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Phone: 508-755-7373
Phone: 508-792-1221
E-Mail: info@royalacademyarts.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Our Instructors

Omar Soffan ___________________________

Admin. Director, Pianist & Founder - performed his under-graduate studies  at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Mr. Soffan has performed throughout the United States as well as abroad. He has been invited to numerous music educational institutions to give lectures on the works of Frederic Chopin and his influences. Mr. Soffan has also contributed to a review in the "Chopin 2010 project" along with other artists featured were pianist's Lan Lan, Martha Argerich, Murray Perahia and Evgny Kissin.   Considering himself a "romantic period pianist" Mr. Soffan has also researched and lectured extensively on the works of  Domenico Scarlatti, Muzio Clementi's influence on the writing of Beethoven, as well as an exploration and recording of Alexander Scriabin's opus 11 Preludes.  In 1998 Mr. Soffan was also chosen by Steinway and M. Steinert & Sons to perform in a series of recitals on the piano's belonging to the legendary pianists Vladimir Horowitz, Ignaz Paderewski and Van Cliburn while these instruments were on their Northeast tour.  Mr. Soffan is currently going into his 13th, season as Artistic  Director of the critically acclaimed Professional Artist Series held in historic Alden and Spaulding recital halls at Worcester Polytechnic Institute at WPI College in conjunction with the Boston Conservatory of Music in performance collaboration with Douglas Weeks (Applied Music Director) and Michael Lewin, Boston Conservatory (chair of piano).  Mr. Soffan has also performed in such historic halls as Mechanics Hall, Tuckerman Hall, Seully Hall (Boston Conservatory), Alden and Spaulding Recital Halls and the "Historic" Higgins Mansion as well as receiving recognition and awards from the American Red Cross and recognition from the President of the United States for his arrangement and participation in a concert consisting of 17 renowned musicians from all over the world, uniting them in a 7 hour "marathon" performance  to help support  the September 11th, tragedy and the American Red Cross.  Mr. Soffan has also been interviewed and featured in Worcester Business Journal, Chopin 2010, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Waltham Tribune, Worcester Magazine, Today's Parent, Boston Conservatory Monthly Newspaper "Stages", WICN 90.5 Radio, WGBH 98.5 Radio (Boston) with Cathy Fuller & Richard Neisley, WCRB 102.5 (Boston), WTAG, WGMC Channel 3 News Worcester (with Jennifer Roy) and Channel 5 News (Boston).  Mr. Soffan's primary teachers & master classes have included; Janice Weber, Jonathan Bass, Mykola Suk, Michael Lewin, Gabriel Chodos, Dr. Howard Schott (Juilliard School, student of legendary Scarlatti interpreter Ralph Kirkpatrick)Cathy Fuller, Peter Orth, Soomi Lee (student of Nadia Boulanger) Jung-Ja Kim and coaching with Eugene Lumelsky. Recordings for Sonarc Records Include: Beethoven Sonata's Opus 27, Nos. 1 & 2, Scarlatti 13 Sonata's, Scriabin Op. 11 Preludes and Two Etudes of Contrast.  In recognition for the Royal Academy school's, He was also named one of Worcester Business Journal and Worcester Magazine's 40 most successful under the age of 40, ("40 under 40") the very first year this award was given in 1998. In its 11 year history he has been the youngest person to receive this award at age 27.

Thiwangkorn Lilit  "Mr. T"_________________________________________

Director of Music, Piano - Thailand born child prodigy Thiwangkorn Lilit received his B.M. and M.M. from New England Conservatory of Music in Piano Performance and Composition. A specialist in contemporary music Mr. Lilit has studied composition with Michael Gandolfi and Piano with Margaret Ott. He has received numerous awards including a New England Conservatory of Music Honors Scholarship and Bangkok Performance Award in the Bangkok Chopin Competition.  Mr. Lilit has also instructed at the Boston Arts Academy, Payap University, Thailand, and the Yamaha Music School in Thailand. His performance career has taken him to all parts of the world and he has received high acclaim for his talents as a pianist and composer. Mr. Lilit has also been awarded “Teacher of the Year” award three years consecutive from the Royal Academy for Performing Arts.

Sarah Vincelette ______________________________________________________

Voice -
Soprano, Sarah Vincelett has excelled in a wide variety of musical repertoire including classical styles, musical theater, jazz, and contemporary vocal music. Ms. Vincelett is a former participant in Los Angeles OperaWorks, the Spoleto Vocal Music Symposia, Ithaca College Opera Workshop, and the San Diego Opera Intensive, where she’s performed partial roles ranging from Gluck’s Euridice to Bellini’s Giulietta. Ms. Vincelett recently obtained her Bachelors of Music degree from the Ithaca College School of Music. She is currently perusing her Masters of Music degree in Voice Performance and Opera Studies at the New England Conservatory of Music under the instruction of Carole Haber. A California native, she has participated in numerous regional theater productions, receiving the San Diego Playbill’s award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Ruby in Dames at Sea. She can also be seen in the role of Shelby on the TV show Veronica Mars.

Julia Sokolowska  ____________________________________________________

Voice and Piano - Born in Warsaw, Poland Currently resides in Boston , MA As a dramatic vocalist, pianist and saxophonist, Julia Sokolowska, has developed a unique blend of blues R&B and jazz mixed with bossa nova and samba influences greatly attributed to her collaborative jazz partnership with the talented and electrifying Belo Horizonte ’s native, Flavio Dias. As a result of her colorful life experiences, Julia ’s vocal depiction have transformed her musical interpretations of lightness/darkness and happiness/sadness into an unequivocal sound supported by an array of power and percussion arrangements from her artistic collaborator, Mr. Dias. Julia ‘s rapidly progressing jazz career took her from her native country of Poland to the United States. By the age of 10 she was performing with nationally recognized for their work in children television shows band ’Tecza’. It was also at this insitution, where she met her mentor and friend Christopher Sadowski (President of Polish Jazz Society), who took a close interest in her talent and introduced Julia to the jazz scene in Warsaw where Julia began to receive recognition as an emerging and talented local artist. By the age of 16 she was a finalist of one of Polish TV shows called ‘Twoja Droga do Gwiazd’ and by the same time she was discovered and employed by Janusz Jozefowicz – owner and musical director of one of the biggest Broadway theaters in Warsaw. Her music theory knowledge rooted at the Academy of Jazz in Warsaw and developed under the wings of the artistic director, Agnieszka Hekiert. Despite her very young age, Julia displayed a riveting stage presence due to her countless performances at an early age as Poland ’s jazz scene quickly took hold of her talent and unmatched vocals. Julia ’s resume includes numerous performances at the Siedlce Jazz Festivals where she was noticed by the University of North Texas in Denton. Upon her arrival to the US, Julia began her degree in jazz and blues vocals and saxophone/piano arrangements at the recognized University of North Texas for two years. During her studies, Julia became a regular guest performer in Dallas, Houston and Chicago jazz clubs. While in Texas , Julia appeared at Chicago ’s Midwest Clinic with the Jazz Singers Group which lead her to the East Coast where she performed at a Harlem jazz clubs in New York City and in Trenton , NJ , where she released and promoted her first album – The Meeting. Shortly thereafter, Julia was offered and accepted a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston , MA where she is currently performing in the Jazz Vocal Series. Julia has made numerous guest appearances with artists such as: Jack DeJohnette, Kuba Stankiewicz, Zbigniew Wegehaupt and Chris topher Sadowski. Written by Zbigniew Iglewski.

_Michael Pecora  _____________________________________________________

Guitar - Michael has been studying music for the vast majority of his life, having been strictly trained by the best of instructors who have educations and affiliations in/with New England Conservatory of Music, Boston University School for the Arts, Hart College of Music and Clark University.  Michael began his studies at the age of 10, delving into various different genres including Jazz, Rock, Classical and Flamenco style guitar playing.  Michael has been teaching private, one-on-one lessons since 2007, and coaching guitar on a more inter-personal level with fellow peers and teachers since he was 14 years-old.  Michael has experience performing live, most commonly in a duo or trio accompanied by a bass player and/or a pianist.  In lessons, Michael implements music theory and guitar technique, while additionally incorporating some history of the students’ musical preference/interest of genre.  It is imperative to Michael that his students’ musical journey be a rewarding, positive experience balanced in harmony with practice and positive reinforcement to further his/her creative potential

_Jenny Pratt __________________________________________________________

Trumpet, French Horn, Beg. Piano - Born and raised in Massachusetts, Jenny Pratt has spent the majority of her life pursuing a love of music.  As an adolescent, she became a competitive trumpet player- gigging at age 14 and consistently ranking among the best in New England for her age group.  She also found success in Drum Corps International, placing in the top ten in worldwide individual competition on soprano g-bugle.  In addition to playing lead soprano, she became a top-line mellophonist and later acted as drum major of a division III corps.  Jenny's well-rounded musical education continued through orchestral, solo, and chamber ensemble performance opportunities at New England Conservatory and Tanglewood, where she studied with members of the Boston Symphony orchestra and the Atlantic Brass Quintet. As a  trumpet performance/music industry major at Syracuse University, Jenny held principal chair in the SU Orchestra.  While in New York, she broadened her studies to include other genres and instruments, such as jazz and piano.   At UMass-Amherst she studied with late trumpet master Walter Chestnut, while simultaneously endeavoring upon vocal jazz and  melodic percussion.  Post-college, Jenny continues to enjoy life as an all-around musician,  performing locally as a trumpeter, vocalist and keyboardist, in styles ranging from classical and jazz to metal and classic rock.  She is available for lessons in trumpet,  french horn (single), baritone t.c., g-bugle and piano, as well as coaching for music theory and small ensembles.

Jeffrey Mitchell _____________________________________________

Drums & Percussion -Has been playing the drum set since the age of five. He attended Miami University to study orchestral percussion. While attending Miami University, Jeffrey studied World Music (the music of Africa, India and other cultures), Balinese Gamelan, Steel Pan, Taiko and African drumming. He performed with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Gamelan Sura Jati Ensemble and the Steel Band. He played double-second pans on the album “One More Soca” with the Miami University Steel Band that was recorded on Ramajay Records. Jeffrey also had the opportunity to go on the U.S. “Unity of Light” tour with A. R. Rahman (Grammy-award winning composer for “Slumdog Millionaire”). The New York performance was filmed and recorded by Sony Music. Jeffrey completed a comprehensive and intensive study in New York City at the Drummer’s Collective with Ian Froman, Peter Retzlaff, Vince Cherico, Leroy Clouden, Kim Plainfield and Pat Petrillo.  He also had private lessons with “Saturday Night Live” drummer Shawn Pelton. Jeffrey transferred to Berklee College of Music and received his Bachelor of Music degree in Professional Music in 2010. He was awarded the Berklee Achievement-based Scholarship each year during his studies at Berklee.  Jeffrey focused on the drum set as his principal percussion instrument at Berklee. He studied harmony, ear training, composition and arranging. Jeffrey studied with Terri Lyne Carrington, Yoron Israel and John Ramsey. He also worked in the Voice Department at Berklee as an accompanist. Jeffrey performs with Berklee faculty member, George W. Russell Jr.’s Clap Your Hands Ensemble, performing music for the Young Audiences of Massachusetts. This is a statewide arts organization that provides exposure to a variety of music and art forms to young people throughout Boston and the surrounding areas. Most recently, Jeffrey was a featured artist selected to play at Steve Gadd’s drum clinic at Tanglewood, which was a featured event for James Taylor’s Week at Tanglewood. Jeffrey is a drummer, percussionist and songwriter. He continues to perform with his trio around Boston.

Yaling Lin "Irene" ___________________________________________

Piano, Flute, Early Childhood Education - Graduated from Adelphi University in New York with a Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Piano and Flute in 2008. Focusing on early childhood piano, Ms. Lin was also a member of Adelphi University Symphony Orchestra as a flutist and has performed in Garden City, Long Island, and through out New York City and Massachusetts.  She is a native of Taiwan and has taught in both the United States  and Taiwan. Ms. Lin teaches exclusively through the Royal academy for music where se uphold's a very large teaching studio as well as has been nominated as one of 3 teachers to receive "teacher of the year award 2010".

Shannon Ward ______________________________________________

Voice, Mezzo-Soprano - Graduated from Keene State College in Keene, NH, where she received a Bachelor of Music in K-12 Music Education with a Choral/Vocal specialization. Since her 2009 graduation, she has worked in public schools as a long term music substitute, directed an after school choir, and has directed a community/church youth choir. She has taught classes in American music history, musical theater appreciation, beginning and intermediate music theory, as well as concert band, a variety of choirs, and one-on-one music/voice lessons. Ms. Ward has performed a variety of solo and ensemble repertoire ranging from the Classical era to 20th century contemporary, including the lead role and excerpts from Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Roberts Schumann’s Frauenliebe und-leben, Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem and Randall Thompson’s Peaceable Kingdom. She also participated in Keene State College’s opera workshop, chamber choir, and the concert choir, in which she held the position of assistant conductor for the spring of 2009. Ms. Ward currently resides in Gardner, MA.

 Mong Yun Shih  "Sabrina" __________________________________

(Sabrina) Mong-Yun Shih (Piano) Was educated at Franklin Pierce University, N.H. where she received her B.M. in Piano Performance.  Ms. Shih's primary teachers have included: Jung-Ja Kim, Janice Weber, Faina Bryanskaya and Robert Johnson. Ms. Shih has performed throughout the New England Area and abroad in her native country of Taiwan and has also held teaching positions in Dracut, MA, Boston, MA,  as well as in Taiwan, instructing students of all ages and all skill levels. Ms. Shih has been recognized by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, National Guild of Piano Teachers and the Music Teachers National Association. Ms. Shih teaches exclusively through the Royal Academy for Music.


Ashley Episcopo _____________________________________________

Voice - Received her Master of Music degree from the Longy School of Music.  She performs music ranging from the mid 1600's to contemporary, newly composed works and in styles ranging from classical to jazz to contemporary music.  Ms. Episcopo has performed in opera, oratorio and recital in the Boston area and in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  A diverse musician, her studies have also included composition, flute and oboe performance.  Solo engagements have included the Mozart Requiem with Chorus Pro Musica and the Vivaldi Gloria with the Three Rivers Choral Society.  She made her operatic debut as Morfeo in Sebastian Duron's zarzuela "Salir el Amor del Mundo."  She has also participated in master classes with respected performers such as Ellen Hargis, Jeffrey Gall, and Sondra Kelley.

Charles Licata _______________________________________________

Charles Licata (Brass  & Woodwinds) Completed his Bachelor's degree from the University of Buffalo and his Master's Degree from the New England Conservatory.  A native of Buffalo, Mr. Licata has performed regularly in New York in such Jazz hotspots as the No-Name Bar, the Trafelmadore and the Edward Hotel.  Mr. Licata has also studied theory and composition extensively and has composed both in the classical and jazz styles.  Mr. Licata also performs internationally and directs several jazz projects in Honduras which can also be heard on NPR radio.

Jingke Cao "Coco"  __________________________________________

Jingke Cao (Piano) Began playing the piano at the young age of 4 in China.  After showing a high potential she began to study piano seriously leading her to attend the East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China where she received a diploma in piano performance. Ms. Cao recently relocated to the United States where she continues an active career as performer and a very active career as a private piano teacher exclusively through the Royal Academy.


Li Ching Huang _____________________________________________

Piano and Voice - Was educated in both China and Clark university in Worcester, MA. Ms. Huang has enjoyed a career as a young up and coming pianist.  Her training consists of a Bachelors Degree in Arts in Music and in Business from Clark University and she has performed at Clark University as a soloist and collaborative musician. She continues to enjoy a very active career as a performer and instructor in voice and piano.

Joe Carcia ___________________________________________________

Guitar Was educated at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he received his Bachelors Degree in Music in guitar performance. Mr. Garcia enjoys a career as a very active performer and has acted as accompanist for St. Joan of Arc Youth Choir as well as lead guitarist for "Soul Movement", a soul R& B Band nominated twice in the "Worcester Turtle Boy" awards as well as performed in numerous venues such as Tammany Hall, Lucky Dog Music Hall, Tufts university, Clark University, WPI, Harper's Ferry, Boston Court House, Middle East, and T.T. & the Bears.  Mr Garcia's primary teachers include Walter Platt, Jon wheatly and Jessica Blair.


Andrew Newman ___________________________________________

Andrew Newman - Guitar - An Alumni of Berklee College of Music, Andrew Newman has toured extensively across both the United States and Europe playing with Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, Gwar, White Zombie, and Nirvana.  His teaching experience covers a broad range of ages and styles, from beginners to advanced students.  In addition to years of private teaching, he has taught at White's Music Education Center and Doug's Musical Instrument.  Andy applies creative and inventive approaches to supply students with both the knowledge and skills for self-expression, and the mechanics of music.

Geoffrey Watson Oehling ___________________________________

Geoffrey Watson Oehling - Guitar, Ukelele,  Strings & Piano - A veteran Royal Academy instructor, Mr. Oehling started teaching for the Royal academy in 1999.  Mr. Oehling was educated at the Hartt Conservatory of Music.


Gjergji Kote_________________________________________________

Violin & Viola - Received his education at the Tefta Tashko Arts High school and Conservatory in Korce, Albania.  Completing 12 years of study (PHD equivalent) at the conservatory in violin performance. Mr. Kote was also invited to play with the Korce Orchestra and chamber ensemble.  Mr. Kote was later invite dto the United Staes to perform with the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra in Michigan where his mastery has earned him first violin chair in the orchestra.  He has also performed with many members of the orchestra in chamber recitals throughout Michigan and in the U.S. Mr. Kote has also enjoyed an extensive career as a teacher, instructing children and adults of all ages and skill levels.
 

Special Education/Music Therapy

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Susan M. Davis, MT-BC (Music Therapist) Ms. Davis received her B.A. in Sociology and Music from the University of Massachusetts and her B.S. in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz and her internship at Taconic DDSO, Wossaic, NY. Ms. Davis has worked at the American Institute of Neuro-Intergrative Development; Giant Steps as a part of a multi-disciplinary team with students having Autism spectrum disorders. She has also taught at New Horizons Resources and has seen numerous patients through private practice. Ms. Davis has composed for numerous publishing companies including Sonshine Publishing, Berkshire Theater for Theatre and the Arts, Mass. College of Liberal Arts and many more. Ms. Davis is certified by the American Music Therapy Association, Certification Board of Music Therapy (CBMT), First Aid and CPR as well as, Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP).
 

Administrative Assistant

Jacqueline Kane- Shrewsbury


Administration Staff & Public Relations
Omar Soffan – President, CEO, Advanced Piano Program 508-755-7373
Jacqueline Kane- Assistant to the Directors, Administration
Thiwangkorn Lilit – Director of Music 508-755-7373
Chris Fourkas – Accounting 508-752-0712
Diane Vandal - Book Keeping
Jackie Kniskern - Book Keeping

Member

*National Guild of Community Schools for the Arts (New York)
*Music Teachers National Association ID#9058645
*Massachusetts Music Teachers Association
*Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau
*Americans for the Arts Action Fund
*Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce
*Better Business Bureau (Accredited Member)
*ASCAP

Affiliations /Performance Relations/Career Services
*Royal Academy (London)
*Royal Conservatory (Brussels)
*The Juilliard School (Career Services, Performances)
* Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins University, Career Services)
*Berklee College of Music (Career Services)
*New England Conservatory of Music (Career Services, Performances)
*Boston Conservatory of Music (Affiliate, Performances)
*Metropolitan Opera House
*Mechanics Hall, Worcester
*Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Schools & Institutions that Utilize the Royal Academy For Services
*Worcester Polytechnic Institute
*Worcester State College
*Clark University
*The Hillside School (Marlborough) (Shah Salmi & Kate Tanguay)
*Umass/Memorial Hospital
*Christ Tabernacle Church
*Mechanics Hall
*Tuckerman Hall

Awards/Recognition
* Best of Shrewsbury 2008 & 2009
   Music Instruction Category
* Best of Worcester 2008 & 2009
   Music Instruction Category
* American Red Cross. Concert to Benefit September 11th, 2009
* President of The United States (G.W.Bush),
   Recognition for Concert to Benefit Red Cross
* Worcester Business Journal, 40 under 40 Most Successful
* Worcester Telegram & Gazette
* Worcester Magazine
* Today's Parent
* WGBH Boston
* WICN Worcester
* WCRB Boston
* WTAG Worcester
* Channel 5 News Boston
* Channel 3 WGMC News Worcester
* Stages, The Boston Conservatory
* Waltham Tribune
* Accreditation Better Business Bureau A+ Rating


 

 


  


 


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