Because a certain degree of physical development is essential to playing an instrument, Hochstein subscribes to the following minimum ages:
Guitar, age 5
Harp, age 9 some prior piano study preferred
Percussion, age 5
Piano, age 5
Suzuki Strings, age 3
Traditional Strings, age 7
Voice, age 12
Wind instruments, age 9
Suzuki flute, age 7
Mark Arnold (guitar, ensembles). Pursuing Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar from Ithaca College where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance. Active performer and teacher in the Finger Lakes area. Enjoys diverse musical styles and in addition to classical, arranges and performs folk, jazz, and bluegrass, among others. Also teaches at Finger Lakes Community College, Mobile Music and Cobblestone Arts Center in Canandaigua. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Sarah S. Chan (piano). Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and
Literature from the Eastman School of Music; Master of Music in Piano Performance
from the Peabody Conservatory; Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the
Manhattan School of Music. Further musical training at the Conservatoire National
Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and University of Michigan;
studies in humanities with distinction at University of Michigan, Columbia University, and The Sorbonne. Has taught at L’Institut de Culture Musicale in Paris,
both the Eastman School’s Collegiate and Community Education
Divisions, and Harford Community College in Maryland. Received Award for Excellence in Teaching at Eastman as studio piano instructor to undergraduates. Has won various awards and performed internationally, most notably in the U.S. and France, and as piano soloist with the National "Mihail Jora" Philharmonic of Romania, the Romanian State Symphony, and the Seattle Philharmonic. Held residencies in Paris, New York,
Hong Kong, Seattle, Ann Arbor, Baltimore, and Rochester, and continues to
concertize internationally. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2005.
Deborah Conquest (voice). Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts; Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from SUNY Fredonia. Has taught at SUNY Fredonia, Brevard Community College, Musical Arts Center of Cincinnati, Barry University, and Florida International University in Miami, where she taught both private voice lessons and vocal pedagogy class. Extensive performance credits include opera performances with Teatro Giglio, Hispanic American Lyric Theatre, FIU Opera Theatre, as well as solo recitals and chamber performances throughout New York, Ohio, and Italy. Has worked with a wide range of musical styles and student levels/ages. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Daniel Davis (trumpet). Master of Music in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with James Thompson; Bachelor of Music in Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he was a member of the Apelila Brass Quintet. During the summer of 2004, performed in Japan, Taiwan, and Macao with the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, Palm Beach Opera, Rochester Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Oratorio Society, and as soloist with the Greece Symphony Orchestra. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2004.
Richard Felice (percussion). Music studies at Berklee College of Music
in Boston and Brockport State College in New York. Active as a jazz drummer
for more than 30 years, performing throughout the U.S. and Virgin Islands.
Joined Hochstein faculty in 2002.
Victoria Gregory (dance). Teaching certificate from the Dance Education Laboratory (NYC). Extensive ballet training at Ruth Page Foundation School (Chicago) and the Joffrey School (NYC). Training in Broadway Theatre dance, ballet, jazz, tap and mime. Former instructor at 72nd Street Studios (NYC), Botsford School of Dance, and instructor of mime at Hochstein. Currently teaches at DancEncounters in Rochester. Rejoined Hochstein faculty in 2006.
Josef M. Hanson (music appreciation). Master of Arts in Music Education degree from the Eastman School of Music; Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree, summa cum laude, from Towson University (MD). K-5 Music educator in the Frederick (MD) County Public Schools and Music Director and President of the Frederick Symphonic Band. Currently Concert Manager of the University of Rochester College Music Department and Visiting Lecturer in Music. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Frances Hare (dance). Has extensive performance and teaching experience both as an independent dance instructor and as a member of a variety of organizations including Kariamu and Company (Buffalo, NY), Garth Fagan Dance, Young Audiences of Rochester, Artist in Residence for the Rochester City School District, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and more recently with Kuumba Consultants and Tango Café Dance Studio. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Lisa Hough (Foundations in Music). Bachelor of Arts degree from Messiah College and an alumnus of Canandaigua Academy. Has served as Director of Music at Goshen Baptist Church in West Chester (PA) and taught private piano and voice lessons for over 10 years before becoming licensed as a Kindermusik educator. Has taught early childhood music classes locally since 2005. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Joseph Irrera (piano). Master’s Degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where he studied with Alexander Shtarkman; Bachelor of Music Degree with distinction from the Eastman School of Music where he also pursued undergraduate studies at the Community Music School. Has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and at The Kennedy Center in Washington (DC) and this season will make his Carnegie Hall debut as second prizewinner of the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition. Has taken top prizes at numerous piano competitions including the Guthman International Piano Competition, the Young Artist’s International Piano Competition, second prize at the International Piano Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, and third prize at the International Piano Competition at The Moulin d’Ande, France. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Evan Jones (voice). Doctoral candidate at Eastman School; Bachelor of Music and Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from Florida State University.
Extensive performance credits in opera with Compania Lirica Nacional de Costa Rica, Berkshire Opera Company, Eastman Opera Theatre and solo performances with Augusta Choral Society and the Tallahassee Community Choir. Previous teaching experience at School of Fine Arts (Alabama), Florida high schools, Florida State University, Gulf Coast Community College, and currently at Eastman with non-majors. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Elana Klotz (vioin). Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music; completing Suzuki Method Teaching. Has performed with a number of orchestras, most recently Eastman Philharmonia and Boca Raton Sinfonia and has soloed with the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Winner of numerous competitions and awards including the Northern Kentucky University Musician Award, the Eastman School Concerto Competition; and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Albright Award. Violin instructor at Seton Catholic School and maintains a private studio. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Elizabeth Kovalovsky (dance). ). Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Geneseo, and a graduate of Canandaigua Academy. New York State Initial Certification in Childhood Education, grades 1-6. Has taught dance since 1999 at the Tammy Allen Dance Academy and has performed with the Geneseo Dance Ensemble and Tammy Allen Dance Academy. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Dianne Johnson Pegg (piano). Bachelor’s degree in piano with minor in voice from Southern Methodist University. Pursued graduate studies at SMU and the University of Buffalo. Is currently Organist and Director of Contemporary Music for Rush United Methodist Church. Maintains a private studio in Rush and performs throughout the Greater Rochester area as a pianist and vocalist. Joined Hochstein faculty in 1984.
Leslie Naradikian (clarinet). Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. Teaching experience at Kanack School of Music, teaching assistant at the University of North Carolina, and in private studio. Has performed with the Off Monroe Players, Finger Lakes Symphony, Greece Symphony, Brighton Symphony, and as a soloist and chamber musician. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Tim Nowak (cello).
Bachelors degree from Ithaca College in Music Education with further studies in advanced instrumental conducting, analysis of the symphony and multicultural perspective in music education. Performance experience includes Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca College Chorus and Stumpbite Production Company, as well as an active freelance musician for the upstate New York region. Mr. Nowak is currently the director of orchestras for the Victor central School district. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Olita Povero (viola). Master of Music degree in Viola Performance from Southern Methodist University; Bachelor of Music from The New School of Music, Philadelphia. Teachers include Max Aronoff, Kim Kashkashian, and Ellen Rose. Member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 1989. Previously Principal Violist of the Dallas Opera, and was a member of the Dallas Ballet and Dallas Chamber Orchestras. Has appeared with Chamber Music Rochester, Rochester Chamber Orchestra, Kilborn Summer Series, as well as Skaneateles, Fortissimo!, and Women in Music Festivals. Has 25 years experience in viola and chamber music instruction. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Jillian Pritchard (percussion, ensembles) Master of Music from Northwestern University; Bachelor of Music in Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the Performer’s Certificate and also graduated from the Catherine Filine Shouse Arts Leadership Program. Held internships with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, and WXXI Public Radio. Adjunct faculty member of the Finger Lakes Community College, and has also taught privately. Performs regularly with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Rochester Philharmonic, and the RPO Marimba Band. Founding member of contemporary music ensemble, Twenty21. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2005.
Lisa Raposa (piano). Currently pursuing a DMA in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music where she is a 2007 recipient of the Excellence in Accompanying Award; Master of Music degree in Piano from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of New Hampshire. Twice received the Eugenie May Award for Outstanding Accomplishment as a Solo and Collaborative Pianist at the University of Massachusetts. Recent artistic collaborations include performances of Schubert’s Wintereisse with baritone Andrew Bawden. Previously taught at Berwick Academy in Maine. Attended the Teachers Program at the TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute from 2002-2005. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Klansee Reynolds (violin, music theory). Currently pursuing a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music; Bachelor in Music Performance, magna cum laude with honors, in the liberal arts from the Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University in Dallas (TX) and has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player with professional and semi-professional ensembles in Arkansas, Texas, and Colorado, as well as in Germany and France. Has maintained a private studio and taught privately in public schools since 1996. ECC and Suzuki training (violin books 1-3) with Carrie Reuning-Hummel (ITE and University of Memphis Summer Institutes). Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Sarah Rhee (piano). Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music where she has been teaching assistant to Nelita True as well as an instructor in Class Piano and Sight-Reading for piano majors; Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School; Bachelor of Music from Eastman. Has appeared as recitalist and soloist with various orchestras throughout North America and Spain, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, New Millennium Orchestra (Spain) and Eastman Symphony Orchestra, among others and is an avid chamber musician who has given numerous solo and collaborative benefit concerts. Top prize winner of the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition, Canadian Music Competition and the International Stepping Stone Competition, and has extensive teaching experience both at the collegiate and preparatory levels. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Kirsta Rodean (bassoon, ensembles). Master of Arts in Music Education
from the Eastman School of Music where she received her Bachelor of Music Degree
in Bassoon Performance and Music education. Currently teaches in Fairport and
is the Concert Band director. Has performed with many groups including the Wichita
Falls (TX) Symphony Orchestra, Kunde Chorale, The Opera Factory, the Roberts
Wesleyan College Community Orchestra and many others. Joined Hochstein faculty
in 2005.
Adrianne Rose (dance). Currently lead teacher of the Rochester Dance and Cultural Exchange, and co-founder of Zebra Kids Performance Group. Member of Sankofa, teaches African Dance at the Metrocenter YMCA and has served as guest artist at the Charter School of Science and Technology. Held a three-year intensive African dance apprenticeship with "Zaipo" Vincent R. Oula, with additional training in African Drumming with Khalid Saleem, Afro-Caribbean dance with Frances Hare, and modern dance with Garth Fagan, among others. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2001.
Alex Shuhan (ensembles). Graduate studies at Southern Methodist University; Bachelor degrees in both Horn Performance and Instrumental Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Accomplished pianist, arranger, and composer. Active chamber musician and founding member of “rhyth3 & Brass” in 1993. Has performed extensively in the horn sections of Syracuse Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Portland (ME) Symphony, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and Skaneateles Chamber Orchestra, among others. Currently Assistant Professor of Horn at Ithaca College. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Elizabeth Shuhan (flute, Suzuki flute). Holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and the University of Southern Mississippi, and has received advanced Suzuki flute teacher training. Lectures in chamber music, music education and music theory at Ithaca College and is both a private flute instructor at Cornell University and a Suzuki flute specialist in Ithaca (NY). Currently principal flutist with the Fort Smith Symphony (AR), where she has recorded for the Naxos label. Previously the director of the University of Arkansas Suzuki Music School, a former elementary music specialist in the Arkansas public schools, and a member of the North Arkansas Symphony and Meridien (MS) Symphony Orchestras. Was an active chamber musician and adjudicator in Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri before moving to central New York in 2004. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Jennifer Sisbarro (voice) Master’s degree in Vocal Performance, magna cum laude, from Ithaca College; Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from SUNY Geneseo. Active vocalist in the Finger Lakes area with diverse background in performing and teaching classical, jazz, musical theatre, bluegrass, and popular music styles. Has toured internationally with the Geneseo Carol Choristers and Cayuga Vocal Ensemble. Also teaches at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy in Geneva. Formerly a substitute teacher in the voice department at SUNY Cortland, taught sight singing at Signature Music Camp, and was a TA in music theory at SUNY Geneseo. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Rita George Simmons (flute). Bachelor of Music from the Boston Conservatory.
Further studies with Diane Smith, Bill Grass and Bonita Boyd. Winner of National
Flute Association's Convention 2000 Performers. Principal flute for two years
with Boston Conservatory of Music Orchestra. Performed with Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra, Greater Rochester Music Educator's Wind Ensemble, Genesee Valley
Orchestra and Penfield Symphony. Former staff member with Webster High School
Band. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2001.
Geoff Smith (jazz bass, electric bass). Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music. Currently teaching jazz improvisation and recording arts at Finger Lakes Community College, and has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Larry Coryell, Maureen McCormic, Charlie Byrd, Tal Farlow, Gene Bertoncini, RPO, Chuck Mangione, Chautauqua Orchestra, and national road shows of Grease, Titanic, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and Five Guys Named Moe. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Geoff Smith (jazz bass, electric bass, jazz studies). Master’s Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music. Currently teaching jazz improvisation and recording arts at Finger Lakes Community College, and has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Larry Coryell, Maureen McCormick, Charlie Byrd, Tal Farlow, Gene Bertoncini, RPO, Chuck Mangione, Chautauqua Orchestra, and national road shows of Grease, Titanic, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and Five Guys Named Moe. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Craig Snyder (guitar, ensembles). Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration
in Jazz Guitar Studies through SUNY Empire, September 2006; Associate Degree in
Music with High Honors from Finger Lakes Community College and a Berklee College
of Music Scholarship recipient (1984). Adjunct music faculty member at Finger
Lakes Community College where he teaches jazz guitar and bass. Extensive experience
as instructor of guitar and bass, as well as a performer and producer. Joined
Hochstein faculty in 2002.
Sara Stoffel (Music Therapy). Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Applied Piano with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia. Completed Music Therapy internship at the Hochstein School of Music & Dance. Member of the American Music Therapy Association. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Jeremy Stoner (tuba, euphonium). Experience as teacher of low brass instruments and methods at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Georgia Southern University, Savannah Arts Academy Band Camp, and Northwestern University. Former member of Hilton Head Orchestra, Savannah Brass Quintet, ARTillery Punch, Savannah Symphony Orchestra, Stratton Mountain Boys. Currently a member of the Wilmot Brass Quintet and Plymouth Brass Quintet. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Brian S. Story (Finger Lakes Concert Band). Master of Music and Bachelor
in Music Education degrees from Mansfield University (PA). Current director of the 7th
and 8th Grade Bands at the Canandaigua Middle School. Active as composer, performer,
instrumentalist, and vocalist. He has over fifty published marching band and concert band
compositions and arrangements. He sings bass with Madrigalia and Musica Spei. Member of the
New York State School Music Association and the New York Sate Band Director's Association. Joined
Hochstein faculty in 2006.
Matt Stuver (saxophone, jazz studies). Currently pursuing a DMA at the Eastman School of Music where he received Masters Degrees in both Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media, and Saxophone Performance and Literature; Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from James Madison University. Has studied with Walt Weiskopf, Clay Jenkins, Harold Danko, and Bill Dobbins and performed in school jazz groups with David Liebman, Clark Terry, Bob Shepard, Peter Erskine, and Byron Stripling. Performs with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, the Dave Rivello Ensemble, Gap Mangione, Prime Time Funk, and the Orquestra Antonetti. Has toured with the Eastman Wind Ensemble to Japan and Carnegie Hall and plays and records with his own small group in the Rochester area. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Jennifer Turbes (viola). Master of Music in Viola Performance from the Eastman School of Music where she is in the doctoral program; Bachelor of Arts in Music from St. Olaf College (MN). While at Eastman, served as a teaching assistant to Prof. John Graham and completed Suzuki training through the Ithaca Suzuki Institute. In addition to teaching at Eastman, has taught at St. Olaf Summer Music Camp and maintains a private viola studio. Has appeared on Good Morning El Paso and A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Shiuen-Huang Tzeng (guitar). Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Guitar Performance and Literature; Master’s degree in Guitar from the Eastman School of Music; Diploma from National Taiwan Academy of Arts. Received Andrew Segovia Award for Musical Accomplishment and Human Endeavor from the Eastman School of Music in 2004. Has performed as a soloist and with different chamber groups in the US, Taiwan and China. Adjunct faculty at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Chris Van Hof (trombone). Pursuing Master’s degree in Music Performance at the Eastman School of Music; Bachelor of Music Education and Trombone Performance degree from Western Michigan University. Active as a chamber musician, as well as in performing and arranging in the classical, jazz, and pop idioms. Extensive experience in private and group instruction, and is a part-time broadcaster at WXXI Classical 91.5. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Brian Wahrlich (clarinet). Currently compleing Master of Music degree at the Eastman School of Music where he received a Bachelor’s Degree and coveted Performer’s Certificate. Has performed with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and under conductors that include Leonard Slatkin, Michael Stern, JoAnn Falletta, among others. In past summers has attended the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, the Chautauqua Music Festival, and others. Faculty member at the Eastman Community Music School where he also coaches sectionals for the New Horizons Program, Nazareth College, and maintains a private studio. Has toured with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and is a member of Slee Sinfonietta (Buffalo, NY). Has recorded with piano duo Quattro Mani released under Bridge Records. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Allan Ward (percussion, jazz studies). Master of Music degree from the Jazz and Contemporary Media Department of the Eastman School of Music where he is also a candidate for a Master of Music Education degree; Bachelor of Music in performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Has performed with the Boulder Philharmonic, Boulder Brass, and toured with the Air Force big band “Shades of Blue” based in St. Louis (MO). Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Lynne Westmoreland (piano). Master of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in piano performance from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). Has performed at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts and many other venues in the Washington DC metropolitan area as soloist, accompanist, and chamber ensemble member. Former faculty member at The Madeira School (McLean, VA) and George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). Joined Hochstein faculty in 2007.
Katherine Wheeler (dance). Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. Previous teaching experience at The Movement Center School in Ohio. Has performed with the Brianski Ballet Company (Saratoga, NY) and the North Carolina Dance Theatre. Joined Hochstein faculty in 2006.
Colleen Wolf (French horn). Master of Music in horn performance from
the University of Michigan; Bachelor of Music in horn performance and the Performer's
Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. Performs with Twenty21 and founding member of the Plymouth Brass Quintet. Actively freelances with Rochester Oratorio Society, Mercury Opera Rochester, Kunde Chorale, and the Greater Rochester Women's Philharmonic.
Professional affiliations include the Morning Musicale, the Fairport Musicale, and the International Horn Society.
Joined Hochstein faculty in 2004.
Grace Wong (harp). Graduate of Oberlin Conservatory with further studies
at the Manhattan School of Music. Principal harpist with Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra. Won second prize at the Fifth International Harp Contest in Israel
and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1974. Has served as jury member for the
International Harp Contest, American String Teachers Association National
Solo Competition, and as a board member of the American Harp Society. Joined
Hochstein faculty in 1992.
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