Barbara E. Becker is an Instructor - Lessons in the Department of Music at Bethany College, located in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. She is affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and contributes to the music program through applied lesson instruction across various instruments or voice. Her primary focus lies in music performance and pedagogy, particularly in one-on-one teaching settings. Her work supports student development in Music Performance , Music Education , and Applied Instruction , fostering technical and artistic growth. While no publications are listed, her instructional role suggests engagement in performance-based teaching and curriculum delivery within a liberal arts context. There are no recorded scientific awards or fellowships mentioned in the available information. Barbara Becker advises music students through individual lessons, though specific advisees are not listed. There is no mention of grant funding or research supervision. She is likely involved in studio teaching, recitals, and ensemble preparation as part of her instructional duties. No formal lab or research team is associated with her role, which is centered on teaching rather than research.
Libbie Kent is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Arizona Christian University, where she has been teaching since 2003. She previously held teaching and leadership roles at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Grand Canyon University. At ACU, she served as Music Department Chair from 2004 to 2012 and has been actively involved in university committees such as the Curriculum and Assessment Committees. Educational Background: B.M. in Music Theory and Composition, Arizona State University M.M. in Music Theory and Composition, Arizona State University B.A. in Violin Performance, Indiana University, Bloomington Her primary research and artistic interests include music composition , music theory pedagogy , conducting , and violin performance . She has composed and arranged works for orchestras, chamber ensembles, churches, and television, blending sacred, educational, and theatrical contexts. Her compositions often engage with American and liturgical traditions. Libbie's recent artistic outputs reflect a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and community-based music, with works premiered at festivals and performed in collaborations with churches and colleges. Her compositions span orchestral, chamber, and sacred genres, often featuring reimaginings of American classics and liturgical texts. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Patricia Roberts Harris National Composition Fellow Patricia Roberts Harris Prize and Performance (2005) Composition Prize and Professional Recording by North American Artists Foundation (2002) Arizona Viola Society Commissions (2012) Ballet Score Commission from DeVere Dance Company (2006) She has advised various student ensembles and led numerous productions, though formal student advisees are not listed. Her grant and commission history includes support from church ministries, dance companies, and arts foundations. Libbie has led music ministry efforts at multiple churches and produced theatrical works integrating academic and community musicians. Libbie Kent has been a producer and conductor for church music ministries and theater productions, including collaborations with Paradise Valley Community Church, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and Southwestern Repertory Theatre. Her work emphasizes bridging academic music with community and spiritual engagement.
Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo is a Professor of Music at Concordia University, Nebraska, where she teaches Aural Skills I-IV, Music Appreciation, and private piano lessons. She is also actively involved in accompanying student and faculty performances, organizing annual recitals, and collaborating on musical projects. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Concordia University Chicago (magna cum laude), and a Master of Music (2001) and Doctor of Musical Arts (2006) in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her research and professional interests focus on piano performance, piano pedagogy, sacred music, and church music education. She has performed extensively as a soloist and collaborative pianist, with repertoire spanning from Bach to contemporary commissioned works. Her performances include appearances with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Nebraska Public Radio broadcasts, and national recital tours featuring works by Hensel, Liszt, and others. Dr. Grimpo has made significant contributions to church music resources, including the publication of My First Hymnal, accompaniment edition and contributions to the Hymns of the Season piano series. 2015 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award She regularly mentors students through performance coaching, recital preparation, and collaborative projects, including the world premiere of Chris Miller’s April Twilights with UNL voice students. She also serves as organist at Christ Lincoln – A Lutheran Ministry and participates in Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod worship conferences. Dr. Grimpo is a core member of the CUNE music faculty and contributes to the Church Music program, which prepares students for rostered ministry in the LCMS. She is also involved with the Seward Worship Conferences, leading workshops on church accompaniment and congregational music.
Michael Rosensky is a Lecturer in Guitar (Jazz & Classical) at the Department of Music, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, where he has been a member of the performance faculty since the mid-1990s. He teaches courses such as Fretboard Harmony and Play Guitar!, coaches jazz combos, and maintains an active teaching studio. He has also performed as a guest with numerous departmental ensembles. Education: B.A., University of Virginia M.A., University of Virginia B.M., Manhattan School of Music Michael Rosensky specializes in guitar performance with a focus on jazz and classical traditions. His research and performance interests include chamber music, contemporary music, fretboard harmony, and ensemble coaching. He is deeply engaged in both pedagogical innovation and performance practice, contributing significantly to the music program through course development and student mentorship. Although no scholarly articles are listed, his professional work reflects a strong integration of performance and teaching, particularly in jazz and contemporary chamber music contexts. His career demonstrates a sustained commitment to musical excellence and education. Scientific Awards: Michael Rosensky has advised students through private instruction and ensemble coaching, though specific names are not listed. He has developed innovative guitar courses and contributed to curriculum development at the University of Virginia. He previously taught at Longwood University, the Tandem School, and PVCC, indicating broad educational engagement. He is co-founder of the New Music Chamber Ensemble, Ekko!, and has been active in chamber music performances across the East Coast, including at major venues such as Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, and Symphony Space. His performance collaborations include engagements with the New Music Consort, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.
Sebastian Staacks is a physicist and academic researcher at the 2nd Institute of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, where he has served as an Akademischer Rat (Academic Councillor) since 2017. He holds a PhD in Physics from RWTH Aachen, with a focus on spin dynamics in semiconductors, and has transitioned into a leading role in physics education research and digital learning innovation. He is a core developer of the phyphox app, a widely used open-source tool for smartphone-based physics experiments. His research interests center on physics education , digital learning tools , and smartphone-based experimentation . He explores how mobile sensors can transform classroom and laboratory instruction, making physics more accessible and engaging. His work bridges experimental physics and pedagogy, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based learning through technology. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward educational innovation, focusing on collaborative experiments, sensor integration, curriculum alignment, and real-world applications of smartphone physics. These works span mechanics, acoustics, electromagnetism, and fluid dynamics, demonstrating the versatility of mobile devices in science education. Georg-Kerschensteiner-Preis (2023) RWTH Lecturer Award (2021) Falling Walls Winner 2020 (Digital Education) Ars-legendi-Fakultätenpreis Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften (2020) Lehrpreis der DPG-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Physikalische Praktika (2019) Archimedes-Preis (2019) Lehrpreis Physik für die beste unterstützende Lehre (2018) Fellowship für Innovationen in der digitalen Hochschullehre (2016) Staacks has been instrumental in advising and developing digital teaching modules and workshops for both university and school educators. He leads numerous teacher training programs and collaborates extensively with physics education groups across Germany and internationally. His work has been supported through grants and fellowships focused on digital university teaching innovations. He is actively involved in outreach, public lectures, and science communication. He leads and co-leads workshops and training sessions on the use of phyphox in classrooms and laboratories. He is part of a dedicated team at RWTH Aachen, including Christoph Stampfer and Heidrun Heinke, that develops and promotes digital physics education tools. The phyphox project functions as a collaborative lab focused on educational technology and experimental innovation.
Eneida Larti, D.M.A., is Assistant Professor of Piano at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, University of Idaho, within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She is an active performer, chamber musician, educator, and pedagogy advocate with a national presence in music education circles. Her research and artistic interests include piano performance, chamber music collaboration, keyboard pedagogy, and the promotion of works by women and Balkan composers. She frequently performs with the Hammers & Reeds piano trio and is currently recording oboe and piano works by Balkan composers. Her lecture recitals explore underrepresented voices in classical music, such as her 2023 presentation on Dame Ethel Mary Smyth. Larti is regularly invited to present at major national events including the National Center for Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) and Pedagogy Saturday at MTNA National Conventions. She is also a sought-after adjudicator across the United States. D.M.A. in Piano, University of Colorado M.M. in Performance, Indiana University Undergraduate studies, Oklahoma City University Prizes in numerous piano competitions Invited adjudicator in multiple states Larti mentors high-achieving students who have won MTNA state awards and presented at national conferences. She has facilitated masterclasses with renowned artists such as Martin Katz and Anne Epperson. As a community entrepreneur, she co-founded AIMCreate, a nonprofit supporting underprivileged music students. She performs extensively across the U.S. and internationally, including recent concerts in Thailand, and has collaborated with distinguished artists like Ralph Kirschbaum and the Takács Quartet.
Hye-Jung Hong is an Associate Professor of Piano in the Department of Music at Missouri State University, located in Springfield, Missouri. She is a dedicated faculty member in the College of Arts and Letters, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate piano courses including solo and collaborative performance, recital preparation, and research projects. Dr. Hong earned her Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, and Bachelor of Music degrees from the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, where she studied under renowned pedagogues including Julian Martin, Dominique Weber, Daewook Lee, and Yonghee Moon. Her research and professional interests center on piano performance and music education. With an international performance career, she has appeared in recitals across Germany, Holland, Italy, China, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, and throughout the United States, including solo appearances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Her performances have been praised for their energy, musicality, and elegance by critics in Korea and Germany, and she has recorded with Navona Records. While no formal publications are listed, her performance activities reflect a strong scholarly and artistic output in the field of classical piano. She has been featured on concert series in major U.S. cities and has performed at universities and international music festivals, contributing to the global dialogue in performance practice. Recipient of critical acclaim from Piano Eum-Ak and Die Rheinpfalz Active performer on international stages and U.S. university guest artist series Recording artist with Navona Records Dr. Hong is a committed educator whose students have won top prizes in national and international competitions such as the Kuleshov International Piano Competition, MTNA Young Artist Competition, and the Federation of Music Clubs State Competition. Though specific grant funding is not mentioned, her extensive performance and teaching activities suggest sustained professional engagement. She maintains an active studio and contributes significantly to the music community through performance, mentorship, and curriculum development. She is affiliated with the Department of Music at Missouri State University, where she plays a central role in the piano and performance programs, contributing to recitals, masterclasses, and student development. Her work bridges performance, pedagogy, and international cultural exchange.
Dr. Richard Todd Payne is a Professor of Voice in the Department of Music at Missouri State University, part of the College of Arts and Letters in Springfield, MO. He is an accomplished baritone celebrated for his commanding presence and impassioned performances in opera, oratorio, recital, and public speaking. His artistic work frequently intersects with advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts, Voice Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Master of Music, Voice Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Bachelor of Music, Voice Performance, University of Memphis Dr. Payne's research and performance interests center on classical vocal performance, opera, African American spirituals, and jazz opera. He is particularly known for portraying Louis Armstrong in Dave Brubeck’s The Real Ambassadors and performing the title role in Porgy and Bess . His work emphasizes cultural representation and historical narratives in music. Although no formal publications are listed, his performance repertoire reflects deep engagement with vocal literature spanning Verdi, Beethoven, and contemporary compositions, especially those highlighting Black cultural heritage. Honors and Awards: Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters “Bear Up” Award “Lunch with an MSU Genius” Award Missouri State University “Bear Bridge” Outstanding Mentor Award Bear Bridge Outstanding Presenter Award Missouri Association of Blacks in Higher Education Award Dr. Payne is a dedicated mentor, recognized for his guidance to students and contributions to music education. He has not received mention of external research grants, but his performances and community engagements—such as delivering MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and participating in the African Spiritual Intensive Program—reflect a strong commitment to educational outreach and artistic leadership. He performs regularly with regional and national ensembles, including symphonies and opera companies such as Ozark Lyric Opera, Opera Memphis, and Springfield Regional Opera. His collaborations with academic institutions and high schools underscore his role in bridging performance and pedagogy.
Christine LIU Doré is an Adjunct Professor of Instrumental Coaching and Staff Accompanist in the Department of Music at Long Island University's Post campus, under the School of Performing Arts. She has served in this role since 2008 and is also affiliated with the LIU Post Summer Festival. Education: B.M., New England Conservatory (with honors) M.M., Mannes College of Music (full merit scholarship) Christine Doré is a dedicated pianist and educator with a vibrant career in chamber music and collaborative performance. Her artistic focus lies in instrumental coaching, accompaniment, and piano performance, emphasizing high standards in musical education. As a chamber musician, she has performed internationally, including tours in the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and her performances have been broadcast on WNYC, WSHU, and Iowa Public Radio. She is a founding member of the Meridien Trio (with Anthony Arnone and Suzanne Beia) and the ensemble Chamberosity (with Linda Sinanian and Jeffrey Forden), which has premiered and recorded works by composers Eric Ewazen and Peter Winkler—available on major digital platforms and at www.chamberosity.org . Though no formal research articles are listed, her artistic output reflects deep engagement with contemporary classical music and collaborative repertoire. Notable Performances and Media Appearances: New York debut at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall (1996) Soloist with orchestras in the New York area Performed on Amazon Prime’s Mozart in the Jungle Appearances on ABC’s Loving and the documentary Death in the Wilderness Directed the Music At Greenlawn concert series for ten years Christine Doré is deeply committed to music education and mentoring students, both past and present. While there is no mention of formal grants or research funding, her sustained involvement in performance, education, and festival programs underscores her impact in the musical community. She has also contributed to pre-college music education as a founding member of the chamber music faculty at SUNY Stony Brook’s pre-college program and as a faculty member at the Stony Brook Summer Music Festival. Ensembles and Collaborative Work: Meridien Trio – ongoing chamber collaboration Chamberosity – founding member, active in commissioning and recording new works
Dorian Ho is a Lecturer in the Continuing Education division at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). Holding a PhD from New York University, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Concert Diploma from Vienna Academy of Music and Fine Arts, she combines scholarly rigor with performance expertise. Education Concert Diploma, Vienna Academy of Music and Fine Arts PhD, New York University MM, The Juilliard School A celebrated pianist, Ho has performed as a soloist with renowned ensembles including the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony, and Franz Liszt Budapest Chamber Orchestra. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes goal-setting and technical mastery, accepting students at all proficiency levels. Active in performance and education, Ho has appeared in diverse programs such as the SFCM Baroque Orchestra Concert and Brass Ensemble Recitals. She maintains collaborations with international orchestras and continues to explore new musical repertoire.
Dr. Lecturer Halil ŞİMŞEK is a faculty member at the Social Sciences University of Ankara , affiliated with the Faculty of Theology and the Department of Fundamental Islamic Sciences . Holding the academic rank of Assistant Professor , he specializes in Qur'anic Exegesis , Ottoman Period Exegesis , and Islamic Economics and Finance . His career spans academic roles at the University of Toronto and administrative positions at the International Muslim Societies Solidarity Foundation (MÜSDAV). PhD in Islamic History (University of Toronto, 2018) MA in Islamic History (University of Toronto, 2008) BA in Political Science and Economics (Hunter College, 2005) BA in Islamic Law (Al-Azhar University, 1995) His research interests focus on classical and Ottoman exegesis, Qur'anic history, and the intersection of Islamic financial ethics with modern economic systems. Recent publications examine medieval Islamic pedagogical treatises, historical battles, and the evolution of interest bans in Islamic jurisprudence. He has collaborated with scholars such as Servet Bayındır and Murat Ustaoğlu on Islamic finance topics, contributing to edited volumes and academic journals. His work explores how historical Islamic economic frameworks inform contemporary financial practices.
Dena Levine , D.M.A., is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Classical Concert Series at Seton Hall University's College of Communication and the Arts. As co-founder of the award-winning Laurel Trio, she has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, and Marlboro Music Festivals, with international performances in Taiwan, Europe, and Asia. Specializes in chamber music education and collaborative piano Recipient of multiple grants from the Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation Co-founded Portland Chamber Music Festival (1994-2010) Active adjudicator for music competitions and festivals Her research interests span classical music performance practices, interdisciplinary arts collaborations, and music festival programming. Recent performances include recitals at Princeton University, the Sigal Museum, and the Maplewood Chamber Music Workshop. University Research Council Grant (2010) Faculty Enrichment Leave Award (2005) Laurel Trio's Concert Artists Guild Competition victory (1995) As an administrator, Dr. Levine has served as Acting Chair of the Department of Communication and the Arts, coordinated the Portland Chamber Music Festival, and contributed to numerous university committees including Faculty Senate and Core Curriculum review. She maintains an active performance schedule while mentoring students and organizing campus music programs.
Florian Wiek is a Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at the Stuttgart State University of Music and Performing Arts, where he has led a successful class since 2004, producing numerous international prizewinners. He also serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts and heads the Piano Institute. His concert career spans solo recitals, piano concertos, and chamber music collaborations, with a repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary works. Specializes in Viennese Classicism and interdisciplinary art forms (music with poetry, visual arts, puppet theater) Founder of Trio Wiek (2002) with flautist Christina Fassbender and cellist Justus Grimm Active juror at international piano and chamber music competitions (e.g., Vercelli, Jinjiang, Weimar) Florian Wiek’s research is rooted in the musical traditions of Vienna, reflected in his concert programs and recordings. His work emphasizes the interplay between historical performance practices and modern interpretations, particularly in the works of Beethoven, Schubert, and Mozart. He also promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of Animals with visual arts and puppet theater. He has performed extensively across Europe, Asia, Israel, and North/South America, with recordings featured on major radio/TV stations (WDR, BR, ARD, etc.). In 2020, he directed cyclical performances of Beethoven’s works for the Beethoven Year and co-founded the Mozart Society Stuttgart with his wife Anke Dill. His accolades include the Gold Medal at the Concurso Maria Canals and a prize at the German Music Competition.
Saint-Joanis Olena is a Lecturer at INALCO's Department of Slavic Languages and Literature, specializing in Ukrainian language processing and pedagogy. She coordinates the Erasmus+ project EUkraine Forum and co-organizes the Rencontres des linguistes du CREE conference. Her work involves developing online pedagogical tools for Ukrainian through the Erasmus+ Lesser-Used Languages Classroom project. Her research focuses on formalizing Ukrainian language structures within the NooJ framework, including verb aspect relations, morphological grammars, and language variant formalization. She has presented at multiple international NooJ conferences and TALN-RECITAL, with publications in edited volumes and conference proceedings. She teaches Ukrainian language courses at all undergraduate and master's levels, including written practice, grammar exercises, and media language, while also developing continuing education programs. Her technical contributions include Ukrainian dictionary creation and disambiguation grammar implementations for NLP applications.
Sonja Radojković serves as a Professor at the Department of Conducting within the Faculty of Music, University of Arts in Belgrade. Her international academic engagements include guest professorships at: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (Singapore) University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (Canada) Dunedin and Wellington Conservatory of Music (New Zealand) Conservatoire de Musique, Caen (France) University of North Dakota (USA) Her research and artistic practice centers on Collaborative Piano, Piano Performance, and Contemporary Music, with particular emphasis on works from ex-Yugoslavia, Scandinavia, Greece, Italy, and Spain. She actively documents emerging composers through recordings and recitals, bridging performance and scholarly exploration in Music Performance Practice. As an educator, she mentors students in piano collaboration and performance techniques across Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, leveraging her dual expertise as both performer and academic. Her pedagogical approach integrates real-world concert experience with theoretical frameworks. Radojković founded and directs the Hvar Island Music Festival in Croatia, fostering international artistic exchange. She maintains significant collaborative partnerships with musicians including Alejandro Drago (University of North Dakota), Judy Keler Sieber (University of Manitoba), Swedish pianist Carl Ponten, and Alfredo Oyaguesa (Spain), regularly performing in venues such as the Oslo Opera House opening ceremony. Her discography comprises seven critically acclaimed CDs, featuring releases with PGP RTS (Serbia’s premier recording studio) and the Greek Union of Composers, highlighting her dedication to contemporary repertoire and cross-cultural musical dialogue.
