Meet the CMS Staff

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.

Christian Contreras

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
contreras.117@osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Voice
• Spoken Word
• Rap History

Education

• MA, African American and African Studies, The Ohio State University (expected 2025)
• BA, Music (Vocal Performance), Oakwood University (2023)

Christian Contreras (he/him) is a spoken-word poet and classically trained vocalist. His music and performance poetry background is informed by his study of African American history and culture. Though he enjoys listening to and studying a wide variety of genres, he has a special affinity for rap music and its poetics. Christian has taught poetry and voice to students of all ages, including adult learners.

He frequently performs poetry at open mic and event venues around Columbus as well as in Cleveland. As a vocalist, he was a chorus member in the Huntsville Encore Opera’s production of Cosí Fan Tutte and with the esteemed Oakwood Aeolians. At Oakwood, he studied under the tutelage of Dr. Iris Hankins.

Lucinda Dunne

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
dunne.70@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Saxophone
• Arrangements
• Woodwind Doubling

Education

• BM, Royal College of Music, London

Lucinda Dunne is an educator, saxophonist and woodwind doubler from Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. She is a graduate of the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, where she studied both saxophone and clarinet under professors Kyle Horch and Janet Hilton. She previously studied at Chetham's School of Music with Andrew Wilson. In 2012, Lucinda reached the woodwind category final of BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Lucinda has taught saxophone and clarinet lessons for over 10 years to students from the age of 8 to adults, with the philosophy that all students are capable of becoming well-rounded musicians with confidence and clear performance and personal goals. Lucinda's students have enjoyed success in many fields, including being accepted for prestigious instrumental courses with notable UK saxophone professors. She established the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band at her previous school (Notting Hill and Ealing High School, London), creating performance opportunities for students that formerly did not have experience in either field. 

Lucinda has gained orchestral experience playing with groups such as the National Youth Orchestra, Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Vitae, performing at notable UK venues including The Sage Gateshead, St. John's Smith Square and the Royal Festival Hall. She debuted as a soloist with the RCM Film Orchestra and later performed Benson's "Aeolian Song" with the RCM Wind Ensemble. She has performed both of Weber's clarinet concertos as a soloist with the Portobello Orchestra.

Lucinda also enjoys instrumental doubling (playing saxophones, clarinets and flutes) and playing in pit orchestras for musical theatre. She is experienced as a Musical Director, having directed multiple musicals at Notting Hill and Ealing High School. Some shows she has recently performed include The Addams Family, Singin' In The Rain, Sweet Charity, Anyone Can Whistle and Guys and Dolls. She is also a keen chamber musician, playing in a number of ensembles including several saxophone quartets and jazz combos, but most recently as the bass clarinet chair holder in The Sages of Future Soul. 

Lucinda Dunne is currently pursuing a master's degree in saxophone performance at The Ohio State University, and is delighted to be assisting the School of Music as a graduate associate while continuing her music education.

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.

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.

Natalia Moreno Buitrago

CMS Instructor 
morenobuitrago.1@buckeyemail.osu.edu

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.

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.

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.

Jordan Popovsky

CMS Instructor 
popovsky.1@buckeyemail.osu.edu 

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 

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.

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.

Lily Wang

Graduate Associate and CMS Instructor 
wang.16068@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Areas of Expertise

• Piano

Education

• DMA, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, The Ohio State University (expected 2026)
• 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 
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.