CYM employs instructors who have achieved the highest level of education and accomplishment. Each one has a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in music or music education, and a Master’s degree is the norm. Our instructors have demonstrated a unique understanding of the music-learning sequence appropriate for young musicians. Continued education and certification are top priorities.

Alicia McGinnis, President

• Bachelor of Arts in Music, Northwestern University
• Bachelor of Music Education, University of Louisville
• Registered through Book 6, Violin, Suzuki Association
• Board member, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, September 2007

Victoria Raja, Vice-President, Cello Department Chairperson

• Master of Music, University of Notre Dame
• Bachelor of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music
• Registered through Book 6, Viola, Suzuki Association
• Registered through Book 3, Violin, Suzuki Association
• Registered through Book 4, Cello, Suzuki Association
• Certified Level 2, Early Childhood Music and Movement Association
• Musikgarten Exemplary Program Award, 2006

Leah Givelber, Violinist

• Master of Music, New England Conservatory
• Bachelor of Music, Eastman School of Music
• Registered through Book 6, Violin, Suzuki Association
• Assistant concertmaster, Westmoreland Symphony, Greensburg, PA

Michael Miller, Pianist

• Master of Music, Carnegie Mellon University
• Bachelor of Music, Baldwin-Wallace College
• Piano Pedagogy Certification, Carnegie Mellon University
• Registered through Book 4, Piano, Suzuki Association

Mark Marston, Guitarist

• Master of Music, Duquesne University
• Bachelor of Music, Duquesne University
• Registered through Book 8, Guitar, Suzuki Association
• Certified Family Music, Cycle of Seasons, Musikgarten

Michelle Bitler, Pianist

• Master of Music Theory, Eastman School of Music
• Bachelor of Music, University of Rochester
• Registered through Book 3, Piano, Suzuki Association

Kara Woodworth, Pianist

• Bachelor of Music, University of Northern Colorado
• Registered through Book 3, Piano, Suzuki Association
• Certified Family Music, Cycle of Seasons, Musikgarten

Robin Hasenpflug, Cellistt

• Master of Music, University of Cincinnati Conservatory
• Bachelor of Music, Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory
• Registered through Book 1, Cello, Suzuki Association

Samuel Lawson, Guitarist

• Master of Music, Guitar Performance, Butler University
• Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Purdue University
• Registered through Book 1, Guitar, Suzuki Association
• Certified Family Music, Cycle of Seasons, Musikgarten

Michael Sporre, Violinist

• Master of Music, Butler University
• Bachelor of Music, Butler University
• Registered through Book 8, Violin, Suzuki Association

Tanya Satteson, Violinist

• Master of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music
• Bachelor of Music, University of Manitoba
• Registered through Book 2, Violin, Suzuki Association

Administrative Staff

• Karen Schnatterly
• Marissa Schwalm
• Erin Allen
• Caitlin McConnell
• Lyndsey Steffensen

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