Violinist Kelly Gembara is widely recognized as an exceptional emerging artist among a new generation of classical musicians. Since beginning her studies at the age of nine, she has performed with the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, Westerville Symphony Orchestra, New Britain Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Project Columbus. She regularly performs throughout New England in orchestras and as a soloist, chamber musician, and in musical theatre productions.
Stephanie is a recent graduate of SUNY Purchase. She finished her college education with a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Music with an Outside Field. The outside field consisted of business, psychology and education classes. Although piano became her main focus in college, she was also an active violinist from the ages of 9 through 18.
At the age of 7, Stephanie was inspired by a close family member and decided to start taking piano lessons. Music has always been a big part of her life, through private lessons, ensembles, music classes, and recitals. Since 2012, Stephanie has helped many young students with performances in school ensembles. It was through these experiences that she decided to become a teacher. Stephanie has had experience teaching students of all ages the music they feel passionate about.
After pursuing teaching as a full-time job, Stephanie has had the pleasure of meeting a wide variety of students who come from different backgrounds. Every student has their own goal when stepping into the music world, and she believes it is important to help each student discover and reach that goal. She has prepared students for music festivals, judging, competitions, and recitals. She believes that ensuring the students’ joy and love for music is the most important aspect of teaching. If the student is happy then their musicality and dedication to their instruments will fall into place by themselves.
Mr. Lee won the UNF Concerto Competition in 2017 and has attended the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival and the ARIA Festival. Mr. Lee has also undergone extensive Suzuki Teacher training under the tutelage of Melissa Kraut and Avi Friedlander. Mr. Lee is a big advocate of chamber music as well as new works.