Music

The Bachelor of Science in Music allows you to develop your artistic voice through a flexible curriculum that emphasizes musicianship and creativity. Our program is individualized, allowing us to work closely with you to develop a plan of studies that fulfills your academic and musical interests, and it will prepare you for a wide array of music careers.  Elective courses in music allow you to further develop skills in music technology, composition, or performance. You may also choose to take elective courses in another discipline, allowing you to pursue a second major or a minor in a wide variety of areas such as Business, Theology, Education, Communications, Languages or more.

Learn more here: Molloy University - Music Program (smartcatalogiq.com)

The B.S. Program in Music Therapy provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical techniques and clinical experience required to use music as a therapeutic modality with children and adults who have special needs. The program is interdisciplinary and incorporates both the music coursework to develop students’ musicianship skills, and the coursework in Psychology to provide models for evaluations and treatment of clinical populations. Courses in Music Therapy include the theoretical basis for music as therapy and music in therapy, exploration of clinical techniques and models, training in clinical improvisation, music therapy lab experiences and fieldwork experiences at clinical sites on Long Island and the Metropolitan area. The culminating experience of the student’s training is a 900-hour clinical internship completed in the senior year.

The B.S. in Music Therapy—the only B.S. program on Long Island that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates of Molloy’s dynamic program are eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy. Upon passing this exam, the student acquires the credential, Music Therapist— Board Certified (MT–BC).

Learn more here: Molloy University - Music Therapy Program (smartcatalogiq.com)

In partnership with the School of Education, we offer a B.S. degree in education that produces dynamic, responsive and ethical musical leaders in diverse school and community-based settings. The program serves student musicians from all musical traditions, offering rigorous training required to access a variety of careers in the music teaching profession.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates are eligible to pursue the Initial Teaching Certificate in Music (grades Pre-K - 12) from the New York State Education Department. This professional credential qualifies program graduates to teach in New York State public schools.

Learn more here:

Molloy University - Music Education Program of Study (smartcatalogiq.com)

The B.S./M.S. Dual Degree Program in Music Therapy provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical techniques and clinical experience required to use music as a therapeutic modality with children and adults having special needs. The program is interdisciplinary and incorporates both the music coursework to develop students’ musicianship skills, and the coursework in Psychology to provide models for evaluations and treatment of clinical populations. Courses in Music Therapy and Music Psychotherapy include the theoretical basis for music as therapy and music in therapy, exploration of clinical techniques and models, training in clinical improvisation, music therapy lab experiences and fieldwork experiences at clinical sites on Long Island and the Metropolitan area. The culminating experience of the student’s training is a 900-hour clinical internship completed in the senior year.

The B.S./M.S. Dual Degree in Music Therapy—the only B.S. program on Long Island that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates of Molloy’s dynamic program are eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy. Upon passing this exam, the student acquires the credential, Music Therapist— Board Certified (MT–BC).

Learn more here:

Molloy University - Dual Degree Music Therapy Program (smartcatalogiq.com)

The School of Arts and Sciences offers a Music Minor that gives students a holistic overview of the discipline of music. Students can choose up to 11 credits of elective courses in music, which may include applied lessons in an instrument or voice, courses related to the history and performance practice of music, courses in music theory, and courses that make use of music technology, and music creation. Students may also join one of our ensembles, which include the Concert Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Opera Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and Molloy Sinfonietta. Auditions are required for performance in our ensembles. A financial stipend is offered for qualified students performing in an ensemble.. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

For your audition, you should be prepared to perform two pieces of contrasting styles. Instrumentalists should also prepare major and minor scales.  If you need an accompanist, we will provide one for you or you are welcome to bring your own accompaniment. Please provide copies of the sheet music in advance.

Students will also be assessed in areas of general musicianship such as sightreading and pitch matching. Any student who has piano skills should also be prepared to play piano to demonstrate his/her level of proficiency.  This will aid in placement for the appropriate keyboard courses  Any student with prior guitar skills should plan to demonstrate these for placement purposes as well.  All students will be given a theory placement exam after the audition.   

If you prefer a virtual audition, please see below:

 Audition Details: All applicants should submit video links with (2) two musical selections in their primary instrument or voice. You can upload your submissions to YouTube and select "unlisted" in the privacy settings. Alternatively, you may submit links to files in cloud-based services like Dropbox or Google Drive. If sending links in Google Drive please make sure that in the share options you select "Anyone on the internet with this link can view." We need to be able to share your videos with several faculty members for review. Your submissions will only be viewed by Molloy faculty. Please submit all audition materials to musicauditions@molloy.edu.

Video Interview: After we review your audition materials, we will schedule a video interview with our faculty. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you better: We want to know why you want to study at Molloy, and what drives you to pursue a music degree. We are looking for passionate individuals with a strong desire to learn and to reach their full potential as artists, musicians, clinicians, and educators.  

Theory Placement Exam: We ask that all applicants take a theory placement exam. The purpose of this test is to assess your prior knowledge of music theory. The placement exam has no impact on your audition - it is for screening purposes only. The test helps us place you in the most appropriate level of music theory and sight singing classes. At Molloy we value all musical traditions. We welcome applicants with non-traditional backgrounds and a wide range of musical interests. Molloy offers a welcoming and nurturing environment built on respect and understanding. We value and encourage diversity in music and in our student body.

Scholarships: In order to improve your chances for Performing Arts Scholarships we encourage you to audition as soon as possible. Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded based on artistic merit, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact:

Coleen Petersen, Administrative Assistant, cpetersen@molloy.edu or 516.323.3320
Lora Heller, Special Projects Coordinator, lheller@molloy.edu or 516.323.3336

Audition materials will be submitted to musicauditions@molloy.edu.

Protecting Your Hearing Everyday, NASM Student Guide

Occupational Noise Exposure, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Hearing Loss and Decibel Levels, New Orleans Musicians' Clinic

Decibel Loudness Comparison Chart, Galen Carol Audio

Repetitive Strain Injury, by Tamara Mitchell

 "Five Tasks of Constructive Rest" by Barbara Conable/College of Music/University of Colorado Boulder 

Protecting your Neuromusculoskeletal Health Every Day:

Performance Anxiety, Web MD

Inner Game of Music, by Barry Green and Timothy Gallwey

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying music therapy at Molloy University! The music department offers a small and intimate learning environment while catering to the individual needs of each student! After graduating, I am working at a job in my field and passed the certification exam.”

Professor & Chairperson, Music Department 

Director, Undergraduate Music Therapy

AMT Trainer,  Analytical Music Therapy (AMT) Training  

sjung@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

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.

Professor, Music Therapy

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

jcarpente@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy

Assistant Professor, Music Therapy

kmyers-coffman@molloy.edu 

Teaching focus: Music Therapy 

Dr. Kate Myers-Coffman (they/she) is an 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.

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.

Assistant Professor, Music Education and Music

mrampal@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Education, Instrumental Performing Ensembles, Conducting, Aural Skills, Woodwinds, Music History and Appreciation

Dr. Michelle Rampal 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.

Professor, Graduate Music Therapy Program Director

ssorel@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Dr. Suzanne Sorel is the Director of Graduate Music Therapy at Molloy University, 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.

Associate Professor, Music 
jsosa@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Music Theory, Composition, Music History 

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.”

Special Projects Coordinator, Music Therapy

Adjunct Professor 

lheller@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy

Lora 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.

Auxiliary Professor 

Communications & Social Media Coordinator

sliu1@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Violin & Viola, String Ensemble & Sinfonietta, String Methods 

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).

Auxiliary Professor

Concert and Jury Coordinator 

trizzuto@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Guitar, Music Education, Educational Leadership, Music History, American Music, the History of Rock and Roll, Music and Global Cultures

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. 

Mariano Aguirre, MM

Adjunct Professor

MAguirre@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Guitar, Guitar Ensemble 

Peter Auricchio, DMA 

Adjunct Professor

pauricchio@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Trumpet 

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.

Paula Berardinelli, PhD

Adjunct Professor 

pberardinelli@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Theory, Sight Singing / Ear Training, Harmony 

Carly Caprioli, MS, LCAT, MT-BC 

Adjunct Professor 

ccaprioli@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

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.

Diane Griffin, MS 

Adjunct Professor

dgriffin@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Voice, Concert Choir 

Amanda MacRae, PhD, MT-BC 

Adjunct Professor 

amacrae@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Daniel Moody, MM 

Adjunct Professor  

dmoody@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Voice

Praised for the ability to “pierce hearts” and “utterly silence a room” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer) countertenor Daniel Moody dazzles audiences and makes “a profoundly startling impression” (The New York Times) in opera and concerts in repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary premieres. Moody has sung the title roles in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Rinaldo, and Orlando, and has sung the leading roles in contemporary works by George Benjamin, Peter Knell, Hannah Lash, Aribert Reimann, Elena Ruehr and Jorge Sosa. Career highlights include a recent debut with The Metropolitan Opera, appearances with Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera, and Mark Morris Dance Group, concerts with Minnesota Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. He is featured on Apollo’s Fire’s recent recording of Handel’s Israel in Egypt and will soon release his debut album of music for the countertenor voice with the esteemed Parthenia Viol Consort. Moody holds a BM from Peabody Conservatory, a MM from Yale School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music and has won several awards in prestigious competitions including Metropolitan National Council Auditions, George London Competition, Handel Aria Competition, and the New York Oratorio Society Competition. Moody has kept a private voice studio in New York City for several years, taught secondary voice lessons at Yale University, and is on the voice faculty at Vancouver Academy of Music and Molloy University. www.DanielMoodyCountertenor.com

Hannah Bae, MS, NRMT

Adjunct Professor 

hbae1@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy, Music Theory, Sight Singing / Ear Training, Piano

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. 

Soyoung Chun, MM 

Adjunct Professor

Staff Accompanist 

schun1@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Piano, Concert Choir 

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.

SangMi Fahnestock, MA 

Adjunct Professor 

sfahnestock@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Voice 

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. 

Nicholas Farr, MS, MT-BC, LCAT

Adjunct Professor  

nfarr1@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Suk Hee Hong, MM 

Adjunct Professor 

Staff Accompanist

shong@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Piano, Chamber Ensemble, Music Theory, Sight Singing / Ear Training 

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

Kendall Joplin, MME, MT-BC

Adjunct Professor 

kjoplin@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Kendall Joplin, MME, 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.

Michael Kelliher

Adjunct Professor 

mkelliher@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Guitar, Music Therapy 

Lillie Klein, MS, LCAT, MT-BC

Adjunct Faculty

LKlein1@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

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.

Joseph Martin, MM 

Staff Accompanist 

jmartin3@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Piano, Opera Ensemble 

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.

Lauren McDonough, MA, NRMT

Adjunct Professor 

lmcdonough@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Piano, Music Therapy 

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. 

Meg Messina, Ed.D.

Adjunct Professor 

mmessina1@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Vocal Ensemble, Music Education 

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.  

James Montalbano

Adjunct Professor  

Staff Accompanist 

jmontalbano@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Piano 

Javier Oviedo, MM

Adjunct Professor

joviedo@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Saxophone, Clarinet

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.

Hye Jin Park, DMA

Adjunct Professor

hpark@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Flute

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.

Joshua Perry, DMA

Adjunct Professor 

jperry@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Percussion, Percussion Methods, Percussion Ensemble 

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.

Kyle Pfortmiller, MM 

Adjunct Professor

Kpfortmiller@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Voice, Opera Ensemble

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 

Melissa Quartararo, MM 

Adjunct Professor

mquartararo@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Tuba

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.

Kate Rhim, DMA

Adjunct Professor

krhim@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Piano, Sight Singing/Ear Training

Vienna Sa, MA, MT-BC 

Adjunct Professor

vsa@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Robert Sabin, PhD

Adjunct Professor

rsabin@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Double Bass, Jazz History, Harmony, Improvisation 

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.

Brigette Schneible, PhD, MT-BC

Adjunct Professor 

bschneible@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

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.

Elizabeth Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC 

Adjunct Professor 

eschwartz@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy Treatment Planning; Vocal and Verbal Techniques in Music Therapy; Internship; Introduction to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy

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.

Stephenie Sofield, MM, MT-BC

Adjunct Professor

ssofield@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Alice Sorensen, LCAT, LMSW, MT-BC

Adjunct Professor 

asorensen1@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Music Therapy 

Alice is a dually licensed LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) and LCAT (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist), as well as a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). She is also a proud Molloy University alum! Alice's other education includes undergraduate work at SUNY Potsdam/Crane School of Music (Go Bears!) and Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work. Alice's clinical experiences include mental health populations, aging, hospice/palliative care, and currently, oncology.She currently holds the position of clinical oncology social worker at New York Oncology Hematology in Albany, NY, in addition to maintaining a small private practice.

Megan Wojtyla, MM 

Adjunct Professor

mwojtyla@molloy.edu

Teaching Focus: Oboe 

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. 

John Yao, MM 

Adjunct Professor 

jyao@molloy.edu 

Teaching Focus: Jazz and Contemporary Music Ensemble, Computer Writing, Intro to Digital Audio

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, M.M. Jazz Performance

Piano: Suk Hee Hong, Hyo Jin Rhim, James Montalbano, Lauren McDonough, Soyoung Chun

Voice: Diane Griffin, Kyle Pfortmiller, Daniel Moody, SangMi Fahnestock 

Guitar: Mariano Aguirre, Tom Rizzuto, Mike Kelliher 

Violin & Viola: Stephanie Liu 

Double Bass: Robert Sabin 

Clarinet & Saxophone: Javier Oviedo 

Flute: Hye Jin Park 

Oboe: Megan Wojtyla

Trumpet: Peter Auricchio 

Tuba: Melissa Quartararo 

Percussion: Joshua Perry

Concert Choir: Diane Griffin 

Opera Ensemble: Kyle Pfortmiller

Vocal Ensemble: Meg Messina

Chamber Ensemble: Michelle Rampal, Suk Hee Hong

String Ensemble: Stephanie Liu 

Sinfonietta: Michelle Rampal, Suk Hee Hong, Stephanie Liu 

Guitar Ensemble: Mariano Aguirre 

Percussion Ensemble: Joshua Perry 

Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble: John Yao