ISM’s faculty is made up of highly qualified and talented performers and teachers with worldwide concert and pedagogical experience. Faculty members go through an extensive interview and audition process before being accepted to teach at the ISM. Many hold masters and doctorate degrees from the most acclaimed and respected music conservatories and are dedicated and passionate about their art and teaching. They bring warmth, energy, enthusiasm and patience in working with children as well as adults. Our teachers are also members of numerous local and national music guilds and associations such as Music Teachers National Association, Maryland Music Teacher Association, American String Teacher association, National Federation of Musicians, and the National Guild of Piano teachers/American College of Musicians, among others.

Harp

Barbara Seidman MM Northwestern University, BM Cleveland Institute of Music, orchestral training with James Levine.  Barbara has served on the faculty at the George Washington University, DC Youth Orchestra, Howard University, and the ISM. In addition to performances at the Kennedy Center, National Theater, Warner Theater, Wolf Trap, Ms. Seidman has also performed for the Phillips Gallery, Washington Concert Opera, National Ballet of Washington DC, New York City Ballet, Royal Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Utah, San Francisco and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, the National Symphony, Baltimore and North Carolina Symphonies and many others.

Sandra-Yoonee van den Eynde- Ms. Van den Eynde received her early musical training at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels where she received highest honors for harp and solfege.  She is also the recipient of a Performnce Diploma from the University of Indiana. Sandra has been awarded numerous prizes and honors including the Rissler Prize, first place in the Union of Female Musical Artists International Competition, and a Cziffra a Senlis Foundation prize.  She released her first CD in 1997 and has since been broadcast on Radio France Musique.  She has performed throughout Europe and the United States and is a member of the Washington Korean Symphony Orchestra.

Percussion/Drums

Igor Kozlov MA, BA Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory of Music.  Mr. Kozlov has served on the faculty at the ISM and the Moscow School of Music where he taught drums, timpani, cymbals, bells xylophone, tambourine, etc.  Mr. Kozlov has performed with the New Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra under the conductor Vladimir Ponkin and the ‘Exemplary Model Orchestra of the Russian Army’ in addition to numerous rock and pop groups.  His performances have taken him to countries such as Austria, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Argentina, Peru, and the US (Carnegie Hall).

Mark Merella BM. Mr. Merella has taught percussion at the Sheridan School in Bethesda, and ISM.  He has recorded for Warner Brothers and his performances include appearances at the National Portrait Gallery, Blues Alley, the White House, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Variety Arts Center, and numerous international embassies.  In 2007 Merella completed a tour of Turkey, Cyprus, Albania, and Bosnia as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road --American Music Abroad.  Mark has received grants from the Prince George’s Arts Council and American Composers Forum

Charles Ostle BM, MM- Mr. Ostle’s teaching experience includes the Colonial Christian Academy, Garrett Music Academy, Acoustic Axis, Marshall Music, and ISM. He has performed with the University of Maryland jazz ensemble, Towson University percussion ensemble, UMASS big bands, symphonic band, and chamber jazz ensemble, and he participated in the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Jazz Ensemble’s tour in China. His awards include the Maryland State Scholarship Competition, Excellence in Instrumental Music from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and others.

Michael Smirnoff MM, BM- Michael received his degrees from the University of Maryland and attended both the Brevard and Berklee Music Festivals.  He has taught at Montgomery College, the University of Maryland, Morgan State University, and performs regularly in the Washington DC area.  He has studied with some of the finest names in percussion; Steve Fidyk, Joe Morello, Horacio Hernandez, John Riley, Casey Scheurell, Bob Morgan, and Ron Barnett to name a few. 

Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute

Julietta Curenton (flute) BM Julliard School, MM Royal Northern College of Music.  Ms. Curenton’s performance experience includes appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Kennedy Center Orchestra, Duo L’Esperance, and the United States Army Orchestra.  She is a prize-winner of the NSO’s Young Artist Competition, the Concours Internationale de Musique de Chambre, and the New York Flute Club Young Artist Competition among others.  She has served on the faculty of the Columbia School of Fine Arts, Washington Episcopal School, and ISM.  Her performances have been broadcast on WGMS (Washington DC) and WGBH (Boston).

Elsbeth Fager (flute) MM, BA- Ms. Fager studied at L’Accademia Internazionale Della Musica and Antonio Vivaldi Conservatory of Music in Alessandria, Italy.  Her teaching experience includes music festivals and master classes sponsored by the University of Georgia in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Some of her performances include appearances with the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra as well as the Bucknell University Symphony Orchestra.

Lori Fowser (clarinet, saxophone) MM, BM- Ms. Fowser has performed with the Capital Wind Symphony, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, Lowell Summer Concert Band, Summer Dinner Theater, North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, and North Shore Woodwind Quintet.  She is a member of the American Federation of Musicians and the International Clarinet Association.  Ms. Fowser studied at the New Jersey Governor’s School of the Arts and has taught privately at the University of Maryland’s Clarinet Connection and ISM.

Visnja Kosanovic (flute) MM, BM- Ms. Kosanovic has established herself as a soloist, chamber, orchestral musician as well as recording artist. She has performed in the Washington metropolitan area with The National Gallery Orchestra, The Washington Bach Consort, The Southwest Chamber Players, Mount Vernon Orchestra, Sommer Academie (Salzburg), in addition to performances for  master classes with artists such as Petar-Lukas Graf, Aurel Nicole, Renate Grais and Michael Debost. She is also a winner of the International Music Competition for Young Culture in Dusseldorf, Germany.  Ms. Kosanovic has served on the faculty at ISM and the  Isidor Bajic Music School where her students have won numerous prizes in both national and international competitions.

Ariana Lamon-Anderson (clarinet, saxophone, flute) MM, BM- Ms. Lamon-Anderson received her musical training at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD.  Ariana’s performances include musical reproductions of Cats, The Rape of Lucretia, Babes in Toyland, The Threepenny Opera, in addition to solo appearances, bands, and orchestras throughout the U.S.  Ms. Anderson’s teaching experiences include classical, jazz, and popular styles with children and adults of all ages, including children with special needs.

Steven M. Leffue (saxophone, clarinet, flute) DEM, MM, BM In addition to studies at Bowling Green State University and the University of Florida, Steven earned a Premiere Prix ala unanimite at the Conservatoire Nationale de Region Boulogne-Billancourt (Paris France).  Specializing in classical, contemporary, chamber and improvisational music, Steven’s prizes include the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, the Premiere Concours de Musique Populaire, and the Concours des Jeune Musiciens ville de Lempdes.  He has served as graduate teaching assistant at the University of Florida and the University Maryland where he is currently finishing a doctorate degree in Saxophone Performance.  Recent appearances include with Inscape Chamber Orchestra, the Great Noise Ensemble, Virginia Grand Military Band, and the International Saxophone Quartet.

GUITAR

Matt Carvin MM, BM. Mr. Carvin has served as an instructor of guitar (classical and electric), bass guitar, banjo, mandolin and songwriting ­privately and here at ISM.  He finished studies at the Peabody Conservatory, while playing with such groups as “22 String Band”, “Soul Thirst”, and the “Peabody Guitar Duo”.  He is the winner of the Georgia State Classical Guitar Competition and founder of Creative Access, a non-profit musical outreach organization.

Mark Edwards- Mr. Edwards has been performing since the age of 13.  He has earned prizes in numerous music competitions since 1998, and has recorded albums with the Baldwin Ensemble and Fretworks Guitar and Mandolin Orchestra.  He graduated Magna Cum Lauda from Columbus University and additionally studied with Julian Gray at the Peabody Conservatory.

Michael Hardy MM, BM.   Mr. Hardy holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Columbus State University.  He has taught at Campbell University, Chowan University, Johnston Community College and the Music Conservatory division of the Schwob School of Music.  He has additionally attended the guitare Lachine, Seminari di Primavera, Southern Methodist University, East Carolina University and Stetson International guitar workshops.  Michael has performed in all manner of solo and ensemble playing and has won prizes at the Columbus State University and East Carolina University Guitar Competitions.  He has received numerous scholarships from D’Addarrio, HOPE, the Patrons of Music, and the Jesse H. Jones and Mary Gibbs Jones Presidential Endowment to name a few.

Serge Khrichenko (bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar) Music studies at the Pedagogical Institute of Pyatigorsk, Russia.  Serge was the winner of numerous competitions including the Nashville competition, Guitarmageddon competition.  He has performed with numerous musicians in addition to his solo performances in Russia, Europe, and US (New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC). Some of his performances include concerts for Baltimore Klezmer Orchestra, Russian Embassy, French Embassy, local and international Jazz fests and performances with his jazz-rock band. Mr. Khrichenko taught at the Kislovodsk Music School in Russia, and now at the ISM and the Creative Arts Studio.

Gregory Koenig- BM from Peabody Conservatory, and Finger Lakes College.  He received the Peabody Career Development Grant in 2006 and was awarded the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award from Johns Hopkins University.  Mr. Koenig is the music teacher at the Krieger Schecter Day School in Maryland and ISM.

Mia Pomerantz-MM, BM.  Mia has been the recipient of numerous awards such as Keren Sharett award, winner of Appalachian Guitar Fest Competition, Peabody Merit Award, President’s Education Award, etc. Her performances include solo, duo and guitar quartet concerts in Israel, Mexico, and the USA.  Ms. Pomerantz has studied with Manuel Barrueco, Ray Chester, William Feasley, Sergio Assad, etc.

Jarrod Smerck MA, BM.  Mr. Smerck’s teaching experience includes Radford University, Bridge-Kaloro Music, the Pulawy International Guitar Festival, and the Peabody Institute.  He has conducted research on and specializes in the music of Maximo Diego Pujol and has written on sensory motor retraining for focal dystonia.  He has performed in Switzerland, Poland, and the US.

Tracy Smith- Ms. Smith is a prize winner of international competitions, most recently the NEW Classical Guitar Competition.  Her performing career has brought her to stages in Germany, England, France, Spain, Italy, the United States and Canada.  Following a Master’s Degree at Yale, she is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Peabody Conservatory.  Ms. Smith has extensive teaching experience as a private instructor, community group instructor, and served as a guest lecturer at Johns Hopkins as well as Guitar Department Assistant at Peabody.

Akiko Sumi- Akiko graduated from the University of Tokyo and Peabody Institute of Music with GPD in guitar performance and chamber music. She has studied with Manuel Barrueco, Ray Chester, Julian Gray.  As a member of Aurora Guitar Quartet, Ms. Sumi performed in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, in addition to solo performances in US, Japan, and Costa Rica. Ms. Sumi is a first prize winner at the 1990 Asahi Guitar Festival Competition, in addition to being a prizewinner of the 1993 Spanish Guitar Music Competition, 1996 Nagoya Competition and 1998 Japan Guitar Competition. Ms.Sumi has taught guitar at the Andante music school in Tokyo, and she currently serves on the faculty at the ISM.

Brass

Mark Morgan (trumpet, euphonium, trombone, tuba)- Mr. Morgan is currently a member of the US Navy Band where he performs with the Commodores Jazz Band.  He has performed in all of the forty eight states, and served as the Instructor of Trombone for the Armed Forces School of Music, and ISM.  Mark earned his degree in music performance from Winthrop University.

Voice

Bolormaa Jugdersuren (voice/public speaking) GPD, MM, BA- Bolormaa’s teaching experience includes the Mongolian University, Williamsburg Middle School, and ISM.  Bolormaa performed with the  Mongolian Metropolitan Opera House, Mongolian National Symphony and Television, National Opera House of Buryat, Hoh Hot in China, and the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Bolormaa is a recipient of numerous awards such as full scholarship from Theatre of Arts in London, the National Award “Gifted Young Artist”, and was first prize winner of “Golden Autumn Festival” in Ulaanbaatar.

Waka Osifchin (Suzuki violin, voice) DMA, MM, BM, Suzuki certification-  Ms. Osifchin is a recipient of awards such as the Lucie Kohlmeier and Music Merit awards among others. Her teaching experience includes the Takezono Higashi School,  Maryland School of the Arts, and ISM.  Ms. Osifchin has performed with orchestras such as Catholic University Symphony Orchestra, the Takezono and Tonton String Orchestras.

Angela Peterson MM, BM- Ms. Peterson holds degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College and Butler University (summa cum laude).  She teaches at the International School of Music, Edison High School and operates her own voice studio.  She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and performs with the Master Chorale of Washington.  Angela has recently appeared at the Kennedy Center, Avery Fischer Hall, and Tanglewood.  Her operatic roles include Pitti-Sing (the Mikado), Little Red Riding Hood, and soprano soloist in Le Nozza de Figaro.

Jessica Renfro MM, GPD Peabody Conservatory- Jessica’s professional experience includes many operatic and concert roles across the United States.  She served as the Music and Drama Instructor for Sandy Spring Friends Day Camp, Voice Instructor for the Park School, and assistant in the voice studios of Peabody and the University of Connecticut.  Ms. Renfro is a recipient of the Miriam Berstein Award and winner of the Sylvia Green Competition and the University of Connecticut Concerto Competition.

Jennifer Rutherford MM, BM University of Alberta, Canada, and private studies with George Gibson (US)- Jennifer has served on the faculty at the Columbia Institute of Fine Arts, and the ISM, as well as a chorus manager for the Christian Performing Artists’ Fellowship, and a choir director at St. Michael and All Angels. As a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, she has been active in numerous singing competitions. Her work has been recorded on many occasions for broadcast including on CKUA radio in Edmonton and the CBC local and national radio networks. She has also appeared in CBC, CFRN and ACCESS telecasts, and recorded and produced her own album.

Violin/viola

Irina Garkavi (violin) MA- Ms.Garkavi has been a concertmaster of the Arlington Symphony Orchestra, Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and Azerbaijan State Symphony. She has performed also with Fairfax Symphony, Alexandria Symphony, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Washington Chamber Orchestra. Ms.Garkavi recorded for Melodia Records Company, and she was consistently selected for National television broadcast from Moscow where she received advanced musical training at the Moscow Conservatory. Currently she is a member of the American Federation of Musicians and the International Teacher Association.  Ms. Garkavi’s pedagogical experience includes Azerbijan State Music Conservatory, European Academy of Music, Gaithersburg Violin Studio, and ISM.

Slavica Ilic (violin, viola) BM . Ms. Ilic’s teaching experience includes North Potomac School of Music, Alexander School of Music, Columbia Institute of Fine Arts, Owl School, DC Youth Orchestra, St. Marks Music Studio, and ISM.  She is the winner of the Yugoslav String Competition, Yugoslav Chamber Competition, and the Aspen Music Festival award. Her performances include appearances with the Sarajevo Opera, Philharmonic, and Chamber Orchestra, concerts in Israel, Italy, and the entire former Yugoslavia.  She is currently a principal second violin in Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

Julia Kay(violin, ECM) BM Rollins College-Ms. Kay’s recent performances include appearances with the Rollins College String Ensemble and Orchestra, the Interlochen Festival Orchestra, the Levine School Trio as well as numerous concert engagements in England, China and the Eastern United States.  She has worked for the American Music Therapy Association and her teaching experience includes the Timber Ridge Camp and Anne Arundel Public Schools.  Ms. Kay is certified and holds licenses in Musikgarten and Suzuki method violin.

Annelies Mast (violin, viola) MM, GPD Peabody Institute- Ms. Mast’s teaching experience includes the McDonogh School, Peabody Conservatory, and the Nathan Carter School of Music.  She has performed with the Bergen Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony, Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and the Aspen Music Festival.

Waka Osifchin (Suzuki violin, voice) DMA, MM, BM, Suzuki certification-  Ms. Osifchin is a recipient of awards such as the Lucie Kohlmeier and Music Merit Award among others. Her teaching experience includes the Takezono Higashi School, and Maryland School of the Arts.  Ms. Osifchin has performed with ensembles such as Catholic University Symphony Orchestra, the Takezono and Tonton String Orchestras.

Greg Pinney (violin/viola, Suzuki methods)- Mr. Pinney received a BM from the Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester where he studied with Zui Zeith and Oleg Krysa.  His extensive performance experience includes concerts with Covington String Quartet, United States Air Force Strings, Delaware and Irving Symphonies, Quapaw Quartet, as the Sophia Antipolis Foundation soloist for which he performed throughout France, and the Forth Worth Orchestra. Mr. Pinney has taught at Gettysburg College, Frederick Community College, Delaware School of Music, University of Conway, the University of Arkansas, Montgomery College, and ISM.

Cello

Emily Yang (cello, Suzuki methods) DMA, MM, BA, and Suzuki teacher certificates 1A-7- Her pedagogical experience include MCYO coaching, Powers Music School, All Newton Music School, Brookline Music School, New England Conservatory, Suzuki Institute of Boston, American School of Music the Boston Conservatory, and ISM.  Dr. Yang’s performances include appearances at Strathmore Music Center, Harvard University, Newton Library Concert Series, Boston Conservatory, and with the NSO Youth orchestra. She also performed as principal and assistant principal cellist with the Alexandria and Brookline Symphonies, Boston Chamber Ensemble and at the Brandeis Festival.

Diana Flesner (cello)  MM- Diana is currently a DMA candidate at the University of Illinois.  She has additionally completed studies at the San Francisco Conservatory and Middlebury College.  Equally active as a performer and teacher, Ms. Flesner has taught at Millikin College, Illinois-Wesleyan Prep, the Conservatory of Central Illinois and the Young Artists’ Studio of Terrine Gomez.  She presently performs with the Alexandria and Fairfax Symphonies, and the Chesapeake Piano Trio.  Ms. Flesner’s teachers include Brandon Vamos, Bonnie Hampton, Jean-Michel Fonteneau, and Dieuwke Davydov.

Loren Westbrook-Fritts (cello) MM, BM- Mr.Westbrook has taught cello for the DC Youth Orchestra,  Ottley, the University of Maryland, and ISM.  His performances include appearances on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, NPR, The Arts Club of Washington DC, as soloist with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and as a principal cellist with the Kennedy Center Summer Music Institute Orchestra.

Early Childhood Music

Cara Lyles BM-certification in Kindermusik, Musikgarten.  Member of American College of Musicians & MTNA. Directed church choirs, festivals and church musicals. Teaching experience includes Kindermusik in Boyds, ELF preschool, and ISM. She is the winner of numerous awards such as the Beta Music Award, Knott Music Award, and Fletcher & Brown Scholarship.

Julia Kay BM Rollins College- Ms. Kay’s recent performances include appearances with the Rollins College String Ensemble and Orchestra, the Interlochen Festival Orchestra, the Levine School Trio as well as numerous concert engagements in England, China and the Eastern United States.  She has worked for the American Music Theory Association and her teaching experience includes the Timber Ridge Camp and Anne Arundel Public Schools.  Ms. Kay is certified and holds licenses in Musikgarten and Suzuki method violin.  She is a member of the SAA.

Piano

Michael Angelucci MM,BM at The Peabody Conservatory.  Mr. Angelucci is the winner of numerous state, regional, and International awards.  He is an active recitalist with performances in Europe, and across the continental U.S.  Michael is a former teaching assistant at Santa Clara University, and graduate teaching assistant at The Peabody Conservatory.  Currently on faculty at ISM and The McDonogh School (Baltimore), Mr. Angelucci is also a National Piano Guild Member.

Wade Beach (jazz/piano) MM, BM University of Maryland, and jazz studies with Sir Roland Hanna, Roosevelt Wardell and Gene Rush.  Mr. Beach has taught at the Prince George’s and Northern Virginia Community College, Jorge Mason University, Landon School and ISM. Mr. Beach has performed with musicians including: Eddie Harris, Billy Harper, Gary Bartz, Richie Cole, Grady Tate, Keeter Betts, and Andrew White. He has also performed with pop artists The Dells, Jackson Five, Berry White and he has performed at the Kool Jazz Fest at the Kennedy Center and Wolftrap Jazz Fest. Mr. Beach has performed with great jazz artists such as Peter Erskine, Bob Berg, Tommy Newsome, Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, Arturo Sandoval and Dave Liebman. In addition to recording numerous albums, he has performed also at the Constitution Hall, East Coast Jazz Festival, and Blues Alley.

Michael Berkovsky DMA candidate, MM, BM Juilliard.  His teaching experience include Piano School of New York, and ISM.  Mr. Berkovsky is the winner of numerous competitions such as Jacob Flier International Competition, Toronto Music Competition, and the IBLA grand prize among others. His solo, chamber and orchestral performances include concerts in Costa Rica, US, Canada, Tokyo, Israel, and Italy.

Jacob Frasch MM Peabody Conservatory, BM Oberlin Conservatory.  Mr. Frasch has been the recipient of the Louis & Annette Kaufman Prize in chamber music.  His performances include concerts at the Music Academy of the West, Bowdoin International Summer Music Festival, and the Kent/Blossom Music Festival.  He has given recitals across the United States including Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and California.  He currently serves on the faculty at ISM and the Peabody Preparatory School in Baltimore, MD.

Jeannie Han- BM, MM- Ms. Han has won numerous competitions such as National Competition in South Korea, Cogen Concerto Competition, Russian-American International Competition, Beethoven Society Competition. Her teaching experience includes the Woodbridge school and ISM. She is a member of the MTNA, and Piano Guild/ACM.

Minna Han DMA University of Maryland.  Ms. Han’s teaching experience includes the North Potomac School of Music, Musical Expressions, Frederick College, and Indiana University.  Her awards include the Rising Star Audition, Concert Artist Guild International Competition, and Southern California Bach Competition.  She has performed in numerous international venues such as the Ewon Cultural Arts Center (Korea), Amadeus Concert Series, University of Ontario, Steinway Hall, and Indiana University among others.

Jeanette Kim BM Peabody Institute- Ms. Kim is a winner of numerous competitions such as the Korean National Competition, MTNA, and the Friday Morning Music Club.  Ms. Kim has taught piano at the Harmonia School of Music, and ISM.  She is the music director at Korean Presbyterian Church.

Jeni Maneva DMA- Dr. Maneva’s teaching experience includes the Peabody Conservatory Preparatory, Bryn Mawr School, Garrison Forest School, West Virginia University, Luzerne Music Center, Willamette University, University of Maine and ISM. Dr. Maneva is also a recipient of numerous awards such as “Best accompanist” at the International Choir Festival in Greece, and the Summer Music Festival in Germany, winner of the concerto competitions at the West Virginia University and University of Maine, graduate assistantships among others. Her performances include appearances at the Library of Congess, Corcoran Gallery, and Luzerne Music Center.

Mike Maher (jazz piano) MM,BM- Mr. Maher has taught at the Holton-Arms School, Montgomery College, Shenandoah University, and Suitland Center for the Performing Arts.  Mr. Maher has performed at the Kennedy Center, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington’s National Theatre, Wolf Trap, as well as with the Richmond and Orlando Symphonies. He has also been invited as a guest lecturer at St.Johns College, New Mexico, and Gallaudet University.

Karine Muradyan MA, BA- Ms. Muradyan has been on the faculty at ISM, North Potomac School of Music, and a music director and choir conductor at Francis Asbury UMC, Rockville. While in Armenia, she served as the Piano Program director as well as piano professor and accompanist at The International Sanna Quality School. She is an active member of the Friday Morning Music Club, Royal School of Music, and the Piano Guild/American College of Musicians, where her students have accomplished high merit scores in juries/exams, competitions, and auditions. Ms. Muradyan has performed at the Ellipse Arts Center, US Yerevan, Etchmiadzin (Armenia) and Tamilino (Moscow).

Victoria Naneyshvili MM- Mrs. Naneyshivili’s teaching experience includes music schools in the Republic of Georgia, the Tblisi College of Music and Art, the European Academy and ISM.  As pianist she has worked with the School of Classic Ballet, Interdance School of Ballet, and the Metropolitan Ballet Theater and Academy.  She is a member of MTNA, the National Piano Guild/ the American College of Musicians.

Ruriko Osawa MM, BM- Ms. Osawa has served on the faculty of the Park School, the Academy of Music, and ISM.  As a recitalist, she has performed across the United States and Japan in solo and chamber music capacities.  Ruriko is the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, winning the Grand Prize of the Sapporo Young Musicians Competition and received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Piano Performance from Bringham Young University.  She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree at the Peabody Conservatory.

Aline Otten (piano, organ) MM Indiana University- Ms. Otten’s professional qualifications include twenty five years of experience as a piano instructor and music educator, as well as a liturgical organist and choral director.  She has taught at St. Richard’s Episcopal School (Indiana) and served as director of music for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Washington DC), St. Pius X Catholic Church (New Orleans), and Savage United Methodist Church.  Ms. Otten is also active as a performer and pedagogue at the Music Educator’s National Conference.

Yelena Rodovskaya MM, BM- Ms. Rodovskaya’s teaching experience includes the Norilsk College of Music and Jelgava College in Russia, the European Academy of Music and ISM.  Ms. Rodovskaya was an accompanist at American University and the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts. She is a member of the Music Teacher National Association.

Olga Simonova- Ms. Simonova received her musical training from the Arzamas Music College, Gorky State Conservatory, and Shenandoah University where she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Piano Performance.  She has taught in Russia and the United States while maintaining an international performance career.  She has also served as an accompanist, arranger and composer for the theater at NVCC’s theater arts program.

Margaret Stanton MM Julliard- In addition to being a quarterfinalist at the Gina Bachauer Int’l Competition, her performances include concerts with the Anchorage Civic Opera and Symphony Orchestra, as well as numerous tours throughout the United States.  Ms. Stanton has taught at the University of Alaska, Alaska Pacific University and University of Michigan.  She has also taught at Northern Virginia Community College and ISM.

Sofia Vulfson MA- Ms. Vulfson completed studies in piano performance, accompaniment and chamber music at the Moscow Academy of Music.  She has served on the faculty of the Irkutsk Central School, and the Novosibirsk Academy of Music, Riga Conservatory of Music in Latvia. Currently, she teaches at the ISM in addition to being an accompanist at the School of Classical Ballet in Potomac. Ms. Vulfson is a member of MTNA and National Piano Guild sponsored by the American College of Musicians.

Alexander Wasserman MM, BM, DMA candidate- Mr. Wasserman’s has mentored private studios in LA and Cleveland. He has served as soloist with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra (Cleveland) “Pianofest”, and the Peabody Institute.  Mr. Wasserman also directed the Gypsy Productions Musicals ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘The Sound of Music’.

Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis (jazz piano) BM, DMA candidate – In addition to regular jazz performances in the Washington DC area, Nathan is currently working on his Doctorate in composition at the University of Maryland.  He has taught courses in the fundamentals of music and music technology, and currently serves as a music theory research assistant at UMD.  He has completed studies at Ithaca College and the Ecole Normale de Musique (Paris, FR).  Mr. Lincoln Decusatis is a member of The College Music Society, the Society for Composers Inc., and the American Music Center, and has won the Walsum Prize in Composition and the Smadbeck Prize in Composition.

Inja Stanic MA, BA Ms. Stanic is the founder/director of the ISM. She was on the faculty of the American University, Holton-Arms, Montgomery College, and the Columbia Institute of Fine Arts. Ms. Stanic was also employed by the International Piano Archives, where she conducted research on Russian and American pianists. Currently she is the founder and chairman of the Bethesda National Piano Guild Auditions that are sponsored by the American College of Musicians, in addition to being a member of MTNA. Ms. Stanic has performed at the National Theater, numerous embassies and fund-raisers sponsored by the Balkan Express, Women for Women, and Latin American Cultural Heritage Foundation. Her latest CDs are “Memories of Yugoslavia” and “Tengo Nostalgia De Ti.” Her writings were published in numerous international music journals, such as Perspectives of New Music, and International Journal of Musicology. Her performances have been broadcast by NPR and the Voice of America.
 

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