Faculty
Irene Bernstein (traditional and Suzuki Piano,Theory) holds a Bachelor of Music, Kharkov, Ukraine and Masters of Music in Theory and Musicology, Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Russia. During a career than spans 35 years of teaching, Ms. Bernstein has developed her own system of training from young beginners through advanced intermediate piano students. Her teaching approach is a blend of European, American and Suzuki methods, which requires parental involvement and group class participation. Ms. Bernstein is a solo performer, and may be heard at The Music Academy's annual Faculty Recital.
Evelyn Bookhammer (traditional and Suzuki Cello) studied cello with Irwin Borodkin at Mansfield University, and Leonard Feldman and Kim Cook at Penn State. Ms. Bookhammer has performed in the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, the Elmira Symphony in New York, and currently performs with Altoona Symphony. Ms. Bookhammer is certified in Suzuki Repertoire through the American Suzuki Association, and also teaches at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and the State College Suzuki Program.
Tom Connolly (Drums, Percussion) holds a Bachelors degree from Penn State and has performed at clubs in Connecticut, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College. Mr. Connolly has studied with prominent drummers and percussionists Ric Haddad (Carly Simon and others), Nick Forte (various jazz artists), and Marco Marcinko (Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Brecker Brothers), and is 2001 Recipient of John Philip Sousa Award for Excellence in Music. Mr. Connolly performs regularly with jazz artists Chris Byrne and Andrew Jackson.
Brandy Davis (Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet) holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from the Penn State School of Music and performs with the Altoona and Nittany Valley Symphonies, and with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra. Ms.Davis is also a substitute teacher in the Bald Eagle School District.
Arthur Goldstein (Piano, Composition, Jazz Studies) holds an MFA in composition from Penn State and has studied at the Eastman School of Music, the Berklee College of Music, and privately with Joe Lovano, Ken Werner, and Alexander Fiorillo. Mr.Goldstein teaches jazz history and music appreciation at Penn State, is active as a solo recitalist, accompanist, and leader of his own jazz quartet, and has performed recently in recital at the Whitaker Centre and as part of the world premiere of Marshall Fine's "Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano". Mr. Goldstein's two solo recordings, "Piano Solos" and "Intersections", are devoted to 20th century piano literature.
Mr.George Malek (Guitar, Bass) Penn State Schreyer Honors College graduate, performs with Penn State Center Dimensions Big Band, Penn State Jazz Combo, and Stephon Alexander Quartet; Mr. Malek teaches guitar technique, music theory, and bass guitar. Please visit www.myspace.com/ajazzduet to see Mr. Malek at work.
Bob Klotz (Computer Based Recording) comes to the Music Academy with over 25 years of sound recording experience, and owns and operates Bob Klotz Audio Productions, providing a wide range of recording services, from audio tracking to mastering. An active guitar player, Mr. Klotz obtained a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Lafayette College in 1980, and provides a necessary balance between the creative and technical aspects of music production.
Lillian Klotz (Suzuki Violin) holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Concentration in Violin from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance at Penn State. Ms. Klotz has taught in a variety of settings and performed with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Oberlin Conservatory Orchestra, and Musica Nova Orchestra.
Wendy Levin (Voice, Voice Therapy, Piano) holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Cleveland Institute and Voice Therapy Certification from Boston University. Ms. Levin has experience in Choral Conducting at Carnegie Hall and is also Organist at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lewistown, PA.
Carol Pharo (Piano, Voice, Choir, Musical Theatre) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music History from Penn State, a Masters of Music in Early Music Performance from New England Conservatory, diplomas in voice, piano accompaniment and historical dance from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and a Certificate in Hammerklavier from The Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Ms. Pharos' teachers have included Earl Wild and Lamar Crowson, John Gibbons, and Margaret Daniels. She also teaches ballet and theatre at The Academy of the Performing Arts.
Megan Reimer (Oboe) continues oboe studies at Penn State School of Music, under the direction of Professors Dennis Glocke, Gerardo Edelstein, Timothu Hurtz, and Daryl Durran; she performs with Nittany Valley Symphony, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, and Altoona Symphony.
Lisa Riddering (Double Bass) holds a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is pursuing a Masters in Music (2008) in Double Bass Performance, including study with Rob Nairn at Penn State.
Cathy Scafidi (Piano) holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and has been teaching piano for over twenty years to beginner through advanced students. Ms. Scafidi also teaches at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA.
Sabra Statham (traditional and Suzuki Violin and Viola) holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Violin Performance, Graduate Degree in Music Theory and History from Penn State, and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Historical Musicology at CUNY. Mrs. Statham began studying the violin as a Suzuki student at the age of three, and has studied with Sally O'Reilly, John Gilbert, Brennan Sweet, and James Lyon, and completed Suzuki teacher training under Carol Sykes, Edmund Sprunger and Shannon Miller. Mrs. Statham has performed as a member of Baton Rouge Symphony, Baton Rouge Opera, and locally as principal viola for the Nittany Valley Symphony and violinist with PCCO. Mrs. Statham is currently an adjunct faculty at PSU where she has taught violin, music theory, and music history.
Diane Gold Toulson has been on the faculty of the Music Academy since its inception. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Columbia University, her performing career includes membership in the York, Nittany Valley, and Altoona Symphony Orchestras. A member of the Huntingdon Trio and Easterly Chamber Players, she has performed extensively in the United States and Europe. Ms. Gold Toulson has a strong commitment to new music, participating in many commissions including recent compositions by Libby Larsen and Derek Bermel. Her teaching experience includes Bucknell University, Juniata College, and Penn State School of Music.
Richard Wylie (Guitar) studied at Eastman School of Music, receiving a Bachelors degree in Classical Guitar from Ithaca College. Having performed extensively for the past 25 years in New York, Los Angles, and Washington, DC, Mr. Wylie has released two independent recordings of original fingerstyle guitar music. Mr. Wylie has taught a variety of guitar styles, including classical, at The Music Academy for ten years.