Current Graduate Students in Music
2022
Logan Barrett
Logan Barrett is a native of Murfreesboro, TN, and as a recent graduate of MTSU in
saxophone performance (BM, 2019) he is looking forward to exploring the other side
of the baton as a graduate student in conducting. Logan is currently serving his third
year in a row as a staff member of the Mount Juliet High School Band of Gold, as well
as a saxophone and clarinet instructor with Music & Arts. In his spare time, he enjoys
cooking, reading fantasy novels, watching anime with friends and studying new wind
band repertoire. Logan's goal during his time at MTSU is to establish an official
saxophone choir that will last long after he graduates.
Jesse Gibens
Jesse Gibens is a first year GTA for the trumpet area pursuing his master’s degree
in performance. A native of Ripley, MS, Jesse performed at Carnegie Hall with the
Honors Performance series and was a two-year member of the all-state band while in
high school. Jesse received his bachelor’s degree in performance from the University
of Mississippi. While attending Ole Miss, Jesse was the principle trumpet with the
University of Mississippi Wind Ensemble, LOU Orchestra, and Mississippians Jazz Ensemble
and was also the second trumpet in the University Faculty Brass Quintet. He has performed
with the Ohio Light Opera Company, North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Corinth Symphony
Orchestra, his own jazz combo, DU5T, and also with The Bonfire Orchestra, a rock and
country cover band. Outside of performing, Jesse graduated from the Sally McDonnell
Barksdale Honors College and was the president of the University of Mississippi chapter
of Phi Mu Alpha.
Clark Hodges
Born in Atlanta Georgia, Clark Hodges has had a passion for fine music from a young
age. By age 6 Clark was taking lessons in piano and music theory, and by age 12 played
his first gig in Macon, GA. Clark was a season ticket holder to the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra for 6 straight years as a young child, and began studying many of the most
popular classical music works at a young age. During his first year of high school,
Clark first heard the jazz stylings of Grant Green and Clifford Brown, and his musical
attention quickly focused. Clark began obtaining every jazz record he could, and seeking
instruction from Atlanta's finest resident and hosted musicians. Clark attended Georgia
State University where he was awarded a GSU Foundation scholarship for his exceptional
musicianship. While at Georgia State University, Clark performed in the GSU big band
often as a featured soloist with guest artists Kenny Werner, René Marie, Bobby Shew,
Randy Brecker, Alex Iles, Michael Abene, Eric Alexander, and Ed Neumeister. Since
graduating in 2019 from Georgia State University with honors, Clark has been active
composing two woodwind sextet pieces and several arrangements. Starting in Fall of
2020 Clark will be a graduate assistant for Jazz Studies at MTSU in Murfreesboro,
TN.
Andre Madatian
Andre Madatian is a guitarist and film composer currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Andre holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Film Scoring with a minor in Contemporary Conducting
from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He has become inspired by
film music to pursue a career in composition and has written many orchestral and concert
works including an original holiday inspired composition for full orchestra and vocal
duet premiering with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, and a string orchestra
piece entitled "Obliquity for String Orchestra" for the renown Kalistos Chamber Orchestra
in Boston, MA to name a few. Andre composes for numerous music licensing companies and has over 60 placements on 6 television
networks. His recent credits include composing additional music cues for national
television shows including “America’s Got Talent” on NBC, the PGA Tour Championships
Learning Center show on the Golf Channel, "Say Yes to The Dress Atlanta: Season 9"
on TLC, "NFL Monday QB” on CBS Sports, and "The Book of John Gray" on the Oprah Winfrey
Network to name a few. Aside from composing, Andre is also an active touring guitarist as well as an educator
both privately and with an online music company called Soundfly, where he mentors
students from all around the globe in several areas including composition, arranging,
orchestration, and music theory. Andre recently accepted a Graduate Teaching Assistantship with Middle Tennessee State University
and will also be working towards his Masters degree in Music Composition starting
in the Fall of 2020.
Gretta Maguire
Gretta Maguire is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of North Greenville University, where she studied Piano Performance with Fabio Parrini. She is currently pursuing her M.M. with a specialization in Musicology under Dr. Joseph Morgan while working as a graduate teaching assistant at the MTSU Center for Chinese Music and Culture under Dr. Mei Han. A member of the MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, Ms. Maguire studies erhu (Chinese two string fiddle) with master performer Xiao Dong Wei. As part of her studies, she continues her nine-year pursuit of Mandarin. In her spare time, she enjoys playing cello and piano and visiting her home town of Clemson, SC.
Erica Nichols
Erica Nichols is a first year GTA for the low brass area, and is pursuing her master's
degree in performance. Her primary instrument is bass trombone. A native of Decatur,
MS and a recent graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi in Bachelor of
Arts (BA, 2020). While attending USM, she was a part of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony
Orchestra, Jazz Lab Bands, and Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. In her spare time,
she enjoys photography and editing, taking nature walks, and cooking. After completing
her degree at MTSU, she plans to pursue a doctorate degree in performance and to become
a college trombone professor.
Wendy Payne
Wendy Payne, a Nashville native in year 9 of teaching, is currently teaching Choir/General
Music/Musical Theatre at Blackman High School. Ms. Payne is a graduate of MTSU with
degrees in Vocal Performance, 2005 and Music Education, 2011. While at MTSU, Ms.
Payne was a member of the Chamber Chorus, Schola Cantorum and the Nashville Opera
Chorus for the performances of Die Fledermaus, La Traviata, and The Magic Flute, all
under the direction of Dr. Raphael Bundage. For the MTSU Opera, Ms. Payne sang the
roles of La Ciesca in Gianni Schicci, Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, and
Elizabeth in The Crucible. In 1997 Ms. Payne Earned 2nd place at the Beethoven Competition
in Memphis, TN and earned the Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan Opera Regional
Competition. Ms. Payne served as a Music Counselor for Governor’s School for the
Arts from 1995-1998 and also served as the Female Dean of Students for GSFTA from
2016-2019. Ms. Payne is a member of NAfMe, MTVA, TMEA, and ACDA.
Robin Scheufele
Robin Scheufele is a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from the Eastern Illinois University. Their main instructors include Rebecca Johnson, Abigail Walsh, and Deanna Little. They have been playing the flute for 14 years and have experience teaching private lessons, directing flute choirs, and managing flute trios.
Eugenia Sosa Barboza
Eugenia Sosa Barboza has a degree in Percussion Performance from Berry College, where she studied with renowned jazz drummer John David. Sosa is from Montevideo, Uruguay, therefore setting off her passion for Latin percussion. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Musicology and is a graduate teaching assistant for music appreciation.
2021
Wes Denkins
Wes Denkins is currently attending Middle Tennessee State University where he is pursuing his Master of Music in Percussion Performance. He is currently studying under Professor Lalo Davila and Dr. Brian Mueller. Formerly, Mr. Denkins was the band director at Morgan County Middle School in West Liberty, Kentucky. Wes received his B.M.E. at Morehead State University as a student of Dr. Brian S. Mason and Dr. Matthew Geiger. During his time at Morehead State University, he was a member of the percussion ensemble, marching band, symphony band, jazz band, concert choir, as well as the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra. Wes is currently a member of the D’Addario Education Collective and his professional memberships include the Percussive Arts Society, the National Association for Music Educators, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Wes is also a performing artist for Artifact Percussion
Jared Gabrielle
Jared Gabrielle is pursuing a Master of Music degree specializing in Music Performance.
He is studying under Dr. Arunesh Nadgir and serves as a graduate assistant for the
piano department. Jared grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee and studied piano with Mrs.
Cynthia Poole. In 2018 he earned a degree in Music Performance from Tennessee Technological
University under the direction of Dr. Catherine Godes and graduated with honors. While
at Tennessee Tech, Jared was a student liaison and student recruiter for the piano
department. When not doing music related things, he enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending
time with family. In the future, Jared plans to pursue a doctorate degree in his field
and hopes to obtain his dream job of becoming a piano professor.
Sarah Wilfong Joblin
Chicagoian Sarah Wilfong Joblin began her collegiate studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, but took a left turn and ended up as a fiddle player in Nashville before she graduated. After touring the globe as part of the country act Mustang Sally, she decided to finish her undergraduate degree at MTSU and graduated summa cum laude in 2018. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in violin performance. Sarah’s interest in music extends beyond performance, and in January, 2020, she presented a paper at the Royal Musical Association/ British Forum for Ethnomusicology’s annual conference in England. In 2019 she founded the Fiddle and Banjo Society, a student organization that teaches and plays traditional bluegrass and celtic music. Sarah has worked as a session musician, arrangerG, and educator in Nashville for 15 years; she has released two solo albums of original and traditional fiddle music, and her playing and arranging have been featured on numerous albums, including the 25th anniversary reissue of Roy Orbison’s Mystery Girl album.
Jeffrey Keever
Jeffrey Keever, conductor, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jeffrey graduated
from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music with a Bachelors Degree of Music
in Trumpet Performance in May 2019. He is now pursuing a Master of Music Degree in
Orchestral Conducting under Dr. Carol Nies at Middle Tennessee State University. Jeffrey is currently the head conductor of Middle Tennessee State University’s Concert
Orchestra, and the Assistant Conductor of both the Middle Tennessee State University’s
Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. He is additionally a Conducting Assistant and frequent
Guest Conductor to the Curb Youth Symphony and the Middle Tennessee High School Honors
Orchestra. He has previously conducted the Vanderbilt University Orchestra, Vanderbilt
University Chamber Ensembles, the Vanderbilt Opera Studio, the IES Vienna Music Ensemble,
the IES Vienna Vocal Studio, the Blair School of Music Vocal Studio, and the Boston
Conservatory Conductor’s Orchestra. For more information, visit www.jeffreykeever.com.
Adam Kujawa
Born and raised in Morton, Illinois, Adam Kujawa began playing the violin in the 6th
grade through his school district’s orchestra program. In 2015, Adam moved to Nashville,
Tennessee to continue his musical studies at Belmont University. He graduated from
Belmont in 2019, receiving two Bachelor of Music degrees:one in Violin Performance
and one in Commercial Music. Adam’s past performances include concerts with the Peoria
Pops Orchestra, Belmont Symphony, Belmont Chamber Orchestra, Belmont New Music Ensemble,
Trevecca Symphony Orchestra, and Heartland Festival Orchestra. He has also recorded
and toured with a folk-rock band, been a part of many studio sessions, appeared in
music videos, performed in pit orchestras for musicals, operas, and ballets, and performed
in televised specials with artists including Kathy Mattea and Sheryl Crow. Adam is
currently pursuing his Master of Music degree at MTSU, where he is a graduate assistant
for the orchestral studies and string departments. For more information, visit www.adamkujawaviolin.com
Desmond Ng
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Desmond Ng is a new trombonist to the Nashville scene. Desmond
earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from California State University Northridge,
studying under teachers like Bob McChesney, John Daversa, Gary Pratt, and Matt Harris.
While in college, Desmond played in the university’s top ensembles, including the
internationally ranked Jazz “A” Band, which performed in the 55th Annual Monterey
Jazz Festival. After completing his undergraduate studies, Desmond toured around many
different countries on the Norwegian Pearl as a member of the showband orchestra.
Soon after finishing his contract, Desmond moved to Nashville, where he quickly established
himself as a reputable trombonist. He has performed alongside groups like Judah and
the Lion, the Nashville Symphony, Nashville Jazz Orchestra, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
In 2018, Desmond joined Scott Bradlee’s PostModern Jukebox and toured around the world,
performing for thousands of people. In addition to these artists, other highlights
of Desmond’s performing career include playing with Lee Konitz, Tigran Hamasyan, Alan
Ferber, Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin, and Bill Holman.
Jeremy Smith
Jeremy Smith (b.1992) is a composer of chamber works, symphonic works, vocal works,
and music for dance whose influences range from popular music to Bach. His music has
been performed across the Southeast by ensembles such as The Shoals Symphony, Perimeter
Flute Quartet, Shoals Chamber Singers, The Nashville Composers Collective, and Trill
Ensemble. In 2017 he premiered his ballet The Singularity to sell out crowds in Florence, Alabama and has received a steady stream of commissions,
residences, and performances since. Beyond the concert stage, he is a sought after collaborator across genres. He has
worked with a number of DCI and WGI groups including Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps,
Music City Drum Corps, Clarksville Audio Theatre, and Chattanooga Independent. He
currently works as a designer, arranger, and consultant for a myriad of marching ensembles
across the Country. Jeremy is an Alumnus of the University of North Alabama where he received a Bachelors
of Science in Instrumental Music with a Minor in Philosophy.
Alumni
Syneva Colle
Syneva Colle is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Tulsa, where she received
her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano and Cello Performance. Since 2010, she has worked
as a collaborative pianist with Nashville professionals and Belmont University students.
As a cellist, she does frequent session work and is a founding member of the Corwin
Trio (www.thecorwintrio.com).
Syneva is an accomplished arranger and composer, published through Sheet Music Press. She has taught private music lessons for over 15 years, and has led seminars and classes on music history and appreciation. One of her greatest interests is promoting a more widespread understanding of classical music.
Syneva studies cello with Dr. Christine Kim and is pursuing an M.M. in Cello Performance. She is a proud resident of East Nashville.
David Crosslin
David Crosslin began learning guitar at age 11 and was self taught prior to college,
he is currently pursuing his M. M. in Guitar Performance with Dr. William Yelverton.
He graduated from MTSU in 2016 with his B. M. in Guitar Performance where he also
performed in the MTSU Band of Blue (Saxophone), Guitar Ensembles, and Concert Orchestra
(Double Bass). He has performed in master classes with guitarists Jorge Caballero
and Matt Palmer, maintained an active concert performance schedule, teaches privately,
and composes. David is from Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he also participated in Marching
Band, Wind Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble as a saxophonist growing up. When
not doing anything music related, David works at Walker Library Technology Services
and enjoys playing ping pong, reading, and fishing.
Michaela Cundari
Michaela Cundari is currently pursuing her M.M. in Clarinet Performance. She studies
with Dr. Todd Waldecker and is a graduate teaching assistant for the clarinet studio.
Michaela grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She graduated summa cum laude from Tennessee Technological University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music in Music
Education. While at Tennessee Tech, Michaela won the 2016 Derryberry Concerto Competition;
this gave her the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Michaela is a current member of the 572nd Air Force Band- the Air National Guard Band
of the South.
Amber Den Exter
Amber began training as a cellist aged 6 in Australia with Anthea Scott-Mitchell (Newcastle
Conservatorium) and later Susan Blake (Sydney Conservatorium). After moving to New
Zealand in 2006, Amber won places in the Christchurch National Concerto Competition,
the Mazda Foundation National Young Performer of the Year Competition and the Chamber
Music New Zealand National Chamber Music Contest. In 2008 she successfully auditioned
for a place at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, Germany, studying with Professor
Christoph Henkel in the Bachelor of Music program. Whilst studying in Germany, Amber
performed as Associate Section Leader with the Hochschule Kammerorchester, directed
by Prof. Wolfram Christ (Berliner Philharmonika). She also performed solos in studio
concerts and other Hochschule events. In 2011 Amber returned to NZ and obtained
her degree from the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
Amber has recently performed in masterclasses for such International artists as Joseph
Lin, Josef Luptak and Alisa Weilerstein. Whist studying in Wellington, Amber also
performed in the NZ premier of Steve Reich’s ’Different Trains’ for string quartet with backing tape. In 2016 Amber began her Masters degree in cello
performance studying with Dr Christine Kim at Middle Tennessee State University. Amber
is also a Graduate Assistant with the string department.
Ke Ding
Ke Ding is currently pursuing the Master of Music degree specializing in Music Education
under Dr. Jamila L. McWhirter. Her hometown is Henan province China. She began playing
flute at the age of nine and received her Bachelor’s Degree in music performance at
Jiangxi Agriculture University. During her undergraduate study, she participated in
symphony orchestra for four years and assisted with the music director Wei Yang in
Symphony band. Before attending MTSU she worked in the Léman International School,
which is a premier international school operated by Nord Anglia Education under the
approval of the Ministry of Education of China. In her spare time, she enjoys songwriting
and is fond of learning different musical instruments.
Dakota Dooley
Dakota Dooley is pursuing his M.M. in music education at MTSU. A native of Corinth
MS, Dakota started his musical career with trombone at age eleven. Wanting a stronger
music education than his school could offer, Dakota pursued private lessons under
Bass trombonist Dr. Jason Beghtol. Through Dr. Beghtol’s mentorship, Dakota discovered
a shared passion for bass trombone and this became his primary instrument of choice
by the end of his high school career. Dakota continued his education at the university
of Mississippi under the direction of Dr. Micah Everett, Mr. David Willson, and Dr.
Michael Worthy. At the University of MS, Dakota participated in the wind ensemble
as well as, the Missippian’s, the university’s top jazz ensemble. During his time
with the Mississippians, they received outstanding performance rewards at the Notre
Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. Dakota concluded his undergraduate education by student
teaching at Booneville High school, a consistently superior performing ensemble, and
one the best in Mississippi. Dakota is now the graduate assistant for all orchestras
at MTSU under the direction of Dr. Carol Nies. During Dakota’s free time, he enjoys
composing and arranging and performing with MTSU’s Jazz ensemble.
Kyle Etges
Kyle Etges is a Jazz Studies student with a saxophone and composition emphasis, as
well as the graduate assistant for professor James Simmons.
Kyle grew up in Denver, CO, and was an active member of the jazz community there for several years. In 2012, Kyle graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Jazz Studies. Before relocating to Tennessee, Kyle was a member of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Denver's premeire big band. He was a member of Bop Skizzum, who placed 2nd worldwide in Hard Rock Cafe's 2013 International Battle of the Bands. He also taught woodwinds and violin with El Sistema Colorado, a nonprofit orchestra program for at-risk youth. Kyle is also an orchestra musician for Celebrity Cruises.
As a composer, Kyle has won multiple contests through the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. In 2011, his arrangement of John Coltrane's "Resolution" was selected to be performed at the UNC Jazz Festival with Jeff Coffin and Donny McCaslin. Kyle currently resides with his fiance outside of Nashville, where he hopes to continue his writing and performing career.
Sarah Hoff
Sarah Hoff is currently pursuing her Masters in Flute Performance. She grew up in
Middle TN and studied Music Education at Tennessee Technological University. While
there she studied under Dr. Roger Martin and attended master classes with flutist
such as Rhonda Larson, Brad Garner, and John McMurtery. Sarah is currently the graduate
assistant for the flute studio under Dr. Deanna Little, and teaches private lessons
at the Music and Art Center.
H.A. Hoffman
H.A. Hoffman is pursuing his M.M. in Horn Performance. He is a graduate assistant
for the Brass area, studying with Prof. Angela DeBoer. H.A. is from Salisbury, North
Carolina, and graduated from Western Carolina University in 2016 with a B.S. in Music
Education and a B.M. in Instrumental Music. While attending WCU, he participated regularly
in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Artist in Residence Orchestra,
in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony. H.A. was also a member of the Phantom
Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 2014-2015. Apart from his studies, H.A. is an active
music arranger and brass technician for marching band programs in both North Carolina
and Tennessee.
Sandra Hamilton
Sandra is a Dickson, TN native pursuing a Master of Music degree specializing in Music
Education. She currently teaches K-8 music and chorus in Wilson County. She completed
her first Bachelor’s degree in Music Business at Belmont University and her second
Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Austin Peay State University where she received
the Mabry Music Scholarship for voice and graduated summa cum laude. Sandra has been
performing on stage since the age of nine particularly within the genres of Rock,
R&B, Country, and Funk. She has been a part of many singing groups including collegiate
choirs and a cappella vocal ensembles. Her musical interests also include guitar,
songwriting, and percussion, but her passion for music is rooted in commercial voice
and music education.
Chris Lowry
Chris Lowry is currently pursing the Master of Music degree in Conducting. He completed
his undergraduate work in Music Education from MTSU, and served for 3 years as a band
director at LaVergne and Smyrna Middle Schools before returning to MTSU. He is a Graduate
Assistant with the MTSU Bands. Originally a native of Morristown, TN, Chris now resides
in Smyrna.
Chris is an Innovative Percussion Artist; he is a member of NAfME, TMEA, and is the current webmaster for MTSBOA.
Taylor Meyers
Taylor Meyers was born in Okinawa, Japan, and was raised in Springfield, Virginia,
right outside of Washington, D.C. In high school, Taylor studied with Mrs. Lois Wynn,
and was a finalist in her school's senior concerto competition in 2012, having the
opportunity to perform The Carnival of Venice with the Lake Braddock Secondary School
Symphony Orchestra.
She moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to earn her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance at West Virginia University with a talent-and-merit-based tuition waiver, studying with Professor Nina Assimakopoulos. While at WVU, Taylor participated in the Pride of West Virginia marching band and performed in Wind Symphony, flute choir, and a woodwind quintet. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi for two years. Taylor was a semifinalist in the school's 2015 Young Artist Concerto Competition, and was an active performer as both a soloist and a quintet member in many recitals.
Taylor is studying flute performance under Dr. Deanna Little, pursuing the Master of Music degree in Music Performance. She is a graduate assistant with the flute studio, as well as a member of MTSU's graduate woodwind trio for a portion of her assistantship duties. Taylor is also a member of the MTSU Wind Ensemble.
Nelson Moore
A native of Gallatin Tennessee, Nelson Moore is currently pursuing a Master of Music
in performance specializing in classical saxophone. He is serving as a graduate assistant
for the band department for which he is responsible for maintaining and repairing
instruments owned by the university. Nelson earned his Bachelor of Music in saxophone
performance from MTSU where he studied with Don Aliquo and Dr. Paula Van-Goes. Upon
graduation in 2014, Nelson accepted a staff position at MTSU as an Instrument Repair
Technician and founded his instrument repair business Moore Music Repair. Since its
conception in 2014 Moore Music Repair has developed into a leading instrument repair
source for the Murfreesboro community and is proud to act as the band repair department
for Concert Musical Supply in downtown Murfreesboro. Apart from his work with instrument
repair Nelson is also an active educator and performer. He maintains a private studio
composed of students of all ages, and works with multiple public schools as saxophone
and woodwind instructor. He can be seen performing with the Tennessee Valley Winds
Community Band, Music City Swing, and the Murfreesboro Symphony. Nelson is an active
member of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) and the National Association
of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT).
Nicole Neeley
Nicole Neeley is originally from Murfreesboro, TN and is currently pursuing a Master
of Music degree in performance with a specialization in bassoon with the help of a
graduate teaching assistantship. Her undergraduate degree in music performance was
obtained from the University of Memphis. Professionally she holds the principal bassoon
position in the Corinth Symphony and performs with the Grace Chamber Players. She
is also a recurring guest artist with the Jackson Symphony, the Balmoral Chamber Orchestra,
the Memphis Repertory Orchestra and many other organizations in the Mid-South. She
has released several recordings with different organizations within the past few years
and has been awarded several recognitions including First place in Bach Festival in
2010 and 2011, and Honorable Mention in the MTNA competition in 2009.
Jon Ortiz
Jon Ortiz is a Music Performance student specializing in Percussion under the direction
of Lalo Davila. He is a Graduate Teaching Assistant and works with the Band of Blue
Drumline and assists with any other needs of the Percussion Studio.
Jon grew up in Odessa, Texas and studied percussion with Mr. Jimmy Olague. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University in 2016. While at Texas Tech, he studied with Alan Shinn, Lisa Rogers, David Becker, and Sarah Mckoin. He is a member of the national music honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda, and received the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Collegiate Music Educator award. He worked as an ambassador and student recruiter for the Texas Tech College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Under the direction of Dr. Lisa Rogers, Jon travelled to Canada and Scotland to perform with the Steel Band, Apocalypso Now. He was also a member of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and Opera productions. While receiving his degree, he performed with the Lubbock Symphony, and with artists Joshua Bell, Liam Teague, Victor Provost, Mike Mixtacki, Fausto Cuevas, Andres Forero, and Lalo Davila.
Christopher Pfeifer
Chris Pfeifer is a graduate teaching assistant in musicology, studying under the direction
of Dr. Stephen Shearon and Dr. Joseph Morgan. Chris grew up on Maryland’s Eastern
Shore and worked as a mechanical designer until 2011, at which point he moved to Lynchburg,
VA to pursue a bachelor’s degree in classical guitar at Liberty University. Upon graduating
summa cum laude in 2014, he returned to mechanical design while working as a church
music director prior to beginning his master’s degree program at MTSU in 2016.
Johnathan Richeson
Johnny Richeson is a Jazz Studies student specializing in drum set and percussion.
He is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Percussion Department under the direction
of Lalo Davila. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance
(Percussion) from Coastal Carolina University.
Born in Woodbridge, Virginia, Johnny moved to Pawleys Island, South Carolina in 2005, and began teaching himself to play the drums. By the age of 16, he was an active member of the live music scene in the Myrtle Beach area.
While at CCU, Johnny performed in a variety of ensembles including: World Percussion (winner of the 2015 Percussive Arts Society World Percussion Ensemble Competition), Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensembles, Marching Band (front ensemble and drumline), and Jazz After Hours (top big band), in addition to starting his own jazz combo. He was a performer in the South Carolina Intercollegiate Honor Band (2014, cond. Dr. Ray Cramer; 2016, cond. Eugene M. Corporon), and the National Intercollegiate Honor Band (2015, cond. Dr. Ray Cramer), as well as the South Carolina Honors Percussion Ensemble. He was also a member of a collaborative project called A Hushed Thrill: Brookgreen Gardens, which involved the composition, arranging, and recording of musical ideas by Ron Daise of the hit children’s television show Gullah Gullah Island. Some of the artists he has performed with include: Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), Howard Levy, Steve Bailey, Liam Teague, Gregg Bisonnette, Chris Tanner, Scott Kettner, and Lalo Davila.
Robin Winkowski
Robin Winkowski is pursuing an MM in Orchestral Conducting. She received her BM (Instrumental
Music Education) from MTSU in 2004. Ms. Winkowski has been the director of bands at
Wright Middle Prep and assistant director at Glencliff High School in Nashville since
2005. Under her direction ensembles from Wright have performed at the MTSBOA Concert
Performance Assessment and the Annual Music Advocacy Concert sponsored by the Blair
School of Music. Ms. Winkowski has been the Related Arts team leader, yearbook sponsor
and the assistant director of the 2015 production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland
at Wright Middle.
Ms. Winkowski has performed as a member of the French horn section with the Rome Festival Orchestra (Italy), the MTSU Symphony, the Curb Youth Symphony, the Nashville Summer Orchestral Institute and Tennessee Valley Winds. She currently serves as the orchestral GA, studying conducting with Dr. Carol Nies. Ms. Winkowski teaches 5th grade music at Wright Middle, is the assistant director of the Glencliff High School Band, the assistant conductor of the Curb Youth Symphony, the assistant conductor of the Philharmonia, substitute conductor of the Repertory Orchestra and assistant conductor of the Nashville Summer Orchestral Institute.
Shan Zheng
Shan Zheng is from Hangzhou, China. She starts learning music when she was six years
old. The first Chinese instrument that she learned was Guzheng and then she starts
learning other Chinese instrument called Qin when she was in middle school until now.
Shan graduated in spring 2017 from MTSU with a bachelor degree in Music. Her major
is Music Industry in Vocal. Shan is currently pursuing her M.M degree in Music Education
under Dr. Jamila L. McWhirter. Also, she is working at the Center for Chinese Music
and Culture as a graduate teaching assistant. She is helping Dr. Mei Han to teach
Guzheng at the center. Shan has many experiences on the Guzheng. She received a level
ten Guzheng certificate once she was an elementary student meaning the highest award
given. Shan continued on showing her best skills on playing the Guzheng and Qin. She
performed in China's prestigious concert of West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.