Till Hoffmann is a Lecturer in the Keyboard, Guitar, Harp Department. His academic affiliation details are not explicitly stated in the provided text, though his role indicates a teaching-focused position within a music faculty. Research interests are inferred from his departmental affiliation, focusing on areas such as keyboard chamber music performance, instrumental pedagogy, and classical music education. No specific research publications or awards are mentioned in the text. No advising activities, grants, or lab affiliations are documented here.
Prof. Olga Rissin-Morenova serves as Professor in the Keyboard, Guitar, Harp Department, maintaining an active international concert career spanning piano performance, recordings, and festival appearances. Born in Moscow, she represents the great Russian pianist school tradition with distinguished contributions to Western recognition of avant-garde composer Galina Ustwolskaja. Her educational foundation includes a concert diploma with distinction from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where she formed the internationally renowned violin-piano duo with Josef Rissin. Critical acclaim highlights her stylistic mastery, with the Badische Neueste Nachrichten noting her Beethoven interpretations achieve "depth and stylistically confident understanding... seldom experienced" while the NEUE MUSIKZEITUNG praised her Ustwolskaja recordings for "flawless interpretation and technique competing with editorial value". Research focuses center on piano performance practices within Russian traditions, specialized interpretation of Beethoven sonatas, and revival of suppressed avant-garde repertoire. Her landmark work with Josef Rissin established the first Western recordings of Galina Ustwolskaja's sonatas and duets, significantly expanding the recognized canon of 20th-century piano literature through historically significant editorial contributions.
Lutz Krajenski is a Lecturer in Piano/Keyboards (Pop) at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, affiliated with the Institute for Jazz, Rock, Pop. Specializing in keyboard instruments, he has a prolific career as a pianist, organist, arranger, and bandleader, collaborating with renowned artists like Randy Crawford, Tom Jones, and Till Brönner. He served as Musical Director, pianist, and arranger for Roger Cicero’s platinum-selling debut, earning an Echo Pop award. His work spans jazz-classical crossover projects, solo albums ('ORBIT', 'B-3 Vol. 1'), and acclaimed productions such as the gold-certified 'Seine Lieder' and Echo-winning 'Karneval der Tiere'. Education: Early musical training from age 4, professional career began at 21. Research interests focus on cross-genre collaboration, arrangement innovation, and keyboard techniques. His career highlights include arranging for ZDF, Friedrichstadtpalast Berlin, and major orchestras (NDR, WDR), as well as producing 'Symphonic Motown' and the Estonian Writers Society’s 25th-anniversary album. Krajenski’s solo work under the stage name 'krajenski.' explores experimental jazz and classical fusion. Awards: Echo Klassik (2016), Echo Pop (platinum), Gold Album Status (2014). Teaching & Labs: Leads special task piano/keyboard courses, emphasizing pop and contemporary techniques. His academic role complements a thriving freelance career in arrangement and performance.
Prof. Kalle Randalu is a distinguished pianist and professor at Karlsruhe University of Music, where he teaches piano. Previously, he held a professorship at the Freiburg Music Academy. Born in Estonia, he studied under Bruno Lukk at Tallinn Conservatory and later at Moscow Conservatory under Lev Vlassenko. His career spans prestigious international performances with orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Estonian National Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Collaborations include conductors Neeme Järvi and Mariss Jansons. He has premiered contemporary works and recorded over 40 CDs, earning awards for his Hindemith sonatas recordings. Randalu's research interests focus on classical and contemporary piano repertoire, chamber music, and pedagogy. He holds an honorary doctorate from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Prof. Sontraud Speidel is a renowned Professor of Piano at the Karlsruhe University of Music. She has held leadership roles including Senate member, University Council member, and 17-year spokesperson for the Keyboard/Guitar section. Internationally, she has served as a visiting professor and jury member at competitions across Europe, America, and Asia. Her career spans over 50 CDs, including pioneering recordings of works by Fanny Hensel, Carl Reinecke, and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. She has premiered compositions by contemporary composers like Violeta Dinescu and received prestigious awards such as the Order of Merit of Germany and Opus Klassik. Her performances include solo recitals at venues like the Palais Schaumburg (Bonn) and Thessaloniki, as well as collaborations with orchestras worldwide. She actively promotes young talent through organizations like PIANO-PODIUM Karlsruhe (900 members) and the 'Fonds Elisabeth Speidel,' which supports musical competitions and violin scholarships. She is an honorary member of the Werner Trenkner Society and Tonkünstlerverband Baden-Württemberg. Her discography highlights include acclaimed recordings of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony arrangement and Reger works for two pianos. She currently chairs regional music education initiatives like 'Jugend musiziert' Karlsruhe, fostering musical talent development.
Momo Kodama is a Professor specializing in piano performance, affiliated with the Department of Keyboard, Guitar, and Harp. She is renowned for her technical mastery and interpretive depth, collaborating with major orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic and renowned conductors such as Seiji Ozawa. Her performances span classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoires, with a particular focus on Olivier Messiaen's works. Key Collaborations: Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra Notable Festivals: Marlboro, Verbier, Festival Chopin Recording Highlights: ECM label releases, including Mozart/Hosokawa concertos Her chamber music partnerships include artists like Christian Tetzlaff and Renaud Capuçon. Kodama premiered Messiaen's Fantaisie with Isabelle Faust and has championed works by composers such as Toshio Hosokawa. She divides her time between Karlsruhe and Paris, and her discography includes collaborations with sister Mari on Pentatone and Triton labels. Awarded the 1991 ARD International Music Competition Prize, she continues to push boundaries in both traditional and contemporary piano literature.
Ingelore Schubert is a faculty member at the Hochschule für Künste Bremen, teaching historical keyboard instruments and basso continuo since 1988. She specializes in early music performance, particularly on harpsichord and historical organs. Her career includes extensive concert tours across Europe and the former USSR with the Marais Consort, highlighted by residencies such as the 2007 'Zeitsprünge' festival in Bonn. Supported by the German Cultural Ministry’s touring program, her performances have been broadcast on major radio stations including BR, WDR, NDR, SWR, and SR. Education: Studied in Hamburg under Gisela Gumz and in Amsterdam under Ton Koopman, completing her concert diploma in 1983. Further masterclasses with Robert Kohnen, Jos van Immerseel, and Gustav Leonhardt enhanced her expertise. Her teaching focuses on historical instruments, continuo playing, and vocal coaching. The press praises her ability to make music 'speak' through her instrument, placing her among the leading interpreters of her field.
Benjamin Corbin serves as Associate Professor of Piano and Collaborative Arts and Director of Keyboard Studies at Christopher Newport University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. An active performer and clinician, he maintains concert engagements across the United States and internationally while directing keyboard studies curriculum. His educational foundation includes: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Collaborative Piano from University of Texas at Austin Master of Music (MM) in Collaborative Piano from University of Texas at Austin Master of Music (MM) in Piano Performance from University of Oregon Bachelor of Music (BM) in Piano Performance from University of Oregon Dr. Corbin's research integrates performance practice with pedagogical innovation, specializing in collaborative piano techniques and mindfulness applications for concert performers. His ludomusicology investigations examine game theory in musical interpretation, while multimedia recitals like "Dreaming/Being" demonstrate cross-disciplinary experimentation. This work manifests through frequent masterclasses addressing collaborative piano pedagogy and chamber music coaching. His performance accolades include the Mary Elizabeth Sherrill Presidential Endowed Award (2014) and multiple University of Oregon honors culminating in Concerto Competition victory (2010). Early career recognition featured the Oregon Music Teachers Association Piano Competition win (2008) and Liberace Foundation grant. Instrument acquisition grants include Yamaha NX3 Avant Grand and Steinway Model 'B' Grand Piano funding through Hampton Roads Community Foundation. He mentors piano students through CNU's keyboard program and has served on collaborative piano staffs for Meadowmount School of Music, International Clarinet Festival of Panamá, and Torggler Summer Vocal Institute.
Lesi Mei is a Lecturer in Piano and Aural Skills at San Diego State University's School of Music and Dance. A classical pianist with international performance experience, she specializes in collaborative performance and contemporary music premieres. Her educational background includes: B.S. Biological Engineering (Beijing Institute of Technology) M.S. Exercise Physiology (Florida State University) M.M. Piano Performance (San Diego State University) Performance highlights include appearances at Birdland Jazz Club (NYC), Mostly Modern Festival, International Keyboard Institute, and international venues in China. She frequently premieres works by contemporary composers and serves as a panelist for piano competitions.
Robert Susik is a researcher at the Institute of Applied Computer Science within the Faculty of Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Control Engineering at Lodz University of Technology. His core research focuses on algorithm design, particularly in pattern matching, blockchain applications, and machine learning implementations for healthcare technology. Research interests span: Computational efficiency in algorithm design Blockchain-based academic certification systems Neural networks for mobile health monitoring Human-computer interaction optimizations Recent publication trends demonstrate: Progressive shift toward applied machine learning (2021-2025) Consistent focus on optimization techniques in pattern matching Emerging work in blockchain and cryptocurrency applications Laboratory engagement includes computational algorithm development and interdisciplinary collaborations bridging computer science with healthcare technology.
Dr. Julie Chamberlain is a Professor of Music and Director of Worship Music & Production at Catawba College since 1989. She oversees the Worship Music and Production program, emphasizing modern industry standards. Her teaching focuses on film music, world music, worship music, and keyboard skills, complemented by interdisciplinary courses in Honors and First Year Programs. Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (Wingate University) Master of Music (UNC Greensboro) Ph.D. in Music Education (UNC Greensboro) Her research explores practical music industry skills and curriculum innovation. She has led student travel programs to Chicago, Washington D.C., and Ireland. Awarded Catawba's highest teaching honor (Swink Professor) and twice named Professor of the Year by students. As program director, she integrates evolving worship trends and industry practices to prepare students for professional pathways.
Clara Cheng is a Lecturer at the Conservatory of Music, College of Performing Arts, Chapman University. She specializes in collaborative piano and vocal coaching, with affiliations including staff pianist roles at Chapman and vocal coach positions at Fullerton College and California State University Long Beach. Her career spans international performances in venues like Zipper Hall and Alice Tully Hall, alongside roles with the Los Angeles Opera outreach program and summer programs like the Art Song Festival. Education: Doctorate of Musical Arts in Keyboard Collaborative Arts, University of Southern California Master of Music in Collaborative Piano, The Juilliard School Bachelor of Music, University of California, Los Angeles Research & Performance Interests: Ms. Cheng focuses on collaborative music performance, vocal coaching, and chamber music. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary artistry through opera répétiteur roles and masterclasses with renowned musicians. She has performed in Italy, Taiwan, Japan, and major U.S. cities. Awards: Benno Rubinyi Competition First Prize Gluck Fellowship Advising & Programs: She has contributed to OperaWorks' Emerging Artists Program, Aspen Opera Theater Center, and Operafestival di Roma, mentoring young artists. Summer faculty roles include the Art Song Festival and Idyllwild Summer Arts Program. Her professional network includes collaborations with Maestri Jane Glover and John Williams, and singers like Dawn Upshaw. Labs/Teams: Engaged with Chapman University's music programs and external initiatives like the Los Angeles Opera outreach.
Grace Fong is a Professor and Director of the Conservatory of Music at Chapman University's College of Performing Arts. She holds a Doctor of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and has an international career as a prize-winning concert pianist, chamber musician, and contemporary keyboardist. Her performances include major venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, with radio/TV appearances on BBC, NPR, and others. She has collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Fong’s awards include the Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship and the prestigious Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Her research and artistic focus spans classical and contemporary piano performance, chamber music, and interdisciplinary art projects like Project Metamorphosis . She actively mentors students through academic competitions and recitals, and her work bridges traditional and modern musical expression. Education: Doctor of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music Master of Arts, Cleveland Institute of Music Bachelor of Science, University of Southern California Research Interests: Keyboard performance techniques Contemporary composition interpretation Interdisciplinary arts collaboration Historical performance practices (Baroque/Classical/Romantic eras) Artistic pedagogy for pianists Notable Awards: Gold Medalist - Leeds International Piano Competition Jury’s Selection Prize in multiple international competitions Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship (first female winner in 12 years) National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts Grand Prize Grants & Mentoring: Fong oversees the Conservatory’s academic programs, including the Annual Concerto Competition and faculty scholarship recitals. Her work emphasizes bridging performance excellence with educational outreach.
Adriana Balic is an instructor at Berklee College of Music’s online division since 2010, where she teaches courses like Pop Rock Vocals and Keyboards for Live Performance . Previously, she served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music (2010–2023), teaching keys, voice, and songwriting in the Popular Music program. She has also been on Berklee’s vocal faculty (1999–2003). Balic holds a Master of Arts in Learning Technologies from Pepperdine University (2017), alongside bachelor’s degrees in Music and Music Education from the University of British Columbia and a Berklee diploma. Her research interests focus on integrating technology in music education and live performance techniques. Notably, she developed online courses emphasizing practical skills for musicians. Balic was recognized in 2017 by College magazine as one of the “10 Female Music Teachers That Inspire Us” for her pedagogical contributions. Outside academia, Balic is renowned as a touring musician, playing keyboards, guitar, and vocals in P!NK’s band since 2003. She has performed in record-breaking tours such as P!NK’s Beautiful Trauma World Tour (2019) and the 2023–2024 Summer Carnival and Trustfall stadium tours. Her career also includes collaborations with artists like Gwen Stefani and Sheila E.
Robert Christopherson is a Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music, specializing in private instruction, improvisation, advanced composition, reading, ensembles, and piano style surveys. He co-authored Berklee Online’s Jazz Piano course and the book Berklee Jazz Standards For Piano Solo . His expertise spans performance, mentorship, and music education, rooted in a family legacy of classical music—his father was a Cleveland Orchestra violinist and his mother a concert pianist with a music doctorate. He performs frequently in New England as a soloist and with his trio. Christopherson earned his bachelor’s degree from Berklee, studying under Charlie Banacos (piano/improvisation/composition) and Eddie Watson (voice). His teaching integrates jazz, classical, and contemporary styles, emphasizing mentorship and lifelong learning. Beyond academia, he contributes to online education through courses like Advanced Jazz Piano. Key affiliations include Berklee’s Piano and Keyboard department where he teaches core subjects like ensemble work and style analysis. Though no specific grants or awards are listed, his publications and active performance schedule highlight his contributions to jazz pedagogy and piano performance.
