Music Department

 

Offering group and private instruction in piano, violin, cello, saxophone, bass, guitar, clarinet, drums and voice, Maple Arts Academy is proud to offer the highest quality music instruction with the best instructors in the Detroit area for both beginners and more advanced students. For
more information or to schedule a lesson, please contact the Maple Arts Academy office at (248)
254-4125.

Our instructors include:

PETER CARTWRIGHT
Piano, Organ

Peter Cartwright obtained both his B.A. and M.A. in piano performance from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He was awarded a scholarship for the senior year of his B.A. from the Michigan Foundation for the Arts. He was also awarded a graduate assistantship for the first year of his master's program, and graduated with honors for both degrees.

Peter has been a past President and Program Coordinator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers in Oakland County. As a church musician, he also performs on the organ and conducts a choir. Although his degrees are in classical piano performance, he is equally adept at performing jazz, pop and boogie-woogie. He loves to do ear training with his
students, and believes in a flexible/individual approach for each student.


DR. ANN CHEN
Piano, Music Theory, Music History, Aural Skills

Dr. Ann Chen is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. She recieved her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Panayis Lyras. She also holds two Master of Music degrees from the University of Oregon, one in Piano Performance and one in Piano pedagogy, where she worked with Dean Kramer and Claire Wachter, and a Bachelor's of Music degree from the University of British Columbia. She has a special interest in piano pedagogy (the methodology behind piano teaching and teacher training), that has culminated with a research project focusing on graduate level piano pedagogy degrees in North America and the reconstruction of curriculum for courses at MSU. Dr. Chen has been an active teacher of piano, theory, history and aural skills for over 10 years in both her private studio and at the college level. She has worked with students from the age of 4 to 50! Her students participate in annual recitals, examinations, and have been winners in local festivals and competitions.

Teaching Philosophy
To give a student a solid and comprehensive foundation on which the learning process can be developed is the most valuable and lasting gift a teacher can give. By teaching a student how to identify the elements of the learning process so that they may adjust and modify the steps to solve any challenge they may encounter, we can nurture, encourage and empower students to become independent learners. Independent learning requires critical thinking and analysis, and
responsibility to the task at hand, which only a holistic musical education can provide and make possible.

ELIZABETH HALT
Violin (Suzuki Violin for very young, Traditional Violin),
Classical Piano, Sight Reading Coach

Elizabeth Halt earned a Bachelor of Arts from Olivet College with a Performing Arts Major in Violin, and is a certified Suzuki teacher. In her years as a Suzuki teacher, director and administrator of the talent education movement, (Shinichi Suzuki created the method and philosophy teaching the very young to play violin), Halt has learned that there is a talent
in each one of us and that it is up to the educators to bring out that talent.
Halt has implemented, organized, and developed a strings program for the very young to the very wise through the Waterford Cultural Council, and has built strings programs in both Milford and Brighton, Michigan. She is a board member and committee leader for the Musicale of Milford, Huron Valley Council for the Arts, and Milford High School Choir and Theater. She has taught both the Suzuki method and as a traditional piano teacher and mentor. Halt has
conducted and performed for various musicals and theater productions, quartets and trios.

Teaching/Performance Background:

" Certified Suzuki Teacher since 1990 with emphasis towards Performing Arts Degree
" Active workshop participant with the Teacher Association(s)
" Adjudicator, mentor and performer for various organizations, such as schools, churches, community orchestras, and weddings for 20 years
" Teaching privately, semi private lessons, and large groups for over 18 years.
" Instructor and Director for the Talent Education Institute of Michigan-West Oakland 2002-2006, over 150 students participating in concerts, recitals and performances within the community
" Currently teaching violin and piano, privately, with homeschooled students.

Teaching Philosophy:

There is a musical talent within all of us and it's up to the teachers to introduce the student to their capabilities and their love of music at all ages. Giving positive feedback and peer interactions and support for the parents and student will set the environment for the student to be like teachers, soloists and to feel the music in their hearts as they play and perform.
Halt looks forward to bringing together an enthusiastic violin group to our community and help to individualize their dreams for their future.


MICHAEL HIEMSTRA
Saxophone

Michael Hiemstra is an accomplished jazz performer and educator based in Royal Oak, Michigan. Some of his performance highlights include ten performances at the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, where he received the festival's 'Top College Soloist' award in 2004 and came in 2nd place for the same award in 2005. Michael lead a quartet in performance at the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.) in February of 2005, and in July of the same year, was selected
to attend the International Association of Schools of Jazz Conference held in Krakov, Poland. Michael recently returned from a tour of the United States with the world-renowned Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, as their lead tenor soloist. He has performed with local jazz legends Kenn Cox, Marion Hayden, Randy Gelispie, George Davidson, and international artists including Robert Hurst, Tim Ries, Chris Potter and Hank Jones. He appears on recordings with the Bobby Streng
Saxomble (2006) and the Scott Gwinell Orchestra (2009).

As an educator, Michael has taught privately for 9 years, with students ranging from age 10 to adults. He served as a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan State University, where his duties included private studio, beginning improvisation and ensemble instruction. Michael developed and implemented curriculum changes in the improvisation courses at MSU, resulting in a near two-fold increase in return enrollment for the second semester of the course. He also
serves as a mentor with YouthVille Detroit, serving as the saxophone and improvisation instructor and as co-director of ensembles, and as a substitute director with the Detroit Civic Jazz program, an outreach program of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Michael also has developed and taught the Troy High School Summer Jazz Institute from 2007 to the present. This program is a week-long jazz intensive that teaches students the history and performance of jazz in it's
traditional forms. Michael holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Jazz Studies, 2005) from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University (Jazz Studies, 2008).


KARINA KHALATOVA
Piano

Karina Khalatova is a Doctor of Musical Arts. She earned her degree from University of Cincinnati where she studied with world famous musicians: Mrs. Elizabeth Pridonoff and Mr. Eugene Pridonoff. Dr. Khalatova was a concert pianist and a winner of several piano competitions in USA and Russia. Her former students have graduated from musical
colleges in USA, Russia, Japan, Korea and China.

Dr. Khalatova teaches students of all ages. She offers preparations for various musical events such as Michigan Federation Festival, American Guild of Musicians Audition, recitals, competitions, etc. She also teaches students who do not intend to have a serious piano background but just want to enjoy learning to play piano and read music.


RICK MOORE
Piano, organ and keyboard

Rick Moore studied organ and piano performance early in his career at Indiana University. He also has performed extensively in restaurants, nightclubs and churches throughout the Midwest.

Rick has been a teacher of piano, organ and keyboard for the past 36 years and an instructor at Hammell Music and Steinway Piano Gallery for 15 years. Rich has much experience teaching all styles of music. His students include 5-year-old children all the way up to senior citizens. Rick has extensive experience working with children and adults with ADHD, ADD, and autism. Over the years, Rick has helped many realize their musical goals and dreams.


LAURA NANES
Voice, Music Theory

Laura Nanes grew up in the Michigan arts scene, and is committed to passing on her craft to the next generation of singers. Laura has a bachelor and a master of music degree, both from Michigan State University in vocal performance. She is an accomplished performer in both Musical Theatre and Opera, having leading credits in Michigan, Texas, Florida
and New York. Her students consistently get into top choirs, shows, and colleges while gaining a solid foundation in healthy vocal technique and musicianship. For those interested in a career in vocal music, becoming a better member of a choir or show, or simply having fun and gaining confidence, Laura is the right teacher for you.

Every student should have a basic understanding and working knowledge of music theory. Music is its own language and it is necessary when learning an instrument to also be able to hear, read, and communicate in music's unique system of notation. Music theory classes cover sight reading, musical notation, basic chord structures, rhythm, and intervals. These classes will compliment and enhance private studies with studio teachers and are strongly recommend for all
students of music.


STEPHANIE NOFAR
Piano and organ

Stephanie Nofar obtained her bachelor's of church music from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and later earned her master's in church music from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in April of 2007. She was on scholarship at both universities. Miss Nofar is currently the director of music at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, where she runs a vigorous music program consisting of music of some of the greatest composers. She has
also received scholarships for and invited to perform in Europe, Canada, and throughout the United States on piano, organ and harpsichord. Stephanie has performed with the International Symphony, Dearborn Symphony, Wayne State Symphony, and with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as well as Michigan Opera Theatre. She held the position of professor of piano, organ, harpsichord and music appreciation at St. Clair County Community College from
2005-2007. Many of her students have won awards in music, both regionally and nationally. Stephanie is a member of the American Guild of Organists, American Guild of Music, Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, and a board member of the Pro-Mozart Society of Detroit. Recently, she has released an album of organ music, which can be found at
www.assumptiongrotto.com.


JAMES RYAN
Drums

James Ryan has been teaching private lessons for over thirty-five years at numerous Detroit area studios and band camps for Annapolis and Romulus High Schools. Ryan is currently an adjunct Jazz Studies Percussion Instructor at Wayne State University and Adjunct Percussion Instructor at Schoolcraft Community College. Past teaching credits also include Adjunct Jazz Studies Percussion Instructor at Michigan State University, Adjunct Percussion Instructor at Henry Ford
Community College, and Percussion Ensemble Instructor at Dearborn Divine Child High School.

Ryan has performed in the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Ford-Detroit International Jazz Festival, Michigan Jazz Festival, Flint "King Cobra" Jazz Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Lansing Jazz Festival. Jim Dulzo, Jazz Critic with The Detroit News calls Ryan "…articulately creative and sensitive", and Michael G. Nastos with the Arts Midwest Jazz
Letter praises Ryan for his "…precise drumming."

Ryan's performance highlights include shows with Rosemary Clooney, Michael Finestein, Bob Hope, Buddy Greco, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Doc Severensen and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Frankie Laine, The Mills Brothers, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Contours, The Drifters, Four Lads, Wolfman Jack, Rodney Dangerfield, Phyllis
Diller, and many, many more. Ryan has performed globally in fourteen countries.

Ryan is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and American Guild of Music. He studied at Western Michigan University School of Music and has received awards for "All State High School Jazz Band Drummer of Michigan" by Tonight Show Drummer Ed Shaughnessy and "Outstanding Traditional Jazz Group" with the Matt Michaels Trio by the
Detroit Music Awards.


IRENE STEYMAN
Piano, Music for Young Children

Irene was born in Russia and studied in Ukraine. Before graduating from Donetsk State Conservatory (Ukraine) in 1986, Irene completed a 4-year music college in 1981 and is a degreed concert pianist, piano instructor, accompanist, and chamber ensemble soloist.

From 1986 to 1991, Irene was a piano instructor and accompanist with Donetsk Music College in Ukraine before immigrating to the US in 1991 and settling in California. In 1992 she completed training with Yamaha Corporation of America to become a Yamaha Education System instructor and worked in several schools in southern California. She also worked as an accompanist for Santa Monica School District and in 1993-94 performed radio broadcast Sunday
Concerts at the Los Angeles Museum of Arts.

Irene moved to Michigan and became a piano instructor and accompanist with the University of Michigan Flint and the Flint Institute of Music, while concurrently completing Suzuki training to become a certified Suzuki instructor. In 1999, Irene worked with Hammell Music as a Yamaha instructor and taught private piano lessons while working as a freelance accompanist in the area. She went on to complete MYC (Music for Young Children) training and has taught
students at the Steinway Piano Gallery since 2002.


STEVE THOMPSON
Guitar

Steve Thompson has been teaching guitar in the Detroit area for over 30 years. He has also taught group lessons for Farmington Community Center and Northville Public Schools. Steve studied guitar with Jo Fava at Wayne State University, Nelson Amos (then Associate Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan University), and Jack Moncrieff (then Adjunct Professor at Schoolcraft College). He went on to earn an Associates Degree at Schoolcraft College and a Bachelor
Degree at Madonna University. Steve has performed publicly at clubs, wedding receptions and private parties as lead guitarist, lead vocalist and group manager.

Steve has produce two CDs: Quiet Nights (original arrangements of Latin standards), and Sixties on Strings (original arrangements of 1960s favorites). Steve is currently concentrating on his original material and plans to release future CDs of his compositions in Classic/New Age and Country styles.

Steve teaches many guitar styles but specializes in finger-style techniques and classic guitar. He emphasizes note reading and music theory but also teaches less formal methods such as tablature and transcribing music from CDs.


NICHOLAS TOBEN
Cello

Nicholas Toben is a recent graduate of Michigan State University where he earned his D.M.A. in cello performance while studying with Suren Bagratuni. Nicholas also holds a M.M. in cello performance from the University of Oregon where he studied with Steve Pologe as well as a B.M. in cello performance from Hope College where he studied with Richard Piippo. During his studies, Nicholas won several concerto competitions and was a featured soloist with the Hope
College Symphony Orchestra. As a performer and chamber musician, Nicholas has given numerous recitals. He also founded the Fine Arts Trio while at Hope College, which toured the Midwest and Eastern Europe, performing live concerts on the National Radio of Romania. Nicholas held a teaching assistantship at the University of Oregon where he
taught undergraduate cello lessons. As an orchestral musician, Nicholas has held principal cello positions with the Hope College Symphony and Symphonette, as well as the University of Oregon Symphony. He also participated at the National Orchestral Institute and worked with well-known conductors of major symphony orchestras.

Recently, Nicholas has completed a sabbatical semester teaching cello and chamber music to undergraduate music majors at Hope College. Currently, Nicholas is teaching cello lessons and coaching chamber music at the Flint Institute of Music. Nicholas has taught students of all ages and ability levels. He believes that the key to a student's success in developing as a cellist and musician is making sure that each student understands how to learn on their own. This
means that each studentunderstands the fundamental technical set up at the cello, as well as how to practice effectively. In addition to this, Nicholas also believes that each student should have a solid foundation in music theory, which is the universal
language of music.


KATHERINE WIPPERMAN
Voice

Katherine Wipperman, a native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, began her musical endeavors at the age of twelve at The Rochester Conservatory of Music where she studied voice. Under the direction of Cathy Zucker, Katherine discovered her love for musical theater. Katherine has been in countless musicals including Oklahoma (Aunt Eller), The Fiddler on the
Roof (Golde), and The Music Man (The major's wife) to name a few.

In the fall of 2004, Katherine began her undergraduate career at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. She was the recipient of the Katherine Westbrook Scholarship, Albion's most prestigious music scholarship, and was also the recipient of the Helen Sue Koether Music Scholarship and Majorie Rogers Dick Memorial Voice Prize. She was a member
of the Briton Singers and Albion College concert choir. Katherine was the soprano soloist for the selections of Joseph Haydn's, Mass in Time of War, also known as Paukenmesse. She sang the soprano solos in Mozart's Requiem K. 626 for the concert choir. She also appeared in the operettas Trial by Jury as the Plaintiff, Angelina, and The Pirates of Penzance
(Kate).

In 2006, Katherine furthered her vocal studies in New York City and had a chance to sing with The New York Treble Singers professional choir, where she studied with the director Virginia Davidson.

Katherine has been seen at the Detroit Opera House in an opera workshop for college students. She played the part of Sophie in Der Rosenklavier by Richard Strauss. Katherine is also a soloist for the University Presbyterian Church in
Rochester Hills, Michigan.

In the fall of 2008, Katherine began her graduate studies at Bowling Green State University. She is studying vocal performance with Dr. Jane Schoonmaker Rodgers. Recently, Katherine reprised her role as the Plaintiff in Trial by Jury and played the role of Flora in BGSU's spring opera School for Fathers. She was also featured in the nationally known
Classical Singer Magazine in January 2009. Katherine recently was the recipient of the Elma Zelman Voice Scholarship given to her by the Bowling Green Woman's Club. Katherine hopes to pursue a lifelong professional career in performing
opera on the stage.