Faculty

Assistant Professor: Music Education & Music

Chair, Music Department

Co-Director, Sinfonietta

mrampal@molloy.edu

Dr. Michelle Rampal is the Chair of the Music Department and coordinates the Music Education program at Molloy University. Her research interest centers on cultural issues in music education. She is committed to music education practices that represent, serve, and connect diverse people, music, and creative processes. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Rampal believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to helping her students succeed. Dr. Rampal has taught in a diverse range of educational settings. Prior to her time at Molloy University, Dr. Rampal directed the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Marching Band at Baldwin Senior High School in Baldwin, New York. She taught undergraduate courses in Chamber Music and Saxophone Pedagogy at the Eastman School of Music, directed a Community Jazz Ensemble for adults identifying as LGBTQIA+ (and allies) in Chicago, and taught Classroom Music to adolescents on the autism spectrum at P176x in the Bronx. Dr. Rampal is also a skilled and experienced saxophonist. She has performed and recorded in notable venues around the world with ensembles including the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Brooklyn Wind Symphony, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, Brooklyn Jazz Rebellion, and Ray Lugo and the Boogaloo Destroyers. Her saxophone students have been selected to perform in NYSSMA's All-State Wind Ensemble, All-State Symphonic Band, and study at several prestigious music programs throughout the country. Education: Ph.D. in Music Education, NYU Steinhardt. M.Phil. in Music Education, NYU Steinhardt. M.M. in Saxophone Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music. B.M. in Music Education and Saxophone Performance, Ithaca College. Saxophone studies with Dr. Ramon Ricker and Dr. Steven Mauk.

Adjunct Instructor: Violin & Viola, String Methods

Auxiliary Staff: Communications & Social Media Coordinator

Co-Director, Sinfonietta

Director, String Ensemble

sliu1@molloy.edu

Passionate about collaboration beyond the classical canon, New York based violinist Dr. Stephanie Liu has performed over 20 world premieres. She has been featured as a soloist with the Stony Brook Baroque Players, Menomonee Falls Symphony, Princeton University and Chamber Orchestras, among others. Recent ensemble appearances include the New York Classical Players, Frisson Ensemble, Norwalk and Albany Symphonies, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Berkshire Opera Festival, and BalletNext. She has participated in festivals and residencies internationally, including Spoleto Festival USA, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, and Bang on a Can Festival at MassMoCA, and is a member of the Deep Roots Ensemble, a folk music ensemble with whom she has appeared at bluegrass festivals and recorded two albums. In summer 2023, Stephanie created an original sonic memoir piece - And Then We Come Home - combining interviews with Charleston resident Kim Clark, soundscape recordings, and improvisation, which premiered at the Spoleto Festival USA. A passionate educator, Stephanie teaches at Molloy University, Concordia Conservatory, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Stephanie also makes an impact as an arts administrator, currently serving as Director of Development & Marketing for the award-winning contemporary music group Talea Ensemble. Stephanie holds degrees from Princeton University (A.B. Economics) and Stony Brook University (MM, DMA).

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Voice, Music Education

Director, Vocal Ensemble

mmessina1@molloy.edu

Dr. Messina conducts the Vocal Ensemble and teaches secondary methods for music education majors.  She also runs the Mineola High School choral program which is known for its frequent collaboration with the community, other ensembles, and commissioned  composers.  Dr. Messina has been seen as a guest conductor for local honor choirs and frequently presents workshops on instructional methods and innovative programming.  She holds degrees from The University of Delaware and Hofstra University, where she earned her Ed.D.  Dr. Messina’s research interests include instructional methods and critical thinking in ensemble classes. Dr. Messina’s local and regional affiliation work includes NMEA, NYSSMA, and ACDA. Dr. Messina frequently works as a collaborative pianist with festival soloists, sings with Long Island’s eVoco Voice Collective, and has performed internationally with the Delaware Choral Scholars. 

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Percussion, Percussion Methods

Director, Percussion Ensemble

jperry@molloy.edu

Percussionist Joshua Perry is a passionate advocate for contemporary music and interdisciplinary performance mediums. Acclaimed by the New York Times as a "creative percussionist," Perry is an ensemble member of Iktus Percussion, ensemble mise-en, and Hotel Elefant. Recently, Perry has been a featured soloist at the Kroumata Percussion Center in Stockholm, Sweden, the Transplanted Roots Symposium in Guanajuato, Mexico, Audio Trading Manual in Seoul, South Korea, and at the Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Festival appearances include Donaueschinger Musiktage, NIME 2021, SEAMUS, New Voices-New Music at Carnegie Hall, June in Buffalo festival, MATA festival, and the Bang on a Can Marathon. He has recorded for the New Focus Recordings, New Amsterdam Records, Albany Records, Gold Bolus Recordings, and Navona Records labels. Perry received his Doctorate from Stony Brook University.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Education

Student Teacher Field Supervisor

sweber@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Trumpet

paurrichio@molloy.edu

Peter Auricchio, trumpet, is an active performer and teacher in the New York area. Over the course of his more than twenty-year career, Peter has performed in forty-nine of the fifty United States, as well as internationally, across two continents. He has presented masterclasses at major universities, appeared live on both television and radio, collaborated on several recording projects and toured nationally with brass chamber ensembles and Broadway shows. Dr. Auricchio received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University in 2022. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Brass Performance from the Boston University College of Fine Arts in 2003 and his Master of Music degree in Brass Performance from The University of Denver in 2007. His principal teachers include Kevin Cobb, Alan Hood, Terry Everson, Ethan Bensdorf, Don Downs and the late, Mike Carubia.

Adjunct Instructor: Trombone

jfriedman@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Horn

pscanze@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Euphonium & Tuba

Director, Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble

mquartararo@molloy.edu

Melissa Quartararo is a tuba player and elementary band teacher. She has performed with the Portland (ME) Symphony orchestra, the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, and with numerous orchestras, bands, and chamber groups throughout the tri-state area. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in music education from Hofstra University and a master's in performance from Boston University. She is in her 17th year teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade band in the Lynbrook school district.

Adjunct Instructor: Trombone, Computer Writing, Digital Audio

Director, Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble

jyao@molloy.edu

For almost 20 years, adept talent as a trombonist, composer and arranger has helped cement John Yao’s place on the New York City jazz scene. Yao’s lyrical soloing and expressive, round tone, combined with his relentless drive to push the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, have established him as a unique and forward-thinking jazz talent. Masterfully leading and composing the music for both his large and small ensemble, Yao has released five albums as a leader.  First was the John Yao Quintet’s debut album In the Now (2012) followed by Presence (2017).  In between, Yao released his first triumphant big band album Flip Flop (2015) by John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument.  John Yao’s Triceratops recent albums How We Do (2019) and Off-Kilter (2022) have been called “complex, modernistic and updated, full of counterpoint, it’s very accessible and so much fun” by Hot House Jazz. In 2023, Yao earned a place in the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories in the DownBeat Critics Poll. As a trombonist, Yao has worked extensively as a sideman for Grammy-award winning New York City ensembles, such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.  He has also performed with such esteemed musicians as Paquito D’Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter and Kurt Elling, among many others. As a composer, Yao has been commissioned by Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, JMI Jazz World Orchestra, Arsonore Spirit Orchestra and numerous other ensembles abroad both educational and professional.  Yao serves as Assistant Professor of Trombone at Berklee College of Music and Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and as Adjunct Professor of Music at Molloy University. He is an XO Brass Clinician, as well as an active guest artist and soloist at colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad. Education: Indiana University, B.M. Jazz Studies; Queens College.

Adjunct Instructor: Guitar

Director, Guitar Ensemble

maguirre@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Guitar, Music Therapy

mkelliher@molloy.edu

Michael Kelliher is a professionally credentialed, board certified music therapist at the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy. He received his Masters of Science degree in Music Therapy from Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY.  Mike has completed advanced certification in Level 1 Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy from Molloy College in 2016. He has presented at professional conferences on his work within music-centered music therapy and relationship-based models of music therapy.

Assistant Professor: Guitar, Music History

dmcgann@molloy.edu

Applauded by the New York Times for his ".... facility and sensitivity for the instrument...distinct tonal character.... and considerable technique." Classical Guitarist Daniel McGann has concertized extensively as a soloist and in chamber music ensembles. Featured solo performances include WNCN and WEVD radio, the Guggenheim Museum, Carnegie Recital Hall and the Merkin Concert Hall. Professor McGann chaired the Music Department for ten years, served on many college-wide committees, including Faculty Council, currently serves as the Faculty Athletic Representative and is an active participant in the Global Learning Program accompanying and leading trips to Ireland, Budapest, Prague, Vienna and France. His research and pending publications of transcriptions focus on early women composers as well as transcriptions for guitar and voice of the musical settings of Geoffrey Molyneux Palmer's settings of James Joyce's Chamber Music Poems.

Adjunct Instructor: Guitar, Music History

Auxiliary Staff: Concert and Jury Coordinator

trizzuto@molloy.edu

Dr. Tom Rizzuto is a graduate of the Molloy Music Department. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Molloy University, an M.A. in Musicology from C.U.N.Y the City College of New York, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Molloy University. He has completed research on music history, social and emotional arts education, and the impacts of federal educational policy on music education. Dr. Rizzuto's work has also been published in numerous scholarly and non-scholarly publications. His TEDxTalk "Understand the Music that Divides Us" can be viewed on YouTube and the TEDx website. 

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Music Therapy, Music Theory & Aural Skills

hbae1@molloy.edu

Hannah Bae is an adjunct instructor at Molloy University where she teaches music theory, sight singing/ear training, applied piano, and music therapy lab. In addition to teaching, she is a composer, pianist, and Nordoff Robbins music therapist. Hannah holds a master's degree in music therapy from Molloy University and a bachelor's in music composition from Yeung Nam University in Korea. Drawing from her extensive teaching experience ranging from early intervention to elders, she has creatively customized her approach to teaching piano and music theory. Her individualized and unique teaching methods allow students to grasp musical concepts easily. This not only fosters a deeper motivation to practice but also brings greater enjoyment to their musical journey. 

Adjunct Instructor: Piano

Staff Accompanist

schun1@molloy.edu

A native of South Korea, Soyoung Chun received her Bachelor of Music degree from Kyung-Hee University and Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music, as well as an Artist Diploma from the State University of New York at Purchase. Mrs. Chun has had the privilege of performing as a soloist and chamber musician at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall, NV Hall, and other venues throughout the New York area. As an “educator at heart” and experienced piano instructor, Mrs. Chun has developed many young musicians. Mrs. Chun is currently a faculty member at Molloy University and Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn, NY.

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Chamber Ensemble, Music Theory & Aural Skills

Staff Accompanist

shong@molloy.edu

Praised for her exceptional musical insight, beautiful tone, and technical command, the Korean-born American pianist Suk Hee Hong actively performs as a compelling soloist and a collaborative pianist in venues across the United States, Paraguay, and Chile. Most recently she has been featured as a soloist with The South Shore Symphony Orchestra in Chopin Concerto No. 1 in E minor Op.11 under Barbara Yahr-Conductor. She has collaborated with many instrumental ensemble groups and vocalists and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and other major halls in New York and South America. Highly sought after by musicians for her extensive repertoire, she continues to perform in concerts and recitals. She gained recognition from a prominent American composer and flutist Ms. Katherine Hoover and continued collaboration with Ms. Hoover for many years until her passing in 2018. Ms. Hong is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, and she dedicatedly serves as an adjunct faculty, vocal and instrumental coach, and accompanist at Molloy University.

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Opera Ensemble

Staff Accompanist

jmartin3@molloy.edu

Joseph Martin is a vocal coach, choral director and accompanist operating primarily in Nassau County. He majored in Piano Performance at Queens College for his undergraduate degree and Collaborative Piano for his Master's at Manhattan School of Music. Currently, he is now the cantor of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baldwin, NY, pianist for ballet classes at Hofstra University, freelances as a choral accompanist, singer, and private piano teacher, and coaches the Opera Ensemble at Molloy College in Rockville Centre. Additionally, he operates as a freelance organist in the Tri-State area. He is also a rapper under the pseudonym “Some Film About Boston”, and any recent works can be found at soundcloud.com/somefilmaboutboston.

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Music Therapy

lmcdonough@molloy.edu

Lauren McDonough graduated with a B.F.A in Piano Performance from C.W. Post in 1991. She went on to earn her master's degree in music therapy from New York University. From 1994 through 2003. Lauren worked as a music therapist in special education settings. During this time, she also received her advanced training from the Nordoff Robbins Center for Music Therapy.  For the last 20 years, she has taught piano and music therapy courses at Molloy University. 

Adjunct Instructor: Piano

Staff Accompanist

jmontalbano@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Piano, Music Theory & Aural Skills

krhim@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Percussion, Percussion Methods

Director, Percussion Ensemble

jperry@molloy.edu

Percussionist Joshua Perry is a passionate advocate for contemporary music and interdisciplinary performance mediums. Acclaimed by the New York Times as a "creative percussionist," Perry is an ensemble member of Iktus Percussion, ensemble mise-en, and Hotel Elefant. Recently, Perry has been a featured soloist at the Kroumata Percussion Center in Stockholm, Sweden, the Transplanted Roots Symposium in Guanajuato, Mexico, Audio Trading Manual in Seoul, South Korea, and at the Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Festival appearances include Donaueschinger Musiktage, NIME 2021, SEAMUS, New Voices-New Music at Carnegie Hall, June in Buffalo festival, MATA festival, and the Bang on a Can Marathon. He has recorded for the New Focus Recordings, New Amsterdam Records, Albany Records, Gold Bolus Recordings, and Navona Records labels. Perry received his Doctorate from Stony Brook University.

Adjunct Instructor: Violin & Viola, String Methods

Auxiliary Staff: Communications & Social Media Coordinator

Co-Director, Sinfonietta

Director, String Ensemble

sliu1@molloy.edu

Passionate about collaboration beyond the classical canon, New York based violinist Dr. Stephanie Liu has performed over 20 world premieres. She has been featured as a soloist with the Stony Brook Baroque Players, Menomonee Falls Symphony, Princeton University and Chamber Orchestras, among others. Recent ensemble appearances include the New York Classical Players, Frisson Ensemble, Norwalk and Albany Symphonies, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Berkshire Opera Festival, and BalletNext. She has participated in festivals and residencies internationally, including Spoleto Festival USA, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, and Bang on a Can Festival at MassMoCA, and is a member of the Deep Roots Ensemble, a folk music ensemble with whom she has appeared at bluegrass festivals and recorded two albums. In summer 2023, Stephanie created an original sonic memoir piece - And Then We Come Home - combining interviews with Charleston resident Kim Clark, soundscape recordings, and improvisation, which premiered at the Spoleto Festival USA. A passionate educator, Stephanie teaches at Molloy University, Concordia Conservatory, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Stephanie also makes an impact as an arts administrator, currently serving as Director of Development & Marketing for the award-winning contemporary music group Talea Ensemble. Stephanie holds degrees from Princeton University (A.B. Economics) and Stony Brook University (MM, DMA).

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Double Bass, Jazz History, Music Theory, Improvisation

rsabin@molloy.edu

Dr. Robert Sabin is a double bassist, composer, author, and educator specializing in jazz and contemporary music.  He has appeared alongside such artists as Oliver Lake, Jean-Michel Pilc, Dick Oatts, Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Louis Bonilla, Tony Moreno, Rich Perry, John Yao, Matt Panayides, and Brian Lynch.  Sabin’s compositions and arrangements are featured on his latest release, Humanity Part II, featuring Jeremy Noller, Jesse Lewis, Aaron Irwin, Jason Rigby, Matt Holman, Dan Urness, Chris Komer, John Yao, and Ben Stapp. His group Trio 24 has a recording due out in early 2024 featuring guitarist Pete Smith and drummer Richard Huntley. He has presented workshops, papers, and clinics for the International Society of Bassists, International Society for Music Education, Association for Popular Music Education, University of Miami Frost School of Music, City College, Manhattan School of Music, and the Jazz Education Network, as well as being featured in the Online Journal of Double Bass Research. Sabin’s Ph.D. dissertation “Gary Peacock: Analysis of Progressive Double Bass 1963-1965” was written while studying with Peacock and doing extensive research on the early 1960s New York City Avant-Garde. Sabin currently serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, Molloy University, and is a guest lecturer at Drew University.

Adjunct Instructor: Voice

sfahnestock@molloy.edu

SangMi Fahnestock has taught voice and music for over thirty years in various settings for students of all ages. She has performed at Carnegie Hall with different choirs as a soloist. She sang opera arias at Carnegie Weil Recital Hall. She has also performed with the professional music group Soloist Ensemble Urania at Merkin Concert Hall, LeFrak Concert Hall, and Albert Hall, as well as charity concerts. She earned a Master of Arts in Classical Voice at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Being a lifelong learner, she studied conducting at Westminster Choir College, the Kodaly Method at New York University, and the Orff-Schlwerk Method at Hofstra University.  As a dedicated and enthusiastic educator, she never stops exploring and learning new methods, often implementing them with her students. 

Adjunct Instructor: Voice

Director, Concert Choir

dgriffin@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Voice, Music Education

Director, Vocal Ensemble

mmessina1@molloy.edu

Dr. Messina conducts the Vocal Ensemble and teaches secondary methods for music education majors.  She also runs the Mineola High School choral program which is known for its frequent collaboration with the community, other ensembles, and commissioned  composers.  Dr. Messina has been seen as a guest conductor for local honor choirs and frequently presents workshops on instructional methods and innovative programming.  She holds degrees from The University of Delaware and Hofstra University, where she earned her Ed.D.  Dr. Messina’s research interests include instructional methods and critical thinking in ensemble classes.  Dr. Messina’s local and regional affiliation work includes NMEA, NYSSMA, and ACDA.   Dr. Messina frequently works as a collaborative pianist with festival soloists, sings with Long Island’s eVoco Voice Collective, and has performed internationally with the Delaware Choral Scholars.  

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Voice

gpark1@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Voice, Vocal Techniques

Director, Opera Ensemble

kpfortmiller@molloy.edu

Kyle Pfortmiller has been heard at the Metropolitan Opera as Marquis d'Obigny in Verdi’s La traviata as well as in Andre Chenier, Faust, La fanciulla del West, The Magic Flute, and as Brian's father in the New York Premiere of Nico Muhly's Two Boys. Some of his most recent roles include a reprise of the role of Mr. XE in the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Angel's Bone, by composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek with the Beijing Festival and the Hong Kong New Arts Festival and his role debut as King Arthur in the musical Camelot with Intermountain Opera. Prof Kyle made his television debut in 2021 in an episode of “Food That Built America” and can be seen in a starring role this year in an episode about Pop Tarts. He was born in Elgin, Illinois, and currently resides in New York City with his wife. Kyle has the distinction of being the lone actor in NYC who has not appeared in Law and Order. www.kylepfortmiller.com 

Adjunct Instructor: Saxophone and Clarinet

joviedo@molloy.edu

One of the brightest soloists of the classical saxophone world, Javier Oviedo is acclaimed for his lustrous tone, passionate musicianship, and formidable technique. The Classical Saxophone Project (CSP) (classicalsaxproject.org) is his non-profit group that works tirelessly to present the saxophone as a unique, versatile, exciting classical instrument. Along with these older works, he has commissioned and premiered a dozen new pieces, both in the United States and abroad. Mr. Oviedo has performed to great praise in many cities across the country and around the world, from China to Latin American to many cities in Eastern and Western Europe. He has appeared with the New Jersey Symphony, the Austin Symphony, the Chattanooga Symphony, L’Orchestre Lamoureux, L’Orchestre à cordes d’Ariège in France, both National Philharmonics of Moldova and Russia and the Beirut Chamber Orchestra. His recordings with the City of Prague Philharmonic are available on the MSR Classics label.

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Flute

hpark@molloy.edu

Flutist Dr. Helen (Hye Jin) Park serves on faculty at Molloy University. As an educator, she has been a chamber coach at Pierrot Chamber Music Festival and a featured Teaching Artist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program as well as Morse Academy Summer Music Festival where she was named Yale University’s “Outstanding Teaching Artist of the Year”. As a performer, she has been heard in venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, as well as with the renowned Korean groups Keum-Pa Professional Flute Ensemble and Sung Nam City Orchestra. Currently, Dr. Park is the program manager of Anselmo Academy, a non-profit organization providing music education.

Assistant Professor: Music Education & Music

Chair, Music Department

Co-Director, Sinfonietta

mrampal@molloy.edu

Dr. Michelle Rampal is the Chair of the Music Department and coordinates the Music Education program at Molloy University. Her research interest centers on cultural issues in music education. She is committed to music education practices that represent, serve, and connect diverse people, music, and creative processes. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Rampal believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to helping her students succeed. Dr. Rampal has taught in a diverse range of educational settings. Prior to her time at Molloy University, Dr. Rampal directed the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Marching Band at Baldwin Senior High School in Baldwin, New York. She taught undergraduate courses in Chamber Music and Saxophone Pedagogy at the Eastman School of Music, directed a Community Jazz Ensemble for adults identifying as LGBTQIA+ (and allies) in Chicago, and taught Classroom Music to adolescents on the autism spectrum at P176x in the Bronx. Dr. Rampal is also a skilled and experienced saxophonist. She has performed and recorded in notable venues around the world with ensembles including the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Brooklyn Wind Symphony, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, Brooklyn Jazz Rebellion, and Ray Lugo and the Boogaloo Destroyers. Her saxophone students have been selected to perform in NYSSMA's All-State Wind Ensemble, All-State Symphonic Band, and study at several prestigious music programs throughout the country. Education: Ph.D. in Music Education, NYU Steinhardt. M.Phil. in Music Education, NYU Steinhardt. M.M. in Saxophone Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music. B.M. in Music Education and Saxophone Performance, Ithaca College. Saxophone studies with Dr. Ramon Ricker and Dr. Steven Mauk.

Adjunct Instructor: Oboe

mwojtyla@molloy.edu

Megan Wojtyla is a New York City based oboist and educator with a passion for contemporary works and inclusive music accessibility. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Wojtyla graduated from the University of Michigan with her Bachelor of Music degree in 2021 under the tutelage of Nancy Ambrose King, and earned her Master of Music degree at Stony Brook University in 2023 under the guidance of James Austin Smith. Wojtyla is on faculty at Molloy University as their Adjunct Oboe Professor and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University, at which she also teaches undergraduate music theory, oboe lessons, and consistently performs as a member of the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Wojtyla also enjoys performing around the city as a member of the Voyager Reed Quintet, and loves embarking on new music projects with fellow musicians and beloved Stony Brook colleagues. 

Assistant Professor: Guitar, Music History

dmcgann@molloy.edu

Applauded by the New York Times for his ".... facility and sensitivity for the instrument...distinct tonal character.... and considerable technique." Classical Guitarist Daniel McGann has concertized extensively as a soloist and in chamber music ensembles. Featured solo performances include WNCN and WEVD radio, the Guggenheim Museum, Carnegie Recital Hall and the Merkin Concert Hall. Professor McGann chaired the Music Department for ten years, served on many college-wide committees, including Faculty Council, currently serves as the Faculty Athletic Representative and is an active participant in the Global Learning Program accompanying and leading trips to Ireland, Budapest, Prague, Vienna and France. His research and pending publications of transcriptions focus on early women composers as well as transcriptions for guitar and voice of the musical settings of Geoffrey Molyneux Palmer's settings of James Joyce's Chamber Music Poems.

Professor: Music Theory, Composition, Music History, Music Technology

jsosa@molloy.edu

Dr. Jorge Sosa is a Mexican-born composer, and sound artist currently residing in New York. Jorge has worked in a wide range of styles and media, covering everything from electronic music to opera. In Jorge’s music you can often find a purposeful use of extended techniques, and a colorful palette of textures and effects that interact with atomic motives and pounding rhythms. The juxtaposition of noise and lyrical melodies make for a style that is both forward-looking and rooted in tradition. 

Opera News described his telematic opera “Alice in the Pandemic” as “wildly imaginative, musically powerful and technically courageous” and commended “Sosa’s broad stylistic palette (which) incorporated lyrical impassioned melodies, kooky carnival music, and efficient recitative”. The Music Blog “I Care if You Listen” described Sosa’s opera “I Am A Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” as “well-balanced to the story’s narrative, and his vocal writing aroused strong emotional peaks and valleys, magnified by the characters’ impassioned performances”. ICON Magazine described Sosa’s work “Enchantment” for Tárogató and Electronics as Eerie, haunting, dreamlike, at times nightmarish—and highly recommended.”

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Music Therapy, Music Theory & Aural Skills

hbae1@molloy.edu

Hannah Bae is an adjunct instructor at Molloy University where she teaches music theory, sight singing/ear training, applied piano, and music therapy lab. In addition to teaching, she is a composer, pianist, and Nordoff Robbins music therapist. Hannah holds a master's degree in music therapy from Molloy University and a bachelor's in music composition from Yeung Nam University in Korea. Drawing from her extensive teaching experience ranging from early intervention to elders, she has creatively customized her approach to teaching piano and music theory. Her individualized and unique teaching methods allow students to grasp musical concepts easily. This not only fosters a deeper motivation to practice but also brings greater enjoyment to their musical journey. 

Adjunct Associate Professor: Music Theory & Aural Skills

pberardinelli@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Piano, Music Theory & Aural Skills

krhim@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Guitar, Music History

Auxiliary Staff: Concert and Jury Coordinator

trizzuto@molloy.edu

Dr. Tom Rizzuto is a graduate of the Molloy Music Department. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Molloy University, an M.A. in Musicology from C.U.N.Y the City College of New York, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Molloy University. He has completed research on music history, social and emotional arts education, and the impacts of federal educational policy on music education. Dr. Rizzuto's work has also been published in numerous scholarly and non-scholarly publications. His TEDxTalk "Understand the Music that Divides Us" can be viewed on YouTube and the TEDx website. 

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Double Bass, Jazz History, Music Theory, Improvisation

rsabin@molloy.edu

Dr. Robert Sabin is a double bassist, composer, author, and educator specializing in jazz and contemporary music.  He has appeared alongside such artists as Oliver Lake, Jean-Michel Pilc, Dick Oatts, Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Louis Bonilla, Tony Moreno, Rich Perry, John Yao, Matt Panayides, and Brian Lynch.  Sabin’s compositions and arrangements are featured on his latest release, Humanity Part II, featuring Jeremy Noller, Jesse Lewis, Aaron Irwin, Jason Rigby, Matt Holman, Dan Urness, Chris Komer, John Yao, and Ben Stapp. His group Trio 24 has a recording due out in early 2024 featuring guitarist Pete Smith and drummer Richard Huntley. He has presented workshops, papers, and clinics for the International Society of Bassists, International Society for Music Education, Association for Popular Music Education, University of Miami Frost School of Music, City College, Manhattan School of Music, and the Jazz Education Network, as well as being featured in the Online Journal of Double Bass Research. Sabin’s Ph.D. dissertation “Gary Peacock: Analysis of Progressive Double Bass 1963-1965” was written while studying with Peacock and doing extensive research on the early 1960s New York City Avant-Garde. Sabin currently serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music Precollege, Molloy University, and is a guest lecturer at Drew University.

Professor: Music Therapy

Founder & Director, The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy at Molloy University

jcarpente@molloy.edu

Dr. John Carpente is a Professor of Music and Music Therapy at Molloy College, Founder and Executive Director of The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, the Founding Director of the Center for Autism and Child Development at Molloy College, and owner of Developmental Music Health Services, LLC. He is the Founding music therapist and creator of the DIR®/Floortime™-based music therapy program at the Rebecca School in New York City where he participated in weekly supervision and case conferences with Dr. Stanley I. Greenspan, co-creator of the DIR®/Floortime™.

Dr. Carpente received his Master of Arts degree from the Steinhardt School of Education and Human Development at New York University where he also completed his advanced clinical certifications, Levels 1 and 2, in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. He later went on to complete his doctoral degree in music therapy from Temple University and received his advanced practitioner certification in DIR®/Floortime™ from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and  Learning Disorders (ICDL).

Dr. Carpente has over fifteen years of clinical and supervisory experience in a variety of settings as a clinician, clinical supervisor, and program director serving a wide range of client groups with developmental, neurological, and emotional challenges.  He has also provided clinical supervision to heath care professionals, as well as to countless music therapy professionals, interns, and practicum students from various universities and colleges throughout the United States.

A pioneer and leader in DIR®/Floortime™-based music therapy, Dr. Carpente’s clinical and research focus is on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families, parent coaching, assessment, and supervision. Currently Dr. Carpente is the USA site manager for the TIME-A international research study involving  eight countries worldwide. It is the largest randomized controlled trial on clinical interventions for autism to date. He was the recipient of the “Excellence in Music Therapy Research Award” from Temple University and in 2012 was awarded with the esteemed “Faculty Research Achievement Award from Molloy College.”

As a program developer and advocate, Dr. Carpente has served on several boards and committees with special attention to autism spectrum disorder and child development. His advocacy and consultation have resulted in the development of numerous first-time music therapy clinical and training programs throughout Long Island and New York City. He was recipient of the Outstanding Contributions to the Discipline and Profession of Music Therapy Award by Temple University.

As an educator, Dr. Carpente has been a faculty member of Molloy University in Rockville Centre, NY since 2001. His teaching style involves the use of both, didactic and experiential experiences. He has taught and continues to teach a wide range of graduate and undergraduate music therapy courses including: Clinical Improvisation, Internship Seminar, Functional Piano and Guitar, Psychotherapy Theories and their Relationships to Music Therapy, Music Therapy repertoire, Treatment Planning, Foundations of Group Music Therapy, Music Therapy Methods, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, and Thesis Advisement. In 2011 he was the recipient of the Faculty Recognition Award voted by music therapy graduate students for excellence in teaching.

Dr. Carpente has authored several book chapters and articles on the topic of developmental relationship-based music therapy and autism spectrum disorders. He recently authored the Individual Music-Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (IMCAP-ND): A Clinical Manual. He has presented and lectured his work internationally and domestically.

Professor: Music Therapy

Director, Graduate Music Therapy Program

Trainer, Analytical Music Therapy (AMT)

sjung@molloy.edu

Dr. Seung-A Kim Jung is a Professor of Music Therapy, Chair of the Music Department, and Analytical Music Therapy (AMT) Coordinator in the Blended Learning AMT Training program at Molloy University in New York. Dr. Jung received her Ph.D. in Music Therapy at Temple University, specializing in AMT, culturally-informed music therapy, and stress reduction and wellness. She is a member of The International Association of Analytical Music Therapy (IAAMT) board, dedicated to advancing the AMT approach. Additionally, as a board member of the Esther Ha Foundation, she actively collaborates with mental health professionals to educate and raise awareness about the importance of music psychotherapy in the Korean immigrant community. She is the co-author of the book, Music Therapy in a Multicultural Context. She has been invited to present at various conferences in the U.S. and abroad. She finds joy in serving as an accompanist for Gloria Choir at Yale Church, NY.

Visiting Assistant Professor: Music Therapy

Director, Undergraduate Music Therapy Program

kkelly5@molloy.edu

Professor: Music Therapy

ssorel@molloy.edu

Dr. Suzanne Sorel served as the Director of Graduate Music Therapy at Molloy University until 2024, where she has been teaching since 1991. She received the Molloy University Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and the Faculty Recognition Award in 2012. She practiced clinically as a senior music therapist and supervisor for 13 years at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University achieving Level III Certification (trainer status) in the approach. Since 2003, she has worked as a music therapist, supervisor, and consultant at The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, Molloy’s on campus clinic. In 2010, she developed the Nordoff-Robbins training at Molloy at The Rebecca Center. Dr. Sorel completed her undergraduate music therapy training at State University of New York at New Paltz in 1986 and received Master’s and Doctoral degrees from New York University in 1993 and 2004. She has worked with a variety of client groups including autistics of all ages, as well as children and adults with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, speech and language disorders, and psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Sorel has been an invited lecturer at regional, national, and international conferences and workshops sharing her expertise regarding Nordoff-Robbins music therapy, clinical improvisation, and developing humanistic music-centered treatment plans that are evidence-based.

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Music Therapy, Music Theory & Aural Skills

hbae1@molloy.edu

Hannah Bae is an adjunct instructor at Molloy University where she teaches music theory, sight singing/ear training, applied piano, and music therapy lab. In addition to teaching, she is a composer, pianist, and Nordoff Robbins music therapist. Hannah holds a master's degree in music therapy from Molloy University and a bachelor's in music composition from Yeung Nam University in Korea. Drawing from her extensive teaching experience ranging from early intervention to elders, she has creatively customized her approach to teaching piano and music theory. Her individualized and unique teaching methods allow students to grasp musical concepts easily. This not only fosters a deeper motivation to practice but also brings greater enjoyment to their musical journey. 

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

ccaprioli@molloy.edu

Carly Caprioli, MS, LCAT, MT-BC (she/her/hers) is an Adjunct Faculty member in the Molloy University Music Department. As a Molloy Alumni, she is excited to share her expertise and knowledge with Molloy's music therapy students and community. In Fall 2023 she served as the academic supervisor in Music Therapy Fieldwork I and taught the Professional Growth in Music Therapy Training TU course. Carly has been practicing as a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist for over nine years and has gained extensive clinical experience working with a wide range of populations. Additionally, she has received an advanced Analytical Music Therapy certification, obtained through Molloy University's Blended Learning Analytical Music Therapy training program. Carly is excited to extend her passion and love for music therapy with her students and is looking forward to working collaboratively with faculty to support students' overall academic and professional growth.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

nfarr1@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Music Therapy

mguerrero@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

Special Projects Coordinator: Music Therapy

lheller@molloy.edu

Lora Heller is a music therapist and teacher of the Deaf. Her private practice, Baby Fingers, was developed in 2000. In addition to Baby Fingers, she is Special Projects Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor in Music Therapy at Molloy University where she has worked since 2011, with many more years as a music therapy clinical site supervisor for Molloy students. Lora currently teaches music therapy graduate and undergraduate courses, coordinates music therapy clinical site placements, collaborates on our continuing education workshops, assists with new and prospective students, and more. As part of the ‘Molloy Mission,’ Lora spent time in Jamaica providing music therapy to teen girls in a safe-house. Her Reflections on Practice was published in Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy in Summer, 2021. You can find her podcast in imagine early childhood music therapy online journal about her work with Peter, a young child with Fragile X Syndrome who used ASL and music as his primary means to communicate. Lora is author of seven sign language books for kids, technical editor and ASL consultant on several other books, co-author of a textbook chapter on music therapy in hospice care, and a frequent presenter at professional music therapy & special education conferences. In 2020, Lora had the distinct pleasure of performing with the New York Deaf Theatre.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

kjoplin@molloy.ediu

Kendall Joplin, MM, MT-BC is a music therapist working in a forensic psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C. She received her bachelor's in music therapy from Sam Houston State University and her master's in music therapy from the University of Kansas. She is currently getting her Ph.D. in Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University and focuses her research on exploring how music therapists engage in oppressive practices through their clinical music decisions. Along with her clinical work and adjunct position at Molloy, she is an adjunct professor at Washington Adventist University. Forever an animal lover, Kendall has a dog, a cat, two frogs, and a snake.

Adjunct Instructor: Guitar, Music Therapy

mkelliher@molloy.edu

Michael Kelliher is a professionally credentialed, board certified music therapist at the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy. He received his Masters of Science degree in Music Therapy from Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY.  Mike has completed advanced certification in Level 1 Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy from Molloy College in 2016. He has presented at professional conferences on his work within music-centered music therapy and relationship-based models of music therapy.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

lklein1@molloy.edu

Lillie Klein, MS, LCAT, MT-BC (she/her/hers) is adjunct faculty with the Music Department and proud alumna of Molloy University, where she earned her master’s degree in Music Therapy. Her clinical experience ranges across a diverse array of settings from birth to end-of-life, with a focus in grief and memory care. Lillie has served as a researcher, investigating the neurologic effects of music experiences for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and assisted in developing arts-based dementia care with Lincoln Center’s accessibility programming. She has published and presented her work for a variety of interdisciplinary forums and regional conferences. In addition to teaching and her clinical work, Lillie has a rich background in the performance arts, having earned her undergraduate degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami and studied theatre at the British Academy of Dramatic Arts at Oxford University. Lillie currently serves her home community of Long Island providing music therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. As a professor of music therapy, Lillie is vested in providing students with a creative educational experience within an inclusive and collaborative space.

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Music Therapy

amacrae@molloy.edu

Adjunct Instructor: Piano, Music Therapy

lmcdonough@molloy.edu

Lauren McDonough graduated with a B.F.A in Piano Performance from C.W. Post in 1991. She went on to earn her master's degree in music therapy from New York University. From 1994 through 2003. Lauren worked as a music therapist in special education settings. During this time, she also received her advanced training from the Nordoff Robbins Center for Music Therapy.  For the last 20 years, she has taught piano and music therapy courses at Molloy University. 

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Music Therapy

kmyers-coffman@molloy.edu

Dr. Kate Myers-Coffman (they/she) is an adjunct assistant professor of music therapy at Molloy University and a board-certified music therapist. Centering culturally humble and critically reflexive approaches to music therapy practice, pedagogy, and research, Dr. Myers-Coffman has published and presented nationally and internationally on topics such as critical pedagogies, inclusive syllabus design, community-based, resource-oriented music therapy with youth who have experienced trauma and loss, suicide prevention in music therapy, and supporting LGBTQIA2+ students and music therapy stakeholders. In 2023, they published a co-edited volume of case studies with Dr. Noah Potvin (Duquesne University), entitled Portraits of Everyday Practice in Music Therapy. Dr. Myers-Coffman embeds values of creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, participatory learning, interactive processes, and co-constructed experiences of making meaning in their work. These values, along with a commitment to justice and equity work, continue in their service to the music therapy profession and academia, including co-founding the Molloy University Music Therapy Equity and Inclusion Collective; serving on Molloy University's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Mental Health Task Force, and Community Care Response Team; serving as an editorial board member for the journal, Music Therapy Perspectives; and serving regionally within the  Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association as a member of the Anti-Oppressive Accountability Ad-Hoc Committee. To learn more about Dr. Myers-Coffman's publications, please visit their ResearchGate profile.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

vsa@molloy.edu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Music Therapy

bschneible@molloy.edu

Dr. Brigette K. Schneible, PhD, MT-BC is Adjunct Faculty at Molloy University and Postdoctoral Researcher at Drexel University.  Her clinical experience and research interests involve older adults in long-term care with a particular focus on transition.  She has supervised and mentored students and interns throughout her career.  Dr. Schneible has presented her work and served in various professional roles regionally and nationally.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

eschwartz@molloy.edu

Elizabeth K. Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, holds a Bachelor of Music in music education and special education music from the Crane School of Music and a Master of Arts in music therapy from New York University. She spent her music therapy clinical career working in early childhood music therapy and school-based music therapy practice. She frequently presents on music development, music centered practice and the use of the voice in music therapy. She is the author of a number of articles, book chapters and books on music therapy including “Music, Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach, Functional Voice Skills for Music Therapists” and “Basic Verbal Skills for Music Therapists” published by Barcelona Publishers and two songbooks - "You and Me Makes, We" and "Together with the Beat.” Schwartz is co-founder and education and training director of Raising Harmony: Music Therapy for Young Children which provides training and resources for music therapists. Her other passion is music therapy advocacy on the regional, state and federal level including government law and regulation pertaining to practice oversight and funding. Throughout her career she has served in a number of professional positions on behalf of music therapists and clients. In 2014, Schwartz received the American Music Therapy Association Professional Practice Award.

Adjunct Instructor: Music Therapy

ssofield@molloy.edu