Finn Bush
Finn Bush is a third-year undergraduate Piano Performance student in Dr. Chrstopher Fisher’s studio at Ohio University.
Finn was born in Kenscoff, Haiti, before being adopted and coming to live in Athens, Ohio at the age of 10 months. He began his piano journey when he was five years old with Marsha Riley before continuing his studies with Trisha Lachman. For the last six years, Dr. Emely Phelps was his instructor and mentor. Finn participated in Ohio University Summer Music camps, one of which gave him the opportunity to play in world class pianist George Li’s masterclass.
Winning the Ohio University High School Concerto Scholarship Competition gave Finn the honor of playing as a piano soloist with the Ohio University Symphony his sophomore year. Other competitions include two MTNA Piano competitions (honorable mentions), and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra’s Student Concerto Competition (second prize).
Finn studied with Svetlana Smolina and Mark Livshits at the Philadelphia International Music Festival where he won second place overall in the piano concerto competition and first prize for his age group, earning him a merit scholarship. At Peabody Piano Week he was instructed by Alexander Shtarkman and Michael Angelucci. Most recently he attended the Brevard Summer Music Festival, studying with Donna Lee.
Finn plays violin in the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra. He studies violin with Dr. Nathan Southwick.
As well as music, Finn is passionate about ice hockey and gym workouts. He also enjoys travel, computer gaming, and working around his family’s farm.
Finn was born in Kenscoff, Haiti, before being adopted and coming to live in Athens, Ohio at the age of 10 months. He began his piano journey when he was five years old with Marsha Riley before continuing his studies with Trisha Lachman. For the last six years, Dr. Emely Phelps was his instructor and mentor. Finn participated in Ohio University Summer Music camps, one of which gave him the opportunity to play in world class pianist George Li’s masterclass.
Winning the Ohio University High School Concerto Scholarship Competition gave Finn the honor of playing as a piano soloist with the Ohio University Symphony his sophomore year. Other competitions include two MTNA Piano competitions (honorable mentions), and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra’s Student Concerto Competition (second prize).
Finn studied with Svetlana Smolina and Mark Livshits at the Philadelphia International Music Festival where he won second place overall in the piano concerto competition and first prize for his age group, earning him a merit scholarship. At Peabody Piano Week he was instructed by Alexander Shtarkman and Michael Angelucci. Most recently he attended the Brevard Summer Music Festival, studying with Donna Lee.
Finn plays violin in the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra. He studies violin with Dr. Nathan Southwick.
As well as music, Finn is passionate about ice hockey and gym workouts. He also enjoys travel, computer gaming, and working around his family’s farm.
Eileen Cheng
Eileen Cheng was born in Malaysia and moved to Singapore when she was 7. She started learning the piano at the age of 5, but began feeling pain in her arms at 13 when she played. The pain was unaddressed for years, until she began studying with Mr. Frank DeMeglio who taught her how to play the piano without feeling any further pain by using proper technique.
Eileen obtained her BA(Hons) in Music in 2019, specializing in Classical Performance (Piano) at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, under the tutelage of Mr. Frank DeMeglio. In 2017, she won the school's annual piano concerto competition, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto K. 467 in C major with originally composed cadenzas and lead-ins. In that same year, she showcased the concerto's 1st movement in the school's annual Classical piano concert, Piano Voyage. In 2018, Eileen co-directed the year's instalment of Piano Voyage, which was subtitled "A Time Traveler's Memoir" and which featured student & alumnus performances to accompany an originally written story. She later assisted the planning committee in the 2019 concert titled Constellations, where students paired Classical piano repertoire with star constellations. Eileen's involvement with these concerts, which combined student performances with visual imagery and interdisciplinary collaborations, were spurred on by her shared belief with the school that Classical music should be made accessible to the masses.
After graduating, Eileen worked at a local music school in Singapore, teaching piano and music theory to students from ages 4 to 18 and preparing them for graded exams. She realised over the years that much was lacking in her own music education while growing up, as well as that of the students she encountered. She also discovered that hurting when playing the piano is not an uncommon problem among students, and is even often taken to be a norm. Eileen’s aim is thus to teach her students proper technique, so they would not have to go through the same pain she did which had almost caused her to give up her passion for the piano. At the same time, she wishes to teach and introduce her students to music in a way that makes it much, much more than just ‘playing notes on a page’.
Eileen is now pursuing her Master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University under Dr. Christopher Fisher's guidance. As a teacher, her goal is ultimately to spread the importance of a well-grounded technique behind one's playing, and to empower her students with the ability to play any repertoire that they may desire.
Eileen obtained her BA(Hons) in Music in 2019, specializing in Classical Performance (Piano) at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, under the tutelage of Mr. Frank DeMeglio. In 2017, she won the school's annual piano concerto competition, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto K. 467 in C major with originally composed cadenzas and lead-ins. In that same year, she showcased the concerto's 1st movement in the school's annual Classical piano concert, Piano Voyage. In 2018, Eileen co-directed the year's instalment of Piano Voyage, which was subtitled "A Time Traveler's Memoir" and which featured student & alumnus performances to accompany an originally written story. She later assisted the planning committee in the 2019 concert titled Constellations, where students paired Classical piano repertoire with star constellations. Eileen's involvement with these concerts, which combined student performances with visual imagery and interdisciplinary collaborations, were spurred on by her shared belief with the school that Classical music should be made accessible to the masses.
After graduating, Eileen worked at a local music school in Singapore, teaching piano and music theory to students from ages 4 to 18 and preparing them for graded exams. She realised over the years that much was lacking in her own music education while growing up, as well as that of the students she encountered. She also discovered that hurting when playing the piano is not an uncommon problem among students, and is even often taken to be a norm. Eileen’s aim is thus to teach her students proper technique, so they would not have to go through the same pain she did which had almost caused her to give up her passion for the piano. At the same time, she wishes to teach and introduce her students to music in a way that makes it much, much more than just ‘playing notes on a page’.
Eileen is now pursuing her Master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University under Dr. Christopher Fisher's guidance. As a teacher, her goal is ultimately to spread the importance of a well-grounded technique behind one's playing, and to empower her students with the ability to play any repertoire that they may desire.
Luz Celeste Falcon
LLuz was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. She began her music studies at the age of six, taking piano lessons at the Sebastián Echeverría Lozano School of Music with professors Nelly Badillo, Aura Marina Ríos, and Juan Carlos Muñoz. In 2003, she also began studying violin and joined the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Cojedes State, conducted by Ángel Hernández.
In 2007, Luz continued her piano studies at the Conservatory of Music of Aragua State with Professor Arnaldo Pizzolante. At the same time, she performed as a violinist in the Carabobo Youth Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Joshua Dos Santos, and studied violin at the Mozarteum School of Music in Caracas.
In 2011, she advanced her piano studies in Caracas with Professor Clara Marcano and was admitted to the Manuel Alberto López Experimental School of Music in 2013. There, she was awarded 2nd prize in the “Sonatas and Sonatinas EEMMAL 2013” Piano Competition and performed in the Concert of Excellence. In 2015, she presented her solo recital as the culmination of ten years of academic piano studies, graduating from the Conservatory of Music of Aragua State under the guidance of Professor Nidia Ferrarotto.
While completing her undergraduate degree in Administrative and Management Sciences, Luz achieved several academic distinctions, including “Magna Cum Laude” honors and ranking first in her 2018 graduating class. She also earned the highest academic index in the Senior Technician Degrees in Marketing and Logistics at the Center Technological University. Additionally, she received multiple “Academic Excellence” awards from the Carabobo Conservatory of Music for her outstanding performance. In 2017, she successfully auditioned for and secured the piano position in the Carabobo Symphony Orchestra.
Luz also worked as a piano instructor at the Centro de Capacitación Musical Teresa Carreño, a music academy for students of all ages in Valencia, Venezuela. She has served as a collaborative pianist for vocalists and chamber ensembles, performing in recitals, religious services, and weddings.
She has performed in numerous important venues throughout Venezuela, including the Teresa Carreño Theater (Caracas, 2017), Simón Bolívar University Auditorium (2013), UNELLEZ Auditorium (2005), Chacao Cultural Center (2013), Dr. Alfredo Celis Pérez Theater (2011), Valencia Municipal Theater (2011), El Hatillo Cultural Center (2013), Italian House Theater of Maracay (2008 and 2009), Ateneo Theater of Maracay (2015), Mozarteum Auditorium (Caracas), Aragua State Conservatory (2015), Sebastián Echeverría Lozano School Auditorium (2005–2011), and the Eladio Alemán Sucre Cultural Center (2011–2015).
Internationally, she has performed at venues such as the Empire Theater (Buenos Aires, 2019), Russian House (2023), Alliance Française (2023), and García Morillo Auditorium (2021–2023). In the United States, her performances include appearances at the Ohio University School of Music (Athens, OH – November 2024). As a choir accompanist pianist, she has also performed at the First United Methodist Church (Athens, OH – October 2024), Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium (Athens, OH – October 2024), First United Methodist Church (Lancaster, OH – March 2025), as well as at various high school auditoriums across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
In addition to her music career, Luz has developed professional experience in the field of technology from 2017 to 2024, specializing in SAP software. Her expertise includes the Materials Management (MM) module and SAP Ariba, both related to logistics consulting. She has participated in SAP implementation and support projects for clients across Latin America (Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina) and Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Italy), both on-site and remotely.
From 2020 to 2024, Luz continued her music education at the National University of the Arts in Argentina, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the Department of Musical Arts (DAMus), where she studied with Professors Alfredo Corral (Piano) and Laura Politi (Chamber Music).
Currently, Luz is a graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music, pursuing a Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Fisher. She serves as the accompanist pianist for the Singing Men of Ohio (SMO) choir and works as a collaborative pianist. In addition, she teaches both group and one-on-one piano lessons at the Athens Community Music School (ACSM).
In 2007, Luz continued her piano studies at the Conservatory of Music of Aragua State with Professor Arnaldo Pizzolante. At the same time, she performed as a violinist in the Carabobo Youth Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Joshua Dos Santos, and studied violin at the Mozarteum School of Music in Caracas.
In 2011, she advanced her piano studies in Caracas with Professor Clara Marcano and was admitted to the Manuel Alberto López Experimental School of Music in 2013. There, she was awarded 2nd prize in the “Sonatas and Sonatinas EEMMAL 2013” Piano Competition and performed in the Concert of Excellence. In 2015, she presented her solo recital as the culmination of ten years of academic piano studies, graduating from the Conservatory of Music of Aragua State under the guidance of Professor Nidia Ferrarotto.
While completing her undergraduate degree in Administrative and Management Sciences, Luz achieved several academic distinctions, including “Magna Cum Laude” honors and ranking first in her 2018 graduating class. She also earned the highest academic index in the Senior Technician Degrees in Marketing and Logistics at the Center Technological University. Additionally, she received multiple “Academic Excellence” awards from the Carabobo Conservatory of Music for her outstanding performance. In 2017, she successfully auditioned for and secured the piano position in the Carabobo Symphony Orchestra.
Luz also worked as a piano instructor at the Centro de Capacitación Musical Teresa Carreño, a music academy for students of all ages in Valencia, Venezuela. She has served as a collaborative pianist for vocalists and chamber ensembles, performing in recitals, religious services, and weddings.
She has performed in numerous important venues throughout Venezuela, including the Teresa Carreño Theater (Caracas, 2017), Simón Bolívar University Auditorium (2013), UNELLEZ Auditorium (2005), Chacao Cultural Center (2013), Dr. Alfredo Celis Pérez Theater (2011), Valencia Municipal Theater (2011), El Hatillo Cultural Center (2013), Italian House Theater of Maracay (2008 and 2009), Ateneo Theater of Maracay (2015), Mozarteum Auditorium (Caracas), Aragua State Conservatory (2015), Sebastián Echeverría Lozano School Auditorium (2005–2011), and the Eladio Alemán Sucre Cultural Center (2011–2015).
Internationally, she has performed at venues such as the Empire Theater (Buenos Aires, 2019), Russian House (2023), Alliance Française (2023), and García Morillo Auditorium (2021–2023). In the United States, her performances include appearances at the Ohio University School of Music (Athens, OH – November 2024). As a choir accompanist pianist, she has also performed at the First United Methodist Church (Athens, OH – October 2024), Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium (Athens, OH – October 2024), First United Methodist Church (Lancaster, OH – March 2025), as well as at various high school auditoriums across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
In addition to her music career, Luz has developed professional experience in the field of technology from 2017 to 2024, specializing in SAP software. Her expertise includes the Materials Management (MM) module and SAP Ariba, both related to logistics consulting. She has participated in SAP implementation and support projects for clients across Latin America (Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina) and Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Italy), both on-site and remotely.
From 2020 to 2024, Luz continued her music education at the National University of the Arts in Argentina, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the Department of Musical Arts (DAMus), where she studied with Professors Alfredo Corral (Piano) and Laura Politi (Chamber Music).
Currently, Luz is a graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music, pursuing a Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Fisher. She serves as the accompanist pianist for the Singing Men of Ohio (SMO) choir and works as a collaborative pianist. In addition, she teaches both group and one-on-one piano lessons at the Athens Community Music School (ACSM).
Zihan Hao
Zihan Hao, a native of China, began learning the piano at the age of five. In 2020, she was admitted to the Piano Department of Shenyang Conservatory of Music, where she flourished under the mentorship of Professor Fang Zhang. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Zihan distinguished herself by earning multiple National Encouragement Scholarships and Scholarships from the Conservatory. In 2024, Zihan graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Shenyang Conservatory of Music, earning the title of "Outstanding Graduate" and successfully hosting a graduation concert. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Ohio University under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
William Keller
William Keller is a senior 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, received first prize in the Young Artist Division of the 2023 Graves/CEOMTA Piano Competition, and was a finalist in the 2025 Chicago International Music Competition .
Siyu Li
At the age of five, Siyu Li began studying the piano. She placed first in her major when she was accepted into the Wuhan Conservatory of Music's high school affiliate in 2015. She was accepted to the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in 2018 to pursue undergraduate studies under Dr. Jingbei Li.
Siyu is the recipient of several scholarships and competitions.At the 2013 Imola International Piano Competition,she won the first prize of the junior group. In 2015 She won the first prize in the Shanghai Open piano competition.In 2019, She qualified for the international finals of the Second Liszt Youth International Piano Competition after winning the gold medal in the China Division. In 2020 She took first place in the Yangtze Cup Piano Competition in both the solo group and the four-hand group. In 2021, She won the first prize at the 3rd Liszt Youth International Piano Competition in China's Hubei Division. She is a first-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Outside of music, Siyu loves photography and hiking. She is also keen on watching movies.
Siyu is the recipient of several scholarships and competitions.At the 2013 Imola International Piano Competition,she won the first prize of the junior group. In 2015 She won the first prize in the Shanghai Open piano competition.In 2019, She qualified for the international finals of the Second Liszt Youth International Piano Competition after winning the gold medal in the China Division. In 2020 She took first place in the Yangtze Cup Piano Competition in both the solo group and the four-hand group. In 2021, She won the first prize at the 3rd Liszt Youth International Piano Competition in China's Hubei Division. She is a first-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Outside of music, Siyu loves photography and hiking. She is also keen on watching movies.
Yu Lu
Yu Lu began her piano studies at the age of six. She was admitted to the Wuhan Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2014, where she received rigorous professional training. In 2021, she entered the Wuhan Conservatory of Music for her undergraduate studies in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Xin Xin.
Yu has achieved remarkable success in numerous prestigious competitions, including:
1st Prize in the 4th Franz Liszt International Youth Piano Competition-China (2022) ; 1st Prize at the KAWAI Asia Piano Competition (Wuhan Division, 2023) ; 1st Prize at the Tchaikovsky International Music Competition (Hubei Division, 2023) ; 2nd Prize at the Steinway National Youth Piano Competition (Hubei Regional Final, 2023) ; 1st Prize at the "Yangtze River Piano Cup" Youth Music Competition (2023) ; 1st Prize at the Singapore International Young Pianist Competition (Preliminary Round, 2024) ; 1st Prize at the Germany Carl Rönisch International Piano Competition (Wuhan Division, 2024) Additionally, she was awarded the Second-Class Scholarship for Outstanding Students (2021-2022).
Currently, Yu continues to refine her studies of graduated, she is a first-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Yu has achieved remarkable success in numerous prestigious competitions, including:
1st Prize in the 4th Franz Liszt International Youth Piano Competition-China (2022) ; 1st Prize at the KAWAI Asia Piano Competition (Wuhan Division, 2023) ; 1st Prize at the Tchaikovsky International Music Competition (Hubei Division, 2023) ; 2nd Prize at the Steinway National Youth Piano Competition (Hubei Regional Final, 2023) ; 1st Prize at the "Yangtze River Piano Cup" Youth Music Competition (2023) ; 1st Prize at the Singapore International Young Pianist Competition (Preliminary Round, 2024) ; 1st Prize at the Germany Carl Rönisch International Piano Competition (Wuhan Division, 2024) Additionally, she was awarded the Second-Class Scholarship for Outstanding Students (2021-2022).
Currently, Yu continues to refine her studies of graduated, she is a first-year graduate student at the Ohio University School of Music where she is a student of Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Audrey Marinelli
Audrey Marinelli grew up in New Hampshire and began her musical studies with piano lessons at age 6. During her high school years, she studied under Gregg Pauley and Mary Towse-Beck. While in high school, Audrey interned as a piano teacher at her local music academy. Through these experiences, she developed a passion for teaching piano and investing in students both musically and emotionally. She firmly believes in the social-emotional aspects of music education and the great responsibility of a music educator in stressing these aspects while teaching. Audrey’s passion for teaching and music compelled her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University. During her undergraduate, she had the privilege of studying with Dr. Kenon Renfrow and Professor David Lehman. She was a recipient of several scholarships and competitions, which included being a finalist in BJU school of music’s commencement competitions. As a freshman, Audrey was awarded the Keyboard Studies Award in recognition of students displaying talent and dedication in studying piano. As a musician, one of Audrey’s passions is collaborating with other musicians, leading her to accompany a university girls’ choir, major lessons, multiple concerto competitions, visiting artists’ masterclasses, and workshops with Grammy award-winning conductor Richard Kaufman. Throughout undergrad, Audrey spent 2 years participating in a pedagogy internship, instilling in her a stronger passion to connect with students and develop her personal teaching skills. She also enjoyed interning as a choir accompanist for 2 years at the Greenville Youth Chorale. Currently, Audrey is pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University, studying under Dr. Christopher Fisher.
Griffin Nelson
Griffin Nelson is a 3rd-year undergraduate student in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. He studies Piano Performance and Pedagogy in the studio of Dr. Christopher Fisher. Griffin’s love of music started at the age of 5 with violin and piano lessons from Rebekah Robertson, later advancing on to complete his pre-collegiate training with Mayde Robertson. During his time in the Robertson Piano Studio, Griffin was awarded numerous titles of “Unanimous Superior” at NFMC Festivals for his accomplishment in the piano solo, piano duet, and music theory events. He began attending summer music camps in 2021, earning scholarships to study composition under Dr. Jennifer Merkowitz at the Otterbein Music Summer Camp, as well as chamber music with the Wyoming Fine Arts Center.
As a current student of Dr. Fisher, Griffin has participated in several competitions, earning honorable mentions in the Young Artist division in the piano solo and piano duet categories of the OhioMTA/Graves Piano Competition in 2025, as well as being honorably mentioned in the Senior division for piano solo in 2024. In April 2025, he completed his Junior Piano Recital with a program of Beethoven, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff and Brahms. He has held the position of Secretary & Social Media Manager for the MTNA collegiate chapter of Southeast Ohio. Through MNTA, he has volunteered as a masterclass clinician and day camp educator, working closely with Ilana Cady and Wenhao Zhang. As a composer, Griffin has been able to maximize his opportunities through the Honors Tutorial College, writing piano music ranging from intermediate preludes to a movement of a piano concerto. Recently, he has been commissioned by the piano studio of Claire Black to write music spanning early-elementary to early-advanced levels.
Griffin thoroughly enjoys the world and culture of classical music. His deep admiration for the repertoire fuels his inspiration to perform, compose, teach, and shine a spotlight on the enriching value of an education in music.
As a current student of Dr. Fisher, Griffin has participated in several competitions, earning honorable mentions in the Young Artist division in the piano solo and piano duet categories of the OhioMTA/Graves Piano Competition in 2025, as well as being honorably mentioned in the Senior division for piano solo in 2024. In April 2025, he completed his Junior Piano Recital with a program of Beethoven, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff and Brahms. He has held the position of Secretary & Social Media Manager for the MTNA collegiate chapter of Southeast Ohio. Through MNTA, he has volunteered as a masterclass clinician and day camp educator, working closely with Ilana Cady and Wenhao Zhang. As a composer, Griffin has been able to maximize his opportunities through the Honors Tutorial College, writing piano music ranging from intermediate preludes to a movement of a piano concerto. Recently, he has been commissioned by the piano studio of Claire Black to write music spanning early-elementary to early-advanced levels.
Griffin thoroughly enjoys the world and culture of classical music. His deep admiration for the repertoire fuels his inspiration to perform, compose, teach, and shine a spotlight on the enriching value of an education in music.
Alejandro Orta
Venezuelan pianist Alejandro Orta is a first graduate student in the studio of Dr. Christopher Fisher at the Ohio University School of Music where he is pursuing the MM in piano performance.
A laureate of numerous competitions in both the United States and his home country, his recent accolades include first place in New Albany Symphony's 2024 Student Concerto Competition and the 2021 Graves/OhioMTA Young Artist Competition, as well as the Senior Division winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition, in which he performed the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Concerto with the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra. In August 2024, Alejandro was selected to be a member of the American Pops Orchestra to perform in the Kennedy Center for the 37th Hispanic Heritage Awards.
He has participated in master classes with renowned pianists such as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, George Li, Henry Kramer, Dominic Cheli, Kate Liu, and Mackenzie Melemed.
Alejandro graduated in May 2025 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, summa cum laude, from the Honors Tutorial College. His graduating thesis explored "Strategies for Fostering Classical Music Engagement in Young Audiences."
Alejandro began his piano studies at the age of eight with Professor Elizabeth Guerrero at the Juan José Landaeta National Conservatory of Music in Venezuela. There, he cultivated his passion and love for music, performing in concerts and recitals. He participated in the second level of the XI Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition in 2011, winning first prize, the Best Sonatina Performance Award, and the Best Venezuelan Work Performance Award. He also performed in La Fete 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 the Mozarteum Caracas School of Music. In 2016, he received the second prize in the fifth level of the XIII Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition. Alejandro was selected to participate in the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, performing with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel on an international tour in 2017. He has also performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 with the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Venezuela) and conductor Daniel Gil, followed by performances of Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 and Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Municipal Orchestra of Caracas under the baton of Maestro Rodolfo Saglimbeni. He has performed in all of the major concert venues in Caracas, including the José Félix Ribas Concert Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater, Simón Bolívar Hall, Humboldt Cultural Association, BOD Cultural Center, Anna Julia Rojas Hall, Villa Planchart, among others.
A laureate of numerous competitions in both the United States and his home country, his recent accolades include first place in New Albany Symphony's 2024 Student Concerto Competition and the 2021 Graves/OhioMTA Young Artist Competition, as well as the Senior Division winner of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music High School Concerto Competition, in which he performed the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Concerto with the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra. In August 2024, Alejandro was selected to be a member of the American Pops Orchestra to perform in the Kennedy Center for the 37th Hispanic Heritage Awards.
He has participated in master classes with renowned pianists such as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, George Li, Henry Kramer, Dominic Cheli, Kate Liu, and Mackenzie Melemed.
Alejandro graduated in May 2025 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, summa cum laude, from the Honors Tutorial College. His graduating thesis explored "Strategies for Fostering Classical Music Engagement in Young Audiences."
Alejandro began his piano studies at the age of eight with Professor Elizabeth Guerrero at the Juan José Landaeta National Conservatory of Music in Venezuela. There, he cultivated his passion and love for music, performing in concerts and recitals. He participated in the second level of the XI Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition in 2011, winning first prize, the Best Sonatina Performance Award, and the Best Venezuelan Work Performance Award. He also performed in La Fete 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 the Mozarteum Caracas School of Music. In 2016, he received the second prize in the fifth level of the XIII Silvia Eisenstein National Piano Competition. Alejandro was selected to participate in the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, performing with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel on an international tour in 2017. He has also performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 with the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Venezuela) and conductor Daniel Gil, followed by performances of Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 and Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Municipal Orchestra of Caracas under the baton of Maestro Rodolfo Saglimbeni. He has performed in all of the major concert venues in Caracas, including the José Félix Ribas Concert Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater, Simón Bolívar Hall, Humboldt Cultural Association, BOD Cultural Center, Anna Julia Rojas Hall, Villa Planchart, among others.
Edy Panjaitan
Edy Rapika Panjaitan is an Indonesian pianist-composer and scholar-artist, a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Arts at Ohio University under the tutelage of Dr. Garret Field (Ethnomusicology/Musicology) and Dr. Christopher Fisher (Piano Performance). He was awarded the Best Alumnus from Medan State University, majoring in Music Education (2016), and an Outstanding Graduate from the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, majoring in Classical Piano Performance (2020). He has won numerous international piano competitions and performed across Indonesia, China, the USA, and Europe.
In 2024, Edy presented three solo piano recitals across Southeast Ohio and reached a new artistic milestone by participating in European masterclasses with world-renowned pianists such as Rena Shereshevskaya, Lilya Zilberstein, Ewa Pobłocka, and Elena Margolina Hait. He participated in prestigious festivals including the Chigiana International Festival (Italy), Euro Arts Academy (Poland), the European Music Institute Vienna (Austria), the Verbier Festival (Switzerland), and the Taubmann Festival (New Jersey). Edy received a masterclass with renowned Israeli pianist, Michal Tal, at the Steinway, NYC. He also received a masterclass with distinguished pianist FeiFei Dong at the 13th Taubman Festival. In 2025, Edy was selected to play for Prof. Sondra Tamam's masterclass at the 14th Taubman Festival. He has worked with an Indonesian leading pianist and composer, Ananda Sukarlan. His research on Sukarlan’s Rapsodia Nusantara no 4 was presented at the Paradigmatic Revolution conference at Alberta University, Canada, in April 2025. In Summer 2025, Edy received a masterclass with Alan Fraser at the Piano Somatics Institute. He recently participated in NCKP (National Conference Keyboard Pedagogy Conference) in Chicago, IL, and also participated remote masterclass with Prof. Michal Tal at the Piano Arad Festival in Israel.
Mr. Panjaitan has presented three solo recitals in Southeast Ohio, featuring classical works by Beethoven, Schubert Chopin and Kapustin, along with his own composition, Reminiscence. He dedicated the piece to Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez, the first female president of Ohio University in the history of the institution. Her leadership has transformed the university and has inspired our cherished institution. Mr. Panjaitan released a single "Peace for You", in April 2024, a legacy to global peace. He is currently working on his first debut piano album entitled Memoirè, it will be released in February 2026.
As a scholar, Mr. Panjaitan is conducting dissertation research in Southeast Asian studies, with a focus on the music and life cycle rituals of the Toba Batak people of North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study examines the funerary tradition known as mangongkal holi—the ritual exhumation and reburial of ancestral remains—focusing on the performance of gondang sabangunan, a traditional Toba Batak musical ensemble, and its essential role in accompanying both the ritual process and the tortor dance. Additionally, the project incorporates an analysis of ritual knowledge embedded in the 18th–19th century, a bark manuscript book, called Pustaha, which contains a ritual compendium used by the datu (ritual specialist or shaman), offering insight into the cosmological and symbolic dimensions of Toba Batak ritual life. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this research situates life cycle rituals within a broader cultural-historical and religious framework. His research interests are the philosophy of the arts, performative studies, and Freudian psychoanalysis.
Edy R. Panjaitan was published in a four-series anthology book, “The Power of Why Musicians,” compiled by Glory St Germain. Find more about him at www.edypanjaitan.com
In 2024, Edy presented three solo piano recitals across Southeast Ohio and reached a new artistic milestone by participating in European masterclasses with world-renowned pianists such as Rena Shereshevskaya, Lilya Zilberstein, Ewa Pobłocka, and Elena Margolina Hait. He participated in prestigious festivals including the Chigiana International Festival (Italy), Euro Arts Academy (Poland), the European Music Institute Vienna (Austria), the Verbier Festival (Switzerland), and the Taubmann Festival (New Jersey). Edy received a masterclass with renowned Israeli pianist, Michal Tal, at the Steinway, NYC. He also received a masterclass with distinguished pianist FeiFei Dong at the 13th Taubman Festival. In 2025, Edy was selected to play for Prof. Sondra Tamam's masterclass at the 14th Taubman Festival. He has worked with an Indonesian leading pianist and composer, Ananda Sukarlan. His research on Sukarlan’s Rapsodia Nusantara no 4 was presented at the Paradigmatic Revolution conference at Alberta University, Canada, in April 2025. In Summer 2025, Edy received a masterclass with Alan Fraser at the Piano Somatics Institute. He recently participated in NCKP (National Conference Keyboard Pedagogy Conference) in Chicago, IL, and also participated remote masterclass with Prof. Michal Tal at the Piano Arad Festival in Israel.
Mr. Panjaitan has presented three solo recitals in Southeast Ohio, featuring classical works by Beethoven, Schubert Chopin and Kapustin, along with his own composition, Reminiscence. He dedicated the piece to Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez, the first female president of Ohio University in the history of the institution. Her leadership has transformed the university and has inspired our cherished institution. Mr. Panjaitan released a single "Peace for You", in April 2024, a legacy to global peace. He is currently working on his first debut piano album entitled Memoirè, it will be released in February 2026.
As a scholar, Mr. Panjaitan is conducting dissertation research in Southeast Asian studies, with a focus on the music and life cycle rituals of the Toba Batak people of North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study examines the funerary tradition known as mangongkal holi—the ritual exhumation and reburial of ancestral remains—focusing on the performance of gondang sabangunan, a traditional Toba Batak musical ensemble, and its essential role in accompanying both the ritual process and the tortor dance. Additionally, the project incorporates an analysis of ritual knowledge embedded in the 18th–19th century, a bark manuscript book, called Pustaha, which contains a ritual compendium used by the datu (ritual specialist or shaman), offering insight into the cosmological and symbolic dimensions of Toba Batak ritual life. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this research situates life cycle rituals within a broader cultural-historical and religious framework. His research interests are the philosophy of the arts, performative studies, and Freudian psychoanalysis.
Edy R. Panjaitan was published in a four-series anthology book, “The Power of Why Musicians,” compiled by Glory St Germain. Find more about him at www.edypanjaitan.com
Caden Potter
Caden Potter is a senior 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.
Raul Rana
Raul Rana is a first-year undergraduate student at Ohio University studying Piano Performance in Dr. Christopher Fisher’s studio. Raul began his piano journey at the ripe age of 5 years old. Born in Athens, Ohio, he began lessons with the Athens Community Music School following in his sister, Kristina’s, footsteps. He has had a few teachers in the school, but his most impactful instructor was Dr. Anne Scotto. She always believed in his potential and was a major factor in deciding to pursue piano. Raul was always a rhythmic child and before beginning piano lessons he began percussion lessons. Both piano and percussion have made a great impact on his life. Raul has been a part of various musical ensembles such as jazz bands and wind bands doing both percussion and piano.
Raul has competed in a Sonatina Festival competition and achieved first prize in the highest category. Although Raul has not competed in many piano competitions, his love for the instrument will fill out those spaces and eventually push him into competition.
Many people in Raul’s life could say that he is deeply in love with the piano as an instrument and music as a culture. He says that nothing is more enjoyable and lovely than a good concert, whether that be performing in it or watching it. He has a strong belief that we, as musicians, should branch out from standard western music and take a look at various pieces and composers from countries in different continents. Because of this belief, he hopes to eventually study ethnomusicology in later stages of his life alongside his performance. Finally, he believes that art will save the world whether it be now or in the distant future, it’ll happen, we just have to create and perform.
Raul has competed in a Sonatina Festival competition and achieved first prize in the highest category. Although Raul has not competed in many piano competitions, his love for the instrument will fill out those spaces and eventually push him into competition.
Many people in Raul’s life could say that he is deeply in love with the piano as an instrument and music as a culture. He says that nothing is more enjoyable and lovely than a good concert, whether that be performing in it or watching it. He has a strong belief that we, as musicians, should branch out from standard western music and take a look at various pieces and composers from countries in different continents. Because of this belief, he hopes to eventually study ethnomusicology in later stages of his life alongside his performance. Finally, he believes that art will save the world whether it be now or in the distant future, it’ll happen, we just have to create and perform.
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/
