Faculty Bios

Jennifer Shoup, Owner/Piano

Jennifer is a frequent soloist and chamber musician who performs throughout the United States and abroad. She has been a featured soloist with the National Orchestras of Chile, Costa Rica, and the University of Dayton Orchestra, and presented solo recitals for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Sigma Alpha Iota National Convention, Ohio Music Teachers Association and numerous university Artist Series. She regularly presents recitals and lecture recitals for the American Matthay Association for Piano, most recently at Arizona State University (2017), Pennsylvania State University (2016), Texas Wesleyan University (2014) and the University of Kansas (2011).

Jennifer received a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Certificate in Piano Pedagogy from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from the University of Dayton. She began Doctoral studies in Piano Performance at Arizona State University. Her teachers include Donald Hageman, Eric Street, Enrique Graf and Caio Pagano. Additional studies took place in Vienna, Austria and at Belgais Center for the Arts (Portugal). She has worked with a diverse range of artists including Emanuel Ax, Maria Joao Pires, Earl Wild and Grammy award-winning composer Lucy Simon.

Jennifer has taught for the prestigious Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School and as adjunct faculty for the University of Dayton and Cedarville University. She has served as past President of The Dayton Music Club, Chair of the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs District 3G, VP of Programming for Ohio Music Teachers Association Western District, and as Editor of The Matthay News.

Garry Ball, Guitar/Ukulele

Garry Ball, a native of Springfield, is a passionate song-writer, guitarist, and teacher. He started taking guitar lessons in high school after spending his childhood listening to the radio and 45 records. Now with three CDs of his own, Garry is an active performer in the Dayton and Springfield area.

In 2013 he released his first solo album, Frozen Smile. It was followed by Marble Heart in 2014 and One Man's Way in 2015. His music speaks to his favorite genres; folk, folk rock, and Americana. Garry is especially inspired by the California rock genre from the 1970's. Some of his musical influences are Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg, JD Souther, and James Taylor. Other mentors, coaches, and influences are Peter Bradley Adams, Luke Brindley, Dana Cooper, Michael Fracasso, Tom Kimmel, Darden Smith, and Brooks Williams. Garry teaches private guitar lessons and a group class for teens/adults.

Kara Camfield, Violin

Kara is Assistant Principal Second Violin for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed with the orchestra since 2006. She is also the Education Program Coordinator for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, a violinist in the DPO Education String Quartet, and conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Junior String Orchestra. Kara earned a Master of Music degree from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Minot State University (ND). She has taught private violin at The Piano Preparatory School for thirteen years.

Jarrod Davis, Voice

Born and raised in Dayton, Jarrod Davis Jr. graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor Degree of Music in Vocal Performance. He then pursued graduate studies at Bowling Green State University, graduating with a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance. Jarrod recently returned to the Dayton area, and currently teaches at Stivers School for the Arts in addition to The Piano Prep School. He is a member of the Dayton Opera Chorus. His most notable roles include Mr. Sankey from Street Scene, Giorgio from The Gondoliers, Pirate King from Pirates of Penzance, and Marius Pontmercy from Les Misérables.

Kyleen Downes, Guitar

Guitarist/songwriter Kyleen Downes has chosen music as her way to interact with the world. Raised in a constantly moving military family, Kyleen now calls Dayton, Ohio her home. Kyleen has been teaching private lessons in the Miami Valley for over 10 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Wright State University where she studied classical guitar with Jim McCutcheon.

As an independent musician, Kyleen has written, recorded and released several collections of music (including two full length albums), performed at Levitt Pavilion Dayton and receives regular airplay on WYSO Public Radio. She co-founded Talking ‘Bout the Young Sound, a program that teaches young musicians how to perform in a band on stage. She is an active performer and the host of a local open mic. Kyleen is passionate about guiding her students to explore their musical ambitions.

Elizabeth Dunkel, Piano

Elizabeth Dunkel will graduate from Cedarville University in May, 2021 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Pedagogy. She has studied piano for twelve years and has taught privately since 2014. During her time at Cedarville University, Elizabeth performed two solo recitals and collaborated with vocalists and various ensembles, including the university’s Women’s Choir.

Elizabeth received the Mr. and Mrs. Roland Polsdorfer Music Award and served as secretary and treasurer for the university’s Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA) chapter. Additionally, she has experience in classical improvisation and played piano with Cedarville University’s jazz band for two semesters.

Elizabeth enjoys teaching a variety of ages and levels, and loves to help her students think critically and truly enjoy music. She believes that lessons should be personalized for each student’s unique needs and desires, and also that each student should learn thorough musical and technical understanding. The goal of Elizabeth’s teaching is to help students realize their musical goals with enthusiasm and excellence.

Heather Goertemiller, Piano & Music Together

Heather received a Bachelor degree in Music Education from The University of Dayton. She has 10 years of experience teaching private piano to early elementary through adult-age students. Additional experience includes serving as vocal coach for UD’s Vocal Performance Institute, teaching for The Dunbar Institute’s Summer Arts Program, volunteering with the Jamaica Field Service Program, and leading world drumming workshops. Heather has presented for the OMEA Professional Development Conference and been published in leading music education journals. She is an elementary general music teacher for Springboro Community City Schools and the Center Director for Music Together of South Dayton, a local early childhood music program.

Micaiah Higgins, Piano

Micaiah will complete a Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Pedagogy in May, 2022 from Cedarville University. In the course of her degree program, she has taught students of all ages, accompanied vocal and instrumental musicians, played for musical theatre productions, performed in the University Jazz Band, and served as president of the university’s collegiate Music Teachers’ National Association chapter. She has been the recipient of the Faculty Music Award, Love Pedagogy Scholarship, and the Lyle and Connie Anderson Endowed Music Award. Micaiah has a strong classical background and additional experience working with lead sheets, jazz charts and both jazz and classical improvisation. She loves teaching children through adults at any level, striving to give her students a well-rounded musical education that align with their individual musical goals. Ultimately, she desires to see all her students love music, which she believes is best achieved through individualized teaching that fits with the student’s learning styles and personality, allowing every student to thrive musically!

Karen Johnson, Viola/Violin

Karen Johnson is an award-winning teacher who is dedicated to the idea that learning should be fun! Prior to coming to the Dayton area, Karen lived in Tennessee, where she received an Outstanding Teacher Award from the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts. Also in Tennessee, her students were chosen as Principal and Assistant Principal Viola in the Tennessee All-State Orchestra. Since moving to the Dayton area, her violin and viola students have received full music scholarships to the Eastman School of Music (2020), Indiana University (2020), Miami University (2018), and Wright State University ((2019) and have participated in the Dayton Philharmonic Junior Strings, Youth Strings and Youth Orchestra (DPYO). In the DPYO several of her students have been chosen as Principal Viola, and in 21-22 one of her violin students was selected as Concertmaster. Additionally, in 2021 her student was chosen as a finalist for the David L. Pierson Concerto Competition held by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Karen's teaching style reflects the influence of the many teachers she has had, including Heidi Castleman (Juilliard School of Music), Mimi Zweig (Indiana University), Yitzhak Shotten (University of Michigan) and Robert Culver (University of Michigan). She has also had Suzuki training with Mimi Zweig, Ronda Cole and Martha Shackford.

As a performer, Karen is currently 3rd Chair Viola with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, was Assistant Principal Viola with the Knoxville (TN) Symphony Orchestra for 9 years, sat Principal with the Spoleto Festival Orchestra in Spoleto, Italy (1995, 1997), and was a featured soloist with the North Carolina School of the Arts International Music program in Germany and Italy. She received her Master of Music at Rice University and her Bachelor of Music at Indiana University.

Karen loves to teach and over the years has taught beginning, intermediate and advanced students ranging in age from 4--70 years old. She looks forward to meeting you!

Stephanie Klein, Viola/Violin & Voice

Stephanie grew up in a musical household where she began singing and playing piano at a young age. She earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Viola and Vocal performance from Luther College (IA).

Stephanie has 20 years of teaching experience which include K-8 general music, middle and high school choir as well as private violin, viola, voice, and piano lessons. She is a freelance violinist, violist, pianist, and mezzo-soprano. Stephanie has played viola with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and both viola and violin locally with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra. As a vocalist, Stephanie has been a soloist at the Air Force Ball, March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and with the Miami Valley Symphony. She has directed the Miami Valley Symphony Chorus and her children’s choirs have been selected numerous times to perform the National Anthem for the Dayton Dragons and Wright State Raiders Basketball games.

Stephanie is also an active church musician and co-owner of a small craft business. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, ballet and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Kristen Kosey, Piano

Kristen earned her Bachelor degrees in Piano Performance and Mathematics from Valparaiso University and Certificate in Church Music from the University of Dayton. She completed all but the thesis for a Masters in Music Theory from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. As an organist, Kristen has earned the Service Playing Certification from the American Guild of Organists with dual certification through the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. She also works as a church music director. As a pianist, Kristen is an active performing member of both the Dayton Music Club and the Fortnightly Music Club of Springfield. She also enjoys accompanying high school choirs and soloists. As a teacher, Kristen works to help every student grow in playing the piano and enjoying music.

Lori LaMattina, Viola/Violin

Lori LaMattina started on viola instead of the traditional violin in 6th grade. She attended Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music for three years before transferring to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where she completed her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Viola Performance under the tutelage of Masao Kawasaki. In the Fall of 1999, Lori joined the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, while continuing to serve as a substitute with the Cincinnati Symphony. Lori has more than twenty years teaching experience. She is a homeschool mom, enjoys riding her Norwegian Fjord Horse every day, and loves to garden.

Diane Larochelle, Piano

Originally from New Hampshire, Diane grew up in a home where learning an instrument was encouraged and nurtured. Music making was a part of every social gathering with members of her family playing a variety of musical instruments and singing songs from the roaring ‘20s to present day.

After 12 years of piano lessons, Diane began her college studies in the field of Elementary education, and later transitioned to attain her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance with piano as her primary instrument. While completing her degree, she also studied classical organ. Upon attaining her

degree, she studied with concert pianist Donna Stoering and organ master, Kenneth Grinnell.

Diane has maintained an active private piano studio for over 30 years with a wide range of students from age 5 to 75. Her students have participated in the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs festival where they have received top ratings. Diane is also an accomplished church organist. She maintains

memberships in the National Federation of Music Clubs, the American Guild of Organists, and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

Diane is passionate about teaching piano, helping her students develop their skills and enjoy a wide array of music. She enjoys gardening, walking in metro parks and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Ellen Nettleton, Cello

Ellen Nettleton began her cello studies at age 10 with Alberta Scheider. Private teachers include Elizabeth Gottling-Mendoza and Laura McLellan in middle and high school respectively. She gained teaching experience at the young age of 14, when the orchestra director for the middle school asked her to help with the beginning 4th graders. She quickly launched a business of teaching privately after school on the side and found out she had a love for it. She has been a teacher for many studios and grew a private in-home group as well, traveling to homes where students could not otherwise make the trips to see her.

Collegiate teachers include the late Steven Shumway followed by Pansy Chang. In 2003 she won the Undergraduate Artist's Competition, and in 2004 won the concerto competition, performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto. She earned her Master's in performance studying with Bruce Uchimura at Western Michigan University, where she was given the opportunity to teach on the collegiate level for a semester and prepare students for junior and senior recitals.

After moving back to Ohio following graduate school she filled in for Ms. Chang at Miami for a semester, while also teaching for various studios and subbing in local orchestras including Lebanon, Middletown, Hamilton-Fairfield, Springfield and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2009 she won a permanent seat in the Dayton Philharmonic and stayed there for 9 seasons. After getting married and spending a few years away in South Carolina she is now back in Ohio, subbing with the DPO, playing gigs for churches and weddings, enjoying some extra chamber music and recitals when possible.

Amber Sarno, Violin

Amber Sarno's road to teaching could be dubbed "serendipitous" by observers; however, music has been a constant presence in her life. Over the past 20 years, her musical journey has been shaped by both Suzuki and traditional pedagogues such as Jan McClure, Adam DeGraff, and James Hutchins, the last from whom she earned her Teaching Certificate in Suzuki Book 1. In her teens, she was a featured violinist at the First Stage Young Artists Program at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV. Her music experience has been enriched by participation in chamber music camps hosted by the Fry Street Quartet and playing with the Bluefield Community College Orchestra and Andrews University Symphony Orchestra. Aside from arranging a cappella music, playing piano, and fiddling with photography, she can be found brushing up on her coding skills or coaxing her houseplants to live another day.

Haley Shaeffer, Piano

Haley received a Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Pedagogy from Cedarville University. While attending Cedarville, she performed three recitals, accompanied vocalists, participated and led various music ensembles, and taught private piano lessons to students of all ages. In 2017, she was the recipient of the Mr. and Mrs. Rolan David Polsdorfer Music Award from Cedarville. Additionally, her research detailing the transition from modality to tonality in the music works of Claudio Monteverdi was accepted to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) where she presented in April 2017. Haley’s undergraduate research capstone focused on the techniques and mechanisms for exciting and motivating students to internally desire to pursue music lessons, especially for those who seek music as simply a hobby. Her passion is to create an atmosphere that instills a genuine love of music and aspiration to explore color and expression within a variety of styles. Haley enjoys coaching students to grow in their technique and musicality, while also being attentive to the individual’s learning styles and needs. She views teaching as an open door to encourage and influence the lives of her students.

Peg Stockton, Piano

Peg Stockton is a native of Cincinnati and possesses solid skills and proficiency in piano and music theory. She began playing at the age of four and competed throughout her primary school years, receiving excellent ratings from the Ohio Music Teachers Association.

Peg continued classical studies throughout her secondary and postsecondary educations. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory from the University of Texas at Arlington where she was awarded several music and academic scholarships. She earned her Master of Music degree from the University of Oklahoma where she was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in Music Theory, giving her the opportunity to teach/assist undergraduate college I-IV music theory.

Peg considers music to be an empowering medium of personal and public expression with the ability to change lives and enrich the social, cultural, and spiritual world. She has 20-plus years /teaching students of all ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities. She developed a K-6 music program which she used to teach elementary music, as well as a college theory placement exam and accompanying curriculum from which she taught upper-level band students.

Peg is often requested for personal and professional events, having soloed for holiday functions, birthdays, weddings, and local recitals, and accompanied numerous soloists, ensembles, and choirs.

Kathleen Sturgis, Voice & Piano

Kathleen Sturgis is an experienced, energetic and professional music educator with a deep desire to instill and encourage the love of music in others. For 35 years, she has offered music instruction to students ages 4 to 67 years. Her vast and varied experiences include personal and concert performance; programming, directing, and coaching with choirs and ensembles; college and performance auditions; musical auditions and solo recitalists; public education (K-12); and private studio work in voice and piano. Her continued love of learning and is quenched through discussion, seminars, webinars, blogs and literature. Kathleen studied music at Moody Bible Institute and received her Bachelor of Music Education from Cedarville University. Additional studies took place at the Amherst University Oren Brown Voice Seminar, John Hopkins University (earning Masters degree credits in Conducting), and at the Estill Voice Seminar.

Angela Vaubel, Piano

Angela Vaubel has been an independent piano instructor in Beavercreek for over 20 years. She teaches students of all ages and abilities. Her students regularly participate in the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC) Jr. Music Festival and Ohio Music Teachers Association (OMTA) Ribbon and Scale Festival. Many of her students have earned top honors in competitions, including the David L. Pierson Young Musicians Concerto Competition, DePauw Young Artists Piano Competition, Buckeye Auditions, Heidelberg University Piano Competition, OFMC Marlyn Walters Competition, OFMC Charlotte and W. Alfred Gray Competition, OFMC Elizabeth Gerber Competition, and other miscellaneous awards.

Angela is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance, where she studied with Frank Weinstock. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was named valedictorian of CCM in 1994. Angela was also awarded the Sword of Honor in the Sigma Alpha Iowa honorary music fraternity and is a lifetime member.

Angela is an active collaborative pianist, and she enjoys playing with soloists and ensembles in the area. Angela currently serves as President for BPTA. She previously served as the Festival Chair and Gold Cup Chair for the OFMC III-C District and Recording Secretary for OMTA Western District.

Danny Voris, Guitar

Danny Voris has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years, playing guitar for both private and public events as well as opening for national acts such as Hootie and the Blowfish, Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind & Fire, and Jefferson Starship.

Born and raised in Beavercreek, Danny began studying the guitar at the age of 14 with Jim McCutcheon before going to on to earn a Bachelors Degree from Wright State University and a Masters Degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Akron. Danny has served on the faculty of such diverse institutions as The Miami Valley School, Capital University, and Clark State Community College. He now teaches guitar at Sinclair Community College, where he directs the Sinclair Classical Guitar Ensemble.

In addition to performing and teaching, Danny is also a composer and has recorded four CDs of original instrumental music and collaborated with Native American flutist Douglas Blue Feather on two award-winning CDs. Danny’s instrumental guitar performances range from relaxing to exciting, blending classical guitar music with Spanish, Latin, flamenco, pop, rock, New Age, and jazz sounds.