Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors
The Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors are central to the ArtSmart mission. Meet the talented and passionate professional musicians who tirelessly work at the local level to mentor our students.
Dr. Erin Alcorn (she/her) is an opera singer, vocal pedagogue, and arts administrator with over 15 years of professional performance and teaching experience. She joined ArtSmart as a vocal mentor in 2019 in inner-city Philadelphia and currently serves as a virtual mentor to students in remote areas of the Adirondacks.
Erin currently teaches vocal production as an adjunct Professor of Acting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Previously, she taught vocal instruction at Cleveland State University, Philadelphia Futures, Ellis Trust for Girls, and as an instructor to undergraduate and graduate students at CCM as a graduate assistant on full scholarship.
As a singer, Erin has completed young artist residencies with Music Academy of the West, The Song Continues at Carnegie Hall, and The Dallas Opera. She has performed as a soloist and ensemble member with Queen City Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Tri-Cities Opera, and the Dallas Opera. She has appeared as a young artist for The Song Continues at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.
Erin holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from CCM, a Master of Music from the University of North Texas College of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory. She currently resides in Columbus, OH with her husband and three kitties- Ellafitz, Willow, and Ash.
Mentoring Philosophy:
A good mentor supports, guides, embraces, celebrates, and uplifts the mentee in a way that serves the mentee’s uniquely lived experience and personal goals. A good mentor asks more questions than gives answers, offers perspective, and opens doors, helping the mentee to adopt a growth mindset. They help the student realize and embrace themselves.
“What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.”
— We Make the Road by Walking by Myles Horton & Paulo Freire
“And the thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so that you can be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
— Maya Angelou
Mezzo soprano Sara Armstrong joins the ArtSmart team officially this 2025-26 school year after a decade of admiring the organization from the sidelines. She has worked as a private voice instructor, coach, and choral director for 20 years. Sara attended the S.U.N.Y. Purchase Conservatory of Music and Carnegie Mellon University where she studied opera and Italian. She completed apprenticeships with Sarasota Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Bel Canto at Caramoor and has performed leading and supporting roles with regional companies such as New Rochelle Opera, Winter Opera St. Louis, Opera Company of Middlebury, Western Plains Opera and Lake George Opera. Sara has been on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus since 2013. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Chad – a former mentor for ArtSmart and current administrator – and their two musical kids, Iris and Theodore.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is primarily a good listener. I believe the role of the mentor is to teach by example. We model dependability, a strong work ethic, self-care, a healthy attitude towards learning and experiencing the world as a perpetual student.
Tajma Beverly (she/her) was born on the South Side of Chicago and, while she now happily resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, she “left her heart” in the Heartland. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Career highlights include working with director Francesca Zambello on LA Opera’s Porgy & Bess, receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of Jean in Girl Bar at Diversionary Theatre, and playing Diana Ross in a three-week run of Beehive: The 60s Musical, which was extended for an impressive nine months.
Tajma holds an Master of Music in American Popular Music History from California State University-Los Angeles and an Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
As a composer, she creates musicals and operas that explore the minds, souls, and unacknowledged wounds of racial trauma experienced by Black families. Her work aims to “de-pathologize” Black people, advocate for Reparations, and foster Black Joy.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor offers wisdom and experience. A good mentor sees and nurtures the unique gifts of each student.
Do not compare the beginning of your journey to the middle of someone else’s. Everyone’s path is unique. You are exactly where you need to be, on your unique path to becoming the Artist you are meant to be.
Jessica Bowen (sh/her) is a violinist and dedicated music educator from Albany, New York. This is her first year teaching with ArtSmart. She brings over a decade of experience as both performer and instructor, helping students of all ages build strong technique and confidence in their musical voices.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and continues postgraduate study with renowned pedagogue Burton Kaplan. As a performer, she has appeared with the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, Glens Falls Symphony, and Catskill Symphony, and has collaborated on projects spanning classical, bluegrass, and contemporary music.
Her teaching philosophy centers on the idea that music should be both disciplined and joyful. She tailors her approach to each student’s learning style, encouraging creativity and expression. Outside of teaching, she enjoys collecting vinyl, traveling for live music, and spending time with her cat, Sadie.
Mentoring Philosophy
Jessica believes that a good mentor brings out the best in each student. At ArtSmart Troy, that means showing up, listening, and helping each student along their journey in life through music.
Brian Brancato (he/him) is a music educator and multi-instrumentalist from Rochester, NY. He graduated in 2018 and 2019 from SUNY Potsdam (Crane School of Music) with his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees respectively in Music Education. He has been teaching private instrumental lessons at a few different studios in the area for the past four years, and works with students K–12 in the Shenendehowa Central School District. During the 2021–2022 school year, Brian taught instrumental music in the CHIME program, through the Empire State Youth Orchestra. In the fall of 2025, he began teaching for ArtSmart, in collaboration with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. He is passionate about music and connecting with people through music, and his teaching embodies an approach that meets students where they are and supports their musical and personal growth through culturally responsive experiences. Primarily a trumpet player, Brian performs with several bands in the Capital region, including the Trojan Horns, the NoLaNauts, and the Silver Arrow Band.
Mentoring Philosophy
Brian believes that a good mentor is embodied by someone who is a strong musical and interpersonal support for their students. Mentees should feel safe being musically and personally vulnerable with their mentor, and the mentor should listen to them and their concerns, even when it doesn’t concern the music. Sometimes people have bad days, and those incoming problems need to be addressed before productive or meaningful work can be done on the music.
Puerto Rican soprano Carmen Elisa Cancél (she/her) brings her classical training to a diverse range of musical genres, including opera, musical theater, cabaret, jazz, and Latin music, and is hailed for her “crystalline timbre and intense acting ability,” Originally from Tampa, Florida, Carmen’s voice has taken her across the U.S. and around the world.
She holds degrees in Biology and Voice Performance from the University of South Florida, which allow her to seamlessly blend the technical aspects of human anatomy with vocal instruction. Carmen’s approach encourages her students to have fun while discovering their true voice and developing solid vocal technique.
Based in New York City, Carmen maintains a thriving vocal studio and has been an ArtSmart Mentor for four years.
Visit CarmenElisaSings.com to learn more.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is willing to listen to the students and meet them right where they are both mentally and emotionally on any given day. We are in a unique position to build the students up as they develop their voices and learn life skills that will carry them through adulthood.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
Born and raised in Seattle, Kassey Oliver Castro (he/ they) is a conductor, composer, singer, voice teacher, and music educator. He joined ArtSmart in 2025.
Kassey has conducted all types of choral groups, from K-12 school choirs to community ensembles and beyond. He currently serves as the conductor for the Seattle Video Game Orchestra. He is also the former director of the Level Up! Vocal Ensemble, a choir specializing in singing arrangements of video game music.
Outside of music, Kassey enjoys cooking all types of things, including dishes passed down from his Filipino mother. Kassey holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Washington.
Mentoring Philosophy
A great mentor meets students where they are at, and pays attention to their student’s interests, learning styles, and abilities. These mentors are also masters of their craft, always seeking to further their knowledge so that they can be the best role models for their students.
“It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you’re going that counts.” — Ella Fitzgerald
Kyle Chastulik (they/them) is a classical singer, guitarist, and teaching artist originally from Chambersburg, PA, now based in Philadelphia. Kyle holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Temple University (2023) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2021). Kyle is a multidisciplinary teaching artist and has given private lessons in voice, piano, and guitar as well as group classes for all ages. Most recently, Kyle began teaching early enrichment classes with Music Theatre Philly.
Selected performance highlights include leading roles in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Pelléas et Mélisande, as well as chorus appearances with Opera Philadelphia and the Princeton Symphony. Locally, Kyle has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra Symphonic Choir, Opera on Tap Philadelphia, Prismatic Arts Ensemble, VoxAmadeus, and Wilmington Concert Opera.
As an instructor, Kyle prioritizes building students’ creative impulses through an understanding of music theory and improvisational skills. In addition to building technical skill on their instrument, students will also be able to analyze the musical/lyrical content of their favorite songs and learn to synthesize their own musical ideas.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is able to tailor their teaching methods to the unique learning styles and specific goals of their students, allowing students to explore genres of music that they are most interested in. The mentor must be a warm presence who helps the student realize their creative and personal goals, fostering community-minded artistry.
Melanie Chirignan (she/her) is a flutist from Hauppauge, NY. This is her first year teaching for ArtSmart, but she has been teaching private lessons since 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in music performance and music education, graduating magna cum laude from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Music in flute performance from the Hartt School. She taught at the College of St. Rose from 2019-2024. A big fan of new music, her quintet was awarded a New York women composer’s seed money grant, and she has commissioned and premiered many pieces included new music to the silent films the Cabinet of Caligari and Nosferatu, an album of new music for flute and guitar she’s finishing up, and an animation video to Philip Speath’s Cumulus Reverie. Melanie believes anyone can learn music if you practice thoughtfully. Having taken Alexander Technique, she’s a strong believer that a stacked posture creates beautiful, relaxed playing. Hot yoga is her other passion!
Mentoring Philosophy
Melanie believes that a good mentor is someone that is willing to listen and help, and wants the best for the student!
German-American baritone, Dennis Chmelensky (he/him), was born in Berlin, Germany, and now resides in New York. He opened his 2025/26 season with the Metropolitan Opera singing the Rescue Planner in The Mothers of Kherson as part of a workshop. Recent highlights include debuts at Oper Frankfurt (Don Polidoro in Cimarosa’s L’Italiana in Londra), Tiroler Festspiele Erl (Marquis de Corcy in Le postillon de Lonjumeau by Adolphe Adam and Orlik in Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa), Philharmonie Berlin (with the Berliner Oratorienchor), Phillips Collection (An die ferne Geliebte by Beethoven), Verbier Festival (Peter in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel and Tom in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera), and Opera Philadelphia (the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni). Chmelensky has received numerous awards. He was a National Semifinalist in the 2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and is a recipient of the Verbier Festival’s Prix Thierry Mermod. He is a member of the voice faculty at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School and the Music Conservatory of Westchester and a former member of the Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artist program. He is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. His debut album, DENNIS, was released in 2009 by Sony Classical.
Mentoring Philosophy
I am deeply committed to sharing the transformative power of music beyond the stage. With over a decade of experience teaching private voice lessons, masterclasses, and leading community outreach initiatives, I’ve had the privilege of working with students of all ages and abilities. Whether bringing music education to public school classrooms and local conservatories, mentoring aspiring vocalists, or collaborating with Sirius Music Communications GmbH to expand global access to music education, I’ve witnessed the profound impact music can have on individuals and communities alike. Music was a gift to me growing up—a source of solace, expression, meaning, and infinite possibility—and I am passionate about giving back helping others discover their own voice. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, professional engagements, or diving into serious vocal study, I bring a personalized approach rooted in experience with real-world insights of a working performer. I’ve performed internationally and focus on building a strong classical foundation, with a specialization in opera, German Lied, and oratorio.
Mixti Tunal (they/them), is a two-spirit, non-binary, versatile vocalist, educator, and activist of Nahua ancestry. As a rising opera vocalist, they have performed roles such as Thérèse in Poulenc’s Les Mamelles de Tirésias, die Königin in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Winnie in Beecher’s Sky on Swings with Opera Saratoga. Mixti graduated with a Master of Music in Voice and Pedagogy in May 2022 from the Peabody Conservatory. They also hold a Bachelor of Music in Voice and a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative American Studies with an emphasis on Identity and Diversity from Oberlin College and Conservatory. Additionally, they have an Associate of Arts in Latin American and Latinx Studies and an Associate of Science in Behavioral Sciences from City College of San Francisco. With over a decade of teaching experience, they are thrilled to begin their first year as a mentor with ArtSmart. Born and raised on Yelamu Ohlone land, Mixti is passionate about building community through their art, teaching, and daily organizing.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is someone who inspires and leads by listening and understanding what the mentee’s interests, goals, and needs are. They create an environment where questions and feedback are encouraged, mistakes are welcomed, and advice is gently offered. A good mentor is committed to ensuring their mentee feels valued, understood, accommodated, and above all else, celebrated!
“When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab-bag candy game.” – Toni Morrison
Emma Commisso (she/her) is a soprano and voice teacher from Latham, NY. She completed her B.M. in Vocal Performance and Music Education in December 2024 at Ithaca College. Certified as a K-12 Music Teacher in New York State, Emma taught General Music and Chorus at Boght Hills Elementary in the spring of 2025. She began working with ArtSmart in October 2025. Recent credits include serving as a local artist for Opera Saratoga, Flora in Opera Ithaca’s “The Turn of the Screw,” Stella in Ithaca College’s “Le dernier sorcier,” and Sister Terry Vitale in Proctors Collaborative’s “Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding.” Emma also completed training as a Young Artist for the International Performing Arts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany in July 2025. She won second place in IPAI’s aria competition. Emma hopes that all of her students will walk away from their lessons feeling supported and excited about singing.
Mentoring Philosophy
Emma believes that a good mentor teaches their students how to be great people first, great musicians second. A good mentor also leads by example.
Lisa Gwyn Daltirus (she/her) has served ArtSmart since the 2019-2020 program year, providing one-on-one multi-genre vocal instruction. As an alumnus of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, where she majored in Voice and Opera Performance, Lisa has over 25 years of professional experience singing internationally with companies and orchestras, including Opera Philadelphia, the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Cape Town Opera in South Africa. She has also performed with the New York, Philadelphia, and Boston symphony orchestras, as well as the Radio Philharmonic of Amsterdam.
Lisa wholeheartedly believes that equipping young people with the skills, creativity, and cultural legacies that music imparts is vital for building a strong, stable world. Furthermore, teaching life skills and exploring the wide range of career opportunities that intersect with the music industry can broaden their horizons. As a naturally social person, Lisa thrives in activities that involve collaboration and sharing with diverse groups of people.
Mentorship Philosophy
An impactful mentoring relationship is characterized by a safe, encouraging, and positive environment where students feel free to develop and express themselves. It involves meeting students where they are and not imposing repertoire that does not resonate with them. As a mentor, my goal is to inspire and support students in a way that aligns with their needs, providing guidance and encouragement that helps them grow in their own unique direction.
“I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.” – Maya Angelou
Ryan Daly (they/him) has been an ArtSmart Mentor since 2022. Based in Chicago, they are an active performer and educator both in the Chicago area and across the country. Heard with companies like the Opera Festival of Chicago, Opera Omaha, and Shreveport Opera, some of Ryan’s favorite roles include Don José in Carmen, Tito in La Clemenza di Tito, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Abilene Christian University and a Master of Music degree in Opera from Temple University. In addition to their work at ArtSmart, Ryan serves as a Professor of Voice at Valparaiso University. As a teacher, Ryan has had students accepted into conservatory-level programs for musical theater and voice, including Roosevelt University, Columbia College, and Temple University. Professionally, former students of Ryan’s have performed with regional companies like the Hershey Theater and the Maples Repertory Theater. When they’re not teaching, Ryan enjoys tending to their many houseplants.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe the most important trait in a mentor is the ability to listen with empathy. Singing is a beautiful way to express and access emotions, and creating a safe space to experience that is incredibly important to me.
“Failure is an opportunity to learn, not something to fear.”
Lucas DeJesus (he/him), bass-baritone, is a multi-disciplinary vocalist, arts administrator, and voice teacher based in his hometown: Philadelphia, PA. He holds the position of Director of National Program Operations and Regional Coordinator (Philadelphia) for ArtSmart, where he has been a voice mentor since 2017. Lucas specializes in choral music performance and is an active member of the Opera Philadelphia Chorus, EXIGENCE (Sphinx Organization), Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia (Lead Section Leader & Senior Vocal Artist), Philadelphia Symphonic Chorus, Convoco (founding member), Glassbrook Vocal Ensemble (founding member & Chorus Manager), The Same Stream (founding member), and the Delaware Choral Scholars, who received 4 gold medals at the 2024 Auckland World Choir Games and were ranked #1 in the INTERKULTUR World Choir Rankings. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in voice performance from Westminster Choir College in 2014. Lucas is committed to providing under-represented youth access to equitable music education and mentorship as well as fighting for the dignity, respect, and fair working conditions of professional choral musicians.
Mentoring Philosophy
Lucas believes that mentorship involves a beautiful and unique type of relationship built on mutual trust and respect in which the mentor has the best interests and goals of the mentee at the forefront of all of their mentoring. A good mentor see their mentee as the possibility of the fulfillment of their goals while meeting the mentee wherever they stand in the journey.
Anna Donnelly (she/her) is a professional soprano and teaching artist originally from Cincinnati, OH, now based in Chicago. She has been a She performs regularly with Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and Lyric Opera of the North. Some recent credits include the Voice of the High Priestess (Aida) and Sarah in the premiere workshop of Two Corners with Finger Lakes Opera. Other notable roles include Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel), Drusilla (L’Incoronazione di Poppea), Soeur Constance (Dialogues des Carmélites), and Pamina (Die Zauberflöte). Anna holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance and a Graduate Certificate in Vocology from Indiana University. In addition to her performing career, Anna is passionate about teaching. She founded her private voice studio in 2023, serves on the faculty at Harold Washington College, and has been a Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor with ArtSmart since 2025. Her teaching philosophy centers on meeting each student’s unique needs, cultivating a growth mindset, and fostering a lifelong love of music and singing. Anna loves to spend time outside, hiking, biking, and distance running.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor creates trust and safety while empowering students to discover their own voice. Effective mentorship balances guidance, structure, and encouragement with deep listening and respect for each student’s individuality. A great mentor leads with compassion and emotional intelligence to support the holistic student, not just their musical aspirations.
Dr. Brian Dunbar (he/him) is the Assistant Professor of Flute at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Before joining Crane, he held teaching positions at Southern University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Louisiana State University. Originally from St. Augustine, FL, Dr. Dunbar earned degrees from Louisiana State University, the University of Michigan, and Stetson University. He began his work as a Teaching Artist in 2024.
Currently, Dr. Dunbar serves as the co-principal flute of the Orchestra of Northern New York. He has also performed with several distinguished ensembles, including the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Phoenix Orchestra, Boston Festival Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Battle Creek Symphony, and the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few.
Dr. Dunbar is deeply committed to community engagement and music education. He is a faculty member at the Saarburg International Music Festival and co-founder of the Umoja Flute Institute. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors for the National Flute Association (NFA) and was a member of the NFA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
“As an international performer and pedagogue, I specialize in providing high-level music instruction for musicians of all ages and levels with an emphasis on highlighting the works and efforts of musicians from historically marginalized communities. I believe in making music education accessible and inclusive for all, while providing a nurturing environment focused on artistic excellence and belonging.”
Favorite Quote:
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” — Stephen King
Teaching at ArtSmart since: 2018 Nikki Einfeld (she/her) is a performer, educator, and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who loves blending music and human connection. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Performance and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, bringing both artistry and insight to her teaching.
With over 25 years on stage, Nikki has sung more than 45 operatic roles with companies including San Francisco Opera and Canadian Opera Company, including several world premiere performances, and collaborated on the recital stage with ensembles like the San Francisco Symphony, Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, and many more. In addition to performing, Nikki has also directed several productions and works one-on-one with artists, navigating transitions and industry challenges.
At ArtSmart, she combines voice technique, performance skills, and therapeutic tools to help students grow in confidence, creativity, and resilience. Her teaching is all about helping each student find their unique voice both musically and creatively, while keeping the process fun, inspiring, and empowering.
Mentoring Philosophy
Nikki believes that the ability to truly listen and see the whole person, including their strengths, struggles, and unique story, is essential. She draw from both her years as a professional performer and her clinical training to meet artists where they are, offering both practical guidance and support. She believe growth happens through trust, curiosity, and compassion.
“Growth happens when we feel safe enough to explore and brave enough to be ourselves.”
Noah Farnsworth (he/him) is a vocalist, educator, and French horn player based in Philadelphia. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he first fell in love with music while playing in his high school’s marching band. He began singing at the University of Delaware while obtaining Honors Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in French Horn Performance. After completing his Master’s degree, Noah relocated to Philadelphia, and began teaching with ArtSmart in 2025. Recent performance highlights include traveling to the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand with the Delaware Choral Scholars, where the group won three world championships. This group will travel to Spain to compete again in the Tolosa International Choral Contest in October of 2025. When he is not singing, playing, or teaching, Noah enjoys playing board games, eating breakfast sandwiches, and hanging out with his tuxedo cat Oreo.
Mentoring Philosophy
An impactful mentoring relationship is a sustained partnership where a mentor is able to serve as both teacher and role model to a student or mentee. A good mentor will make every effort to ensure the student always feel safe, supported, and understood. Additionally, a mentor supports students in developing a skill by modeling excellence in that skill themselves, encouraging the student to strive for achievement.
Originally from Louisville, KY, LaVon (she/her) is in her first year with ArtSmart. She holds a BFA and MFA in Musical Theater from Millikin University and the University of Florida.
Her Broadway credits include The Color Purple (Sophia, The Three Gossips, and Church Soloist Cover), Chicago the Musical (Mama Morton), Lysistrata Jones (Heteira Cover), and Disney’s Newsies (Medda Larkin).
LaVon’s film and television work includes HBO’s Divorce, Nightcaps with Jimmy, Team Toon, Submissions, Quantico, Three Mo’ Tenors Gospel Ensemble, and Disney’s Teen Beach Movie (Big Mama).
The only thing she loves as much as being onstage is teaching the next generation. Many angels took her under their wings throughout her journey, helping her build the career she has today, and she is passionate about paying that forward.
LaVon sends special thanks to her husband, Darrell C. Wilson, for supporting her dreams, and to their three greatest productions—Darrell Jr., Darrien, and DaVonna Wilson—all performers in their own right (except her husband of 19 years, who she lovingly notes is hopelessly tone-deaf!).
Mentoring Philosophy
LaVon believes that to be a good mentor is to care. You have to care because students can recognize an uncaring person a mile away. It closes them off. Once they know you care, they can open up and have a safe space to be themselves.
Gabriel Garcia (he/him/they/them) is an interdisciplinary musician and artist currently based in Brooklyn, NY and originally hailing from Hartford, CT. Gabriel holds a BFA in Classical Music from Carnegie Mellon University. Their collaborations with visual artists, engineers, and composers at CMU inspired them to pursue an MM in Contemporary Performance at Manhattan School of Music.
Since then, Gabriel has performed as a Vocal Fellow with the Grant Park Music Festival, served as a traditional cantor in New York City’s most prominent Catholic churches, and appeared as a soloist in baroque and liturgical concerts throughout New England. Gabriel is an active contributor to the NYC underground and DIY scene, performing and DJing at some of the city’s most notable venues such as Nowadays, TV Eye, Trans-Pecos, Intercomm, and countless others. Alongside violinist and composer Yaz Lancaster, their experimental ambient duo “medium.” has performed and presented at New Ear Festival, Princeton University, NYU, Operator Radio (NL), and most recently Gaudeamus Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Gabriel has had the privilege of learning music through Suzuki, Orff, and Dalcroze pedagogies, and incorporates elements of all three into their own teaching and artistic practice.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor’s impact doesn’t stop at the door to the practice room. They can give support when necessary, instill drive to overcome challenges, provide an outlet for expression, and most importantly give the student the opportunity to believe in themselves.
“When one teaches, two learn.” – Robert Heinlein
A native of West Chester, PA, Paul Giess (he/him) is a versatile trumpet player, producer, and educator. Since receiving a Bachelor in Music Industry degree from James Madison University and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Louisiana State University, Paul has garnered extensive teaching experience while living in Philadelphia since 2013. As a performing artist Paul can be seen performing as a leader and a side musician with artists including Yolanda Wisher and the Afroeaters, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and Kimpedro’s Nu Gruv. Paul has performed at festivals including the Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival, New York City Jazz Festival, and the the Timitar Festival in Agadir, Morocco. Paul brings his performance experience into his lessons with Artsmart students encouraging them to search for their individuality through music.
Mentoring Philosophy
Encouraging students and building their confidence and setting a good example they can look toward.
“What we play is life.” – Louis Armstrong
Sergio Gonzalez (he/him) was born in El Paso, TX. He has lived in San Francisco since 2006, and began teaching for ArtSmart in 2022. He graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Cesar Ulloa. Gonzalez recently made his Opera San Jose debut as Tamino in their production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. His students have gone on to prestigious vocal programs around the United States such as University of Southern California , University of California at Los Angeles, the Oberlin Conservatory, and Northwestern University.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe communication, respect and understanding are essential to being a good mentor.
“Work hard, have fun, and make it happen.” –Rafael Nadal
Robert “Bob” Halek (he/him) is a much sought after drummer, percussionist, clinician, teacher, and conductor from upstate New York. In addition to teaching as a public school band teacher. He is an adjunct music professor at Skidmore College and Schenectady County College School of Music. Bob keeps a very busy performance schedule, performing many diverse styles with diverse legendary and regional musicians. His current schedule includes performances with The Empire Jazz Orchestra, Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, and The Capitol Region Wind Ensemble. Bob was named District-wide Teacher of the Year in the East Greenbush School District where he teaches instrumental music.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is someone that loves helping others, will take the time to understand how each student understands and will teach to the student’s understanding level. The mentor will take time to patiently explain why, how, where, and when symbols appear in the music and how to respond to it. The mentor will also take the time to find appropriate music and materials to teach with but also to slowly expand a student out of their musical comfort zone to grow.
“It’s not hard; it’s new. It takes time to get used to something new. This is what growth is.”
Marissa Howard (she/her) is a vocalist and passionate educator from Littleton, Colorado. She began teaching with ArtSmart in 2025. Marissa holds a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University. As a performer, she sings with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, has appeared with Chicago Opera Theater, toured with Opera Saratoga’s outreach program, and performed internationally in Europe. Based in Chicago, she continues to perform throughout the city. Outside of music, Marissa is an avid runner, book lover, and proud cat mom to two furry companions.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor listens actively and offers guidance tailored to each individual’s goals and strengths. They lead by example, demonstrating integrity, patience, and a commitment to continuous growth. Most importantly, they empower others to believe in their potential and take ownership of their journey.
Originally from Shanghai, China, clarinetist Ye Hu (she/her) began teaching for ArtSmart in 2025. She holds two Master of Music degrees in Clarinet Performance from the New England Conservatory and Bard College’s The Orchestra Now, where she also served as an orchestral fellow. Ye has performed with ensembles including The Orchestra Now, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Glens Falls Symphony, Saratoga-Schenectady Symphony, and the Berkshire Opera Festival Orchestra. As an educator, Ye is passionate about inspiring confidence, artistry, and curiosity in her students. Over the past several years, she has guided students toward acceptance into top conservatories such as the New England Conservatory and other leading music schools. Her teaching blends emotional connection and solid technique training, empowering students to find their own voice through music. Outside of teaching, Ye enjoys developing community-engaged projects—such as her Concert for One Series and other interactive performances in libraries and senior centers across the Capital Region.
Mentoring Philosophy
Ye believes that a good mentor listens, encourages, challenges, and believes in their students—helping them find confidence, purpose, and joy through music.
Adam Hutcheson (he/him) has been proudly teaching saxophone and clarinet students for ArtSmart in the Adirondack, NY program since 2022. An active teacher and performer, Adam has performed in some of the New York City’s staple venues such as the Blue Note, Apollo Theater, 55 Bar, Fat Cat, and Jazz at Kitano since relocating to NYC in 2013.
Adam has earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance from the University of North Texas, where he played lead alto in the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band and taught jazz saxophone lessons. While in Texas, he was named a finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) jazz saxophone competitions in 2010 and 2012. Recently, he performed as a featured jazz soloist with the Oklahoma State University Jazz Orchestra at NASA 2024 and judged the NASA Collegiate Jazz Competition in 2021. Adam is an active clinician, having taught at jazz festivals and camps nationwide, and was the featured jazz clinician at the 2024 U.S. Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium. He currently serves on faculty at Skidmore College and Ocean County College, where he teaches jazz improvisation-based courses. Adam is an artist for Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Woodwinds, playing exclusively on Yanagisawa saxophones and D’Addario Venn reeds.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor encourages, motivates, and helps students grow in their musicianship. A good mentor also reminds students of the value of learning music as a powerful tool for self-expression and promoting creativity.
“All art is disguising work!” — Jerry Seinfeld
“Life is short, but art is long. Leave a legacy behind that will speak for you.” — Don Cheadle
Nicholas Kopp (he/him) is a percussionist, electronic music producer, and artist from Corinth, NY, and he is excited to be starting his first year with ArtSmart. He has spent the past 20 years performing and teaching in New York’s Capital Region, and his diverse background has brought him to a wide range of stages throughout his career—opening for artists and organizations from Mobb Deep to the New York City Ballet. His teaching philosophy centers around building confidence, self-expression, improvisation, and experimentation.
Mentoring Philosophy
Nicholas believes that lessons are about having fun, learning, growing, and building a better understanding of music and its value in the world around us. To bring a new instrument from another part of the world to every lesson, teach students about the area it is from, and its cultural significance.
Maya Lassiter (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist who has been within the entertainment industry for over 18 years as a performer, composer, director, producer, and educator. She began her teaching career at 13 as a student instructor alongside her vocal coach Chrissie Loftus at the Music and Mentorship Program of Philadelphia. Once in high school, she started the school’s first glee club Vibrato. Maya spent the next eight years performing at dozens of venues around the city further mastering her performance skills. The Philadelphia native set her sights on Boston as she furthered her music education at Berklee College of Music. In 2018 she created Intertwined Entertainment LLC, an arts-centered holistic wellness company. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in curating safe environments for art and emotional expression.
Mentoring Philosophy
I listen. I specialize in whole-body wellness. As a vocalist, our instrument lives inside of us; whatever is not in homeostasis will show up in our performance. I pay attention to the individual, address their needs, give resources from my field, and show them love and respect.
“I believe in myself, I got this, I’m talented, I am more than enough! Whatever happens, happens. It’s not the end of the world. It’s only a moment.”
Michael Lewandowski (he/him) began playing a drum set at age seventeen. After two years of playing rock-and-roll by ear, he started taking lessons and learned how to read music. His musical style is incredibly diverse, spanning rock, blues, jazz, funk, classical, world music, and beyond. He is originally from Worcester, MA and now based in the Adirondacks.
In 2001, Michael earned a writing degree with a music minor from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he also participated in the SUNY Plattsburgh Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Dr. Rick Davies’ first incarnation of the Mambo Combo. His experience managing the Adirondack Youth Orchestra from 2001–2003 sparked his interest in teaching.
In 2006, Michael completed his music degree at Ohio University and began teaching across schools in the North Country area. He has taught general music from pre-K to 12th grade, as well as choral, orchestra, wind band, and jazz ensemble. In 2020, he earned his Master of Music degree at SUNY Buffalo State.
An active performer, Michael plays with the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra, Adirondack Wind Ensemble, The Thugtet, and numerous pit orchestras and small combos. He is currently the band director at Chazy Central Rural School and an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is someone who builds a connection with students, works with them on their goals, and knows what materials and resources will be good to succeed.
Favorite Idiom
“Practice makes better, not perfect.”
Seattle tenor Carson Truett Lott (he/him) has appeared as a featured soloist with Tacoma Bach Festival, Harmonia Orchestra and Chorus, Inland Northwest Opera, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Orpheus PDX, the Seattle Opera Creation Lab, and more. Carson spends most of his time doing ensemble-based singing, and can be heard singing regularly around Seattle with the Seattle Opera Chorus, Evergreen Ensemble, the Compline Choir of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, the newly formed Nothing Gold Vocal Ensemble, and the choirs of Epiphany Parish where he works as a staff soloist and voice instructor. Carson has been teaching with ArtSmart since 2023, and holds music degrees from Seattle University and the University of Oregon.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor listens to their students no matter what, accepts them where they are, and does everything possible to create and maintain an environment where the student can flourish.
“There’s nothing you can’t solve with a good vocal warm-up.”
Evan Mack (he/him), winner of the 2024 American Prize in composition, has devoted much of his compositional life to opera and song. His first major operatic composition Angel of the Amazon premiered in 2011 by Encompass New Opera Theatre at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. Two years later, Fresno State Opera premiered The Secret of Luca, the first of several collaborations between Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire. In August 2016, Mack and McGuire’s American grand opera Roscoe premiered at Seagle Music Festival and received its orchestral world premiere with the Albany Symphony starring Metropolitan Opera star Deborah Voigt. Their multicultural Christmas show for children Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena is quickly becoming a holiday standard. Other works include Beach and Moan, #IsOperaDead, The Ghosts of Gatsby, and Dragon’s Breath. Mack was named 2018 Professional of the Year by Musical America, and is a Senior Teaching Professor at Skidmore College. In 2020, Mack founded We Are Instrumental, an organization that supports better access to music in K-12 public schools in the Adirondacks. He lives in Ticonderoga, NY with his wife Kristin and two sons Carter and Henry.
Mentoring Philosophy
Meeting students where they are at and connecting them more and more to music and themselves
“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”– Leonard Bernstein
Patrice Malatenistic (she/her), French horn Instructor and Brass Ensemble Coach at Skidmore College, began teaching with ArtSmart in 2022. She is a free lance French hornist in New York’s capital region, and a member of the Glens Falls and Schenectady Symphonies, and Hubbard Hall Opera Theater Orchestra. Ms Malatestinic is a founding member of fünf woodwind quintet, she sings with the Choir of Historic St Peter’s Protestant Episcopal Church, she directs the St Peter’s Horn Choir, and has been a member of North Winds, On Cor, and Saratoga Brass. Active in the International Horn Society, she hosted the 2008 regional Northeast Horn Workshop at Skidmore College.
Her Masters degree in Performance and Pedagogy culminates from graduate work at Northern Illinois University, where she studied with Virginia Culpepper, Nordwestdeutsche Musikakademie – Detmold, Die Hochschule fur Musik ‘Mozarteum’ Salzberg, and work at the College of St Rose. She has been adjunct faculty at Bennington College, SUNY Schenectady and The College of St Rose. She currently maintains an active private teaching studio on line, through We Are Instrumental, and in person, in Albany, NY and at her home in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Mentoring Philosophy
A compassionate individual, great listener, with strong musical, diagnostic skills and communication skills.
Megan McFadden (she/her) just began mentoring with ArtSmart this fall (2025). She’s from Gettysburg, PA and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy at Mansfield University and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Literature at The Eastman School of Music. She has performed with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, Finger Lakes Choral Festival, The Eastman Rochester Chorus and currently performs with Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir. Megan has taught public school music as well as individual lessons in voice, piano, guitar, and violin. When she’s not teaching or making music, she’s spending time with her two children, baking, collecting antique books, or watching Philly sports.
Mentorship Philosophy
Megan believes that a good mentor meets a student where they are and they travel together from there. They work collaboratively to set goals and achieve growth and skills. A good mentor is flexible and open to different people and circumstances.
Andrew W. Monath (he/ him) earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Westminster Choir College and a master’s degree in Integrated Arts Education with a concentration in Musical Theater from Arcadia University. He has served ArtSmart as a vocal mentor since 2022. Andrew has spent over 30 years as both a music educator and a church/ synagogue musician in the greater Philadelphia area. He is currently a choral music teaching artist and division lead with Play on Philly where he directs a choral program of 235 students in grades 1-12. Andrew is also the organist and choir director for High Holy Days at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and Director of Music Ministries at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken. He is currently serving as the baritone section leader in the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and sings Bass with Singing City and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, the latter which performs regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra. A Broadway connoisseur, Andrew spends most of his free time supporting the arts and the people who create it.
Mentoring Philosophy:
First and foremost we teach humans. Music is just a vessel. Everyone has an instrument within them that can be nurtured.
“No one leaves here a worse musician.” – Bill Evans
Isaiah Musik-Ayala (he/him) is from the small town of Ukiah, California, where he was fortunate to have incredible music teachers who inspired his journey. Isaiah joined ArtSmart in 2023 and is thrilled to see his students already making great strides—an experience that is both exciting and rewarding. For Isaiah, studying music and voice is a lifelong commitment, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to teach, share, and grow alongside his students and the community.
Isaiah graduated from the Oberlin College and Conservatory with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
Learn more at www.isaiahmusik-ayala.com.
Mentoring Philosophy
Caring, connecting, showing up, and having a toolbox to work through issues both technical and emotional.
“Don’t show the seams of your art.” — Richard Miller
“The audience wants to see you sweat a little.” — Myself, paraphrasing many others 🙂
Lucy Nelligan (she/her/they/them) is a violinist and teacher, with a background in many different styles of music ranging from classical to country. She started teaching with Artsmart in 2025, and has been a mentor and teacher for seven years. Lucy grew up in San Francisco, where she was fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse community of musicians and artists. Her teachers and mentors in San Francisco inspired her to pursue a career in music, and she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she majored in Violin Performance. At Berklee, she branched out from classical violin to learn other styles of music, including jazz, old time, and Middle Eastern styles.
As a teacher, she aims to find repertoire that resonates with her students and incorporate technique with their individual voice as a musician. She has toured and performed with a number of groups across the US, including Berklee World Strings and the Kronos Quartet. She has also performed and taught at a number of venues and festivals in the Northeast, including Club Passim, Caffe Lena, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Grey Fox Bluegrass and Freshgrass.
Mentoring Philosophy
Lucy believes that a good mentor makes each one of their students feel welcome and motivated to learn. They provide them with any opportunities they can that will help their students become the most authentic version of themselves, musically or otherwise.
Russell Pinzino (he/him/they/them) grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and graduated from Northwestern University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education. He has sung with many professional choirs in the Chicago area, including Music of the Baroque, Chicago Opera Theater, and Stare at the Sun. He teaches private voice and piano lessons around the city, and began teaching with ArtSmart in 2023. Outside of work, Russell enjoys practicing yoga, weightlifting, cuddling with his pets, and dancing.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor does their best to show up authentically, which helps students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their art.
Anna (she/her) is a Soprano from Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. She recently received her Bachelor of Music (BM) in Vocal Performance with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She was selected as the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award recipient upon graduation. While at NEC, she served as a teaching assistant in the Music Theory department. During her undergraduate studies, she performed roles such as Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and the Sandman in Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel. In 2023, she was awarded a grant from NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship department to support a production of Sheila Silver’s “Beauty Intolerable”. The 2025/2026 school year will be Anna’s first year teaching with Artsmart.
Mentoring Philosophy
Anna believes that a good mentor meets each student where they are and understands each student’s musical and personal goals. A mentor should inspire, help position students to reach their goals, and be kind and patient.
Matthew Pray (he/him) is the trumpet instructor for We Are Instrumental in New York. He is the founder and music director for the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra and Adirondack Jazz Repertoire Ensemble.
Matt, originally from Keeseville NY, graduated from Schenectady County Community College in 2002 and from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam in 2004. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a jazz studies minor. In 2008, he graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum instruction. Matt has been teaching all levels of instrumental music since 2005, and is currently employed at Ausable Valley Central School as the instrumental music director.
As a freelance musician, Matt has performed in a variety of local musicals, local bands and ensembles, and occasionally travels to perform. In 2019, Matt was invited to perform with the first Schenectady County Community College Alumni Band for the college’s 50th Anniversary.
Matt is also a licensed amateur radio operator and second vice president of the Champlain Valley Amateur Radio Club.
Mentoring Philosophy
Patience, understanding, and positivity are what make a good mentor.
“When I was twelve years old, I received my first trumpet as a gift. It was my favorite toy. To this day, it still is.” — Maynard Ferguson (age 74)
Scott Purcell (he/him), a baritone and Westville, NJ native, is recognized for his strong voice, receiving praise from the National Opera Association and Broadway World. Since joining ArtSmart in 2018, Scott has focused on helping students develop a love for music and achieve personal fulfillment through singing. His performance credits include multiple portrayals of Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia at Annapolis Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Opera Louisiane, and Druid City Opera. Scott is also an accomplished interpreter of new works, including the title role in the world premiere of Evan Mack’s Roscoe at Seagle Music Colony, and Glory Denied by Cipullo at Tri-Cities Opera. He can also be heard on the live recording of Blitzstein’s The Cradle Will Rock with Opera Saratoga and Bridge Records. Scott holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Louisiana State University and serves as an Artist Affiliate at Lehigh University.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is patient, honest, and constructive. Mentors lead by example, both in their professional and personal lives, and should embody everything they wish their students to be.
Psalm 23: 4-6: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Kayleigh Reimer (she/her) is a soprano, church musician, and music educator based in Bremerton, Washington. Most recently, she has taught the choirs and beginning orchestra at Mountain View Middle School, and was a featured guest speaker (“A Singer’s Guide to Vocally Demanding Seasons”) for RSCM West and Midwest. Kayleigh has sung with numerous renowned ensembles, including Symphony Tacoma Voices, Seattle Pro Musica, and SoundCity Singers. In addition Kayleigh has served as guest worship leader and musician for a diverse range of churches in the Puget Sound Region, and is a Music Minister for Shalom Anglican Church.
She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College, and currently studies voice with Dr. Kari Ragan while pursuing a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy with Voice Study Centre.
In her spare time, Kayleigh likes to go on long walks, drink lattes, and spend time with her husband and daughter, preferably all at the same time.
Mentoring Philosophy
Be gentle with yourself; you’re doing the best you can. I love working with others as they discover their voice! It is a privilege and honor to walk alongside students as they grow both as humans and musicians.
Originally from the historic town of Irbit, Russia, Irina Rindzuner (she/her) moved to the United States twenty-seven years ago. She holds a Master’s degree in Musical Theater from the Yekaterinburg State Theater Institute, Postgraduate Studies in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the Ural State Conservatory, and a Professional Studies Diploma in Voice Performance from The Mannes College of Music in New York City.
Irina’s distinguished career includes leading operatic roles in prestigious houses around the world, such as The Metropolitan Opera of New York, Den Norske Opera in Norway, Teatro Municipal de Santiago in Chile, Opéra de Nice in France, and the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, Italy, among others.
In addition to her performing career, Irina has always maintained a private voice studio, with students following her across Europe. Her deep passion for teaching drives her to share her love of singing and extensive knowledge with young artists, helping them develop their vocal skills and artistry.
Since joining the ArtSmart team in 2022, Irina has been dedicated to extending her expertise and experience to students in underserved communities.
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that everyone has unique potential and deserves a supportive environment to help nurture and develop it. In my studio, I strive to create that environment, offering each student the opportunity to grow and achieve their fullest potential.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible. And suddenly you’ll be surprised doing the impossible.” — Saint Francis of Assisi
Danette E. Sheppard-Vaughn (she/her) is commonly described as having infectious energy, and loves bright colors, glitter, and sparkles! In her free time, she can be found cooking, listening to music, dancing, swimming, and spending time with her sixteen-year-old daughter, Bree (her pride and joy), who sings and performs as well. Danette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from New Jersey City University with a concentration in Musical Theater.
Danette was born and raised in NYC, living in Jersey City, NJ, and beginning in 2023, she is now starting her second year as a Mentor with Art Smart. A woman commonly described as having infectious energy, and holds a B.A. in Music from New Jersey City University ( concentration on musical theatre) Currently, Ringmaster of Omnium Circus, Danette is one of only 8 female Ringmasters in world history to date. Also, she made history as the First Featured Female Vocalist in the 150-year history of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Wearing a lot of hats, Danette can also be described as Mother, Widow, Actress, Singer, Host, Emcee, and Entrepreneur, to name a few.
Mentoring Philosophy
My approach to teaching involves lots of encouragement, positive reinforcement, and confidence building. I think a good mentor is fun and inspiring, listens and provides support, and encourages growth and accomplishment, while enriching the life of the mentee with useful knowledge, positive role-modeling, and patience.
“You may not control the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” –Maya Angelou
Kansas City native Aaron Short (he/him) has been an ArtSmart Mentor for three years. Aaron has sung leading and featured roles with many national and international opera companies and symphonies, including Dallas Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Lyric Unlimited, Knoxville Opera, Knoxville Symphony, and the Festival Lyrique-en-Mer in Belle-île, France. Aaron is an alumnus of Wichita State University and Manhattan School of Music and is finishing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Voice & Opera Performance at Northwestern University. Aaron has taught private voice lessons since 2016, most recently at North Central College in Naperville, IL. His goals as a teacher revolve around the individuality and uniqueness of every student and their vocal instrument. He endeavors to foster good instincts and build confidence and self-sustaining habits that his students can rely on outside of the studio and into the future.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor should always meet the students where they are, and strive to demonstrate the value of setting specific goals both within and outside of singing. The voice is a gift, and I want to help all my students cultivate that gift, and never forget the joy that brought them to music in the first place.
“Those who wish to sing always find a song.” – Swedish Proverb
Mezzo-soprano Katie H. Stevenson (she/her) has performed in numerous concerts and operas on the East Coast, Canada, and Europe before moving to Seattle in 2015. Previous roles include the title role in Carmen (Amici Opera Philadelphia), Emilia in Otello (Atlantic Coast Opera Festival), The Secretary in The Consul (Halifax Summer Opera), Mercedes in Carmen (Amore Opera NYC), Romeo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Ido Dinner Theatre NYC), Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte (ASOP N. Carolina and STC in NYC), Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana (Amici Opera Phil.) In Seattle she has performed in concert and as Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana (Puget Sound Concert Opera), Flora in La Traviata, Emilia in Otello and Annina in Der Rosenkavalier (Pacific NW Opera), Tourriere in Suor Angelica (Anchorage Opera and Seattle Modern Opera Company), and “Dawn” Basillio in Il Barbiere di Sivilgia and Papagena/3rd Lady in The Magic Flute (NW Opera in Schools Etc). Ms. Stevenson’s concert appearances include the Messiah soloist with the Anchorage Concert Symphony and at the Bellevue Festival, the Ilmington Music Festival in England, the Kilkenny Festival in Ireland, solo concerts in Germany, and with the Ladies’ Musical Club in Seattle. She now enjoys a happy balance of performing and teaching voice and piano, while enjoying a lovely home life with husband and pups. www.katiehstevensonmezzo.com
Erica Thelen (she/her) is a young dramatic soprano from Andover, Minnesota. Erica holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Most recently, Erica made her role debut as Ma Zegner in Proving Up by Missy Mazzoli at her alma mater and performed the role of the “First Lady” in Die Zauberflöte with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Erica has also sung in master classes for Christine Goerke and Lester Lynch. Growing up in a musical family, Erica has fond memories of watching her parents on stage in community theater productions, as well as listening to her mother teach voice lessons and sing in the Minnesota Opera Chorus. Erica’s greatest goal is to inspire others with music, as her parents inspired her. This is her first year as a mentor at ArtSmart, and she is very excited to help young singers in the spirit of her own mentors.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is able to meet a student where they are and guide them toward progress, whatever that may mean in a particular scenario. Life is full of good and bad, and a good mentor is able to establish principles to help guide someone through all of it. Whether it be music, school, work, or life in general, most of those lessons apply equally.
“And at last, you’ll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.” – Audre Lorde
Greek American soprano Ioanna Tsakalakos (she/her) started as a vocal mentor with ArtSmart in 2023 at East Side High School in Newark, NJ, and is an elementary (PK-8) Music teacher nearby. She holds a Master of Music in Classical Vocal Performance from New Jersey City University, a Diploma in Monodia from the Athens Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music in Music and Comparative Literature from Rutgers University. Ioanna has performed the roles of Suor Angelica (Suor Angelica), Liza (Pikovaya Dama), Mimì (La bohème), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Miss Pinkerton (The Old Maid and the Thief), Poppea (L’incoronazione di Poppea), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), and Madame Goldentrill (The Impresario). She has also partially performed the roles of Liu (Turandot), Cathy (Wuthering Heights), Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly), Margeurite (Faust), Floria Tosca (Tosca), and Violetta (La Traviata). In addition to performing classical vocal music, she sings Greek songs, and is a sound yogini and sound healer. Ioanna loves to dabble in other genres such as musical theater, pop, and rock. Her compassion-based approach to teaching is influenced by her yoga teacher training, and she includes mind-body techniques in her vocal teaching.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor leads by example, approaches students with compassion, and learns just as much from their students.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
A native of Sacramento, soprano Christine Moore Vassallo (she/her) is a versatile performer and sought-after teacher, having trained numerous competition winners. She has been a proud ArtSmart mentor in NYC since 2019, working at Brooklyn Tech, East New York Family Academy, and, since 2021, her current assignment at Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music. Christine is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and has trained at Tanglewood, Chautauqua School, Central City Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. She was a Regional Finalist (Pacific) in the Metropolitan Opera Guild Competition and has sung Mimi in La Bohème (with Oper Leipzig, where she performed for several years), Micaëla in Carmen, the title roles in Madama Butterfly, Suor Angelica, and Aida, Alice Ford in Falstaff, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro. Her recordings include Christine Moore–Arias and the recently released From Al Andalus to the Americas–An Odyssey of Spanish Song. Christine speaks five languages fluently.
Mentoring Philosophy
“Patience, dedication, skill, and passion are the four most important ingredients for making a good mentor. You have to love the idea of having an effect on a young person that could change their view of themselves, and even their lives.”
“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness. For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.” — Kahlil Gibran
Alyssa Vieau (they/she) is a musician and actor from Chicopee, Massachusetts with a wide range of experience in various styles of music such as classical, musical theatre, pop, jazz, and song writing. They hold both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Advanced Music Studies Certificate in Voice from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Music degree in Voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. From an early age, they participated in various local gigs, community theatre, and even music-directed their collegiate acapella group. Alyssa has been seen in the Bay area performing with Pocket Opera, Cinnabar Theater, and SF Salon Music. Their recent performance highlights at SFCM include Gherardo in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi (2024), Miss Shingle in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (2024), Armelinde in Viardot’s Cendrillon (2024), La tasse and La libellule in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges (2023). In addition to performing, they also teach music with Songbird Studios in the city!
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is an honest and empathetic person who establishes a safe space for productive conversation and growth. It requires knowledge, vulnerability, open-mindedness, and the willingness to learn with and from others in the process. Specifically in music creation, even more so because making music is one of the most vulnerable things someone can share with another person. There must be trust on that journey. In my one-on-one teaching, I promote a safe space for any emotions to arise and for my students to share anything with me as we work creatively. Creating spaces for openness promotes the exploration of authentic creativity, which is most important to me in my teaching.
“Creativity comes with being human. It’s in all of us. It’s just a matter of how we find it and express it.”
Ben Wager, A Havertown, PA native, has been with ArtSmart for five years. He brings over a decade of experience as a professional classical musician and has traveled the world singing with many of the world’s leading opera and classical music companies. Ben has a master’s degree from the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. His interests outside of music include the outdoors, real estate, home renovation, travel (especially in Mexico), and learning languages.
Mentoring Philosophy
I have extensive professional experience in a wide array of musical genres. I have professional performing experience that reaches back over a decade.
Stephen Walley (he/ him) is a professional baritone, voice teacher, and artistic director located in Gladstone, NJ. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Masters of Music in Voice Performance from University of Florida.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor instills confidence through encouragement, while also giving necessary constructive criticism. Creating a trusting environment is crucial for the relationship to thrive.
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”—Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh (A.A Milne)
Andrew Wannigman (he/him) earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Westminster Choir College and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Arts Education from Arcadia University with a concentration in Musical Theater. He has spent over 30 years as both a Music Educator and a Church/Synagogue Musician in and around the Philadelphia area. He is currently a Choral Music Teaching Artist and Division Lead with Play on Philly where he directs a Choral Program of 235 students in grades 1-12. He also works as a Mentor/Voice Teacher with ArtSmart (since 2022) where he teaches private voice lessons to High School Students He is the Organist/Choir Director for High Holy Days at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and is Director of Music Ministries at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken. He is currently serving as the Baritone Section leader in the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, sings Bass with Singing City and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir which performs regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a Broadway connoisseur. He spends most of his free time supporting the arts and the people who create it.
Mentoring Philosophy
First and foremost we teach humans. Music is just a vessel. Everyone has an instrument within them that can be nurtured.
This is A.J.’s (she/her) first year with ArtSmart. A.J. is an active voice teacher, stage director and teaching artist in the Chicago area. Most recently she directed the outreach production of Rusulka for Cedar Rapids Opera.
In addition, she serves on the Musical Theatre faculty for the Chicago High School for the Arts. She served on the Opera and Voice faculty of Northern Illinois University, DePaul University and Lyric Opera’s High School residency program. She served as the Stage Director for the Opera Music Theatre Ensemble which was part of the Reneé Fleming Solo Voice Initiative program between the Merit School of Music and Lyric Opera of Chicago for ten years. Ms. Wester was the Stage Director/Vocal Coach for Chicago Opera Theater’s ‘Chicago Opera Theater for Teens’ – a paid apprenticeship program sponsored by the City of Chicago with Chicago Opera Theater.
Ms. Wester hails from JOhnburg, IL and holds a B.M. from Roosevelt University and an M.M from DePaul University.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor helps you traverse the waters from one point in your life to the next. They know where the rough waters are and helps you guide through them.
Dr. Stephen Whimple (he/him) is a freelance trombonist, educator, and administrator based in New York’s Hudson Valley. He earned degrees in trombone performance from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and the Juilliard School, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance and Pedagogy from The University of Alabama. At UA, Stephen served as an Instructor of Music and Graduate Teaching Assistant.
Stephen is an alumnus of programs such as the Arthur Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet, the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, the Winter Trombone Workshop, the Texas Music Festival, the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Chautauqua Institution, and the New York String Orchestra Seminar. He has been recognized in competitions sponsored by the University of Alabama Huxford Symphony Concerto Competition, the International Trombone Association, the American Trombone Workshop, the Big 12 Trombone Conference competition, and the Crane School of Music Concerto and Chamber music competitions.
After completing two and a half years with Bard College’s The Orchestra Now, Stephen can be heard on their three most recent studio recordings: Premieres, Exodus, and The Lost Generation. This will be Dr. Whimple’s first year with ArtSmart.
Mentoring Philosophy
Stephen believes that a good mentor seeks to share what they have gained and learn with those asking for help. Taking the time to actively listen to students and adapt material to values and needs is imperative to my teaching.
Cynthia Wuco (she/her) is the proud Great Grand-niece of the composer of the Philippine National Anthem Julian Felipe. Cynthia has collaborated with many composers such as Philippine National Composer Bayani Mendoza De Leon. Bayani composed the role of Maria Clara in “Mga Sugatang Perlas” especially for her which she sang in the World Premier at Town Hall. (Recording 1994). Garah Landes composed “The Rain” (recording 2000) and “The Tunnel” for her and has performed it with Paquito D’Rivera at Symphony Space. (Both are on Youtube) Cynthia received her Bachelor of Music from Juilliard and Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. She has been a proud educator for 25 years. Her voice students have been accepted to various prestigious institutions such as Howard University, Rutgers, Metropolitan Opera’s Children’s Chorus, University of Miami, Oberlin, Westminster Choir College, Catholic University, New York University, Manhattan School of Music, Marymount, Tanglewood Music Festival and Juilliard. She has been the soloist and music director for L’Eglise Du St. Esprit (French Church of NYC) for over 33 years. This is her 2nd year with ArtSmart.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor maintains a love for young singers, exhibits enduring patience, and is always flexible but strong (like bamboo!)
Favorite Quote
“Don’t die with your music still in you!” — Dr. Wayne Dyer
HONORING MARIA MANETTI SHREM
Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts Maria Manetti Shrem is one of ArtSmart’s most generous and steadfast supporters, having pledged $1 million in critical funding through 2029. The Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors are named in honor of her transformative and historic donation that will catapult ArtSmart’s impact on a national scale.