Faculty

Bianca Barragan – Piano and Voice
Bianca Barragan is a classically trained singer and pianist with a background in musical theatre and pop based in New Rochelle, NY. 

Originally from NYC, Bianca is an alumni of both Larchmont Music Academy and Mamaroneck High School. She accredits her love of music, performance and passion for teaching to the training she received at LMA. 

Bianca received a B.A. in Music from Vassar College under the vocal study of soprano Rachel Rosales. While at Vassar, Bianca was heavily involved in extracurriculars such as the Broadway themed acapella group, all-female comedy group, and student run opera. Notable performance credits include Pamina in Die Zauberflöte with the New York Lyric Opera, Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, and Aunt Sponge in the Regional Tour of James and the Giant Peach.

As a teacher, Bianca believes in fostering confidence in each of her students as they discover their own unique voices and achieve their singing goals. 

"My daughter loves her lessons with Ms.Bianca! She is great!" ~ LMA Mom

"Bianca was engaging and the lesson was well suited for the age" LMA Mom

Bianca is a fantastic teacher and motivator" LMA Mom

Sage Boris – Brass and Piano

A native of Kingston, N.Y., Sage has studied and performed music his whole life. He attended the Crane School of Music at S.U.N.Y. Potsdam, graduating magna cum laude, followed by graduate school at the University of Michigan where he earned two master's degrees in music. He has played professionally in New York, Michigan, and Canada, and performed solo recitals in Potsdam, N.Y.,  Ann Arbor, Mich., and Kingston, N.Y. Comfortable in any genre thrown his way, he is especially fond of chamber music and premiering new works by young composers. In addition to teaching at LMA, he is an adjunct instructor at Dutchess Community College and a freelance musician in the greater New York City area.

"My sons love their lessons with Sage, and my youngest can't wait to start with him next year." ~LMA Mom

Matt Burkett – Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and Piano

Matt Burkett is a saxophonist, pianist, composer, and improviser based in New York City. He received his BM in Jazz Saxophone from Manhattan School of Music, and has studied with such distinguished artists as Rich Perry, Vincent Herring, Dayna Stevens, Dave Liebman, Dave Taylor, and composition with Reiko Fueting. Originally from Annapolis, MD, Matt grew up immersed knee-deep in the varied local music scene, and quickly developed a love of music across a diverse range of genres.

Sarah Childers – Piano and Voice
Sarah Childers (Mezzo-soprano) is a New York City based opera singer. She is a diverse singer performing repertoire ranging from musical theater, contemporary music, opera and operetta. Miss Childers recently participated in the Savannah Voice Festival as a studio artist with the Sherrill Milnes Voice Experience. Some of Miss Childers’s performance credits include Rusalka (2nd Wood Sprite), Mikado (Peep- Beau), Pirates of Penzance (Edith), Die Zauberflöte (third boy), Hansel and Gretel (Hansel), Suor Angelica (Infermiera), The Little Prince (Rose). Contemporary music premiers include Derek Cooper’s cantata What If?(Mary) and three art song premiers in a recital “Love, War, and Song” and John Taylor Thomas’s O Pioneers! (Marie Shabata). Miss Childers received her Masters of Music in Voice Performance at Manhattan School of Music.

As an educator, Sarah is currently serving as a conductor and voice teacher for the National Children’s Chorus (Manhattan division) where she teaches chorus and voice to children between the ages 6-10. Miss Childers has prepared students for auditions at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus, and America's Got Talent. Sarah was heavily involved in music educational outreach where she toured various schools to promote classical music. While still a student, she was featured as a soloist for the University’s annual Linkup concert, bringing music into impoverished areas.

"I love my piano teacher. She makes my lessons fun!"

"Very pleasant environment. Voice instructor made me feel comfortable and took the time to talk to me about my music goals. I feel confident that she is very knowledgeable and feel very positive about continuing classes with Sarah. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from her." - Joan R.

"A lovely singing teacher! So friendly and knows her stuff."

Michela Christianson – Violin and Viola
Violist Michela Christianson is an active member of the classical music community in the New York metropolitan area. Ms. Christianson has performed across the Northeast as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is a devoted teacher, whose studio serves students across greater New York City. Her students have earned performance opportunities in the Long Island String Festival and regional all-county orchestra festivals, as well as found success in New York State’s NYSSMA festival. As a committed performer and instructor of chamber music, she has served on the staff of the Summer Chamber Music Camp at Stony Brook University, and has given performances in venues such as the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts’ Krasnoff Theatre, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall, and Lincoln Center’s Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio. She has participated in master classes with Kim Kashkashian, Andrew Manze, Cho-liang Lin, Lawrence Dutton, and members of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Michela holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, where she studied with Danielle Farina and Shmuel Katz. She was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Award in Classical Studies by the conservatory upon her graduation in 2019. Her prior teachers include Eddy Malave, Barry Lehr, and Irene Stitt, the latter of whom greatly influenced Michela’s dedication to teaching. Through her experience and mentorship under Mrs. Stitt, she discovered that a musical education is an invaluable resource for young minds, and continues to further her former teacher’s legacy through her teaching pursuits. She is excited to share her love of learning and playing music with her students at LMA.

"We love Michela - she's caring, energetic, and so passionate about what she does and what her students do. So lucky to have her!" ~ Ella's Mom

Melissa Cintron – Piano and Voice
Soprano Melissa Cintron has earned acclaim for her musical sensitivity, vocal virtuosity and engaging stage presence. She holds degrees from The Manhattan School of Music where she earned her Master of Music degree and Bachelor of Music degree under the tutelage of Joan Caplan.

She gained recognition by Opera News for her voice’s beautiful upper extension in her role as Najade in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos in Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts. Ms. Cintron also performed the National Anthem as an honored soloist at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and The Great Hall of the Library of Congress in a televised presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen.

She has performed with One World Symphony, Opera Noire of New York, The Hudson Lyric Opera Company and The Bronx Opera Company. Abroad, she studied and performed with The Centro Studi Italiani Young Artist Program in southern Italy and also studied at The Intermezzo Young Artist Program.

Her operatic roles and concert appearances include The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Despina in Così fan Tutte, The Countess and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Musetta in La Bohème, Juliette in Romeo et Juliette, Giulietta in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Marie in La Fille du Régiment, Linda in Linda di Chamounix, Amina in La Sonnambula, Lucia in Lucia di Lamermoor, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Cunegonde in Candide, Carmen and Frasquita in Carmen, and Lakme.

As a teacher for more than 17 years, I am passionate about being a healthy part of my student's journey. i love to see my students grow and achieve their dreams and goals. I am passionate about their discovery of their authentic selves and wonderful talent.

"My daughter loves her singing lessons here!" ~LMA Mom

Camille Dietrich – Cello

Cellist Camille Dietrich received her Master of Music degree from  Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Julia Lichten and David Geber and completed her undergraduate degree at Manhattan School of  Music studying performance and cello pedagogy with Marion Feldman, a world-renowned pedagogue. 

Described as “...demonstrating a facility with a multitude of musical  languages” by British avant-garde music magazine The Wire, Camille  enjoys a rising career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. Camille  has premiered as a soloist with the North New Jersey Symphony  Orchestra, the Rockland Symphony, and has performed solo recitals  throughout the New York metropolitan area. As an active chamber musician  and founding member of the Madkoi Quartet, Camille has performed at  venues such as Lincoln Center, Symphony Space and (RED) Charity  Foundation. She performed alongside the Kronos Quartet at their 40th  Anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall and later joined them for the world  premiere of Gudmundson Holmgreen’s string quartet “All in One”. Camille  has also performed and recorded Steve Reich’s “Triple Quartet” with the  JACK Quartet, which was broadcasted on WQXR radio. In 2017, Camille  and her father, avant-garde saxophonist Don Dietrich released their duo  album, DIETRICHS, on Pica Disk Records, which was reviewed in the  November 2017 issue of The Wire. She and her father were also  recognized in jazzrightnow.com’s list of Best Live Concerts of 2018.  

Camille has always had a special interest in teaching the cello and enjoys working with children and adult students of all levels. Utilizing traditional and Suzuki methods, Camille’s teaching philosophy focuses on the mind body connection, and she helps her students develop personalized practice techniques. Camille creates a safe learning environment in which students build musical skills, self-awareness and confidence, and also has experience teaching differently-abled students.

"My daughter loved her lesson with Camille!" ~ LMA Student

Hope DiMaria – Violin and Viola
Hope DiMaria is a New York City violinist whose spirited and emotional approach to the violin has led her to collaborate with world-class musicians. Hope specializes in performing in musical theater pit orchestras, in addition to recording film scores and playing on the albums of singer/songwriters. Previously based out of Boston, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music with concentrations in Violin Performance and Music Business. Hope spent the first half of her undergraduate career receiving classical training from The Boston Conservatory.

Hope performed with the Boston Conservatory Symphony Orchestra in various venues within Boston, most notably Symphony Hall (home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra), Mechanic’s Hall, and Sander’s Theater at Harvard University. She has also performed on the stages of The Fenway Center, Boston Center for the Arts, and The Strand Theater. In 2022, she had the privilege of recording with Grammy winning film score legend Alan Silvestri, playing his Forrest Gump Suite and Captain America End Credits in the studio. During her time in Boston, Hope was active in the musical theater scene there and created relationships with various theater companies. Most recently, she performed in Boston Conservatory’s productions of Next to Normal and City of Angels, under the musical direction of Broadway conductor/arranger Kevin Stites.

Hope has been playing the violin for 15 years and is equipped to help students develop healthier technique, create a fuller sound, and discover genres. She has been trained by renowned violinists and is extremely passionate about music education. Hope believes that a student cannot thrive unless they are playing music that they can hear their own voice in, or be helped in finding it through exploration, discussion, and support. Her personal teaching philosophy is that every child has a genuine spark of excitement somewhere in the music world, and a teacher's job is to find that spark and implement it strategically throughout the lessons to expand and develop it.

"Hope is the best teacher ever. I love my violin lesson." ~LMA Student

Nicholas DiMaria – Brass and Piano

Nicholas DiMaria is a trumpeter, pianist, composer, and music educator. He received his Bachelor’s in Music (Trumpet/Jazz Arts) from Manhattan School of Music where he enrolled in a variety of education and psychology courses, studying the most recent pedagogical philosophies. He has performed at the Syracuse Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, The Great New York State Fair, and Disneyland®. He has also opened for Grammy® Winners Lalah Hathaway and Randy Brecker.

Nicholas has taught private lessons to students of all ages, worked as a lecturer on Jazz in NOPL Libraries, as a clinician/guest artist with the Michael Passarelli Jazz Orchestra, and hosted youth jazz jam sessions. In his teaching, Nicholas combines these educational approaches with his own progressive methods to inspire musical creativity and growth.

Will Evans – Piano
Pianist and composer William Evans is a passionate musician coming onto the scene. He completed his undergraduate degree with highest honors at Brown University while studying with Ed Tomassi and Hal Crook, and a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music in the studios of Phil Markowitz and Jeremy Manasia. He began playing piano at age seven in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. Evans began playing professionally in high school, during which he won honors including 1st place in the 2016 Rhode Island All State competition and the George Wein Jazz Ambassador Award from the Newport Jazz Festival. Since arriving in New York City in 2021, Evans has made a name for himself as both a bandleader and a sideman at venues like Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, 55 Bar, Firehouse 12, Club Groove, Telefunken Studios, and many others. Evans has had the honor of sharing the stage with such distinguished musicians as Jimmy Heath, Ingrid Jensen, Darcy James Argue, Dick Oatts, Matt Wilson, Wallace Roney, Don Braden, Avery Sharpe, Jack Walrath, Luques Curtis and Albert Rivera.

Evans also is a dedicated music teacher. Having studied with incredible teachers throughout his life, he is inspired to pass on his love of music to all kinds of students. He maintains a vital private studio, leads workshops, and directs student bands of all levels.

"My child is so happy with his piano lessons! He likes Mr. Will so much." ~LMA Student

Gareth Fowler – Guitar

Gareth graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom where he studied with Phil Robson and Jez Frankz.

During this period he performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival with Chris Potter, Norwegian Jazz Festival, South Africa with the Global Voices Project, Denmark, and Germany. He taught with the national company, Lick Library, Services for Education, Nottingham Trent Valley University and Painsley Academy. His teaching philosophy is to enrich someone’s life with one of the most powerful art-forms. He believes that music opens doors to a world of possibilities and the guitar is such a diverse, fun instrument, there really is a sound for everyone to enjoy. Music unlocks the mind and brings people together, he wants to pass on the knowledge and enjoyment he has had learning the guitar for the generations to come.

Upon graduating, Gareth became an in demand guitarist throughout the UK. He had the chance to perform with some of the top musicians in the UK and throughout Europe. He performed with the Naima Acuna Quartet for the International Jazz Festival in Spain and led a band featuring Berklee tutor, Perico Sambeat at the Atarfe International Jazz Festival. He performed on the award-nominated set of works by UK Jazz master saxophonist, Mike WIlliams.

Gareth currently lives in New York City after receiving a scholarship to earn his Master of Music from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. He has just returned from a two month set of concerts in Malaysia with a collective of Berklee and MSM students.

Valerie Girardi – Piano and Voice
Soprano Valeria Girardi hails from New Rochelle, New York. She received her bachelor's degree in theater and vocal performance. She teaches all styles of music from opera to musical theater and popular music while teaching correct vocal technique. Highlights of her career have included numerous appearances with New York Grand Opera as a mezzo-soprano. She also made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Amneris in the triumphal scene of Aida and returned to sing Zuma in Verdi’s rarely performed opera Alzira. Other roles with the company have included Preziosilla in La Forza del Destino, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Meg Page in Falstaff, Emilia in Otello, and Flora in La Traviata. Described for her portrayal as “an operatic force to reckon with,” Ms. Girardi sang the complete role of Amneris in Aida at Central Park under the baton of maestro Vincent La Selva and was represented in Opera News magazine as a featured artist with the company.

Sarah Hanahan – Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, and Piano

Sarah Hanahan is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist in New York City. Sarah is a graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music where she received her Bachelor's degree in 2019, as well as The Juilliard School where she received her Masters degree in 2022. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the greats of our time including Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary. 

Recently, Sarah has been working with many renowned musicians including Jeff “Tain” Watts, Nat Reeves, Peter Martin, Steve Davis, Billy Hart, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jason Moran, Marc Cary and many others. Sarah plays regularly with her own band in venues around NYC such as Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Birdland Jazz Club, The Django, and more. She also recently had the opportunity to play for the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert at the Kennedy Center honoring Sue Mingus with the Mingus Dynasty Band. Sarah tours both nationwide and internationally with Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y, Sherrie Miracle and the Diva Orchestra, Joe Farnsworth, and the Grammy award-winning Mingus Big Band. 

Sarah was recently featured in the first-ever class of NPR Jazz Night in America’s Youngbloods. The series features “five up-and-coming jazz geniuses who are revolutionizing their genre” - all of whom are under the age of 30.

"Great instruction and communication, staff was friendly and always helpful with scheduling issues." ~LMA Student

Danielle Johnson – Bass and Guitar
Danielle Johnson is a bassist, composer, and educator originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and now based in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Performance from The City College of New York, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Danielle plays upright and electric bass as well as guitar and has experience in a wide variety of genres such as jazz, rock, hip hop, salsa, folk and experimental music. She has performed at venues such as The Bitter End, Nublu, and The Sultan Room as well as the Toonerville and Big Lawn music festivals. Her influences include Ron Carter, Jimmy Garrison, Scott Lafaro, Esperanza Spalding, Jaco Pastorius and Thundercat.

As a teacher, Danielle has a strong passion for nurturing musical development and sharing the joy of music. Six years of professional experience has taught her the importance of making lessons fun and engaging while tailoring to each student’s individual needs and goals. She employs a patient and encouraging teaching style and believes in fostering a supportive
learning environment where students feel empowered to explore their creativity and develop their unique voice.

"High teacher quality, organization (I love the lesson reminders!), and convenience" ~LMA Student

Larissa Jones – Piano and Voice
Larissa Jones is a singer/songwriter, jazz vocalist, and arranger from Valdosta, GA. Her musical journey began as a child leading songs in the church choir, which later led to her role as a vocal coach for the praise team in her early teens. Larissa earned a bachelor's degree in classical voice from Valdosta State University under Dr. Mark McQuade and pursued a master's degree in jazz vocal performance at Manhattan School of Music, studying under Jean Baylor. During her time there, she also worked with esteemed instructors such as Marc Cary, Buster Williams, Jaleel Shaw, Jeremy Manasia, Chris Rosenberg, Phil Markowitz, and Damian Sneed.

Her performance experience spans notable venues in New York City and beyond, including Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, The Jazz Gallery, Club Groove, Sugar Monk, Citi Field, and The Kennedy Center. Larissa was selected for a residency at the Kennedy Center as part of the 2024 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program.

With over a decade of experience, Larissa has taught a diverse range of students, from beginners to professionals. Her teaching philosophy focuses on helping students become the best version of themselves through foundational vocal techniques and personalized guidance. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students can build confidence and achieve their musical goals.

"Ms. Larissa is the best teacher ever! I love my singing lessons with her. I can't wait to see her again next week." ~LMA Student

Jack Kotze – Brass and Piano
Trombonist, pianist, and composer Jack Kotze has been living and freelancing in New York City since 2016 when he moved there to study at the Manhattan School of Music. Jack graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with his BM in 2020 and MM in 2022. Since then he has performed and recorded in numerous big bands, jazz combos, rock bands, theater pits, chamber ensembles, and symphony orchestras. Jack has performed as a sideman in groups led by Jon Batiste, Darren Criss, Arturo O’Farrill, Damien Sneed, Ryan Keberle, and Steven Feifke, among others. He also fronts his own trio and co-leads the new jazz fusion ensemble, 5th Estate. In addition to performing, Jack has a passion for composition, orchestration, and arranging and works as a freelance music copyist. Born in Chicago, he began piano studies at age 7, and at 10 took up the trombone. In 2014, Jack was awarded the Kiewat-Wang Mentorship Award from the Jazz Institute of Chicago which gave him the opportunity to study with highly acclaimed trombonist and arranger Tom Garling.

Some of Jack’s accomplishments include attending Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center in 2018, being named a YoungArts jazz finalist in 2017, and performing in the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and the Grammy Band in 2016. More recently, he was named a co-winner of the International Trombone Association Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition in 2020 and a finalist in the UNT Jazz Trombone Competition in 2022. During his time there he was fortunate enough to study with Luis Bonilla, Marshall Gilkes, Stefon Harris, Ingrid Jensen, Ryan Keberle, Dave Taylor, and Steve Turre.

Inspired by the great educators in his own life, Jack loves to teach! In private lessons, he takes an individual approach for each student and can cover a variety of topics including brass technique, beginning/intermediate piano, improvisation, ear training, and composition. Jack enjoys working with students of all skill levels and is excited to help them reach the next stage in their musical journey!

"Our child enjoyed his time there and is excited to go back. The instructor seemed nice. It was also good he was with his friends" ~LMA Mom

Chaz Martineau – Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, and Piano
Chaz Martineau is a saxophonist and composer originally from Phoenix Arizona. He moved to New York City to pursue his performing and teaching career following the completion of his master and bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance from Arizona State University. Chaz has studied with many talented musicians such as, Roxy Coss, Rufus Reid, Lucas Pino, and Lewis Nash. Most Recently Chaz was selected to be a part of the Ravinia Steans jazz Institute as one of fifteen fellows. At Ravinia Chaz focused on improving as a performer and composer under the tutelage of Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Steve Wilson.

Eliane Menzel – Violin and Viola
Born and raised in Germany, Eliane was a student at the Academy of Arts Bremen from 2008-2017. She was concertmaster of the national German Youth String Orchestra from 2014-2018, with whom she performed concert tours throughout Europe. She received a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music in the "Zukerman Performance Program" in 2022 and graduated from the Juilliard School with her Master degree in 2024. She has been a DAAD scholarship recipient from 2022-2024 and is part of the Gluck fellowship 2023-2024. In January 2024, Eliane was awarded 1st prize at the Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition for Strings.

Eliane has attended Festivals such as the "Young Artists Program", the “Heifetz International Music Institute" and the “Keshet Eilon Mastercourse“. As a soloist Eliane Menzel has performed with orchestras in Germany, the Netherlands as well as the USA. In addition, she has also performed at the German Embassy in Ottawa and in the German Embassy in New York as well as in Weil Hall, Carnegie Hall.

She has been teaching various students throughout her career, ranging from beginning levels to pre-conservative preparation. It is her passion to share her love for music with her students. Eliane is co-founder and artistic director of the “Schlosskonzerte Neuenburg” series along with her father, oboist Fabian Menzel. This concert series takes place in the Neuenburg Castle in their hometown with numerous performances every year. Their repertoire presents music from baroque to modern style, including world premieres of Compositions commissioned for them.

"My daughter enjoyed her lesson and is looking forward to continuing" ~LMA Student

Sanae Miyazaki – Piano
A native of Japan, Ms. Miyazaki started studying piano at the age of 4. In Japan, she received Piano Performance certifications from Yamaha Music Foundation and PTNA (the Piano Teachers’ National Association of Japan). Since coming to the United States, she has studied organ at Concordia College-New York and Nyack College, and received her MM in organ performance at Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Miyazaki was a music coordinator at the Church of St. Bernard in White Plains, NY where she played the organ and the piano for both in English and Spanish masses, a music director and an organist at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at Hawthorne, NY and she currently serves as an organist at The Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY. She has performed solo organ recitals at venues including Calvary Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, and Japanese American United Church, all located in New York City, as well as Ramapo Reformed Church in Mahwah, NJ.
Ms. Miyazaki is an active collaborative pianist and Basso Continuo player. She has worked on numerous choral and ensemble productions, including the Nyack College Chorale, The Calvary Choir and the Jubilee Chorus, which included performances at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. She is currently an accompanist for the Westchester Chorale and Westchester Children’s Chorus.
She has been a faculty member at Nyack College since 2012, as well as a member of The American Guild of Organists and the Associated Music Teachers League.As an active educator, Ms. Sanae pursues the best piano lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. She works closely with each student, helping them to acquire their own musical style and the proper technique.

"My son enjoyed his lesson with Sanae. She is so nice!" ~LMA Student

Charlotte Munn-Wood – Violin and Viola

An outspoken proponent of experimental sounds and expression, violinist Charlotte Munn-Wood is an improviser, chamber musician, and sought-after educator in New York City and beyond. Her music and visual art explore the textures and timbres of the natural world and of inner psychological environments. 

Munn-Wood is a founding member of Du.0 (du-point-oh), a two-violin ensemble specializing in experimental contemporary and noise-based improvised music. Formed with Aimée Niemann in 2015, the duo has forged a path of innovative, inclusive programming in non-traditional venues. The ensemble released its debut studio album, Thoughts From the Future, in May 2024 on Gold Bolus Records. October 2024 will see the release of their co-composition O Most Noble Greenness on cassette through Orb Tapes. Munn-Wood is a founding member and Executive Director of the Telos Consort, a group of creatives seeking to reimagine the concert experience through the performance of new and newer works by living composers, now entering their second year of concertizing.

"Charlotte is the best! Lessons are going well!" ~ Darby Dunn

"Charlotte was friendly, patient and it was a great introduction for an eager child that has never played an instrument"~ Carter Moed

Elisee Ngbo – Piano
Elisee Ngbo is a pianist and multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Elisee began his musical journey playing the drums in his father’s church at 3 years old, then ultimately switched to the bass at age 9 and the keys a little later in school. With such a strong percussive background, Elisee received his degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Contemporary Percussion from Western Connecticut State University. While retrieving this degree, Elisee took up jazz piano while being mentored by former Manhattan School of Music Doctor of Musical Arts Candidate, Jimmy Greene (DMA '18).

PJ Roberts – Bass, Guitar, and Piano
PJ is a bass player, composer, and arranger originally from Ada, Michigan and now residing in New York City. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and recently earned his master's degree from CUNY Queens College. PJ has won many awards including the Sir Roland Hanna Memorial Award(2008) and Louis Armstrong Jazz Award(2002), and was a recipient of the Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant in 2006. In NYC he leads his own trio, is a member of the Atlantic Quartet, Charli Perisp’s trio and big band, as well as freelancing with various ensembles. In addition, he composes and arranges for big bands as well as smaller ensembles. He has had the great fortune to study with, and be mentored by the great Ron Carter for the past two years. PJ has performed at many prestigious jazz clubs including The Blue Note, Iridium, Sweet Rhythm, Smalls, Fatcat, and Smoke.

"My daughter is enjoying her lessons very much. PJ is very patient!" Ava S.

Emilie Samson – Piano and Voice

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Émilie Samson is a jazz vocalist, composer, and educator. She graduated with honours from McGill University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance, being awarded the mention of "outstanding performance in jazz voice". In 2017, Émilie relocated to New York City after receiving a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry and Jo Lawry. In Montreal, Émilie was active both on the jazz and classical scene, leading her own group in jazz clubs and singing in different classical and contemporary chorus. In New York, Émilie has performed in several venues including The 55 Bar, Harlem Stage and Lincoln Center.

 "My five year old looks forward to piano lessons with Emilie!" ~ LMA mom

 "Emilie is great with kids and adults alike - Emilie has taught our entire family at this point" ~ LMA mom

Nicole Sharlow – Violin and Viola (Suzuki, Traditional)
Ms. Sharlow graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University and received her master's degree in violin performance from the Manhattan School of Music. A gifted educator, Ms. Sharlow is the head of the String Department at the Larchmont Music Academy where she teaches violin, viola and chamber music. She also directs Larchmont Symphonia, a community orchestra comprised of students and amateur adults, which is in residence at Larchmont Avenue Church.  An active performer, she is currently principal second violin of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra in Harrisburg, PA and also performs regularly with the Greenwich Symphony in Greenwich, CT.  Habituated to leadership, she has been concertmaster of the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra in Germany and principal second violin of the Jerusalem International Symphony Orchestra, among many others. Since 2001 Ms. Sharlow has been spending her summers in residence at Quisisana Resort in Maine, performing chamber music.  Dedicated to the genre, she has won the Silberman Chamber Music Competition and the Lilian Fuchs Chamber Music Recital Honor. She has performed with Trio Solas, the Claremont Ensemble and Fireworks, all dedicated to 20th century music. Ms. Sharlow is a member of 'Scape Trio, a string trio dedicated to working with living artists to bring music, visual arts and communities together through live performance. In addition to her devotion to chamber music, she has appeared as soloist with the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic and the National Repertory Orchestra.  Her foremost teachers have included Andres Cardenes,former  concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony, and Lucie Robert. Nicole currently resides in Westchester County with her dog, Beatrice.

"Our lessons with Nicole are great! Nicole is fantastic and so dedicated. Couldn't be happier." ~ Shonna Keogan

Santosh Sharma – Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and Piano
Santosh is a 2020 graduate of the Manhattan School of music. He started playing music at a young age, first playing tabla, piano, then finally switching to saxophone in the fourth grade. Immediately, he was hooked on the sounds of players like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Joe Lovano. He knew he wanted to be a professional musician soon after his experience in middle school when he was awarded most outstanding middle school performer at the Reno jazz festival. He then went on to the Roosevelt High School big band and three years later became part of the Grammy Band, comprised of the most talented high school musicians in the country. From there, he has won the Vandoren emerging artist award, and performed with many world class artists such as Jon Batiste,Tim Reynolds, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, and Stefon Harris.

"My daughter really enjoys her lessons with Santosh. He is great!" ~LMA Student

Ravi Sharma – Guitar
Ravi is a Guitarist, composer and teacher based in New York City. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz/Contemporary Music from the College of Performing Arts at The New School.

Ravi has been an avid guitar player for over 15 years, and continues to develop his sound and skills by challenging himself in many varied musical situations. He began his journey by playing rock, but quickly became enthralled with jazz and Brazilian music.

Some of his accomplishments include winning the title of “best band” at the 2017 Bucharest international jazz competition, teaching a class on jazz history at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, and performing at various jazz festivals across Europe, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, and Jazz à Vienne in France.

Ravi has been playing the guitar since the 4th grade, and starting teaching private lessons at his home in the 9th grade. He understands that every student has their own  unique musical journey, and is committed to teaching in a way that inspires them to keep exploring and discovering new things.

"My son came back happy and had great things to say about Ravi" ~LMA Student

Sara Silva – Violin and Viola

William Smith – Percussion and Piano
William Smith is a drummer, percussionist, composer and educator based in New York City. He has obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Drum-set from the HKU conservatory in Utrecht in 2021, and in 2024 he obtained his Masters Degree in Jazz Drum-set from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, where he studied with Kendrick Scott and John Riley.

In July 2022, he released his debut album comprised solely of original music entitled “Nomad”, with his quartet, which won the Arts Council Malta “Premju Għall-Arti” prize for best musical production in 2023. He has played in various venues both as a band leader and a side-man in the Netherlands and in Malta such as the Bimhuis, TivoliVredenburg, and the Malta Jazz
Festival. He has also toured extensively with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and played in many prestigious concert halls around the world including the Alte Oper, Berliner Philharmoniker, Muzikverein, Mariinsky Theatre and Carnegie Hall.

During his time in New York so far, he has played in numerous jazz venues such as Dizzy’s Club and The Django, and aspires to continue working as a side-man and bandleader in the New York jazz circuit. He also has a passion for teaching and is eager to pass down knowledge that he has acquired over the years of performing and teaching, inspiring the next generation of drummers.

"Teachers go above and beyond and genuinely care about the kids" ~LMA Mom

Wallace Stelzer – Upright Bass
Based out of New York City since 2011, Wallace Stelzer was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Wallace began playing the upright bass professionally in high school and has participated in jazz festivals, spoken and performed live on radio, and played at many prestigious jazz clubs and concert halls around the country. He is a core member of the Avalon Jazz Band, led by vocalist Tatiana Eva Marie, and has been fortunate enough to study and perform with many world-class musicians throughout his career, including John Patitucci, Lynn Seaton, Mike Holober, Scott Reeves, Andre Hayward, Carol Morgan, Patrick Bartley, and Don Hahn, to name a few. Wallace earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in jazz performance from the City College of New York in 2014 and was invited to join the Phi Beta Kappa academic honors society upon graduation. Wallace has a passion for the music of video games and cartoons, world music, sound engineering, and teaching. Wallace has taught guitar and bass privately for over a decade and is delighted to share his performance and education knowledge at the Larchmont Music Academy.

"Everything is going great with Wallace! He is easy to work with and I’m learning a lot. We are doing a combination of theory, note reading, and strumming on the guitar, all of which I find very helpful and fun." - Julia S.

"Wallace is an excellent teacher." - Don L.

Warren Taylor Louie – Bass and Guitar

Warren Louie is a bassist and composer based in New York City.  An Alumnus of New York University with a bachelors degree in jazz performance, he has had the opportunity to study with many renowned musicians including Dezron Douglas, Drew Gress, Martin Wind, Chris Potter, Alex Sipiagin, Lenny White, Dave Leibman, and Ari Hoenig among others. During this time he also performed at notable venues both here in the states and abroad, including the Detroit Jazz Festival, Duc des Lombards in Paris, and the Blue Note NYC with Chris Potter.

Warren is a dedicated teacher who strives to instill a passion for music in all of his students.  As an educator, Warren bases his approach off of each individual student, encouraging them to explore all aspects of music and develop their own voices as musicians.

"Warren is a fantastic teacher and motivator." ~ LMA Mom

Grant Tucker – Winds and Piano
Grant Tucker is a jazz and classical multi-instrumentalist and composer based in New York. In 2023 he graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a Bachelors in jazz performance, and minors in both mathematics and physics. He is currently pursuing a Masters in music education at Teachers College of Columbia University. He has performed at venues including Duc des Lombards, Sunset-Sunside, The Bitter End, and as a soloist at Carnegie Hall on both jazz saxophone and classical piano. In addition to jazz and classical projects both of his own and as a sideman, he plays with pop, singer-songwriter, and spoken word/rap artists, as well as musical theatre.

"My daughter was nervous but she loved grant and said how nice he was." ~LMA Mom

Akari Yamamoto – Woodwinds and Piano

A native of Japan, Akari began her music studies early at the age of six on piano and then moving to clarinet at age 12. She later attended the prestigious music school of Toho Gakuen in Tokyo where she earned her Bachelor of Music. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship and moved to New York in 2000 to pursue graduate performance studies at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase. After Graduating with a Master of Music and subsequent Artist Diploma under the tutelage of Ayako Oshima and Charles Neidich, Akari was awarded the 2005 Artists International ‘Young Artists Chamber Music Award’ and debuted in Carnegie Hall that year.

During her studies, she participated in numerous  music festivals around the world including the Kirishima International Music Festival

(Japan), Sarasota Music Festival (Florida), and the Bayreuth Young Musicians Festival (Germany).

Currently, Akari has an active performance schedule in both the New York tri state region and Japan. Also as a founding member of the clarinet group The New York Licorice Ensemble, she is featured in several record albums the group produced - “All New York Composers", "All Gershwin" and "Japanese Traditional Folk Songs”. The 1st album “NY Licorice Ensemble-All American Works for Clarinet Ensemble” was nominated for the best classical CD album of 2013 by a Japanese Classical Music Magazine “Record Arts” Those recordings can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

She is also a member of Bardavova Ensemble, a woodwind Quintet, that performs inspiring chamber music to students and seniors in the Bronx through schools and community organizations.

Since 2005, Akari has been involved with the “Kitakaruizawa Music Festival” directed by Charles Neidich.  It is one of the most important Summer Clarinet Seminars for young talented clarinetists from around the world.  Being a part of this seminar for so many years, Akari has gained the knowledge and reputation as an educator of the highest caliber, widely respected for her unwavering encouragement and support of young enthusiastic students.

Formerly a faculty member of Queens College - Pre College, Akari’s additional teaching experience includes, substitute teaching for Juilliard - Pre College, Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase and over 20 years of one on one private music instruction.

Akari is thrilled to be joining the faculty at the Larchmont Music Academy!

"My son enjoys his lessons with Akari. She is wonderful" ~LMA Student

 

Campbell Youngblood-Petersen – Percusson and Piano

Campbell Youngblood-Petersen is a Brooklyn based drummer, composer, pianist and educator. He plays regularly in the New York area with his own band Songsāra, pop-rock outfit Punch the Sun, and electronic/drum and bass duo Flightless Birds. Campbell has studied with Jeff Brandt, Dr. Robert Ledbetter, Peter Retzlaff, Jordan Perlson, Nate Smith, and Mark Guiliana. Playing with funk band Kung Fu Kongress in Missoula, MT, he had the opportunity to share the stage with Galactic, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dumpstaphunk, The Wailers, and The New Mastersounds. Campbell holds a certificate in Jazz from the Drummers Collective in New York City, and a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, where he received the Lance Boyd Undergraduate Jazz Award, and was the Rachel Sprunk Smith Scholar. Growing up in a household that doubled as a violin studio for his mother, Campbell has been around music education for quite some time. He has maintained a private studio of piano, drum and percussion students since 2011, and has worked with high school drumline and percussion ensembles. Through all of this, one thing has become clear to him: we can learn invaluable lessons about life, ourselves, and each other through music!

"Campbell rocks! He makes my lessons fun." ~LMA Student

"So patient, so kind and always there to help! I really enjoy my lessons with Campbell and he has transformed my playing!" ~LMA Student

Next Event

Happy Holidays!

Larchmont Music Academy will be closed from Monday, December 23rd through Sunday, January 5th for holiday recess. We hope everyone has a musical break!

December 20, 2024, 12:01 am – January 5, 2025, 11:59 pm

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