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Dr. Michael Kaykov earned his Undergraduate degree from Mannes College of Music, Master’s degree from Juilliard, and DMA at the Manhattan School of Music (dissertation: “The Evolution of Alexander Scriabin’s Harmonic Language and Pianistic Textures Across his Etudes Op. 8, 42 and 65”.) His scholarly articles have been published in Europe. An album featuring the works of Chopin was released in the Fall of 2022. A third all-Liszt album will be issued by Odradek Records in 2024.
Upon moving to New Jersey in 2010, Ryan was gradually exposed to the New York metropolitan area jazz scene, becoming enamored with it. This passion led him to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's jazz program and the New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra. Ryan graduated from the William Paterson Jazz Program in 2020 and plays regularly in Manhattan at various restaurants and bars. He is currently enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music to further pursue his studies in jazz music.
Benjamin Ellis is adjunct professor of Guitar and director of the Classical Guitar Ensemble at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy. Ellis performs regularly and has been a featured soloist at festivals, universities and concert venues throughout the north east. Ellis is an active teacher in the Syracuse area and has been featured as a guest instructor at Syracuse University, Mansfield University and the Eastern U.S. Music Camp at Colgate University.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Max Reese is currently an in-demand freelancer and educator in the Chicago area. He is currently an associate member at the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and a frequent substitute with the Milwaukee Symphony. He completed a master’s degree under the tutelage of Stephen Williamson, principal clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he received a bachelor’s in music from the Oberlin Conservatory studying with Richard Hawkins, and has additionally studied with Charles Salinger.
Alex Dergal currently lives in Kansas City, Kansas where he dedicates his time to teaching music to the youngest in the community. Alex’s pedagogy is summarized in his mission statement: utilizing music to instill within students the confidence and skills they need to navigate the world around them. He also performs on clarinet and saxophone for classical and jazz repertoires. Alex holds degrees in performance from Oberlin Conservatory and the Yale School of Music. In his free time Alex reads books, writes stories and rides his bike.