Studio Music Lessons Instructors
Ruth Aguirre
Clarinet
Ruth Aguirre earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas State University, and a Master of Music degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She is a founding member of Adelante Winds, a wind quintet promoting works by Latin American composers, and has performed as a soloist at the International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest in Madrid, Spain in 2015. She has also performed several times at Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival.
Additionally, she’s received training in Orff Schulwerk (Levels 1,2,3, and Masters), Kodaly (Level 1), Dalcroze, and World Music Drumming. She previously taught elementary music and band in the k-12 public school setting in Texas for a combined 17 years, and had taught music appreciation and applied clarinet lessons as an adjunct professor at San Antonio College concurrently for five years.
Ruth Aguirre is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in the Music and Music Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work there includes serving as a student teacher supervisor, and an applied lesson instructor of clarinet. She is a founding member of Latin American Music Project, a student led group of musicians who perform popular and folk music of Latin American composers.
Ruth Aguirre earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas State University, and a Master of Music degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She is a founding member of Adelante Winds, a wind quintet promoting works by Latin American composers, and has performed as a soloist at the International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest in Madrid, Spain in 2015. She has also performed several times at Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival.
Additionally, she’s received training in Orff Schulwerk (Levels 1,2,3, and Masters), Kodaly (Level 1), Dalcroze, and World Music Drumming. She previously taught elementary music and band in the k-12 public school setting in Texas for a combined 17 years, and had taught music appreciation and applied clarinet lessons as an adjunct professor at San Antonio College concurrently for five years.
Ruth Aguirre is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in the Music and Music Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work there includes serving as a student teacher supervisor, and an applied lesson instructor of clarinet. She is a founding member of Latin American Music Project, a student led group of musicians who perform popular and folk music of Latin American composers.
Denise Apodaca
Piano
Denise Apodaca received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a minor in Spanish. She later received her Master of Music in Piano Performance and a second Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Northwestern University. She graduated with honors from both universities. She is a first-generation student and is currently a doctoral student in Music and Music Education at Teachers College Columbia University.
She has been on several teaching faculties and has served on several arts boards throughout the United States. Denise has performed throughout the United States as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Demonstrating her expertise in Latin American music, she has given several concerts in Mexico and the U.S. She has been an adjudicator for several area music teachers’ associations and has given several workshops on piano technology, piano pedagogy, piano performance, and early childhood music.
Denise is currently teaching faculty at Colorado State University where she teaches Music Appreciation and World Music. She is a faculty advisor for several clubs, fraternities, and sororities on campus. She was nominated for the Career Impact Award in the category of Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year and won Best Teacher of the Year Award 2016, was a GRAMMY Music Educator Award Nominee, awarded College of Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award Winner and Colorado State University Honors Professor of the Year.
Denise Apodaca received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a minor in Spanish. She later received her Master of Music in Piano Performance and a second Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Northwestern University. She graduated with honors from both universities. She is a first-generation student and is currently a doctoral student in Music and Music Education at Teachers College Columbia University.
She has been on several teaching faculties and has served on several arts boards throughout the United States. Denise has performed throughout the United States as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Demonstrating her expertise in Latin American music, she has given several concerts in Mexico and the U.S. She has been an adjudicator for several area music teachers’ associations and has given several workshops on piano technology, piano pedagogy, piano performance, and early childhood music.
Denise is currently teaching faculty at Colorado State University where she teaches Music Appreciation and World Music. She is a faculty advisor for several clubs, fraternities, and sororities on campus. She was nominated for the Career Impact Award in the category of Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year and won Best Teacher of the Year Award 2016, was a GRAMMY Music Educator Award Nominee, awarded College of Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award Winner and Colorado State University Honors Professor of the Year.
Eliot Bailen
Cello
Strings Magazine writes, "At Merkin Hall (NYC) cellist Eliot Bailen displayed a warm focused tone, concentrated expressiveness and admirable technical command always at the service of the music" (July, '99). Eliot Bailen is principal cello of the New York Chamber Ensemble, New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Orchestra New England, New York Bach Artists, Teatro Grattacielo and the New Choral Society. Founder and Artistic Director of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble whose performances the New York Times has described as the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert. (July, 2005), Mr. Bailen also performs regularly with the Saratoga Chamber Players, 'Modern Works,' the Cape May Music Festival and the Sebago-Long Lake Chamber Music Festival and is founder of the series Chamber Music at Rodeph Sholom in New York. He is assistant-principal cello of the Stamford Symphony and appears frequently with leading New York area orchestras such as the Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York City Opera and Ballet, American Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Musica Sacra and the Oratorio Society of New York. He has recorded for Nonesuch, Koch International, Deutche Grammophon, Delos, New World, Beanstalk, BMG and Flying Dutchman Records and has been heard as solo cello in numerous Broadway shows.
Mr. Bailen received his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Yale University and is on the cello and chamber music faculty at Columbia University and Teachers College. Graduating in 1977 with High Honors in Music and French Literature from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Mr. Bailen also holds an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University where he was awarded the coveted Slater Prize for Entrepreneurship. In 2002, he was awarded the Norman Vincent Peale Arts Award for Positive Thinking. Mr. Bailen has also gained national attention as a writer and producer of children's music receiving over twenty-five commissions (including a Yale Alumni grant) for his "Song to Symphony" project, an extended school residency program that presents children's original musicals in an orchestral setting (subject of a NY Times feature article, Sept. 2006). Recently Mr. Bailen premiered his Double Concerto for flute and cello with the Johns Hopkins Orchestra with he and his wife, flutist, Susan Rotholz as soloists. They live in New York City with their twin sons David and Daniel and their daughter Julia.
Strings Magazine writes, "At Merkin Hall (NYC) cellist Eliot Bailen displayed a warm focused tone, concentrated expressiveness and admirable technical command always at the service of the music" (July, '99). Eliot Bailen is principal cello of the New York Chamber Ensemble, New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Orchestra New England, New York Bach Artists, Teatro Grattacielo and the New Choral Society. Founder and Artistic Director of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble whose performances the New York Times has described as the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert. (July, 2005), Mr. Bailen also performs regularly with the Saratoga Chamber Players, 'Modern Works,' the Cape May Music Festival and the Sebago-Long Lake Chamber Music Festival and is founder of the series Chamber Music at Rodeph Sholom in New York. He is assistant-principal cello of the Stamford Symphony and appears frequently with leading New York area orchestras such as the Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York City Opera and Ballet, American Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Musica Sacra and the Oratorio Society of New York. He has recorded for Nonesuch, Koch International, Deutche Grammophon, Delos, New World, Beanstalk, BMG and Flying Dutchman Records and has been heard as solo cello in numerous Broadway shows.
Mr. Bailen received his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Yale University and is on the cello and chamber music faculty at Columbia University and Teachers College. Graduating in 1977 with High Honors in Music and French Literature from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Mr. Bailen also holds an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University where he was awarded the coveted Slater Prize for Entrepreneurship. In 2002, he was awarded the Norman Vincent Peale Arts Award for Positive Thinking. Mr. Bailen has also gained national attention as a writer and producer of children's music receiving over twenty-five commissions (including a Yale Alumni grant) for his "Song to Symphony" project, an extended school residency program that presents children's original musicals in an orchestral setting (subject of a NY Times feature article, Sept. 2006). Recently Mr. Bailen premiered his Double Concerto for flute and cello with the Johns Hopkins Orchestra with he and his wife, flutist, Susan Rotholz as soloists. They live in New York City with their twin sons David and Daniel and their daughter Julia.
Mary Barto
Flute
Mary Barto is a former member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. She has performed with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. She has toured Western Europe with harpsichordist Eve Kugler and across the United States as soloist for the legendary Skitch Henderson, founder of the New York Pops. Her major teachers include Julius Baker, John C. Krell, Herbert Levy and Sandra Miller.
Teaching Flute, Flute Ensemble and Chamber Music, she is an Associate Professor at Mannes College – The New School University, an Assistant Professor at Hunter College CUNY, Instructor of Flute at Columbia University – Teachers College and Adjunct Professor at Fordham University. For eleven years, she was the coordinator of the Adult Chamber Music Program at the Lucy Moses School – Kaufman Center where she continues as a Chamber Music coach and instructor of Flute in both the Adult and Young Peoples Divisions. She is the Woodwinds Coach for the Concert Orchestra of the InterSchool Orchestras of NY – ISO.
She has played many Broadway shows and recorded film scores including numerous works by Academy Award-winning composer John Barry. Her Quintet, The New York Five, has the unusual instrumental combination of Flute, Bassoon, Violin, Viola and Piano. All of their music was composed by pianist George Quincy. Their CDs are available from Albany Records, Amazon, CD Baby and Flute World.
Mary Barto is a former member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. She has performed with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. She has toured Western Europe with harpsichordist Eve Kugler and across the United States as soloist for the legendary Skitch Henderson, founder of the New York Pops. Her major teachers include Julius Baker, John C. Krell, Herbert Levy and Sandra Miller.
Teaching Flute, Flute Ensemble and Chamber Music, she is an Associate Professor at Mannes College – The New School University, an Assistant Professor at Hunter College CUNY, Instructor of Flute at Columbia University – Teachers College and Adjunct Professor at Fordham University. For eleven years, she was the coordinator of the Adult Chamber Music Program at the Lucy Moses School – Kaufman Center where she continues as a Chamber Music coach and instructor of Flute in both the Adult and Young Peoples Divisions. She is the Woodwinds Coach for the Concert Orchestra of the InterSchool Orchestras of NY – ISO.
She has played many Broadway shows and recorded film scores including numerous works by Academy Award-winning composer John Barry. Her Quintet, The New York Five, has the unusual instrumental combination of Flute, Bassoon, Violin, Viola and Piano. All of their music was composed by pianist George Quincy. Their CDs are available from Albany Records, Amazon, CD Baby and Flute World.
Paul Beaudry
Jazz Bass
Bassist, composer, producer, and educator Paul Beaudry is a San Francisco native based in New York City since 2001. Beaudry has toured worldwide as a sideman with Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Allan Harris, Charenée Wade, Dee Daniels, and Eric Lewis and also performed in concerts or on recordings with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Grady Tate, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess, Cecil Bridgewater, Eddie Henderson, Roy Hargrove, Johnny O’Neal, Eric Alexander, Cynthia Scott, and Bruce Barth. He has toured in over 35 countries, played on over 50 recordings including a Grammy-Award winning Stephen Colbert project and is the leader of the quartet Paul Beaudry & Pathways. In 2010 his ensemble released its self- titled debut and its follow-up release, Americas, in 2012. The group has done several tours including for the U.S. State Department as U.S. cultural jazz ambassadors giving concerts and workshops to diverse audiences of all ages. In 2018 Beaudry released New Tomorrows, a recording featuring many of his original compositions and arrangements with strings. Beaudry remains an active performer, educator, and is also currently a bandleader for Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Jazz For Young People program and serves on faculty at the Teachers College at Columbia University.
Bassist, composer, producer, and educator Paul Beaudry is a San Francisco native based in New York City since 2001. Beaudry has toured worldwide as a sideman with Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Allan Harris, Charenée Wade, Dee Daniels, and Eric Lewis and also performed in concerts or on recordings with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Grady Tate, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess, Cecil Bridgewater, Eddie Henderson, Roy Hargrove, Johnny O’Neal, Eric Alexander, Cynthia Scott, and Bruce Barth. He has toured in over 35 countries, played on over 50 recordings including a Grammy-Award winning Stephen Colbert project and is the leader of the quartet Paul Beaudry & Pathways. In 2010 his ensemble released its self- titled debut and its follow-up release, Americas, in 2012. The group has done several tours including for the U.S. State Department as U.S. cultural jazz ambassadors giving concerts and workshops to diverse audiences of all ages. In 2018 Beaudry released New Tomorrows, a recording featuring many of his original compositions and arrangements with strings. Beaudry remains an active performer, educator, and is also currently a bandleader for Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Jazz For Young People program and serves on faculty at the Teachers College at Columbia University.
Nicole Becker
Conducting, Piano
As a pianist, soprano, and conductor, Nicole Becker has performed in concerts and recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Dr. Becker received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Yale University, a Masters of Music in Piano from Indiana University, and a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also studied piano at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Music and Music Education Program at Teachers College, where she teaches Piano and Choral Pedagogy. Dr. Becker also directs the Teachers College Lab Chorus, which she co-founded with Jeanne Goffi-Fynn in 2008. Dr. Becker has taught general music at the elementary and middle school levels, and is certified in Orff and Kodaly methods. Her research interests include student-centered approaches in ensemble settings; narrative autoethnography as a methodology for teacher research; and borrowing lenses of neuroscience and cognitive science to interpret teaching and learning in the applied lesson setting.
As a pianist, soprano, and conductor, Nicole Becker has performed in concerts and recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Dr. Becker received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Yale University, a Masters of Music in Piano from Indiana University, and a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also studied piano at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Music and Music Education Program at Teachers College, where she teaches Piano and Choral Pedagogy. Dr. Becker also directs the Teachers College Lab Chorus, which she co-founded with Jeanne Goffi-Fynn in 2008. Dr. Becker has taught general music at the elementary and middle school levels, and is certified in Orff and Kodaly methods. Her research interests include student-centered approaches in ensemble settings; narrative autoethnography as a methodology for teacher research; and borrowing lenses of neuroscience and cognitive science to interpret teaching and learning in the applied lesson setting.
Manqing Bian
Piano
Manqing Bian is an active classical pianist and chamber musician based in New York. She has performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Recital Hall and Merkin Hall, and has given concerts at institutions including Columbia University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Mannes School of Music. Manqing has also participated in numerous chamber music concerts at The Klavierhaus, Opera America, and the Oculus at the World Trade Center. In addition to classical music, she frequently performs Chinese traditional music, showcasing her versatility at events like the Asian International Music Conference. After being introduced to the student-centered approach at Columbia, she is committed to incorporating this new teaching concept into her practice, hoping to use her fingers as tools and the keyboard as a medium to spread love and passion.
Manqing Bian is an active classical pianist and chamber musician based in New York. She has performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Recital Hall and Merkin Hall, and has given concerts at institutions including Columbia University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Mannes School of Music. Manqing has also participated in numerous chamber music concerts at The Klavierhaus, Opera America, and the Oculus at the World Trade Center. In addition to classical music, she frequently performs Chinese traditional music, showcasing her versatility at events like the Asian International Music Conference. After being introduced to the student-centered approach at Columbia, she is committed to incorporating this new teaching concept into her practice, hoping to use her fingers as tools and the keyboard as a medium to spread love and passion.
Dan Brown
Conducting, High Brass
Daniel J. Brown, Ed. D., is in his 30th year of teaching Band, Jazz Band, and Instrumental Music at Rye Middle and High Schools in Rye, NY. An educator, conductor, trumpeter and pianist, Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Gettysburg College. In addition, he earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees from Teachers College, where he is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor, teaching classes in conducting, ensemble rehearsal strategies, and instrumental methods. As a trumpeter, Dan performed for nine years in the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony. From 1997-2011, he served as assistant to Dr. Dino Anagnost and The Little Orchestra Society and assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Singers/The Greek Choral Society in New York City. Dan’s research interests include conducting, instrumental pedagogy, and strategies for fostering critically reflective communities in school performing ensembles. His first article, published in the Finnish Journal for Music Education, considers what a collaborative, critically reflective ensemble looks like in practice. Dan has presented this model at the ISME Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and the NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Pittsburgh.
Daniel J. Brown, Ed. D., is in his 30th year of teaching Band, Jazz Band, and Instrumental Music at Rye Middle and High Schools in Rye, NY. An educator, conductor, trumpeter and pianist, Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Gettysburg College. In addition, he earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees from Teachers College, where he is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor, teaching classes in conducting, ensemble rehearsal strategies, and instrumental methods. As a trumpeter, Dan performed for nine years in the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony. From 1997-2011, he served as assistant to Dr. Dino Anagnost and The Little Orchestra Society and assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Singers/The Greek Choral Society in New York City. Dan’s research interests include conducting, instrumental pedagogy, and strategies for fostering critically reflective communities in school performing ensembles. His first article, published in the Finnish Journal for Music Education, considers what a collaborative, critically reflective ensemble looks like in practice. Dan has presented this model at the ISME Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and the NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Pittsburgh.
Matt Buttermann
Guitar
Matt Buttermann is a guitarist, composer, and educator in New York City. He is the director of Youth Programs at Jazz at Lincoln Center, overseeing Middle School and High School Jazz Academies, Junior Jazz Academy, Summer Jazz Workshop, and Summer Jazz Academy, as well as directing the JALC Youth Big Band. He is Director of Jazz Performance at Fordham University and adjunct instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University where he earned his doctorate in Music & Music Education. He received his BFA in jazz studies from The City College of New York and MM from William Paterson University.
Matt Buttermann is a guitarist, composer, and educator in New York City. He is the director of Youth Programs at Jazz at Lincoln Center, overseeing Middle School and High School Jazz Academies, Junior Jazz Academy, Summer Jazz Workshop, and Summer Jazz Academy, as well as directing the JALC Youth Big Band. He is Director of Jazz Performance at Fordham University and adjunct instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University where he earned his doctorate in Music & Music Education. He received his BFA in jazz studies from The City College of New York and MM from William Paterson University.
Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit
Double Bass, Strings
Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit, a double bassist from Trat, Thailand, received her education from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied the double bass with James VanDemark. As a double bassist, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Kodak Hall, and under the batons of Dr. Sandra Dackow, Jeffrey Grogan, Dr. Mark Scatterday, and Neil Varon.
At Eastman, her contributions to the community earned her the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Leadership Award and Linda Muise Student Life Award for outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and collaboration to promote and maintain a strong quality of life for all.
She continued her education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where her pedagogy was highlighted in an exhibit for the Smith Learning Theater. Currently, Chanphanitpornkit is continuing her studies as a doctoral candidate.
Chanphanitpornkit currently holds the position of Orchestra Directors at Nyack High School in Nyack, NY and at Teachers College Community School in New York, NY. At Manhattan School of Music Precollege, she is the instructor for conducting courses and is the conductor of the Concert Orchestra.
Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit, a double bassist from Trat, Thailand, received her education from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied the double bass with James VanDemark. As a double bassist, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Kodak Hall, and under the batons of Dr. Sandra Dackow, Jeffrey Grogan, Dr. Mark Scatterday, and Neil Varon.
At Eastman, her contributions to the community earned her the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Leadership Award and Linda Muise Student Life Award for outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and collaboration to promote and maintain a strong quality of life for all.
She continued her education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where her pedagogy was highlighted in an exhibit for the Smith Learning Theater. Currently, Chanphanitpornkit is continuing her studies as a doctoral candidate.
Chanphanitpornkit currently holds the position of Orchestra Directors at Nyack High School in Nyack, NY and at Teachers College Community School in New York, NY. At Manhattan School of Music Precollege, she is the instructor for conducting courses and is the conductor of the Concert Orchestra.
Evelyn Chen
Piano
The New York Times hailed Evelyn Chen as "a pianist to watch," praising her "brilliant technique, warm, clear tone, and exacting musical intelligence." Ms. Chen’s recent engagements have brought her to five continents at venues including Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls of Lincoln Center, Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Symphony Hall in Boston, Mozarteum in Salzburg, Wolf Trap, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Central Conservatory Concert in Beijing, and the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow.
Ms. Chen has performed with numerous orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, New Zealand Symphony, National Symphony of Taiwan, and has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Riccardo Muti, Leonard Slatkin, Keith Lockhart, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, JoAnn Falletta, and Joseph Silverstein.
Ms. Chen’s recent recordings have received international critical acclaim. Her recording of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Leonard Slatkin and the Philharmonia Orchestra of London on BMG was among the top ten best-selling classical recordings in Great Britain. Her performances have been broadcast throughout the US, Europe and Asia. She has also performed before prominent dignitaries including the Princess of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
A Steinway Artist, Ms. Chen has been winner of several international competitions. As the youngest competitor, she won First Prize in the 1981 Bach International Competition in Washington DC. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Juilliard School, a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Arts in composition from Harvard University. Ms. Chen is currently Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City.
The New York Times hailed Evelyn Chen as "a pianist to watch," praising her "brilliant technique, warm, clear tone, and exacting musical intelligence." Ms. Chen’s recent engagements have brought her to five continents at venues including Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls of Lincoln Center, Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Symphony Hall in Boston, Mozarteum in Salzburg, Wolf Trap, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Central Conservatory Concert in Beijing, and the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow.
Ms. Chen has performed with numerous orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, New Zealand Symphony, National Symphony of Taiwan, and has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Riccardo Muti, Leonard Slatkin, Keith Lockhart, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, JoAnn Falletta, and Joseph Silverstein.
Ms. Chen’s recent recordings have received international critical acclaim. Her recording of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Leonard Slatkin and the Philharmonia Orchestra of London on BMG was among the top ten best-selling classical recordings in Great Britain. Her performances have been broadcast throughout the US, Europe and Asia. She has also performed before prominent dignitaries including the Princess of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
A Steinway Artist, Ms. Chen has been winner of several international competitions. As the youngest competitor, she won First Prize in the 1981 Bach International Competition in Washington DC. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Juilliard School, a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Arts in composition from Harvard University. Ms. Chen is currently Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City.
Leyao Chen
Cello
Leyao started Learn piano at the age of 5 and began to learn cello at the age of 8 with Professor Huang Beixing, principal cello of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
In 2019, graduated from Experimental High School affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music, during which studied with Professor Xie Guangyu Shanghai Conservatory of Music When Leyao was in middle school and high school, she joined the Shanghai Student Symphony Orchestra and served as the principal cello to perform at the Shanghai Concert Hall, Shanghai Sheshan Concert, and the Edinburgh Music Festival in the UK. Also helped famous cellists Mischa Maisky and Qin Liwei to accompany them in their performances
In 2019, entered Montclair State University, majoring in music performance, and studied with Professor Nicholas Tzavaras cellist member of the Shanghai Quartet.
Participated in the quartet performing instruction and rehearsal under the guidance of Harlem Quartet and Cavani Quartet and Shanghai Quartet each half a month.Work closely with the artistic directors and other creative team members to ensure the realization of the artistic vision for entire production.Negotiate contracts with actors, directors, designers, and other production staff.Ensure that all parties involved in the production understand and adhere to the terms of their contracts. Last in Collaborated with Kronos quartet and Cello solo at Kaufman Music Center, Merkin Concert Hall
While studying in Montclair, Leyao participated in the school's symphony orchestra and participated in recordings Shot 2021 NFL game ad with orchestra and performed the theme song “We are the Legends” When Leyao returned to China during the summer vacation, she was hired by the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra as a guest performer and participated in rehearsals and performances.
Receive Bachelor of Music degree in May 2023 and enter Columbia University Teachers college in September for graduate study in music education.
Leyao started Learn piano at the age of 5 and began to learn cello at the age of 8 with Professor Huang Beixing, principal cello of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
In 2019, graduated from Experimental High School affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music, during which studied with Professor Xie Guangyu Shanghai Conservatory of Music When Leyao was in middle school and high school, she joined the Shanghai Student Symphony Orchestra and served as the principal cello to perform at the Shanghai Concert Hall, Shanghai Sheshan Concert, and the Edinburgh Music Festival in the UK. Also helped famous cellists Mischa Maisky and Qin Liwei to accompany them in their performances
In 2019, entered Montclair State University, majoring in music performance, and studied with Professor Nicholas Tzavaras cellist member of the Shanghai Quartet.
Participated in the quartet performing instruction and rehearsal under the guidance of Harlem Quartet and Cavani Quartet and Shanghai Quartet each half a month.Work closely with the artistic directors and other creative team members to ensure the realization of the artistic vision for entire production.Negotiate contracts with actors, directors, designers, and other production staff.Ensure that all parties involved in the production understand and adhere to the terms of their contracts. Last in Collaborated with Kronos quartet and Cello solo at Kaufman Music Center, Merkin Concert Hall
While studying in Montclair, Leyao participated in the school's symphony orchestra and participated in recordings Shot 2021 NFL game ad with orchestra and performed the theme song “We are the Legends” When Leyao returned to China during the summer vacation, she was hired by the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra as a guest performer and participated in rehearsals and performances.
Receive Bachelor of Music degree in May 2023 and enter Columbia University Teachers college in September for graduate study in music education.