Kaleigh Rummel

CMS Graduate Intern

Areas of Expertise

• Flute 
• Arts Administration 

Education

• DMA Flute Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2028) 
• MM Flute Performance, Ohio University (2025)
• MA Arts Administration, Ohio University (2025) 
• BM Flute Performance, Ohio University (2023) 

Kaleigh is excited to join CMS this summer through the Mellon Foundation Summer Arts Engagement Program. As a summer associate, she will support the administrative work that helps bring meaningful musical experiences to the community. This fall, she will begin the second year of her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The Ohio State University, where she studies with Katherine Borst Jones and serves as Vice President of The Central Ohio Flute Association. Prior to her doctoral studies, Kaleigh earned a Master of Arts Administration in Music Leadership, a Master of Music in Flute Performance, and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance with a minor in conducting and a certificate in the health and wellness of performing artists from Ohio University. While at Ohio University, she studied with Alison Sincoff and served as the graduate assistant for the flute studio. Her teaching experience includes private instruction through The Athens Community Music School as well as appointments at Marietta College and West Virginia University at Parkersburg, where she served as Adjunct Professor of Flute.

In addition to her performance and teaching activities, Kaleigh assists with internal operations for Chamber Music Columbus and is committed to supporting their mission of enriching the cultural life of central Ohio through the celebration of chamber music. When she is not playing her flute, she is busy pursuing her personal training certification through The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Her other interests include baking, crocheting, and spending time with her two cats, Callie and Peanut Butter.

Amelia Abouljoud

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Viola
• Violin

Education

• PhD, Music Theory, The Ohio State University (expected 2029)
• MM, Viola Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music
• BM, Viola Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music

Amelia Abouljoud's musical journey as a violist began at age 11. Since then, she has performed for audiences across the United States and around the world. She has been a participant in the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (2018), performing in New York City at Carnegie Hall, Shanghai and Beijing, China, Taipei, Taiwan, and Seoul, South Korea. She has sat principal viola with the Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra, and performed with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the accompanying orchestra for Andrea Bocelli, Mansfield Symphony Orchestral, Firelands Symphony Orchestra, the Chautauqua Music School Festival Orchestra, the OSSIA New Music Ensemble, the Michigan Philharmonic, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She previously held a position as a section member of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and is currently the principal violist of the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra in Delaware, Ohio.

Passionate about education, Abouljoud has taught viola at music programs through the Avon School of Music (Avon, OH), the RocMusic Collaborative (Rochester, NY), the Fret and Bow Music Academy (Penfield, NY), the Interlochen Arts Camp (Interlochen, MI), and maintains an independent studio. With the belief that music education is fundamental to the enrichment of humanity, Abouljoud strives to uplift her students through creativity, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

Abouljoud is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy (2018) and the Cleveland Institute of Music (2023) with Bachelor's degrees in Viola Performance and Music Theory. She is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music (2025) with her Master's degree in Viola Performance and Literature and a Certificate of Achievement in Arts Leadership. Her primary teachers have included Renee Skerik, Jeffrey Irvine, Lynne Ramsey, and Phillip Ying. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Music Theory from The Ohio State University.

As a music theorist and educator, Abouljoud served as a teacher's assistant at the Cleveland Institute of Music from 2021 to 2023, guiding undergraduate students in core theory courses, as well as graduate level aural skills. She has tutored students at CIM and Case Western Reserve University and has taught first and second year class sessions. At Ohio State, she is a Graduate Teaching Associate teaching first year undergraduate students. Additionally, she has recently presented her research at the Rocky Mountain Society for Music Theory Conference (2026) and the Music Theory Midwest Conference (2026). A recipient of the Beth Pearce Nelson Award in Music Theory (2023), Abouljoud is passionate about guiding her students' musicianship through music theory.

Anne Bartos

CMS Instructor
 

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
 

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
 

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.

Taylor DeVault

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Classical guitar
• Acoustic steel string guitar
• Electric guitar

Education

• BA, Classical Guitar Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2028)
• BA, Psychology, The Ohio State University (2012)

Taylor DeVault is a Columbus-based musician specializing in guitar performance and instruction. Since the age of 18, he has performed professionally at festivals, clubs, and a variety of venues throughout the region. His musical background spans classical, jazz, rock, country, and pop genres, allowing him to connect with a wide range of audiences and students.

As an instructor, Taylor has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, helping each develop confidence, technique, and a lifelong appreciation for music. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance at The Ohio State University, where he studies under Professor Karl Wohlwend and has been awarded a talent-based scholarship in recognition of his musical ability.

Aidan Dever

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Cello

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)
• BM, Cello Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)

Aidan Dever is a fifth-year Music Education and Cello Performance major at The Ohio State University, having studied with Mark Rudoff, Julia Yang, and now currently Dr. Leo Singer. Aidan is an avid performer in his community in and outside of Ohio State, performing with The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Music Collegium, Indianola Presbyterian Church and more. He is also a member of the Ohio State chapters of both the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). He currently serves as vice president of ASTA. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing chamber music, cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

Emily Foster

CMS Instructor, Associate for Arts Engagement 
 

Areas of Expertise

• Piano
• Musicology

Education

• DMA Piano Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)
• MM Musicology, The Ohio State University (2025)
• MM Piano Performance, The Ohio State University (2025)
• BM Piano Performance, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (2022)

Emily Foster is thrilled to work behind the scenes at the Community Music School this summer as part of the Mellon Foundation Summer Arts Engagement Program. Emily is a pianist, teacher and musicologist based in Columbus, OH. She is pursuing her DMA in Piano Performance at The Ohio State University under Dr. Caroline Hong.

Emily has served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for Ohio State's Musicology department for two years. She also served on the faculty of the St. Cecilia Stella Royce Piano Camp in Grant Rapids, MI, where she designed and taught her own music history course for young pianists. In addition to teaching music history, Emily has over five years of experience as a private piano instructor. Emily is currently thte president of Ohio State's Collegiate Chapter of the Music Teachers National Association and represented the chapter at the MTNA National Conference in both 2024 and 2025.

Meagan Gaskill

CMS Instructor 
 

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.

Cooper Greenlees

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Saxophone
• Piano

Education

• BM, Saxophone Performance, The Ohio State University (2026)
• BS, Computer Science engineering, The Ohio State University (2026)

Cooper Greenlees is a saxophonist and pianist who completed his BM in Music Performance at the Ohio State University while studying with Michael Torres. His areas of interest are composition, arranging, and performance. He has performed at the World Expo in Osaka, Musashino Music Academy in Tokyo, Japan Band Clinic, and various performances in Ohio. He hopes to help students find passion and excitement in the music they enjoy through practice and performance.

Gabrielle Hardisky

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Trumpet
• Brass Pedagogy

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)

Gabrielle Hardisky is a dedicated fourth year music education major at The Ohio State University. As a trumpet and brass instrumental player and future band director, she has gained experience teaching and leading students in a variety of educational settings, including in her own private lesson studio, public school classrooms, and marching bands.

Gabrielle currently serves as the Assistant Marching Band Director at Bloom-Carroll High School. She has also taught at public schools around the state, assisting as a brass expertise technician for marching and concert bands. At Ohio State, Gabrielle has been actively involved with the School of Music community, serving as a member of the music sorority Tau Beta Sigma, the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and International Trumpet Guild (ITG).

Gabrielle is passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of music in her students. She believes that music education at all levels provides valuable opportunities for creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth. With experience as an educator and performer, Gabrielle strives to help every student build strong musical foundations while achieving their individual goals.

Max Henderson

CMS Instructor

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.

Nora Lemmon

CMS Instructor 
 

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.

Daniel Moncada Gonzalez

CMS Instructor 
 

Areas of Expertise

• Guitar, with a special focus on Cuban tres guitar
• Electric Bass
• Salsa and Jazz
• Latin Percussion
• Arranging and composition

Education

• BA, Commercial Arranging, Berklee College of Music
• Latin Percussion & Sociology, Universidad Central de Venezuela

Daniel Moncada is a freelance musician and private music instructor most recently based in Columbus, Ohio, after 20 years living in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil. Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree in arranging from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with Herb Pomeroy, Bob Pilkington and Jon Damian, among others. Daniel has been active, as both director and member, in several musical ensembles across the Americas — Boston, Caracas, Miami, San Juan, Mexico City — in genres such as salsa, Latin jazz, traditional Cuban Son, Techno-cumbia, and Norteño indie alternative music. For many years he has also been teaching new generations of tres players, guitarists, bassists and percussionists, in all of these places and most recently in Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, between 2022 and 2024, where he was able to immerse himself in different Brazilian genres such as Samba, Bossa Nova and Sertanejo traditional music. Daniel’s teaching approach is based on exploration, invention, and curiosity for the instrument, and music in general, which he shares with his students while paying close attention to each one’s unique interests and goals and building their confidence throughout the learning process.

Natalia Moreno Buitrago

CMS Instructor 
 

Areas of Expertise

• Music Education – Early childhood music education
• Music Psychology
• Music Evolution 

Education

• MS, Music Mind and Brain — Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom
• BA, Music Education — Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia
• BS, Biology — Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia 

Natalia Morena is a graduate teaching associate in music education at The Ohio State University with experience in early childhood and youth music education. She holds a Master of Science in Music, Mind, and Brain from Goldsmiths, University of London, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Natalia has held various teaching roles, including leading early childhood music classes for toddlers, providing music theory instruction, conducting choirs, and directing pre-orchestras for children aged 3 to 11. As the academic coordinator at an informal music school founded by her undergraduate peers, she developed and implemented innovative approaches to music education for young learners.

Her research interests blend her background in biology and music education, focusing on the development of musical behaviors in children, the cultural influences that shape these behaviors, and the early musical interactions between caregivers and infants. At Goldsmiths, her research examined musical exchanges in home settings, highlighting her commitment to understanding music’s role in early childhood development.

Áreas de especialización

• Educación musical – Educación musical en la primera infancia
• Psicología de la música
• Evolución de la música

Formación académica

• Maestría en Ciencias, Music, Mind and Brain — Goldsmiths, University of London, Reino Unido
• Licenciatura en Educación Musical — Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia
• Biología— Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia

Natalia Moreno es asistente de docencia en educación musical en The Ohio State University y tiene experiencia en educación musical, con énfasis en la primera infancia y la adolescencia. Es egresada de la Maestría en Ciencias en Music, Mind and Brain de Goldsmiths, University of London. Además, cuenta con una Licenciatura en Educación Musical de la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional y un título en Biología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Natalia ha ocupado diversos roles docentes, que incluyen clases de sensibilización musical para bebés, enseñanza de teoría musical, dirección coral y de pre-orquestas para niños de 3 a 11 años. Como coordinadora académica de una escuela de música no formal fundada por sus compañeros de pregrado, impulsó el desarrollo e implementación de enfoques innovadores en la enseñanza musical para jóvenes estudiantes.  

Sus intereses de investigación combinan su formación en biología y educación musical. Se centra en el desarrollo de comportamientos musicales en niños, las influencias culturales que moldean dichos comportamientos y las interacciones musicales tempranas entre cuidadores y bebés. Durante su maestría en Goldsmiths, investigó las interacciones musicales en entornos domésticos, destacando su interés en comprender el papel de la música en el desarrollo de la primera infancia.

Ben Newman

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Oboe

Education

• MM, Oboe Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)
• BM, Instrumental Music Education, Liberty University
• BM, Oboe Performance, Liberty University

Ben Newman is a performer, educator, and researcher based in Columbus, Ohio. He holds bachelor's degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Oboe Performance, with minors in Bassoon and Saxophone, and is pursuing a master's degree in Oboe Performance at The Ohio State University. There, he serves as principal oboist of the Wind Symphony, plays in the Symphony Orchestra and chamber ensembles, and works as the Oboe Graduate Teaching Associate - Teaching secondary lessons, oboe techniques, and reed-making for oboe majors. He also substitutes with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and performs in local churches and orchestras. Ben has been a solo and chamber honors recitalist and concerto competition finalist at the MasterWorks Festival, Virginia Music Education Association Conference, Liberty University, and The Ohio State University. His teachers include Dr. Abby Yeakle Held, Dr. Rebecca Watson, Dr. Courtney Miller, Dr. Adam Shapiro, and Bill Parrish.

Education has long been central to Ben's work. As an undergraduate, he taught flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone at the Allegro Music School of Central Virginia, where he helped found the school's Music Theory Camps and worked with students from preschool through adulthood. He was named a 2025 Virginia Teacher of Promise, an honor recognizing the top education students across Virginia. His research focuses on J.S. Bach's use of the oboe family in his sacred works; he has published a thesis on the subject and presented at the 2026 International Double Reed Society Conference on historically informed performance of Bach's oboe obbligati. He is now learning Baroque oboe and will attend the International Baroque Academy in Fall 2026.

Outside of music, Ben enjoys making espresso and learning languages. He is currently focused on German and starting to learn Spanish.

Edy Panjaitan

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Piano (Performance & Pedagogy)
• Interdisciplinary Arts: Musicology-Ethnomusicology
• Conducting-Composition

Education

• PhD, Interdisciplinary Arts, Scholar-Artist Track, Ohio University
• Graduate Conducting Certificate, Ohio University
• MA, Classical Piano Performance, College of Chinese and ASEAN Arts, Chengdu University
• BE, Music Education, Medan State University

Edy Panjaitan is an accomplished and versatile international scholar-artist with extensive experience in interdisciplinary arts, piano performance, musicology/ethnomusicology and music education. He is a STEP (Steinway Educational Partnership) Teacher, certified by Graves Piano, Columbus, OH.

Panjaitan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary Arts (Scholar-Artist Track) from Ohio University. His scholarly work specializes in musicology and ethnomusicology under the guidance of Dr. Garrett Field, while his artistic track in piano performance was mentored by Dr. Christopher Fisher. He also earned a Graduate Conducting Certificate under the guidance of Dr. Jose Rocha. He received a piano pedagogical training and mentorship from a renowned piano pedagogue, Professor Iriana Gorin. His research on Sukarlan's Rapsodia Nusantara piano composition by Indonesian leading pianist-composer, Ananada Sukarlan has been presented at the Paradigmatic Revolution conference at the Alberta University Canada, the American Musicological Society, Annual Conference and Greater New York Chapter.

Born in a small village in North Sumatra, Indonesia, he began piano studies at the age of 17-an age considered late in the classical training. Through remarkable perseverance and passion, he forged an unconventional path to artistic excellence and pursued his artistic journey.

A laureate of numerous national and international competitions, he won first prize at the China-Germany International Youth Art Competition (Qingdao). He was awarded "Pioneer Star" for his artistic excellence. He received third prize in the Steinway & Sons Piano Competition (Sichuan) and second prizes of Indonesia Piano Competition in 2013 & 2015. He has presented solo and collaborative recitals in Indonesia, China, Europe and Southeast Ohio, USA.

Panjaitan participated in European masterclasses with renowned pianists such as Rena Shereshevskaya (Verbier Festival, Switzerland), Lilya Zilberstein, (Chigiana International Festival, Italy), Ewa Poblocka (International Chopin Jury member), the European Music Institute Vienna, Austria) and Elena Margolina Hait, the Euro Arts Academy, Poland). In the United States, he received a masterclass with distinguished pianost Fei-Fei Dong at the 13th and also Professor Sondra Tamam's masterclass at the 14th Taubman Festival, Montclair University, New Jersey. He received a masterclass with Alan Fraser at the Piano Somatics Institute. He received a masterclass with renowned Israeli pianist, Michael Tal, at the Steinway, NYC and Arad Piano Festival (online), in Israel. He is a member and participant of Piano Inspire, National Conference Keyboard Pedagogy Conference (NCKP), Music Teacher National Association (MTNA), American Musicological Society and the Society for Ethnomusicology.

Panjaitan draws inspiration from Indonesia's ethnic traditions, particularly the captivating sounds of Gamelan and Gondang Sabangunan, as well as the enchanting puppetry performing arts of Wayang (leather puppet) and Sigale-gale (wooden puppet). These cultural heritages have sparked his creativity, shaping a unique and imaginative voice throughout his artistic journey.

Gunnar Pellissier

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Bassoon

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2028)

Gunnar Pellissier is a third-year music education major, a dedicated musician, and teacher. He is originally from West Chester, Ohio and has played the bassoon in both ensemble, solo, and chamber group settings for over six years. Gunnar has experience in working with young musicians one-on-one and is committed to providing students with the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed.

After university, he plans to work as a band director in the public school system as well as perform with local professional groups and teach private lessons. Gunnar aims to ensure that young bassoonists are given the best possible experience with their instrument and the best chance to mature as musicians.

Bryan Percoco

CMS Instructor 
 

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.

Jordan Popovsky

CMS Instructor 
 

Areas of Expertise

• Voice
• Classical Opera/Art Song/Musical Theatre
• Contemporary Musical Theatre  
• Pop Music and R&B 

Education

• BA, Vocal Performance, The Ohio State University
• BS, Animal Bioscience, The Ohio State University 

Jordan Popovsky is excited to be joining the CMS team of artistic educators. She is currently working towards her BA in Music with a specialization in Vocal Performance as well as an additional degree in Animal Science. Jordan has an extremely diverse array of musical experience, as she has participated in various community theatres in her hometown of Cleveland, as well as programs at Ohio State including University Chorus, Chorale, The Ohio State Opera Theatre, The Ohio State of Mind A Capella Group (OSM), The Ohio Show Band (OSB), and DT40 Pop Music Ensemble. Jordan has also participated in various musical competitions such as The Dazzle Awards, The Shining Star Awards, The Classical Singers Competition, Ohio NATS, The International Competition of Collegiate Acapella (ICCA), The Wilson Competition, and The Ohio State School of Music Concerto Competition. 

In recent years, Jordan has played the roles of Lola in Gallantry by Douglas Moore, a member of the chorus in Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan, Alice Murphy in Bright Star, and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. Additionally, in OSM she sang solos by popular artists such as Demi Lovato ("For You") and Flo ("Not my Job"), and in OSB she led songs by The Jackson 5 ("I Want You Back") and Anita Baker ("Giving You The Best That I Got"). Jordan has been singing and performing from a young age but has studied voice privately since 2017 under the mentorship of Helen Todd and Lara Brooks. Outside of performing and teaching music, Jordan loves to spend time with her pets, travel, and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and rock climbing.

Aaron Scott

CMS Instructor 

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 
 

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 
 

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.

Otis Sharp

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Hip-Hop Studies
• DJing and Turntablism
• DJ Pedagogy
• Graffiti and Hip-Hop Culture
• Community Arts Education
• Event Curation
• Youth Development
• Graphic Design

Education

• BA candidate, Organizational Leadership and Social Change for Hip-Hop Educators and Leaders, College Unbound

Otis L. Sharp Jr. (he/him), professional known as DJ O Sharp, is a Columbus-based DJ educator, designer, and community arts advocate with over thirty years of experience in Hip-Hop culture. He currently serves as Associated Faculty in Hip Hop at The Ohio State University School of Music, where he teaches courses connected to DJing, Hip-Hop Studies, graffiti culture, music, and community-based creative practice. His teaching centers Hip-Hop as both cultural knowledge and lived practice, helping students understand the DJ as an entertainer, educator, archivist, cultural worker, and builder of community.

Aside from teaching at Ohio State, Sharp serves as Creative Director at Arts Impact Middle School and is the founder of French Elements, The Freshest Events, PencilMarks Designs. His work spans youth programming, Arts in Residency experiences, event curation, design, public performance, and conference presentations focused on the Hip-Hop DJ as a cultural architect of gathering. Through projects such as Why We Gather: The Hip-Hop DJ as Cultural Architect of Liberation, Learning, and Wellness, Sharp explores how music, memory, relational listening, and audience interaction create spaces of safety, joy, healing, and belonging.

Kaylee Skaris

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• French horn

Education

• DMA, French Horn Performance, The Ohio State University (expected 2028)
• MM, French Horn Performance, University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music
• BM, French Horn Performance, Bowling Green State University

Kaylee Skaris studied with Dr. Andrew Pelletier, professor of horn at Bowling Green State University, and received her bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2023. She graduated with her master’s degree in horn performance in 2025 from the University of Cincinnati—College Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Margaret Tung and David Alexander. Kaylee, now pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at The Ohio State University, studies with Bruce Henniss. Kaylee is serving as the graduate teaching associate for the Ohio State horn studio, as well as teaching privately in the Columbus area. In addition to teaching at the collegiate level, she hopes to win an orchestral position and perform regularly with a professional orchestra.

An avid performer, Kaylee Skaris is greatly interested in chamber music and orchestral playing, having performed in a wide variety of ensembles. She has played in numerous premiere ensembles throughout her college career, along with playing professionally in the Cincinnati area. Additionally, she has played substitute horn with both the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra and the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra.

Kaylee is an activist for equality not only in her field as a classical musician, but also in everyday life. After the ruling of Roe v. Wade in 2022, she commissioned a new work for solo horn by Hayden Mesnick, entitled Speak, which she premiered in 2023 during the New Music Festival at Bowling Green State University. She hopes to commission and premiere more works in the future.

Aria Stenzel

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Piano
• Jazz 
• Composition
• Voice

Education

• BM, Jazz Composition, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)

Aria Stenzel is a passionate teacher and versatile multi-instrumentalist with specialties in jazz piano and composition. Aria is currently pursuing a BM in Jazz Composition at The Ohio State University where she has been fortunate to study jazz piano with Dave Powers and jazz improvisation with Robert Brooks. At the university, she has been a member of the Bebop, Video Gamp Music, Latin jazz combos as well as a vocalist in Gospel Choir. Outside of the university, she has been a member of multiple local bands and choirs.

Lily Wang

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Piano

Education

• DMA, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, The Ohio State University 
• MA, Music Teacher Education, Hunter College
• MM, Classical Performance, Queens College
• BA, Music Performance, Shandong Normal University

Lily Wang is a versatile educator and musician with a diverse range of experiences. From nurturing preschool students at The Ohio State University Childcare Program to coaching and accompanying bachelor’s students at Hunter College of the City University of New York, Ms. Lily has honed her teaching skills across various stages of learning. Her journey also includes serving as a music student teacher in public schools in New York City, highlighting her commitment to enriching communities through education and the arts. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her Kodaly and Dalcroze training, with a focus on cultivating sustained interest in music and creating an environment where students genuinely enjoy learning and making music. With advanced degrees in Music Education and Performance, including a Doctor of Musical Arts, Ms. Lily continues to inspire students to discover the joy of learning music. 

Justin White

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
 

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.

Greta Zender

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Cello
• Chamber Music
• Voice

Education

• BME, Instrumental Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2027)

Greta Zender is a fourth-year Music Education student at The Ohio State University on the instrumental track, pursuing a minor in Education Policy. A cellist and active member of the School of Music community, Greta has participated in various orchestras and ensembles on campus, including CellOhio, Ohio State's all-cello ensemble, as well as the Ohio State Chorale and Women's Glee Club.

Greta currently serves as president of Ohio State's Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) chapter and is a member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) chapter at Ohio State. As a cello instructor, she is passionate about helping students build strong fundamentals, grow in confidence, and discover the joy of making music. Outside of the Community Music School, Greta enjoys getting matcha with friends, discovering new music, and performing with J2K, an all-inclusive dance organization on Ohio State's campus. 

Jieying Zhang

CMS Instructor 

Areas of Expertise

• Music Education - Early childhood / K-12
• Voice
• Chinese Instrument - Erhu

Education

• PhD, Music Education, The Ohio State University (expected 2028)
• MM, Music Education, Carnegie Mellon University
• BA, Voice Performance, Minzu University of China

Jieying (Ying) Zhang, a PhD student in music education at The Ohio State University, is serving as a graduate teaching associate. Before coming to Ohio State, she taught in China for six years, gaining extensive experience in general music, choral, and Chinese music instruction. Her teaching spans early childhood, primary, secondary, and undergraduate entrance levels.

She has contributed to the Chinese national textbooks Art Drama (Chinese Opera) and serves as a deputy editor for Chinese national teaching reference book Art Drama (Chinese Opera). In addition, she presented at the 2022 China National Music Education Conference in Beijing. Her research interests include music perception and cognition, the non-musical benefits of music education, and music technology in learning and creativity.

Jieying has served as a competition judge, children's academic music test designer, and mentor for new teachers. She was also recognized as a Backbone Teacher in Haidian District, Beijing. Her honors include the National Basic Education Quality Course Selection Award (2023) and recognition as a Beijing Outstanding Graduate (2017).