< Back Previous Amelia Ly Next Pianist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 26, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Amelia Ly, 11, began her piano journey at the age of four in Peoria, Illinois. She studied with renowned pedagogues, including Prof. Anna Nogaj, former dean of the Bradley University Piano Prep School and teacher of Krzysztof Jablonski, and Prof. Aneta Youngblood, a former director at Caterpillar with decades of European-based music education experience. Since 2022, Amelia has been a pupil of distinguished pianist Dr. Craig Nies, long-time professor at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, whose musical heritage traces back to Mieczysław Horszowski and the traditions of Beethoven, Czerny, and Chopin. Amelia recently concluded her annual solo recital at Blair School of Music in May 2024. Featured by ABC News and NPR, Amelia has won numerous international piano competitions and performed at prestigious venues including the Musikverein in Vienna, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Philharmonie Amphithéâtre in Paris, and Beethoven House in Bonn. She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Since her early years, Amelia has shared her music with the community, performing at retirement homes, annual Christmas concerts, Ignite Peoria, OSF Hospital, Peoria Women’s Club, and Dream Center fundraising events. In 2021, she presented her own ticketed solo concert at the Betty Jayne Performance Center. In March 2023, Amelia performed with Dr. Nies at the Rachmaninoff 150th Birthday Celebration Concert, part of Vanderbilt University’s Sesquicentennial festivities. Outside of piano, Amelia enjoys reading, dancing, drawing, swimming, singing, and playing the ukulele and guitar. She is an active member of her school choir and participates in her public school’s gifted program. In 2021, she was accepted into Vanderbilt University’s Program for Talented Youth (SAVVY), reflecting her dedication to both music and academic excellence.

Duo Miriam Davis & Michael Bulychev-Okser < Back Duo Miriam Davis & Michael Bulychev-Okser Previous Next Duo Miriam Davis & Michael Bulychev-Okser

< Back Evangeline Benedetti Cello Learn More Videos About Evangeline's Performing Career In 1967 Evangeline Benedetti was invited by Leonard Bernstein himself to become a member of the New York Philharmonic, the first female cellist and the second tenured woman. She remained an active and integral member for more than 40 years, during which time she played nearly 8,000 concerts and participated in countless recordings and television productions including the renowned Young People's Concerts conducted by Bernstein. Evangeline has toured the world many times over, and played alongside the world's greatest instrumental and vocal soloists, including Artur Rubenstein, Vladimir Horowitz, Isaac Stern, David Oistrakh, Mistislav Rostropovich, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, and Joan Sutherland to name a few. In addition to playing 200 prestigious premiers, her extensive work with celebrated conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, George Szell, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel and Alan Gilbert is unique and rare, and makes her a valuable musical resource for students, emerging professionals and professional players alike. In demand as a chamber musician, she has collaborated with celebrated colleagues such as Yefim Bronfman (piano), Stanley Drucker (clarinet), and Philip Smith (trumpet). Evangeline gave her New York solo recital debut to rave reviews, with the New York Times calling her approach to playing as “strikingly similar to Casals” and praising her "technical capacity," her "big, vibrant tone" and her "enormous communicativeness." Evangeline is currently a member of the cello faculty with the iClassical Academy , an innovative master class resource that "connects young musicians with some of the worlds most accomplished teachers." She served for 20 years on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music and is a sought after master clinician and guest artist. She has given master classes in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shanghai, and at major music schools such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes, The New School for Music, as well as with the San Diego Symphony. Evangeline currently lives in New York, where she teaches, continues to perform and serves on the boards of The Bloomingdale School of Music and The Violoncello Society of New York. Evangeline's Work with the Alexander Technique and Bio-Mechanics Shortly after joining the New York Philharmonic, Evangeline became a dedicated student of the Alexander Technique as a way to overcome the physical discomforts brought on by her demanding career. Her commitment to the technique, and its measurable results in her own playing, led her to earn a certification as a teacher of the Technique in 1991. She saw that there were concepts of this study that could be applied to cello playing and thus began to revamp her playing based on the Alexander Technique A few years later she met Dr. Mark Gomez, a bio mechanical engineer, who was interested in understanding and solving musicians' physical problems from a bio-mechanical point of view. The two collaborated, and from their work together evolved an approach to playing that is unique, healthy and sustainable. CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Mark Gomez Evangeline's Approach to Teaching and Playing the Cello Evangeline's approach to playing and teaching is a synthesis of the cellist's thought, knowledge of the dynamic properties of the instrument and bow, and knowledge of one's body to apply ease of movement to playing. In cello playing, this is ideally a perfect synergy of the mind’s musical thought stimulating the hands to manipulate the cello-bow, with the rest of the body integrated into the movement of the hands. These principles can be applied to any instrument, including the human voice, to free you to be as musically expressive as possible. Benedetti is the author of Cello, Bow and You: Putting It All Together , published by Oxford University Press. Previous Next

Michael Kim < Back Michael Kim Previous Next Michael Kim 🇨🇦 Canada VIOLINIST Michael Kim is 7 years old. He first began learning to play the violin online during the pandemic. After a year and a half he switched to in-person lessons and now studies at the Toronto School for Strings. Michael is a member of the Mooredale Orchestra and received Honorable Mention for his performance at the 2022 Irvine Conservatory International Competition.

< Back Aphrodite Mitsopoulou Piano Learn More Videos About Aphrodite Mitsopoulou was born in Greece and started her musical studies in the National Conservatory of Athens. In 2007, she received her Soloist’s Diploma from the Conservatory of Art and Technology obtaining the First Unanimously Excellent Award and the Highest Honors for Outstanding Performance. Ms. Mitsopoulou earned her Master’s Degree in 2009 on a partial scholarship from the Boston Conservatory. Some of her notable teachers include Valery Sagaidachny, Janice Weber, Anna Ouspenskaya,Thomas Mastroianni and Nancy Breth. Ms. Mitsopoulou received the first Prize in 2004 at the “Golden Muse” Competition for her interpretation in Greek and Contemporary Music. Further, for her academic success, the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor’s Society offered Ms. Mitsopoulou a lifelong honorary membership for her artistic and academic profile. Having received an O1 Visa awarded to artists for extraordinary ability, Ms. Mitsopoulou currently resides in the USA since 2010. Ms. Mitsopoulou was the organist of St. Katherine Orthodox Church and she is responsible for the Pre-K curriculum and musical program in St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church Bilingual School in Falls Church, Virginia. Highly trained as an educator, Ms. Mitsopoulou has worked as a faculty – selected tutor while at the Boston Conservatory and she maintains an active teaching and performing schedule (http:// www.pianowitz.com). Between 2019-2021, Ms. Mitsopoulou was the President of NVMTA (Northern Virginia Music Teachers' Association). Since she became a member of NVMTA in 2011, she has held many leadership positions. Her students have won awards in national and international competitions such as The Golden Key International Competition ,the Lion’s Scholarship of Virginia Music Scholarship Foundation, the NVMTA Judged Recitals, AAMS International Competition and the Baroque Competition. Selected students of Ms. Mitsopoulou have been admitted in the prestigious Peabody Preparatory Program, the pre-college department of Peabody Institute and the Conservatoire de Nantes in France. Ms. Mitsopoulou has performed as an accompanist and solo performer in various events. She performed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington in 2016 for the event entitled “From Romantics to Greek Composers of the 20th Century,” which was co-sponsored by the Greek Embassy. Ms. Mitsopoulou’ s other performances include recitals in the Center for the Hellenic Studies, Department of Harvard, University Club in Washington invited by the AAFSW(Associates of the America Foreign Service Worldwide), in Embassy of Israel for the Congressional--Hellenic--Israeli friendship, the Church of the Holy City with the participation of the D.C Chamber music orchestra members, the Loudoun Choral Society, the Woman’s Club of Arlington, the Kreeger Museum, the Baha'i' Center of Sterling, and the Steinert Hall in Boston. She holds a special permission from the Hellenic Center in Greece to perform rare compositions. Ms. Mitsopoulou is currently doing her Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree in Performance, Pedagogy and Literature at James Madison University where she is also a graduate assistant at the Keyboard Skills Classes, an assistant to the Accompanying coordinator and in the course "Music in America". Previous Next

Please Donate and Support Sound Espressivo! Empowering Tomorrow's Musicians "Sound Espressivo Virtual Music Competition – A Sorcerer's Apprentice’s Guide To Mastery" ~ Ilona Oltuski NY, November 2021 GetClassica l Sound Espressivo Competition is an unique opportunity for young musicians and aspiring music students to experience professional Virtual Stage, perform live for global audience, be considered for Prizes. For many musicians application fee can be hard to afford Please consider helping! Please help our fellow musicians by contributing to the "Application fee Scholarship Fund"! Give a deserving dedicated artist a chance at a brighter future, to a network with nurturing community, an opportunity to shine and grow! Sound Espressivo is created and managed by professional musicians. Our Scriptwriters, Graphic Designers, Broadcast Directors, Tech support crews, Hosts, people who take and answer questions - all are musicians. Application fees ensure that Sound Espressivo continues to provide wages to broadcast producers and designers who help each contestant prepare for performing on Virtual Stage. Producers, A/V technicians, broadcast designers set up contestants' microphones, cameras, Internet connection, lights, making sure that each contestant feels confident performing on the Virtual Stage, looks and sounds best. Donate Now Help us make a difference First Name Last Name Email Donate in the name of Enter the amount you wish to pay: $ Donate Thank you for your donation!

Laureate Gala Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023, at 7:00pm EST Visit Carnegie Hall site for tickets Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers From Around the World Download Promotional Materials Download Program Booklet The New York Chamber Players Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Giacomo Franci is featuring world class soloists from US, Europe, Canada, Asia. Premieres of newly composed works; recital soloists, and ensembles. SPECIAL GUESTS Giacomo Franci Music Director of New York Chamber Players Orchestra Maurizio Mastrini Pianist Jennifer Wang Pianist Ka Long Chris Au Pianist Meet the Gala Performers Concertos and Pieces with Orchestra by Haydn, Beethoven, Khachaturian, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Albeniz , Lowe Finney, Sophie Dunér, Mauricio Mastrini Rubén Ángel Russo Guitiérrez, Piano Qianci Liu, Cello Ariel Levy, Saxophone Olivia Zhang, Piano Stacey Stofferahn, Soprano Emily Snelbecker, Piano Ralitsa Tcholakova, Violin Marcela Gonyea, Piano Sophie Dunér, Mezzo-Soprano SOLO PERFORMANCES: Antian Jiang, Piano Marcio Candido, Violin Jelena Stefanic, Soprano Sophie Dunér, Mezzo-Soprano Marie-Claire Giraud, Soprano Lee Stockner's students Music Lee Inclined Guy, Inc. Ari Amir, Piano EJ O’Connor, Piano Jason Wasserman, Piano Shane Patel, Piano Brendan Yu , Piano CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: Kristina Henckel & Amanda Virelle, Piano Duo NEW COMPOSITIONS BY: Lowe Finney Sophie Dunér Gala Laureates INTERVIEWS WITH STEVE ROBINSON NOVEMBER 19 -20 in New York City Steve Robinson is an American radio manager, producer and executive producer. He has held senior management positions with numerous American radio stations, including WFMT and the WFMT Radio Network/Chicago, WBUR/Boston, WGBH/Boston, WCRB/Boston, KPFA/Berkeley, WBGO/Newark, Vermont Public Radio and Nebraska Public Radio Network.ork. Robinson served as general manager of the statewide Nebraska Public Radio Network (1990-2000) and WFMT and the WFMT Radio Network from 2000 until October 2016. A 50-year radio veteran, he has produced programs ranging from classical music documentaries to public affairs programs and has directed over 100 on-air pledge drives. In 1984, he co-founded AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio, a service organization to assist independent radio producers in the United States. Robinson wrote AIR’s first two successful grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. James Adler Audience Favorite AWARD $250 "It is very important to have the audience participate in this competition! It engages the listener and encourages our wonderfully talented contestants. I am delighted to co-found the James Adler Audience Favorite Award for the Sound Espressivo Global Music Competition. Sit back, listen, enjoy -- and please vote!" ~James Adler, Pianist and Composer Photo: Frank Gimpaya Artists from Around the World Sample Compositions from All Periods of Classical Music Kaleidoscope of Genres, Instruments, Ensembles Age is Not a Limitation of Artistry! Performers are A ged 7-80 iClassical Academy AWARDS iClassical Academy provides Recognition Awards to Winners and Parti cipants of Carnegie Gala Auditions We believe that anyone, at any time, should have access to the wonderfully beautiful world of music Our mission is to provide new generations of musicians, from any part of the world, the possibility to improve their skills and enjoy a wide audience iClassical Academy is based in Switzerland International Panel of Judges Vera Danchenko-Stern (piano/vocal coach) Julio Reyes (conductor/guitar) Michelle Lynn (piano) Galina Ivannikova (voice/piano) Giacomo Franci (conductor/piano) Fred Rosenberg (clarinet) provided immediate on-air fe edback to participants during the Live Audition sta ge. To learn more about the Judges, and to see their bios click here

Sound Espressivo and Virtual Concert Halls are presenting Laureates and Winners of SEC 2021-2022 in Concerts and Solo Recitals. Here you will also find information about upcoming Auditions, Competitions, Festivals, Orchestra and Ensemble Concerts, Seminars, Courses, and many more exciting musical events. Learn about our new collaborations with music organizations and artists! Keep checking back for more Dates, Opportunities, and Events! Welcome to Sound Espressivo Concert Season 2022-2023 We are presenting Laureates and Winners of SEC 2021-2022 in Concerts and Solo Recitals Here you will also find information about upcoming Auditions, Competitions, Festivals, Orchestra and Ensemble Concerts, Seminars, Courses, and many more exciting musical events. Keep checking back for more Dates, Opportunities, and Events! Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Sun, Apr 30 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Winners Concert Sun, Apr 02 SEC and VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Winners of Sound Espressivo Competition Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Sun, Mar 12 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Winners Concert Sun, Feb 26 SEC and VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Winners of Sound Espressivo Competition Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Sun, Jan 29 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Winners Concert Sun, Jan 15 SEC and VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Winners of Sound Espressivo Competition Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Sun, Dec 18 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Multiple Dates colORCHESTRA Auditions Finals Mon, Dec 05 Auditions This uniquely-designed audition is open to musicians of all ages who are available for soloist engagements within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 concert seasons. Selected artists will be awarded an appearance opportunity to perform solo with esteemed professional orchestras from around the world. Details Multiple Dates colORCHESTRA Auditions Finals Sun, Dec 04 Auditions This uniquely-designed audition is open to musicians of all ages who are available for soloist engagements within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 concert seasons. Selected artists will be awarded an appearance opportunity to perform solo with esteemed professional orchestras from around the world. Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Winners Concert Sun, Nov 27 SEC and VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Winners of Sound Espressivo Competition Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Sun, Nov 13 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Winners Concert Sun, Oct 16 SEC and VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Winners of Sound Espressivo Competition Details Multiple Dates Sound Espressivo Laureate Recital Colin Chang, piano Sun, Sep 18 VCHS video and social channels Performance Series of virtual LIVE Concerts and Interviews with Laureates of Sound Espressivo Competition. Details Piano Masterclass with Avguste Antonov (1) Sat, May 01 Online event Each month, the masterclass will have a theme (for example a specific composer or a specific style) and participants would also be able to request for their masterclass to focus on a specific topic Details Lehner Quartet presents newly written works by living composers Sun, Apr 25 Online event Special Concert featuring new string quartets written by living composers selected for this program in 2021. Details Mira Kardan - Sound Espressivo Laureates' Recital At 2:00pm EST (11:00am PST) Sun, Apr 25 Virtual Concert Catch the rising cellist star! Details Evolution of the Symphony, Episode 1: Haydn - Mozart - Beethoven Mon, Apr 19 Online event The evolution of the symphonic repertoire is a series of lectures that Maestro DONNINELLI has the pleasure of sharing with all music lovers Details Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Gala Sun, Apr 18 Online event Ticket holders, table sponsors and table guests will join the exclusive and interactive celebration featuring a cocktail party, live performances from host musicians, a virtual auction, a live message from Music Director Jaime Martín, and real-time conversation with everyone at your virtual table Details Load More

Learn the "nuts and bolts"about how the competition runs! YouTube Vimeo Facebook Watch our 2-minute video tutorials with explanations! Categories, Repertory, Signup, Auditions, Tech, Scheduling, Rounds, Ages Groups. What is Live Broadcast? How is this different from Zoom Meeting? And more.

How good is your program? Find out here! Sound Espressivo is the first online LIVE streaming Competition for classical musicians of all ages. Contestants and judges focus on unique artistry of every performer, awarding prizes offered by music management companies. program Prepare a collection of music with a message and express yourself through dedicating to a theme! In-Depth Artists can prepare large programs of music surrounding some connection between them, be it a composer or a collection of that composer's works, or a message and style discovered by the artist. It is invaluable to be able to prepare large collections of music and study a large grasp of the repertoire that exists and combine it into something massive. This sort of performance can be grandeur and especially moving, as well as revealing connections for audiences that the most dedicated artists believe in and want to express. General Criteria Length and/or Variety - it is basic that a prepared program has either large variety or is dedicated to a consistent style and theme for large amounts of time. Pondering over something grand takes a lot of music. Connection - knowing a lot of repertoire is not enough without a meaning to tie it together, and such meaning needs to be heard beyond program notes and through playing and organized planning of order and presentation. Immersion - the idea and goal of the program must captivate in a unique way that keeps the audience drawn in exploring your masterful concert as it goes on and keeping them engaged with you on what matters. Story - it is extremely exciting to have a collection of music tell some sort of story and express something. This helps a program from becoming static and difficult to digest and is key to winning the audience over onto your journey of exploration.

< Back Previous New Jersey Guitar Orchestra Next New Jersey Guitar Orchestra Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO The NJGO is an elite ensemble of classical guitarists of various backgrounds, from amateurs to professional guitarists and teachers. The NJGO is active during the Fall and Spring semester sessions each year. Our mission is to provide a space for personal expression, expand the artistic experience, and foster community by empowering people to create, perform, respond, and connect to all things GUITAR! Jayson Martinez Conductor Jayson Martinez is recognized as the first guitar major student in the history of the prestigious Arts High School in Newark NJ, the nation's first high school for the visual and performing arts. Now, as Director of Guitar Studies at his alma mater, Mr. Martinez has garnered countless educational awards, including winner of the Teacher of the Year Award in 2018-19 and nominee for the GRAMMY Music Educator’s Award. His students are continuously invited to perform in several prestigious venues across the country. This includes performing for Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in Washington DC, NAfME All-National Festivals, and opening for Grammy Award duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. As a student, Jayson attended New Jersey City University, studying under Dr. Ana María Rosado, and earned degrees in Music Education (B.A.), Music Performance (M.Mus.), and Educational Supervision and Administration (M.EdLd.). He was a featured soloist who performed for many renowned classical guitarists, including Roland Dyens and William Kanengiser. Currently, Mr. Martinez serves as the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) Chairman for Guitar Education, Director of the NJMEA Honors Guitar Ensemble, and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Representative for the Council of Guitar Education. Mr. Martinez is also the Guitar Studies Adjunct Professor at Kean University. An established classical guitarist, Mr. Martinez served as the concertmaster for the renowned New York City Classical Guitar Orchestra for over a decade. He is featured in podcasts for Bill Swick’s “Guitarists in the Classoom” series and for TopMusic.co. In 2021, Maestro Jayson Martinez founded the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra (NJGO), where he also serves as conductor. In 2022, the NJGO was featured in NYC Merkin Hall, performing with the United States Guitar Orchestra. Staying true to his roots, he is the owner of Tremolo Music Studio in Clifton NJ, where he teaches music education to aspiring musicians of all ages. Musicians Andrew Jaworski Andrew is a professional teacher, musician, recording engineer, and producer. He graduated from The Hartt School in 2008 with a degree in Music Production and Technology, and has been working for various studios and production companies ever since. In 2008, Andrew started his own music company, Sites and Sounds Productions LLC, that specializes in mobile recording and CD duplication for middle- and high-school music concerts. As a performing classical and rock guitarist, he also teaches lessons and works part-time as a high-school marching band faculty member. At Montclair State University, Andrew earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in order to help cultivate a deep respect and love for sound and music. Andrew is section leader two in the NJGO. Cem Yigit Cem has been playing guitar with passion since the mid-1980s, developing a deep appreciation for both classical and flamenco styles through years of solo practice. His musical interests extend beyond performance into the mathematics of music, including computer-aided harmonization and eastern musical tonal systems. Cem especially enjoys adapting eastern folk music to classical guitar, blending tradition with innovation. He is excited to join the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra (NJGO) this season as a section one member. Chris Joseph Christopher Joseph is a classical guitarist based out of Brooklyn New York. He has studied with Francisco Roldan at NJCU as well as taken lessons from Dr. Ana Maria Rosado and Dr. Joao Luiz Rezende Lopes. He himself has and still plays for special events such as luncheons, weddings and churches. He was a member of Orpheus Guitar Trio and Quintero Paisano. With the former he has had a Carnegie debut with multiple departments from NJCU and the latter he has recorded some music for Guitar Quintet. Chris is also the founder and owner of ECGNentertainment which is media project meant to propel the emerging classical guitarists into the professional music world. Chris is an avid tik-tokker who is constantly sharing music and new things he is learning and when away from music you can find him hanging with friends, playing chess or pool either locally or in online forums. He is a very down to earth and upbeat person who simply wants classical guitar to be even more recognized than it was yesterday. Christopher Perez Chris is a New Jersey native and a classical guitarist, who has been playing guitar since the age of 16. He began playing classical guitar after discovering and falling in love with the music of Francisco Tárrega. He is also passionate about studying the works of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Agustín Barrios, and Frederic Chopin. He is honored to be playing for section one of the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra. Chris is also a certified civil trial attorney and a partner and co-founder of a vibrant law practice. Chris is an alumni of Rutgers University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Doctorate in Law. Chris is happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. Crystal Gaynor Crystal Gaynor, singer/songwriter, acoustic and classical guitarist and a self proclaimed “Late in Life Student of the 6 Stings”.As a vocalist, Crystal has recorded and performed background vocals with George Clinton /Parliament Funkadelic, Paul Schaffer of the David Lettermen Show, and many others. While serving in the United StateAir Force, Crystal performed with the USAF touring performance ensemble,“Tops in Blue.” While living in Detroit, by day Crystal worked for BMG Distribution, one of the music industries largest music distributors. And by night, as a vocalist, Crystal recorded and performed on the Techno House and Rock Music circuit with various Detroit artists. Wanting to become a self accompanied vocalist, in 2018, Crystal began her guitar journey, with a local street busker. Wanting to explore the guitar more, in 2020, Crystal enrolled in the on-line guitar program, at Berklee College of Music and received her certificate in Advance Guitar in 2022. Soon after, Crystal became an active student at the Classical Guitar Corner Academy (CGCA) and Tony’s Acoustic Challenge (TAC). Diego Gallardo Diego is a graduate of the Kean Conservatory of Music, holding a B.A. in Music Education, and has been a high school music teacher since 2010. His students have gone on to study at schools such as University of the Arts, Mason Gross School of Music, William Paterson University, Kean University, Montclair State University, New England Conservatory, as well as becoming well regarded area musicians. He has performed at such venues as NJPAC, Merkin Hall, Carnegie Hall, and many others. He serves as a section two guitarist for the NJGO. Dr. Loren Fortna Educator, performer, and composer Dr. Loren C. Fortna has performed from New Jersey to Vancouver, British Columbia as a soloist, accompanist, ensemble member, and conductor. He holds a B.A. in Music Theoretical Studies, a M.M., an A.D., and a D.M.A in Classical Guitar Performance. He earned these degrees under the tutelage of several esteemed guitarists, including Dennis Cinelli, Stephen Aron, and Julian Gray. A New Jersey Music Educator since 2001, Loren was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year in the Springfield Public School District. He was an adjunct professor and faculty advisor at Montclair State University from 2009 - 2014 and is currently the vocal music teacher at the Dionne Warwick Institute in East Orange, NJ. Loren facilitated numerous presentations on a range of topics such as music performance anxiety, music-rich writing activities, and techniques on composing for guitar. He also adjudicates for several state music education organizations. Dr. John Asmuth New Jersey native Dr. John Asmuth is an amateur player who picked up the classical guitar at twelve years old, taking private lessons for a time with Alice Artzt and recently with Phil Circle. He enjoys performing not only as a soloist and with Section 3 of NJGO, but also composing and transcribing music.John holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rutgers University, and currently works as a software engineer in Big Tech (TM). He lives in Verona, NJ with his wife, Stephanie, and two boys, Trent and Gavin. skelterjohn.github.io skelterjohn/guitar guitar scores composed and/or arranged by skelterjohn Dr. Martin Brounstein Dr. Martin Brounstein is the Board President of Montclair Early Music. He is a retired attorney specializing in international regulatory compliance with pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical research regulations. Martin has been playing guitar since the mid 1950s, and has been continuously teaching jazz, pop and classical guitar for several decades. As a member of the New Jersey, New York and Mid-Hudson Classical Guitar Societies, he has been instrumental in providing free recitals to communities throughout the tri-state area. Dr. Brounstein received a Ph.D. in British Renaissance literature while simultaneously earning his Juris Doctor. Further, he holds several high black belts in three different martial arts disciplines and provides free classes in women's self defense. Martin is currently on the board of directors and regularly featured in the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra and plays in the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra in section three. Dr. Steve Sabet Dr. Steven Sabet is a music teacher at the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy where he teaches guitar and music technology. He is also adjunct professor at Kean University and has taught at Rutgers where he received a Doctorate in Music Education. His doctoral research was published by the Journal of Popular Music Education. Sabet’s guitar work can be heard on several studio albums on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. He studied guitar at The Hartt School and Florida State University before becoming a teacher and performer. Dr. Sabet serves as concertmaster for the NJGO. Janette Beham Janette Beham, a classical guitarist with the New York City Guitar Orchestra since 2016, performed at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in the Centennial Celebration of the Aaron Shearer Foundation in 2019 conducted by Jayson Sagebiel; she also played with the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra in 2024 conducted by Jayson Martinez. She performed with the New York City Guitar Orchestra for the New Focus Recording, "Spectra: New Music for Guitar Orchestra," released in 2024, which includes How Slowly, All of a Sudden by composer and former touring Nine Inch Nails guitarist Joshua Eustis, in which she plays Guitar 2. Janette models for Terrifier franchise composer and former Marilyn Manson guitarist Paul Wiley on sensoryrecordings.com; she is currently studying with João Luiz. Jeff Wilt Jeff Wilt has played guitar since the early 1960’s when his uncle (an organist) took note of his interest in Channel 13’s presentations of classical guitar legend Andres Segovia’s “Masterclass” television series and purchased Jeff’s first guitar. His parents finally relented and engaged a teacher in the mid-60’s after listening to Jeff banging on a guitar he couldn’t even tune for two years! His early studies tended toward jazz. He lost interest as the jazz became progressively more…well, progressive! After not playing during college, Jeff returned to guitar around 1980 and taught himself classical guitar. As an adult, Jeff has relied on direction provided by a small army of accomplished classical guitarist friends, as well as classes with international concert guitarists at the annual convention of the Guitar Foundation of America. Now retired from the life insurance industry where he was in regional sales management for 35 years, Jeff plays in the New York City Guitar Orchestra and in several small ensembles with friends in addition to performing with the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra. He is on the Board of Directors of the New York City Classical Guitar Society. He is married to Lori Wilt with three adult children, Michala, Carmine and Kathleen. Jeff is also a lifelong motorcyclist and enjoys daily walks with Holly, the Golden Retriever. He is section leader three of the NJGO. Jo Lucev During high school, Jo had the incredible opportunity to be part of the guitar ensemble program at Franklin High School. Under the direction of Patrick Callahan, Jo quickly developing a passion for guitar. This experience not only deepened Jo’s love for guitar and music, but also inspired Jo to pursue a degree in music education. Jo is thrilled to continue a musical journey in college and aims to combine a passion for guitar with a dedication to teaching and inspiring future musicians. Jonathan Cruz Jonathan has been teaching since 2003. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays and performs Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, and Ukulele. Jonathan has attended The Berklee College of Music for sessions, Rutgers for Music Theory and Composition, William Paterson for Music Education and Jazz Performance. He has worked with The Jazz Institute receiving an award for excellence, and studied at NJPAC for Jazz, also honoring him with an award. Jordyn Gallagher Jordyn Gallagher first started playing playing guitar at the age of 8. Jordyn went on to study classical guitar at The College of New Jersey, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, specializing in classical guitar, and a secondary focus on clarinet. Since then, Jordyn has been teaching in the Metuchen school district in New Jersey. Presently, she serves as the director of the 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade orchestras, as well as taking on the roles of kindergarten general music teacher and guitar instructor. Patrick Callahan Patrick Callahan has been involved as a coach and adjudicator for NJMEA Honors Guitar Ensemble since its inception and is excited to be performing with NJGO this season as a section four member. Patrick is a passionate educator and has run the classical guitar program at Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ for close to a decade. In addition to performing with the NJGO, he is an active performer for pit orchestras for musical theatre. Rick Florio Rick is an amateur classical guitarist and is a member of the NJ Classical Guitar Society. He plays in various small ensembles in addition to the NJGO, where he serves as a section one player. Rick is a project manger working in the pharmaceutical industry space. He resides with his wife Joann in Hillsborough and recently became grandparents for the second time. Ryan Bagg Ryan is a music teacher at a public school in Queens where he incorporates guitar, ukulele, and modern band in the 5th through 8th grade curriculum. Currently Ryan is taking a sabbatical from teaching to study classical guitar performance at Hunter College. Ryan started playing guitar at 13 and played in some bands and orchestras through the years. In 2014, Ryan met his life and songwriting partner, Teresa, at a ukulele meetup. Ryan and Teresa now have two children and a family YouTube channel called Paper Bagg Band where they share their music for kids. Sandy Meltzer Sandy Meltzer began her career as a French Horn player. By the age of 12 she was already a member of the Westchester Philharmonic and the Westchester Symphony. She went on to study at Manhattan School of Music where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and subsequently taught in the pre-college division there for 12 years. During this time, she was an active freelancer in the New York metropolitan area performing in groups such as the Julius Grossman Orchestra, American Chamber Opera Company, the National Orchestral Association and the Village Chamber Orchestra as well as numerous regional theater companies, occasional subbing on Broadway and one national tour. She was also a featured soloist with the Village Chamber Orchestra and the Bloomingdale House of Music Chamber Orchestra. By her late-30’s, she decided she was ready for a career change and decided to go back to school to become a teacher. Most of her teaching career was spent at the Academies @ Englewood, a program connected with Dwight Morrow High School. While there, she was able to grow creatively and directed every group on campus, from Concert Band and Chorus to Jazz Band and an award-winning A Cappella group as well as directing the annual school musical. She also implemented a guitar program, finally being able to reach the students who otherwise were not involved with music on campus. She is a self-taught classical guitarist and was happy to share this passion with her students. Since retiring from teaching in 2021, she has taken the opportunity to hone her skills as a classical guitarist. She joined 2 groups in this capacity, the NJGO as well as the Montclair Early Music Society where she was recently appointed Assistant Music Director. She feels it is a true privilege to perform with the extremely talented members of the NJGO as a member of section four. Sara Overholt Sara Overholt, Ph.D., classical guitarist and music theorist, holds degrees from Yale University (student of Ben Verdery), UC, Santa Barbara, and CSU, Chico (Richard Savino). Additional doctoral work done at the Sorbonne, Paris on a Mellon grant, and at the University of Cologne, Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. Mostly through performing Dr. Overholt has travelled to over 80 countries and is the founder of the classical guitar program at Hunter College, CUNY in Manhattan, where she is a professor of classical guitar performance, coaches chamber music, and is the undergraduate advisor to the music minor program. Dr. Overholt's sole authored book, "Stockhausen's Musical Shapes: How a Master Composer Moves Sound" is internationally available, and she is a returning teacher for the renowned annual New York Guitar Seminar. Thomas Crown Guitarist Thomas Crown stating playing classical Guitar in 2017. Joined the Classical Guitar Corner Academy in June of 2023 and is currently enrolled. Thomas has also written pieces for the classical guitar, and is part of the Classical Guitar Society of New York’s and New Jersey Guitar Orchestra.

< Back Previous Occupational Octaves Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Lee D. Stockner is the creator of a user-friendly musical language that opens new pathways to piano education for learners of all abilities. As President of Adaptive Learning for the World Piano Teachers Association and author of the Occupational Octaves Piano™ curriculum—a 300+ page classical piano method written in his adaptive notation—Stockner’s innovations are used by piano teachers, music therapists, occupational and recreation therapists, special educators, and related professionals worldwide. After working with hundreds of autistic students in his private practice and training dozens of professionals, Stockner authored Classical Piano as a Pathway to Flow States for Learners with Disabilities (Traditional Medicine Research, April 2020). His paper outlines a replicable system for using classical repertoire—from Mozart and Bach to Beethoven—to access “flow states,” or moments of focused immersion (“in the zone”) associated with clinical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. When guided correctly, these moments can support mental health, reduce heart rate variability, and stimulate dopamine release, among other positive physiological responses. Dedicated to expanding piano-playing opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities and disabilities, Stockner has built the world of Occupational Octaves™ from the ground up—creating the method, translating repertoire into adaptive notation, authoring and publishing the books, designing strategies for therapists to meet clinical goals at the piano, conducting and publishing research, and inspiring numerous media features and documentaries. His teaching balances empathy and high expectations: empathy for each student’s learning style and challenges, and “tough love” to encourage potential beyond perceived limits. Above all, Stockner is driven by the belief that time invested in his products and programs should lead to meaningful and transformative results—musically, clinically, and personally. Website & Social Media: https://linktr.ee/occoctavespiano EJ O’Connor, piano‏ EJ is thrilled to make his concert debut at Carnegie Hall. He has been playing piano for three years and has progressed quickly, fueled by the joy he finds in music. In addition to piano, EJ enjoys running, gymnastics, going to the beach, and traveling. His family is incredibly proud of all his hard work. Brendan Yu, piano Brendan has been an avid piano player since joining Occupational Octaves Piano at the age of five. He also plays drums and participates in adaptive tennis, skiing, and soccer programs. Currently an eighth-grade student at North Middle School in Great Neck, Long Island, Brendan loves traveling and exploring the world—especially through Google Maps. Jason Wasserman, piano Jason Wasserman has been studying piano with Lee Stockner through the Occupational Octaves School of Music since 2015, beginning at age six. A natural music-lover, he also sings in his middle school chorus, plays guitar at home, and has performed in school musicals including The Addams Family and Aladdin. Jason is thrilled for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, and his family is incredibly proud of his musical growth, dedication, and enthusiasm. Beyond music, Jason enjoys participating in his synagogue’s daily services and playing basketball. He is fourteen years old and an eighth-grade student at Roslyn Middle School. Shane Patel, piano‏ Shane’s love for music began six years ago when he discovered Occupational Octaves™ and started playing piano. Since then, he has looked forward to every lesson, and his passion for music has expanded to include playing the clarinet and auditioning for his middle school jazz band. Outside of music, Shane enjoys traveling, skiing, playing hockey, and cheering on the Mets and Islanders. Ari Amir‏ Music occupies a major part of Ari’s life. His passion began as a toddler playing drums, which led him to become the percussionist for the band Mayhem Long Island. Five years ago, his musical journey expanded to piano lessons with Lee Stockner (Occupational Octaves). Ari also performed with F.R.E.E.’s Drumline and now plays with the Calhoun Music and Drum Academy Drumline. Most recently, he began learning electric guitar. Ari’s musical taste spans Pop, Rock and Roll, Oldies, Reggae, and international artists. Beyond music, he enjoys TV shows, movies, traveling, and attending concerts and Broadway shows. Ari is proud to be performing at Carnegie Hall.