Meet the CMS Staff

San Sung Aum

CMS Instructor 
aum.5@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Piano

Education

• DMA, Piano Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
• MM, Piano Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music
• BM, Piano Performance, Seoul National University

San Sung Aum, born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, has been playing the piano since age six. She is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician. She studied at Seoul National University, earning a bachelor's degree and receiving the SNU Superior Academic Performance Award. She then moved to the United States to pursue a master's degree in Piano Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music. Additionally, she obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, with minors in chamber music and piano pedagogy.

Aum has performed in prestigious venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, the Chamber Hall at Sejong Art Center, and the Grand Theater at Seogwipo Art Center, as well as in Italy and Germany. She has won several competitions, including the American Protégé International Piano Competition in New York, the International Florestano Rossomandi Piano Competition in Italy, the United States International Duo Piano Competition in Colorado, the OHIO International Piano Duo Competition, the Korea-Germany Brahms Association Music Competition, and the CBS broadcast Competition. She currently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Piano at Denison University.

Rosa Balderrama Flores

CMS Instructor
balderramacellist@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise

• Cello
• Chamber Ensembles
• Music Theory
• Aural Skills

Education

• MM, Cello Performance, The Ohio State University
• BM, Cello Performance, Drake University

Originally from Bolivia, Rosa Balderrama Flores is an accomplished cellist and dedicated music educator. Rosa recently earned her master’s degree in cello performance from The Ohio State University and her bachelor's degree in cello performance from Drake University. 

As a passionate educator, Rosa has served as a Graduate Teaching Associate at Ohio State, where she instructed Aural Skills I and II, Music Theory I and II, and Applied Cello courses. Rosa also taught cello at Drake University and Rieman Music, as well as privately. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes individual attention and tailored instruction to meet each student's unique needs and foster their musical growth, helping them become the musicians they aspire to be. 

Rosa's performance experience is extensive and diverse. She has held principal cello positions at Ohio State, Drake University, and Filarmonica de Cochabamba, as well as assistant principal and section cellist positions in several orchestras, including the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra, New Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. Rosa keeps her summers busy performing, teaching, and collaborating with different festivals across the globe, including the Festivale de la Musica in Italy, Festival Franco-Boliviano in Bolivia, and several other festivals across the United States.

Anne Bartos

CMS Instructor
bartos.47@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Cello

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2026)

Anne Bartos is a third-year music education major at The Ohio State University. She plays the cello in Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Ohio State chapters of both the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She currently serves as the executive director of CellOhio, and as vice president of ASTA. In her free time, Anne enjoys attending concerts, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

Liam Botos

CMS Instructor
botos.14@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Violin

Education

• BM, Violin Performance, The Ohio State University

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to be your violin teacher for the upcoming academic year. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I am an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, including the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. I have played violin since age 5, participated in multiple orchestras and string quartets, and performed throughout my life. I hope to create a lesson environment that is engaging and fun! In my free time, I like to swim, play basketball, and play one of my favorite video games, Halo. Let's make some music!

Amy Conley

CMS Instructor
musicamy1@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise

• Clarinet
• Flute
• Saxophone
• Piano

Education

• MM, Clarinet Performance, The Ohio State University
• BM, Music Education, University of North Texas

Amy Conley is a freelance musician and private music instructor based in Columbus, Ohio. Amy earned her master’s degree in clarinet performance from The Ohio State University under the guidance of Caroline Hartig and James Pyne. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of North Texas. She has many years of experience teaching woodwind and piano lessons in Ohio and throughout Texas. Amy enjoys sharing her love of music with others, and hopes that she instills a sense of music appreciation in each student to carry with them throughout their life. She helps each student reach their musical goals and build confidence in their playing.

Meagan Gaskill

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
gaskill.39@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Flute
• Voice
• Music Theory

Education

• DMA, Flute Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2025)
• MA, Music Theory, The Ohio State University (2023)
• MM, Flute Performance, The Ohio State University (2022)
• BM, Flute Performance, Pacific Lutheran University (2019)
• BS, Mathematics, Pacific Lutheran University (2019)

Meagan Gaskill (she/her) is a flute and voice teacher with almost a decade of experience working with students of all ages. She is a passionate teacher who meets students where they are and supports their musical goals and aspirations. Meagan has worked with musicians of all levels, including those who are just playing or singing their first notes to college-level musicians. She helps students foster their enthusiasm and passion for music while helping them become independent learners and develop strong practice techniques.

Meagan is an active performer as a flutist and singer and performs with orchestras and operas around central Ohio. Her primary flute teachers include Katherine Borst Jones, Jill Felber, and Jennifer Rhyne. Her primary voice teachers include Lara Brooks and Holly Boaz.

Max Henderson

CMS Instructor

Henderson.1200@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Jazz Saxophone
• Jazz Ensemble

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (Expected 2026)

Max Henderson is a third-year music education major at The Ohio State University. Starting as a psychology major, Max realized his flourishing passion for music and music education. His love began to develop when he was part of J@MS (Jazz at the Music Settlement) in Cleveland and continued to grow as he played with the Jazz Workshop band, the Jazz Lab Band, and the Latin and Fusion Combos at Ohio State. His teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that music is the essence of fostering emotional expression, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Outside of music he enjoys film, nature and philosophy.

Dirui Jiang

CMS Instructor
jiang.2170@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Double Bass

Education

• BM, Performance, The Ohio State University
• Central China Normal University

Dirui Jiang is a Master of Music student in Music Performance at Butler University. She graduated in 2024 from The Ohio State University, where she received a Bachelor of Music in music performance. As a double bass teacher, she believes it is her role to inspire the students’ potential, help them explore and know themselves, and nurture them to develop the good qualities of being curious, pursuing excellence, and continuing to learn throughout their lives. To accomplish this, she aims to create a safe and supportive environment, stimulate students’ internal motivation, build strong foundational skills and techniques, and cultivate their creativity.

Soojin Lee

CMS Instructor 
lee.3966@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Viola
• Orchestra
• Ensembles

Education

• DMA, Viola Performance, College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
• MM, Viola Performance, College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
• MM, Conducting, The Ohio State University
• AD, Orchestra Study, Korean National University of Arts

Soojin Lee is a conductor, violist and educator with a career spanning orchestral leadership, performance and pedagogy. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in viola performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music in conducting from The Ohio State University, and an Artist Diploma in orchestral studies from the Korean National University of Arts.

Soojin’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence and education. While serving as the orchestra director of the University of Findlay Orchestra, she built a vibrant and dynamic ensemble, conducting a wide range of repertoire and leading collaborations with faculty, students and guest artists. Her work as a conductor also extends to Ohio State, where she conducted the Collegiate Winds and University Band, and to the University of Cincinnati, where she conducted the CCM Opera in Rossini's La Cenerentola. Additionally, she served as assistant conductor for Wagner’s Die Walküre at the Miami Music Festival.

Beyond her collegiate work, Soojin has played a key role in shaping young musicians as a faculty member at The Columbus Academy, as the founder and director of the KCC String Chamber Orchestra, and as an instructor for the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. Through these roles, she has guided countless students in their musical growth, fostering not only technical skills but also a passion for ensemble performance. Her chamber orchestra has performed extensively in the community, offering concerts that reach underserved audiences in hospitals, shelters and churches.

As a performer, Soojin Lee has graced some of the most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. A native of South Korea, Soojin moved to the United States in 2006 after four years with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra in Seoul. In addition to her professional work, she loves to travel and explore the world with her family.

Nora Lemmon

CMS Instructor 
lemmon.67@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• French Horn
• Piano
• Music Theory

Education

• BM, Music Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2026)

Nora Lemmon is a third-year undergraduate studying horn performance with Professor Bruce Henniss and minoring in political science. She is a member of the Wind Symphony, the Buckeye Philharmonic Orchestra and a flute-and-horn duo. She takes piano lessons in the School of Music with Professor Lynn Singleton as well. In addition, Nora serves as vice president of ritual for the Ohio State University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music fraternity; as one of two music directors for Scarlet and Grace Notes A Cappella; and on the Arts Leadership Council within the Arts Scholars program. She performed as a soloist and in chamber ensembles at the 2022 and 2024 Eastman Summer Horn Institute, the 2024 Renova Music Festival and the 2024 Summer Music in Tuscany festival. When not making music, Nora enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Kaleigh M. McGee

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
mcgee.388@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Clarinet
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Flute
• Oboe

Education

• BM, Performance, Auburn University
• MM, The Ohio State University

Kaleigh McGee is an expert woodwind doubler and pianist. She has experience teaching clarinet, piano, flute, and saxophone. Kaleigh holds bachelor's and master's degrees in clarinet performance and currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Associate in the clarinet studio at The Ohio State University. In this position, Kaleigh has taught many of the clarinet majors and minors, in both private and classroom settings, for the last three years. At the university level, Kaleigh has rehearsed clarinet choir and coached several chamber ensembles. Kaleigh has also taught masterclasses to local high school students and has an ever-growing private studio. As a pedagogue, Kaleigh provides her students with a strong understanding of all facets of music including the fundamentals of the chosen instrument, maintenance of the instrument, general music history and theory, and other topics such as aural training to create a strong musical foundation. Kaleigh’s skills on piano assist in her teaching as well as she accompanies many of her students on their solo pieces. She has accompanied students for both juries and recitals. Kaleigh works as the clarinet repair technician at Buckeye Brass and Winds and often incorporates maintenance and repair knowledge into her lessons.

Julia Moxley

CMS Instructor 
moxley.32@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Trumpet

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University

Julia graduated in 2024 from The Ohio State University with her bachelor's degree in music education. While in college she was a member of the Wind Symphony and a Squad Leader in the Ohio State Marching Band. Julia was also a semi-finalist in the National Trumpet Competition from 2021–2023, and principal trumpet of the National Intercollegiate Band in 2023. Julia is currently teaching and freelancing in the Columbus area. She has been teaching private trumpet lessons to students of all ages for over 5 years, and looks forward to meeting new students at the Community Music School.

Yana Onufriychuk

CMS Instructor 
yonufriychuk@yahoo.com

Areas of Expertise

• Violin
• Viola
• Piano
• Chamber music

Education

• BM, Violin Performance, Syracuse University
• MM, Violin Performance, Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Yana Onufriychuk, born in Moscow, Russia, began her musical journey at age six, excelling in classical music. A talented violinist, Yana has performed in multiple orchestras and as a soloist in various competitions. She has graced prestigious venues such as Boston Symphony Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Rachmaninov Concert Hall, and the Boston Conservatory Theater.

Yana earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in violin performance from the Boston Conservatory, where she studied with renowned violinist Markus Placci.

With over six years of teaching experience, Yana offers private violin, viola and piano lessons. She has taught in music academies and now runs her own private studio in Columbus. Yana’s teaching approach is highly adaptable, ensuring that each student’s unique needs are met in an enjoyable and fulfilling learning environment.

Based in Columbus, she also performs in the violin section of the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, continuing to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Alex Paquet

CMS Instructor 
paquet.alexander@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise

• Guitar

Education

• BA, Performance Concentration, Guitar, The Ohio State University (expected 2026)
• BS, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, The Ohio State University
• Minor in African American and African Studies, The Ohio State University
• Minor in Music, The Ohio State University
• AS, Associate of Science, Columbus State Community College

Alex Paquet is a Bachelor of Arts student at Ohio State's guitar studio under Professor Karl Wohlwend. They have played guitar for over a decade, including pop, rock, blues, folk/fingerstyle, and classical guitar. Previously, they have taught infant, toddler, and preschool music classes at the Schoenbaum Family Center. Alex performs with the Columbus Guitar Society Members' Ensemble, at The James Cancer Center as a part of their MusicCares program, and also writes and perform songs. Alex values creating goals that fit each student's interests, and strives to bring an encouraging and creative attitude to lessons.

Jae Park

CMS Instructor 
park.2882@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Conducting
• Piano

Education

• DMA, Orchestral Conducting, The Ohio State University
• MM, Orchestral Conducting, Georgia State University
• Artist Diploma, Choral Conducting, Korean National University of Arts

Jae Hyeong Park, a native of South Korea, serves as an adjunct faculty at Hocking College, as full-time faculty at Heart of Ohio Classical Academy, music director at Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is the founder and music director of the Ohio Chamber Musicians. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from The Ohio State University, a Master of Orchestral Conducting from Georgia State University, and an Artist Diploma in Choral Conducting from the Korean National University of Arts. During his tenure as a graduate teaching associate at Ohio State from 2020–2023, he successfully led the university's Campus Orchestra, and assisted with the Conducting Strings class by teaching score-reading. He has conducted numerous orchestras, choruses, musicals and operas, including the AMA Symphony, KOAM Philharmonic Chorus, Korean National University of Arts, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Orchestra, Hanllym University Medical School Orchestra, Romance Opera Company, Gangseo Youth Orchestra, Gangseo CEO Chorus, and Musical Theatre at Seoul Women's University.

In addition to his conducting career, Dr. Park has composed and arranged background music for KBS and MBC Broadcasting Systems in South Korea. Several of his church music compositions have been published by Vitnara Publisher and Sunmin Music. In 2024, he secured an agreement with Vitnara Publisher for the publication of his piano music. He has collaborated with various artists, including pianist Daydream, soprano Youngok Shin, violinist Ji Hae Park, and K-pop vocalists Sun-Hee Lee and Young-Ae Han. Notably, his orchestral work "Stepping on the Rainy Street," originally a piano solo piece commissioned by Daydream, was premiered at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall by the Prague Philharmonia. His chamber orchestra arrangements are frequently performed by various music groups.

As a conducting and piano instructor, he has been teaching numerous students privately. Many of his students have successfully gained admission to college or graduate school.

Bryan Percoco

CMS Instructor 
bryanpercoco@yahoo.com

Areas of Expertise

• Piano
• Guitar

Education

• MM, Music Composition, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
• BM, Guitar Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Bryan Anthony Percoco is a pianist, composer, guitarist and educator trained in classical music and jazz improvisation. Percoco's teaching approach is broad and adaptive, helping each student fulfill their interests while simultaneously presenting challenges that broaden their horizons. Percoco has successfully taught a range of genres including classical, jazz, pop, rock, blues and various other genres to a wide range of levels from beginning to advanced to students in the United States and Asia (online).  

As a pianist, Percoco received an invitation to tour throughout major cities in China and give master classes as part of the Manhattan, New York-based education company Discover Melody, gave performances at the Toledo Museum of Art, and played at CCM with the Cafe MoMus Ensemble. An American Prize finalist and semi-finalist, his orchestral compositions have been recorded by the Janacek Philharmonic and Brno Philharmonic in Czechia for the Ablaze recording label. Percoco has had additional performances of his works in Italy where his string quartet movement was performed by Quartetto Indaco in Pavia, Italy and chamber orchestra and duet performances at the Soundscape Festival in Maccagno, Italy. He has earned a certificate in performance and composition from the Upbeat International Summer School of Music in Milna, Croatia where he composed and performed works by contemporary composers. He has had additional training as a guitarist and is currently active as a pianist/composer of jazz and classical music.

Anabella Petronsi

CMS Instructor 
petronsi.1@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Voice
• Music Theory

Education

• DMA, Voice Performance, The Ohio State University
• Certificate, Singing Health Specialization, The Ohio State University
• AD, Higher Diploma in Contemporary Classical Voice Performance, Conservatorio Superior de Música Manuel de Falla
• MA, Music Education, The Ohio State University
• Post-Baccalaureate, Music Education, The Ohio State University
• BM, Voice Performance, Universidad Nacional de las Artes

Anabella Petronsi holds a DMA in voice performance with a Singing Health Specialization from The Ohio State University, where she served as a graduate teaching associate. She graduated from the National University of Arts in Argentina with a Bachelor of Music in voice performance, and from Ohio State with a Master of Music in Music Education. She has sung the roles of L’ Enfant (Ravel), Barbarina (Mozart), Dame 2 (Mozart), Serpetta (Mozart), Papagena (Mozart), Despina (Mozart), Poesie (Charpentier), Berenice (Rossini), Mrs. Webster (Candey), Mirror 1 (Albinarrate), Mariquita Sanchez (Scher), and Heraldo (Lambertini), Sorceress (Purcell) and Giovanna (Verdi). She worked as an Artistic Administrator and Director of Operations and Special Projects and Events for the Department of Musical Arts at the National University of Arts in Argentina. She also sang with Enhorabuena Company, Ensemble Tempus, and Opera of Columbus. She is a member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus. She taught in Upper Arlington summer camps, and worked in Argentina as an elementary and middle school music teacher. She managed her private studio, Musica Palermo, for 8 years in Buenos Aires, teaching all ages, especially high school and adults. She teaches Music Theory 1 in Universidad de Palermo (Argentina).

Michael Rueda

CMS Instructor 
michaelruedaoboe@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise

• Oboe
• English horn
• Reed making
• Chamber music
• Instrument repair
• Marching Band
• Mellophone
• Aural skills

Education

• MM, Oboe Performance, Northwestern University
• BM, Oboe Performance, The Ohio State University

Michael Rueda is the adjunct instructor of oboe at Marietta College. He is a freelance musician, private instructor, and oboe and English horn repair technician based in Columbus, Ohio. In 2023, he was the oboe instructor at the summer music festival "Mozart in the Knobs" for its inaugural year. He is the oboist and co-founder of Zephyr Chamber Winds, a chamber music organization in the central Ohio area. An active performer, he has been a substitute musician with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, the Canton Symphony Orchestra, the Lima Symphony Orchestra and wind quintet, and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. Rueda maintains a private studio in the Columbus area, and teaches masterclasses at various central Ohio schools.

As an undergraduate, Rueda was a winner of The Ohio State University concerto competition, performing the Goossens Oboe Concerto with the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra; was a finalist in the Miami Classical Music Festival concerto competition; and was a finalist in the Lorée Day at Miami senior oboe competition. Rueda has experience in audio engineering as the assistant audio engineer at Ohio State, and does freelance audio/video recording. He performed as a recitalist at Mozarthaus Vienna in Austria in 2022 on a Study Abroad trip through Ohio State, led by Abby Yeakle Held. The program included numerous performance opportunities, private lessons, and coaching with members of the Vienna Philharmonic. Outside of the oboe and English horn, he enjoys spending time with his two cats, cooking, playing video games, and indoor rock climbing.

Rueda holds a Master of Music from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music from The Ohio State University. His certificate of oboe repair is from the Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology.

Aaron Scott

CMS Instructor 

Aaronscott1@icloud.com

Areas of Expertise

• Percussion
• Piano

Education

• BM, Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies, Capital University

Aaron Scott is a first call musician in the Columbus area. Son of acclaimed pianist Bob Allen, Aaron got his start in music at age five playing piano. He continued playing classical piano into college, but it was playing percussion that became his passion, playing shows and in bands during high school. Aaron went on to get his B.A. in Percussion from Capital University Conservatory of Music. In addition to performing, Aaron is an active educator. He has taught at Columbus Pro Percussion, Capital University, Denison University, Dublin Schools, Newark Schools, Music Royale, Vaughan Music Studios and the Jump For Jazz Artist in Schools Program. Aaron has been a successful player as well as contractor for clubs, restaurants and private companies. Aaron has been contracting music at Hyde Park Grille in Upper Arlington since its opening. He has contracted for Nationwide Insurance, Red, White & Boom, Huntington Banks, Eddie Bauer, Columbus Museum of Art, Muirfield Golf Tournament, The Ohio State University, City of Dublin, City of Columbus, Discover Card, Strategy Group and Mettler Toledo to name a few.

Aaron has played with Mark Flugge, Bobby Floyd, Tony Monaco, Hank Marr, Vince Andrews, Joe Hunter, Kim Pensyl, Bob Allen, Richard Lopez, Pharez Whitted, Rob Parton, Jim Powell, Eric Gale, Derek DiCenzo, Steve Sweney, John Boerstler, Stan Smith, John Schwab, Jeff Ciampa, Gene Walker, Roger Hines, Shelly Berg, Lynn Seton, Lou Fischer, Dave Powers, Phil Dirt & The Dozers and on NPR's Michael Feldman "What'd Ya Know" radio program among others. You can catch Aaron playing regularly with several bands including From The Five Jazztet, Colin Lazarski Organ Trio, The Guitar Company, The Blue Cats and The Ramblers. Aaron can also be heard playing on Donatos Pizza television commercials.

Ila V. Sharma

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
sharma.925@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• French horn
• Music Theory
• Composition

Education

• BM, Composition, The Ohio State University (2023)

Ila V. Sharma is a graduate teaching associate and master's student in music theory and composition at The Ohio State University. Ila, who is originally from Great Falls, Virginia, graduated from Ohio State in 2023 with a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a minor in Music, Media and Enterprise. As an undergraduate student at Ohio State, Ila participated in student organizations such as The New Music Collective and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. As a composer, Ila has studied with Professors Thomas Wells, Vera Stanojevic and Michael Rene Torres. Ila’s academic interests are in the intersection between composition and music theory pedagogy and practice, and how each subject can help inform the other, as well as issues of accessibility in music education related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Katie Sharp

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
sharp.452@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Flute
• Music Theory

Education

• DMA, Flute Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)
• MM, Flute Performance, The Ohio State University (2024)
• BM, Flute Performance and French, Baldwin Wallace University (2022)

Katie Sharp (she/her) is a DMA candidate at The Ohio State University studying with Katherine Borst Jones. She currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Associate in Flute and previously taught in Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Musicology. With over five years teaching experience, Katie maintains an active studio and works with local schools as a clinician. She has worked with students of all ages, meeting them where they’re at to grow a lifelong passion for music. Katie’s other primary flute teachers include George Pope, Randy Hester, and Dr. Nicole Charles.

Aside from teaching, Katie serves as the Exhibit Coordinator for the Central Ohio Flute Association. She is an active performer in Columbus, performing the Nielsen Flute Concerto as a winner of the 2022 Ohio State Concerto Competition. In 2021, she was a co-winner of the PANdemonium4 Virtual Flute Competition in the collegiate division. A member of the OSU Graduate Wind Quintet, Katie can be found performing across the State of Ohio.

Sam Sherer

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
sherer.102@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Percussion

Education

• Graduate Performer’s Certificate, University of South Carolina
• MM, Percussion Performance, University of South Carolina
• BM, Percussion Performance, Furman University

Sam Sherer is a current doctoral candidate and graduate teaching associate at The Ohio State University. In his role at Ohio State, he teaches applied percussion lessons, coaches the percussion ensemble, and teaches the Percussion Techniques course for Music Education majors. As an educator, he has worked with students aged 7–70, focusing on all areas of percussion including concert percussion, marching percussion, and drum set. An active performer, Sam performs regularly with orchestras around Columbus including the Worthington Chamber Orchestra, Westerville Symphony, and Central Ohio Symphony. He also performs in the Sẽd Duo, a saxophone and percussion duo committed to the commissioning and programing of new programmatic works for the duo. Prior to his work at Ohio State, Sam earned his Master of Music with a Performer’s Certificate from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Furman University.

Aidan Sullivan

CMS Instructor 
sullivan.1306@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Cello

Education

• BM, Cello Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2025)
• BME, Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2025)

Aidan Sullivan is a teacher and cellist from Dayton, Ohio. He is a member of the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra and frequently performs with other ensembles in the Columbus and Dayton areas. In addition to his orchestral and solo playing, he is an experienced musical theater musician and has played in a variety of other settings, from continuo ensembles to contemporary groups. His wide range of experience has given him opportunities to perform across the country and internationally. He is a member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) where he serves on the Student Advisory Committee and as Ohio State’s student chapter president. He is also a member of the Ohio Music Education Association. 

Aidan’s teaching philosophy is based upon a student-centered approach to teaching music that emphasizes exploration, develops independence, and helps each student achieve their unique individual goals, all while building a strong technical foundation on the instrument. 

Currently, Aidan is pursuing degrees in music education and cello performance at The Ohio State University, where he studies with Professors Julia Yang and Mark Rudoff.

Justin White

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
white.3549@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

Areas of Expertise

• Tuba and Euphonium

Education

• DMA, Tuba Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)
• MM, Tuba Performance, The Ohio State University
• BM, Tuba Performance, The University of Akron

Justin White, a native of Kent, Ohio, currently serves as the instructor of tuba and euphonium at Muskingum University and is a graduate associate at The Ohio State University. He holds a Master of Music in tuba performance from Ohio State where he studied with James Akins, and his Bachelor of Music in tuba performance from The University of Akron where he studied with Dr. Christopher Blaha and Tucker Jolly. 

Upon completing his time at Ohio State, Justin has been active as a freelance musician in Central Ohio. He has performed with the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra, Westerville Symphony, New Albany Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist for the Columbus Symphony Pint Size Performance series as well as with the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds. In addition to freelancing, Justin maintains a large private studio, which includes students across Central Ohio.