Raymond Myers serves as an Instructor of Guitar, teaching Classical and Jazz guitar performance across multiple academic programs including Commercial Music, Community Arts, Music (B.A. and B.M.), Music Education, and Music Therapy. His educational foundation includes: West Liberty University: Bachelor’s of Music in Guitar Performance and Music Technology (2017) Myers specializes in bridging classical technique with jazz improvisation, emphasizing practical performance skills and music technology applications. His pedagogical approach integrates rigorous technical training with creative expression, reflecting his dual expertise in performance and technology. He has earned significant recognition for his performance abilities: Level of Distinction Level 10 Senior recital performance As an active instructor, Myers cultivates student development through structured performance curricula while leveraging music technology to enhance learning outcomes in both classical and jazz contexts.
Melissa Holm-Johansen is an Instructor in Voice at Carleton University, where she has been teaching since 2023. Based in the Weitz Center for Creativity (office M113), she teaches a comprehensive voice curriculum including MUSL 151 (Voice), MUSL 251 (Voice - Juried), and MUSL 351 (Recital Voice) across all semesters through Spring 2026. As both an educator and performing artist, Professor Holm-Johansen brings professional experience to her teaching. Her background as a lyric soprano informs her pedagogical approach, emphasizing technical mastery, musical interpretation, and stage presence. The structured curriculum she teaches progresses from foundational vocal skills through advanced performance preparation, culminating in juried assessments and full recitals. Professor Holm-Johansen maintains an active performance career alongside her teaching responsibilities. She is scheduled to perform in 'The Temptations of Veslemøy' world premiere in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 2, 2025, and has recorded 'Edvard Grieg: Songs From the Heart,' available on major streaming platforms. This professional engagement enriches her teaching with current industry perspectives and real-world performance experience. Students working with Professor Holm-Johansen receive individualized instruction focused on vocal technique development, repertoire selection appropriate to vocal type and ability level, and performance preparation. Her courses provide structured pathways for vocal development within the context of Carleton University's music program.
Rebecca Horning serves as an Adjunct Instructor for Piano Class and Staff Accompanist at the Music Department of State University of New York at Oswego. She maintains active professional engagements as a rehearsal pianist for Syracuse Opera (since 1998), Oswego Opera, and Civic Morning Musicals vocal competitions, while also performing as a recital pianist for Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Education programs. Her educational foundation includes a BA in Music with Piano Performance concentration from Mansfield University (Mansfield, PA), where she additionally studied Music Therapy. Professional development involved workshops with Robert McCall, John Wustman, and Martin Katz, under primary instruction from Nancy Boston, Angeline Schmid, Victor Boris, and Kay Hooper. Horning's expertise centers on collaborative piano performance with emphasis on vocal and opera repertoire. She specializes in coaching students for NYSSMA Solofest and audition preparation, focusing on interpretive development and performance anxiety management. Her career spans decades of musical direction for SUNY Oswego productions and accompaniment for professional ensembles including Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse Opera. As an educator, she teaches Piano Class while maintaining flexible office hours (Wednesdays 10:30-11:20 AM or by appointment in Tyler Hall 028) to support student development. Her professional identity integrates performance artistry with pedagogical sensitivity, particularly in helping soloists discover authentic musical expression.
Franziska Trischler is an academic staff member specializing in speech education at the University of Education Freiburg, where she has worked since 2010. She is affiliated with the Institute for German Language and Literature and leads the Sprechperformancegruppe (speech performance group). Prior to her position at Freiburg, she worked as a scientific staff member at Saarland University (2009-2010) on the 'ELAB' project focused on academic eloquence. Dr. Trischler's research and teaching focus on speech science, phonetics, and creative methods for developing oral communication skills. Her work emphasizes expressive reading techniques, speech performance, and innovative teaching approaches using poetry slam, improvisational theater, and digital tools. She has developed virtual exchange programs connecting German phonetics students with international learners from Colombia, Jordan, and Russia. Her publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly activity in speech pedagogy, with recent work focusing on gender-neutral language, virtual speech education, and the integration of performance techniques in teaching. Her research shows a trajectory from traditional speech science toward more innovative, performance-based, and digitally-enhanced approaches to speech education. International Recitation Competition Winner, Vechta (2015) Gender Prize of University of Education Freiburg (2018) Cusanuswerk Scholarship recipient (2005-2009) Deputy Chairperson of German Society for Speech Science and Speech Education (2017-2021) Dr. Trischler actively supervises student projects through the Sprechperformancegruppe, guiding students in developing and presenting speech-based performances on educational and social topics. Her current projects include international virtual exchanges in phonetics education, community reading events, and theatrical explorations of language and power. She maintains a strong connection between theoretical speech science and practical performance applications in educational contexts.
Prof. Dr. Pascal Klein is a faculty member at the University of Göttingen , specializing in physics education research within the Department of Physics. His work bridges theoretical physics with pedagogical innovation. Research focuses on the digital transformation of physics education , leveraging eye tracking and multimedia tools to enhance learning. Key projects include developing smartphone-based experiments for introductory mechanics and studying cognitive load during diagram-equation coordination. He contributes to empirical effectiveness analysis and discipline-specific didactics in higher education. Recent publications highlight his exploration of vector field concepts through simulations, strategic analysis of equation-diagram interactions, and stress dynamics in first-year physics students. His methodology emphasizes eye movement tracking to decode learning processes and optimize teaching strategies. The Digiphyslab Project (2022) exemplifies his efforts to integrate digital tools like Jupyter notebooks and smartphone sensors into laboratory settings, both on-campus and for distance learning. He also investigates the effects of dynamic visualizations and augmented reality on comprehension and engagement. His work extends to teacher training and public outreach , including projects on plant identification for student teachers and innovative approaches to non-inertial frames of reference . Collaborative efforts with institutions in Finland and Croatia further underscore his international impact in physics education.
Lynn Raley serves as Associate Professor of Music at Millsaps College, where she contributes significantly to the music program through performance, teaching, and research. An accomplished pianist, she has performed internationally across the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Taiwan, with a particular emphasis on contemporary and electro-acoustic music. Her artistic endeavors have taken her to prestigious festivals including the Santa Fe and Florida International Festivals of Electro-Acoustic Music, and she has been a featured performer at the NewMusicNewCollege series in Sarasota, Florida. Academically, Professor Raley holds the highest credentials in her field: Bachelor of Music from Southern Methodist University Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Doctor of Musical Arts from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts Central to Professor Raley's work is her dedication to contemporary piano music, with a dual focus on American composers and the vibrant new music scene in Taiwan. Her Fulbright Senior Scholar residency at National Chiao Tung University's Institute of Music (2012-2013) underscored this commitment, during which she presented a solo recital at the inaugural Taipei International New Music Festival and toured Taiwan performing new works by Taiwanese composers sponsored by the International Society for Contemporary Music. Her specific research interests encompass: Piano Performance techniques and interpretation Contemporary American Piano Music from the 20th and 21st centuries Contemporary Music of Taiwan and cross-cultural musical exchange Music History with emphasis on modern and contemporary periods World Music traditions and their influence on contemporary composition Professor Raley's scholarly contributions extend to recordings that document important contemporary repertoire. Her 2018 solo CD "Maëlstrom: Contemporary American Piano Music" (Nimbus Records) features works by Charles Wuorinen, Augusta Read Thomas, Wayne Peterson, and Eric Moe, and has been critically acclaimed by BBC Music Magazine as "thoughtfully compiled and skillfully performed," offering "rich insight into contemporary American music for piano." This recording represents a significant contribution to the documentation and interpretation of modern American piano literature. Her excellence in scholarship and performance has been recognized through prestigious awards: Senior Fulbright Scholar at National Chiao Tung University Institute of Music, Taiwan (2012-2013) Millsaps Faculty Sabbatical Award While the available information does not detail her graduate student advising or specific research grants, Professor Raley's active performance schedule and recording projects suggest a vibrant research profile supported by institutional and external funding opportunities.
Professor Mirijam Contzen serves as Professor of Violin at the Berlin University of the Arts within the Faculty of Music's Julius Stern Institute, appointed in 2016. An internationally acclaimed German-Japanese violinist, she maintains a dual career as both academic educator and active performing artist. Her artistic focus centers on Violin Performance and Historical Performance Practice , specializing in rediscovered repertoire through collaborations with Reinhard Goebel. She explores forgotten works by composers like Franz Clement and Thomas Linley, while maintaining expertise in Chamber Music and Orchestral Conducting through her festival direction. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes technical mastery and interpretive depth, reflecting her performance philosophy of "grandeur and supreme technical mastery." Professor Contzen directs the international Cappenberg Castle Music Festival since 2005 and regularly performs at major festivals including Salzburg, Lucerne, and Verbier. Her collaborations span orchestras like Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and conductors including Iván Fischer and Claudio Abbado, who invited her to the "Berlin Encounters" series. Accolades include the ECHO Klassik Award for her recital "Favourite Violin Pieces," alongside critical acclaim for recordings of Mozart's violin concertos and works by Brahms, Schubert, and Zemlinsky with OehmsClassics. As artistic director of Cappenberg Castle Festival, she curates programming while mentoring emerging musicians through performance opportunities. Her upcoming engagements include debuts with Berliner Barock Solisten and performances with WDR Symphony Orchestra, demonstrating sustained artistic activity alongside academic duties.
Ken Aiso serves as an Applied Lesson Instructor for Viola at Biola University's Conservatory of Music, providing specialized instrumental training within the university's music performance programs. His instructional focus centers on viola performance techniques, spanning foundational skill development to advanced repertoire interpretation. This includes technical mastery of bowing and fingering, stylistic analysis of classical and contemporary works, and preparation for recitals and ensemble participation. As an applied instructor, Mr. Aiso delivers individualized lessons emphasizing artistic expression and technical precision, contributing to the Conservatory's mission of integrating musical excellence with educational rigor through weekly student mentoring.
Dr. Keith Colclough is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Opera at Pepperdine University's Seaver College, with additional roles in vocal performance and pedagogy. He holds a DMA in Vocal Performance from UC Santa Barbara and a BA from Pepperdine, augmented by international study in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. His research examines German Lieder , vocal acoustics , and the structural analysis of recitative in art songs, with notable work on Schubert's compositional techniques. Performance expertise spans opera, improvisational theater, and collaborative outreach. Awards & Honors Student Fulbright Scholarship, Germany Chancellor's Fellowship, UC Santa Barbara National Association of Teachers of Singing Intern Program As Director of Opera, he oversees productions and mentors students in performance techniques. He maintains active collaborations with institutions like Opera Santa Barbara and Tanglewood Music Center through residencies and outreach initiatives.
David Weiss serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. His academic appointment centers on chemical education research, with office location CENT 238 and primary contact dweiss@uccs.edu. Dr. Weiss's educational foundation includes: B.S. in Chemistry from University of California - Riverside (1992) Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Kansas (1997) His research program investigates transformative approaches in chemistry pedagogy, specifically examining how active learning strategies integrate with traditional instructional components. Current projects analyze the dynamic relationships between problem-solving exercises, recitation sessions, and lecture formats, with particular emphasis on optimizing learning assistant implementation to enhance student comprehension and retention in chemistry courses. This work contributes significantly to evidence-based teaching methodologies within chemical education. No scientific awards or honors are documented in the available materials. Regarding research mentorship, Dr. Weiss maintains active projects in chemical education reform though specific student advising details remain undisclosed. His research trajectory suggests ongoing engagement with curriculum development initiatives and pedagogical innovation, likely supported by education-focused funding mechanisms. Prospective graduate students should initiate direct contact to explore current research opportunities and collaboration potential. Dr. Weiss operates within chemistry education research frameworks rather than traditional laboratory settings, focusing on classroom-based educational interventions and assessment methodologies without a named research laboratory or dedicated physical research space.
Julia Maria Johnson is an award-winning American soprano and educator currently serving as Adjunct Faculty in Voice at California Lutheran University, while also performing as Resident Artist Soprano with Opera Naples in Florida. Her career spans opera performance, recital curation, and music education with emphasis on theatrical storytelling and vocal versatility. Her academic credentials include: M.M. in Voice Performance from UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles Ms. Johnson's artistic practice centers on innovative programming across opera, classical cabaret, and multidisciplinary collaborations. Known for her theatrical finesse and improvisational approach, she has curated POP’s Artist Recital Series and performed at venues including the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles and Classic Lyric Arts in Italy. Her work consistently explores narrative depth through vocal expression and cross-genre experimentation. Her distinguished honors include Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition awards and university-level accolades recognizing both artistic excellence and educational impact: Washington State District Winner, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition 2024 Encouragement Award Winner, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Northwest Region 2024 Excellence in Student Teaching Award, Mount Saint Mary's University Department of Music Faculty Award, Mount Saint Mary's University President’s Award Medal, Mount Saint Mary's University Mimi Alpert Feldman Scholar, UCLA 2022 Prima Voce Emerging Artist, Pasadena Conservatory of Music As an educator, Ms. Johnson mentors high school and college students in vocal technique and artistic development, emphasizing authentic self-expression. She maintains active collaborations with Pacific Opera Project, The Opera Buffs, and Homegrown Recording Studio in Los Angeles, where she records original compositions and premieres new works with contemporary composers.
Justin Knoepfel serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he has maintained continuous teaching responsibilities since 2021 through planned 2025 courses. His role encompasses private instruction, ensemble leadership, and audition oversight across the college's music program. Specializing in string performance and orchestral conducting, Professor Knoepfel's expertise focuses on violin and viola pedagogy at both undergraduate and advanced levels. His teaching portfolio demonstrates deep engagement with instrumental performance education, particularly through sustained direction of the Symphony Orchestra and specialized courses in instrumental conducting. The breadth of audition sections he oversees—from voice to percussion—confirms comprehensive knowledge across all instrumental families. As an active faculty member, he regularly teaches applied lessons (MUS-261/262/281/361/362/381), conducts Symphony Orchestra (MUS-150/170), and leads ensemble tours. His involvement in senior recitals, honors performances, and January-term courses underscores commitment to student development across all academic terms.
Tenor Dr. Min Jin serves as Associate Professor of Voice in the Department of Music within Towson University's College of Fine Arts and Communication. With an international career spanning operatic performance, recitals, conducting, and pedagogy, he has performed across the United States, South America, Italy, Canada, and South Korea in venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Voice from Eastman School of Music Master of Music (MM) in Voice from Mannes College of Music Bachelor of Music (BM) in Voice from Chong Shin University Dr. Jin specializes in vocal performance across opera, oratorio, and chamber music repertoires. His expertise encompasses leading roles in operas such as La Boheme, Tosca, and Carmen, alongside major oratorio works by Haydn, Handel, and Mozart. His pedagogical approach emphasizes technical mastery and emotional expression in vocal training. His accolades include: First prize in the Artist International Music Competition Korean Music Association Competition Heida Hermann International Voice Competition Oratorio Society Voice Competition Finalist in the Caruso International Voice Competition As an educator, Dr. Jin mentors voice students who achieve recognition in national and international competitions and young artist programs. He currently serves as principal conductor for the Washington Soloists Ensemble in Washington, D.C. and Bethel Church in Baltimore, with previous conducting roles at Tedeum Choir in Chicago and Central Wesleyan Church in Michigan.
Ulrike Möller serves as a Lecturer and Head of the Speech Training department at the Karlsruhe University of Education since 2008. She concurrently holds visiting lecturer positions at the Karlsruhe State University of Music (teaching singing and school music) and the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart (Institute for Speech and Communication Pedagogy) since 2011. Her academic foundation includes graduating as a certified voice artist and speech coach from the Stuttgart State University of Music and Performing Arts in 2002, followed by distinction in the advanced "Soloist Class in Speech" program in 2005. Ms. Möller's expertise centers on Speech Training and Voice Art , with significant contributions to Theatrical Recitation and Spoken Word Performance . Her work uniquely integrates academic pedagogy with artistic practice through collaborations with major cultural institutions across Germany. As an educator, she mentors students in speech techniques and vocal performance across multiple institutions, with a teaching career spanning over 15 years that significantly impacts speech education methodology. She actively participates in the "Akademie für gesprochenes Wort" speaker ensemble in Stuttgart and maintains ongoing collaborations with the Stuttgart State Opera, Bach Academy, Tri-Bühne Theater, broadcasting corporations (BR/SWR), and literary festivals including the Gerbersauer Lesesommer.
Iain Burnside is a renowned Scottish pianist, vocal accompanist, broadcaster, and artistic director with a long association at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and serving as Visiting International Artist at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. As one of the UK's best-known musicians, he has worked with international singers including Dame Margaret Price, Joyce DiDonato, and Bryn Terfel, recording over 60 CDs that often highlight neglected composers and regional song traditions from Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland. Burnside's research interests center on art song repertoire with particular focus on German Lieder, English song tradition, and Russian vocal works. His innovative programming has led him to create hybrid music theater pieces such as Swansong (featuring Schubert's Schwanengesang), Shining Armour (Brahms), and The View from the Villa (Wagner), which integrate song with dramatic narrative elements. He champions underrepresented voices in English song, challenging the 'cowpat' stereotype often applied to this repertoire. Artistic Director of Ludlow English Song Weekend Artistic Consultant to Grange Park Opera, Surrey Jury member for major competitions including Concours Reine Elisabeth and Wigmore Hall International Song Competition Host of BBC Radio 3's acclaimed 'Voices' series Burnside is particularly noted for his ability to 'lead by staying in the wings' as an accompanist—providing support without overshadowing while intellectually shaping performances through his deep understanding of musical form. His approach to vocal collaboration has been described as 'exquisite' and 'matchless,' with critics noting how he 'illuminates the details of poetry' through his playing while maintaining perfect balance with singers. As both performer and curator, Burnside has made significant contributions to expanding the song recital format and preserving lesser-known repertoire, with over 60 recordings spanning neglected composers, regional song traditions, and innovative theatrical presentations of classic song cycles.
