Stephen is a pianist who was born and raised in Washington State. He started learning piano when he was five years old. Throughout his musical journey, Stephen joined numerous piano competitions such as the Chopin Festivals and MTNAs wherein he garnered multiple top local and state awards.  These awards gave him the opportunity to perform with various orchestras in Washington State. Stephen obtained a full scholarship at the University of Missouri Kansas City where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and graduated with honors.  He recently received his Master of Music in Piano Performance degree at the Jacobs School of Music. 

Stephen enjoys playing classical music as well as listening to different genres. He shared his talent by playing for the elderly at retirement homes and nursing homes. Stephen also sang with and served as an accompanist to various choirs during rehearsals and concert performances at Edmonds Community College, UMKC, and Jacobs.  As a teacher, he is goal-oriented and focuses on students’ needs and getting to know them. Stephen is classically trained and will guide students on how to properly work on their music of choice. Besides music, Stephen enjoys many hobbies such as crabbing, fishing, aquascaping, biking, planting, and spending time with his two dogs.

Yige Han seeks to tell stories and build connections through her music. Born in Wenzhou, China, she has performed in concert halls across China and the United States, including Xiamen Banlam Theater, Barber Recital Hall, and Mixon Hall, with a repertoire spanning diverse styles.

Yige began her piano studies at the Central Conservatory of Music Piano Academy at Gulangyu, earned her bachelor’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under Dr. Sharon Mann, and completed her master’s at New York University with Professor Eduardus Halim, where she also teaches as an adjunct instructor.

As a teacher, Yige believes music should be a joyful and personal experience. She encourages students to approach music as a lifelong friend—something to explore with curiosity and confidence. Her teaching emphasizes individuality, creativity, and the idea that everyone, regardless of background or goal, can find their own voice through music. Outside of music, she enjoys spending time in nature and exploring photography.

Anthony Sun started learning the piano at the age five and gave his first public recital when he was nine. Since then, Anthony has accompanied choirs, played on the worship team for his local church, performed at recitals, and competed at countless competitions. His more notable awards include: first place at the Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (PAFE) in 2019, second place at the United States International Music Competition in 2018, and third place at the Steinway Junior Piano Competition in 2019. 

In the past, Anthony has studied with phenomenal pianists such as Sandra Wright Shen and Ruth Slenczynska, and is currently under the tutelage of Michi Hirata North and Dr. McCabe. Anthony is currently a third-year undergraduate at the University of Washington pursuing both a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance as well as a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. 

Besides fostering a great love and passion for music from a young age, Anthony has found immense joy in being able to share and teach music to others. Since he was 14, Anthony has been teaching young kids piano, and in the past, has even started and led a keyboard class dedicated to teaching kids with special needs about music and the piano. For Anthony, teaching music is less about showing one how to physically play music, but about allowing one to discover their own personal relationship with music and to use that to express their deepest feelings. 

Besides playing piano, Anthony enjoys reading, playing sports such as basketball and tennis, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

As a passionate and accomplished music educator, Lei holds a diverse range of certifications and academic achievements that have shaped her journey in the field of music education. She is dedicated to fostering a love for music and empowering students to discover their musical talents.

In 2019, she completed her Master of Music Education degree at the esteemed Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, IN. This program provided her with a comprehensive understanding of music pedagogy and allowed her to specialize in instrumental music instruction. Additionally, she obtained certification in both K-12 General and Instrumental Music in the state of Indiana. Prior to this, in 2016, she earned her Master of Music in Jazz Studies with a focus on Piano performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, further expanding her expertise in the realm of Jazz and instrumental performance.

Her educational journey began at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music in Tianjin, China, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance degree in 2013. During her time at the conservatory, she received the prestigious National Scholarship (First Place), the Academic Achievement Award, and the Music Talent Award for her outstanding performance and dedication to music.

Miao Liu was recently appointed to the tenure-track Third Flute/Piccolo position with the Billings Symphony Orchestra and has performed as guest principal flutist with the Olympia Symphony. She has appeared as a soloist with the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble, Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, and University of Washington ensembles, among others.

A frequent competition winner, Ms. Liu was awarded First Prize at the 2025 Kentucky Flute Society Young Artist Competition and the 2024 National Flute Association Convention Performer Competition. Her accolades also include First Prizes at the 2019 Arizona Flute Society Collegiate Competition, the 2017 Seattle Philharmonic Don Bushell Concerto Competition, and the 2016 University of Washington Concerto Competition. She was a finalist in both the 2021 ASU Concerto Competition and the 2019 Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition.

In addition to her performing career, Ms. Liu is a passionate educator. She is a flute instructor at Dolce Arts Studio and has served as a substitute coach for the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. She also directed the ASU Community Flute Choir, leading rehearsals and organizing performances at venues including the Musical Instrument Museum. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Ms. Liu is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

A dedicated and experienced performer, Emily toured China in 2019 with the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, showcasing her artistry at a series of prestigious venues. She has also performed with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall under the batons of Ludovic Morlot and David Rahbee. Her extensive ensemble experience reflects a high level of musicianship and collaborative skill.

Emily’s summer studies include multiple sessions at the ARIA International Summer Music Academy (2016, 2021) in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she trained with world-renowned flutists including Bonita Boyd, Lynda Toote, Aaron Goldman, Jonathan Keeble, Molly Barth, and Donna Shin. She has also participated in masterclasses with Evan Pengra Sult and Juno Lee, and has studied privately with Zart Dombourian-Eby, Karla Flygare, and Robin Peery.

In addition to her performance career, Emily is passionate about teaching. During the UW China tour, she led flute masterclasses for local students. She has also served as a flute specialist at Providence Classical Christian School, offering lessons to students of all ages and levels. Her warm, structured, and encouraging teaching style has made her a sought-after private instructor.

Outside of music, Emily enjoys spending time in nature and is an avid hiker. Her dedication to both performance and education continues to shape her path as a thoughtful and inspiring musician.

Nicholas Franks is a successful classical saxophonist and band director at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington. He teaches hundreds of students in a variety of settings, including band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, introductory keyboard, and general music. He is also the inaugural Assistant Band Director of the Seattle University Athletic Band program, led by Dr. Brad McDavid.

Nick has a degree in instrumental music education from the University of Washington, where he studied under saxophonist and band leader of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra Michael Brockman. During his time as a student, Nick was a dedicated member of the Husky Marching Band, where he served as both saxophone section leader and senior drum major, and the University of Washington Wind Ensemble. He was principal saxophonist for two years and was featured as a soloist in a number of cornerstone works for concert band. Nick also often plays reed books in pit orchestras for community theaters.

Nick is a passionate advocate for the arts in public education, and believes that all students should have equitable access to high-quality music instruction. In his free time, he volunteers with the Husky Marching Band Alumni Association, plays various wind instruments in community bands, and holds a number of hobbies, including bouldering, cooking, and playing with his partner's cat, Matea.

Originally from the greater Los Angeles area, Cameron DeLuca is a clarinetist who seeks to promote all forms of new classical music. He has served as a regular member of the Temple University Wind Symphony and CCM Philharmonia and was also part of theTemple University New Music Ensemble, where he appeared as a soloist and partook in premieres of new works. Cameron was also a substitute clarinetist with the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles. He has attended Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina (2018) and soundSCAPE Festival in Blonay, Switzerland (2023 and 2024). His goal is to establish a university-level bass clarinet degree program, a recognition of the instrument’s versatility and growing popularity in the United States.

Cameron holds a BM from Temple University and a MM from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His primary teachers include Eric Anderson, Paul Demers, and Ixi Chen. He is currently a DMA student at the University of Washington, where he studies with Ben Lulich. 

When not playing clarinet, Cameron enjoys video games, movies, card games, and baking.

Jihye Kim, born and raised in South Korea, earned a Master of Arts in Music in Violin Performance from Washington State University. She received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Dongguk University Conservatory in Seoul and graduated from Goyang Arts High School, where she built a strong foundation in violin.

In Korea, she led after-school violin classes at an elementary school and mentored young musicians through the Young Artist Orchestra Program, assisting with orchestral preparation and chamber music coaching. Since relocating to Washington State, she has continued contributing to the music community by volunteering as an orchestra coach for Korean youth.

As a performer, Jihye has played with various orchestras, including the Washington–Idaho Symphony Orchestra, the Young Artist Orchestra in Seoul, the Washington State Univeesity Symphony Orchestra, and the Dongguk University Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble. Her diverse performance background spans both solo and ensemble work, highlighting her versatility and passion for music.

Fluent in both Korean and English, Jihye offers violin lessons tailored to students of all skill levels, accommodating diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes technical foundation, musicality, and personal expression, with the goal of nurturing confident and inspired musicians.

Grace is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Washington under the tutelage of Professor Rachel Lee Priday. She boasts a rich performance background, including playing with the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO). Grace has also distinguished herself as the first violinist in the WMEA All-State Chamber and NAfME All-Northwest Orchestras.

During her time at Newport High School, Grace served as concertmaster, frequently performing solos that showcased her exceptional violin skills. Her leadership and teaching abilities were further honed as she actively assisted her peers in improving their techniques and overall performance quality.

Since her junior year of high school, Grace has been dedicated to teaching violin, offering personalized lessons that cater to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. She employs various approaches and effective practice methods to foster her students' growth as musicians, ensuring they achieve their full potential.

Grace's commitment to her craft is further evidenced by her participation in masterclasses with Dr. Michelle Rahn at Central Washington University, as well as her involvement in the Seattle Young Artist Festival and the Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Festival. These experiences have solidified her reputation as a highly skilled performer and an experienced, adaptable teacher.

Justin Zeitlinger is a violinist and composer, originally from New Jersey. He recently completed a master’s degree in composition at the University of Washington, where he served as teaching assistant for music theory and performed in the Modern Music Ensemble. Previously, Justin studied at the Eastman School of Music (BM ’22) and Juilliard School Pre-College Division (’18) under Oleh Krysa and Naoko Tanaka, where he performed in ensembles such as Eastman’s Musica Nova and the Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra.

Deeply passionate about pedagogy, Justin combines creativity with technique, helping young performers realize their artistry through a wide variety of musical idioms. He currently teaches musicianship and creative music at SYSO’s Seattle Conservatory of Music. In addition, he has coached string ensembles ages 6–12 at the Opportunity Music Project (NY, NY) and served as a mentor to students during NYO-USA / NYO2’s 2023–25 summer tours.

Equally active as a composer, Justin’s work has been performed by ensembles such as the Bennardo-Larson Duo, loadbang, PUBLIQuartet, and AIR Contemporary Music Collective Beijing, and featured at international festivals including Darmstädter Ferienkurse, June in Buffalo, and UML-festival (Finland). He has received additional awards and distinctions from BMI, ASCAP, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

Dr. Rachel Reyes (she/her) is a Filipino-American performer and educator from Snohomish, WA. Currently, she performs with the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Octava Chamber Orchestra, and Northwest Symphony Orchestra. She is dedicated to and inspired by performing works by living composers and underrepresented communities. Alongside performing, Dr. Reyes is deeply passionate about teaching. She currently works as the Assistant Conductor of the Bellevue Youth Symphony (BYSO) Flute Orchestra and Flute Choir and as a Flute Coach for the BYSO Overture Orchestra. Rachel also is a Chamber Music Coach at the Seattle Youth Symphony Conservatory of Music.

Her musical successes include winning the 2024 University of Washington Concerto Competition, 2023 National Flute Association Masterclass Competition, 2022 Arizona Flute Society Graduate/Professional Competition, and 2022 Sewanee Summer Music Festival Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition. Rachel spent summers at the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Brevard Music Institute, and ARIA International Summer Music Academy. 

Dr. Reyes’s recent performances include the Otaka Concerto for flute and orchestra with the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra. Previously, she has performed the Hue Fantaisie for flute and orchestra with the Sewanee Festival Orchestra and the Doppler Andante et Rondo concerto with Professor Donna Shin and the University of Washington Wind Ensemble. Rachel has premiered works with the Seattle Modern Orchestra, the University of Washington Modern Music Ensemble, and in various chamber music performances in Washington, Arizona, North Carolina, and New York. Reyes has performed with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra.

Additionally, she has performed internationally in the Philippines and China. Recently, she led a public masterclass at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music. In 2019, she was invited to perform and teach masterclasses as principal of the University of Washington Wind Ensemble on their performance tour of China in Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an.

Dr. Reyes earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Washington where she served as a Teaching Assistant. At the UW, she performed with the Symphony Orchestra and Modern Music Ensemble. Reyes has taught and led Chamber Music Lab, Studio Classes, Orchestral Excerpt Classes, Woodwind Methods, Modern Music Ensemble, Music Appreciation, and Flute Lessons. She received a Bachelor’s in Orchestral Instruments - Flute Performance from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Flute Performance from Arizona State University. She has studied with Professor Donna Shin, Dr. Elizabeth Buck, Dr. Zart Dombourian-Eby, and Iris Ingram