Faculty

The Music School of Delaware employs the highest caliber faculty – drawn from among the best-trained musicians in the country. They are specialists able to serve beginners, conservatory-bound teens and adults in both private instruction and group settings.


   

FACULTY LISTING BY DEPARTMENT

WB - Wilmington Branch
MB - Milford Branch

(A) - artist faculty
(A-SA) - artist faculty by special arrangement
(C) - core faculty
(D) - faculty with distinction
(L) - on leave
(M) - master faculty
(SD) - faculty with special distinction


STRINGS
Jennifer Crowell Stomberg, string department head, cello, Suzuki cello, groups (C, M) - WB
Ross Beauchamp, cello - WB
Eric Coyne, cello - WB
Eliezer Gutman, violin (M) - MB
Lingchin Liao Hacker, violin, Suzuki Violin - WB
Jessica Hoffman, Suzuki violin, groups (C) - WB
Russell Kotcher, violin - WB
Amy Leonard, viola, violin - WB
Martha Mancuso, cello - MB
Luigi Mazzocchi, violin - WB
Julianne Murphy, Suzuki Academy assistant department head, Suzuki violin, groups & orchestras (C) - WB & MB
Janka Pernisz, violin - WB
Michelle Peters, violin, Suzuki violin, groups (D) - MB
Kate Ransom, violin, president & CEO - WB
Christof Richter, violin - WB
Ingrid Rosenback, violin - WB
Shelley Beard Schleigh, Suzuki Academy department head, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups (C, M) - WB
Christina von Duyke, violin, Suzuki violin - WB
Elissa Wagman, violin, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups - WB
Mark Ward, cello (M) - WB
Stefan Xhori, violin (M) - MB
Yehong Xiong, violin - WB

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WINDS, BRASS & PERCUSSION
Dr. Lynne Cooksey, winds/brass/percussion department head, flute, Suzuki flute (A, D) - WB
Lois Ash, horn, Milford Branch director - MB
Cheri Astolfi, horn, executive director - WB
Barbara Benedett, clarinet, saxophone - WB
Melinda Bowman, flute, Suzuki flute, groups (D) - WB
Zachary Crystal, percussion - WB
Benjamin Erskine, brass - MB
Dr. Frank Gazda, low brass - MB
William Gregory, trumpet - WB
Chuck Holdeman, bassoon (M) - WB
Dr. Michael Johns, horn (M) - WB
Dr. Jared Kobos, clarinet - WB & MB
Dr. Paula Nelson, flute (D) - WB
Dr. Kirk O'Riordan, saxophone - WB
Susan Nowaczyk Ritter, oboe - WB
Walter "Skip" Rohrich, drums/percussion (D) - WB
Lloyd Shorter, oboe (M) - WB
Honey Voshell, drums - MB
Larry Walker, winds, brass, percussion - MB

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PIANO, HARPSICHORD & ORGAN
Donna DeLaurentis, piano/harpischord/organ department head, piano (M) - WB
Dr. Donna Mulzet Beech, piano (M, D) - WB
David Brown, piano (A-SA) - WB
Natalie Nam Chang, piano - WB
Jennifer Chen, piano - WB
Lotus Cheng, piano, chamber music advisor (C, M, D) - WB
Darlene Colavecchi-Smith, piano - WB
Joan Fasullo, class piano (D) - WB
Dr. Jacqueline Beach Faulcon, piano (SD) - WB
Richard Gangwisch, piano (D) - WB
Liliya Maslov, piano (C, D) - WB
Dr. Oleg Maslov, piano - WB & MB
Rebecca McDaniel, piano - MB
Constance Moore, piano (M) - WB
Mary Kate Newell, piano - WB
Ethel Olsen, piano (D) - WB
Elayne Soltz Penn, piano (SD) - WB
Albert Pinkerton, Jr., piano, class piano - MB
Tracy Richardson, piano, harpsichord (M) - WB
Dr. Holly Roadfeldt-O'Riordan, piano (D) - WB
David Schelat, organ - WB
Dawn Stevens, piano (M) - WB
Tomasz Walski, piano - WB
Hiroko Yamazaki, piano (D, M) - WB

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GUITAR & BASS GUITAR
Christopher Braddock, guitar department head, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin (C, D) - WB & MB
Matthew Lavanish, guitar - WB

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HARP
Janet Witman, classical & Celtic harp - WB
Margaret Love, harp, Celtic harp (SD) - WB

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VOICE
Dr. Michael Larkin, vocal/choral department head, voice, class voice (A, C, D) - WB
Dr. Jacqueline Beach Faulcon, voice (SD) - WB
Jaclyn Heller, voice - WB
Rebecca McDaniel, voice - MB
Elayne Soltz Penn, voice (SD) - WB
Joanne Ward, class voice (M) - WB

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JAZZ
Christopher Braddock, Jazz Combo (C, D) - WB

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EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
Melinda Hudson-Oriani, Early Childhood department head (C) - WB
Cheri Astolfi, executive director - WB
Melinda Bowman (D) - WB
Katrina Dobrzelewski - WB
Kathleen Dunn - WB
Tanya Gallagher - WB
Jaclyn Heller - WB
Margaret Love (SD) - WB
Mary Ellen Moser (SD) - WB
Marjorie Ripsom - WB
Joyce Sterling - MB
Jennifer Wagner - WB

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SUZUKI ACADEMY
Shelley Beard Schleigh, Suzuki Academy department head, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups (C, M) - WB
Julianne Murphy, Suzuki Academy assistant department head, Suzuki violin, groups & orchestras (C) - WB & MB
Cheri Astolfi, Suzuki theory, executive director - WB
Melinda Bowman, Suzuki flute, groups (D) - WB
Dr. Lynne Cooksey, Suzuki flute (A, D) - WB
Eric Coyne, Suzuki theory - WB
Lingchin Liao Hacker, Suzuki violin - WB
Jessica Hoffman, Suzuki violin, groups (C) - WB
Michelle Peters, Suzuki violin, groups (D) - MB
Jennifer Crowell Stomberg, Suzuki cello, groups (C, M) - WB
Christina von Duyke, Suzuki violin - WB
Elissa Wagman, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups - WB

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ENSEMBLE DIRECTORS
Christopher Braddock, Guitar & Mandolin Orchestra, Jazz Combo (C, D) - WB & MB
Gwen Fuller, Orchestral Prep for Strings - WB
Dr. Michael Larkin, Delaware Youth Symphony, Select Choral Ensemble, Select Chamber Choir, Delaware Men's Chorus (A, C, D) - WB
Jennifer McCarthy, Select Youth Chorale - MB
Rebecca McDaniel, Women Sing! - MB
Marybeth Miller, Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children's Chorus - WB
Julianne Murphy, Suzuki Academy Concert Strings, Suzuki Academy Festival Strings (C) - WB
Dr. Paula Nelson, Flute Choir, Adult Flute Ensemble (D) - WB
Dr. Timothy Schwarz, Wilmington Community Orchestra - WB
Jennifer Crowell Stomberg, chamber music coordinator, Cello Choir (C, M) - WB
Christina von Duyke, Delaware Youth Orchestra - WB
Joanne Ward, Delaware Women's Chorus (M) - WB

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ENSEMBLE ACCOMPANISTS
Bethany Faiz, Delaware Women's Chorus - WB
Carol Nile, Wilmington Youth Chorale - WB
David Smith, Delaware Children's Chorus, Select Choral Ensemble - WB

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MUSIC THEORY, HISTORY & COMPOSITION
Dr. Paula Nelson, theory department head, music theory (D) - WB
David Brown, music theory, composition (A-SA) - WB
Chuck Holdeman, composition (M) - WB
Dr. Oleg Maslov, music history - WB
Elayne Soltz Penn, music theory (SD) - WB
Susan Nowaczyk Ritter, music theory - WB

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MUSIC THERAPY
Kathleen Dunn, music therapy - WB
Joseph Reilly, Musical Memory Lane - WB

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DRAMA
Allan Carlsen, acting - WB


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ALPHABETICAL FACULTY LISTING

WB - Wilmington Branch
MB - Milford Branch

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LOIS ASH, Milford Branch director, MB
(horn)
B.M., french horn performance, M.M., orchestral performance, Manhattan School of Music; M.A., performing arts administration, New York University; M.B.A. (in progress), Wayne State College. Performance experience: Monterrey Symphony Orchestra, Frederick Symphony Orchestra, Frederick Community Band, Touch of Brass brass quintet, a performance with Harry Connick, Jr., Long Island Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Bermuda Philharmonic. Teaching experience: Hartwick College Summer Music Festival and Institute, private lesson instruction.

CHERI ASTOLFI, executive director, WB
(horn, Suzuki theory, Early Childhood music)
B.M., M.M., horn performance, University of Delaware. Principal teachers: Cynthia Carr, Dr. Michael Johns, Francis Orval. Early childhood music teacher: Jill Hannagan. Early childhood music training: Musikgarten Family Music for Toddlers, The Cycle of Seasons and Music Makers: At Home in the World. Performance experience: freelancer in Mid-Atlantic region, Quintessence Woodwind Quintet and Renaissance Brass Trio. Teaching experience: University of Delaware, University of Delaware Community Music School, Hockessin Music School, CACC Montessori School, Children’s House Montessori School, Hockessin Montessori School, Montessori Learning Center, New Garden Preschool, Newark Center for Creative Learning. Conducting experience: Red Clay Consolidated School District Orchestra.

ROSS BEAUCHAMP, WB
(cello)
B.M., M.M., Boston University; B.S., civil engineering, University of Delaware. Studied with: Michael Reynolds, Marion Feldman, Douglas McNames, Louisa Marks. Teaching experience: Bryn Mawr Conservatory, University of Delaware Community Music School. Orchestral and chamber music experience: Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Kennett Square Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Bridgeton Symphony Orchestra, Trio Jeudi, Trio des Amis, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Kythia String Quartet, Downcast Chamber Music Center.

DR. DONNA MULZET BEECH, master faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.S., music education, M.M., performance, West Chester University; D.M.A., Catholic University. Studied with: Thomas Mastroianni, William Masselos, Robert Bedford. Music director, Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church. Performance experience: soloist with the Kennett, Wilmington Community & West Chester University Symphony Orchestras; Lorin Hollander and Béla Nagy master classes; frequent chamber musician with string and woodwind chamber groups; soloist throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. Lectures: Development of Pianism; Learning & Memory.

BARBARA BENEDETT, WB
(clarinet, saxophone)
B.M., M.M., clarinet performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Charles Salinger, David Weber, Vincent Marinelli, Anthony Gigliotti. Member: International Clarinet Association, Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. Freelance musician: clarinet, flute, saxophone with Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony, Media Theater, Villanova Theater, Brandywiners.

MELINDA BOWMAN, faculty with distinction, WB
(flute, Suzuki flute & groups, Early Childhood music)
B.M., flute performance, B.M., choral education, University of Delaware. Studied with: Kazuo Tokito, Carol Brown. Suzuki training: E. Tennessee State University with Pandora Bryce. Trained teacher: Kindermusik® Beginnings, Growing with Kindermusik® and Kindermusik® I. Awards: Two time recipient of the Presser Scholarship. Member: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Performance experience: Delaware Valley orchestra, band and chamber music; the Bowman-Braddock Flute and Guitar Duo; Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Teaching experience:  Independence School, Friends Central School.

CHRISTOPHER BRADDOCK, core faculty with distinction, WB & MB
(guitar department head, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, Guitar & Mandolin Orchestra, Jazz Combo, Cultural Crossroads coordinator)
B.M., cum laude, classical guitar performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Christiaan Taggart. Performances: Bowman-Braddock Flute & Guitar Duo, Tidewater Brass Band, Right as Rain Acoustic Guitar Trio, solo recitals. Awards: 2002 Individual Artist Fellowship in Music Composition, Delaware Division of the Arts. Teaching experience: Teaching Artist, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education. Artistic director: Delaware Classical Showcase, Inc.

DAVID BROWN, artist faculty by special arrangement, WB
(piano, composition, music theory)
B.M., piano performance, M.M., composition, Curtis Institute. Studied with: Rudolf Serkin, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, composer Myron Fink. Awards: first prize winner, National Merriweather-Post Competition; Bloch Award; two grants, Philadelphia Friends of Fine Arts. Music School Teacher of the Year, 1988-89. Performance experience: soloist with Concerto Soloists (Philadelphia); Delaware, Lancaster, National & Utah Symphony Orchestras; extensive solo, duo-piano and chamber music recitals. Piano concerto composer & soloist for 1976 commission for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra; premiere performance recorded and broadcast worldwide over “Voice of America.” Teaching experience: University of Delaware, West Chester State University, Snowbird SummerArts Institute (UT).

ALLAN CARLSEN, WB
(acting)
Directing credits: On- and off-Broadway and in many regional theaters throughout the United States; The Music School of Delaware, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2002 & 2003); Delaware Theatre Company, The Cocktail Hour (A.R. Gurney). Acting credits: Leading roles on- and off-Broadway, television, regional theaters in United States and Canada; Delaware Theatre Company, Glengarry Glen Ross (D. Mamet). Teaching experience: University of Delaware, Wilmington Friends School, Cab Calloway School for the Arts.

NATALIE NAM CHANG, WB
(piano)
B.M., magna cum laude, piano performance, M.M., piano pedagogy, West Chester University. Studied with: Dr. Richard Veleta, Ellen Mack, Keiko Sato. Awards: Michael Morochko Memorial Piano Scholarship Competition; first place, Hornam Piano Competition. Member: Pi Kappa Lambda and Music Teachers National Association.

JENNIFER CHEN, WB
(piano)
B.M., piano performance, Eastman School of Music; M.M., piano performance, University of Maryland, College Park.

LOTUS CHENG, core master faculty with distinction, WB
(piano, chamber music advisor)
B.M., piano performance, University of Delaware; M.M., piano pedagogy/accompanying, Temple University. Studied with: Alexander Fiorillo, Lambert Orkis, David Brown. Music School Teacher of the Year 1991-1992. Awards: 1980 JCC Young Musicians Competition; 1983 Temple University Concerto Competition; 1987 National Bartók-Kabalevsky Piano Competition; accompanying & teaching scholarship grants, Temple University. Teaching experience: University of Delaware. Master classes: Augustin Anievas, Leon Fleisher, Natalie Hinderas, Russell Sherman. Performance experience: solo recitals; duets and two-piano works with husband David Brown in Salt Lake City, Paris and Straubing (Germany).

DARLENE COLAVECCHI-SMITH, WB
(piano)
B.M., piano performance, University of Delaware; M.M., piano performance, West Chester University. Studied with: David Brown, Dr. Richard Veleta. Teaching experience: West Chester University. Member: Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. Former assistant music director, Delaware County Community College. Performance experience: soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, orchestral pianist, lecture-recitals, workshops, festivals. Member: Concord Friends of Music Executive Committee. Official accompanist for all choral groups at Concord High School.

DR. LYNNE COOKSEY, artist faculty with distinction, WB
(winds/brass/percussion department head, flute, Suzuki flute)
B.M., Southern Methodist University; M.M., Manhattan School of Music; D.M.A., North Texas State University. Music School Teacher of the Year 1989-1990. Teaching experience: Hastings College, Kearney State College, Southwest Missouri State University, North Texas State University, Temple University-Center City Campus. Former president: Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association. Performance experience: Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth, OperaDelaware, Delaware Symphony, Spoleto Festival Orchestras. Soloist: Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Civic Symphony, Hastings Civic Symphony, Wilmington Community Orchestra.

ERIC COYNE, WB
(cello, Suzuki theory)
B.M., University of Iowa; M.M. and Professional Certificate, cello performance and pedagogy, Temple University. Principal teachers: Charles Wendt, Jeffrey Solow, Tanya Carey. Performance experience: Symphony in C, West Philadelphia Camerata, Mühlenberg Piano Quartet, Quad Cities Symphony. Teaching experience: Community Music School of Collegeville (Pennsylvania), Westminster Choir College Conservatory, Nelly Berman School of Music.

ZACHARY CRYSTAL, WB
(percussion)
B.M., percussion performance, Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., percussion performance, Temple University. Studied with: Alan Abel, Angela Zator Nelson, Michael Rosen, Jamey Haddad. Teaching experience: Settlement Music School. Orchestral experience: Delaware Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Symphony in C.

DONNA DELAURENTIS, master faculty, WB
(piano/harpsichord/organ department head, piano)
B.M., performance, Marymount College; M.M., performance, University of Delaware. Teaching experience: Marymount College, Ursuline Academy. Related professional experience: OperaDelaware, Music at the Beach Ensemble Festival.

KATRINA DOBRZELEWSKI, WB
(Early Childhood music)
B.M., music education, University of Maine; M.M., music education, Arizona State University.

KATHLEEN DUNN, WB
(Early Childhood music, music therapy)
B.M., music education & music therapy, Immaculata University. Kindermusik® training.

BENJAMIN ERSKINE, MB
(brass)
B.S., music education, Indiana Wesleyan University. Teaching experience: Georgetown Middle School, Washington County Public Schools, Eastern Jr./Sr. High School, Valley Grove Elementary School, Marion High School, private studio.

JOAN FASULLO, faculty with distinction, WB
(class piano)
B.M., Marywood College; M.M., New School for Music Study; professional teacher training course, Princeton. Studied with: Sister Immaculate Severino, Sam Holland, Frances Clark, Louise Goss. Former faculty chair: New School’s Elementary Department, Bay Area Music Center, Brandywine Piano Studio. Former owner: Clear Lake Piano Studio. Founder and first president: Northern Delaware Music Teachers’ Association.

DR. JACQUELINE BEACH FAULCON, faculty with special distinction, WB
(voice, piano)
B.S., Temple University; M.Ed., music supervision, West Chester University; Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy, music, World University. Studied with: Blanche Taylor Burton, Agi Yambor, Helene Diedrich, Elaine Browrii, Elizabeth Westmoreland Briggs, Madame Landver. Conducting experience: International Choir of the Congress on Arts and Communications, Skyline Middle School.  Awards: 2002 Patricia Grasty Gaines Leadership Award given by the Frederick Douglass Institute of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 1999 National Teacher Hall of Fame, 1998-1999 MBNA Excellence in Education Grant, 1999 McDonald's Classroom Grant, International Biographical Centre (Cambridge, England), Gold Medal of Congress, 1996 Ernest Kay International Foundation Award. Solo performances: Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, Oceana and throughout the USA. Member: Board of Trustees of the Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE; The Philadelphia Musical Fund Society. President of the Delaware State Music Teachers Association (MTNA affiliate) 2003-2005.

GWEN FULLER, WB
(Orchestral Prep for Strings)
B.M., cello performance, Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., education, Wichita State University. Suzuki Training: master classes with Dr. Suzuki at Oberlin; Catholic University; University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Ithaca College. Performance experience: Pierre Montreux training orchestra, Wichita Symphony, Delaware Symphony. Teaching experience: began Suzuki cello program at The Music School of Delaware; Rose Tree Media School District; Wilmington Public Schools; Red Clay Consolidated School District. Membership: Educational Advisory Council of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

TANYA GALLAGHER, WB
(Early Childhood music)
B.M., music education, University of Delaware; Musikgarten® certification.

RICHARD GANGWISCH, faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.S., music education, West Chester University; M.M., accompanying, Manhattan School of Music. Teaching experience: West Chester University, Gesamthochschule Kassel (Germany), Loire Valley Music Institute (France), Freie Waldorfschule Kassel, Eurhythmy pianist. Performance experience: piano soloist (Germany), chamber music concerts, faculty and student accompanist at West Chester University.

DR. FRANK GAZDA, MB
(low brass)
B.M., music education, Shenandoah University; M.M., trombone performance, Manhattan School of Music; D.M.A., trombone performance and Literature, University of Maryland. Teaching experience: Delaware State University, Wayne State College, Shepherd University, Frederick Community College. Performance experience: Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, SCS Brass Quintet, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, A Touch of Brass brass quintet. Competitions: finalist, Eastern Trombone Workshop National Solo Competition; finalist, IWBC National Solo competition.

WILLIAM GREGORY, WB
(trumpet)
B.M., trumpet performance, Eastman School of Music.

ELIEZER GUTMAN, master faculty, MB
(violin)
B.S., industry and management, Technion Institute of Technology, Israel; M.M., violin performance, The University of the Arts. Orchestral experience: Allentown Symphony Orchestra (concertmaster), OperaDelaware (concertmaster), Reading Symphony (assistant concertmaster), Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Chamber music experience: Copeland String Quartet. Conducting experience: First State Strings Youth Orchestra. Teaching experience: New England Music Camp.

LINGCHIN LIAO HACKER, WB
(violin, Suzuki violin)
B.M., violin performance & music education, National Taiwan Normal University; M.M., violin performance, Temple University. Additional studies: Gordon Institute for Music Learning Theory; Professional studies in violin performance, Temple University. Suzuki training. Orchestral experience: Haddonfield Symphony, Taipei city Symphony. Chamber music experience: Trio Jeudi. Faculty: Darlington Fine Arts Center, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Teaching experience: Philadelphia Biblical University, Temple University Music Prep.

JACLYN HELLER, WB
(voice, Early Childhood music)
B.M., choral music education, M.M., vocal performance, University of Delaware.

JESSICA HOFFMAN, core faculty, WB
(Suzuki violin, groups)
B.M., performance, Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University; M.M., performance, Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University. Suzuki training: Hartt Suzuki Institute, The Greater Washington Suzuki String Institute, The Pittsburgh Music Academy. Principal teachers: Linda Fiore, Edmund Sprunger, Michelle George. Performance experience: Haddonfield Symphony, freelancing in Philadelphia. Chamber music experience: Credo Summer Chamber Music. Teaching experience: Temple University, Settlement Music School of Philadelphia, Cheltenham Music of Philadelphia, Morristown School of Music, OPUS 1, Crescendo Summer Chamber Music.

CHUCK HOLDEMAN, master faculty, WB
(bassoon, composition)
B.M., Curtis Institute of Music. Studied with: Sol Schoenbach, Maurice Allard. Former principal bassoonist: Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Awards: 2003 Delaware Symphony Players' Award, 2000 Delaware Division of the Arts Master Arts Fellowship, 1999 Composer of the Year from Pennsylvania and Delaware State Music Teachers Associations, Meet-The-Composer program. Residencies:  Delaware Division of the Arts, VSA, DIAE, Delaware Wolf Trap, Centrum in Washington State. Recordings: Bassoon Seul (1998) and Buffet Trio (2000).

MELINDA HUDSON-ORIANI, core faculty, WB
(Early Childhood department head)
B.M., vocal performance, University of Minnesota. Kindermusik® training: Carol Penney, Elaine Harriss. Performances: OperaDelaware, Vox Amadeus Ensemble, Philadelphia Singers, Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Houston Chamber Choir. Director: Clear Lake Kindermusik®. Member: AGMA Kindermusik® Educators Association.

DR. MICHAEL JOHNS, master faculty, WB
(horn)
B.A., horn performance, New England Conservatory; M.M., music history, D.M.A., horn performance, Temple University. Performances experience Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Philly Pops, Boston Pops, Boston Pops Esplanade Ochestra, Marlboro Music Festival, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, 1807 & Friends. Teaching experience: Temple University, Swarthmore College, Settlement Music School.

DR. JARED KOBOS, WB & MB
(clarinet)
B.M., music education, University of Delaware; M.M., clarinet performance, Florida State University; D.M.A., clarinet performance, Michigan State University.

RUSSELL KOTCHER, WB
(violin)
B.M., University of Michigan; M.M., San Francisco Conservatory.

DR. MICHAEL LARKIN, core artist faculty with distinction, WB
(vocal/choral department head, voice, class voice, Select Choral Ensemble, Select Chamber Choir, Delaware Men's Chorus, Delaware Youth Symphony)
B.M., University of Delaware; M.M., Catholic University; D.M.A., Temple University. Founder/music director, the New Ark Chorale. Teaching experience: Temple University, Misericordia College. Eastern Division Chairperson for Music in Worship for the American Choral Directors Association. Appointed to the Bishop’s Commission on Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, MD. Guest conductor, choral/vocal clinician and music festival adjudicator. Compositions published by leading publishing houses.

MATTHEW LAVANISH, WB
(guitar)
B.M., M.M., classical guitar performance, University of Delaware. Teaching experience: Community Music School at the University of Delaware, St. Andrew's School, the Tatnall School, private studio.

AMY LEONARD, WB
(viola, violin)
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., Manhattan School of Music.

MARGARET LOVE, faculty with special distinction, WB
(harp, Celtic harp, Early Childhood music)
B.M., music education, Florida State University; M.M., Kansas State University. Studied with: Ramona Beard, Marion Pelton, Barbara Gray, Robert Plimpton. Director: adult choir and handbell choir/ensemble, Hope Lutheran Church; organist/music director in various churches throughout the area. Teaching experience: Birmingham (AL), Caravel Academy and Holy Angels Catholic Schools. Member: Board of Directors, Kindermusik® Educators Association.

MARTHA MANCUSO, MB
(cello)
B.M., cello performance, The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.

LILIYA MASLOV, core faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.M., piano performance, Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children (Ukraine); M.M. with additional studies in chamber music and pedagogy, Kharkov State Conservatory (Ukraine); M.M., piano performance, Temple University. Studied with: Harvey Wedeen, Regina Horowitz, Arkady Sevidov, Natan Perelman. Teaching experience: Temple University Preparatory, Temple University, Arad State Conservatory (Israel), Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children. Performance experience: duo-piano recitals; chamber music in Israel, Ukraine and United States; solo recitals; duo-piano and chamber music for WFLN radio (Philadelphia). Soloist: Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra. Awards: winner, Kharkov Piano Competition; winner, Ukrainian National Piano Competition; Israel Cultural Chamber Music Award.

DR. OLEG MASLOV, WB & MB
(piano, music history)
B.M., piano performance, Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children (Ukraine); M.M., piano performance with additional qualifications as a chamber performer and piano teacher, Kharkov State Conservatory (Ukraine); Doctoral Diploma, piano performance, National Academy of Music (Ukraine); D.M.A., piano performance, Temple University. Studied with: Harvey Wedeen, Alexander Snegiriov, Natan Perelman, Regina Horowitz. Master classes: Alexander Volkov, Christofer Kait, Misha Dichter, Jerome Lowenthal. Awards and honors: Israel Cultural Chamber Music Award, 1992; graduation with distinction, Kharkov State Conservatory, 1984; winner, Kharkov Piano Competition, 1983; winner, Ukrainian National Music Competition, 1979. Research: "Romantic German literature and Schumann's Carnaval, Op. 9: an interconnection" (National Academy of Music, Kiev, 1990); "Rachmaninoff's early works for two pianos: nationalistic icons?" (Temple University, 2001, published by Liszt Society). Performance experience: Temple University, Lincoln Center, WFLN Radio (Philadelphia), Haverford, 40 chamber music performances as resident pianist with Arad String Quartet (Israel). Teaching experience: Temple University, National Academy of Music (Ukraine), Kharkov State Conservatory (Ukraine). Artist in residence, Temple University.

LUIGI MAZZOCCHI, WB
(violin)
Latin American Academy of Violin, Caracas; B.M., violin performance, Rowan University; M.M. and current doctoral studies, Temple University. Studied with: J.F. del Castillo, Helen Kwalwasser, William de Pasquale, Lambert Orkis. Orchestral experience: Lara State and Simon Bolivar Orchestras (Venezuela), Philadelphia Orchestra. Concerto soloist and in chamber music ensembles in South America, Europe and USA. Competitions: first place, Temple University Solo Competitions; second place, Latin American Violin Competition.

JENNIFER MCCARTHY, MB
(Select Youth Chorale)
B.M., music education, M.M., choral conducting, West Virginia University.

REBECCA McDANIEL, MB
(piano, voice, Women Sing!)
B.A., history, James Madison University. Performance experience: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, James Madison University, Broadway Presbyterian Church. Teaching experience: Harrisonburg Music Center.

MARYBETH MILLER, WB
(Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children's Chorus)
B.A., music, University of Delaware; B.S., apparel design. Faculty: Wilmington Christian School. Associations: repertoire & standards chair for women's choirs, Delaware American Choral Directors Association; editor, Da Capo (DACD).

CONSTANCE MOORE, master faculty, WB
(piano)
B.M., M.M., piano performance, University of Louisville; instrumental accompanying, Juilliard School. Studied with: Lee Luvisi. Teaching experience: Juilliard Pre-College, Bowdoin Summer Music Festival, Hunter College. Chair: Juilliard Pre-College Chamber Music Program. Accompanying experience: Mannes School of Music, Juilliard School, Mozarteum (Salzburg), Munich International Violin Competition. Performances in recital and chamber music ensembles throughout the USA, France, Austria.

MARY ELLEN MOSER, faculty with special distinction, WB
(Early Childhood music)
B.S., cum laude, elementary education, University of Wisconsin; M.S., geographic education, University of Kansas, Lawrence. Studied with: Lois Fisher, University of Wisconsin at Madison. Kindermusik® training: Westminster Choir College with authors Linda Swears and Lorna Heyge. Performance experience: leading roles in musical theater, roles in opera and community choruses, soloist with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Choir and guest soloist with area churches. Teaching experience: Wisconsin and Kansas public schools. Licensed Kindermusik® teacher, certified in Delaware.

JULIANNE MURPHY, core faculty, WB & MB
(Suzuki Academy assistant department head, Suzuki violin &groups, Suzuki Academy Concert Strings, Suzuki Academy Festival Strings)
B.M., violin performance, Crane School of Music, State University of New York (Potsdam); M.M., violin performance, Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. Registered Suzuki teacher, ECC!, Violin Units 1-8. Principal teachers: Emlyn Ngai, John Lindsey, Ioan Harea, Jane Eikov. Pedagogy teachers: Sarah Hersh, Linda Fiore, Teri Einfeldt. Teaching experience: JC Music, Neighborhood Music School, Community Music School of Springfield, private lessons.

DR. PAULA NELSON, faculty with distinction, WB
(flute, Flute Choir, Adult Flute Ensemble, theory department head, music theory)
B.A. summa cum laude, University of Maryland; M.M., D.M.A., University of North Texas. Studied with: Mary Karen Clardy, William Montgomery, Kathleen Chastain, James Walker. Teaching experience: Elizabethtown College, West Chester University, Immaculata University. Orchestral experience: second flute, Pottstown Symphony Orchestra; former second flute, Irving (Texas) Symphony Orchestra. Soloist: Wilmington Community Orchestra, Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Classical Symphony. Performance experience: Nelson-Sessler flute and classical guitar duo, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Norristown Senior Octave Club, Afternoon Music Club, various solo and chamber music appearances. Competitions: winner, 1992 National Flute Association Masterclass Performer's Competition, 1987 Maryland MTNA-Wurlitzer Collegiate Artist Competition. Articles published in Flute Talk magazine.

MARY KATE NEWELL, WB
(piano)
B.M., M.M., education with piano concentration, University of Delaware. Music director: St. Margaret of Scotland, R.C. Church. Teaching experience: University of Delaware, Settlement Music School, Tatnall School.  Member of Royal Palm Steelband.

DR. KIRK O'RIORDAN, WB
(saxophone)
B.S., saxophone, Indiana University; M.M., saxophone & composition, Bowling Green State University; M.M., conducting, University of Denver; D.M.A., composition, Arizona State University. Studied with: Frederick Hemke, John Sampen, Eugene Rousseau, Iwan Roth. Performance experience: The Eaken Piano Trio, Reuben Councill, Heidi Pintner, Kenneth Tse, Holly Roadfelt-O’Riordan, Andrew Rammon, Farrell Vernon. Teaching experience: Bucknell University, Susquehanna Univeresity, Lock Haven University, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Arizona State University, Colorado Christian University.

ETHEL OLSEN, faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.A., Edison State College. Graduate studies: Westminster Choir College, Rowan College. Additional studies: Tanglewood Summer Institute, Boston University. Studied with: Béla Nagy, Steven Romanio, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Jacques Voois. Teaching experience: St. Andrew's School, Westminster College Piano Preparatory Department. Memberships: MTNA, NGPT, MSMTA, MTAGB. Accompianist: Zhi-yin Chorus, FCCS-Newark.

ELAYNE SOLTZ PENN, faculty with special distinction, WB
(piano, voice, music theory)
B.M., education, West Virginia University; M.M., voice performance, S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook. Studied with: voice, Adele Addison, Hans Heinz, Margaret Harshaw; piano, Susan Starr, Robert Bedford. Nationally certified in voice and piano by MTNA. Member: NATS. Performance experience: soprano soloist and choir director, Beth Judah Congregation; Delaware Symphony Chamber Series; Delaware Children's Theatre; University of Delaware; OperaDelaware; equity productions; The Music School of Delaware's Music Masters concert series. DSMTA Festival chair/co-chair/vice-president: piano, voice, piano ensemble, student activities, membership, theory festival. President: Northern Delaware Music Teachers' Association (NDMTA).

JANKA PERNISZ, WB
(violin)
B.M., violin performance, Eastman School of Music; M.M., violin performance, University of Delaware; graduate studies in music education, Eastman School of Music. Studied with: Charles Haupt, Charles Castleman, Camilla Wicks, Lynn Blakeslee, Susan Dersnah-Fee. Performance experience: quartet performances for Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra special events; concertmaster, Eastman School Symphony Orchestra; Michigan and Western New York orchestras; Saginaw-Bay Orchestra; Midland Symphony Orchestra. Teaching experience: private studio, sectional rehearsals and group lessons for high school and college orchestras.

MICHELLE PETERS, faculty with distinction, MB
(violin, Suzuki violin & groups)
B.S., music education, violin, West Chester University. Registered Suzuki teacher. Performance experience: Dover Symphony Community Orchestra, Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Teaching experience: Morris Early Childhood Center, St. John’s Catholic Church, New Castle County School District String Program. Suzuki teaching experience: Washington Suzuki Institute, Ithaca Suzuki Institute, New Orleans Suzuki Institute, Bethlehem Suzuki Institute.

ALBERT PINKERTON, JR., MB
(piano, class piano)
B.A., music, piano performance; A.A., office systems technology, Cumberland County College. Teaching experience: Delaware State University accompanist, private instruction, Regional Music. Performance experience: Dover Air Force Base Chapel, Cape May Coast Guard Base Chapel, Hope United Methodist Church, Wesley Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Doctor’s Inn.

JOSEPH REILLY, WB
(Musical Memory Lane, music therapy)
B.A., West Chester University; M.A., summa cum laude, Immaculata College; certified music therapist, Immaculata College.

TRACY RICHARDSON, master faculty, WB
(piano, harpsichord)
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., New England Conservatory. Additional studies: Sweelinck Conservatorium (Amsterdam), Boston University. Studied with: harpsichord, Kees Rosenhart, Lenora McCroskey; organ, Yuko Hayashi, Fenner Douglass, William Porter. Additional studies: music theory, counterpoint and contemporary music study and performance. Teaching experience: Immaculata College. Teaching artist, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education; harpsichordist, Delaware Division of the Arts, Arts-in-Education residency program. 1991-1992 Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship. Performance experience: Mélomanie, Newark Symphony, Immaculata College Orchestra, Delaware County Orchestra, Triomphe d'Amore, Brandywine Baroque, throughout the eastern U.S. Recordings: Lyrichord Discs.

CHRISTOF RICHTER, WB
(violin)
B.M., M.M., violin performance, Peabody Institute.

MARJORIE RIPSOM, WB
(Early Childhood music)
B.S., Duke University. Kindermusik® training: all levels with Erin Mauer, Suzanne Tips. Additional studies: piano and voice; summer session, Westminster Choir College. Performance experience: church and school choirs; Up With People in Sweden, Denmark, 70 U.S. cities; Center City Chorale.

SUSAN NOWACZYK RITTER, WB
(oboe, music theory)
B.A., music, University of Delaware; B.A., anthropology, Northwestern University. Studied with: Lloyd Shorter, Louis Rosenblatt. Teaching experience: University of Delaware Community Music School. Awards: American Association of University Women academic scholarship; University of Delaware Woman of Promise certificate of distinction. Orchestral experience: principal oboist, Newark Symphony; Orchestral Society of Philadelphia; Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Chamber music experience: Relâche Ensemble, Quintessence Woodwind Quintet.

DR. HOLLY ROADFELDT-O'RIORDAN, faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.M., Eastman School of Music; M.M., Indiana University; D.M.A., University of Colorado. Studied with: Rebecca Penneys, Nelita True, Evelyne Brancart, Enrica Cavallo, Robert Spillman, Santiago Rodriquez. Teaching experience: University of Delaware, Gettysburg College, Susquehanna University, Paradise Valley Community College, Glendale Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Northwestern University, University of Colorado, Indiana University, Music Masters, Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Bowling Green State University Summer Music Camp and Creative Arts Program.

WALTER "SKIP" ROHRICH, faculty with distinction, WB
(drums, percussion)
B.M., Indiana University. Performance experience: Dianne Schurr, Steve Allen, Charlie Byrd, Valery Pomonarev. Member: Chanson Noir, Swing Plus, Kim Milliner Band (performed on KYW-TV3), Doug Lalli Trio. 1993 Individual Artist Fellowship, Delaware Division of the Arts.

INGRID ROSENBACK, WB
(violin)
B.M., Temple University; B.A., University of Delaware; B.S., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science. Suzuki training: Suzuki Institute, Ithaca College. Studied with: Helen Kwalwasser. Teaching experience: Suburban Music School, Temple Music Prep. Performance experience: New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Doctors Chamber Orchestra, master class with Emerson String Quartet, chamber groups in Philadelphia area.

DAVID SCHELAT, WB
(organ)
B.M., cum laude, applied music (organ performance), Ohio State University; M.M., performance and literature, Eastman School of Music.

SHELLEY BEARD SCHLEIGH, core master faculty, WB
(Suzuki Academy department head, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups)
B.M., viola performance, The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University; M.M., viola performance and violin pedagogy, Indiana University. Registered Suzuki teacher, ECC!, Practicum, Violin Units 1-7 and Viola Units 4-5. Principal teachers: Victoria Chiang, Heidi Castleman, James Dunham, Atar Arad. Pedagogy teachers: Mimi Zweig, Ronda Cole, Ed Kreitman, Ed Sprunger, Pat D’Ercole, Linda Fiore. Vice president for strings, Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association.

DR. TIMOTHY SCHWARZ, WB
(Wilmington Community Orchestra)
B.M., Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music; M.M., Peabody Conservatory; D.M.A., Temple University.

LLOYD SHORTER, master faculty, WB
(oboe)
B.F.A., Ithaca College.  Artistic co-director, Relâche Ensemble.

JOYCE STERLING, MB
(Early Childhood music)
B.A., Cedarville University. Trained and licensed by Kindermusik® International. Teaching experience: Kindermusik® classes in Kent and Sussex counties, private piano instruction. Performance experience: worship team leading music at church.

DAWN STEVENS, master faculty, WB
(piano)
B.M., piano performance, Northwestern University. Studied with: Gui Mombaerts, Donald Isaak. Pedagogical workshops with: piano, Dennis Alexander, Williard Palmer, Lori Bastien, Jane Tan, Ingrid Clairfield; organ, Timothy Nelson, Mary Jane Holstein; accompanying, Lawrence Davis, Paul Kiesgen. Director of music, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. Teaching experience: private piano studio.

JENNIFER CROWELL STOMBERG, core master faculty, WB
(string department head, cello, Suzuki cello & groups, Cello Choir, chamber music coordinator)
B.M.A., magna cum laude, University of Michigan; M.M., Rice University. Studied with: Jeffrey Solow, Shirley Trepel, Norman Fischer. Registered Suzuki teacher; studied with: Pam Devenport, Alice Vierra, Sally Gross, Jean Dexter, Grace Field. Performance experience: Silver Bay String Quartet, Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestra (principal cello), Quincy Symphony (principal cello), North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (principal cello), Albany Symphony, Delaware Symphony, Houston Ballet Orchestra, Tulsa Philharmonic. Teaching experience: Oral Roberts University, ORU Suzuki Program, Texas Music Festival, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, University of Delaware Community Music School.

CHRISTINA VON DUYKE, WB
(violin, Suzuki violin, Delaware Youth Orchestra)
B.M., M.M. (in progress), violin performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Xiang Gao, Gerardo Ribeiro, Kate Ransom, Rhonda Cole, Linda Fiore, Clorinda Noyes. Registered Suzuki teacher. Teaching experience: graduate assistant at the University of Delaware, strings instructor at the Tatnall School.

HONEY VOSHELL, MB
(drums)
Performance experience: Glen Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Kline, Ink Spots, Bill Haley and the Comets. Teaching experience: Delaware State University, Wesley College. Owner/proprietor of The Drum Pad in Felton.

ELISSA WAGMAN, WB
(violin, Suzuki violin, Suzuki viola, groups)
B.M., violin, B.A., history, Rice University; M.M., violin, Eastman School of Music. Studied with: Charles Castleman, Sergiu Luca and Marilyn McDonald. Performance experience: Portland Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Teaching experience: Winchester Community Music School, Philips Andover Academy, Needham Public Schools, Westminster Conservatory, The Lawrenceville School, The Hun School, University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Eastman Community Education Division, Rush-Henrietta School District, The Kinkaid School, Oberlin Conservatory and College.

JENNIFER WAGNER, WB
(Early Childhood music)
B.S., elementary education, University of Delaware; M.S., history, Washington College.

LARRY L. WALKER, MB
(winds, brass, percussion)
B.M., music education in vocal and instrumental music, Peabody Conservatory of Music. Studied with: Ernie Harrison, Wayne Rapier. Additional study: Ithaca College, Tanglewood, University of Florida, University of Delaware. Teaching experience: St. Andrew’s School. Guest teaching: oboe and reed-making classes at local high schools. Adjudicator: Salesianum Jazz Festival with Sammy Nestico and Clem DeRosa. Performance experience: 287th Delaware National Guard Band, jazz bands and big bands on the east coast, Al Santoro, Jimmy Cara, Hal Shiff, Dave Shiff, Gus Parodi. Composed music for “Dead Poets Society” starring Robin Williams.

TOMASZ WALSKI, WB
(piano)
B.M., piano performance, Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland; Professional Diploma, Music School of the Second Degree; M.M., piano performance, Temple University.

JOANNE WARD, master faculty, WB
(class voice, Delaware Women's Chorus)
B.M., education, Montclair State College; M.M., voice, West Chester University. Additional studies: extensive training, Orff-Schulwerk methodology; seminars for children's choir at Westminster Choir College.  Teaching experience: Pennsville (New Jersey) schools. Frequest guest choral conductor.

MARK WARD, master faculty, WB
(cello)
B.M., North Carolina School of the Arts. Performance experience: Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

JANET WITMAN, WB
(classical and Celtic harp)
B.M., Curtis Institute of Music; graduate studies, University of Western Ontario; Music Education Certification, West Chester University.

STEFAN XHORI, master faculty, MB
(violin)
B.M., violin performance/education, National Conservatory (Albania). Studied with: Dmitri Levin. Performance experience: assistant concertmaster, Allentown Symphony Orchestra; Reading, Pottstown, Kennett Symphony Orchestras; Pennsylvania Ballet; Philly Pops Orchestra; concertmaster, Gjirokaster Symphony Orchestra. Teaching experience: Allentown Community Music School, Professional High School of Music (Albania).

YEHONG XIONG, WB
(violin)
B.A., Central Conservatory of Music (China). Additional studies: Juilliard School Advanced Certificate, Brooklyn College Conservatory, Aspen Festival & School of Music. Studied with: Han Li, Masao Kawasaki. Master classes: Dorothy Delay, Itzhak Perlman. Teaching experience: Hartford Community College. Awards: scholarship, Aspen Festival; scholarship, Juilliard School; prize winner, First National Violin Competition; prize winner, First Violin Competition for Chinese Composition. Orchestral experience: Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Harrisburg Symphony, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony.

HIROKO YAMAZAKI, master faculty with distinction, WB
(piano)
B.M., cum laude, piano performance, M.M., collaborative piano, University of Maryland. Studied with: Rita Sloan, Anne Koscielny, Carol Ann Cahn & Marcantonio Barone. Chamber music coaching: members of the Philadelphia Orchestra & Guarneri String Quartet. Member: Pi Kappa Lambda. Awards: winner, Presser Foundation; 1994 national audition, the Rome Festival; first place winner, 1995 Austrian-American Society Mozarteum Scholarship Competition. Teaching experience: Luzerne Music Center; Aspen Festival (recipient, Chamber Music Teaching Fellowship).


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Programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
Teachers at The Music School of Delaware