Faculty 

I received my Masters degree in classical guitar performance at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2019 and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island also in music. I then spent some time studying and living in Granada, Spain, where I studied flamenco and Spanish guitar. I have enjoyed studying with some of the greatest masters of the instrument and now want to pass on my knowledge!  I now teach virtually and in person, all ages and levels. While my specialty is in classical guitar, I do teach all styles including acoustic guitar from total beginner to professional musicians. I have been teaching private lessons to students of all ages and musical backgrounds for over 10 years, and currently am on faculty at the Community College of Rhode Island and Cambridge Music Consortium. I prefer to use a a variety of teaching methods to create a personalized lesson to fit the needs of the student. With a background in the Suzuki method and classical training, I have experience launching students into guitar playing in a fun and effective way, while incorporating learning notation and music theory where appropriate. I am still accepting a limited amount of students in the Boston area and online! ​ ceiliconnorsguitar.com

Boston-based musician Leyla Zeynalova is an internationally recognized pianist and educator, known for her artistry, technical mastery, and dedication to musical excellence. A laureate of some of the world’s prestigious piano competitions, Leyla has been awarded top prizes at the Ann & Charles Eisemann International Competition (USA), XIII International F. Chopin Competition (Estonia), The Young Pianist of the North Competition (United Kingdom), Riga International Piano Competition (Latvia), EPTA International Piano Competition (Belgium), Ettlingen International Piano Competition (Germany) among others. She has also been a national finalist of the MTNA Chamber Competition in the United States. Her performances have taken her across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, with concerts in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Latvia, Russia, Estonia, Georgia. She has performed as a soloist and a chamber musician at venues such as the F.Chopin Institute in Warsaw, the Grand Hall of the Tbilisi State Conservatory, Harvard University, MIT, Baku State Philharmonic Hall, Boston Public Library, the Yamaha Music Gulf in Dubai and many others. She has collaborated with renowned musicians and participated in major festivals, including “Moscow Meets Friends” by Vladimir Spivakov, “Music Academies of CIS and Baltic Countries” by Yuri Bashmet, as well as “Feuerwerk Academy” led by Gintaras Janusevicius. Leyla is a prizewinner of EMCY (European Union of Music Competitions for Youth) and the recipient of numerous prestigious honors, including the Roman Totenberg Artistry Award (USA), Emerging Artist Award by the St. Botolph Foundation (USA), Longy Endowed Scholarship, and the Youth Award from the Republic of Azerbaijan. She was also awarded the Bärenreiter Urtext Award in Germany. Recognized for her artistic excellence, she was included in the “Golden Book” of young talents of Azerbaijan by Presidential decree and granted a special President Scholarship. In 2022, she was invited by the F.Chopin Institute and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland to perform a solo recital in Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin. A passionate chamber musician, she co-founded the Fabula Trio - an ensemble dedicated to exploring diverse chamber music repertoire and bringing unique musical interpretations to audiences worldwide. The Fabulo Trio made its New York debut this May at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in May 2025. Leyla is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at Boston University College of Fine Arts on a full scholarship, working as a Graduate Assistant Pianist for the BU Wind Ensemble. She is also the piano faculty and collaborative pianist of the Attacca School of Music, where she shares her passion for music with students of all levels.

TBDJohn Tyler Kent is a Boston-based guitarist/multi-instrumentalist with a passion for both studio and live performance. Tyler moved to Boston in 2010 to study Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music, and quickly found himself immersed in the local music scene, working both live and in studio with award winning singer-songwriters, touring across the country with rock bands, playing in musical theatre pit orchestras, and even composing music for short film. He currently performs around Boston with the Theo Griffin Experience, the Kemp Harris Group, and Miss Christine. Tyler feels that sharing and creating with others is a strong catalyst for both musical and personal growth, and as a teacher he aims to equip students with a strong foundation in order to navigate those collaborative spaces effectively.

Dr. Mingyeong Son (Mina) is a versatile musician, educator, and scholar residing in the Boston area. Born and raised in South Korea, she embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5, immersing herself in classical piano and music studies. Throughout her academic pursuits, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in music composition and music theory from Seoul National University, followed by a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in IL, and finally achieved her Ph.D. in Musicology from the College of Music at Seoul National University. As a piano faculty member at the Musical Offering at Evanston School of Music in Illinois, Mina honed her teaching skills, effectively blending music theory with practical techniques. Her teaching expertise is further enriched by her post-doctoral work as a Musicology Researcher at Harvard University. Worked as piano and music theory teacher at MAP Family Learning Center, currently she holds the esteemed positions of lead piano/organ accompanist and cantor at Village Church in Wellesley. She offers instruction not only in traditional classical music but also in contemporary and popular music, with a particular emphasis on K-pop. This has allowed her to build strong connections with students of diverse ages and proficiency levels, ranging from beginners to advanced learners. Her primary goal is to foster a genuine love for music among her students. Mina’s passion for music and her dedication to nurturing the talents of her students make her a remarkable presence in the musical community.

Jon Dostou is a contemporary composer, arranger, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has been making music on stages around the United States for many years. From 2018-2020 he served as the Music Director for Northern California's Premier Party Band, Superbad, headlining shows throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Dostou currently works with Stereo Typical, a jazz and pop combo, and with the Silver Arrow Band, entertaining some of the most urbane crowds in the Northeast. He is also a Montessori Teaching Artist-in-Residence in Newton, Massachusetts, in addition to maintaining an active private lesson studio. In 2016, with the band Phonosynthesis, Dostou released his first full-length album, GRÜVHAUS. The album itself, which was meticulously produced over the better part of a year has been described by critics as, "Cleverly devised... the ultimate experience," and has been compared to the The Meters, Emerson Lake and Palmer, John Scofield, Steely Dan and Larry Carlton. In 2017, Phonosynthesis won the Hartford Courant reader’s award for Best Jam Band. Dostou has performed at notable venues such as The New England Conservatory, Symphony Hall, Nash Bar, Lansdowne Pub, and Loretta’s in Boston, Massachusetts, Blue in Portland, Maine, The Pressroom and The Thirsty Moose in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Infinity Hall, and The Arch Street Tavern in Hartford, Connecticut, The Spot Underground in Providence, Rhode Island, The Way Station, Pianos, and the HERE Arts Center in New York City, Maggie McGarry’s in North Beach San Francisco, the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom, California, and The Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada. He has shared the stage with mainstream artists like Gracie Day, Kyle Ericson, Houston Bernard, and Austin James. Dostou’s bands have opened shows for national acts like Marco Benevento, Jesse Malin, West End Blend, McLovins, Alan Evans of Soulive, and Frank Hannon of Tesla. An earnest student of music, Dostou earned a Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music in 2009, and a Master’s degree from The Hartt School of Music in 2011, with concentrations in jazz, composition, and orchestration. His 2008 composition, All Romance Leads to Egypt, was debuted in a performance by the Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra, featuring internationally acclaimed saxophonist Benny Golson. Having learned from composers like Greg Hopkins and David Macbride, and studying the music of icons like The Beatles, Thelonious Monk, Frank Zappa and a myriad of classical and jazz composers, Dostou works to craft his own inimitable style.

A classically trained violinist with a contemporary edge, Jemmy Shen helps students build strong fundamentals while developing their own musical voice. Jemmy graduated from Berklee College of Music and has performed widely in Boston’s music scene, leading ensembles and recording on nearly 100 sessions. Drawing on orchestral training, studio experience, and arranging work for strings and small ensembles, Jemmy’s lessons emphasize sound production, rhythm, ear training, and expressive phrasing. Jemmy is experienced working with learners of all ages and enjoys connecting technique to the music students love, whether it’s classical, film, or jazz, so practice feels inspiring and fun.

Violist Freya Downey seeks to advocate for mindfulness as a performative and compositional tool. Her most recent performances include a faculty recital at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, her first recital for her Doctoral degree, and an experimental solo improvisation at the Transporter Series in Boston, MA. She began her recent project, “Project Pause: 4 recitals in 8 months.” Project Pause was created to explore meditative and connective performances and expand awareness of art music and her instrument in a format that is welcoming and accessible for all, the first of which was at Mainsite Contemporary Art Gallery in Norman, OK. As a chamber musician, she has appeared at Carnegie Hall’s Kurt Weill stage alongside the Fest Quartet as the winner of Baylor University’s Semper Pro Musica Chamber Music Competition. She was also the founding violist of the Claeys Undergraduate String Quartet at the University of Oklahoma. As a composer, Freya’s goal is to write music for the viola that feels authentic and genuine to her voice. Her pieces combine viola and voice and solo viola and poetry - inspired by Deep Listening. Her goal as a performer is to connect people, create community, create opportunity, make art music more accessible, and provide concert experiences that inspire deep listening. Freya is presently a Doctoral of Musical Arts candidate at Boston University, studying with Professor Michelle LaCourse. completed her Bachelor of Music and minor in French at the University of Oklahoma with Dr. Mark Neumann. At Baylor University, she earned a Master of Music with Dr. Kathryn Steely, where she held the principal viola position in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra during her degree. She works as a freelance violist and private lesson teacher in central Texas. Freya’s viola is named Audrey and was made for her in 2012. She enjoys painting, reading, swimming, and spending time outside with her dog in her free time.

Karen Chiang is a flutist known for her expressive artistry and versatility as a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician currently based in Boston, MA. Karen recently earned her Master of Music in Flute Performance from Boston University under the tutelage of Linda Toote. As a member of the Boston University Symphony Orchestra (2023–2025), she has performed major symphonic works and opera productions under esteemed conductors, strengthening her ensemble skills, leadership, and musical sensitivity. She previously completed her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance at the University of Toronto, studying with Nora Shulman and performing extensively with the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Her musical journey began at the age of five with piano lessons through the Suzuki Association, where the philosophy of listening, repetition, and a nurturing environment shaped her early experiences. Annual performances at Suzuki Association concerts helped her build confidence, poise, and a lifelong joy for sharing music. A passionate educator, Karen is a registered Suzuki teacher (Units 1–4) with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She completed teacher training with Ivy Huang through the Taiwan Suzuki Association and later participated in a workshop with Kathleen Schoen at the Great Lakes Suzuki Summer Institute. In addition to her performance work, Karen served as a teaching assistant at Boston University, providing weekly private instruction to graduate non-major flute students—an experience that deepened her ability to adapt to diverse learning styles and foster confidence and musical growth. She believes music education requires patience, empathy, and strong communication, and strives to create a supportive environment where students can explore, grow, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music. As a dedicated performer, Karen continues to refine her artistry through masterclasses and intensive study with leading flutists. She has worked closely with Emmanuel Pahud and Julien Beaudiment at the Domaine Forget International Music Festival, and has participated in masterclasses with Marina Piccinini, Timothy Hagen, Philippe Bernold, Sebastian Jacot, Philipp Jundt, Dejan Gavrić, Aslıhan And, and Gareth McLearnon. Deeply committed to both performance and education, Karen continually seeks to inspire others through music and to grow as a well-rounded, expressive, and thoughtful artist.

Ting Chang is a clarinetist and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance at Boston University, where she studies with Prof. Rob Patterson. She previously earned her Master of Music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music under Prof. Eli Eban and her Bachelor of Music from National Taiwan Normal University with Wei-Leng William Chen. At Boston University, Ting serves as a Teaching Assistant in both clarinet and chamber music, coaching ensembles and providing individualized instruction to undergraduate students. In addition to her university teaching, she maintains an active freelance teaching in the Boston area, working with students of various ages and levels. These experiences shaped her student-centered teaching philosophy, emphasizing technical foundations, expressive playing, and collaborative artistry. As a performer, Ting recently won the position of principal clarinet with the Boston Civic Symphony and a substitute clarinetist with the Brookline Symphony Orchestra. Her chamber music achievements include a prize at the Boston University Chamber Music Competition. Ting has appeared as principal clarinet with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University Philharmonic and Conductors Orchestras, and the National Taiwan Normal University Orchestra. She has earned recognition in international and national competitions, including second place at the Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition, multiple honors at the National Student Competition of Music in Taiwan. Ting has participated in leading festivals such as Festival Napa Valley, Music Academy of the West, and the Kent Blossom Music Festival. She has also performed in masterclasses with renowned artists including Jessica Phillips, Michael Wayne, Nicolas Baldeyrou, and Andreas Ottensamer. Dedicated to both performance and education, Ting continues to inspire students and audiences through her artistry, passion, and commitment to musical excellence.

Vivian Chiang is a music educator, accomplished performer, and professional musician. She earned her master’s degree in music from Boston University. She has performed in many renowned concert halls worldwide, including Boston Symphony Hall, Saint-Omer Music Festival in France, Taipei National Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. With over two decades of expertise in piano performance, Vivian has won numerous prestigious awards, such as the superior prize at the ""Taiwan Piano Music Competition in Taipei"" and the third prize at the ""Chuchiencup Piano Music Competition in Hsinchu."" In 2023, she was awarded the highest honor from the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. As an educator, Vivian is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. Regardless of age or skill level, she would tailor her lessons to fulfill students’ aspirations, providing patient and personalized guidance. Her teaching accomplishments include guiding students to achieve Yamaha piano certifications, RCM piano certifications, and international piano competitions.

Matthew Holzaepfel is a passionate and versatile violin and viola teacher with years of instructional experience in a variety of pedagogical methods. A Florida native, Matthew received his bachelor’s in viola performance from Florida State University, where he studied on full scholarship in the studio of Dr. Pamela Ryan. He earned his master’s in viola performance from Boston University, where he also studied on full scholarship in the studio of Michelle LaCourse. He is currently a 2nd-year in the viola performance diploma program at Boston University, where he studies in the studio of Michelle LaCourse on full scholarship. He participated in masterclasses with Czaba Erdaly, Basil Vendreyes, and Michael McClelland, and has had a year of orchestral and chamber music coachings with Boston Symphony Orchestra violists Steve Ansell and Daniel Kim. Matthew performs regularly with the Du Bois Orchestra and the Boston Chamber Symphony, and is working at Boston University to promote audience and community engagement through chamber music. As an educator, Matthew draws from Suzuki, Colorstrings, Kodaly, and Essential Elements methods and enjoys engaging with students of all ages. He focuses on body awareness, a strong technical foundation, and the development of musical interpretation, while keeping lessons engaging through focus on each student’s best learning style. Matthew values a safe learning environment in the studio, and encourages his students to explore without fear of mistakes or imagined incorrectness. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys playing tabletop games and watching movies with his friends.

Colombian-born musician Alejandro Castellano Barona is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose musical path bridges worlds—from punk rock and flamenco to classical Arabic music. He began his journey as a teenage vocalist in New York grunge bands and later immersed himself in classical guitar studies before earning a degree in Music Performance from Berklee College of Music, where he studied oud with Simon Shaheen. A longtime member of the New York Arabic Orchestra, alejandro has performed on stages from Carnegie Hall to the Detroit Opera House. He performs regularly with groups such as the Boston Arabic Music Ensemble and Astaza, and leads his own rock band that weaves together his diverse musical influences. With over twenty years of teaching experience, alejandro helps students discover their own musical voices while cultivating awareness, creativity, and joy in their playing.

Cellist Monroe Randall is an enthusiastic chamber musician and educator who brings curiosity to everything they do, setting out to be a well-rounded musician and person in any performance or teaching environment. Since moving to New England, Monroe has performed extensively in a variety of settings as a freelancer. They have appeared with Miclot Chamber Music Society, the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, the New England Repertory Orchestra, and the Keene Chamber Orchestra, among other ensembles, as well as accompanying choral, opera and theatre productions. As a chamber musician, Monroe has programmed for and performed at events like weddings, receptions and dinners, while also appearing as a part of concert series like Lines & Spaces Community Concerts, Boston University Beethoven Research Center, UMass Bach Festival & Symposium, Norwottuck Chamber Concerts, and Sunday Concerts at the Amherst Women’s Club. Also enjoying performing music outside of the classical genre, Monroe has performed or recorded with groups such as Dani Delwyn, the Giovanni Parra Quintet, NYChillharmonic, and Spelt Melk Collective. Monroe completed their master’s degree at Boston University as a student of Michael Reynolds of the Muir Quartet and Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner Christine Lamprea. While at BU, Monroe received the String Department Award and the Symphonic Orchestra Award for their efforts. Prior to moving to Boston, Monroe studied with Edward Arron of the Ehnes Quartet at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Having come from the rich musical environment of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Monroe was fortunate to receive their early instruction from Kirsten Whitson, as well as being mentored by the Artaria String Quartet through their school-year chamber music program. Other instruction that Monroe has received has been through masterclasses with cellists Matthew Hamovitz, Mihail Tetel, Jacque Woods, and members of the Muir, Aizuri, Parker, and Ariel Quartets. Additionally, Monroe has participated in festivals internationally including Mostly Modern Festival, LyricaFest, Talis Festival & Academy, Round Top Festival Institute, Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Stringwood Chamber Music Festival, and the International Cello Institute. Outside of performing, Monroe enjoys teaching cello and other musical skills through several organizations in the Boston area and beyond. Their teaching experience began with El Sistema inspired group classes through organizations like Kids 4 Harmony and Boston Music Project, and since then they have branched out into Suzuki certification, teaching ear training classes at BU, coaching chamber music through Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and giving more specialized lessons through Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As an educator, Monroe values collaboration with their students, and helping students develop their own toolbox to meet any musical goals they have both in and outside of lessons.

Kimmie Sabio is a professional trumpet player, teacher and arts administrator. She currently teaches trumpet at Natick Public Schools and formerly was a teacher at Dexter Southfield Academy. Additionally she is the Artistic Operations Manager for Boston Lyric Opera, the largest opera company in New England. While her formal training is mostly rooted in classical performance, she is a current member of Balkan/Klezmer band Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching band in addition to the newest member of Magnificent Danger, a Boston based Video Game/ Anime Brass Band. Kimmie is the visionary founder of the Fort Point Free Music Collective. This completely improvised music series focuses on bringing together the vibrant artistic community of the Fort Point neighborhood, and deep commitment to all forms of musical expression. She was a recent participant in the Black House Collective, a contemporary music workshop in Los Angeles. Other recent trumpet engagements include Wheelock Family Theater, New England Repertory Orchestra and she has upcoming performances with Cape Cod Chorale as a featured soloist. She holds a Masters Degree from New England Conservatory and an undergraduate degree from McGill University in both Trumpet Performance and Philosophy.

Alexander Voss is a 2024 graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a Master’s degree in Voice Pedagogy. They graduated in 2022 with a Bachelors in Voice Performance from Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. An experienced performer in the classical music genre, Alex is highly qualified to prepare students for operatic pursuits. As a songwriter, Alex collaborates with students in the commercial genre, working both as a lyricist and a singer. Their pedagogical knowledge positions Alex as a well-rounded teacher, equipped to teach a variety of singing styles and genres to singers of all ages and levels. They are passionate about their craft and continually strive to grow as both a teacher and a performer.