Teachers

Brad began studying piano at age five, singing at church by age eight, and playing trumpet and singing in high school musicals at age eleven. He participated in marching band, show choir, concert choir, musicals, jazz band, 4-H Band, recitals, and the garage band Identity Crisis. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education from The Ohio State University, where he studied with professors Dr. Loretta Robinson and Dr. Robin Rice. While attending OSU he participated and had solos in University Choir, Symphonic Choir, Men’s Glee Club, Chorale and University Repertoire Band. He was active in the OSU theatre department as an actor, stage crew hand, workshop tech, soundboard operator, sound designer and assistant stage manager. He also studied with vocal pedagogue Dr. Paul Kiesgan from Indiana University. He has national and international performance experience and has performed professionally locally with Columbus Light Opera, Weathervane Playhouse, and the Cantari Singers. His experiences range from teaching German diction in Sevilla, Spain to singing the world premiere of a new vocal work in Columbus. Teaching trumpet, piano, and voice since 1997, Brad has loved music for as long as he can remember and believes that learning is fun, music is universal and love is contagious! Brad is happily married to Dr. Helen Allen and has four children- Graham, Christopher, Hannah, and William. He has been a teacher at Encore Music Studios since 2011 and Director since 2016.

Soprano, Helen Allen, a native of Yellow Springs, OH, is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned a BM, MM and DMA in vocal performance. Dr. Allen has worked with such noted artists as Shirlee Emmons, Warren Jones, Håkan Hagegård, Mark Rucker and Martina Arroyo. Some of her title roles include those in Die Zauberflöte, Mavra, Gianni Schicchi, La Cenerentola, Don Giovanni and Fidelio. Locally, Dr. Allen has appeared with Columbus Light Opera, Opera Columbus Outreach, Westerville Symphony Orchestra, and Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra. She has made numerous appearances as a soloist in such works as Messiah, Poulenc’s Gloria,Laud to the Nativity, Carmina Burana, and Benedicite. Dr. Allen has received awards for her participation in both state and national competitions and has adjudicated competitions for young singers as well. Recently, she appeared in a series of recitals with Dr. Allen McCullough, premiering the composer’s new works via a NEA grant in corroboration with Chamber Music Yellow Springs, performing around Central Ohio. Additional collaborative recitals and premieres ensued at Mercer University and Purdue University. Dr. Allen currently serves as a member of the voice faculty at Otterbein University, a position she has held since 2001. She resides in Columbus, OH, with her husband and four children.

Violinist and Pianist Yi Chieh Anita Chiu is a native of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. At age 4 she began studying the piano and the violin. She served as concertmaster at the National FHSH symphony orchestra, NTUA symphony orchestra, and BGSU Philharmonia. Ms. Chiu is currently pursuing a DMA degree in Violin Performance at The Ohio State University where she studies with Dr. Kia-Hui Tan.

Ms. Chiu holds Masters degrees in Violin Performance and Collaborative Piano from Bowling Green State University where she studied with Dr. Penny Kruse and Dr. Solungga Liu. A recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Studio and Creative Arts Award at BGSU, Ms. Chiu won the first prize in the graduate division in the 2015 Douglas Wayland Chamber Music Competition.

Ms. Chiu performs regularly with Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Lima Symphony Orchestra where she serves as assistant concertmaster. She was also hired as a violin mentor for the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra during the 2016-17 season. Ms. Chiu has many experiences working in orchestras as well as in chamber ensemble. She was awarded the graduate string quartet assistantship at Bowling Green State University. She also joined a piano trio as a violinist and a euphonium and tuba trio as a pianist during her time in Bowling Green, Ohio. Her participation and performances in the new music ensemble were also highly recognized by faculties and guest composers. Ms. Chiu is currently a doctoral candidate at the Ohio State University. Besides teaching private lessons, she also serves as the concertmaster at the Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra playing solos when needed.

Mary's interest and career in vocal music began under the instruction of Larry Weaver and Michele Horsefield-Carney of Central Ohio. Originally from Grandview, OH, Mary performed with the Grandview Singers and won notoriety for her solo performance of "Swinging on a Star", that she bravely performed while swinging on a large star suspended 20 feet above the audience. Mary received her Bachelors of General Studies in Musical Theater and Masters in Communication with focus on Radio Television Production and the Performing Arts from Ohio University in Athens, OH. Mary put together the Daley-Moore Singers who performed at local and national events such as America Sings. She completed her Suzuki Piano Pedagogy with Mary Craig Powell of Capital University. Mary has received a teacher enrichment grant from OMTA to study special needs and learning styles and serves as a faculty coach for CMC of Worthington, OH. She is the music specialist at Central Ohio Christian Academy and Preschool and has served as judge for Scale Olympics and Indiana Show Choir Festivals.

Fitzgerald St Louis is a Baritone born on the Island of Dominica. He obtained his undergraduate degree in vocal performance at the Middle Tennessee State University and continued on to get his graduate degree at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University under the tutelage of William Sharp and Dr. Stanley Cornett. As a soloist, he's performed in Switzerland with the Lucern Festival Orchestra under the Baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Italy and Austria. At Peabody he was the recipient of the prestigious Raymond G Ziegler Endowed Scholarship.

Olivia is a professional guitarist located in Columbus, Ohio. She is a passionate and versatile performer with proficiency in jazz, rock ,folk, blues, latin, pop, and classical styles and technique. Olivia has demonstrated her skills on professional stages and pit orchestras around Columbus, as well as performed in jazz combos, big bands, and solo settings. She is a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in electric/acoustic guitar, ukulele, bass, and lap steel. Olivia received a Bachelors of Music at Otterbein University where she studied jazz guitar. Her jazz studies have allowed her to blossom as a solo guitarist as she combines her love of fingerstyle guitar and jazz harmony into creative chord melodies in both electric and acoustic guitar. She believes that music has no limitations and is passionate about helping students along their musical journey. Olivia’s teaching style aims to build a student’s confidence by creating a fun and supportive learning environment and catering to each individual student.

Evan McAuley is a recent graduate of Ohio University School of Music, where he received his Masters of Music in Music History and Literature. He received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Capital University in 2018, and his Masters of Music in Piano Pedagogy/ Performance from OU in 2020.

Evan is active in applied research, evident from his presentations at Capital’s Undergraduate Research Symposium in 2018 (titled “Teaching Music in the 21st Century: The Implementation of Technology into Popular Music Pedagogy Methods”) and at the MTNA Piano Pedagogy Symposium in 2020 (titled “What I Learned About Group Piano Teaching from Playing Video Games: Teaching Takeaways from MMORPGs”). Additionally, his most recent Masters in Music History and Literature focused on the piano works of Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov, in the hopes of bringing his multifaceted piano pieces to the forefront of advanced and collegiate repertoire. During his time at OU, he was an active member of OU’s MTNA collegiate chapter, serving as their Treasurer for two years.

Chris Hines is a Columbus-based educator, performer and arranger. A versatile educator, he has taught band, choir and Advanced Placement music theory. He is also on the brass education team at the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in Casper, Wyoming. In addition to working with several marching bands in the Columbus area, Chris enjoys an exciting performing career. As a jazz trombonist Chris has shared the stage with such players as Jiggs Whigham, Bill Watrous and Paul Ferguson and has been an arranger for Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra. Chris is also a member of the Largemouth Brass Band and the Brooklyn Ludlow Future Jazz Project. As a Euphonium player, Chris is a member of the first section NABBA champions, the Dublin Silver Band.

Chris is a graduate of Capital University where he attained a degree in Music Education. A firm believer in Kodály pedagogy, he has studied at the Kodály School of the Franz Liszt Academy of music in Kesckemét, Hungary. After doing extensive research on the positive effects the Kodály philosophy has on brass players, his research was selected to be presented at the Nation Conference on Undergraduate Research in 2015. Highly engaged in the realm of drum corps and marching band from an early age, Hines’ marching experiences include one year with the Glassmen and three years with the world champion Bluecoats.

Kylie Stadler, originally from Mount Vernon, OH, is currently studying at Otterbein University to complete degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance. Kylie began playing flute in middle school, developing a love for teaching and music throughout high school. While in high school, Kylie was the principal chair for the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra for two years while studying with MVNU professor, Jenny Packard. At Otterbein University, Kylie has been a member of a variety of Otterbein’s ensembles, playing flute and piccolo in the wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, pep band, and flute ensemble. Kylie has had the opportunity to perform solo repertoire for the annual Canal Winchester Concert in 2022 and at the concert honoring Otterbein’s Vernon Pack Scholar in Residence and American composer, Libby Larsen. Kylie has had the honor of receiving both the Olive S. Cook award and the Ellen M. Jones Memorial award regarding her work in the music department. Kylie is the current president elect of the Otterbein chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association as well as the Director of Musical Activities for the Otterbein chapter of Delta Omicron, a music service fraternity.
Voice being her secondary instrument, Kylie is a soprano, singing in Otterbein University’s Concert Choir and studying with Dr. Helen Allen. Prior to college, Kylie was largely involved in her high school theatre and choir and briefly studied with Elizabeth Barret. While at Otterbein, Kylie has been invited on two occasions to perform as a vocalist for Otterbein University Jazz Band. Outside of school, she is a substitute flautist for the Westerville Symphony Orchestra. In her spare time, Kylie enjoys sketching, gardening, and spending time with the people she loves.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Heidelberg University in Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts in Music Education and Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University. She taught Secondary Vocal/Choral Music in Columbus, Chillicothe, and Upper Arlington prior to being a full-time mother to three beautiful daughters (who are now in college). She has taught private voice and piano lessons and has played for numerous local school districts at OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contests, Large Group District and State Contests, Choral Concerts, Musicals, and Variety Shows. She has previously sung with BelCanto Singers, The Robert Shaw Choral Institute Festival Singers, and the LancasterChorale. She has held music positions in local churches for the past 30 years including her current position as a pianist and accompanist at All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington, Ohio. She was most recently the Choir Director at St. Charles Preparatory School. Jennifer and her wonderful husband of 30 years live in Westerville.

Natalie Hu, a Westerville, OH native, is a pianist, violinist, and composer. She began studying piano at age 4, violin at age 9, and writing music at age 14. Throughout high school, she participated in the string orchestra playing violin, and in the pit orchestra playing piano.

Natalie is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Otterbein University with a concentration in piano. She currently studies piano under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Ross, violin with Dr. Juan Carlos Ortega Paredes, and composition with Dr. Jennifer Merkowitz. At Otterbein, Natalie is a member of a string quintet, a piano chamber ensemble, and the OtterCap orchestra. She is a recipient of the Frances Harris Memorial Endowed award for pianists in Otterbein's Music Department. Natalie has also had the opportunity of working with Otterbein’s 2022 Vernon Pack Scholar in Residence and American composer, Libby Larsen.

LingLing has more than 15 years of teaching experience for percussion in several music studios and universities in Taiwan and the US. She was a teaching/graduate assistant at Ohio University and Morehead State University from 2011-2017. Not only has she taught solo techniques and percussion ensemble skills for percussion-majored students, but she also has experience with teaching non-percussion major students the basic knowledge and techniques of percussion. In addition, she believes that it is important to build a strong fundamental foundation in order to develop advanced techniques for future playing.

My name is Morgan and I am 25 years old. I have been teaching elementary school the past few years out of college, but have really been missing my one true passion in life- MUSIC! Music has always been my outlet and passion from a very young age, routinely participating in private lesson starting with piano at age 4, starting professional violin lessons at age 10, and voice at age 15 with professional coaching as well. Entering Miami University in 2015, I began as a Music Education major accepted into the Voice program. I graduated with a Music BA Degree (and an Early Childhood Education double major) and participated in a Collegiate A Capella group all 4 years. Performing has always been my passion, and throughout college I performed as a vocalist and as a general musician, gained valuable teaching experience and opportunities to showcase my leadership skills. I had leadership positions within my A Capella group and within my previous music groups in high school! I was even chosen as the 1 Senior to conduct a song for our orchestra my last year of high school. I scored top rankings in OMEA competitions individually and with a String trio for 5 years at the regional level. I was accepted to participate in regional orchestras each year throughout high school! Music has always been my passion and I am thankful for this opportunity at Encore in which I can fully immerse myself!

William Boggs studied guitar from his youth. He won several “Best soloist” in jazz competitions throughout the Midwest region, and attended The Ohio State University in Music Education with a major in Classical Guitar (where he played Lute for the Collegium Ensembles). He received a Master of Music Degree from OSU and studied conducting at The Juilliard School.



He conducted the world premier of Robert Aldridge’s Elmer Gantry with Nashville Opera and a remount with at Florentine Opera of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee production of Elmer Gantry was released on the Naxos label in July, 2011 to great critical acclaim including three Grammy nominations, two Grammy awards, and “Best Opera Recording of the Year” award by Opera News. His recent recordings of Aldridge’s Sister Cary (Naxos) and Carlisle Floyd’s Prince of Players (Refererence Records) are available.



Maestro Boggs conducting is consistently praised by critics as “daring,” “sensual,” “enlightened,” and “superbly musical.” He lead some of Opera Columbus’ greatest successes including Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Die Zauberflöte, Carmen, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, La bohéme, Macbeth, and Turandot. As the former General Director of Columbus Light Opera he produced over 200 performances of the works of Strauss, Lehár, Offenbach, Gilbert and Sullivan, Friml, Romberg, and Herbert.

Violinist and tenor, Matthew Boles is a native of Westerville, Ohio. He attended undergraduate at Otterbein University where he received his BM in Violin Performance and a minor in Francophone studies, studying under Columbus Symphony Violinist, David Edge and Dr. Juan Carlos Ortega Paredes. During his time, Matthew served as concertmaster of the OtterCap University Orchestra, President of Delta Omicron's Omicron-Alpha chapter, and was the 2021 Recipient of the Ohio Music Federation Club's Agnes Fowler Award among numerous other departmental awards.

Matthew performs regularly with the Westerville Symphony Orchestra, the Otterbein Pit Orchestra, and the Central Ohio String Quartet, Strozzi, of which he is one of the co-founders. His passion for music spans multiple genres, specializing in Chamber music, Classical, and Baroque styles, in addition to Jazz and Rock on his electric violin. He was honored to play his electric violin on stage twice with Trans-Siberian Orchestra founding member, Mark Wood. Matthew hopes to inspire future musicians and performers to create and discover their passion for music and music-making. In his free time, he also enjoys traveling, composing, and performing new music of all genres.

Charlie Adams is a , violist , guitarist, and composer. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Charlie began studying guitar at age 8, viola at 10, and began composing around 14. As a violist, he has performed with the Westerville Symphony, the OtterCap Orchestra, the Ohio Wesleyan University Chamber Orchestra, as well as several string quartets.

Charlie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in composition and a minor in film studies. He currently studies composition with Dr. Jennifer Merkowitz, viola with Susan Locke, and guitar with David Hanna. He has worked with such composers as Libby Larsen, Gregory Mertl, Evan Hodges, and Eric V. Hachikian. He is the recipient of Otterbein's Young Artist Scholarship as well as their Olive S. Cook ’24 Memorial Endowed Award. Charlie believes that music has the power to change lives and hopes to share his passion for music with others.

Deric has been singing and writing songs since he was four. He has played trumpet since the age of eleven, and has played piano since the age of twelve. His first high school musical was The Wizard of Oz, in which he played the mayor munchkin at age 10.

Deric has been in choir, musicals, plays, the Singing Men of Ohio, University Choir, Chamber Singers, the Surround Sound a cappella group, opera scenes, and more! He was the king of Ashland University's 40th Madrigal Feast and a soloist in Handel's Messiah. He has performed with choirs in Germany and even arranged a composition for the Land of Legend Barbershop group.

Deric has performed Oberon/Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Charlemagne in Pippin, Truffaldino in The Servant of Two Masters, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, the Chief in Get Smart, Harry McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie, General Genghis Khan Schmitz in Seussical among others. He served as the musical director of the Drop of a Hat players, and had positions as an actor, a set builder, a house manager, an entire stage crew, an assistant stage manager, and a student director. He received an Irene Ryan nomination, was active in APO, the theatre honorary, and has been a paid voice actor. He originated the role of Harold Mantion in Ready to Play? and continues to perform in local theatres.

Deric has played trumpet in marching band, concert band, jazz band, jazz combo, and even received the Louis Armstrong award. He performed yearly at OMEA's solo and ensemble throughout high school. He played first part in the Ohio University Marching 110. He was in jazz combo all throughout college as a soloist and improviser, on both trumpet and voice. He was in 4-H Band for 10 years, where he was a section leader and many-time soloist, and continues to play with their alumni events. He is regularly hired for trumpet gigs, and he has even performed with bands in Ireland and Italy.

Deric holds a bachelor's of music education from Ashland University, where he studied with Professor Sikora. Deric believes that music is an important part of life, and is happy to nurture a love of music in others.

David Zimmerman is from Columbus, Ohio and currently studying at Otterbein University. As a rising musician, performer, and composer, David has flourished across many different styles, such as classical, jazz, commercial, and choral. While studying with Dr. Anthony Weikel, Mrs. Peggy Kohler, Dr. Karen Eckenroth, David has succeeded in many of Otterbein's principal ensembles, including being 1st trombone in Jazz Band and 2-time bass section leader in Concert Choir.

David has his own rising jazz combo, the Blue Jays Jazz and Funk Band, for which he is an executive member. From involvement in the central Ohio gig scene, to hosting their own concert series, to multiple album releases on all professional streaming platforms, David is making his mark with the Blue Jays. Additionally, he has ventured on his own as a freelance artist, scoring church chorister positions/music positions in Columbus/Worthington, as well as performing at professional venues, such as the Columbus Museum of Art.

As a composer, David is working hard to develop his unique voice. His works stretch across multiple music disciplines, such as jazz, contemporary, and choral. He has performed his compositions in many of Otterbein's concerts, as well as professionally within the local gig scene through the Blue Jays. He receives influence from his performance experience, as well as many of the great artists of the modern world and music history, such as Elaine Hagenberg, Bach, Dan Forrest, Miles Davis, Gordon Goodwin, and more. David composes stories and messages through a vehicle of music, and strives for all his works to be expressive, emotional, and spin a narrative to communicate with the soul. As David grows in his composing prowess, spreading his pieces to more venues, competitions, and medias, he remains ever eager to learn from those around him.

David aims to share his love and gift for music with the world in a passionate, selfless way.