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Private Lessons

ANDREW BRADEN - CLARINET

Andrew Braden has been 2nd clarinetist in the Tucson Symphony since 1987. Braden’s position in the symphony has included hundreds of concerts as principal and E-flat clarinetist and in the TSO woodwind quintet. Andy has also performed with many orchestras including the Kansas City Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony, True Concord, and the Tucson Pops. He is one of the few clarinetists in America to play principal clarinet in Richard Wagner’s massive Ring of the Nibelung when the four operas were presented by Arizona Opera. Another career highlight was performing Rhapsody in Blue with the Southern Arizona Symphony on their Chinese tour.
Teaching has been central to Andy’s life since he was a music education major at Kansas University. As an undergrad he was named clarinet teacher at the Midwest Music Camp, a position he held for 18 years. This appointment included teaching lessons, playing on faculty recitals, coaching ensembles, giving master classes and conducting sectionals for thousands of students. Andy taught elementary school music in Tucson Unified for 10 years and currently has a large number of clarinet and saxophone students.
abraden1957@gmail.com | 520-743-3071​

BETSY BRIGHT - TRUMPET

Betsy Bright, trumpet, is a member of the Tucson Symphony, Monsoon Brass, True Concord, and the Tucson Pops Orchestra.  She has also performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony,  Saint Louis Symphony, National Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera, Britt Music Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, and Bay View Music Festival.  

Betsy has taught trumpet privately since 1997.  Her students regularly perform in Regional and All State Bands, Tucson Youth Philharmonia, and programs such as Interlochen and National Youth Orchestra. Betsy is the founder and director of Tucson Brass Workshop, and she is an instructor with TSO’s Young Composer Project.

BetsyBright@gmail.comwww.BetsyBright.com

520-730-7105

DARIO BRIGNOLI

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Principal Clarinet of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Clarinet of the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Chicago.

Bachelor at Conservatory of Milan, Italy; Master at Royal Danish Academy of Music, Denmark

I studied with more than 30 teachers in 8 different countries in my career.  I played in the most famous concert halls in the world. I am the most experienced clarinet professional in Tucson. Clarinet and Bass Clarinet online lessons for High School, College, amateurs of any age, postgrads applying for job auditions. $60 per hour, first lesson free

dario_brignoli@hotmail.com213.296.4177

HOMERO CERÓN - CONCERT PERCUSSIONIST

Homero Cerón, former Principal Percussion, TSO. Principal Percussion, True Concord. Timpanist, Tucson Pops, Leader/Owner, Cool Breeze Productions. Percussion instructor PCC, Yamaha performing artist.

homeroceron.com  | fb homero ceron: concert percussionist

ELLEN CHAMBERLAIN - VIOLIN

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Ellen Chamberlain has played with the Tucson Symphony since 2006, and is Co-Concertmaster of True Concord Voices and Orchestra.  She has taught in the Tucson schools as an Artist-in-Residence, and maintained a private studio for over 20 years. Any age or experience level is welcome!

SARA FRAKER - OBOE, ENGLISH HORN

Sara Fraker, associate professor of oboe at the University of Arizona, is a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and principal oboist of True Concord Voices & Orchestra. She is oboist of the Arizona Wind Quintet and a recipient of an Arizona Artist Development Grant. Sara has given recitals and masterclasses in Mexico, Canada, Japan, Australia, and throughout the US. She was a fellowship student at Tanglewood and holds a faculty-artist appointment at the Bay View Music Festival. She has recorded for Naxos, Summit, Toccata Classics, and Reference Recordings. Her solo album, Botanica, was released by MSR Classics in 2019.

www.sarafraker.com  |  floree99@gmail.com

ANNA GENDLER - VIOLIN

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Anna Gendler, graduate of the Moscow Conservatory in Russia, has been a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra since 1991. Anna is also a member of the Grammy nominated True Concord Voices and Orchestra.

She performed with the Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony String Quartet and Flute Trio, Daystar Chamber Players, St Michael’s Piano Quartet and also with her husband, Alexander Tentser, in a violin and piano duet. In the summer she performs at the “Music in the Mountains” Festival in Grass Valley, California and with the Lake Placid Sinfonietta in New York. Anna also teaches at the Lake Placid Chamber Music Workshop for adults. Being an accomplished chamber musician she dedicates her time to children’s musical education in Tucson. Anna is a violin teacher of the Symphony Women Association charity program for low-income families and she is on the Music Faculty at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona.

ANNE GRATZ - CELLO

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Anne Gratz is the principal cellist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, True Concord Voices and Orchestra, and the Tucson Pops Orchestra. A native of Indiana, Anne graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and received Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees and an Orchestral Studies Diploma from Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Alan Harris.
gratzae@hotmail.com | annegratz.com

GRETCHEN HALL - VIOLIN, VIOLA

Graduated from the University of Arizona in Elementary Education and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a Master’s in Music Education with a strong background in Suzuki pedagogy. Have been a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra since 1981 and taught middle and elementary school orchestras and string programs for 19 years in TUSD. I enjoy working with motivated students and parents who like to be involved in practicing music with their child. Teaching adults is also something I like because learning something new and finding new abilities in ourselves is a joy, no matter what our age.

gretchen_hall@hotmail.com | 520-235-7791

 

CHRISTINE HARPER - FLUTE, PIANO

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Christine Harper began her musical studies in Indiana at age nine on piano and flute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both instruments from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Arizona.Christine holds a teaching certificate in the state of Arizona having taught general music, band and beginning orchestra in Tucson area schools for 9 years.  She has taught private flute and piano lessons since 1989.
www.christineharperflute.com  cjoyceharper@yahoo.com

JEFFREY HOLSEN - DOUBLE BASS, CIMBALOM, HAMMER DULCIMER

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Jeffrey Holsen is Assistant Principal Bass in the TSO. He has a Bachelor’s degree in music performance. Jeffrey studied with Karel Netolička and Roger Ruggeri – Assistant Principal and Principal bass of the Milwaukee Symphony, and with UA Professor of Double Bass, Patrick Neher. Jeffrey has attended clinics and workshops with David Walter, Paul Ellison, Burt Turetzky, François Rabbath, Harold Robinson, Ed Friedland, Edgar Meyer, Milt Hinton, John Clayton, Frank Proto, and more. He has extensive knowledge of the Double Bass orchestral repertoire and experience in many musical styles including new music, rock, folk, jazz, Broadway, and ethnic music. Mr. Holsen welcomes all levels and ages.

jeffholsen@gmail.com | 520-622-5728

JANICE JARRETT - VOICE, SONGWRITING, MUSIC THEORY

Janice Jarrett, owner/instructor at Vocal Technique Studio offers voice lessons, music theory, songwriting and other musicianship skills training. A jazz singer, lyricist, arranger, band leader, speaker and journalist, she has taught and performed across the country and abroad. She earned her Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, a Masters in World Music (Wesleyan) and a B.A. in voice/composition (Antioch College). A scholar on the Arizona Humanities Speakers Bureau, her profiles and reviews have appeared in the Arizona Daily Star, the Tucson Weekly and the Phoenix New Times. Her singers’ handbook and an online digital music site will debut 2021.

janicejarrett.com | (520) 888-2690 | jjjazz@mac.com 

NATHAN KAHN - DOUBLE BASS

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Nathan Kahn is currently a free-lance bassist in the Colorado Springs and the Tucson areas. He is retired from 25 years with the Colorado Springs Symphony/Philharmonic. Previously, he was Principal Bassist with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bassist with the Tulsa Philharmonic, and also performed with such orchestras as the Alabama Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Memphis Symphony, Aspen Festival Orchestra, among others. He has taught string bass and other music courses at the University of Arkansas, University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, Tennessee Technological University, and for 15 years at the Sewanee Summer Music Center. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His major teachers included Warren Benfield, formerly with the Chicago Symphony, Ed Krolick of the University of Illinois, Henry Loew, formerly Principal Bassist of the St. Louis Symphony, and Charles Medcalf and Barry Green of the Cincinnati Symphony. He has former students in orchestral positions and other musical positions across the country. 

nathankahn@aol.com | 719-337-3652

 

MIKE LEVY - ELECTRIC BASS, JAZZ UPRIGHT BASS, POP GUITAR/PIANO MUSIC PRODUCTION

I’ve been a professional musician and teacher since the age of 15.  My focus is on bass guitar and upright bass, but I also teach guitar and piano, as well as music production.  I don’t teach “classical” playing, but focus on the ability to play contemporary music (pop, rock, country, jazz).  I’m also a professional engineer and producer.  I’m intuitive, patient, and educated.  I work with adults and kids, sometimes together.  You may discover the inner songwriter you didn’t even know was there!

mike@1111studios.net |  www.1111studios.net 
520-241-2639

ROBERT MARSHALL

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Robert Marshall, cello Mr. Marshall is a professional cellist and educator based in Tucson, Arizona. He received his masters of music from the University of Arizona’s Fred Fox School of Music in cello performance, and his bachelor’s of music performance from Kennesaw State University. Robert serves as the principal cellist in the Civic Orchestra of Tucson, assistant principal cellist of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra, and appears with the Tucson Pops and Tucson Symphony Orchestras. He also performs with the Arizona Repertory Theater and the Arizona Theatre Company. In addition to performing, Robert runs studio of students from ages 6 to 70 and coaches cellists in local middle and high schools.

robert89marshall@gmail.com  robertmarshallcello.com | 770.316.5363

DAVE MORGAN - TUBA, EUPHONIUM/BARITONE

David Morgan has been Principal Tuba of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra since 2010. He is also a member of the Tucson Pops Orchestra, True Concord, and Monsoon Brass.  He has performed as guest principal tuba with the San Diego Symphony and the Phoenix Symphony, and he has participated in the Aspen, Hot Springs, and Bay View Music Festivals. He has been featured as a soloist with the Tucson Symphony, Tucson Pops Orchestra, and Arizona Symphonic Winds.  As a music teacher, David is a faculty member with Tucson Brass Workshop, and he has lead a successful private low brass studio.

DGMorgan80@gmail.com

JOSEPH MUNOZ - TROMBONE & BARITONE HORN

Joseph Muñoz is a trombonist from the city of San Diego, California. He received his Bachelor’s in Performance with Teacher Certification from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2008. Joey has attended the Idyllwild Music Festival, the Hot Springs Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival. He has been the recipient of the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen Orchestra Fellowship and the Aspen Chamber Symphony Fellowship. Joey received his Master’s degree in Performance and Doctorate of Musical arts degree from UCLA in 2011 & 2013. He currently serves as the Second Trombonist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Joey has been an Elementary School Band Teacher for the Amphitheater School District since 2014. He is currently teaching at four elementary schools. Besides playing in the Tucson Symphony, being a public school teacher and being a private trombone teacher, Joey plays regularly as a freelance musician. He performs with such groups as True Concord Voices & Orchestra, Tucson Pops Orchestra, Broadway in Tucson and various churches such as St. Philip’s.

tbonejr@gmail.com | 858-967-4253

GRACE YUIKO NAKANO - VIOLIN

Grace Nakano is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. A native of Japan, Grace received her Masters of Music degree in Classical Performance from the Manhattan School of Music with Lucie Robert and Bachelors of Music degree from Boston University with Bayla Keyes. She was a recipient of the Fine Arts Award at the Interlochen Arts Academy with Hal Grossman. Accolades include First Prize Winner of the Duxbury Music Festival Chamber Competition in 2012, solo performances and concertmaster/assistant/principal positions with various orchestras and festivals including Spoleto Festival USA, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Round Top Music Festival, Texas Music Festival. In addition to performance, Grace teaches at various schools throughout the Tucson Unified School District and privately in the Tucson area. 

gracenak@gmail.com

PAULA REDINGER - FLUTE, PICCOLO

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Recently hailed as “amazing!” by her friends, and “really good!” by her neighbors within earshot, Paula Redinger’s musical career began humbly as a soloist with her elementary school band and local church.  She earned her B.M. (Boston University) and M. M., (University of Miami), even winning a few awards along the way.  As Principal Flute (Arizona Opera), Piccolo (Tucson Symphony Orchestra), and Second Flute (True Concord Voices and Orchestra), she covers all the bases.   Paula maintains a small but select teaching studio at home, and migrates annually to fill her role as Utah Festival Opera’s Principal Flutist. Paula and her beagle, Cooper, live in historic Armory Park, Tucson. She enjoys volunteering, cooking, hiking, motorcycling, and occasionally writing about these pursuits in her blog, “Eating on Two Wheels.”

DEENA REEDY - FLUTE, PICCOLO, ALTO FLUTE, RECORDER

Deena Reedy holds a DMA in performance and is an extensively trained and experienced educator.  Dr. Reedy is a Suzuki flute teacher, having registered training in books 1-11.  She loves working with students, helping them to improve their abilities, achieve their goals and imparting a love for music. She teaches students of all ages, levels and abilities.  Dr. Reedy has presented and performed at Suzuki Association of the Americas Conferences and National Flute Association Conventions.  She was previously a teaching artist in the Opening Minds through the Arts program for 10 years.  Dr. Reedy also performs with various local ensembles, including the Tucson Symphony, True Concord, Tucson Pops and the Ivory Wind Duo.   

www.deenareedy.com | jtmouse@yahoo.com

SANDY SCHWOEBEL - FLUTE, ALTO FLUTE, PICCOLO, RECORDER, BAROQUE FLUTE

Sandy Schwoebel holds BM, MM and DMA degrees in performance.  She teaches flute at Pima Community College and has lived in Tucson for 29 years.  She was a winner of the National Flute Association’s Professional Flute Choir Competition, served on an Arts Education panel for The National Endowment for the Arts, and both edited and wrote for several international flute magazines.  Currently, Sandy maintains a large private flute studio, performs with several chamber music groups, and freelances as a soloist and section player with large ensembles throughout the Southwest, sometimes touring as far away as China.

www.sandyschwoebel.com | sandyschwoebel@aol.com

LAURA TAGAWA - VIOLIN

Dr. Laura Tagawa, violin, completed long term Suzuki training in Violin Books 1-10 at Northern Arizona University with Dr. Louise Scott. She has taken additional Suzuki training courses with Susan Baer, Ronda Cole, Bill Dick, Daphne Hughes, Susan Kempter, John Kendall, Catherine Lee, Laurie Scott, Kathleen Spring, Beth Titterington, and attended Summer School in Matsumoto, Japan in 2006. She was the director of the Chaparral Suzuki Academy (summer institute) from 2011-2019. Laura currently teaches in Tucson, Arizona and is the President of the Arizona Suzuki Association. She completed violin performance degrees at The University of Arizona (DMA), The Florida State University (MM), and Northern Arizona University (BM). 
lauratagawa@gmail.com | www.lauratagawa.com

ALEXANDER TENTSER - PIANO, CONDUCTING, MUSIC THEORY

Alexander studied at Gnessin Music College in Moscow, Russia, and with Professors Theodor Gutmann, and Nohema Fernandez. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the U of A. Alexander teaches in the Russian tradition of developing technique through natural physical movements and development of beautiful piano tone using relaxation and mindful control.  Alexander has performed as a soloist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Sierra Vista Symphony, Catalina Chamber Orchestra, Arizona Symphonic Winds, and Lake Placid Sinfonietta. Dr. Tentser teaches at Pima Community College and maintains a private piano studio of children and adult students.

aatentser@msn.com | www.tentser.com

DAVE WALTON - PERCUSSION, ELECTRIC BASS, MUSIC THEORY, JAZZ STUDIES

Dave Walton performs with an eclectic mix of music ensembles. He holds a Doctorate in percussion pedagogy, performance, and jazz studies. He is past Principal Timpanist and Principal Percussionist with the Acadiana, the Lake Charles, and the Rapides Symphonies of Louisiana. He has performed and recorded with the chamber music quartet Pastiche. He is a regular and performancer as Timpanist/Percussionist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Opera, the Tucson Pops Orchestra, Arts Express, the Arizona Theater Company, The Invisible Theater, Arizona Onstage Productions, the Beowulf Alley Theater and several touring Broadway productions, including national tours of Hairspray, 42nd Street, The Full Monty, and Dr. Dolittle, and Anastasia. Mr. Walton also performs regularly as steel drum artist with Steel del Sol. He plays bass, percussion or drum set with a varied number of pop, jazz, and salsa groups including Reno del Mar, Salsarengue, Descarga, MisBehavin’, Combo Unica, and many others.

walton97@msn.com | https://www.dwaltonsteel.com/

ALANA WIESING - TIMPANI, PERCUSSION

Alana Wiesing is a multi-faceted and award-winning timpanist and percussionist from Phoenix, AZ. She holds a Master of Music degree in percussion performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, IN, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. Alana is the Principal Timpanist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as well as an Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, running, cooking, playing sports, playing board games and trivia, listening to all genres of music, and spending time with family and friends.

alana.drums@gmail.com