. It is paramount that a teacher be able to adapt to the learning style of any student while, at the same time, keeping a goal in mind. This is probably why he has had success teaching traditional students, Suzuki students, collegiate students, adult beginners, and budding professionals.

In addition to membership in various professional organizations, Mr. Seil enjoys performing in casual and professional settings.

When he is not teaching or performing, Mr. Rich enjoys attending concerts, jogging, watching football, pampering his pets, rescuing animals and, of course, spending time with his fiancée in Parma Heights.

Education

Marcia Seketa has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education, with an Ohio Teaching License (Preschool - 3rd Grade). She previously worked at The Music Settlement for 6 years before moving to Las Vegas in 2008 to teach. She returned to Cleveland in 2017 and is happy to be back teaching again at The Music Settlement!

Halle Shadrake has been a practicing music therapist since 2018, when she graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Voice. Halle became a music therapist because she strongly believes that music can connect, engage, and heal people in beautiful and powerful ways. Halle has specific music therapy expertise in the mental health field and is currently pursuing additional licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. In her free time, Halle enjoys spending time with loved ones and performing in a variety of professional and community settings. She is frequently involved in musical theater productions in the Cleveland/Akron area and performs regularly with several local bands. Halle joined the Center for Music Therapy in October 2023 as a part-time clinical music therapist. She is excited to be working with The Music Settlement team!

Ethan Sheils is the lead teacher for the Tremont Montessori Generations of Strings program. Ethan taught classroom and instrumental music from 1998-2006 in the Cleveland Municipal School District, where he earned National Board Certification in Early/Middle Childhood Music, and in the Solon City Schools from 2006-2011. In addition to performing as a violinist in orchestras, string quartets, and big bands, Ethan also enjoys playing saxophone in jazz, blues, and rock bands in the Cleveland area.

Education

Cellist Jeff Singler is a performer and private cello instructor based in the Cleveland area. He has taught at both Youngstown State University and Ohio University, and is an active lecturer and clinician across the region. Mr. Singler regularly performs with the Columbus Symphony and the Erie Philharmonic, and has performed with Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and West Virginia Symphonies, as well as Blossom Festival Orchestra, and Blue Water Chamber Orchestra, among others. Mr. Singler also performs regularly as a chamber musician, recitalist, and soloist, and with the local jazz group Prism.

Education

Craig Slagh began his music career in Cincinnati working with Jeremy Collins and Rodney Stuckey at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Prep department. He received his Bachelor of Music Performance in May 2021 from Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin, he studied under Stephen Aron and received numerous honors and rewards that included being a finalist in the Jim Stroud All-Ohio Guitar Competition and performing in the Dannenberg Honors Recital.

Education

Fifteen years ago, Joe Slusarski began playing guitar and has never looked back. With a wide range of music experience in Jazz, Blues, Pop, Classical, Rock, Folk, Bluegrass and 3 years of teaching experience, Joe is excited to be at The Music Settlement.

Currently studying at Cleveland State for a M.M. Degree in Music Performance with a focus in Jazz studies, Joe has had the opportunity to study with Robert Fraser and Dan Bruce, as well as other locally established musicians. Being active in the music community Joe plays regularly with bands around Cleveland such as Quick Silver, QS Jazz and Hip to That. When the opportunity comes along, he also enjoys playing in pit orchestras for musicals.

Joe tries to give his students an enjoyable experience while teaching the joy and knowledge of music. He meets his students wants and needs for each lesson to teach them the best he can. In addition to the guitar, Joe can also teach electric bass guitar and ukulele.

Education

Derek Snyder has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in both the United States and Europe, and -- as a chamber musician -- has collaborated with members of some of the country's most exciting ensembles, including the Cavani and Cleveland String Quartets, and the Cleveland, Detroit, Montreal and Baltimore Symphonies. He is the cellist in the nuevo tango band Oblivion Project, which explores the music of Astor Piazzolla, the Hastings Piano Trio, and a board member of the Cleveland Cello Society.

Derek's arrangements of the music of Graham Nash and Bootsy Collins have been performed by the Contemporary Youth Orchestra with the composers. He has created numerous transcriptions and arrangements for cello ensembles, focusing primarily on the music of Dave Brubeck and Astor Piazzolla. His arrangements of music by Brubeck can be heard on the Naxos label as preformed by the Yale Cellos.

Derek is the founder of the publishing company Cellocelli Music (www.cellocelli.com), a source for unique and contemporary sheet music and recordings for string players.

Education

Marla started at TMS as a student teacher, then a sub, while earning her Associates in Early Childhood Education at Tri-C and acquiring her OAE PreK license. She has years of experience working with children and families in educational and recreational activities and plans to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Marla enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and is passionate helping young children learn and grow through play.

Dagmar Stahl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Management and has worked as a dance instructor and choreographer for over five years specializing in grades K-8. She has worked for many nonprofit organizations and recently served as the Outreach and Education Manager at the Cleveland Ballet.

Laura Steele, MT-BC is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. She completed her internship at University Hospital's Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, where she had the opportunity to work with infants, children, adolescents, and families with a wide range of medical experiences and mental health needs. Laura has also worked with children in school settings, adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and older adults with dementia and varying disabilities.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys learning new languages, spending time in nature, reading books, and exploring all that Cleveland has to offer. She is excited to work with The Music Settlement and build connections with people in the community!

New to The Music Settlement, Cynthia has an established background in nonprofit management. She has served as the treasurer to a number of local organizations. Cynthia is also a yoga instructor and a sound healing practitioner. She is eager to add support to the finance team.

A proud Cleveland native and Settlement alum, Melina is excited to join the team as a Registrar in the Center for Music. She attended TMS for preschool and kept coming back for private lessons and ensembles all throughout middle and high school, gaining a lifelong love of music along the way. From there, she went on to The Ohio State University where she earned Bachelor's degrees in Arts Management and English Literature and performed in several musical and comedy groups on campus. While at OSU, Melina developed her skills in arts administration, public programs, and customer service through internships at 934 Gallery in Columbus, Ohio and The National Archives in Washington, D.C. Melina is looking forward to returning to the Settlement and working with TMS families to ensure that they have the same wonderful experience here that she had growing up.

Education

Darren is a graduate from Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music with a B.M. in Jazz Trumpet performance. During his education, he worked closely with Dave Morgan, Kent Engelhardt, Christopher Krummel, and Jack Ciarniello studying jazz improvisation, composition, and sound engineering, participating in several jazz ensembles that performed in Youngstown, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland.

Emma earned an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College before transferring to Cleveland State University to pursue an Early Childhood Education degree. She has experience working with children in home and school settings. She is passionate about creating positive and caring learning experiences for students.

Katelyn Tokar received a B.A. in education at Cleveland State University in 2021 as well as a teaching license for Pre-K to 3rd grade. She worked in early childhood since 2015 and has experience working with children and families in homes, care centers, and schools prioritizing exploration in learning and helping children express themselves. She enjoys being in nature and spending time with family.

Tatyana Tolmacheva graduated from the prestigious Odessa State Conservatory in the Ukraine in 1971 with a Master's degree in piano, teaching, chamber ensembles, and accompaniment. She has spent the past 40 years teaching children and adults of all ages to play piano and appreciate classical music. During her illustrious career, Tatyana performed solo in various concert venues in Europe and the United States and has also performed with her husband, a distinguished cellist.

Tatyana has taught at The Music Settlement for the past 20 years. She believes that classical music is approachable for anyone and also that playing the piano greatly enhances quality of life and develops creativity. She welcomes beginners as young as 3 1/2 years old all the way up to age 80. Many of her students continue to enjoy playing piano well after graduation. Tatyana is very proud of her students and for good reason: many of them have won scholarships from The Music Settlement and received superior ratings in state competitions.

Education

Currently in his 25th year as founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Carl Topilow has seen the orchestra become one of Cleveland’s most exciting and vital performing arts ensembles, presenting the best of symphonic pops music to enthusiastic and passionate audiences.

Topilow has appeared as guest conductor with over 125 orchestras in 37 states and 12 foreign countries. He also holds conducting posts at the National Repertory Orchestra and with the Firelands Symphony. After 37 years as head of the orchestra program at the Cleveland Institute of Music, he was named Faculty Emeritus in 2018.

Loren Toplitz is a member of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and is the Principal Trumpeter of the Firelands Symphony. Since 2006, Loren has served as 2nd Trumpet of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, and in 2018 served as the Festival’s Principal Trumpeter. Loren performs regularly with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. He has played with numerous orchestras throughout the East Coast including The Cleveland Orchestra, Miami City Ballet, Columbus Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Canton Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Chautauqua Symphony, and New World Symphony. He also performed in Carnegie Hall as Principal Trumpet of the New York String Orchestra. In 2022, Loren was a featured soloist with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, Loren went on tour to Carnegie Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic. He has also been a featured performer with Concertante, a chamber ensemble based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He has performed with numerous music festivals including the National Repertory Orchestra, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Chautauqua Music Festival, and the Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival.

Loren has appeared on NBC performing with the Cleveland Pops and Peter Cetera and Public Television’s “Reading Rainbow” and was heard on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today.” He can also be heard on recordings with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Cleveland Pops, the Akron Symphony, the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, and the Summit Choral Society.

Loren has performed with Kenny Loggins, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, The Pointer Sisters, The Temptations, Lee Ann Womack, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton, The Beach Boys, Kansas, Vince Gill, and Martina McBride, and Rick Springfield.

In addition to his performance credits, Loren has been on the faculty of the International Music Festival held at Baldwin-Wallace College. He has held a position as faculty trumpet teacher for the Preparatory and Continuing Education Division of the Cleveland Institute of Music since 2002 and also teaches trumpet for Case Western Reserve University. Loren's principal teachers have included Michael Sachs, Philip Smith, Chris Gekker, and Frank Kaderabek.

Photo Credit: Gary Adams

Education

Victoriia Uvarova is a talented musician, educator, and producer with extensive experience in the field of musical arts. Having earned a master's degree from the National Pedagogical University named after Dragomanov in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in music education, art, and vocal pedagogy, Victoria has become not only a professional in her field but also a sought-after specialist in the music industry.

Her vocal coach, the Honored Artist of Ukraine, Nikolay Mozgovoy, became a mentor for Victoriia in the world of Ukrainian show-business.

For 17 years, Victoriia taught voice and held the position of deputy director at the Cultural and Arts Center at Dragomanov University. She also worked on her own project with the People's Artist of Ukraine, Natalia Mogilevskaya, called "Talent School."

Victoria's participation in various vocal competitions has earned her 32 diplomas with prizes. She completed a seven-year theatrical course and toured Europe as part of the "Mimirichi" mim theater. In 2018, Victoriia became a participant in the popular TV show "The Voice" in Ukraine.

Additionally, Victoria is the author of over two hundred songs that have been sold to representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian show business. She has also worked as a vocal coach for well-known Ukrainian artists and has developed her own musical projects. Victoria has been a music producer for famous artists and co-author of their music.

In 2014, Victoria graduated from a television school as a producer and director, after which she organized her own production specializing in creating video content for aspiring artists.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Victoriia has been in Cleveland and is sharing her rich experience with new students. Her passion for music, professionalism, and extensive experience make her an ideal mentor for those who want to master the art of music, singing, and music production.

Education

Andrea Vallejo Wead is a Board Certified and Ohio State Licensed Music Therapist who holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Performance from Kent State University, and a Master of Music Degree in Early Music Performance from Indiana University. She completed the Music Therapy Equivalency Program at Baldwin-Wallace University. For over a decade, Andrea has focused on the use of Music Therapy with a wide range of populations and diagnoses including but not limited to adults and children with developmental disabilities, older adults in residential and memory care facilities, early childhood settings, and mental health settings. As an educator, she has facilitated private lessons in flute and currently works as a Music Specialist in the Center for Early Childhood. As a performer, she has enjoyed a diverse career in modern and historical performance both as a soloist and in ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. In her spare time, Andrea loves spending time making music and gaming with her husband, young children, and greyhound.

Education

Debbie Volker is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She has been with The Music Settlement since 2009. She has three boys who were all once preschoolers themselves here at The Music Settlement. Mrs. Volker enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.

Jim Wall is a drummer, teacher, recording engineer and music producer. Drawn to the drums from the age of two, music and life became inseparable for him at a very young age. He has performed live since age 7 and has played throughout North America and Europe with numerous artists, including Big Brother and the Holding Company, Grammy award winner; Robert Lockwood, Love Janis: The Musical, Hair, Kristine Jackson, The Jack Fords, Walkin' Cane, and Cuda/Wall/Cuda among others. He owns and runs Blue Buddha Music Studio in Cleveland, Ohio, which has become both Northeast Ohio's state of the art recording studio.

Education

Ben Webster is a pianist and arts administrator from Columbus, Ohio. They earned their Bachelor’s in Piano Performance and Music History from Baldwin Wallace University, having studied under Dr. Sungeun Kim and Dr. Robert Mayerovitch. After graduating, Ben found their adoration for arts administration by way of the VIVO Music Festival and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Ben looks forward to helping cultivate a widespread passion for music here at The Music Settlement!

Outside of TMS, Ben enjoys listening to and making music, spending time outdoors, cooking, watching movies, and reading.

Education

I have been teaching for 25 years and am starting my 6th year at The Music Settlement. I have a BA and master’s in Education from Ursuline College. I am looking forward to a fantastic year teaching PreK!

Cellist Annamarie Wellems has established a musical career marked by artistic excellence and a commitment to education. Annamarie served as principal of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago under the direction of Ken-David Masur, and was a guest artist at the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. She has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Charleston Symphony, and was a fellow at the Sarasota, Colorado College and Aspen music festivals. She has shared the stage with celebrated artists such as Yura Lee, Nikki Chooi, Jon Kimura Parker and The Miró Quartet.

Annamarie’s foundational training began at the Music Institute of Chicago under Tanya Carey and Hans Jørgen Jensen. She completed her Bachelor of Music at Rice University with Desmond Hoebig, and is pursuing her Master of Music and Suzuki Pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Dr. Melissa Kraut.

Annamarie has taught at The People’s Music School, Civic Mentor Program, Cleveland School of the Arts, The Orchestra Program at Cuyahoga Community College, and The Music Settlement. She is a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and maintains a private studio, where she inspires and nurtures musicians of all ages and stages.

Education

A dynamic performer and versatile musician, flutist Linda White excels in an array of musical styles and plays the entire spectrum of flutes from the piccolo to the contrabass flute.

Linda is an avid chamber musician and champion of contemporary music. She regularly collaborates with the composers of The Cleveland Composers Guild and performs on the annual Local 4 Musician’s Union She Scores series.

Linda regularly performs with classical guitarist Robert Gruca as part of the Gruca White Ensemble. The duo stretches the boundaries of the standard classical concert with their improvisations and unique musical arrangements. In 2020, the Gruca White Ensemble released their debut recording A Different Take through PARMA Recordings Big Round label. Linda also enjoys performing with the flute quartet Idle Twittering along with fellow flutists Jane Berkner, Kyra Kester and George Pope.

Linda is a founding member of the Blue Water Chamber Orchestra, and has also performed with the Cleveland Pops, Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Opera Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Akron Symphony, and Canton Symphony.

Linda teaches at The Music Settlement where she teaches individual lessons, co-directs three flute ensembles and coordinates a program for adult amateurs to gather and play chamber music. She has been a guest clinician for the Interlochen Adult Flute Ensemble since 2020.

Education

Dianna White-Gould is an active soloist, accompanist and educator. She was born into a musical family. Her father was a cellist with The Cleveland Orchestra and her mother a composer and pianist. She began her early piano studies with her mother, then went on to high school where she was an active performing member of The Fortnightly Music Club and, as part of that group, a Gold Cup recipient for outstanding piano performances.

Dianna graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory. She later received a Master’s in Piano Performance from Cleveland State University. She attended L’Ecole de Fontainebleau in France as a student of Gaby Casadesus. She has also toured Germany performing as accompanist and soloist at The Odenwald Summer Music Festival.

Ms. White-Gould has appeared as the featured soloist with The Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, and twice as soloist with the Heights Civic Orchestra. Other performing appearances include solo and collaborative performances at Severance Hall, Oberlin College, Ursuline College, Cuyahoga Community College, The Music Settlement, Cleveland State University, Cleveland Public Library, Wooster College and The South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago. She has a strong interest in new music and music of African-American composers and has given world premieres by composers Dolores White, H. Leslie Adams, Hale Smith, and George Walker. She is on faculty at The Music Settlement and the Dike School of the Arts, where she directs the Choir and Keyboard program.

Education

Corinne Willets, M. Ed., has been in education for nearly 20 years. Currently the literacy specialist and Ohio City librarian, she hopes to bring students the foundations for a lifelong joy of reading. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Anne Wilson is Staff Accompanist and Instructor at Case Western Reserve University, Organist/Director of Music at Christ Episcopal Church (Shaker Heights), Rehearsal Pianist for Apollo’s Fire, and a freelance classical and jazz musician about town. She holds two degrees from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. She is also on the faculty of The Music Settlement and has just finished a long tenure as Organist/Director of Music at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (Cleveland Hts.).

Anne has won first or second prizes in seven national and international organ competitions and has been featured on National Public Radio’s “Pipedreams” program and Cleveland radio station WCLV’s Not the Dead, White, Male Composers Hour. Her compositions have been performed at such venues as the Chautauqua Institution, the Aspen Music Festival, the Julliard School, and the Amsterdam Cello Biennale.

Anne has two adult daughters, and in her spare time she enjoys playing pickleball and ping-pong.

Education

Beth Woodside has been a member of The Cleveland Orchestra since 1994. She studied with Josef Gingold and James Buswell at Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree; and with Peter Salaff at the Eastman School of Music, earning a Master of Music degree. While at Indiana University, she gained an especially broad range of knowledge, studying contemporary music with Harvey Sollberger and the New Music Ensemble, and studying Bach and Mozart with the greatly revered baroque violin professor, Stanley Ritchie.

Ms. Woodside is a former member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the New World Symphony and has collaborated with numerous other symphonic and chamber ensembles including Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, Mainly Mozart Festival, Cleveland Chamber Collective, and Cleveland Composer’s Guild. She performs as a teaching artist in the Cleveland Public Schools for The Cleveland Orchestra’s Learning Through Music program, and frequently performs on the Orchestra’s Musical Rainbow series geared toward preschoolers.

Beth joined the faculty of The Music Settlement in 2014 and also serves on the board of Reaching Heights. She lives in Cleveland Heights with her playwright/production manager husband, Tom Frattare, 2 teenagers and 2 cats.

Education