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
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.
Jade Blocker (she/her) is from Great Neck, NY. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Voice from Westminster Choir College. Jade began teaching for ArtSmart in 2023. She is a professional ensemble member of the Glassbrook Vocal Ensemble and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, with whom she has regularly sung with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was featured in the Netflix film Maestro. Jade enjoys practicing yoga, meditation, and writing poetry.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is patient, adaptable, receptive, and kind hearted.
“All dreams are within reach, you just have to keep moving toward them.” – Viola Davis
Matthew Brennan (he/him) has been a proud ArtSmart mentor in his hometown of Chicago since the 2019-2020 school year. He holds a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. He works regularly as a soloist and ensemble singer in and around Chicago with ensembles including Chicago a cappella, Music of the Baroque, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Constellation Men’s Ensemble. His teaching is infused with the belief that growing as a musician means growing one’s sense of empathy, which serves us as performers and, more broadly, as humans.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor creates a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that lets a young singer blossom into their most authentic, expressive self. At the same time, a good mentor helps students set personal goals for growth and holds those students accountable to themselves.
“Practice makes permanent.”
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.
Helena Fatima Colindres (they/them), who likes to go by “Mixti,” 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
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. 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.”
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
Nikki Einfeld (she/her) brings over twenty five years of experience in the performing arts to her teaching at ArtSmart, where she has been a dedicated instructor for 2019. With a bachelor degree in Music Performance and a master degree in Clinical Psychology to be completed in Spring 2025, Nikki combines a deep understanding of the vocal arts with expertise in psychological principles. Having performed more than 45 operatic roles with companies like the San Francisco Opera and collaborated with ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, Nikki offers students a unique perspective that integrates technical vocal skill and holistic awareness. Her teaching emphasizes full-body engagement and a supportive environment, encouraging students to explore their inner world as well as their vocal instrument. This approach, which blends somatic techniques, mindset work, and a commitment to each artist’s personal journey, supports both emerging and experienced performers in their creative and personal growth.
Mentoring Philosophy
To me, a good mentor is someone who creates a safe and encouraging space where you can explore, ask questions, and feel understood. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about connecting with who you are as a person and helping you find your own path. I believe that, together, we can build the confidence and resilience you need to grow, both as an artist and as an individual.
“Growth happens when we feel safe enough to explore and brave enough to be ourselves.”
Gabriel Garcia (he/him/they/them) is an interdisciplinary musician and artist currently based in Brooklyn, NY and originally hailing from Hartford, CT. Gabriel earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Music with a specialization in Voice from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Their collaborations with visual artists, engineers, and composers at CMU inspired them to pursue a master’s degree in Contemporary Performance at the Manhattan School of Music.
Since then, Gabriel has performed as a Project Inclusion Vocal Fellow with the Grant Park Music Festival, served as a traditional cantor in some of New York City’s most prominent Catholic churches, and appeared as a soloist in baroque and liturgical concerts throughout New England. He also continues to compose and perform as an electronic and ambient musician alongside his collaborators.
Gabriel has had the privilege of learning music through Suzuki, Orff, and Dalcroze pedagogies, and he incorporates elements of all three into his 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.”
Adam Hutcheson (he/him) 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
Sirapat Jittapirom (she/her) is a Thai-American pianist based in Philadelphia. She received a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Temple University, where she trained with Lambert Orkis, and with Luke Housner and Elise Auerbach in opera coaching. She currently serves as Music Director for the undergraduate opera workshop at Temple University and as the pianist for Dr. Paul Rardin’s conducting studio. Additionally, she is a staff pianist at the University of Delaware and the Commonwealth Youth Choirs. Sirapat joined ArtSmart in 2021.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor is able to meet students where they are and help guide them toward achieving their goals. They should always aim to foster independent thinkers and lifelong lovers of music.
“Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.” — Johannes Brahms
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) began teaching with ArtSmart in the 2023-2024 academic year. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts from Seattle University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Oregon. As a featured soloist, Carson has performed with organizations such as Harmonia Orchestra and Chorus, Tacoma Bach Festival, Music at Epiphany, the Boston Camerata, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Inland Northwest Opera, Orpheus PDX, the Musicking Conference, and the Seattle Opera Creation Lab.
Carson is also an active member of the Seattle music community, regularly singing with the Seattle Opera Chorus, Byrd Ensemble, Evergreen Ensemble, the Compline Choir, and the choirs at Epiphany Parish Seattle, where he works as a staff singer and voice instructor. He collaborates with many other local Seattle-based ensembles as well.
Living with a stutter, Carson was drawn to the study of classical voice as a means of self-expression. He believes that voice lessons are one of the most direct pathways to developing a flourishing sense of self in people of all ages.
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
My life’s mission has been to provide access to music to as many people as I possibly can, and one of the ways to do so is by mentoring young musicians and opening their world to limitless potential.
“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”– Leonard Bernstein
Mezzo-soprano Kade McKay (they/them) is originally from the suburbs of our great Motor City – Detroit, Michigan. They received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Oakland University, and graduated with a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Manhattan School of Music.
Since 2005, Kade has been teaching private voice lessons, adjudicating national competitions, hosting master classes, and working as a singer in both Metro-Detroit and New York City. As a non-binary educator, Kade prides themself in providing a safe environment for students to explore their truest authentic voices through gender-affirming instruction.
Kade is a classically trained mezzo-soprano and sings regularly with Detroit Opera – past productions include La Bohème, Ainadamar, La Traviata, and Rinaldo (Mago). Past operatic roles include Gianni Schicchi (Zita) and Pénélope (Cléone), both of which received praise in Opera News and The New York Times, respectively. As a concert musician, Kade has performed as the alto soloist in Haydn’s Grosse Orgelsolomesse, Schubert’s Mass in C, Mozart’s Missa Brevis in G, Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s Magnificat.
Kade enjoys performing contemporary music, most notably with New York composer and guitarist Andrew McKenna Lee. They were a lead vocalist with Mr. Lee’s contemporary group, The Knells, and recorded and released a self-titled album with New Amsterdam Records. The album received wide critical acclaim in The New York Times, “Top 10 Best Overlooked Albums” in The New Yorker, “Best of 2013” in The New Republic, “Top 10 Albums” in Textura Magazine, and Time Out New York’s “Critic’s Pick”. Also a lover of musical theater, Kade made their New York City musical theatre debut as Mrs. Gardner in Pride and Prejudice, and was met with rave reviews, most notably by Nite Life Exchange who praised, “…their burnished mezzo-soprano gleamed effortlessly”.
Kade is a Lecturer of Voice at Oakland University, and currently lives in the Metro-Detroit area as a vocalist and educator.
Mentoring Philosophy
A good mentor has the ability to meet the student where they are, provide compassion and empathy, and listen openly.
Favorite Quote:
“Art is to comfort the disturbed, but it is also to disturb the comfortable.” – César A. Cruz
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 🙂
Since I was a teenager, I have always perfomed. Whether it was in my high school’s orchestra, school plays and musicals, or even ballet, the performing arts has always called out to me. I have had a myriad of performance experiences in opera, musical theatre, and dance since leaving my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Florida State University and an Artist Diploma from the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
My career highlights include appearances at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Annapolis Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Livermore Valley Opera, and further future engagements. Past roles on stage include Escamillo in Carmen, Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Schaunard and Marcello in La bohème, Eugene Onegin in Eugene Onegin, and Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia.
I also have lots of experience performing excerpts from musical theater including Oklahoma!, Pirates of Penzance, Carousel and more.
My philosophy is that your vocal technique is the backbone to your vocal expression. Let’s build a great foundation so you can be the best artist you can be!
Mentoring Philosophy
A great mentor acts not only as a teacher, but as a guide and role model for their students. The best mentors in my own life have provided me the most invaluable lessons both in music and in life.
“You are enough. You are so enough. Its is unbelievable how enough you are.” — Sierra Boggess
“Become aware, so you can gain control, so you can let go.”
“Anyone can sing!”
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.
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.
Russian-American Irina Rindzuner (she/her) has performed leading operatic roles at some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including The Metropolitan Opera (New York), Den Norske Opera (Norway), Teatro Municipale di Santiago (Chile), Opera de Nice (France), and the Torre del Lago Puccini Festival (Italy) among others.
She moved to the United States more than twenty seven years ago from her hometown of Irbit, Russia. While in Russia, she earned a master degree in Musical Theater from the Yekaterinburg State Theater Institute and completed postgraduate studies in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at the Ural State Conservatory in Russia. In the United States, Irina completed a Professional Studies Diploma in Voice Performance from The Mannes College of Music in New York City.
Irina has always maintained a private voice studio with students following her across Europe. Her passion for teaching runs deep and she enjoys sharing her love for singing with young students, helping them develop their vocal skills and artistry. Since joining the ArtSmart team in 2022, Irina has been excited to extend her experience and expertise 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 a native New Yorker and currently resides in Jersey City, NJ. She began as a vocal mentor with ArtSmart in 2023. Danette is also the Ringmaster of Omnium Circus, making her one of only eight female Ringmasters in world history to date. In 2024, she performed on Broadway with Omnium. She made history as the First Featured Female Vocalist in the 150-year history of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. Currently a member of Actor’s Equity Association, Danette began singing at the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem at the age of 14. Since making her professional debut, she has amassed an impressive list of musical theater credits, including sharing the stage with legends like Patti LaBelle, Freda Payne, and Debbie Gibson, just to name a few; a three-month European tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl/Mary u/s), a tour of the musical revue Smokey Joe’s Café with Gladys Knight, a leading role in the Off-Broadway production of Red Hot Broadway starring BJ Crosby, and regional theater productions of Pippin (Berthe), In the Heights (Abuela), Sister Act (Mother Superior), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Jewel), The Last Session (Tryshia), Chicago (Mama Morton), Nunsense (Sister Mary Herbert), and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell, for which she was awarded the Connecticut Critics Circle Award).
Danette 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.
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
Katie H. Stevenson is a Teaching Artist for Seattle Opera and Regional Coordinator for ArtSmart, and works as the Music Director at Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way. She maintains a studio of voice and piano students and is the president for the Puget Sound Chapter of the Nat’l Assoc. of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Katie has taught for the Piano School of NYC and performed as an opera singer across the US, Canada, and Europe. In Europe, she performed at the Kilkenny Music Festival in Ireland, and several concerts in England and Germany, being praised by the Stratford Herald for her “beautiful singing!”. While living in NYC she performed in numerous opera along with concerts throughout the NE. While in Anchorage, Katie performed with Anchorage Opera and Anchorage Concert Assoc., also traveling to perform roles in Canada and North Carolina. In Seattle she has performed with Pacific NW Opera, Bellevue Opera, Tacoma Opera, Puget Sound Concert Opera, NW Opera In Schools (N.O.I.S.E.), Bellevue Festival of the Nativity, and the Ladies’ Musical Club. She made her Seattle Opera Tagney Recital Hall debut in new operas with the Seattle Opera Creation Lab and is on the Seattle Opera Chorus roster. 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
Jenna Toler (she/her) is a coloratura soprano from Titusville, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Jenna began her work with ArtSmart in 2023 and is thrilled to return for another year.
Her mentoring philosophy centers around creating a safe, supportive space where students feel empowered to push past their comfort zones. Jenna is passionate about helping students develop not only their musical skills but also the confidence and life skills that can benefit them both in and out of their artistic endeavors.
She believes a good mentor is someone who learns just as much from their students as they teach—someone who listens carefully and adapts their approach to support each student’s unique growth. A mentor serves as a guide, encouraging students to take the lead and initiative in their own learning journey.
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 theater, pop, jazz, and songwriting. They hold both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and an 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 (SFCM). From an early age, they participated in various local gigs, community theater, and even music-directed their collegiate a cappella group. Alyssa has performed in the Bay Area 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), and La tasse and La libellule in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges (2023). In addition to performing, they also teach music at Songbird Studios in downtown San Francisco.
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.”
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) combines his passion for music and teaching to help young artists develop their voices. In addition to his work with ArtSmart, he is a voice instructor at both Queens College CUNY and Hebrew Union College. Originally from Rapid City, SD, Andrew now lives in Brooklyn, NY.
His journey to New York City was shaped by the inspiring musical mentors he encountered along the way. Andrew attended Luther College for his undergraduate studies, drawn to the school through a musical connection made at Honor Choir and All-State. He later earned his MM in Voice Performance at New England Conservatory, guided by a voice teacher who had a strong recommendation for NEC’s program. Andrew considers himself incredibly fortunate to have had such impactful teachers and mentors throughout his career.
Throughout his musical journey, Andrew has performed across the country in opera and musical theatre, and as a soloist at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. However, since the pandemic, he has felt a deep calling to shift his focus to teaching and service. It is in this space that Andrew truly feels most alive, helping others discover and develop their own voices while enriching his own life in the process.
Cynthia Wuco (she/her) has been a proud educator for over 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, the French church of New York City for over 33 years.
Cynthia is the proud great grand-niece of the composer of the Philippine National Anthem Julian Felipe. She has collaborated with many composers such as the Philippine national composer, Bayani Mendoza De Leon. Bayani composed the role of Maria Clara in “Mga Sugatang Perlas” especially for Cynthia, which she sang in its world premier at Town Hall (1994). Garah Landes also composed “The Rain” and “The Tunnel” (2000) for Cynthia, who performed the pieces with Paquito D’Rivera at the Symphony Space. The recordings for the latter two compositions may be found on Youtube.
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.