Faculty
Irene Bernstein (traditional and Suzuki Piano, Theory) holds an MFA in composition from Pennsylvania State University with emphasis in piano 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 University, 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 has performed with Bob Mintzer and Phil Haynes, among others, and his two solo recordings, “Piano Solos” and “Intersections”, are devoted to twentieth century piano literature. Most recently, he appeared at Toronto’s Rex, as part of The Folkjazz project.
Evelyn Bookhammer (traditional and Suzuki Cello) studied cello with Irwin Borodkin at Mansfield University, and Leonard Feldman and Kim Cook at Penn State University. 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.
Tim Breon (Guitar and Bass), studied the guitar with Ben Sher at The Collective in New York City, and David Brumbaugh, founder of the Uptown Music Collective in Williamsport, PA. Mr. Breon is a graduate of the PA Governor’s School for the Arts, instructor for guitar and electronic music at Lycoming College, and principal bassist and stage manager for the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Breon has played with numerous artists of note, including Buddy Rich and Chuck Mangione, jazz great David Liebman, American Idol superstar Clay Aiken, and Davy Jones of the Monkees. Mr. Breon has an active recording schedule, playing and engineering for many of the region’s well know artists, and is guitarist for the worship team at The Christian Church at Cogan Station.
Brandy Davis (Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet) holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from the Penn State School of Music. She has performed with the Altoona and Nittany Valley Symphonies, and Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, and regularly performs with the State College Municipal Band. Ms. Davis has been teaching privately for nine years.
Robert Fenstermacher (Suzuki Violin and Viola, Trombone) holds a BFA in Music and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Lock Haven University and has pursued graduate studies in the Masters Program in Violin Performance at Ball State University. Mr. Fenstermacher’s performance experience includes, among others, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Hershey Pops Orchestra, Prince Georges Philharmonic, and Susquehanna Valley Chorale Orchestra. An alumnus of Ithaca College Suzuki Institute, Mr. Fenstermacher has five years experience teaching Suzuki method.
Arthur Goldstein (Piano, Composition, Jazz Studies) holds an MFA in composition from Pennsylvania State University with emphasis in piano 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 University, 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 has performed with Bob Mintzer and Phil Haynes, among others, and his two solo recordings, "Piano Solos" and "Intersections", are devoted to twentieth century piano literature.
Jason Segress Hunt (Guitar) holds a Bachelors of Art from Northwestern University, majoring in Guitar Performance with Specialization in Classical Guitar, and has received additional training at DePaul University. Mr. Hunt has extensive experience as an instructor, held the position of Student Teacher at Nishimi Summer Institute at Northwestern University, and is an active performer and recording artist.
Lauren Kooistra (Piano, Pre-school Piano) holds a Bachelors of Music from Gordon College, Masters of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, with distinction, from Westminster Choir College, and currently earns a Ph.D in Music Education at Penn State University. Ms. Kooistra has teaching experience at Messiah College, State Street Academy of Music, and Westminster Conservatory, and specializes in pre-school and Early Childhood music education.
Wendy Levin (Voice, Choir, Piano, Sight Singing) holds a Masters of Fine Arts from Cleveland Institute and Voice Therapy Certification from Boston Conservatory, where she studied with Blair McClosky. Ms. Levin has sung with Cleveland Opera Theatre, Harrisburg Civic Opera and in concert at The Whitaker Center. Student accomplishments range from acceptance to Philadelphia College of the Arts to Camp Broadway, New York City. Ms. Levin is organist at Sacred Heart Church in Lewistown.
George Malek (Guitar, Bass) holds a Bachelor Degree from Penn State Honors College and performed with Penn State Center Dimensions Big Band, Penn State Jazz Combo, and Stephon Alexander Quartet.
Carol Pharo (Piano, Voice, Choir, Musical Theatre, Ballet) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music History from Penn State University, a Master of Music from New England Conservatory, diplomas in voice, piano accompaniment and historical dance from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and a Certificate in Hammerklavier from The Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Ms. Pharo’s teachers have included Earl Wild and Lamar Crowson, piano, Stanley Hoogland, fortepiano, John Gibbons, harpsichord, and Margaret Daniels, historical dance. Ms. Pharo is the Director of The Academy of the Performing Arts and is also Music Director for the Houserville U.M.C. House of Hope.
Suzie Rothgeb (Pre-School Ballet) studied ballet from a young age with Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania, performing with their company for several years. Ms. Rothgeb has performed with Light of the World Ballet in Syracuse, New York and has been teaching classical ballet technique with an emphasis on the Vaganova style for over seven years.
Joanne Rutkowski (Musicians All! Program) Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Penn State, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Miami University (Ohio) and an Master of Fine Arts and Ph.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Rutkowski is an early childhood and elementary general music specialist with expertise in learning theory, musical development, curriculum, and assessment. Dr. Rutkowski’s research has focused on the nature of children’s singing voices and strategies for helping all children become successful singers.
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 students beginner through advanced levels. Ms. Scafidi also teaches at Juniata College and Grier School..
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 students beginner through advanced levels. Ms. Scafidi also teaches at Juniata College iand Grier School.
Steffany Shock (Violin) holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the College of Musical Arts at Bowling Green State University and has studied privately with the late Eugene Goldberg, Estelle Dobbins and Dr. Penny Thompson Kruse. Ms. Shock has maintained an active studio of private violin students and currently pursues a Master of Music degree at Penn State’s School of Music with Dr. Jim Lyon.
Erin Smeltzer (Suzuki Violin, Violin) has completed music education and performance study with Charles Stegman at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and with Joann Feldman in State College. She has worked with renowned violisinst and conductor Sidney Harth and is a member of the Altoona Orchestra Symphony and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Erin specializes in both Suzuki and traditional vilin teaching methods and is pursuing Suzuki training at The Greater School in Pittsburgh.
Daniel Turkos (Bass) holds a BM in Music Performance and a Minor in Jazz Studies, graduating with honors from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he is the recipient of the Rob Simon Memorial Award and the Michael Falcone Jazz Scholarship. Mr. Turkos currently pursues a Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at Penn State, studying with Robert Nairn, and holds the position of Principal Double Bass with the PSU Philharmonic Orchestra, the Music at Penns Woods Festival Orchestra, the Nittany Valley Symphony, and is a member of the PSU Baroque Ensemble. Mr. Turkos has also performed with numerous jazz artists.
Diane Gold Toulson (Flute) has been on the faculty of the Music Academy near its inception in 1967. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Columbia University, her performing career includes being principal flute of the York (PA), 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. She has a strong commitment to new music participating in many commissions of new music over the last two decades, including recent compositions by Libby Larsen and Derek Bermel. Ms. Gold Toulson taught for many years at Bucknell University and Juniata and York Colleges. Her contributions to the Music Academy include her work as coordinator of the Arts Festival Recital as well as frequent appearances on faculty and benefit recitals.
"Cathy is a perfect fit for Sophia. We love her teaching style, encouragement, and ever present humor. Thank you!"
"With patience and good humor, Wendy has brought my voice to a level I didn't think achievable; it has been a joy to have her as a teacher".
"We are so pleased; Arthur is great!"