Clavier-Werke offers lessons with classically trained and degreed teachers. We are a family business and consider our teachers a part of the family as well. We welcome you to join our musical family too! Read more about our amazing teachers below.
Susan Allen, Executive Director
Both Locations
Clavier-Werke School of Music grew out of the thriving home studio of Susan Allen in Austin, Texas in the mid-nineties. Susan holds degrees from North Texas State University and the University of Texas.
Over the years, Susan has developed a curriculum based on sightreading, technique, ear training, theory and improvisation. She believes these elements should be a regular part of every lesson. Susan encourages her students to learn many styles of music and to perform as often as possible. Through this comprehensive approach her students become dedicated, accomplished pianists who enjoy a lifetime of music.
“My task is to inspire my students to practice and to present every lesson as a model for how to practice. As an educator, I believe I can have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of my students. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the musical growth of each one and to see the excitement and joy they experience through their music.”
Ms. Allen received the Top Teacher Award for outstanding instruction and leadership in piano education from Steinway & Sons for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
Maggie Allen, Associate Director
West Lake Location
Maggie Allen, the Assistant to the Director of the Clavier-Werke in West Lake Hills, works in her studio office Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 6:00. Maggie is available to take messages for teachers and answer questions either by phone or in person. You can also turn your tuition payments of cash or check in to Maggie’s office. Maggie can answer most of your general questions and requests such as directions and dates for festivals and signing up students for some events. Maggie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with honors from the University of Texas at Austin.
Nathan Allen, Associate Director
Southwest Location
Nathan Allen, the Office Manager of Clavier-Werke South, works in his studio office Monday – Friday, 12:00 – 6:00. Nathan is available to take messages for teachers and answer general questions about lessons and scheduling either by phone or in person. Nathan lives in the Austin area with his wife Shauna and their daughters Riley and Colbie Rose.
Vivian Anderson, Pianist
Southwest Location
Known for her imaginative and colorful performances, Dr. Vivian Anderson is emerging as both a performer and teacher with dazzling artistry and intellectual depth. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, she was surrounded by the arts at a young age and began piano lessons at age five after teaching herself to read music. Dr. Anderson has been teaching piano for the past seven years, and most recently served on faculty at the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio.
As a teacher, Dr. Anderson is committed to helping her students develop a love and passion for music. Her teaching style is structured and well-rounded while still allowing students the freedom to explore any area of music that they wish. Dr. Anderson aims to create a nurturing but disciplined environment in her studio. Students are expected to practice consistently throughout the week, arrive prepared for lessons, and participate regularly in performances and recitals.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Anderson enjoys performing and speaking about music. She is particularly interested in 20th century music and has done extensive research and performance of piano works by French composer Olivier Messiaen. She is also a very skilled collaborative pianist and loves working with other musicians and artists. Dr. Anderson has recently relocated to Austin from San Antonio, and is excited to be teaching at Clavier-Werke. Her hobbies outside of music include cooking, reading, crafting, and spending time with friends.
Dr. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music in piano performance from Indiana University, and a Doctor of Music in piano performance from Florida State University.
Jimmy Berger, Pianist
Southwest Location
Originally from Buffalo, New York, pianist Jimmy Berger began playing the piano when he was 7 years old, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Music at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his studies at UT, he completed a 5 year dual-degree program at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, earning Bachelor’s degrees in piano performance and philosophy. His primary teachers have been Anton Nel, Benjamin Hochman, and Gilles Vonsattel. An avid chamber musician, he has collaborated with artists from the MET Opera Orchestra, the Horszowski Trio, and the Boston Chamber Music Society.
A passionate teacher, he has students of all levels, ages ranging from 4 to 75. He has taught students privately, through the UT Piano Project, and most recently, with KeyLessons–a New York based organization providing in-home music lessons. He believes in individualized instruction, catering lessons to students’ unique personalities, goals, and musical sensibilities.
He has won first prize in competitions including the Brevard Music Center, Claudette Sorel, and Nazareth College piano competitions. He has recently attended several top summer festivals, including the Chautauqua Piano Program and the Maine Chamber Music Seminar at Snow Pond. Other highlights include performances with the Bard Conservatory orchestra in productions of Strauss’ Salome, and a 2-week concert tour of South Africa with the Buffalo Suzuki Strings advanced ensemble.
When not practicing or teaching piano, Jimmy loves to play chess, play rock/pop music with friends, and ponder philosophical questions.
Sarah Bryan, Pianist
Southwest Location
Sarah Bryan is a Houston-born pianist and teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s in Piano Performance at Texas Christian University, where she also worked as a website manager for PianoTexas, an annual piano festival hosted by the School of Music. As a dedicated and involved piano instructor, Sarah has been affiliated with NFMC, MTNA, and TMTA, and regularly sends her students to participate in festivals throughout the year. She makes an effort to highlight the importance of having a diverse range of performance experience, and encourages her students to share their music with as many people as they can. Sarah carries this resolve within her own career as well, collaborating and performing as often as she can. Most recently, she was among the first North American pianists and teachers invited to participate in the Popayan International Music Festival in Colombia in 2023, where she taught a masterclass and performed in the opening ceremonies.
Andrés Carrero, Violinist
South Location
Andrés Carrero is a passionate performer and educator from Austin, Texas, and the Chicagoland area. As a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Andrés had the privilege of studying with YooJin Jang. At Eastman, he was a founding member of Quartet Java, a group that made it to the semi-finals of the Coltman Chamber Music Competition and the finals of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. The group received mentorship from members of the Ying Quartet, Horszowski Trio, and cellist and professor Mimi Hwang. Andrés’s teaching engagements led to work at the Eastman Community Music School, volunteer at the Rochester local music organization, RocMusic, work as a faculty member at the Asociación Nacional de Conciertos in Panamá, and teach residents at a correctional institution in Grafton, Ohio. Andrés has spent summers at the Encore Summer Academy, Aspen Music Festival, and as a fellow at the Dalí Quartet International Music Festival.
Noah Chojnacki, Pianist
Both Locations
Noah Chojnacki is a pianist, composer, and teacher who hails from the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Music has been a part of his life from the beginning, whether it was singing in church every Sunday, or hearing his brother and sisters practice piano at home one after the other. Noah began his own piano studies at the age of six, and studied at the prestigious Crocus Hill Studios in St. Paul under Dr. Joseph Zins. He proceeded to earn his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston studying with Nancy Weems, followed by his Master’s degree at the Eastman School of Music with Alexander Kobrin. He is currently studying to earn his Doctoral degree with Dr. Andrew Brownell at the University of Texas Austin.
Noah has earned prizes and received recognition at a number of competitions, including the Music Teachers’ National Association competition, the Texas Music Teachers’ Association competition, the e-Junior International Piano Competition, the National Lee Piano Competition, the Schubert Club Scholarship Competition, and the Minnesota Orchestra’s concerto competition. He has also played in master classes for a number of world-famous artists such as Eugene Pridonoff, Ann Schein, Roberto Plano, Alexander Kobrin, and Logan Skelton. He has collaborated with living composers and premiered works at the Midtown Arts and Theater Center of Houston.
Working frequently as a collaborative pianist, he was a staff accompanist at the Eastman School of Music. He has a particular affinity for art song, choral music (which he has conducted), and chamber music. His diverse musical background, which includes studying sacred music, organ music, as well as new music, has contributed to his development as a complete, well-rounded artist.
Noah has taught students of a variety of ages and backgrounds, ranging from very young children to adults. His experience with a variety of musical styles has given him the ability to teach many kinds of music with both rigor and a sense of excitement. Noah believes in a dynamic approach to playing the piano by conveying a sense of drama, and feeling that every performance is like rediscovering the magic of hearing a piece for the first time.
Jessy Eubanks, Theory and Composition
West Lake Location
Jessy Eubanks is a music teacher, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, and composer in the Austin area. She has enjoyed working with students of all ages and skill levels at Clavier-Werke since July of 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Music in composition (voice emphasis) and business minor from the University of Texas at Austin.
Jessy is a trained vocalist, percussionist, and composer, and now studies jazz piano. She performs classical, new music, and contemporary styles. She is active as an audio engineer with Austin Classical Guitar, Life in the City Church, the University of Texas Butler School of Music, and as a contractor. Her compositions and arrangements are featured in Golden Hornet’s MXTX Sample library, Apricity Magazine, and The Parkside Montessori School Songbook.
Jessy is always excited to share applied theory concepts and to foster creativity and thoughtful musicality in her students. Lessons and classes are held in a goal directed, adaptive, and encouraging environment, though they may feature the occasional bad pun.
Thomas Gougeon, Violinist
South Location
Thomas Gougeon started the violin at the age of 3 with the Suzuki Program. Through this program, Thomas performed in many local Toronto festivals and trained for multiple Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Exams. After leaving the Suzuki program, Thomas studied with Eri Kosaka from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and played in a small ensemble called the Moordale Orchestra. Thomas then moved to Houston, Texas at the age of 14 where he attended the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. During this time, Thomas studied with Rodica Gonzalez and later with Dr. Kirsten Yon. Thomas made his Region Orchestra all four years of high school and attended TMEA All State his senior year. Recently, Thomas was concertmaster of the Roundtop Symphony Orchestra in the summer 2023 season and has performed alongside world renowned artists including Daniel Ching, Bion Tsang and Sandy Yamamoto. Thomas has performed with the Balcones Community Orchestra and has played in masterclasses for many notable artists such as Kim Chee Yun, Aloysia Friedmann, Li-Mei Liang, Rachel Ostler, Matthew Zalkind, Rohan De Silva, and Zach DePue. Thomas now attends the University of Texas at Austin with a Butler Excellence Scholarship and a Taylor Endowed Presidential Scholarship under the direction of Sandy Yamamoto.
Jake Holtzman, Pianist
West Lake Location
Pianist Jake Holtzman grew up in San Rafael, California, and is currently pursuing a D.M.A. degree in piano performance at UT Austin. He received an M.M. and Advanced Certificate in piano performance and pedagogy from NYU Steinhardt, and completed his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College & Conservatory. His piano teachers have included Anton Nel, Eteri Andjaparidze, Peter Takács, John McCarthy, Peter Horvath, and Adam Domash.
In addition to teaching at ClavierWerke, Jake is a teaching assistant at UT Austin, and has previously taught at a number of schools in New York, including The Browning School, the Rubato Music School, and NYU.
Jake has performed throughout the United States with recent engagements in San Francisco’s Noontime Concerts, the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture’s “Bach to the Future” Concert Series, and Columbia University’s Music at St. Paul’s. He has garnered several awards recognizing his work, including Second Prize in Category A of the I Málaga International Piano Festival Competition, the NYU Walter Reinhold Scholarship, the Gilmore Master Class Fellowship, and the Oberlin Piano Faculty Prize in Accompanying. In Summers 2018 and 2019, Jake interned at the Castleman Quartet Program where he collaborated and performed with many of the festival students in addition to faculty members Csaba Erdélyi, Charles Castleman, and Tom Landschoot.
In addition to his experience as a classical pianist, Jake also plays jazz, having performed both as a solo jazz pianist and as a member of many jazz combos. While not playing the piano, Jake enjoys cooking, and devotes time to activism for various social justice causes.
Jeanne Hourez, Pianist
West Lake Location
Jeanne Hourez received her Bacherlor’s degree from the Conservatoire National Superieur de Paris where she studied with Frank Braley and a Master’s degree from the University of Montreal under the guidance of Professor Dang Thai Son. She is currently attending the University of Texas – Austin where she is pursuing a D.M.A. with Professor Anton Nel.
Jeanne has appeared as soloist with such orchestras as the Orchestre Symphonique de Cannes, the Orchestre Symphonique Azuréen and the Orchestre Philharmonique des Musiciens de Montréal. She also performed numerous recitals in Europe, North America and Asia. Awards have included three Gold Prizes at the London Young Musician Competition (2021, United Kingdom), the 5th Prize of Harmonium OnlinePlus International Music Competition (2020, Armenia), the 4th Prize at the Krystian Tkaczewski International Piano Competition (2020, USA/Poland), the Grand Prize and the Public Prize at the International Piano Competition Alain Marinaro (2015, France).
An active chamber musician, Jeanne co-founded the Ensemble Benzaiten, the repertoire of which uniquely includes the mandolin and emphasises this rare instrument. In June 2018, the ensemble released a recording dedicated to Franz Schubert and Julie Thériault, a Canadian composer. They performed at the French National Radio France Musique as well as performing in several European countries and North America.
As an educator, Jeanne has been teaching for twelve years to students age four to adult. She loves sharing her passion for music as she believes music should be accessible to everyone. Jeanne loves to be creative and to adapt to each student in a unique way.
Tzu-Chin Hsu, Theory and Composition
West Lake Location
Tzu-Chin Hsu is a Taiwanese composer whose works draw inspiration from her homeland, social interactions, and the cultivation of meaningful connections. She has been a composition fellow at the Albany Symphony Composer Workshop and the Talis Music Festival.
Tzu-Chin’s compositions have been performed in prestigious venues by leading ensembles, including Carnegie Hall, Taiwan National Concert Hall, Singapore Esplanade Recital Studio, the BBC Singers, Butler Opera Center, HANATSUmiroir, Quince Ensemble, Soundinitiative, and the Taipei Symphony Orchestra. Her music has received numerous accolades, such as first prize at the Lisker Music Foundation Composition Challenge and second prize in the Taiwan National Music Competition.
She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Music from the Peabody Institute, and a Bachelor of Music from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. Currently residing in Austin, Texas, she lives with her partner and their cats, Mochi and Creamsicle.
Visit her website to listen to her music: composertzuchin.com.
Seonju Jo, Pianist
Southwest Location
Seonju Jo, a talented pianist, embarked on her musical journey at age 13, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to her craft. Her performances have garnered widespread acclaim both in her native South Korea and abroad in the United States. With a string of accolades from prestigious competitions, Seonju’s talent shines brightly, characterized by an innate artistic flair and profound mastery of the piano.
Internationally recognized, Seonju made her mark with a solo debut at the TIMF (Tongyeong International Music Festival) Fringe Concert, becoming the youngest performer to grace its stage. Notable triumphs include her mesmerizing rendition of Schumann Concerto Op.54 alongside the Busan Youth Orchestra, following her success at the Han-eum Music Competition in Seoul.
A summa cum laude graduate from Pusan National University, Seonju’s influence extends through her remarkable achievements in competitions such as the American Protégé Piano Competition, Charleston International European Music Competition, Wonderkeys International Piano Competition, and Medici International Competition. Additionally, she reached the semifinals of the International Keyboard Odyssey Festival and secured second place in the Kings Peak International Competition.
Further enhancing her reputation, Seonju emerged as a finalist in the UT Mozart Concerto Competition and was selected as a presenter at the 2024 TMTA Conference. She also received an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall as a winner of the American Protégé Piano and String Competition.
Currently pursuing her MM degree in piano performance, Seonju harbors aspirations of obtaining a DMA degree at the University of Texas at Austin under the guidance of Professor Gregory Allen.
Beyond her performance and academic endeavors, Seonju has cultivated a rich teaching history, imparting her expertise to students in both South Korea and the United States. As a pianist, accompanist, and instructor, she remains committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians with genuine passion and expertise, embodying versatility in her multifaceted career.
Timothy Jones, Pianist
West Lake Location
Award-winning American pianist and musician Timothy Jones has established himself as a versatile talent who possesses an abundance of creative and artistic energy. Timothy has performed in venues worldwide such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and has been invited to study and perform at many top international music festivals (Aspen, Chautauqua, Bowdoin). After finishing his Bachelor’s degree at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University he went on to complete his Master’s at the University of Texas at Austin working with Anton Nel. Timothy is currently still a student at UT pursuing his Doctoral of Musical Arts degree.
On top of his performance credentials, Timothy is sought-after as an educator. In addition to teaching privately, he currently serves on the faculty of Sonata and Sonatina Piano Camps and Velocity Music Academy.
Identifying effective approaches and improved methods of piano pedagogy both motivate and drive him. His philosophy is that introducing genre-less perspectives and updated pedagogical techniques will allow students to evolve and grow not only as musicians, but also as human beings.
Some of his hobbies include cooking, running, or debating/discussing politics and current events.
Felicia Kim, Pianist and Collaborative Artist in Residence
Southwest Location
Felicia Kim holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Maryland at College Park and M.M. and B.M. in Piano Performance from Baylor University in Texas (Pi Kappa Lambda). She has studied with Larissa Dedova, Krassimira Jordan, Andre Watts and Young Hi Moon. She worked with Guaneri String Quartet, YoYo Ma, Josheph Gingold and Rita Sloan for chamber music.
As a soloist and collaborative pianist Ms. Kim played throughout the United States including Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana and Texas. She performed at the Bösendorfer International music Festival in Vienna, Austria and Bathurst, Canada. Ms. Kim received recognition from national as well as international competitions including: Russell Wonderick Piano Competition, New Orleans International competition, Alabama International competition, Baylor University Piano Competition, etc.
Ms. Kim served as collaborative pianist at Sam Houston State University. She has taught piano for 20 years in a variety of teaching setting. She believes the best teachers tailor their teaching to the needs of the individual student, rather than being welded in all respects to a single approach.
Maggie King, Violinist
West Lake Location
Maggie King is a Santa Fe native, and a Doctorate student at the UT Butler School of Music. As a winner of the Jackie McGehee Young Artists’ Competition, King has soloed with both the New Mexico Philharmonic and Santa Fe Symphony. During her undergrad at Oberlin Conservatory, King was selected to perform in numerous masterclasses with esteemed artists such as: Jennifer Cho, Jesse McDonald, Tessa Lark, Milan Vitek, Jinjoo Cho as well as the Brentano, Szymanowski, Emerson, Apple Hill and Orford Quartets. In 2019, King was chosen to perform in Carnegie Hall as part of a select orchestra, “Oberlin in New York,” and received an Oberlin Fellowship to teach violin students in Panama.
Ms. King has been teaching violin lessons since 2015 and has been playing for over two decades. In Spring 2020, King completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Oberlin Conservatory studying under Grammy Award Winner, Sibbi Bernhardsson. In Fall 2022 King finished her Masters of Music at the Butler School of Music and is now thrilled to be pursuing her Doctorate degree under the incredible 2nd violinist of the Miro Quartet, Will Fedkenheuer.
Daniel Kopp, Cellist
West Lake Location
Cellist Daniel Kopp is an active performer and educator in the Austin area. As co-founder and artistic director of Austin Camerata, he performs collaborations of chamber music, dance, storytelling across the city. As an educator, Daniel is on faculty at Clavier-Werke School of Music, Austin Chamber Music Center, and the University of Texas String Project. Outside of Texas, Daniel has had the pleasure of performing at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, Aspen, Kneisel Hall, and Orchestra Hall of Minneapolis. Highlights include performances as principal cellist of the New York String Orchestra Seminar and the Colorado College Summer Festival. Daniel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in cello performance from Rice University, and Masters Degree in cello performance from the University of Texas in Austin. His principal teachers were Norman Fischer, Bion Tsang, and Cathie Lehr.
Dmitriy Krasny, Pianist
Southwest Location
Dmitriy Krasny was born near Tashkent, Uzbekistan, USSR, and immigrated with his family to the US at age seven. He began piano studies at age eleven with Miron Galperin, going on to study with Eva Zinger and Michael Salmirs. He completed a dual Bachelor’s degree in Recording and Piano Performance at the Peabody Conservatory, studying piano with Alexander Shtarkman. He has since appeared on WQXR radio in New York, detailing his endeavor to visit every street piano in the city in the summer of 2010, and to present a one hour special on the music of Alexander Scriabin in January, 2011. He has also spent over a decade in the wine industry in New York as a wine consultant and Sommelier.
In addition to his work in wine and music, Dmitriy is a competitive runner (though most of the time, his main competition is himself), with numerous marathons, half-marathons and a handful of more unusual races (such as the Mount Washington road race) to his credit. He feels that music and sport are both powerful mediums for self-expression, and that the parallels don’t stop there. Only a select few will rise to the top of their sport, but many will experience joy and meaningful growth by engaging in it. So too in music – perhaps only a select few will go on to win competitions, but, in Dmitriy’s view, everyone who genuinely loves music will have something meaningful and unique to contribute through their music making. He looks forward to sharing his love of Classical Music with his students.
Lan Kratzke, Pianist
West Lake Location
Lan Kratzke first took an interest in music as a child. She studied beginning piano and violin in elementary school and played the cello in her high school orchestra. She began her college studies as a piano student of Dr. Ray Luck on a Trustee Scholarship at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, where she soon became their music theory and ear training tutor and earned the Departmental Prize in Music.
When her professor retired, she transferred to The University of Texas at Austin and earned a Gilbert Scholarship. She taught piano through the UT piano project headed by Sophia Gilmson and finished her BM in piano performance in 2005 under the direction of Dr. Betty Mallard.
From Austin, she moved to Oxford, Ohio to attend Miami University with a graduate assistantship, and earned an MM in piano performance in 2007 studying under Dr. Siok Lian Tan. At Miami, she taught two college courses in piano for non-pianist music majors, accompanied several string and vocal students, and performed with the Miami University Graduate Piano Trio. In addition to her graduate studies, she held a regular church job, taught private lessons, and accompanied the Adams Elementary Choirs, the Talawanda High School Choirs, and the Oxford Choral Ensemble. She earned the MTNA Student Achievement Recognition Award and was recognized as a winner of the Miami University Concerto Competition. As an independent project related to her MM research in temperament, she built a clavichord.
After graduating, Lan became certified in the Music for Young Children program and worked at the West Chester Academy of Music as a private and group piano instructor for a few years. She then moved back to Austin, where she resumed teaching piano at Clavier-Werke School of Music, started playing for Koenig Lane Christian Church, and occasionally judged various ADMTA festivals.
In 2011, she began working at Mollberg Piano Restoration in Blanco, TX. Though she loves shop work, she closed that chapter when she became a mom in 2013. In 2021, she opened her own home bakery. The following year, she debuted her first composition, a song cycle for alto and piano, with Rebecca Frazier-Smith. She currently performs as a member of the Austin Civic Orchestra and specializes in teaching adult piano students. She adores her two children, Drakeson and Millicent, who study piano with director Susan Allen.
Aaron Kurz, Pianist
West Lake Location
Engaging audiences with his charismatic and moving performances, American pianist and teacher Aaron Kurz enjoys a burgeoning career. He has captivated audiences across three continents, in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall in New York to the Palace of Peace and Harmony in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Aaron’s performances have been lauded by the press, called both “nuanced musical journeys” (Belgium’s Le Soir) and “a lesson in pianism” (England’s Cambridge Independent). As a pedagogue, he has taught privately in the Bay Area and also through two of his alma maters, Yale and Eastman.
Aaron believes artists have an obligation to use their craft to improve the world, and he has worked significantly in this capacity. Alongside concertizing, he spent two years working for the Van Cliburn Foundation’s “Cliburn in the Classroom,” a program which teaches classical music principles to children in underprivileged school districts. He has also worked with the Lift Music Foundation, which provides mini-grants to help underserved musicians afford the costs of a musical education, and has given numerous outreach concerts in the Bay Area.
Aaron maintains that a well-rounded teaching approach is the key to students’ success, as no two students are alike. His wide variety of teachers have given him an immense toolbox of ideas to share with his students, and he caters his approach to each individual situation. Aaron weaves technique and musicality seamlessly together in his lessons, given that the two are intrinsically intertwined.
Aaron holds degrees from SFCM (studying with Jon Nakamatsu and Jeremy Denk) and Yale (studying with Boris Berman), and he is now pursuing a DMA at the University of Texas, under the tutelage of Anton Nel.
Karli Leal, Violist and Violinist
Both Locations
Originally from California, Karli Leal began her musical education in high school under a wide variety of Russian and Eastern European violin and viola teachers, participating in statewide CMEA competitions and the National High School Honors Orchestra inColumbus, OH while also serving as a section violist in the Tulare County Symphony. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she received her BM in Viola Performance with Professor Roger Myers. Karli continued her studies at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, completing her Masters in Music Performance with professors Masao Kawasaki and Dr. Catharine Carroll.
Since 2004 Karli has played in both the United States and across Europe in numerous international music festivals, and played in a variety of ensembles over the years. Her diverse background allows her to connect on multiple levels with her students and determine what pace is best for each individual.
She loves to share her enthusiasm for playing string instruments with a wide variety of ages, and advocates the fusion of classical music with rock, heavy metal and other popular genres. With her students she ensures that all aspects of music education are brought together, so that the function of music theory, music history and technique can be applied to the performance side of playing. Through this she hopes that all her students gain knowledge of and appreciation for classical music that stays with them, no matter what direction their life may take.
Chanwoo Lee, Pianist
West Lake Location
Chanwoo Lee is an accomplished pianist and dedicated music educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Piano Performance at The University of Texas at Austin. He holds the prestigious Renner Endowed Presidential Scholarship and the Wayne L. Catching Endowed Scholarship, studying under the guidance of Gregory Allen. Chanwoo’s academic journey is marked by exceptional achievements, including a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University Bloomington, where he was mentored by Roberto Plano, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Seoul, graduating Cum Laude under the tutelage of Namhee Lim.
Throughout his academic career, Chanwoo has been recognized for his musical talent and academic excellence, receiving numerous scholarships and awards. His competitive spirit has led him to win various prizes in esteemed piano competitions, such as the F. Liszt Center International Piano Competition, the Millersville International Piano Competition, and the Hochimin International Piano Competition.
Chanwoo’s performance portfolio is extensive, featuring solo recitals, chamber recitals, and concerto performances across the United States and South Korea. Notable performances include the Rising Star Concert organized by the Piano Society of Korea. His collaborative performances with renowned musicians and orchestras further highlight his versatility and passion for ensemble work.
In addition to his performance career, Chanwoo is a passionate and dedicated teacher. He has served as a PIA201 Course Instructor and Piano Project Instructor at The University of Texas at Austin, where he also contributed as a vocal accompanist. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in his roles as a jury member for the ADMTA Romantic & Contemporary Festival and the Baroque & Classical Festival.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chanwoo enjoys engaging in personal hobbies such as attending live concerts, participating in community music events, and going to the gym. He believes in the transformative power of music education and is committed to inspiring his students to achieve their fullest potential.
Michael Lenahan, Pianist
West Lake Location
Michael Lenahan is a pianist originally from Toledo, Ohio. Michael received his Bachelors of Music from The Juilliard School where he studied with Jerome Lowenthal, and his Masters of Music from Rice University, studying with Robert Roux. He is currently studying in the Artist Diploma program at The University of Texas at Austin with Anton Nel. Other teachers include Robert Satterlee and Logan Skelton.
Michael has over a decade of teaching experience and has had over 100 private students across his lifetime. His past positions have included piano faculty at Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program in New York City, Brazosport Community College in Lake Jackson TX, and the Moosic School and AWTY International School in Houston TX. Michael served as a Teaching Fellow at the Juilliard School teaching both Ear Training and Secondary Piano. Michael served as collaborative pianist for the Shepherd School of Music Preparatory Program at Rice University.
Lenahan has won prizes in the Toledo Symphony Young Artists Concerto Competition, the International Zimmerli Piano Competition, the Toledo Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, the Graves Piano Competition, Art of the Piano Enlight Scholarship, and in the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition. He was selected as a young artist in Houston’s Da Camera organization and regularly performed all over the Houston area. He was chosen as a member of the Shepherd Piano Trio to perform concerts in Germany as part of an exchange program between Rice University and the HMT in Leipzig.
Michael loves to cook, swim, play scrabble, and sing karaoke (poorly).
David Lester, Guitarist
West Lake Location
David Lester is a guitar performer and teacher in the Austin area. He holds a Master of Music in Music Theory and Classical Guitar Performance from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. David has studied under notable guitarists Philip Hii, Mark Cruz, and Chad Ibison. A native Texan, David has performed around the Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Austin area for private and public events since 2007. Such performances include: guest artist for the Corpus Christi Lichenstein Quartet, a solo recital for the Portland Concerts Across the Bay series, in-house guitarist for the Corpus Christi Aurora Arts Theatre (Cabaret, Rocky Horror Show, and Footloose), and guest artist for Austin’s SoCo Women’s Chorus.
David began teaching guitar in 2008 and has taught at his own private studio, Victoria College, and Texas State University. Through the course of his teaching, it is his goal to instill in his students the competency to utilize the guitar as a means for their artistic expression. Students who follow his teaching will not only learn to hear music as a form of expression, but will also learn to be proficient enough with a guitar to treat it as one.
Kristine Mazziotti, Theory and Vocalist
West Lake Location
Kristine Mazziotti is a mezzo-soprano in Austin, Texas. She holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music, both specializing in Vocal Performance at The Sarah & Ernest Butler School of Music within The University of Texas at Austin. During her undergraduate, she earned a minor in Educational Psychology and University Honors. Kristine began her private studies in voice and piano at age seven, which facilitated her acceptance at The Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Kristine has mastered vocal technique and pedagogy, with extensive training and experience in English, French, German, and Italian diction. She has twenty-three credit hours in music theory, including Analytical Techniques, Structure of Tonal Music, 20th Century Musical Analysis, Ear Training & Sight-singing, and Musicianship. Kristine has sung with The Houston Grand Opera, The Houston Symphony, and studied abroad in Angers, France, at the Franco-American Vocal Academy (now the William Lewis School of Opera). Additionally, Kristine teaches private vocal lessons and was a camp counselor in Houston Grand Opera’s Art of Opera Camp and at UT’s Longhorn Music Camp. Outside of music, Kristine loves to cook, practice yoga, and other activities the beautiful city of Austin has to offer. With her education and experience, Kristine will continue to give back to the music community through teaching and performance.
Giovanni Mera, Guitarist
Southwest Location
Giovanni Mera was born in New York City, and started playing the guitar when he was 8 years old. He holds a guitar performance Degree from the Crane School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Douglas Rubio and Dr. Lynn Mcgrath. While at The Crane School of Music Giovanni studied abroad in Madrid, Spain where he supplemented his musical studies under guitarist Astur Kirichian. He graduated with honors in 2007. In 2011 Mr. Mera received his Master of Music Degree in Classical Guitar from the University of Texas at Austin, under Professor Adam Holzman. He has had master classes with William Kanengiser, David Tannenbaum, Dr. Andrew Zohn, Bruce Holzman, The Miro Quartet and DuoMelis. Mr. Mera is currently residing in Austin, Texas where he has been teaching for over 10 years.
Mr. Mera is closely associated with the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra programs. He has prepared multiple students for entry into the ensembles and the UT Guitar Project. Giovanni is at home teaching all styles of guitar ranging from classical to electric. He is a passionate educator and seeks to bring out the best in all of his students.
John Mercurio, Theory Director and Composition
West Lake Location
John Mercurio is a teacher and writer based in the Austin area. He received a degree in music theory from the Eastman School of Music and a master’s in composition from NYU.
For over twenty years, he has been a professional composer and lyricist. His musical theater work has been produced at regional and community theatres and high schools around the country. His musical Academy inspired by Goethe’s Faust, was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival where it won the DIMF Award, honoring it with a production in South Korea where it won the award for Best Musical. His musical Glimpses of the Moon premiered at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC and is available for licensing through Concord Theatricals. John has received awards from the Jonathan Larson Musical Theatre Foundation, the Gilman-Gonzalez Foundation, the O’Neill Musical Theater Conference (Holof Award for Lyric Writing) and from ASCAP (the Cole Porter Award for music and lyrics.) Recordings for Glimpses of the Moon and his youth musical, Through the Looking Glass are available on iTunes.
In addition to the theatre, John has written music for chamber orchestra, the ballet and most recently, three circuses. When he’s not teaching and writing, John enjoys volunteering at Austin Pets Alive, fostering kittens, drawing cartoons, oh, and knitting. www.johnmercurio.com
Rhiannon O’Brien, Vocalist
Southwest Location
Rhiannon O’Brien is a recent graduate of Texas State University, having received her Bachelor of Music in Music Performance. She has been studying vocal technique since she began private lessons at age 13 and has since committed her attention and skills to mastering her use of the voice. She has trained with many diverse private teachers and directors, giving her a variety of learned teaching methods and forms of communication with potential students.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Rhiannon performed extensively, participating in, and performing principal roles in summer opera programs through Lone Star College-Kingwood, and in several of the operas held at Texas State University including the role of Laetitia in The Old Maid and the Thief, Beatriz in Rewritten, and most recently Atalanta in the 2022 spring production of Xerxes. Directly after receiving her degree, Rhiannon traveled and studied in Novafeltria, Italy for five weeks with the opera program La Musica Lirica, where she performed in the role of una novizia in Suor Angelica and in the chorus of La Boheme. Following this program, Rhiannon traveled to Chicago where she performed the role of Queen of the Night in a production of Die Zaubeflüte at a five-day vocal intensive program at Northwestern University. Throughout both programs, Rhiannon was able to learn from several directors, native Italian coaches, and voice teachers from around the United States and was able to take many techniques with her that she is excited to teach to her students.
Rhiannon’s teaching philosophy centers around healthy and emotive singing. By building a strong foundation and connection to the voice, a singer can strengthen their confidence and understanding of their instrument. A major philosophy for Rhiannon also includes loving your art and having fun when crafting it. Her goal is to create an environment that not only structures the voice, but is inclusive, understanding, and fun for all her students.
Maria Parrini, Pianist
West Lake Location
Pianist Maria Parrini has performed over one thousand concerts of chamber and solo music as part of the Lincoln Center Stage Quintet onboard Holland America cruise ships. Maria enjoys an immersive life in music through free improvisation, historical performance, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Recently she commissioned “UMI” by Amane Sakaguchi and “forgotten music” by Isaiah Saranow, and premiered these works on the 2024 Pan Harmonia concert series in the Carolinas; in 2023 she also made her harpsichord debut with Virtuosi String Ensemble in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Top prizes include the Atlanta Music Club Graduate Piano Award, Thousand Islands International Competition, the Darius Milhaud Performance Prize at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and concerto competitions of Brevard Music Center, Clemson University, and Columbus State University. An alum of Kneisel Hall Chamber Music and the Atlantic Music Festival Contemporary Ensemble, she has performed in masterclasses for legendary teachers such as Natalya Antonova, Matti Raekallio, and Sergei Babayan. Maria holds degrees in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, and will begin DMA coursework and a teaching assistantship with Anton Nel at U.T. Austin- Butler School of Music in Fall 2024.
Hunter Prueger, Theory and Composition
West Lake Location
Hunter Prueger is a composer, songwriter, saxophonist. Hailing from Ames, Iowa, Hunter moved to Austin in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Texas at Austin, which he completed in 2020. In 2021 he joined the Flying Carpet Festival in Mardin, Turkey as a saxophonist, and in 2022 he studied harmony and counterpoint at the Conservatoir Américain de Fontainebleau. Hunter is also the vocalist and guitarist of the Austin-based folk band Middle Sattre.
Hunter embraces all kinds of music and musicians. He loves helping others use music theory as a tool to better understand and appreciate the music that they practice, perform, and listen to.
Sean Riley, Violinist
West Lake Location
Violinist Sean Riley maintains a career throughout the United States, Europe and Asia as a performer, entrepreneur and educator. As a solo artist he was given the honor to perform for Charles, the Prince of Wales at his 65th birthday celebration and the Sultan of Oman in a special evening performance in London.
Sean’s interest in innovative methods of communication has led him to creating performance programs with social media at the Royal College of Music, using Critical Response Process to teach communication and leadership at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and winning an innovation grant to 3D print a six-string electric violin to perform John Adam’s The Dharma at Big Sur. These entrepreneurial practices have led him to a professorship at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London.
Sean holds both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in violin performance from The Juilliard School as well as an artist diploma and Master in Philosophy on the subject of performance training and peer communication in higher music education from the Royal College of Music, London. His teachers have included Radu Blidar, Kyung-Wha Chung, Hyo Kang, Roland and Almita Vamos and Brian Lewis. Sean the recipient of the Williamson Foundation of Music annual grant, Rayne Foundation grant, Donald Paterson Award and the Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal and the Rainwater Innovation Grant.
Micah Rosenstein, Theory and Composition
Southwest Location
Micah Rosenstein (b. 2001) received his Bachelor of Music-Composition degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio (2023), where he studied both business administration and the pursuit of a multifaceted compositional career in educational band and advanced-ensemble literature, as well as a career in teaching for higher education.
He has held positions as a lead graphic designer for the marketing team at the UTSA School of Music, teaching assistant and music theory tutor of their UTSA School of Music theory-area, beginning band mentor in low brass and arranger of their newly-formed public-outreach program UTSA ‘On-Corps’, as well as various professional experiences in music marketing through both Opera San Antonio and Alamo Music Center. He has won multiple awards for his craft, and as a first-generation undergraduate student presented curated research on relevant applications of public music theory pedagogy at Music Theory Pedagogy Into Practice 2022 Conference (East Lansing, MI) and Texas Society for Music 2023 Annual Conference (Kingsville, TX).
Micah Rosenstein currently resides in Austin, TX, where he is Music Theory Lab Instructor of Clavier-Werke School of Music South, and is obtaining a Master of Music (Composition) degree at The University of Texas at Austin (2026).
Kimberly Sandoval, Vocalist
West Lake Location
Kimberly Sandoval, from McAllen Texas, is a graduate from Texas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Studies and a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance. She has performed such roles as Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, Mother Marie from Dialogues of the Carmelites, Dido in Dido and Aneas, and premiered the title role of the newly commissioned opera Lady Bird, First Lady of the Land, which premiered in the Spring of 2016. Ms. Sandoval also performed 2nd Lady from The Magic Flute with Landesbühnen Sachsen Opera Company during their 2016 season in Germany. Branching outside opera, she worked with the Texas State Chorale where she sang as a member and as a soloist – performing and premiering works such as Peterson’s Shadows and Lights, Bach’s Magnificat and Bernstein’s Songfest – working in conjunction with Texas State University’s biannual Art Song Symposium. Ms. Sandoval has worked with students from K-12 at schools such as Boone Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle School, and Weiss High School. She worked as a clinician and adjudicator at local and regional choir festivals, and she was an active mentor working with young choirs and vocalists at Texas State Choir Camp and in other festivals such as the Tejada All-Star festival.
Ms. Sandoval’s teaching goals are to build a healthy vocal approach to singing and a solid foundation in breath support. Learning to sing is a journey of enjoyment, and she wants to help her students discover themselves through music. “Relax, breathe, love and enjoy the process,” is what she lives by.
Kelsey Sexton, Cellist
Southwest Location
Kelsey Sexton has lived in the Austin area since the fall of 2021 but has been teaching cello since 2014. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and holds a M.M. in Music Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as a M.M. in Cello Performance from Texas State University. Her primary teachers include Mira Frisch, Wesley Baldwin, and Karla Hamelin. An active performer in the Austin and San Antonio communities, Kelsey currently subs with the Mid-Texas Symphony, Central Texas Philharmonic and the San Antonio Philharmonic. She also serves on faculty as the Adjunct Professor of Cello at Concordia University Texas.
Kelsey has traveled internationally as a chamber musician and guest artist at various conferences such as the 2015 Music Learning Revolution in London and the 2016 International Society for Music Education biennial in Glasgow. In 2019, she was invited to perform as guest principal cellist at the Kay Meek Center Young Orchestras Encounter in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has also served as a clinician for many youth-centered music programs including the Arts Plus Suzuki Workshop, the Oxfordshire County Music Service, and a number of El Sistema programs in the U.S. and Europe.
As a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Kelsey directed the Farragut Intermediate School Orchestra Initiative, an after-school strings program dedicated to the growth and support of string education in Knoxville public schools. During this time, she received extensive Suzuki training and worked closely with the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association as a rehearsal assistant, sectional coach, and chamber coach. Kelsey returns to Knoxville during the summers to teach and assist with the KSYOA Summer Music Camp.
Kelsey works to cultivate a life-long love of music in each of her students by prioritizing healthy technique, encouraging artistic expression, and creating engaging, individualized learning environments. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys taking care of her many houseplants and her three cats.
Ellen Sirower, Pianist
West Lake Location
Pianist Ellen Sirower is a versatile soloist, chamber musician, and educator currently based in Austin, Texas. She has made concert appearances at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Manhattan School of Music, Colorado State University, Steinway Hall, Hill Auditorium, and New York’s Tenri Cultural Center. She recently was a gold medalist in the International Keyboard Odyssiad Competition, and was a finalist in the University of Michigan Undergraduate Concerto Competition with Liszt’s Totentanz. Festival participation includes the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, and the PianoTexas International Festival and Academy.
Ellen has devoted much of her time presenting and performing accessible classical music with a focus on music by living composers. She has collaborated with members of the Fifth House Ensemble, the Boston-based Callithumpian Consort, and the Talea Ensemble. In the 2019-2020 school year, Ellen helped launch the commissioning project “New Music from the Mitten”; At Central Michigan and Michigan State Universities, she and cellist Joshua DeVries performed recitals that programmed brand new repertoire by Michigan-based student composers and led reading workshops with the composition studios. Ellen currently plays with UT Austin’s acclaimed New Music Ensemble.
Ellen graduated with high honors from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with bachelor’s degrees in piano performance and philosophy. Her primary teacher was Amy I-Lin Cheng. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in piano performance at the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music, where she is studying under Gregory Allen and working as a keyboard Teaching Assistant. Energized by her teaching experience and philosophical education, Ellen pursues research in the intersection between philosophy and piano pedagogy. She has recently presented her scholarly work through the Music Teachers National Association and the Eastern Michigan University Undergraduate Conference in Philosophy. Her current interests lie particularly in how topics in aesthetics and philosophy of language—in practice—can facilitate effective and informed teaching with regards to performance practice, interpretation, and expressivity at every level.
Andres Vargas, Pianist, Director of Piano Studies
Both Locations
Andres Vargas was born in Chile, where he began his piano studies at the age of 3. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Piano Performance from the Universidad Austral de Chile where he studied with Ximena Cabello. In 2004, he became a private student of Krassimira Jordan, artist-in-residence at Baylor University. In the fall of 2008, Andres relocated to the United States in order to pursue a Masters Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance at Baylor University. He has performed in several cities in Chile, as well as Europe, and the USA.
Prior to coming to the US, Andres taught in two Chilean music Conservatories. He has been teaching piano as a private teacher for more than twenty years. Andres is currently a piano teacher and also the director of the Early Childhood Program at Clavier-Werke school of Music in Austin. As a teacher he enjoys having fun with his students and likes to communicate to them his love for music. Andres is fluent in English, Spanish and German.
Tsz To Wong, Cellist
West Lake Location
Born and raised in Hong Kong, cellist Tsz To Wong is one of the rising- stars in his generation. As the recipient of the Asian Cultural Council Hong Kong Arts Circle Fellowship and the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Music Scholarship, Tsz To is also awarded the Gold Prize of the Cleveland Cello Society Competition, First Place of the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, and the second runner-up in the Getting to Carnegie Cello Competition in New York.
With generous support from the James and Caroline Taylor Fellowship, Tsz To returned to Tanglewood Music Center this past summer as an instrumental fellow, working and performing with leading musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Andris Nelsons, Emanuel Ax, Astrid Schween, and Sibbi Bernhardsson. Tsz To is currently the Teaching Assistant of Bion Tsang at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Master degree in Suzuki Pedagogy and Cello Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Mark Kosower, and a Master degree in Cello Performance from Rice University under the tutelage of Norman Fischer. Tsz To is a fully-trained Suzuki cello teacher. He has registered training of Cello Unit 1-10 and Every Child Can! with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has been teaching privately since 2010. Outside of his musical life, Tsz To also follow NBA basketball diligently.
Chloe Yofan, Violinist
West Lake Location
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chloe Yofan is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Violin Performance at the University of Texas at Austin while serving as the Teaching Assistant to Sandy Yamamoto. Chloe received her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music under Oleh Krysa. She also earned a Certificate of Achievement in Chamber Music from Eastman and a minor in Journalism from the University of Rochester. In 2023, Chloe received the Peter Salaff Award for Excellence in Chamber Music and was inducted into the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda. During her time at Eastman, Chloe held principal positions of the Eastman Philharmonia, including performing as concertmaster for their 2022 performance of Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben.
Chloe is a Suzuki certified teacher with training in Violin Book 1 and the Every Child Can! course. She enjoys working with students of all ages and connecting with members of her community through music. In April of 2023, Chloe’s string quartet at Eastman commissioned two pieces by composer Clayton Trumbull based on children’s novels, with funding from Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership Mentorship Grant. The quartet also designed a month-long educational project and interactive performance in collaboration with students at the Children’s School of Rochester No. 15 and the Rochester Public Library.
Since moving to Texas in 2023, Chloe has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and San Antonio Philharmonic as a substitute violinist. In September 2024, Chloe will perform alongside UT faculty members Sandy Yamamoto, Daniel Ching, and Bion Tsang as part of the Sandy Yamamoto and Friends concert series. In the summers, Chloe has attended festivals such as the Green Mountain Chamber Music Institute, Encore Chamber Music Institute, and the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she was a Violin Fellow. Outside of music, Chloe enjoys hiking, reading, and playing with her fluffy cat, Nadia.