Meet Our World-Class Faculty

Yibing Zhang is currently not accepting new students for direct instruction. He periodically selects students already enrolled at B&M Music School to study with him. Yibing Zhang first became acquainted with the piano when he was three years old, and the instrument has been a true companion ever since. Zhang has performed across China and the United States of America, averaging 24 events a month. He was the first-place winner of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music, the Frances Walton Competition, and the Dallas International Piano Competition. Zhang was the prize winner in the International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival and the Young Texas Artist Competition as well. He was also a prizewinner in the Wideman International Piano Competition, China Central Television Cup Piano and Violin Competition, and the Asia-Pacific Regional International Robert Schumann Piano Competition, among others. He has performed with the Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dallas Chamber Symphony, and put on solo concerts internationally. Zhang received his B.L.A from the Central Conservatory of Music with Taihang Du, his M.M. from the New England Conservatory with Gabriel Chodos, his Graduate Certificate from the Music College of North Texas University with Pamela Mia Paul, and his Performance Diploma from SMU Meadows School of the Arts with Joaquin Achucarro. He recently appeared on Fox4 News for a live performance and interview, has experience as a teaching fellow at the University of North Texas and Music Institute of North Texas, and has performed nearly 30 statewide tours in eastern Washington State. In addition to his riveting performances, Zhang was the Artistic Director of the Tang Rhythm Carnival International Arts Festival.

Xinwei Chen's musical journeybegan at the age of 6 under the tutelage of Professor Li Yong at Shenyang Conservatory. At just 11years old, Xinwei's dedication and skill earned her admission to the prestigious Shenyang Conservatory of Music, where she excelled with Third place in piano and First place in music theory. By the age of 16, Xinwei showcased her burgeoning artistry through a solo piano recital, marking a milestone in her musical development. In 2017, she received a notable opportunity to study under Professor Joseph Banowetz at the University of North Texas, becoming his sole undergraduate student. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2011 and continued her academic journey by entering the collaborative piano graduate program, studying under esteemed mentors such as Dr. Liudmila Georgievskaya, Dr. Steven Harlos, and Dr. Elvia Puccinelli. While improving her cooperation skills, she still focuses on her solo skills and works with many excellent musicians. Additionally, Xinwei pursued a minor in piano pedagogy under the guidance of Dr. Bradley Beckman at the University of NorthTexas, further enriching her comprehensive musical education.

Xinzhuo Li began studying piano at the age of 5. She received her bachelor of music degree in musicology from Northeast Normal University in 2019. Xinzhuo was admitted to Northeast Normal University with first place in Heilongjiang Province in 2015, studying piano with piano department chair Xin Qiao, Guohong Chen, and Russian piano professor Konstantin Kartashov. And she won the first prize in the Yamaha Music Scholarship in 2015. In 2019, she graduated from Longy School of Music of Bard College, studying under the piano chair Donald Berman. And Xinzhuo Li is pursuing her Doctorate degree in piano performance since 2021, she earned the in-state scholarship and Competitive Graduate Piano Performance scholarship from UNT and study with Joseph Banowetz and Dr.Liudmila Georgievskaya. In 2024, Xinzhuo Li won the first prize for piano solo and second prize for chamber music in 6th SWISS International Music Competition. In 2017, Xinzhuo won the second prize at the professional youth group of the Jilin Province of China in the Main International Music Festival and Clara Schumann International Piano Competition. In the same year, she won the second prize of the "Chopin Memorial Award" at Hong Kong-International Piano Open Class, Jilin District Haydn Sonata Group, and the second prize of the "Chopin Memorial Award" Hong Kong-International Piano Open Class, Jilin Division Chopin Polonaise Group. She attended the new music festival ‘Divergent studio’ in 2021. Moreover, she performed as a piano soloist in Guangzhou, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanghai, Boston, Manhattan, and Washington D.C., and had masterclasses with Gila Goldstein, Christopher Guzman, Alexander Kobrin, Alan Chow. Xinzhuo has engaged in piano teaching for many years and experienced three Internships in primary school, middle school, and junior high school respectively. In addition, she also focused on music enlightenment education, music history, and music appreciation for many years. She is good at stimulating kids’ talents, potentials, and interests in learning music and piano, the contents of her lessons allow children to understand the richness of the music world and gradually improve their musical ability. For the music enlightenment education by Dalcroze, Kodaly, Orff, and Suzuki teaching methods, she combines music with dance, opera, painting, and other art forms so that make children perceive music, know basic musical knowledge, and develop students’ musical imagination and innovative ability.

Sunny Gan graduated from the Piano Performance Department of Guangzhou Arts School. She came to the United States and applied for Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts, Baylor University School of Music, A&M-Commerce of Music, and University of Texas at Arlington, all successfully obtained study qualification and high amount of scholarship with excellent performance. Sunny began to learn piano as an interest at the age of 5, and gradually developed a strong interest in systematic learning. Won the second place in The 4th “Hailun” Piano Competition 2007 in Hong Kong. She also passed Grade 5 of ABRSM Music Theory exam with distinction in 2009 and then obtained grade 8 of the Royal Piano Certificate in 2013. Moreover, she won the Elite prize in HongKong International Piano Invitation Competition in 2014 and third place in 2015. From then on, Sunny Gan began to study more professionally to prepare for university. Now she is studying Composition, Song writing in University of Texas at Arlington. She wrote excellent original guitar singing "Please Hold Me" for the 2022 Dallas Spring Chinese Festival, and original piano solo "Crystal Little Dancer”, String Quarter "Wind" for UTA Composition concert. In 2019, she joined B&M Music School as a piano teacher and tutor for RCM Theory and EAR Training. During this period, she led many students to achieve excellent results in theory exams and ear training parts.

Yaqi Cao is a highly accomplished pianist and dedicated music educator with a wealth of international performance and teaching experience. She has graced renowned stages such as Manhattan’s Michovsky Performance Hall, Steinway Halls in New York and Beijing, and the “YanTai” Performance Hall, showcasing her artistry to audiences worldwide. Her performances extend beyond traditional venues, including a memorable recital at the Split City Public Library in Croatia. Yaqi’s passion for music extends seamlessly into her teaching career. She has nurtured students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners as young as four to advanced performers preparing for examinations and competitions. During her tenure at Do Re Mi Music School in New York, she guided students through the ABRSM curriculum with exceptional results. At Aricas Music International School, she focused on refining the skills of intermediate and advanced students, complementing their practical training with music theory lessons. In China, as an adjunct instructor at Cangzhou Modern Vocational and Technical College, she broadened her impact by teaching both private and group lessons to non-music majors. An alumna of prestigious institutions, Yaqi holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from the University of Texas, a Master of Music from Mannes School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. Her academic journey is paralleled by numerous accolades, including the “XingHai” China Piano Competition Championship and honors in international contests like the Summit New York International Piano Concerto Competition. Yaqi’s multifaceted career reflects her dedication to fostering a deep appreciation of music through both performance and education, making her a valued mentor and accomplished artist in the global music community.

Yiyang Hu is a pianist born in Shanghai, China, who began her musical studies at the age of six with Zijie Wu, Associate Professor of Piano at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. During her early musical studies in Shanghai, Yiyang received top prizes in several regional and national piano competitions, including the German International Youth Piano Competition, the National Art Young Angel Piano Competition, First Prize in the Shanghai Division of the Bo Ya International Chinese Piano Festival. At fourteen, she became a pupil of Dr.Pamela Mia Paul, Regents Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas. She later completed her high school education at the Cambridge School of Dallas and was admitted to the University of North Texas in 2020. At UNT, Yiyang earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance under Dr. Pamela Mia Paul and Professor Adam Wodnicki. During her undergraduate years, she was named to the UNT President’s List for every semester and received the UNT Scholarship for Continuing Students and the Robert J. Hardin Presidential Scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude in 2024 and continued directly into UNT’s graduate program with a competitive piano scholarship awarded for outstanding artistic and academic achievement. During her master’s studies, she also pursued a related field in Piano Pedagogy and studied with Dr.Oscar Macchioni. In 2026, she was admitted into the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Piano Performance at UNT with a competitive piano scholarship, where she currently studies under Professor Adam Wodnicki. In 2025, Yiyang was the only current piano student featured in the UNT College of Music’s official annual publication Gratitude in Print. She was recognized in the “Student Success” section for her performance accomplishments and international competition awards, including First Place in the Rising Talents of Asia & Oceania Competition, First Place in the Best Haydn Performance Competition, Second Place in the Orbetello Piano Online Competition, and the Bronze Award in the 3rd Singapore International Music Competition for Piano & Violin. In addition to her competition achievements, Yiyang has presented multiple undergraduate and graduate solo recitals at the University of North Texas, performing works by composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Schumann. Her performances have been praised for their musical sensitivity, tonal color, and expressive musicianship. Following one of her recent solo recitals at UNT, renowned pianist and pedagogue Victor Rosenbaum described her performance as "a very high level professional performance." As a teacher, Yiyang is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for students of different ages and levels. With a strong background in piano literature, music history, aural skills, and music theory, she encourages students to develop both technical confidence and musical expression. Yiyang is currently a member of the UNT MTNA Collegiate Chapter.

Nanxi Wang is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Collaborative Piano at the University of North Texas, where she studies with Elvia Puccinelli, Steven Harlos, and Liudmila Georgievskaya. She previously earned her Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano from the Mannes School of Music at The New School and her bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Guangxi University in China. Nanxi’s musical interests span vocal collaboration, chamber music, and instrumental chamber repertoire. During her studies at Mannes, she served as a faculty accompanist and undergraduate vocal coach, working with singers and instrumentalists in lessons, studio classes, juries, and diction courses in Italian, German, and French. These experiences strengthened her interest in communication, phrasing, and expressive music-making. Wang has participated in concerts, competitions, and international music festivals in China, the United States, and Europe. In 2024, she attended the MusicALP Festival in Tignes, France. Earlier in her career, she has also served as an accompanist for the Hong Kong International Music Festival and as a ballet accompanist at the Beijing Dance Academy.

Ayane Kurachi is a pianist, composer, and arranger with a strong background in both classical and jazz music. She graduated from Kunitachi College of Music in Japan, where she majored in piano. During her classical studies, she performed as a soloist in the university’s Piano Festival and was selected to participate in masterclasses and special lessons with distinguished pianists including Akiko Ebi, Jacob Leuschner, and Ralf Nattkemper. She was also a recipient of the Kuro Okada Scholarship and holds the Yamaha Piano Performance Grade 4 certification. During her undergraduate studies, Ayane expanded her musical focus to jazz piano and composition through the university’s Jazz Program, building upon her classical foundation while developing her experience in jazz performance, improvisation, and ensemble playing. In 2024, she was selected to participate in the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp, further broadening her experience as a jazz musician. From 2021 to 2024, Ayane taught classical piano, jazz piano, and music theory to international students from China at Chinichi Music School. Alongside her teaching, she remained active as a performer and musician in Tokyo and throughout Japan, performing in live music settings, leading jam sessions, working as a composer and arranger, and serving as a classical accompanist. Ayane is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas College of Music, where she continues to develop her artistry in jazz piano, composition, and ensemble performance. She remains actively involved in performance in both the United States and Japan, bringing together her classical training, jazz experience, and passion for creative musicianship.

Born and raised in Serbia, Miloš started playing classical guitar when he was 8 years old. At 16 years of age, after spending only 2 years in high school working with Prof. Raško Radović, he got admitted into the Faculty of Music in Belgrade and started his undergraduate degree, after which he also got his masters in classical guitar performance at the same university under the guidance of Prof. Vera Ogrizović. In May of 2024, he earned his second masters degree in classical guitar performance at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Currently he is pursuing a doctoral degree in guitar performance at the University of North Texas with Dr. Bokyung Byun. In his music journey so far, Miloš has held a number of guitar recitals across Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany and United States. He won many competition prizes at guitar festivals where he had the opportunity to work with some of the best classical guitarists, including Zoran Dukić, Paolo Pegoraro, Costas Cotsiolis, The Assad Brothers, Giampaolo Bandini, Hubert Käppel and others. As a teacher, Miloš is striving to incorporate his classical guitar knowledge into both classical and acoustic guitar practices to create a strong foundation

Yihao Rao is a guitarist and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of North Texas. He previously earned a Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and a Bachelor of Education Studies in Preschool Music Education from Jiangsu Normal University. As a performer, Mr. Rao has presented solo and chamber music concerts at venues including the Central Conservatory of Music, Temple Theater Opera House, and the National Seminary of Catholic Church in Beijing. In addition to his classical guitar background, he is also an experienced electric guitarist with a strong interest in rock and metal music. He has performed as an electric guitarist in bands and has experience exploring a wide range of contemporary guitar styles and performance techniques. Mr. Rao has received numerous awards in international and regional guitar competitions and festivals, including First Prize at the Qingdao International Guitar Festival, First Prize at the Shandong Yimeng Cultural Guitar Art Festival, and First Prize in the Ensemble Category at the Shanghai Altamira Guitar Festival. He has participated in masterclasses with internationally recognized guitarists including Pavel Steidl, Joaquín Clerch, René Izquierdo, and Eliot Fisk. His musical interests span Renaissance and Baroque music, classical and contemporary guitar techniques, rock and metal guitar performance, and academic research. His diverse experience across classical, electric, and popular music allows him to approach guitar performance and education from a broad musical perspective.

With over twenty years of drumming/percussion experience, Bobby has an extensive background covering a wide range of styles of drumming. As a touring professional drummer and musical director, performing all across the United States and in over a dozen other countries, he mastered the combination of utilizing technical ability with creative expressiveness to perform at the highest level, in front of audiences of over ten thousand people. Before attending music school, Bobby was a state championship drumline tenor, where he developed his precision and technique, all while performing in several bands of many genres. Eventually, this led to pursuing music at the highest level, moving across the county to the center of the music industry in Los Angeles California, where he learned from some of the best drummers in the business. Soon after moving to LA, his skills were then put to the test, drumming, producing, and directing for multiple artists and bands. By 20 years old, he had produced and drummed on multiple music videos that accumulated tens-of-millions of views and was the drummer and musical director for Christina Grimmie; the former #1 subscribed musical artist on YouTube, finalist on “The Voice” and opening act for several Top 10 Billboard artists. Bobby’s objective as an instructor is to give his students an enjoyable experience in learning the drums, with the goal that he can pass on his knowledge and skills so that his students may have the ability to perform whichever style of music he/she enjoys the most, including Pop, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Gospel, Orchestral, Concert Percussion, Drumline, and many more!

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Jw (Johnathan Whitehorn) has an extensive background in not just percussion, but overall musicianship. With over 15 years of being a multi-instrumentalist, Mr. Jw has performed in various groups spanning multiple genres including Pop, Electronic, Rock, Jazz, Latin, Symphony Ensembles, Chamber Ensembles, and even Marching Band! All of these experiences have led Mr. Jw to craft an undeniable vision toward music education and a passion for teaching to his students. Mr. Jw came to Texas in 2020 with the goal of sharing his music and being able to teach music to those willing to learn. Since, he has been in the University of North Texas' Percussion Studio, performing under the names of Paul Rennick, Mark Ford, and Jose Aponte. He has also performed as a solo artist/composer in the DFW area with published recordings with the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). On top of these experiences, he also has spent time working directly with The Texas Music Education Association (TMEA) representing Texas Woman's University as a percussionist and logistics assistant. To Mr. Jw, music education is a tool to not only build better musicians, but also better humans, and a better community. Passing these tools on in a fun and unique way for your student is what he is all about.

Mengmeng Huang holds a cello performance master of music degree from Boston Conservatory and a bachelor's degree from Central Conservatory of Music in China. In 2020, she was admitted to Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Art for the cello performance diploma. In 2021, she received a full prize scholarship from The University of North Texas for the DMA of cello performance. Right now, she is a Teaching Assistant at UNT and a member of the Bancroft String Quartet, they won such international competitions as "King's Peak International Music Competition" and "Charleston International Music Competition" with the First Prize, as well as "France Music Competition" and "London Music Competition" with Third Prizes. She began studying violin at the age of 4 and turned to cello study at the age of 13. At the age of 17, she received the third prize of cello and viola group at the Vladivostok International Music Competition in Russia. In 2010, she was invited as the only cello major student from Central Conservatory of Music to play in the Shanghai Concert Hall in collaboration with Essen Folkwang Hochschule and Shanghai Conservatory of Music, as a part of the China-Germany Concert for the 2010 Shanghai Expo. In 2011, she was admitted with a full scholarship to The Boston Conservatory. After graduating, she focused on teaching and her performing career. In 2013 and 2014, she won the scholarship for Foulger International Musical Festival and Texas Musical Festival and received many great reviews.

Violist and educator Valentina Gamarra brings together solo performance, ensemble leadership, and a commitment to the next generation of string musicians. Her work in Venezuela and the United States connects the communal spirit of ensemble music-making with the focused artistry of individual study. Gamarra’s teaching experience includes Venezuela’s El Sistema, where she led ensembles and taught violin and viola in both individual and large-group settings. Working with students of varied ages and levels, she developed an approach grounded in technical discipline, musical confidence, and the shared experience of performance. She continues this work in Dallas as an educator and mentor with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musicians Program. Alongside her teaching, Gamarra is pursuing a degree in Viola Performance at Southern Methodist University. Her development as a performing artist informs a teaching philosophy in which secure technique serves musical expression, and thoughtful preparation becomes the foundation for confidence on stage. As Associate Faculty in Violin and Viola at B&M Music School, Gamarra brings this perspective to the private studio: attentive instruction, purposeful musical development, and a belief that learning an instrument should cultivate both artistic individuality and a lifelong connection to music.

Dallas-born violinist and educator Oscar Morales brings a rich background in orchestral performance, chamber music, and classical and mariachi traditions to his teaching. He is pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the University of North Texas under Professor Simon Gollo, having earned his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from UNT in 2026. His early training began in the Dallas Young Strings Program with Mary Alice Rich and Nathan Olson, Co-Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Morales has performed with the North Texas Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony, and the UNT Undergraduate Scholarship Quartet. His honors include first prizes in the UNT Papich Chamber Music Competition and the Friedlander Concerto Competition, along with semifinalist recognition in the UNT Concerto Competition. In summer 2026, he furthered his artistic development through Op. 74 at L’Académie des Arts in Flaine, France, and The Collaborative Piano Institute at the University of Michigan. An attentive mentor to developing musicians, Morales emphasizes secure technique, musicianship, and confidence from the earliest stages of study. He has helped students prepare for auditions for TMEA All-State Mariachi, the Dallas Young Strings Program, and the UNT College of Music. His educational work also includes adjudicating TMEA All-State Mariachi auditions at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy and interning with the Plano Symphony Chamber Music Program. As Associate Faculty at B&M Music School, Morales teaches violin and introductory viola, helping students build a thoughtful foundation, explore their musical interests, and grow toward their individual goals.

Violinist Seokhwan Choi brings a distinguished background in orchestral leadership, chamber music, and solo performance to B&M Music School. He earned his Master of Music and Performer Diploma from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of North Texas under Professor Philip Lewis, supported by the Brock Music Award Scholarship. A first-prize winner of the NOLA Chamber Festival competition, Choi received a residency and performance opportunity at the University of New Orleans. As a member of Trio Castus, he has performed for the New Orleans Friends of Music and presented recitals at Indiana University’s Auer Hall. His orchestral experience includes serving as concertmaster of the UNT Symphony Orchestra and performing with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra and North Texas Symphony Orchestra. Through masterclasses, he has worked with artists including Rohan de Silva, Arnaldo Cohen, Brandon Vamos, Kyung-sun Lee, and Anne Epperson. Based in Denton, Texas, Choi joins B&M Music School as Associate Faculty in Violin, bringing the perspective of an active performer and advanced conservatory-trained musician to his work with students.

Jacob Rodriguez is a violist, violinist, and educator whose work brings together orchestral performance, chamber music, and a thoughtful commitment to developing musicians. Rooted in classical string training, his approach places musical expression and physical ease at the heart of both performance and teaching. Jacob holds an Associate of Arts in Music from State College of Florida and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance at the University of North Texas, where he studies with Susan Dubois. He previously served as Principal Violist of the Bradenton Symphony Orchestra during the 2022–2023 and 2024–2025 academic years, and of the UNT Concert Orchestra during 2025–2026. His performance experience encompasses chamber concerts, recitals, opera, musical theatre, and orchestral repertoire. He has also performed with the Manatee Sarasota Pops Orchestra and in contemporary ensembles, bringing a broad musical perspective to his work. He currently performs as a section violist with the UNT Concert Orchestra. At B&M Music School, Jacob teaches violin and viola with an emphasis on expressive musicianship, sound technical foundations, and comfortable, sustainable playing habits. Having taught students from early childhood through adulthood, he encourages each musician to look beyond the printed notes, develop confidence, and discover a personal connection to the music. His goal is to help students build the skills and musical independence to grow with their instrument.

Yuqin Xie (Scott) is a seasoned vocal instructor with over ten years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree from Europe. He specializes in bel canto and pop vocal training, combining his expertise in performance, original music composition, choral conducting, and stage production. In the field of education, he has served as a music teacher and head of the music department at Huanggang Innovation Experimental School in Futian District, Shenzhen. He has successfully nurtured numerous talented students, many of whom have excelled in national and international vocal competitions. Additionally, he is the founder and artistic director of several music education institutions, dedicated to cultivating professional vocal talents and advancing the music education industry. Xie Yuqin’s professional skills include bel canto and pop singing, choral conducting, music arrangement, and stage performance planning. He is proficient in music production software such as Logic Pro and Ableton. Over the years, he has served as a judge for multiple international vocal competitions and has received numerous accolades in the music education sector, including the Outstanding Vocal Instructor Award, Excellence in Choral Conducting Award, and academic research competition awards. His original music compositions have also gained recognition in provincial-level competitions. As a dedicated educator and artistic director, Xie Yuqin has made significant contributions not only in academic music education but also in organizing music concerts, directing corporate music projects, and mentoring emerging vocalists. His teaching philosophy emphasizes scientific vocal training combined with stage performance techniques, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience. His efforts have earned him widespread trust and acclaim from both students and parents.

Soprano Xinjin Yang is an emerging artist and voice educator currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas, where she also earned her Master of Music degree. Her performance credits span opera, concert, and festival stages, with appearances with University of North Texas Opera, the Sherman Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Puccini Society, Fort Worth Opera programs, and the Ruggero Leoncavallo Foundation Music Festival in Italy. Her operatic repertoire includes Mimì in La Bohème, Magda in La Rondine, Zemfira in Aleko, Ludmila in The Bartered Bride, and scene performances as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. As a dedicated educator with over ten years of teaching experience, Ms. Yang offers comprehensive vocal instruction for students of all ages and levels, specializing in children’s voice, classical and operatic training, musical theatre, and popular styles, with an emphasis on healthy technique, artistic expression, and confident performance.

Tong Zeng is a classically trained soprano and dedicated voice educator with extensive experience in both vocal performance and music education. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas (UNT), where she continues to refine her artistry through advanced studies in vocal technique, performance, and pedagogy. Tong earned her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music and her bachelor’s degree from Yancheng Teachers University. During her undergraduate studies, she completed comprehensive training in pedagogy, child development, teaching methods, and classroom management. This strong educational foundation enables her to connect effectively with young learners and tailor each lesson to the student’s age, learning style, vocal development, and individual goals. As a performer, Tong has appeared in a variety of operatic and theatrical productions. She portrayed Naren Gaowa in the Chinese opera Cang Yuan, which was broadcast on the Music Channel of China Central Television (CCTV). In 2023, she performed the role of Cunégonde in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, followed by the title role in Franz Lehár’s operetta Giuditta in 2024. Her extensive stage experience allows her to bring valuable real-world insight into vocal interpretation, stage presence, character development, and performance preparation. As a teacher, Tong is known for her patient, clear, and supportive approach. She is deeply committed to helping students build healthy vocal technique, strong musicianship, expressive communication, and confidence onstage. By creating a positive and encouraging learning environment, she inspires young singers not only to develop their voices, but also to strengthen their focus, self-confidence, and lifelong appreciation for music.

Katie Ikesaki is a flutist and educator based in the North Texas area, with a strong background in both performance and music education. She earned her Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, where she studied under renowned flutist and pedagogue Dr. Mary Karen Clardy. An active performer on both flute and piccolo, Katie has developed a diverse musical background through orchestral, solo, and international performance experiences. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestra and recently toured France and Germany with the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra, serving as Principal Flute. These experiences have allowed her to perform in a wide range of musical settings while continuing to refine her artistry, ensemble leadership, and musicianship. In addition to performing, Katie is passionate about music education and helping students develop strong technical foundations, musical confidence, and a lasting appreciation for music. Since 2024, she has taught private flute lessons within the Plano Independent School District, working with young musicians at different stages of their musical development. She also spent two summers at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, serving as both an Instructor and Camp Counselor, where she gained valuable experience mentoring and supporting students in an immersive musical environment. Katie brings her professional performance experience, thoughtful teaching approach, and enthusiasm for music into every lesson. She strives to create an encouraging and engaging learning environment where students can strengthen their technique, develop their individual musical voice, and grow into confident, expressive musicians.

Mr. Quan Guo as a saxophone instructor for over 15 years has provided him with ample opportunities to hone his skills as a pedagogue. As such, he is able to provide students with musical direction and skilled instruction in saxophone performance. Having served as a saxophone instructor from elementary school to college, he has confidence and expertise in helping students identify and solve musical and technical challenges with greater ease. Quan is currently pursuing his doctoral degree with Dr. Nestler in saxophone performance at the University of North Texas. He did his undergraduate study at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China from 2006 to 2010, and then obtained a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2014. As a saxophonist, Mr. Guo has performed with several great ensembles, such as Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band at the University of North Texas, Jazz Ensemble III and Wind Orchestra at the University of Central Oklahoma, Wind Philharmonic at Oklahoma City University, and Wind Symphony at Xing Hai Conservatory of Music. Mr. Guo started teaching saxophone when he was a freshman in 2006, and now he serves as a saxophone instructor at Allen ISD and Richardson ISD. In 2019, student Arnav Mazumder from Coppell ISD was selected by Texas All-State as the ONLY 9TH grader, and he was successfully selected for the second round in Houston Underground Saxophone Competition at the same year as well. Arnav also made the 1st chair of Area in 2020. Student William Clymire from Allen ISD won Texas All-State in 2022 as the only saxophonist from AISD. William also made 1st chair of Region as a freshman in 2019. Student Jeremy Premkumar made Area as the only tenor saxophone from Allen district in 2022 and 1st chair tenor in Region 2021.