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 Student

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."

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

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 Ms.Camille!" ~ LMA Student

Nicholas DiMaria – Brass and Piano

Nicholas DiMaria is a trumpeter, composer, and teacher based in New York City. 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, CNY January Jazz Festival, 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.

Noel Doblas – Violin and Viola

Born in Northern Spain, Bilbao, award-winning violinist Noel Doblas began his studies at the age of 2 with the Suzuki Method. Starting at such an early age has built his life around music! He graduated with his Bachelor’s of Music Performance from Musikene Conservatory receiving high honors in 2021. Now, he is a candidate for the Master of Music Performance at Manhattan School of Music under the mentorship of Assistant Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic Sheryl Staples. Praised for his musicality, Noel has experience teaching both in Spain and New York.

Noel has a background both as soloist and orchestral performer for the past twelve years, playing in countries like Spain, Austria, France, Iceland, and the United States. As a concertmaster, he has performed in halls such as Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Kursaal and Victoria Eugenia Theater, among others.
He is fluent in Spanish, French, and English, and has experience teaching all levels and ages of students. Noel is comfortable teaching both traditional methods of study and Suzuki Method. He thinks that learning violin is a life experience for the student. Fostering a good relationship with the student and the family is as important as consistency and motivation.

"My son loves his lesson with Mr. Noel! " ~ LMA Student

Ben Feldman – Bass and Guitar
Hailed as one of the most versatile and dynamic up-and-coming instrumentalists on the scene, Ben Feldman is a multi-award winning bassist, composer, and educator currently based in NYC. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Double Bass Performance from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music (summa cum laude) and is one the final alumnus of the Grammy Band Program.

Among his accolades, Ben Feldman is a recipient of the Manhattan School of Music Presidential Scholarship and has appeared at many distinguished festivals and venues, such as Dizzy's Club, Jazz à Vienne, The Grammys After-Party, Umbria Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and the Vail Jazz Festival. Furthermore, he has shared the stage with world-renowned artists the likes of Stefon Harris, Sullivan Fortner, Dave Liebman, Regina Carter, Joey Alexander, and Matt Wilson. His own projects include co-leading the NYC-based bands FRIENDSHIP and Meridian Odyssey, which have released four critically acclaimed albums.

Ben loves working with students of all ages and abilities. As an educator, he eschews old-school cookie-cutter methods, and thus strives to cater to each individual’s unique needs and proclivities and has been lauded for his focused, yet patient approach to teaching.

My son loves his lessons! ~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.

Hannah Fuerst – Music For Little Ones
Hannah Fuerst holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music in classical voice performance. Ms. Fuerst maintains a busy performance schedule in New York and California, specializing in contemporary classical music and crossover repertoire. Ms. Fuerst has premiered leading roles with the Encompass New Opera Theatre and Apollo Opera in NYC, and has performed leading operatic roles with Bronx Opera, Taksu Theatre Company, American Opera Projects, Aspen Opera Theatre Center, and many more. Before joining LMA Ms. Fuerst taught with the Manhattan School of Music Outreach program, teaching children in elementary and middle schools throughout NYC. She was the director of LMA’s Kindermusik program since 2011 and created the Music for Little Ones curriculum with Claudia.

Boyce Griffith – Winds and Piano
Boyce Justice Griffith is a New York City-based saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, pianist, composer, and producer. He received his master's degree in music from the world-renowned Juilliard School and his bachelor's degree in music from Florida State University.

Originally from Florida, Boyce moved to New York City at the age of 24 with nothing but his musical instruments, a suitcase, and his abilities, and has since built a diverse career in the area performing with many of New York City's finest jazz musicians.

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!

"I always have a great lesson with Mr. Jack. I always learn so much." ~ LMA Student

Gabriel Lee – Percussion and Piano
Gabe Lee is a drummer originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. After completing his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance at San Jose State University, he moved to New York to further his music career. Over the course of his studies, Gabe has performed at esteemed stages such as the North Sea, Montreux, and Umbria Jazz Festivals, and Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland. He has had the opportunity to study with Jason Lewis, Mark Ferber, Alan Ferber, and Dr Aaron Lington.

Gabe is a member of the Arnie Co Nonet, and can be found on the upcoming live album In Our Backyard from the Inner Circle Jazz Orchestra. In addition to his career as a musician, he also works with nonprofit organizations Jazz in the Neighborhood and the Independent Musicians Alliance developing and overseeing programs to benefit musicians. As an educator, Gabe teaches with the aim of fostering confidence and creativity, and is passionate about helping students further their interests and explorations into music.

"I always have a great lesson. I love working with my teacher" ~ LMA Student

Alex LoRe – Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and Piano
Saxophonist and composer Alex LoRe is “…making the connections among about 70 years’ worth of contemplative, articulate and light-toned players” (Ben Ratliff, New York Times). Originally from Tarpon Springs, Florida, LoRe frequents some of New York City’s most revered jazz venues, including Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, and The Iridium Jazz Club. He has performed alongside the likes of Dave Liebman, George Garzone, Jim McNeely, and John Riley, among others. Internationally, he has performed throughout the Netherlands, Israel, and Canada.

Most recently, LoRe released the debut album of his trio, entitled “Dream House” on saxophonist Greg Osby’s Inner Circle Music label. Featuring bassist Desmond White, drummer Colin Stranahan, and LoRe’s mentor Garzone on three of the eight numbers, the album has been praised by All About Jazz for having “…moments of pure beauty, belying a depth of experience and thoughtfulness.” LoRe holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston’s New England Conservatory and a master’s degree from New York’s Manhattan School of Music. He currently lives, performs, and teaches throughout the New York City area.

"Nico loves music with Alex. He loved him over the summer with piano and continues to this fall with flute. I can see Nico is making greater progress now that he’s working with Alex, so we’re both happy." ~ Hilary Crevier

Julia MacGoy – Piano and Voice
Originally from Northern Virginia, Julia MacGoy received her Bachelor of Music from Manhattan School of Music, having studied Musical Theatre and Classical Piano. For over a decade Julia has directed and accompanied choirs, tutored students in Music Theory, and taught both voice and piano at Manhattan School of Music and privately. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 with Essential Voices USA and the New York Pops under the direction of Judith Clurman and Steve Reineke, and she performs regularly with orchestras, bands, and choirs throughout the east coast. As a teacher, Julia believes music is a powerful tool for young minds, and hopes to hone each student's craft in the art of storytelling through cultivating joy and inspiring discipline.

"I love my piano lesson. Ms. Julia is the best teacher ever" ~LMA Student

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.

Elaina Matthews – Music For Little Ones, Piano, and Voice

"I have so much fun in Ms. Elaina's class." ~LMA Student

Charlotte Munn-Wood – Violin and Viola

Now in her fifth year on faculty at Larchmont Music Academy, violinist Charlotte Munn-Wood is an improviser, chamber musician, educator, and commissioner in New York City and beyond. Munn-Wood received her B.M. at Western Michigan University in the studio of Renata Knific and her M.M. in Contemporary Performance Practice at the Manhattan School of Music with Dr. Curtis Macomber. As a teacher, she emphasizes building good posture and healthy mental habits, and encourages resilience and imagination in her students as they learn new skills on the violin. She is a co-founder of Du.0, a two-violin ensemble dedicated to weird sounds both composed and improvised, and a founding member of the Intimate Artistry String Quartet. Upcoming projects include the production and performance of Excoriation, a multi-movement work for solo violin, electronics, and fiber art installation. Away from the violin, she is a self-taught tapestry weaver.

She has taught students of diverse ages and backgrounds both as a private violin and viola teacher.  Charlotte's passion is helping learners of all ages explore and create in the wonderful world of music.

"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

Eugene Posniewski – Music For Little Ones, Piano, and Voice
Eugene received his BM summa cum laude in Voice Performance and Opera Studies from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College. He has studied privately with Mina Kim, Joan Krueger, Hugh Murphy, and Jacque Trussel. Eugene’s performance credits include appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. He has also collaborated with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Eugene is an accomplished pianist and works as an accompanist, liturgical pianist, and baritone soloist in Westchester County.

Eugene holds several years teaching experience and is a certified Kindermusik Educator, specializing in early childhood education. He has directed musicals at the Education First International Academies of Tarrytown and Thornwood and has taught at the MGM Study Center of Yonkers, the Rye Arts Center of Rye, as well as the Amadeus Conservatory of Music of Chappaqua. Eugene is trained, as a pianist, in the classical Russian method. His students have performed in competitions throughout Westchester County and New York City, including the International Bach Competition.

Eugene is a very enthusiastic and committed teacher. He hopes to develop a love of music within all of his students, and strives to give them the tools to play with passion, precision, and confidence.

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

Nathan See – Winds and Piano

Multi-instrumentalist Nathan See has been pursuing a life in music ever since his first exposure to jazz as a middle school student. Today he is an in-demand saxophonist, composer, and educator based in New York City.

As a performer and composer, Nathan is influenced by Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Bela Bartok, and Wynton Marsalis. He is constantly working to develop a unique artistic voice that is informed by the history of the saxophone and a variety of other influences. He has performed across the country at venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Rose Hall (JALC), Alice Tully Hall, Small’s Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Sculler’s Jazz Club, Wally’s Jazz Café, Kranzberg Arts Center, Peoria Riverfront Jazz Festival, Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, as well as internationally in South Korea and Belize.

As an educator, Nathan is passionate about the fundamentals of music and helping students meet their goals as developing musicians. He has been teaching private lessons for over 6 years in saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, and subjects such as music theory, ear training, composition, and jazz improvisation. Nathan is currently Woodwind and Piano Faculty at Larchmont Music Academy, and Ear Training Faculty at The Juilliard School’s Evening Division. As a graduate student, Nathan held two teaching fellowships at The Juilliard School, teaching in the Ear Training department as well as in New York City public schools. Previously, Nathan taught woodwinds and piano at Page Music Lessons in Boston, MA.

In 2018, Nathan earned a B.M. in Performance from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was a awarded a full scholarship. He went on to study at The Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a M.M. in Jazz Studies in 2021. Nathan’s private teachers include Bruce Williams, Frank Kimbrough, George Garzone, and Ralph Peterson Jr. He has worked with ensemble coaches such as Donald Vega, Ulysses Owens Jr., Tia Fuller, and Darren Barrett. As a student, Nathan has been able to work with guest artists David Berger, Scotty Barnhart, Nduduzo Makhatini, Bennie Maupin, Gary Burton, Bill Frisell, Robert Glasper, Sean Jones, Bill
Pierce, and Darcy James Argue, Michael Gibbs, and Phil Wilson.

"Nathan is great with my son! He is always excited for his lessons." ~ LMA Student

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.  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, Kezar.

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

Sara Silva – Violin and Viola

Nora Stanley – Winds and Piano
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Nora holds a B.A. and B.M. from Oberlin College and Conservatory where she studied with Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson and Billy Hart. In 2017 she attended the School for Improvisational Music where she worked with Tim Berne, Ralph Alessi and Kris Davis. In line with her deep interest in other cultures and their music, Nora has studied and performed internationally in Spain, Cuba and Brazil. 

Charlie Steiner – Percussion and Piano
Charlie Steiner is a drummer and teacher based in New York City. He hails from South Florida where he attended the world renowned Dillard Center for the Arts. Through Dillard, he had many opportunities to play with and learn from some of the top musicians in the jazz scene including Rodney Whitaker, Wycliffe Gordon, and Wynton Marsalis. Through these experiences, he gained a wealth of knowledge in the jazz tradition as well as numerous other styles of drumming including rock, Latin, and Pop/Top 40's. He attended the Manhattan School of Music, fulfilling a lifelong dream of moving to New York. Since moving to New York, he has been soaking up the scene playing consistently at some of New York’s top clubs and venues. He is able to use this on the job experience to teach young students lessons that otherwise could only be learned on the bandstand. His teaching style is challenging but doesn't miss out on the fun of drumming which is ideal for any student.

"Charlie really helped my son learn how to feel confident in his playing while also learning the basics of percussion"

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.

Paul Swensen – Cello
Paul studied with Dr. Natasha Farny at SUNY Fredonia where he earned his B.M. in Cello Performance as well as a Performer’s Certificate. While at Fredonia, Paul was awarded the Isaac Stern Award for outstanding string player and was honored to perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in a masterclass for Yo-Yo Ma. After Fredonia, Paul continued his studies at SUNY Purchase where he earned his M.M. and Artist Diploma under the tutelage of Julia Lichten.

Paul has performed in the cello section of several orchestras including the Buffalo Philharmonic, Harrisburg Symphony, New Haven Symphony and Binghamton Philharmonic. Most notably, he joined the Buffalo Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall during the 2013 Spring for Music Festival and appeared on their recording of Gliére’s Third Symphony for Naxos Records. In addition to his orchestral work and freelancing, Paul has served as a resident chamber musicians as cellist of the Quisisana Piano Trio at the Quisisana Resort in Center Lovell Maine since 2013.

In addition to Larchmont Music Academy, Paul is on the faculty of the Paterson Music Project in Paterson New Jersey - an El- Sistema inspired after school program designed to provide children in underserved communities with music lessons and instruments. As a teacher, Paul believes that music is for everyone and hopes to leave his students with a passion and enjoyment for music and the learning process.

"My son loves his lessons with Mr.Paul"

Andie Tanning – Violin and Viola
Andie Tanning is an active teacher and performer originally from Alaska and currently living in Brooklyn. Andie earned her BFA at Carnegie Mellon University under the guidance of Professor Andres Cardenes, and earned her MFA at New York University under the guidance of Professor Arturo Delmoni. She has toured internationally as a company member of the New York City Players, has served as a multi-instrumentalist in theater groups Object Collection and New Paradise Laboratories, was the fiddle player in the musical, The Snow Child, by John Strand, Georgia Stitt and Bob Banghart, and was a violin sub in the Broadway revival of Oklahoma!. Ongoing musical collaborations include a duo with guitarist James Moore, the minimalist rock band Thee Reps, and the development of a new opera by Aaron Siegel. Her album with James Moore, “Gertrudes,” was released on New World Records in 2016. She has performed at LA Opera, The Kitchen, The Pompidou, and Carnegie Hall. 

In Andie's violin and viola studio, she tailors her approach and repertoire to each student while continually emphasizing technique and music-reading. Playing an instrument is about exploring and nurturing a love for music, as well as developing a sense of discipline and achieving long-term goals. Andie believes in finding what kind of music excites each student and helping them perform it to the very best of their ability.

"Andie is great. She is a perfect fit for my daughter, who was ready to quit violin altogether after a year with a teacher whose style just didn’t speak to Zoe. Andie is kind, fun, and accommodating." ~ Mary Beth Gierlinger

Seth Weaver – Brass, Piano, and Voice
Seth Weaver is an award winning trombonist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and educator based in New York City.  Originally from Franklin, TN, Seth was already playing and singing professionally in Nashville while still in high school. He earned a Bachelor of Music  in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 2013, and a master’s degree in jazz studies at the Manhattan School of Music in 2015. Described as a “youthful trombone firebrand pelting NYC with deliciously soulful hard bop” by Michael Dease, international acclaimed jazz trombonist, Seth has quickly established himself as an upcoming voice in the NYC jazz community.

Seth has shared the stage with Ben Folds, Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, Larry Harlow, Bucky Pizzarelli, Michael Dease, and many others. Seth has appeared on TV for “An American Big Band Christmas,” broadcast to over one hundred and sixty stations nationally. As a bandleader, Seth heads a seventeen-piece swing orchestra comprised of some of the most exciting new voices in the New York Jazz scene today. The band has performed in numerous venues around New York City including The Iridium, Swing 46, Club Bonafide, the APAP Showcase, Shapeshifter Lab, American Beauty, St. Peter’s Church, and many others. Described as  “big band swing with a modern twist," the group also has a monthly residency at Zinc Bar.

Seth is a sought after composer and arranger and his music has been performed all over the world. His composition "The Hudson" was debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2016. Seth's transcription and analysis of Michael Dease’s album Coming Home is available through Warwick Music Publications.

In addition to an active performance and writing schedule, Seth has had a private studio since 2010, teaching trombone, voice, piano, and composition/arranging. He is on the faculty at the Larchmont Music Academy and is a Music to Your Home teaching artist. In addition, has taught privately and led several master classes through the Manhattan School of Music Distance Learning Program. At MSM, Seth also co-wrote and performed “Swing Makes You Sing,” an interactive show for kids teaching them jazz, different instruments, and music history. Seth's students have performed at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and won numerous local and national competitions.

Seth’s talent has been recognized throughout his career, and he has received numerous awards. In high school, he received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Award. While completing his undergraduate degree, he won the Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Vocal Jazz Soloist. He went on to win a Downbeat Student Outstanding Performance Award as a Vocal Soloist in the graduate category in 2014.  He is the winner of the Texas State Jazz Trombone Competition, and was one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association’s J.J. Johnson Jazz Competition two years in a row.  He also received an Honorable Mention in the International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Competition in 2013.

"Brynn is really enjoying her lessons with Seth. He has helped her make great progress, especially over the last month or so. Thanks, Seth!" ~ Andrea Hektor

Jenny Xu – Piano

Jenny Xu is a Canadian pianist based in NYC. She holds a bachelor's degree in performance (summa cum laude) from Berklee College ('14-'16), which she attended on full scholarship, a master's degree in jazz arts (summa cum laude) from the Manhattan School of Music ('17-'19), as well as a Royal Conservatory of Music associate's diploma in classical piano performance.

Throughout college and graduate school, Jenny has had the immense privilege of studying with the likes of Paquito D'Rivera, Buster Williams, Dave Liebman, Kendrick Scott, Ingrid Jensen, Arturo O'Farrill, Phil Markowitz, Rogerio Boccato, Jeremy Manasia, Eddie Gomez, George Garzone, Kenny Werner and the New York Voices, to name a few. While at MSM, she held the piano chair in the institution's Latin-Grammy nominated Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. At Berklee, she obtained the single highest score on the 'Entering Student Placement Assessment' in her freshman year and went onto tour in the George Garzone Quartet in the summer of 2015.

Jenny is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the MSM Outreach Award (2019), Stingray Rising Star Award (2018), Downbeat Award (2018), 3/4 partial scholarship to the MSM (2017), Berklee Jazz Performance Award (2016), a full scholarship to Berklee College (2014), Dal Richard’s Scholarship (2014), Yamaha Kando Award (2014) and was the first individual ever offered a full scholarship to Humber College in Toronto.

As a performer, Jenny has opened for Herbie Hancock (2018) and Harold Mabern (2014), in addition to having shared the stage with legendary percussionist Cándido Camero. She has accompanied the likes of Joshua Redman (2022), Ambrose Akinmusire (2017) and Peter Bernstein (2017) at various workshops. As an educator, Jenny currently serves on the faculty of the Stanford Jazz Workshop where she teaches alongside the likes of Joshua Redman, Kenny Barron, Taylor Eigsti, Eric Harland, James Francies, Charles Altura, Rufus Reid, Peter Bernstein, Wycliffe Gordon and Patrice Rushen.

Having taught piano since the age of thirteen, Jenny is a zealous advocate of music education and has worked with students of all ages and abilities. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes instilling a love of music within each student, regardless of their seriousness and aptitude.

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."

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

June Yun – Piano and Voice
June Yun is a New York City based vocalist, composer and educator from Seoul, South Korea. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music with honors (John Coltrane Award). Yun recently received her Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music (Jazz Arts) where she received training to be a music educator as well as a performing musician and composer.

June Yun has studied and performed with some of the most influential musicians including Jean Baylor, Theo Bleckmann, Shai Maestro, Joel Ross, Ingrid Jensen, Amy London, Mike Moreno, Jeremy Manasia and Dr. Richard Harper. She has been performing and teaching a wide range of music including her original music, traditional and modern jazz, contemporary pop and R&B, K-pop, classical music, Korean traditional music, film music, and musical theater. Yun has performed at some of the most well-known jazz clubs and halls in NYC including Dizzy’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smalls Jazz club, John Tishman Auditorium, Mercury Lounge, and more. She is also well known in Korea for her debut single, a collaboration album with Korea’s famous old-pop singer Seung-Hwa Park of Glass Box which was sponsored by KBS, the biggest national broadcasting TV & Radio channel in Korea.

June has been teaching private lessons for voice, piano, music theory and fundamentals of music for almost 10 years. She has recently taught as a private tutor at the New School for jazz and holds an online private studio where she teaches with specific curriculums tailored for each student. Yun has a great passion in teaching and believes that being a good teacher is equal to being a good person and a great musician. She believes that music is the most powerful language that exists and that it can help one’s life in many ways, she teaches with those beliefs and makes her lessons and classes enjoyable and meaningful with innovative ideas and teaching approaches.

"I love singing with Ms. June. She is the best teacher ever" ~LMA Student

Next Event

Holiday Recess

Larchmont Music Academy will be closed from Monday, April 3rd through Sunday, April 9th for Holiday Recess. We hope everyone has a musical break!

April 3, 2023, 12:01 am – April 9, 2023, 11:59 pm

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