Fisher Piano Studio at Ohio University
Florencia Arrom
Born in 1995 in Asunción, Paraguay, Florencia Arrom began her musical studies at age 8 at the Music Conservatory “Clave de Sol”, under the tutelage of Prof. Miriam Royg de D’Odorico. In 2013 she graduated Valedictorian from Lumen High School in Asunción and in the following year she completed her studies at the Music Conservatory, obtaining the highest grades and special mentions. In 2015 she was accepted into the Musical Arts Department (DAMus) “Carlos López Buchardo”, from the National University of the Arts (UNA) in Buenos Aires, where she continued her musical studies in the Piano Performance Program under the tutelage of Prof. Manuel Massone.
Along her musical development, Florencia has actively participated in several piano masterclasses led by noted national and international musicians, such as Darío Ntacca (Argentina), Pierre Blanchard (Francia), Luca Chiantore (Italia), Bruno Gelber (Argentina), Mario Montore (Italy), Mariam Batsashvili (Georgia), and Alan Kwiek (Argentina). Simultaneously, she has gained experience accompanying lyric singers and choirs.
Throughout her career, she has been a prize winner of the following competitions: first prize in the National Piano Competition Mozart in Asunción (2006); first prize in Momento Musical Op. 2011 in Asunción (2011); second prize in the First National Piano Competition organized by the Paraguay-Kansas Committee (2017); and third prize in the IV International Chamber Music Competition Carlos López Buchardo, organized by the National University of the Arts in Buenos Aires (2019). As a result of her distinguished participation in the First National Piano Competition held in 2017, the Paraguay-Kansas Committee and Emporia State University granted her a scholarship for a month of intensive piano studies at Emporia State University, where she had piano lessons with Dr. Martín Cuéllar from August to September of 2018.
In 2022, she graduated from the National University of the Arts, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. Since then, she started private piano lessons with Prof. Alan Kwiek. At the same time, she developed herself as a private piano teacher to students of all ages at her home studio in Buenos Aires, as well as accompanying lyric singers in recitals and weddings.
Florencia is currently a graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Professor Christopher Fisher.
Along her musical development, Florencia has actively participated in several piano masterclasses led by noted national and international musicians, such as Darío Ntacca (Argentina), Pierre Blanchard (Francia), Luca Chiantore (Italia), Bruno Gelber (Argentina), Mario Montore (Italy), Mariam Batsashvili (Georgia), and Alan Kwiek (Argentina). Simultaneously, she has gained experience accompanying lyric singers and choirs.
Throughout her career, she has been a prize winner of the following competitions: first prize in the National Piano Competition Mozart in Asunción (2006); first prize in Momento Musical Op. 2011 in Asunción (2011); second prize in the First National Piano Competition organized by the Paraguay-Kansas Committee (2017); and third prize in the IV International Chamber Music Competition Carlos López Buchardo, organized by the National University of the Arts in Buenos Aires (2019). As a result of her distinguished participation in the First National Piano Competition held in 2017, the Paraguay-Kansas Committee and Emporia State University granted her a scholarship for a month of intensive piano studies at Emporia State University, where she had piano lessons with Dr. Martín Cuéllar from August to September of 2018.
In 2022, she graduated from the National University of the Arts, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. Since then, she started private piano lessons with Prof. Alan Kwiek. At the same time, she developed herself as a private piano teacher to students of all ages at her home studio in Buenos Aires, as well as accompanying lyric singers in recitals and weddings.
Florencia is currently a graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Professor Christopher Fisher.
Taae Hamid
Taae Hamid is a second-year graduate student at Ohio University, pursuing a master’s degree in piano performance under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Fisher. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in piano performance from Ohio University.
During his undergraduate studies, Taae participated in many activities and projects to create a greater interest for classical music in southeastern Ohio. His senior thesis titled, “Classical Music in Southeast Ohio: The Impact of Performance on a Rural Community” deals with the lack of participation in classical music within southeastern Ohio and seeks to find ways to create greater interest in the study of music. In addition, Taae was an active member of MTNA during his undergraduate degree and participated in many projects and conferences to improve his skills in teaching and motivating younger generations of students. His collegiate chapter was given multiple awards due to its innovative methods of reaching the residents of Athens, Ohio, through classical music.
Taae was recently engaged to his fiancée Aaliyah and is soon to be married in May of 2023. When he is not practicing, he is very interested in reading philosophy, running, and wine tasting.
During his undergraduate studies, Taae participated in many activities and projects to create a greater interest for classical music in southeastern Ohio. His senior thesis titled, “Classical Music in Southeast Ohio: The Impact of Performance on a Rural Community” deals with the lack of participation in classical music within southeastern Ohio and seeks to find ways to create greater interest in the study of music. In addition, Taae was an active member of MTNA during his undergraduate degree and participated in many projects and conferences to improve his skills in teaching and motivating younger generations of students. His collegiate chapter was given multiple awards due to its innovative methods of reaching the residents of Athens, Ohio, through classical music.
Taae was recently engaged to his fiancée Aaliyah and is soon to be married in May of 2023. When he is not practicing, he is very interested in reading philosophy, running, and wine tasting.
Katrina Kahlhamer
Katrina Kahlhamer is a graduate student at Ohio University, working towards a master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy as well as a theory pedagogy certification. She was a winner of the OU School of Music Student Soloist Competition in 2023, performing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1. She also performed the same work in a masterclass with pianist Dominic Cheli. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Keyboard Performance at Bob Jones University in 2022, studying with David Lehman and Faye Lopez. Katrina performs collaboratively with solo vocalists and instrumentalists, quartets, trios, and piano duos. As a graduate assistant, she teaches group piano classes I-IV and collaborates with music students for performances, juries, and recitals. She also teaches students through the Athens Community Music School.
After beginning lessons at 7, Katrina would study with several different teachers growing up. In 2010, she started taking violin lessons in addition to piano, and joined the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. She put on a solo piano and violin fundraiser recital in 2013 to help cover the costs. Katrina was able to audition her way up to the Youth Orchestra for their international tour to Italy in 2016. She eventually played with the BJU Symphony Orchestra throughout college, and occasionally joins the Ohio Valley Symphony now as a pianist.
Katrina began giving some piano lessons to beginner and intermediate students in 2015 to help pay for her own lessons. Around this time, she began studying piano with Ruth Brown at Maranatha University. She became a finalist in the BJU high school piano competition in 2016, and presented a solo high school senior recital in 2017. While earning her Piano Performance BMus at BJU, Katrina was a finalist in their annual commencement contest as a freshman and earned second place in the commencement contest as a sophomore. As a senior, she was a finalist in the piano division of the concerto competition.
To help cover her college tuition costs, Katrina enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard in 2017, and continued to work as an avionics integrated systems technician monthly until her enlistment ended in summer 2023. She is the first female in the four generations of military service in her family and took time away from school for her training in 2018-2019 and for a deployment to Qatar in 2021.
Outside of music, Katrina enjoys playing board games, doing puzzles, researching music theory and history topics, knitting and crocheting, and watching Marvel movies.
After beginning lessons at 7, Katrina would study with several different teachers growing up. In 2010, she started taking violin lessons in addition to piano, and joined the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. She put on a solo piano and violin fundraiser recital in 2013 to help cover the costs. Katrina was able to audition her way up to the Youth Orchestra for their international tour to Italy in 2016. She eventually played with the BJU Symphony Orchestra throughout college, and occasionally joins the Ohio Valley Symphony now as a pianist.
Katrina began giving some piano lessons to beginner and intermediate students in 2015 to help pay for her own lessons. Around this time, she began studying piano with Ruth Brown at Maranatha University. She became a finalist in the BJU high school piano competition in 2016, and presented a solo high school senior recital in 2017. While earning her Piano Performance BMus at BJU, Katrina was a finalist in their annual commencement contest as a freshman and earned second place in the commencement contest as a sophomore. As a senior, she was a finalist in the piano division of the concerto competition.
To help cover her college tuition costs, Katrina enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard in 2017, and continued to work as an avionics integrated systems technician monthly until her enlistment ended in summer 2023. She is the first female in the four generations of military service in her family and took time away from school for her training in 2018-2019 and for a deployment to Qatar in 2021.
Outside of music, Katrina enjoys playing board games, doing puzzles, researching music theory and history topics, knitting and crocheting, and watching Marvel movies.
William Keller
William Keller is a junior at Ohio University where he is double majoring in marketing and piano. He has played the piano since the age of 5 and began his studies with Debra Vagasky. He has participated in Piano Guild Auditions for five years and began playing chamber music at the age of eleven through Chamber Music Connection (CMC) in Worthington, Ohio for the next six years. While at CMC, he studied with Deborah Price, Suzanne Newcomb, and Christopher Durrenberger, who became his mentor at the age of 13. He competed at the Midwest Young Artists Discover National Chamber Music Competition and has taken part in many master classes with such artists as Seymour Fink. In 2020, he began participating in piano concerto competitions where he received an honorable mention at the New Albany Symphony Concerto Competition. He enjoys the works of Ravel and Art Tatum. From Delaware, Ohio, he graduated from Olentangy High School in 2021 and came to Ohio University the consequent year. William was second prize winner in the 2023 New Albany Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and received first prize in the Young Artist Division of the 2023 Graves/CEOMTA Piano Competition.
Griffin Nelson
Griffin Nelson is a freshman at Ohio University studying Piano Performance and Pedagogy under Dr. Christopher Fisher in the Honors Tutorial College. He began
his musical journey at five years old, taking violin lessons for two years. He then switched instruments, making piano his main focus through the rest of his academic career. He studied piano and music theory under Rebekah Robertson as a beginner, and later, as his abilities developed, switched to the teacher and former concert pianist Mayde Robertson.
As a first-generation musician in his family, Griffin proved determination and self-sufficiency for his musical development. In 2017, he began taking part in the National Federation of Music Clubs festival, competing in both the Piano Solo and Theory events. He now holds a 30-point cup in both events, in addition to his 15-point cup for the Piano Duet category. He has experience in chamber music, performing two piano trios with the Wyoming Fine Arts Center, as well as numerous piano duets including Rachmaninoff’s “Italian Polka”, Debussy’s “En Bateau” from the Petite Suite, and Faure’s “Le Pas Espagnol” from the Dolly Suite. He earned a scholarship to attend the Otterbein University summer music camp in 2021, in which he studied
composition with Professor Jennifer Merkowitz.
Griffin’s favorite music, however, are works for piano solo. He started taking interest in classical repertoire around 8th grade, switching favorite composers between Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin, and now Rachmaninoff. His favorite piece is Scriabin’s “Fantasy”, Op. 28, which he hopes to learn later in his musical career. His goal in life, other than writing a Piano Concerto, is to run his own piano studio, teaching advanced high school students and giving them the opportunity to study music in college. Outside of classical music, Griffin played soccer in high school, works at the shoe store Journey’s (where he takes full advantage of his employee discount), and makes beats/instrumentals during his free time on Logic Pro.
his musical journey at five years old, taking violin lessons for two years. He then switched instruments, making piano his main focus through the rest of his academic career. He studied piano and music theory under Rebekah Robertson as a beginner, and later, as his abilities developed, switched to the teacher and former concert pianist Mayde Robertson.
As a first-generation musician in his family, Griffin proved determination and self-sufficiency for his musical development. In 2017, he began taking part in the National Federation of Music Clubs festival, competing in both the Piano Solo and Theory events. He now holds a 30-point cup in both events, in addition to his 15-point cup for the Piano Duet category. He has experience in chamber music, performing two piano trios with the Wyoming Fine Arts Center, as well as numerous piano duets including Rachmaninoff’s “Italian Polka”, Debussy’s “En Bateau” from the Petite Suite, and Faure’s “Le Pas Espagnol” from the Dolly Suite. He earned a scholarship to attend the Otterbein University summer music camp in 2021, in which he studied
composition with Professor Jennifer Merkowitz.
Griffin’s favorite music, however, are works for piano solo. He started taking interest in classical repertoire around 8th grade, switching favorite composers between Chopin, Debussy, Scriabin, and now Rachmaninoff. His favorite piece is Scriabin’s “Fantasy”, Op. 28, which he hopes to learn later in his musical career. His goal in life, other than writing a Piano Concerto, is to run his own piano studio, teaching advanced high school students and giving them the opportunity to study music in college. Outside of classical music, Griffin played soccer in high school, works at the shoe store Journey’s (where he takes full advantage of his employee discount), and makes beats/instrumentals during his free time on Logic Pro.
Alejandro Orta
In 2008, at age of 8, Alejandro began his piano studies with professor Elizabeth Guerrero and music theory with Zuleyma Somaroo at Juan José Landaeta National Conservatory of Music, where he also completed his 3rd year of choral activity in the “Adda Elena de Sauce Children's Choir”, there he cultivated his passion and love for music, playing concerts and recitals. Alejandro participated in the second level of the XI Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition and wins the First Prize, Best Sonatina Performance Award and Best Venezuelan Work Performance Award in 2011. He played in La Fête de la Musique (sponsored by the French Embassy) in 2010 and 2013.
At the age of 13, he continued his piano studies with professor Carlos Urbaneja Silva at Mozarteum Caracas School of Music. There he takes classes in music history, harmony, musical analysis, art history and auditory training with professors Eduardo Plaza, Eduardo Lecuna, Luis Felipe Barnola and Maria Grazia. He participated in the fifth level of the XIII Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition where he received the Second Prize in 2016. He was selected to participate in three seminars of the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela held at “Las Taritas” farm in order to begin an international tour with maestro Gustavo Dudamel in 2017. Alejandro has performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and the conductor Daniel Gil, following the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Municipal Orchestra of Caracas under the baton of maestro Rodolfo Saglimbeni, in addition to performing in recitals, ensembles and chamber music works by different composers. He has appeared in different venues in Caracas: the José Félix Ribas Concert Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater, Humboldt Cultural Association, BOD Cultural Center, Anna Julia Rojas Hall (Unearte), Villa Planchart, Museum of Colonial Art of Venezuela, Transport Museum “Guillermo José Schael”, among others.
Alejandro was admitted to the Honors Tutorial College Music Program at Ohio University (2021-2024) where he is a student of Professor of Piano Dr. Christopher Fisher and named Senior Division winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition.
At the age of 13, he continued his piano studies with professor Carlos Urbaneja Silva at Mozarteum Caracas School of Music. There he takes classes in music history, harmony, musical analysis, art history and auditory training with professors Eduardo Plaza, Eduardo Lecuna, Luis Felipe Barnola and Maria Grazia. He participated in the fifth level of the XIII Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition where he received the Second Prize in 2016. He was selected to participate in three seminars of the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela held at “Las Taritas” farm in order to begin an international tour with maestro Gustavo Dudamel in 2017. Alejandro has performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and the conductor Daniel Gil, following the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Municipal Orchestra of Caracas under the baton of maestro Rodolfo Saglimbeni, in addition to performing in recitals, ensembles and chamber music works by different composers. He has appeared in different venues in Caracas: the José Félix Ribas Concert Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater, Humboldt Cultural Association, BOD Cultural Center, Anna Julia Rojas Hall (Unearte), Villa Planchart, Museum of Colonial Art of Venezuela, Transport Museum “Guillermo José Schael”, among others.
Alejandro was admitted to the Honors Tutorial College Music Program at Ohio University (2021-2024) where he is a student of Professor of Piano Dr. Christopher Fisher and named Senior Division winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition.
Edy Panjaitan
Edy R. Panjaitan is an Indonesian pianist. He was awarded a graduate assistantship to pursue the PhD in Interdisciplinary Arts - Artist Scholar Track program at Ohio University under tutelage a renowned professor, Dr. Christopher Fisher. He graduated from Medan State University with predicate cum laude and awarded as “the best Alumnus” in 2016 with full achievements’ scholarship from Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education. In 2018, he completed his master's degree at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts under tutelage Prof. Irina Gorin (USA), Prof. Patrick Lechner (Austria) and Prof. Jiang Qicheng (China). He was also awardee of Chengdu-ASEAN government’s scholarship.
'Mr. Panjaitan has a beautiful pianistic touch showing great sensitivity and awareness of the emotional content of the music. He has performed on the international stage, competitions and festivals acquiring a great deal of experience in a short space of time. His interpretation to the requirements of the composer is apparent alongside his skill cross-genre.' - Chris Caton-Greasley
'Mr Panjaitan is a sensitive young pianist who is able to lift us out of our seats, transporting us to timbral worlds never thought possible on the instrument' - Ian Anderson
He was invited to present a residence concert by the German Consul before his very special guest representing eleven countries including the Consul General, notable businessmen, music professors, journalists, and artists. “I was star truck: originating from a tiny village I was able to achieve all of this. At this point I was bursting with pride”. He is also the first Indonesian musician who appeared in the anthology book “The Power of Why Musicians” compiled by Glory St Germain, a best seller in the United States and some other countries.
He is the winner of Mars PPID, Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Dunia, OISAA, Overseas Indonesian Students’ Association Alliance. He composed a legacy with enthusiastic lyrics and vivacious music, Hopefully, be able to inspire and motivate “we” as a student around the world.
He has conducted research on Ananda Sukarian's Rapsodia Nusantara No. 4. Sukarian is an Indonesian leading pianist.
Mr. Panjaitan was choosen as a national jury of song writing competition 2021 & 2022 (Festival Lomba Seni Siswa Nasional) and he was also invited as jury for some international talent search competition. He has been invited as accompanist for major choral groups in Indonesia and been performing internationally. He founded his unique global “panda piano course” to educate students from all corners of the globe guided by internationally reputable teachers. He also hosts an international webinar, “panda piano corner” with acclaimed musicians from around the world, as it is aimed for sharing the world’s musical inspiration.
'Mr. Panjaitan has a beautiful pianistic touch showing great sensitivity and awareness of the emotional content of the music. He has performed on the international stage, competitions and festivals acquiring a great deal of experience in a short space of time. His interpretation to the requirements of the composer is apparent alongside his skill cross-genre.' - Chris Caton-Greasley
'Mr Panjaitan is a sensitive young pianist who is able to lift us out of our seats, transporting us to timbral worlds never thought possible on the instrument' - Ian Anderson
He was invited to present a residence concert by the German Consul before his very special guest representing eleven countries including the Consul General, notable businessmen, music professors, journalists, and artists. “I was star truck: originating from a tiny village I was able to achieve all of this. At this point I was bursting with pride”. He is also the first Indonesian musician who appeared in the anthology book “The Power of Why Musicians” compiled by Glory St Germain, a best seller in the United States and some other countries.
He is the winner of Mars PPID, Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Dunia, OISAA, Overseas Indonesian Students’ Association Alliance. He composed a legacy with enthusiastic lyrics and vivacious music, Hopefully, be able to inspire and motivate “we” as a student around the world.
He has conducted research on Ananda Sukarian's Rapsodia Nusantara No. 4. Sukarian is an Indonesian leading pianist.
Mr. Panjaitan was choosen as a national jury of song writing competition 2021 & 2022 (Festival Lomba Seni Siswa Nasional) and he was also invited as jury for some international talent search competition. He has been invited as accompanist for major choral groups in Indonesia and been performing internationally. He founded his unique global “panda piano course” to educate students from all corners of the globe guided by internationally reputable teachers. He also hosts an international webinar, “panda piano corner” with acclaimed musicians from around the world, as it is aimed for sharing the world’s musical inspiration.
Aleigh Papagno
Aleigh Papagno holds the Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Performance from Bob Jones University where she studied applied piano with Dr. Deanna Moore and piano pedagogy with Dr. Lorri Turcios. During her undergraduate studies, she received various accolades such as honorable mention in the BJU Annual Fine Arts Contest and recipient of the Gingery-Mack and Marguerite Nagle-Berry Scholarships. She is presently a master’s student at Ohio University where she studies piano performance and pedagogy with Dr. Christopher Fisher. In addition to her master’s studies, Aleigh is also pursuing a certificate in music theory pedagogy under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Smith.
Aleigh’s passion for teaching was sparked in high school when she began working as a teacher’s assistant for the Capitano Music Studio in her hometown Ocala, Florida. There, she had the privilege of teaching a variety of beginning students between the ages of four and sixteen. During her time at BJU, Aleigh served as a pedagogy intern with Piano Central Studios where she taught in both private and group settings. She currently works as a graduate assistant at Ohio University where she teaches group piano classes for college music majors. Aleigh, additionally, works at the Athens Community Music School where she teaches private lessons to beginning students.
Aleigh has performed as a solo recitalist and collaborator, playing with chamber groups, vocalists, and choirs. In 2023, Aleigh and her piano duo partner Brienna Weigner were named first prize winners in the adult duo division of the Graves/CEOMTA Piano Competition. As a graduate assistant, Aleigh enjoys serving as collaborative pianist for vocal and instrumental students in the Ohio University School of Music. She, likewise, enjoys working as principal accompanist for the Athens Youth Chorus.
When not at the piano, Aleigh can be found reading, watching old movies, or exploring small downtown shopping areas.
Aleigh’s passion for teaching was sparked in high school when she began working as a teacher’s assistant for the Capitano Music Studio in her hometown Ocala, Florida. There, she had the privilege of teaching a variety of beginning students between the ages of four and sixteen. During her time at BJU, Aleigh served as a pedagogy intern with Piano Central Studios where she taught in both private and group settings. She currently works as a graduate assistant at Ohio University where she teaches group piano classes for college music majors. Aleigh, additionally, works at the Athens Community Music School where she teaches private lessons to beginning students.
Aleigh has performed as a solo recitalist and collaborator, playing with chamber groups, vocalists, and choirs. In 2023, Aleigh and her piano duo partner Brienna Weigner were named first prize winners in the adult duo division of the Graves/CEOMTA Piano Competition. As a graduate assistant, Aleigh enjoys serving as collaborative pianist for vocal and instrumental students in the Ohio University School of Music. She, likewise, enjoys working as principal accompanist for the Athens Youth Chorus.
When not at the piano, Aleigh can be found reading, watching old movies, or exploring small downtown shopping areas.
Caden Potter
Caden Potter is a junior in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University, studying with Dr. Christopher Fisher. Originally from Surprise, Arizona, he began taking piano lessons in 2nd grade and began percussion in 4th grade. In the fall of 2022, Caden was named Alternate (Second Prize) in the Ohio Division of the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition. As first prize winner of the 2023 New Albany Symphony Orchestra Concert Competition, Caden will give two performances of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with New Albany Symphony Orchestra in March of 2023 as part of their subscriptions concert series.
Caden served as percussionist and timpanist with the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras (PYSO) for five years and, in 2019, soloed on piano with PYSO at the Mesa Center for the Arts after winning the API Piano Concerto Competition. In 2021 Caden soloed with the PYSO percussion ensemble on marimba and was a winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition.
Caden studied piano with Olga Gorelik for the last six years and percussion with Liz Guzman for the past 4 years. He has attended multiple music festivals, participated in competitions and studied with teachers such as Pavlina Dokovska, Eugene Pridonoff, Eliasabeth Pridonoff, Eckart Sellheim, Dian Baker, Dr. Barbara Fast, Dr. Emely Phelps, Dr. Christopher Fisher, Dr. Jay Roberts, Drew Le, Silvan Negrutiu, Eliran Avni, Yuri Kot, and Heidi Williams. Caden has taken percussion lessons and master classes with Mika Stoltzman, John Kasica, Roger Braun, Michael Competello, Matthew Holm, Katherine Stonefelt and Liz Guzman.
Caden enjoys collaborating with other musicians, especially his twin sister, Gracie (trombone), his older sister, Emma (french horn) and playing piano duets with his younger sister, Lily. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, learning about history, playing board games with family and friends and, of course, video games.
Caden served as percussionist and timpanist with the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras (PYSO) for five years and, in 2019, soloed on piano with PYSO at the Mesa Center for the Arts after winning the API Piano Concerto Competition. In 2021 Caden soloed with the PYSO percussion ensemble on marimba and was a winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition.
Caden studied piano with Olga Gorelik for the last six years and percussion with Liz Guzman for the past 4 years. He has attended multiple music festivals, participated in competitions and studied with teachers such as Pavlina Dokovska, Eugene Pridonoff, Eliasabeth Pridonoff, Eckart Sellheim, Dian Baker, Dr. Barbara Fast, Dr. Emely Phelps, Dr. Christopher Fisher, Dr. Jay Roberts, Drew Le, Silvan Negrutiu, Eliran Avni, Yuri Kot, and Heidi Williams. Caden has taken percussion lessons and master classes with Mika Stoltzman, John Kasica, Roger Braun, Michael Competello, Matthew Holm, Katherine Stonefelt and Liz Guzman.
Caden enjoys collaborating with other musicians, especially his twin sister, Gracie (trombone), his older sister, Emma (french horn) and playing piano duets with his younger sister, Lily. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, learning about history, playing board games with family and friends and, of course, video games.
Laura Silva
Laura Silva is a versatile musician with 20 years of professional experience. She graduated with a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Fisher at Ohio University, where is continuing her piano studies and musicology in the PhD program of Interdisciplinary Arts.
During her graduate studies at OU, Laura has been a group piano instructor for music-major college students, and a collaborative pianist of University Singers and Choral Union. She has also been a private piano instructor at ACMS, and a collaborative pianist for college and graduate students. She has been the instructor of Introduction to Piano Safari, Piano Ensembles, and Body Percussion/Movement at the ACMS Summer Week; she has also collaborated with the Music Theater Summer Camp and assisted the Piano Summer Camp. During her doctoral studies, she has been an instructor of Introductory courses to the Arts for undergraduate students and is the director of the Piano Ensembles Project at the Athens Community School of Music.
Laura Silva has been awarded the Silvia Reynolds Eckes Scholarship (2017-2019), the 2nd Prize at the Ohio International Piano Duo & Duet Competition with Teodora Owen (2018), the Graduate Achievement in Performance Award at the Annual OU School of Music Honors Assembly (2018), and the OU Diversity Fellowship (2019-2020). She premiered the nationally awarded piano solo piece “Art Miniatures” by Ryne Siesky (2018) at the West Fork New Music Festival at Fairmont State University (WV), the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Conference in Ashland, and the Society of Composers International Invitational at West Virginia University.
Three of her Elementary Piano Ensemble pieces are published by Piano Safari. Part of her teaching philosophy can be found on the article “The Power of Piano Ensembles: Building Collaboration, Musicianship, and Community” for The Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion published in 2019. She has joined the OU MTNA Chapter as Treasurer (2017-2018) and Vice-President (2018-2020), and has presented posters and conferences at several conferences such as MTNA Symposia, National Conference of MTNA and NCKP. In the latest edition of the NCKP, she has prepared a Virtual Piano Ensemble with the performance contribution of pianists attending and presenting at this conference. The arrangement for this project has been published by TimeWarp for the music library app SuperScore.
Laura holds degrees from the Conservatorio Nacional de Musica Juan Jose Landaeta, Central Universidad Central de Venezuela (Bachelor in Social Psychology) and a Master of Music from the Universidad Simon Bolivar. Her piano mentors have been Elizabeth Guerrero, Carlos Urbaneja, Abraham Abreu, Manuel Laufer, Christopher Fisher, Stephanie Wu, and Emely Phelps. She has participated of piano master classes and lessons of Judith Jaimes, Frank Fernández, Walter Blankenheim, Carlos Duarte, Gabriela Montero, Roger Muraro, Monique Duphil, Prisca Benoit, Michel Beroff, Laura Mikkola, Kristiina Junttu, Edith Peña, Vadym Kholodenko, Michael Chertock, Rachel Kudo, and Kwan Yi.
Besides the piano, she has studied organ with Paul Barte and Pablo Castellanos; harpsichord with Rubén Guzmán and Bruno Procopio and she has received classes of baroque music at courses with Jacques Ogg, Ketil Haugsand and Alessandro Santoro, among others. She obtained an advanced certificate at Ohio University in choral conducting, studying with Bradley Naylor and Paul Mayhew and has studied composition with Mark Phillips. She is currently interested in studies on music, identity, and migratory processes such as diasporas.
In her native city, Caracas, Laura was a piano teacher at Mozarteum Caracas School of Music, where she started the Piano Ensembles project (2014) that she has replicated in the US. She is a former principal pianist of the UNESCO awarded network “El Sistema”. She was the titular pianist at Teresa Carreño Youth Symphony Orchestra, a collaborative pianist of the Latin American Academy of Flutes, and participated of multiple concerts and festivals. Laura has partnered with the “Orquesta Barroca Simón Bolívar”, “Orquesta de Cámara Mozarteum Caracas”, “Orquesta Filarmónica Nacional de Venezuela”, “Orquesta Juvenil de Caracas”, “Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela”, “Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas”, “Schola Cantorum de Venezuela”, among others, and performed at the most prestigious venues in Europe, Asia, and the US, under the baton of internationally known artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Christian Vazquez, Diego Matheuz, Alberto Grau, and María Guinand.
https://laurasilvapiano.weebly.com/
During her graduate studies at OU, Laura has been a group piano instructor for music-major college students, and a collaborative pianist of University Singers and Choral Union. She has also been a private piano instructor at ACMS, and a collaborative pianist for college and graduate students. She has been the instructor of Introduction to Piano Safari, Piano Ensembles, and Body Percussion/Movement at the ACMS Summer Week; she has also collaborated with the Music Theater Summer Camp and assisted the Piano Summer Camp. During her doctoral studies, she has been an instructor of Introductory courses to the Arts for undergraduate students and is the director of the Piano Ensembles Project at the Athens Community School of Music.
Laura Silva has been awarded the Silvia Reynolds Eckes Scholarship (2017-2019), the 2nd Prize at the Ohio International Piano Duo & Duet Competition with Teodora Owen (2018), the Graduate Achievement in Performance Award at the Annual OU School of Music Honors Assembly (2018), and the OU Diversity Fellowship (2019-2020). She premiered the nationally awarded piano solo piece “Art Miniatures” by Ryne Siesky (2018) at the West Fork New Music Festival at Fairmont State University (WV), the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Conference in Ashland, and the Society of Composers International Invitational at West Virginia University.
Three of her Elementary Piano Ensemble pieces are published by Piano Safari. Part of her teaching philosophy can be found on the article “The Power of Piano Ensembles: Building Collaboration, Musicianship, and Community” for The Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion published in 2019. She has joined the OU MTNA Chapter as Treasurer (2017-2018) and Vice-President (2018-2020), and has presented posters and conferences at several conferences such as MTNA Symposia, National Conference of MTNA and NCKP. In the latest edition of the NCKP, she has prepared a Virtual Piano Ensemble with the performance contribution of pianists attending and presenting at this conference. The arrangement for this project has been published by TimeWarp for the music library app SuperScore.
Laura holds degrees from the Conservatorio Nacional de Musica Juan Jose Landaeta, Central Universidad Central de Venezuela (Bachelor in Social Psychology) and a Master of Music from the Universidad Simon Bolivar. Her piano mentors have been Elizabeth Guerrero, Carlos Urbaneja, Abraham Abreu, Manuel Laufer, Christopher Fisher, Stephanie Wu, and Emely Phelps. She has participated of piano master classes and lessons of Judith Jaimes, Frank Fernández, Walter Blankenheim, Carlos Duarte, Gabriela Montero, Roger Muraro, Monique Duphil, Prisca Benoit, Michel Beroff, Laura Mikkola, Kristiina Junttu, Edith Peña, Vadym Kholodenko, Michael Chertock, Rachel Kudo, and Kwan Yi.
Besides the piano, she has studied organ with Paul Barte and Pablo Castellanos; harpsichord with Rubén Guzmán and Bruno Procopio and she has received classes of baroque music at courses with Jacques Ogg, Ketil Haugsand and Alessandro Santoro, among others. She obtained an advanced certificate at Ohio University in choral conducting, studying with Bradley Naylor and Paul Mayhew and has studied composition with Mark Phillips. She is currently interested in studies on music, identity, and migratory processes such as diasporas.
In her native city, Caracas, Laura was a piano teacher at Mozarteum Caracas School of Music, where she started the Piano Ensembles project (2014) that she has replicated in the US. She is a former principal pianist of the UNESCO awarded network “El Sistema”. She was the titular pianist at Teresa Carreño Youth Symphony Orchestra, a collaborative pianist of the Latin American Academy of Flutes, and participated of multiple concerts and festivals. Laura has partnered with the “Orquesta Barroca Simón Bolívar”, “Orquesta de Cámara Mozarteum Caracas”, “Orquesta Filarmónica Nacional de Venezuela”, “Orquesta Juvenil de Caracas”, “Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela”, “Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas”, “Schola Cantorum de Venezuela”, among others, and performed at the most prestigious venues in Europe, Asia, and the US, under the baton of internationally known artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Christian Vazquez, Diego Matheuz, Alberto Grau, and María Guinand.
https://laurasilvapiano.weebly.com/
Rylie Stopperich
Rylie Stopperich is a sophomore at Ohio University, studying music production with a minor in music. She is beginning her studies with Dr. Christopher Fisher after studying under Ms. Jiao. Sun during her freshman year. Rylie is from Washington, Pennsylvania. Her first piano lessons began at 9 years old and at age 11 she studied piano with Melody Sharp, who she continues to work with when home on breaks.
Rylie attended Chartiers-Houston high school, a small school in southwestern Pennsylvania with a very vibrant music program led by Bud Smokovich. She originally played percussion with the high school band and was later asked to play saxophone in 9th grade after many experienced saxophone players had graduated. She continued to play saxophone throughout the remainder of her high school tenure. Rylie was also asked to join her high school’s jazz band where she performed multiple solos for both school performances and performances offered to the local community during the holiday seasons.
At age 14, Rylie began playing the violin, studying under Carrie Erdely. She joined the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (PYPO) one year later, starting at their entry level. She became very involved with their program, performing in various concerts and volunteering to perform at local events offered for the Pittsburgh community. By her senior year, Rylie had achieved her goal and began performing with PYPO’s most advanced orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra. She continues to play violin today at OU with the ensemble orchestra.
In her free time, when not playing piano or violin, Rylie enjoys watching movies, reading, and thrifting.
Rylie attended Chartiers-Houston high school, a small school in southwestern Pennsylvania with a very vibrant music program led by Bud Smokovich. She originally played percussion with the high school band and was later asked to play saxophone in 9th grade after many experienced saxophone players had graduated. She continued to play saxophone throughout the remainder of her high school tenure. Rylie was also asked to join her high school’s jazz band where she performed multiple solos for both school performances and performances offered to the local community during the holiday seasons.
At age 14, Rylie began playing the violin, studying under Carrie Erdely. She joined the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (PYPO) one year later, starting at their entry level. She became very involved with their program, performing in various concerts and volunteering to perform at local events offered for the Pittsburgh community. By her senior year, Rylie had achieved her goal and began performing with PYPO’s most advanced orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra. She continues to play violin today at OU with the ensemble orchestra.
In her free time, when not playing piano or violin, Rylie enjoys watching movies, reading, and thrifting.
Laurel Strickland
Laurel Strickland’s musical passion lies with young beginners in both the piano studio and early childhood music classroom. However, Ms. Laurel enjoys nurturing musicians of all ages and skill levels to thrive as they grow their musical potential. Because she believes in comprehensive musicianship, her students can be found dancing, singing, sightreading, composing, analyzing, and collaborating in addition to creating their own music. Her current Musikgarten certifications include Family Music for Infants and Toddlers, Cycle of Seasons, and Keyboard Level One.
At Ohio University, Laurel strives to equip herself and her studio in order to help her students reach their fullest potential. She is currently pursuing a M.M. in Piano Performance & Pedagogy with a graduate assistantship under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Fisher. Furthermore, she teaches piano lessons as a Student Instructor in the Athens Community Music School. Prior to studying with Dr. Fisher, Laurel studied with Dr. Daniel Paul Horn at Wheaton Conservatory of Music where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double-major in Music Performance: Piano and Music Pedagogy. During her time at Wheaton, she received an honorable mention in the 2020 Keyboard Concerto Competition, performed as the Women’s Chorale pianist under Dr. Mary Hopper and Dr. Jerry Blackstone, worked alongside Dean Michael Wilder as the Conservatory Freshman-Sophomore Student Representative and the Student Representative President, and received performance and academic awards such as the Evalin Endowed Scholarship, James and Sarah Williams Scholarship, and Stella Russel Junior Class Award.
Looking to the future, Laurel seeks to combine her experience as a piano studio teacher, Musikgarten instructor of multiple ages, event coordinator on Wheaton College’s Solidarity Cabinet, and assistant teacher in the ywca Tri-County Area to bring music to children in underprivileged areas. With a particular passion for younger children, she believes that music education can enrich student’s lives and minister to their mental development, physical awareness, and social-emotional learning.
At Ohio University, Laurel strives to equip herself and her studio in order to help her students reach their fullest potential. She is currently pursuing a M.M. in Piano Performance & Pedagogy with a graduate assistantship under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Fisher. Furthermore, she teaches piano lessons as a Student Instructor in the Athens Community Music School. Prior to studying with Dr. Fisher, Laurel studied with Dr. Daniel Paul Horn at Wheaton Conservatory of Music where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double-major in Music Performance: Piano and Music Pedagogy. During her time at Wheaton, she received an honorable mention in the 2020 Keyboard Concerto Competition, performed as the Women’s Chorale pianist under Dr. Mary Hopper and Dr. Jerry Blackstone, worked alongside Dean Michael Wilder as the Conservatory Freshman-Sophomore Student Representative and the Student Representative President, and received performance and academic awards such as the Evalin Endowed Scholarship, James and Sarah Williams Scholarship, and Stella Russel Junior Class Award.
Looking to the future, Laurel seeks to combine her experience as a piano studio teacher, Musikgarten instructor of multiple ages, event coordinator on Wheaton College’s Solidarity Cabinet, and assistant teacher in the ywca Tri-County Area to bring music to children in underprivileged areas. With a particular passion for younger children, she believes that music education can enrich student’s lives and minister to their mental development, physical awareness, and social-emotional learning.
Wenhao Zhang
Wenhao Zhang began his study of the piano at age six and was accepted as a student at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in 2018. He completed his degree in piano performance as a student of Jingbei Li. He is a first-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where he is a student of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Wenhao is the recipient of several scholarships and competitions, including the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, Qingdao Music International Piano Competition 2020, and the 4th Franz Liszt Youth Piano Competition. Wenhao is particularly obsessed with cooking especially Chinese traditional food and enjoys sharing his creations with friends.
Wenhao is the recipient of several scholarships and competitions, including the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, Qingdao Music International Piano Competition 2020, and the 4th Franz Liszt Youth Piano Competition. Wenhao is particularly obsessed with cooking especially Chinese traditional food and enjoys sharing his creations with friends.
Weida Zhuo
Weida Zhuo is a second-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where he is pursuing the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Professor Christopher Fisher. Mr. Zhuo holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in China. He is a laureate of many competitions including the 11th Singapore China International Music Competition and the Chicago International Music Competition. He was a winner of the 2023 Ohio University School of Music Student Soloist Competition and performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra.
