Suzuki Cello

Name

Dr. Tanya L. Carey

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

TanyaLesinskyCarey2021_0.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Significant teachers and mentors:
Karl Fruh, Georges Miquelle, Ronald Leonard, Charles Wendt, John Celetano

Master Classes with Janos Starker, Fritz Magg, Lynn Harrell

Awards and achievements:
Illinois ASTA awarded her the 1993 “Outstanding Studio Teacher of the Year Award.” Western Illinois University gave her the outstanding teacher award.

Tanya has been a member of the Rochester Philharmonic and Eastman Rochester and Rochester Civic Orchestras; Assistant Principal for the Milwaukee Symphony; Associate Principal at Quad City Symphony; Emeritus Professor at Western Illinois University; Artist Teacher at Roosevelt University; and the Soloist with Orchestra in Major Cello Literature; and the Chicago Cello Society (past-president) Board.
Ms. Carey has performed concerts at Carnegie and Tully Halls; has conducted concerts and workshops on five continents and is also a Clinician and Master Class presenter.

She has recorded CD Golden Moments 2011 and has recordings with Almita and Roland Vamos with Lydian Trio. She has award-winning recordings with Mercury Records, the Rochester Philharmonic and Eastman Rochester Orchestra. Tanya and her husband have recently released a CD “Golden Celebration” to national acclaim and she is the author of the Cello Playing is Easy Series.

Tanya's students are represented in major music schools and they hold cello positions in Indiana University and other schools.

She produced the youngest principal cellist in the United States and a Grammy Award Winner.

She was included in the Who's Who in America 2002; President of the SAA, ISA International Board, ASTA Board, service awards for SAA and ASTA; and has been named Outstanding Teacher WIU and IL-ASTA.
Her warm-up techniques have been reviewed in STRAD and ASTA Journals.

An article about her teaching has appeared in STRAD 2009.

Professional affiliations & activities:
Currently she teaches at Roosevelt University CCPA, Music Institute of Chicago and the Carey Studio.

Program Area

Academy

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
Family, reading, exercise

Favorite quote:
Balance and Flexibility in all things

Favorite practice tip:
SING!

Favorite composer or piece to play:
The one I am currently playing.

Favorite musical moment:
Playing for Pablo Casals

Weight

Academy Faculty

Dr. Yuyoung Chung

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:26:36 +0000

Dr. Yuyoung Chung ntakagi Fri, 10/18/2024 - 16:26

Cellist Yuyoung Chung, a native of Korea, has performed as a soloist throughout the world. Dr. Chung has won many awards. Highlights include, first-place recipient of the Courchevel Music Alp Festival Audition, and winner of the CCMF Music Competition. In addition, she was the 2009 Performance Certificate Winner (Special Distinction) as one of only selected few who are recipients of the Jacobs School of Music’s most prestigious award at Indiana University.

She has also been a guest artist, performing, and fellowship member of music festivals such as Colorado College Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Tanglewood Music Festival, Courchevel Music Alp Festival, Banff Music Festival, and Sarasota Music Festival. Also she taught undergraduate students as a teaching assistant for three years at The University of Texas at Austin.

As chamber musician, Ms. Chung has performed with renowned artists, such as YoYo-Ma, Joshua Bell, Jaime Laredo, and Lynn Harrell. As a full-scholarship recipient, Ms. Chung received her Bachelor of Music at Korean National University of Arts and a Master of Music at Indiana University, where she studied with Sungwon Yang, Myung-wha Chung, Sharon Robinson and Janos Starker. Also, Dr. Chung achieved a Doctor Degree in Music Performance at The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with Bion Tsang.

Here in Chicago, she was an assistant principal cellist and has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and many other famous musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Riccardo Muti, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gil Shaham, and Jaap Van Zweden. And she has performed with Chicago Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as a substitute musician.

Dr. Chung is an active classical cellist eager to meet and perform with other artists in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, elsewhere in the US, and South Korea.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Suzuki training with Tanya Carey

Academic Title

Suzuki and Traditional Cello Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

My teaching philosophy is to develop character and a fine person through music.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts in performance, The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Music Performance, Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts in music performance, Korea National University of Arts

ychung@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Strings

Location(s)

Chicago - Gratz Center

Chicago - St. James

Name

Dr. Yuyoung Chung

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

8479051500

Photo

Chung, Yuyoung pic 2.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member, Suzuki Association of the Americas

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music
I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Lake Forest

Bianca d'Avila do Prado

ntakagi — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:04:44 +0000

Bianca d'Avila do Prado ntakagi Tue, 10/03/2023 - 14:04

Bianca d’Avila do Prado has been a member of the Music Institute’s cello and Suzuki faculty since May 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil and a Master of Music degree in cello performance and string pedagogy at Illinois State University. Her composition, Brazilian Habanera for Strings, was one of five pieces selected to be part of the “Beginning Level Volumes of the Celebrating Diversity in String Music Anthology,” promoted by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a prize awarded by the Sphinx Venture Fund. This collection of music will be published and distributed to schools in the United States. She has recorded six CDs with Camerata Ontoarte and a Lua de Santiago with music by Fernando Avila for Accordion and String Quintet.

She is an online cello instructor for the University of Idaho Preparatory Division. In 2021 she started and was the head of the cello program at the Suzuki String Academy, in Sandpoint, Idaho and principal cello for the North Idaho Philharmonia. She has been a cello instructor for First Sandpoint Summer Strings Festival and Escola Tio Zequinha and a member of Theatro São Pedro Chamber Orchestra and Quatricelli Cello Quartet, winner of the "Premio Funarte de Concertos Didaticos" in 2014.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Suzuki Training, Books 1 - 10 with David Evenchick, Tanya Carey and Avi Friedlander
Suzuki Practicum with Nancy Hair
Group Class Techniques with Carey Beth Hockett
Revisiting Book 1 with Sally Gross
Setting Up Families for Success with Christine Goodner
Clases Grupales with Andrea Espinzo
Filosofia Suzuki with Shinobu Saito and Eduardo Ludueña

Awards
Distinguished Young Teacher Award (2024), Suzuki Association of the Americas 
Teacher of Note Award (2023), Music Institute of Chicago 
Winner of the "Premio Funarte de Concertos Didaticos" in 2014

Recordings
6 CDs with Camerata Ontoarte
CD: A Lua de Santiago, music by Fernando Avila for Accordion and String Quintet
DVD: Sinfonia Metaphisica Sinfonia Coral and Familia Lima Raizes  

My composition Brazilian Habanera for Strings was one of the five pieces selected to be part of the "Beginning Level Volumes of the Celebrating Diversity in String Music Anthology", promoted by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a prize awarded by the Sphinx Venture Fund. This collection of music will be published and distributed to schools in the United States.

Academic Title

Cello Faculty (Suzuki and Traditional)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I love playing the cello, and my main goal as a teacher is to help students learn to love it as much as I do. That all comes from a positive and diligent approach to effective practice so they can develop their skills in a way so they can sound good and have fun while learning and discovering their potential as musicians.   It's been an incredible experience to work on expanding and diversifying the pedagogical repertoire for strings in the U.S. I've been writing articles about Brazilian Music for Strings, composing my own pieces, and working with an amazing team of cello teachers on a project called Resonance: A Multicultural Cello Method, to be released in Fall 2024.

It's been a rewarding experience working with students playing music from my country and music composed by me through workshops and clinics.   I also love that I can connect with students and families on a deeper level using my fluency in Portuguese, Spanish or English, whatever feels more comfortable to them.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki and Traditional Cello
Evanston Outreach Cello Program lessons and Group Classes

Department

https://sites.google.com/view/biancacellist/home

Department Head

Off

Education

MM, Cello Performance and String Pedagogy, Illinois State University (Dr. Adriana Ransom,
Dr. Cora Swenson-Lee)
BM, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil (Dr. Angela Ferrari)

bdaviladoprado@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Bianca d'Avila do Prado

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

bianca_kate_ann.jpg

Photo Credit

Kate Ann Photography

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Professional affiliations/activities
Online Cello Instructor - University of Idaho Preparatory Division, since fall 2021
Guest Cellist - Peoria Symphony Orchestra, since fall 2022 
Head of the Cello Program, Cello Instructor, SCS Junior Orchestra Director - Suzuki String Academy, Idaho, 2021
Principal Cellist - North Idaho Philarmonia, 2021 
Graduate Teaching Assistant, ISU String Project - Illinois State University, 2018-2020 
Principal Cellist - Illinois State University Symphony, 2018-2020
Suzuki Cello Teacher - Escola de Musica Tio Zequinha, Brazil, 2011-2018 
Cellist - Orquestra de Camara Theatro Sao Pedro, Quatricelli Cello Quartet, Brazil, 2012-2018

Invited to teach at Festivals in Brazil and in the US:
Illinois State University String Project Summer Camp in 2019 and 2020
XXI, XXII and XIV Encontro de Violoncelos do RS, in Brazil
Cello instructor, First Sandpoint Summer Strings Festival

Adjudicator and committee member:
3rd Concurso Jovem Violoncelista Jean-Jacques Pagnot (BR)
and the First Sandpoint Summer Strings Festival Adjudication (US)

Program Area

Group Classes

Three Questions Answer

A few of my favorite things:
I love that through my cello I've been having incredible opportunities to go places and meet wonderful people from all over the world. I love to see how music can connect independent of their language, age or ethnicity.

What does music mean to you:
Music is a powerful tool to bring people together, to create better citizens and to bring peace, joy and beauty to the the world. I love to be on stage and bring to life ideas that so many amazing composers had in their minds through their music. And I also love that I can change lives by sharing my knowledge and love for the cello with my students.

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
I am Brazilian, but my great-grandparents came from Italy, so I enjoy cooking and eating Brazilian and Italian family recipes because that reminds me from home. I also love traveling and taking long walks appreciating the beauty of nature and taking pictures from the places I'm at to share with friends and family around the world.

Weight

GUID

134

Media ID

499

Willing to Teach at

Avi Friedlander

ntakagi — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:04:46 +0000

Avi Friedlander ntakagi Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:04

Avi Friedlander is the director of the Barston Suzuki Center at the Music Institute of Chicago and a Suzuki teacher trainer. Well known as a Suzuki cello workshop and institute clinician, he teaches a variety of methods from classical to jazz and rock.

In addition to his work at the Music Institute of Chicago, Friedlander serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of North Florida where he teaches string pedagogy. He is a past professor of cello at Emory University in Atlanta and has taught Suzuki pedagogy for Roosevelt University.

His primary teachers have included Anthony Elliott, Stephen Geber, Irene Sharp, Tanya Carey and David Premo. He has also worked with Richard Aaron, Hans Jensen, Janos Starker, and Bernard Greenhouse.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Improvisation methods with Eugene Friesen from the Berkley College, Stephan Braun from Berlin, and Tim Kliphuis from Amsterdam.

In addition to his own compositions, Friedlander has written arrangements for solo cello of rock tunes from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam and is the author of the method books, “Chopping Around” and “Pizzing Around,” which introduce alternative styles to cellists.

Academic Title

Director, Barston Suzuki Center; Suzuki Cello Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Philosophy:
Teach the student, not the instrument

Courses

Private Lessons
Group Classes

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Masters in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Bachelors in Music Performance, University of Michigan
Performance Certificate, Cleveland Institute of Music

afriedlander@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sun, 08/20/2017 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Avi Friedlander

Personal Website / Link

http://www.avicello.com

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

AviFriedlander.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member, Suzuki Association of the Americas

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Friedlander is a certified USA hockey coach and coaches youth travel hockey. In addition, he enjoys reading books and spending time with family.

Weight

GUID

143

Media ID

501

Willing to Teach at

Academy Faculty

Cecilia Ham

ntakagi — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:04:48 +0000

Cecilia Ham ntakagi Sun, 10/08/2023 - 14:04

Cecilia Ham has been a member of the Music Institute’s cello faculty since September 2011. She earned a bachelor of music degree from the University of Illinois and a master of music degree at Northwestern University.

Academic Title

Cello Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I believe that every child can achieve the goal with the right direction.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Bachelor of Music, University of Illinois
Master of Music, Northwestern University

CHam@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

134cc88deb6240e0854715a0e1b913ec.jpeg.jpg

Name

Cecilia Ham

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

847. 905.1500

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Studying essential oils, walking, cooking and reading

A few favorite things:
I love watching Amazing Race and trying new places to eat.

Weight

GUID

149

Media ID

451

Willing to Teach at

Dr. Cloudia (Ching-Yun) Huang

ntakagi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:00:45 +0000

Dr. Cloudia (Ching-Yun) Huang ntakagi Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:00

Dr. Ching-Yun (Cloudia) Huang is a member of the Music Institute’s cello faculty. She earned a bachelor of music performance and education degree from National Taiwan Normal University and master of music and doctor of musical arts degrees in cello performance from Michigan State University. She also had a full scholarship and graduate assistantship at Michigan State.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Full scholarship and graduate assistantship, Michigan State University

Academic Title

Cello Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Teaching cello is a special journey I take with each student and their family. I believe that every individual is talented and capable of playing a musical instrument if they are given the right tools and instructions. I recognize every person has his or her unique way of learning, and I enjoy getting to know each of my students and finding out the best approach to motivate them. In my studio, students are treated with respect and are taught in a positive environment. I like to promote a sense of community for all my students and their families so they feel connected to and supported by other people who also share a love for music. Even though not every student will become a professional musician, my contribution is to encourage a sense of accomplishment, develop their love of music and the arts, and most importantly, enrich their lives and souls through the musical education I offer.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Program

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts, Michigan State University
Master of Music in cello performance, Michigan State University
Bachelor of Music Performance and Education, National Taiwan Normal University

chuang@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Dr. Cloudia (Ching-Yun) Huang

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Dr. Chingyun (Cloudia) Huang.jpg

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
I love taking dance lessons, being a self-titled travel connoisseur, and spending time with family and friends.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Downers Grove

Academy Faculty

Piano Group Classes

Jessica Hudson

ntakagi — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:14:50 +0000

Jessica Hudson ntakagi Mon, 04/14/2025 - 15:14

Jessica Hudson joined the Music Institute of Chicago’s Suzuki cello faculty in April 2025. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at DePaul University.

Academic Title

Suzuki Cello Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

As a teacher, my goal is to share my love for the cello with my students and inspire them to be passionate and respectful young musicians. I strongly emphasize a supportive and inclusive learning environment in my studio where students feel comfortable being challenged and growing as cellists.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Bachelor of Arts, DePaul University

jhudson@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Jessica Hudson

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
I enjoy crafting and making pottery.

What you love about playing your instrument:
The cello is such a beautiful, versatile instrument. I love being able to express myself through various genres of music with my instrument.

What you love about Chicago:
Chicago is such a beautiful city with some of the best food ever. I love trying out new restaurants and watching the Grant Park Symphony perform during the summer.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Philip Lee

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:25:31 +0000

Philip Lee ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 00:25

Philip began his studies at the age of 7 at the Music Institute of Chicago under the tutelage of Blake Brasch, where he was a scholarship recipient in the Academy Program. During this time he was selected to perform in the Young Steinway Concert Series and was awarded first prize in the Society of American Musicians Competition.

Philip then went on to study with David Ying at the Eastman School of Music. He was also enrolled at the University of Rochester, where he pursued a Degree in Mathematics. Philip went on to complete graduate studies at DePaul University with Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Brant Taylor, and Indiana University with former Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Cellist, Peter Stumpf. Philip has held positions in the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

As a teacher, Philip Lee is passionate about working with students of all ages and backgrounds. Presently, Philip is cello instructor at Music For Youth, faculty at DePaul University’s Community Music Division, and the Music Institute of Chicago.

Academic Title

Cello Faculty, Suzuki Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I believe through teaching music, we can learn the skills necessary for all aspects of life. Each family and student is unique - I try to approach each student from a perspective where I try to fit their needs and development.

Courses

Private Instruction
Group Classes

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Eastman School of Music, BM
DePaul University, MM
Indiana University, Performance Diploma

plee@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Philip Lee

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Phillip Lee pic 2024.jpg

Program Area

Three Questions

A few of my favorite things…

Most memorable musical moment?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

I really enjoy trying foods from different cultures, especially spicy foods!

I started playing the cello because of a recording I heard of Yo-Yo Ma my mother had purchased. It was quite a moment when I not only got to meet him in person but also had the opportunity to play on stage with him in a performance at the Music Institute Gala while I was in high school!

What I love most about playing the cello now is that it evolves with me as I go through different phases of life.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Everardo Sanchez

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:38:16 +0000

Everardo Sanchez ntakagi Mon, 10/02/2023 - 00:38

Everardo Sanchez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He first started on flute at the age of 11 then at the age of 15, he switched to cello. Everardo is now a passionate teacher and performer in the Chicago area. Everardo graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University and completed a Performance Diploma in May of 2021 at CCPA where he studied with Dr. Tanya Carey for six years. Currently, Everardo is pursuing a Master’s Degree from DePaul University studying under the guidance of Professor Stephen Balderston. Everardo completed Suzuki teacher training in Cello Books 1-8 of the Suzuki Method, with Dr. Tanya Carey and Avi Friedlander. During their teacher training, they received instruction on how to engage students in a private and group lesson format, maintain a profound and professional bond with parents and students, and engage a range of all ages. Everardo is currently an Artist Teacher at Chicago West Community Music Center and is also a member of the faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Academic Title

Cello Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise:
I believe that music education is so important because no matter what instrument we play or the genre of music we specialize in we are communicating emotions and stories. Sound connects people in all sorts of ways, and I am a strong believer that music should be a communal practice no matter how much knowledge you have of it.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education

Department

The Academy

Department Head

Off

Education

Master’s Degree, DePaul University (pending, studying under the guidance of Professor Stephen Balderston)
Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance, Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University
Performance Diploma, (May 2021) at CCPA ( studied with Dr. Tanya Carey for six years)

esanchez@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Everardo Sanchez

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
Away from the cello, Everardo loves to tend to his many plants, make coffee, read, cook, going on runs, and going on very long bike rides around the city.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Nina Wallenberg

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 23:06:13 +0000

Nina Wallenberg ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 18:06

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Some of Ms. Wallenberg's mentors included individuals that she studied with, such as:
Ronald Ziegler, Carol Buck, and Uzi Wiesel

One of her instructors from over the years that had a large impact on her was Shmuel Magen.

Awards and achievements:
Ms. Wallenberg was formerly the principal cellist of Orquestra Sinfonica del Valle in Cali, Columbia and the Utah Valley Symphony. Currently, she is a member of the Northbrook Symphony in Northbrook, Illinois. Previously, she was an instructor at the Rubin Academy- Community division and at Brigham Young University. Over the years, Nina has had several performances with the Utah Regional Ballet orchestra and Jerusalem Symphony.

Academic Title

Cello Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education

Department