Meet Our Team and Instructors
Abby Kasenow Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Voice Instructor)
Abby Kasenow, an accomplished voice teacher and proud graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, has collaborated with world-class musicians and faculty through prestigious programs such as CoOperative at Westminster Choir College, Songfest, and Miami Music Festival. Originally from the Ann Arbor area, Abby brings her wealth of experience to inspire the next generation of vocalists.
Her recent opera credits include notable roles such as China Cup/Dragonfly in L'enfant et les sortilèges, Madame de la Haltière in Cendrillon, Bianca in The Rape of Lucretia, and Mrs. Herring in Albert Herring. Abby’s versatility extends to the concert stage, where she has performed as the alto soloist in Mozart's Requiem with First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Vivaldi's Gloria with the Naples Orchestra/Chorus, and Handel's Messiah with Oberlin Conservatory.
Abby believes that singing is a natural extension of speech—if you can speak, you can sing! She is passionate about fostering a love for music of all kinds and works closely with her students to tailor personalized learning plans that suit their unique styles, helping them grow and achieve their vocal goals.
Kirsten Lee University of Michigan Master of Music Student (Violin and Viola Instructor)
Kirsten Lee is an accomplished violinist and dedicated music educator from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is an active member of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and performs frequently across Chicago and Detroit. Kirsten is currently advancing her skills with a Master of Music in Violin Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan under the guidance of Fabiola Kim. She holds a Bachelor’s from Northwestern University, where she was deeply involved in various ensembles and graduated with departmental honors.
Kirsten’s teaching experience ranges from private lessons for ages 5-18 to classroom settings across instrumental and vocal music. She serves as the lead string instructor at Crescendo Detroit, a teaching artist for the University of Michigan's MSTARs program, and mentors violin students at the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Certified to teach PreK-12th grade music in Illinois, Kirsten is passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Vanessa Dominguez University of Michigan Music Theater Student (Voice Instructor)
Vanessa Dominguez, a distinguished singer/songwriter and performer, brings a wealth of roles and accolades to the Ann Arbor Music Academy. Recently back from Colorado, where her standout performances included roles like Janelle Woods in Beautiful, Marley in Escape to Margaritaville, and covering Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Vanessa's versatility is evident on stage. Her notable roles also feature Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Veronica Sawyer in Heathers The Musical, Alice Murphy in Bright Star, and Martha in Spring Awakening.
With a love for music that began at just two years old, Vanessa is passionate about the art of storytelling through song. She is dedicated to sharing this passion with her students, helping them uncover the narrative power of music and voice. Vanessa looks forward to guiding her students at Ann Arbor Music Academy, leveraging her extensive performance background to inspire and enrich their musical journeys
Max Zelle University of Michigan Master of Music Student (Piano Instructor)
Max Zelle is a talented composer and pianist fine-tuning his skills at the University of Michigan. Beginning his musical journey at ten, Max was quickly recognized for his improvisation talents, leading to formal studies with notable composers like Sarah Miller and Bright Sheng. His diverse works have been showcased at major venues like Lincoln Center and commissioned by groups such as the International Contemporary Ensemble. Beyond music, Max draws inspiration from everyday life, art, and poetry, and enjoys baseball and movies in his downtime. As an instructor, he's passionate about imparting his love for music to students, helping them discover their own musical voice. Eager to cultivate new talent, Max is excited to take on both piano and composition students at the academy.
Samantha Steinbacher B.M. Eastern Michigan University (Piano Instructor and singer/songwriter coach)
Samantha Steinbacher is a singer/songwriter, worship leader, and music educator. She studied classical piano at Eastern Michigan University and has been teaching people of all ages for a decade now. Samantha regularly writes, records, and performs her own indie/pop music while weekly leading worship at her church. She has a passion for turning emotions into art, whether it is creating her own music or capturing the beauty in someone else’s. Her favorite part of teaching is forming a connection and relationship with each individual student while helping them achieve artistic skill and expression. She enjoys teaching classical, pop, rock, and contemporary worship music (whatever the student or parent prefers!) all within a fun and kind lesson atmosphere.
Thommy Long B.M. and M.M. Candidate at UofM (Voice and Piano Instructor)
Thommy Long is a Mesa, Arizona native and is here in Michigan obtaining his Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan. At UofM, he’s performed the roles of Uncle in Puts’ Elizabeth Cree, Betto di Signa in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Mars in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. Before Thommy moved to Michigan, he graduated from Northern Arizona University in Music and Psychology in 2021. In the summer of 2021, Thommy traveled to Kandersteg, Switzerland and studied at the Berlin Opera Academy. Here he received intensive operatic training, as well as performed the roles of Frank in J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and Betto in Gianni Schicchi. Though, Thommy’s musical and singing ability does not end at opera, Thommy has recently performed the role of Gomez Addams in The Addams Family Musical, as well as performed in many other musicals in his youth. Thommy has a love for musical theatre, as well as pop and all other genres. He believes that obtaining a strong foundation of proper vocal production will allow you to sing in any style with ease. Thommy also plays the piano, a bit of the guitar, and has a history of playing the cello. He loves primarily singing and playing the piano on his own. He can easily incorporate playing an instrument while singing in his teaching if that is something that is wanted in the student’s development.
Grace Ryan Univercity of Michigan Masters of Music in Voice Performance Student (Piano and Voice Instructor)
Grace Ryan is a voice and piano instructor originally from Chicago, pursuing her Masters of Music in Voice Performance at the University of Michigan. She obtained her Bachelors degrees in Music Education and Voice Performance from DePaul University, and has worked in both the classroom and in private lessons with students from preschool age-adults. In her operatic training, she has performed roles such as Nancy in Albert Herring (Britten) and Presendia in Dark Sisters (Muhly). Her background is based in musical theatre, and she believes that establishing a strong musical technique can apply to performing all genres of music. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Melinda Carlisle B.M. Student University of Michigan (Voice Instructor)
Melinda Carlisle, a classically trained vocalist and pianist from Canton, Michigan, is currently pursuing a B.M. in Music Education at the University of Michigan. With a rich background of national and international performances, including the prestigious Blue Lake International Chorus, Melinda brings a wealth of experience to her teaching.
Her accolades include reaching the finals of the 2022 High School Verdi Opera and achieving semifinalist status at the 2023 Classical Singer national conference. Melinda has consistently received top ratings in both classical and musical theater categories from the Michigan School Vocal Music Association.
A firm believer in building a strong foundation in music, Melinda combines rigor with fun, ensuring that learning music is enjoyable and enriching. She specializes in teaching young performers across genres including classical, musical theater, pop, and jazz.
Join Melinda at Ann Arbor Music Academy and start a lifelong musical journey filled with growth, fun, and excellence.
Lilly Hunwick Current B.M. Candidate at UofM (Voice and Piano Instructor)
Lilly Hunwick is a singer, violinist, and pianist currently studying Choral Music Education at the University of Michigan. She found her passion for performing at a young age and has been involved in musical theatre, plays, and concerts throughout her education. She loves inspiring others and helping them grow! With a passion for musical theatre, pop, Jazz, and classical repertoire, she hopes to share this passion and inspire students. Lilly has played numerous roles in musicals including Donna in Mamma Mia, Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, and more! She has participated in three solo competitions and earned 1st place in each one, as well has scored at the highest level at MSVMA Solo & Ensemble. Lilly aspires to help students become comfortable exploring their instruments as they grow into young performers. She believes that the best stories are told through music, and she wants to help students tune into this special talent in lessons and through practice.
Larry Sumner (Jazz Piano/Keyboard Techniques, Guitar, Bass instructor)
Larry Roy Sumner Jr. is a singer, songwriter/composer, multi-instrumentalist, music educator, music director, and band leader from South Central Michigan. He gave his first public performance at age three and has been making music ever since! He currently serves as the Minister of Music at United Peoples Community Church, the Music Director for the Concord Area Players, a teacher at the Ann Arbor Music Academy, and leads his own band, B!G L & CODE BLÜ. He also plays with the Jack Pine Savages and Mixed Flavors. A huge fan of musical theatre, Larry has served as the vocal director/pit orchestra conductor for a variety of shows including Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Balancing Act, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening, Shrek the Musical, The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more! Larry Teaches Jazz Piano/Keyboard Techniques, Guitar, and Bass.
Rachel Taylor Music therapy major at Eastern Michigan University (Music Enrichment and Piano instructor)
Rachel Taylor is a music therapy major at Eastern Michigan University. She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2027. She is a voice primary, and she also has intermediate piano skills. While Rachel is working towards her bachelor’s degree, she is offering music enrichment lessons for children who are interested in participating in musical activities while building a foundation for musical skills. Rachel is also offering beginner piano lessons for children.
Amanda Xydis M.A. University of Northern Colorado (Vocal Performance and Opera Directing)
Amanda Xydis Madonna combines her lifelong passion for singing with a profound dedication to nurturing emerging talents. Her vocal journey began at the tender age of seven, leading her to acquire a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Opera Directing from the University of Northern Colorado.
A versatile performer, Amanda has shined in a variety of roles—from Cunegonde in Candide to Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Her extensive experience across multiple genres equips her with the unique ability to cater to a diverse range of musical aspirations and styles.
Amanda’s teaching philosophy is rooted in empathy and positivity, focusing on developing self-awareness in her students' voices to ensure consistent progress. She delights in uncovering each student’s individual goals and passions and takes pride in celebrating every achievement along their musical journey.
Join Amanda at Ann Arbor Music Academy and transform your vocal abilities with a teacher who celebrates your every note.
Whitaker Fineberg, CCPA Rosevelt University (Guitar and Bass instructor)
Whitaker Finberg's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his brother's songwriting and band tours. Although he started with the cello, Whitaker's true passion lay in the guitar and songwriting. Self-taught initially, he dove deep into formal music education, spending time at the Chicago College of Performing Arts studying jazz guitar. Yet, Whitaker's drive for live performances and songwriting brought him back to Michigan, where he toured with several bands and released multiple records. Teaching guitar at an Ann Arbor music store, he discovered a profound joy in mentoring aspiring musicians. After a brief stint in the recording gear industry, Whitaker established his own home studio, Square Lake Sounds. Partnering with the renowned Ann Arbor Music Academy, Whitaker is eager to guide students in realizing their unique musical visions.
Philip Rinke, B.M. Eastern Michgain University (Double Bass Instructor)
Philip Rinke studied double bass for over two decades now. An accomplished bass player, Philip studied music education at Eastern Michigan University and was the principal bassist of the EMU symphony orchestra his entire time there. Philip has a passion for music theory and excelled in advanced theory coursework. Philip has taught numerous double bass sectionals to schools such as Ann Arbor Skyline High School, DCO, Saline high school, and more. Philip was also selected as Skyline high school’s regular bass instructor for their summer orchestra camp at Interlochen. Philip enjoys staying active and playing many gigs which include playing in musical theatre pit orchestras, jazz ensembles, and with the Dexter Community Orchestra. Philip is also a wealth of instrument knowledge having spent quite a bit of time working in violin and guitar shops.
Marla Moore Masters in Voice Performance from University of Illinois (Voice and Piano Instructor)
Marla Moore boasts a vibrant history spanning a decade as a seasoned musician and voice instructor. A proud alumnus of the University of Illinois, she earned her master's in voice performance, a foundation that fueled her passion for the stage in musicals and bands. However, as time went on, Marla found her true calling in education and mentorship. This passion steered her towards growing a successful personal studio and eventually starting the Ann Arbor Music Academy, where she continues to inspire and cultivate young musicians every day.