Faculty

Guitar

Carlos Bendfeldt
(Guitar)
Mr. Bendfelt has been named Young Guatemalan-American guitarist and was the First Prize winner in the Artists International Youth Awards. He received his Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance in 1994 from the Manhattan School of Music with virtuoso Maestro Carlos Barbosa-Lima and his Masters in performance from the Juilliard School of Music in 1997 where he was the student of the renowned virtuoso and two time Grammy winner Sharon Isbin. Mr. Bendfeldt gave his New York debut in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 1997 and since then his concert career has blossomed to include a second appearance at Carnegie Hall and major concerts through out North and Central America, Hawaii and the Caribbean. He released a highly praised album which was awarded artist of the year in Guatemala in interpretation 2002. In the fall of 2005 he released an additional solo and duo recording. Currently Mr. Bendfeldt is under management with Albert Kay Concert Artists Management NYC.

Erik Rasmussen
(Drums, Guitar)
Mr. Rasmussen earned his Bachelor of Music in percussion performance and jazz studies from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He studied jazz with David Baker, drums with Steve Davis and Steve Houghton, and classical percussion with Tony Cirone. Erik is an active gigging and studio session drummer and multi-instrumentalist. He has performed Latin jazz with David Sanchez, steel pan music with IU Steel Pan ensemble, and lots of pop/rock/jazz. Erik's Latin jazz combo won first prize in the Competition in Performance of Music from Spain and Latin America in 2005 at Indiana University. In addition to percussion, Erik teaches beginning guitar and double bass. Erik is also a professional recording engineer.

Brandon Seyferth
(Guitar, Harmonica)
Mr. Seyferth recently released his debut recording to much acclaim.

"This is a terrific debut by an artist with a poetic sensibility and real promise for the future." - New Classics.

He has traveled the world performing his own compositions in the style of true folk and blues tradition. He has shared the stage with the likes of Jackson Browne and many more and has received honorable mention from the Peace-Driven Songwriting Awards for his song "Hands" (available on iTunes). In addition to music, Brandon is an award-winning poet, respected writer, and has two degrees, one in philosophy and another in English literature.

Tim Stine
(Guitar, Bass)
Mr. Stine has studied guitar with Glenn Ginn and Jim Smith. Tim stayed close to his home in Fargo, North Dakota to earn his undergraduate degrees. After graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead with his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music, Tim joined the faculty of North Dakota State University where he taught as an adjunct guitar instructor. Tim then went to Cincinnati where he received his Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music.

Piano

Austin Bale
(Piano)
Mr. Bale studied piano with Jeremy Denk and Luke Gillespie and jazz with David Baker. Mr. Bale attended Indiana University's School of Music where he earned his Bachelor of Music. He has attended summer institutes at Interlochen, Tanglewood, and UC Berkely. In addition to teaching piano, Austin composes music under the pseudonym Anabel. Originally from Arlington Heights, he was a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and has toured Europe several times as a soloist and orchestral keyboardist. Austin has been influenced by many musical heroes. Among them: Beethoven, DJ Shadow, Glenn Gould, Raymond Scott, Alban Berg, Lenoard Bernstein, the RZA, and Super Furry Animals.

Svetlana Belsky
(Piano)
Ms. Belsky has been active as a recitalist and chamber performer throughout the United States both in concert and on the radio. Locally, she has performed with the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra, Musica Viva and was featured in a solo recital at a Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, which was broadcast on WFMT. Belsky also writes and lectures on various musical topics. She earned her Bachelor of Music in piano as well as her Masters degree from Peabody Conservatory. Her Doctor of Musical Arts was completed at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to teaching at the North Shore School for the Arts, Ms. Belsky is on faculty at the University of Chicago.

Natsuko Imai
(Piano)
Ms. Imai was born into a family of musicians in Tokyo, Japan. She started taking piano lessons at the age of two. At age four she was enrolled at the Toho Conservatory preparatory school where she earned her high school diploma. She came to the United States to further her education in 1998. She has received her Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Mannes College of Music while studying with Pavlina Dokovska and her Masters of Music and Professional studies from DePaul University while studying with Eteri Andjaparidze. She is currently enrolled at the Roosevelt University as a scholarship student studying with internationally renowned pianist Jorge Federico Osorio.

Emi Kelsey
(Piano)
Ms. Kelsey received her training in Early Childhood Education with an area of concentration in music and recently completed a Suzuki Teacher Training program at the Chicago Suzuki Institute. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois. Ms. Kelsey has studied privately with Emilio del Rosario and Edward Parmentier (harpsichord); and coaches with Wolfgang Laufer of the Fine Arts Quartet. An avid chamber musician, Ms. Kelsey has participated in numerous workshops including the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin College, and Harpsichord Workshops at the University of Michigan. She also performs in many local venues.

George Radosavljevic
(Piano)
Mr. Radosavljevic's performances have been described as "polished and elegantly shaped" by the Chicago Tribune. His virtuoso performances can be heard frequently in live broadcasts on WFMT Radio. He has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series and as an orchestral pianist with the Metropolis, Elgin, & Lake Forest Symphonies. Mr. Radosavljevic received his Bachelor of Music in piano from the American Conservatory of Music and his Masters at DePaul University School of Music.

Strings

Patrycja Glowick
(Suzuki Violin)
M.M., Academy of Music, Bydgoszcz, Poland; Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies, Roosevelt University; Suzuki Teacher Training, Chicago Suzuki Institute. Ms. Glowick has performed with various orchestras in Europe and has recently served as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Her principal teachers include Jadwiga Kaliszewska, Cyrus Forough and Joseph Golan (Principal II Violin, CSO).

Patrycja Ziembowska Glowik
(Violin)
Ms. Glowik received her Masters of Music from the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, Poland and her Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University. Her Suzuki Teacher Training was completed at the Chicago Suzuki Institute. Ms. Ziembowska has performed with various orchestras in Europe and has recently served as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Her principal teachers include Jadwiga Kaliszewska, Cyrus Forough and Joseph Golan (Principal II Violin, CSO).

Jessica Jordan
(Violin)
Ms. Jessica Jordan received her Bachelor's of Music degree and is currently pursuing her Master's of Music from Northwestern University studying under Gerardo Ribeiro. She serves as his graduate assistant as well as an assistant to Stacia Spencer, director of Northwestern's Music Academy. Jessica has been teaching since high school and is Suzuki certified. Her students range in ages 4 to adult. She began her studies at the age of 5 with Stan Smith of Aurora Suzuki Violins. Her performances have been broadcasted over WFMT and most recently over WPR when her chamber group won the Neale-Silva Young Artists Award. Jessica has attended the Chicago Chamber Music Camp, ARIA International Summer Music Festival, and the Meadowmount School. She also works and teaches at Midwest Young Artists.

Daniel Katz
(Cello)
Daniel Katz received his Bachelor of Music from Northern Illinois University and his Masters with Distinction in Performance and Academic Honors from New England Conservatory of Music. He has also studied at Rice University. Mr. Katz has been a regular substitute with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra, and was previously a member of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. He is also an experienced chamber musician, having given performances at The Tanglewood Music Center, Sarasota Music Festival, Verbier Festival, and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. Daniel also has had training in teaching the Suzuki method, and has enjoyed teaching students of a wide variety of ages and levels.

Voice

Allison Hull
(Voice)
A Wisconsin native, Allison has been an active and accomplished singer and teacher for the past 15 years and is currently a guest lecturer in music at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Allison has maintained a large and diverse studio at the Waukesha County Conservatory of Music for the past eight years. She stresses strong technique in a relaxed and fun environment. Allison has taught a wide range of ages and abilities in classical, pop, jazz, and musical theater styles. She also leads the Kids Broadway and Disney classes offered at the North Shore School for the Arts. Allison holds her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Lawrence University and received her Masters at UW-Milwaukee where she also interned with the Skylight Theater.

Kay Rutherford
(Voice, Kindermusik)
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Ms. Rutherford has performed in a wide variety of venues including The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. She has had the opportunity to perform in several Gilbert and Sullivan productions with The Off-Monroe Players in Rochester, NY. Since coming to Chicago, she has been seen singing in various recitals and opera scenes and has toured with the Sue Exhibit from the Field Museum. Ms. Rutherford's vocal style is versatile, ranging from classical to pop.

Lindsay Schoenberger
(Voice)
Lindsay is an Indiana University School of Music graduate with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. She recently completed her Master of Arts Degree in Coval Pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Ronald Combs. There, she performed roles in an array of operas including Cendrillon, The Magic Flute, and Suor Angelica. Currently, Lindsay sings in a professional quartet at Chicago Sinai Congregation. She has also sung in various professional engagements, including L'Opera Piccola, St. Catherine Labouré in Glenview, and Temple Beth Israel in Skokie. Lindsay has attended several summer programs, including the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and the Oberlin in Italy Program at Centro Studi Italiani in Urbania, Italy.

Brass

Christian Anderson
(Trumpet)
Mr. Anderson was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa. Coming from a musical family he started playing trumpet at an early age and was taught by his father until college. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and studied with Dr. Randy Grabowski. At Northern Iowa, Christian performed in almost every group at the school. He also played extensively with local symphonies including performances with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Cedar Rapids Symphony, and many other small groups. Also, during this time he performed two tours with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet and as lead trumpet for Carnival Cruise Lines. Christian graduated from UNI with a B.M. in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies. After graduating from UNI, Christian then moved to Chicago to continue his education at DePaul University. While there he studied with John Hagstrom of the Chicago Symphony and earned his M.M. in trumpet performance. Christian currently lives in Chicago and plays extensively in the Chicago area.

Andrew Distel
(Trumpet)
Mr. Distel is an active freelance vocalist and trumpet player in the jazz and commercial music scene in Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Music degree from Roosevelt University.

Upon his arrival in Chicago, he began headlining at such notable venues as the Pump Room, the Green Mill, Pops for Champagne, Green Dolphin Street and performing at a variety of festivals including the International Association of Jazz Educators. Andrew's steady weekend performances at The Pump Room have given him the opportunity to hone his craft even further with a band that is comprised of the young lions of the Chicago jazz scene. Andrew is an adjunct professor of jazz voice at Roosevelt University. He has also assisted the band programs of schools throughout the Midwest as a guest conductor and clinician for jazz vocal groups, show choirs, and jazz bands.

http://www.andrewdistel.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/andrewdistel
http://www.myspace.com/theandrewdistelquartet

Randall Scott Ruback
(Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Trumpet, and French Horn)
Randall Scott Ruback has performed as principal trombone with the (RAI) Italian Radio and Television Orchestra of Rome; the Opera House "Giuseppe Verdi" in Trieste, Italy; and the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Israel, among others. A soloist on West German Radio, he has recorded for Italian Radio and Television, Israel Television, the Eurovision Song Contest, film, and disk; and is a prize-winning composer and conductor. Other performances include the Hungarian Opera; Pennsylvania Ballet; Orchestra of Ancient Music, Rome; and the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds. In the field of jazz and popular music: Slide Hampton's World of Trombones; the Bill Porter, Marvin Hamlish, and Guy Lombardo Orchestras; artists from Motown, national touring groups, and entertainers. He has taught at eight colleges and universities. His brass students (trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, and tuba) have achieved national recognition. He holds three degrees: a Graduate Certificate in Performance and a M.M. in Trombone Performance from Northwestern University, and a B.M. in Trombone Performance from the Mannes College of Music, including studies at Indiana University. A published writer, he currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he teaches, conducts workshops, performs, and composes. He can be contacted at: artisan_to_artist@sbcgloblal.net. Visit his website at: www.randallruback.com

Percussion

Woodwinds

Naomi Bensdorf Frisch
(Oboe)
Naomi Bensdorf Frisch enjoys an active career as a performer and music educator. Along with holding principal oboe positions in the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Elmhurst Symphony, Mrs. Bensdorf Frisch performs regularly with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra during their season at the Chicago Cultural Center and as principal oboe for their residency at the Southern Illinois Music Festival. As a soloist, Naomi has performed with the Southwest Michigan Symphony, the Chicago Chamber Orchestra, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. In demand as a freelance musician, Mrs. Bensdorf Frisch has recently performed with the Tulsa Opera and Symphony Orchestras, the Elgin Symphony, the South Bend Symphony, Light Opera Works, and others. She can be heard on recordings with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and the Elgin Symphony and in a collection of the chamber music of renowned Chicago composer M. William Karlins, available on Hungaroton Records.

A native of Evanston, Illinois, Mrs. Bensdorf Frisch received her Bachelor of Music Magna cum Laude from Northwestern University, as a student of Ray Still, and her Masters of Music with Distinction from DePaul University. Mrs. Bensdorf Frisch is often working with young musicians. She is in demand as a private oboe teacher for Chicagoland's young oboists, teaching private oboe lessons at the Music Institute of Chicago and the North Shore School for the Arts, among others.

Andy Oberhausen
(Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet)
Mr. Oberhausen earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Vanderbilt University and his Masters of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Andy has been an active performer, educator, composer, and clinician in the Chicago area since his arrival in 2007. He has joined several groups including his most recent project, the Clifton Trio. In addition to the North Shore School for the Arts, he also teaches at the Steckman Studio of Music, Wheeling High School, and the Village Music Store. Originally from Louisville, KY, Andy had been active in numerous music scenes before arriving in Chicago including venues in Nashville, TN, Cincinnati, OH, Raleigh, NC, and Aspen, CO.

Dance

Annie Jo Fischer
(Dance)
A native from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Ms. Fischer claims she didn't pick to be a dancer but was born doing it. She started at the ripe age of 3 and has never stopped. Attending NADAA dance conventions her entire life gave her the want to pursue dance performance and teaching as a career. Ms. Fischer has her BFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, studying styles of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, modern, improvisation, and hip hop as well as performing faculty work and her own choreography. You may have seen her as a dancer/singer at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL or as Graziella in UWM's West Side Story, as a Chicago Honey Bear, or most recently as The Catepillar in Highland Park Players "Alice in Wonderland", winning the award for Best Choreography at the 2009 Regional AACTF festival this last April. Over the years, she has studied with such professionals as Billy Siegenfeld (Jump Rhythm Jazz Project), Andre Tyson (Alvin Ailey), Elizabeth Johnson (Your Mother Dances), and many others as well as taught various ages in many forms of dance. Ms. Fischer is very dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing meaningful outlets of expression through dance, whether that be as a fun after school activity or new found passion in the wonderful world of dance!