Academy of Music teachers currently number almost 50, all of whom earned undergraduate degrees, 27 hold masters degrees and 9 have doctoral degrees. We are also privileged to utilize Lawrence University Conservatory of Music faculty teaching, by audition only, some of our most highly motivated and gifted students. In addition, approximately 50 Conservatory of Music student teachers offer private lessons. They are teachers in training under the supervision of the Academy.
For teacher biographies click on instrument categories or individual names.
Academy of Music Teachers
Strings
Philip Baruth, classical guitar
Barbara Beechey, violin, viola
Janet Bond Sutter, violin
Roza Borisova, cello
Caroline Brandenberger, violin
Kin Chau, viola and violin
Miyoko Grine-Fisher, cello
Nori Kalman, violin
Laura Kenney, cello
Arden Lambert, violin
Melanie Richeson, harp and piano
Yuliya Smead, violin
Susan Sullivan, string bass
Carrie Willer, cello
Keyboard
Nell Jorgensen Buchman, piano
Melanie Richeson, piano and harp
Michael Rivers, piano
Linda Sparks, piano
Larisa Topolkaraeva, piano
Mary Van De Loo, piano
Catherine Walby, piano
Woodwinds
Barbara Boren, flute
Kelley Carpenter, saxophone
Ramona Emrick, saxophone
Andrea Gross Hixon, oboe
Jerry Koleske, clarinet
Susan Lawrence McCardell, bassoon
Leslie Michelic, oboe
Kevin Nutini, clarinet
Percussion
Michael Ratsch
Brass
Keith Powell, French Horn
Ryan Smith, trumpet
Anne Witherell, low brass
Voice
Philip Baruth
Carol Jegen
Bryan Post
Lawrence Conservatory Faculty
Placement of Academy students with conservatory faculty is by audition only.
Lawrence Student Teachers
Lawrence student teachers are music majors at the Conservatory of Music. All are teachers in training under the supervision of the Academy of Music.
Music Fundamentals
Ensembles
Karrie Been, Girl Choir conductor
Karen Bruno, Girl Choir coordinator and conductor
Amber Evey, Girl Choir conductor
Carrie Gruselle, String Orchestra conductor and String Project lead teacher
Carol Leybourn, Chamber Music Ensembles
Patricia Merrifield , Girl Choir conductor
Cheryl Meyer, Girl Choir conductor
Jon Meyer, Symphonic Band and New Horizons Band conductor
Rachel Richards, New Horizons Orchestra conductor
Laura Sindberg, Wind Ensemble conductor
Nell Buchman , Music for the Very Young
Patricia DeCorsey, Early Childhood Music Coordinator and Teacher
Sara Devine, Music for Special Needs
Julie Martin, Music and Movement, Theatre Play
Becky O'Brien, Music for the Very Young and Explorations
Jill Williams, Music for the Very Young
