Meet our Conservatory Faculty and View Audition Requirements

Our instructors are some of the best in the business—and in the classroom. That means you will be learning from people who, quite frankly, have been there, done that. As committed educators, they are prepared to share their knowledge, expertise and contacts so you, too, can orchestrate a career in music, whether your passion is classical, contemporary or somewhere in between.

Select your intended instrument to learn more about our applied faculty and audition requirements.

We'd love for you to learn more about our Conservatory faculty! The Conservatory of Music of home to many instruments and areas of study. Regardless of your instrument, you will have the opportunity to engage with faculty across the curriculum.

Check the box(es) below to learn more about audition requirements and faculty by instrument or area of interest.

Instrument

Area of Interest

Jim Faulkner
jfaulkner9@capital.edu

Jim Faulkner serves as the assistant principal bass of the West Virginia Symphony, and is a longtime member of the bass section of the Dayton Philharmonic. He is an associate musician with the Columbus Symphony, and formerly held the position of principal bass of the Springfield (OH) Symphony. He has performed with numerous other ensembles, including the Cincinnati Symphony, the Toledo Symphony, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Opera Columbus, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Columbus Bach Ensemble. The second prize winner of the 1999 International Society of Bassists Orchestral Competition, Jim has been fortunate to share the stage with a diverse variety of artists, ranging from Yo-Yo Ma and John Williams to Vince Gill and Nelly.

As a student of Paul Robinson, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Ohio State University. He received a Master of Music degree while studying with Albert Laszlo at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he later pursued additional studies in the Doctor of Musical Arts program.

Jim and his family reside in the Columbus area, where they have lived for the last twenty-four years.

Bass (Classical) Audition Requirements

One solo or movement from a large work such as a sonata or concerto. One etude from any standard technique book. Major and minor scales through four sharps and four flats. Sight-reading.

Questions?
jfaulkner9@capital.edu

Roger Hines
rhines2@capital.edu

Roger Hines heads the bass studio at Capital University, teaching electric and acoustic bass. In addition he leads jazz combos and teaches jazz history.

Hines toured and recorded exclusively with Ray Charles from 1980-1987. From 1988- present he has been music director and bassist for Grammy Award winning jazz vocalist Diane Schurr.

He has performed and recorded with numerous artists including Louie Bellson, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Frank Foster, Vince Gill, Sir Roland Hanna, Kidd Jordan and Ernie Watts.

Venues where Hines has performed include Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, Ronnie Scott’s London, The Blue Note, New York, Fukuoska, and Tokyo, Blues Alley in Washington D. C. He has performed at the Monteux Jazz Fest, North Sea Jazz fest and Red Sea Jazz Fest.

He has performed at the White House under President Clinton and at the Palace of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

Roger holds a B.M. in Music Theory and Composition and a M.A. in string pedagogy from the Ohio State University. He has studied acoustic bass with Dave Holland. He is the recipient of individual artist grants from both the Ohio Arts and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

Bass (Jazz) Audition Requirements

Minimum one-octave major scales – all keys. Chromatic scale, minimum two octaves, starting with low F. Walking bass pattern over a 12-bar blues progression in B-fl at or F. Two selections must be chosen from the following: "Misty,” “Autumn Leaves,” “A-Train,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Satin Doll” or “Gone With The Wind.” Preparation of the two selections should be as follows: melody, bass line, solo (improvisation) optional. The two selections must be performed in contrasting styles (i.e. walking 4/4 swing style vs. bossa or ballad). The student also must prepare one selection of his or her choice. Sight-reading.

Questions?
rhines2@capital.edu

Betsy Sturdevant
bsturdevant@capital.edu

Betsy Sturdevant’s extensive teaching and performing career includes her current positions as principal bassoon of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and bassoon instruction at Capital University. She has also taught at Otterbein University and The Ohio State University, and as a private coach for young bassoonists preparing for auditions.

She has presented recitals and master classes at colleges, festivals and International Double Reed Society conferences throughout the United States. Ms. Sturdevant has participated in summer festivals in Aspen; Spoleto, Italy; Chautuaqua, New York and Boulder, Colorado. She has performed as bassoon soloist extensively with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and also with other orchestras in New York, Indiana and Ohio.

Originally from Johnson City, NY, Ms. Sturdevant began her career at age 15 as second bassoonist with the Binghamton, New York Symphony. While studying with renowned bassoon teacher K. David Van Hoesen at the Eastman School of Music she was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic bassoon section.

Bassoon Audition Requirements

Major scales in all keys, at least 2 octaves. Chromatic scale demonstrating applicant's complete range (preferably at least 3 octaves). Two contrasting solos; possible choices include movements from Mozart, Weber or Vivaldi bassoon concertos or Telemann Sonata in f minor; one of the solos may be an etude from Weissenborn, Milde, Gambaro or equivalent. Sight-reading.

Questions?
bsturdevant@capital.edu

Joseph Mueller
jmueller692@capital.edu

Joseph Mueller has firmly established himself as a virtuosic performer and sought-after instructor in the greater Columbus area. Mr. Mueller was appointed adjunct instructor of cello at Capital University in 2011. In addition to his duties at Capital University, Mr. Mueller is principal cello of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and section cello in the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Mueller has appeared as soloist with the Capital University/Bexley Community Orchestra, where he is also principal cello.

Mr. Mueller completed a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Oklahoma where he held the position of graduate assistant and was a member of the Crouse String Quartet. Mr. Mueller was a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and was principal cello in the Oklahoma University Symphony Orchestra. He also holds a degree in Cello Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. His primary teachers have been Emilio Colon, Jonathan Ruck and Sabrina Lackey.

Mr. Mueller has performed master classes for Janos Starker, Lynn Harrell, Andrés Diaz, Helga Winold, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, William Preucil, Peter Salaff, and the Cavani String Quartet. Mr. Mueller began his studies at the age of six in the Suzuki method.

Cello Audition Requirements

One solo or movement from a large work such as a sonata or concerto. One etude from any standard technique book. Major and minor scales through four sharps and four flats. Sight-reading.

Questions?
jmueller692@capital.edu

Gail Zugger
gzugger@capital.edu

Hailed in the Milwaukee Sentinel for “hauntingly pure tone and perfect intonation,” Gail Lehto Zugger is highly regarded as a clarinetist and teacher. Dr. Zugger joined the faculty in 1999 and also teaches during summers at the International Music Camp near Dunseith, N.D. Dr. Zugger presented a clinic at the 2012 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and has given clinics at regional and state MENC (now National Association of Music Educators) conferences in Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and more.

Dr. Zugger has appeared as soloist with the Capital University/Bexley Community Orchestra, Westerville Community Band, Westerville Symphony Orchestra and Capital University Symphonic Winds, and performed in recital at the 2012 and 1998 International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest® conferences. She has performed in recital at Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Miami (Ohio) University, Ohio University, Bowling Green State University, Old Dominion University, Eastern Michigan University, and McNeese State University.

With fellow Capital faculty member Dr. Lisa Jelle, Dr. Zugger formed the Inspirare Duo, which recently commissioned and premiered Mark Flugge’s Tranquillo e Inspirare for flute, clarinet and jazz piano. She is also a member of the Quintessential Winds, Capital’s faculty woodwind quintet.

She can be heard in recording on Thomas Zugger’s Dances and Dreams: Recital Music for Trombone on the Mark Records label. Dr. Zugger is currently principal clarinet of the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra and second clarinet of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. She has played with the Columbus, Roanoke, Richmond (Ind.) and Lancaster Festival symphony orchestras.

Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, Dr. Zugger received in 2005 the Graduate of Distinction award from Racine William Horlick High School. She holds degrees from University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and The Ohio State University. She is a member of the International Clarinet Association and a regular contributor to its quarterly publication, The Clarinet. Her former teachers include James Pyne, Russell Dagon and Jack Snavely.

Dr. Zugger regularly presents and performs at music educators conferences and venues throughout the United States.

Clarinet Audition Requirements

Major and chromatic scales in two octaves. One etude from any of the following studies: Melodious and Progressive Studies Book I or II; Rose 32 Etudes; Rose 40 Etudes. A solo piece comparable to the following: Mozart, Concerto K. 622 (movements 1 or 3); von Weber, Concertino; Cavallini, Adagio and Tarantella; Poulenc, Sonata (movements 1 or 3). Sight-reading.

Questions?
gzugger@capital.edu

Dina Lentsner
dlentsne@capital.edu

A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Dr. Dina Lentsner joined the faculty of Conservatory of Music in 2004. As a musicologist, Dr. Lentsner is interested in the intersection of music and literature, primarily focusing on contemporary music. She has been active on the American and international musicological scene as a presenter at the numerous international, national, and regional conferences. Her other professional engagements include a three-month research grant at Paul Sacher Foundation -international center for studying 20th century music - and teaching seminars on musico-poetic analysis at the University of Basel (2006) and Estonian Academy of Music (2015). Lentsner’s articles, focusing on music of contemporary composers, including Hungarian György Kurtág, American George Crumb, and Estonian Lepo Sumera have been published in musicological journals in France, Hungary, Switzerland, Canada and Georgia (forthcoming). She has contributed a chapter on György Kurtág and George Crumb in Centre and periphery, roots and exile: Interpreting István Anhalt and György Kurtág (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, Canada, 2011), and one of her articles on Kurtág’s use of paratext has recently been published in SEEJ - Slavic and Eastern European Journal 62.1, 2018.

As a pedagogue, Dr. Lentsner is interested in transforming and improving traditional method of teaching music classes using Dee Fink's philosophy of "significant learning" through active student engagement. She is a strong supporter and promoter of interdisciplinary projects and undergraduate students scholarship. Under her supervision, music students have been presenting annually at the Undergraduate Scholarship Symposium as well as at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. In 2007 National Organization for Women-Capital University recognized Dina Lentsner with the Inspiring Female Teacher Award.

Tony Zilincik
tzilinci@capital.edu

Associate Professor Tony Zilincik teaches tuba as well as composition and theory, and he directs the brass choir and Capital Thunder, the University's tuba/euphonium ensemble. A prolific performer, he plays the tuba in the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, the Capital Brass quintet, the Cathedral Brass quintet at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, and directs and coordinates Merry TUBACHRISTMAS Columbus. He is also the E-flat tuba soloist with the Brass Band of Columbus and has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as well as many touring Broadway shows, such as Annie, The Lion King and Mary Poppins.

Zilincik is known for his commitment to presenting new music in different ways. In 2012, he joined 200 other musicians to perform his very own Tower Thunder in an 80-foot-tall tower at the Olive Ranch in Geyersville, California. In addition to performing and teaching, Zilincik coordinates Capital's New Music Festival, an annual celebration of contemporary composers. Also a prolific composer, his works have received performances in the United States and Europe and many are published by Cimarron Music. Mr. Zilincik is in demand as a tuba and band clinician throughout Ohio and Michigan. He is an expert in the areas of music composition, improvisation and tuba performance.

Composition Audition Requirements

Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of representative original compositions, with the expectation of three to four works of contrasting style. Composition majors should submit both their composition portfolio to Ishan Thapa, the Conservatory Admission Counselor at ithapa@capital.edu, prior to the audition date, and an audition application for their primary instrument. The portfolio should include notated scores of all acoustic compositions (in PDF format) and recorded representations (live performances or computer realizations) of all pieces. In addition to the composition audition/interview, you will be scheduled to audition on your primary instrument.

Questions?
dlentsne@capital.edu
mlochsta@capital.edu

Euphonium Audition Requirements

All major and chromatic scales, one octave. One etude from Rochut, Melodious Etudes or Tyrell 40 Progressive Etudes or equivalent, and a solo piece equivalent to or from the following: Blazhevich, Concert Piece No. 5; Barat, Andante and Allegro; Guilmant, Morceau Symphonique. Sight-reading.

Questions?
tzilinci@capital.edu

Dr. Lisa Jelle
ljelle@capital.edu

Dr. Lisa Jelle is currently professor of flute at Capital University's Conservatory of Music, where she teaches Applied Flute; Flute Literature; Woodwind Methods; Music Pedagogy; Introduction to Music through the Lives and Music of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. She also conducts the Flute Choir and coaches Flute Quartet and Woodwind Quintets.

Lisa’s latest CD, Bolling & Beyond: Lisa Jelle, Jazz-Inspired Flute. Mark Flugge Remembered, was released in 2019. Other releases are A Chamber Jazz Christmas (2016); Mark Flugge Remembered: Jazz Originals & Standards (2015); and Waltz into Madness (2012). These CDs feature compositions and arrangements by/with her late husband, jazz pianist/composer Mark Flugge, as well as the Inspirare Duo, Capital’s QuintEssential Winds, and the PANdemonium4 Flute Quartet. She may be heard as well on the Capstone release Resonant Edges, performing Paul Osterfield's "Jagged Edges" on piccolo, with pianist Diane Frazer.

In 2012-2013 Lisa led a consortium of professional flutists in commissioning and premiering Silver Fantasy for Solo Flute and Symphonic Winds by Dr. Paul Osterfield. Her most recent performances at the National Flute Association's Annual Convention were in Orlando (2018, with Karl F. Kraber and PANdemonium4), Minneapolis (2017, PANdemonium4), and Washington, CD (2015, with Ali Ryerson and the Jazz Flute Big Band). Three recent international performance and teaching tours were in Germany, Hungary, and England."

An enthusiast for both the creation of new music and outstanding chamber ensemble collaboration, Dr. Jelle's passion is evident in her work with the Inspirare Duo (with Clarinetist Gail Lehto Zugger), the QuintEssential Winds (with Gail, oboist Steve Secan, hornist Kimberly McCann, and bassoonist Christopher Weait), and the Flying Colors Duo (with her late husband, jazz pianist/composer Mark Flugge). She has performed with other Woodwind Quintets in Hawaii (The Spring Winds), Texas (Wild Basin Winds), Colorado (founding flutist of the Quandary Quintet, Breckenridge Music Festival), and Indiana (Ft. Wayne Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet).

Dr. Jelle won national auditions for and was a member of the Honolulu Symphony, the Fort Wayne (IN) Philharmonic, and the Austin Symphony. She is currently principal flute of the Ashland Symphony (OH) and the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, an associate musician with the Columbus Symphony, and frequently performs with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. She has also appeared with the Alabama Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Charleston Symphony and the Maui Symphony, and was a member of the Breckenridge (CO) Music Festival Chamber Orchestra from 1989 through her retirement from the Festival in 2010.

Dr. Jelle has performed in recitals and given masterclasses all over Ohio,and throughout the United States. She is an active member of the National Flute Association, and has given solo performances at the Annual Conventions in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2008) and Charlotte, North Carolina (2011). She has served as a judge for competitions in the NFA and the Central Ohio Flute Association.

For more information, or to hear her music, please visit her personal website, www.lisajelle.com.

Flute Audition Requirements

Two-octave major scales and arpeggios, all keys; three-octaves for C and chromatic. Two contrasting solos from different style periods. Possible solos from various periods are Bach, Handel or Telemann sonatas or suites (Baroque); Mozart, Quantz or Stamitz concerti (classical); Chaminade Concertino, Faure Fantasie, Poulenc Sonata, Doppler Fantasie (Romantic); the Debussy Syrinx, Hindemith Sonata, works by Muczynski or Hoover (contemporary). Sight-reading. Optional: Minor scales [natural, melodic, and/or harmonic] and arpeggios.

Questions?
ljelle@capital.edu

Tom Davis
tdavis@capital.edu

Guitar Audition Requirements

Our guitar studio is open to anyone on campus, and we celebrate musical diversity by exploring all genres and styles with our students and ensembles.

Students auditioning for the guitar studio as a B.M. major will need to prepare for the following items:

Two pieces in any style
At least 1 (One) must be unaccompanied
E.g., playing a solo guitar arrangement of a jazz standard, classical piece, rock/pop/indie playthrough of a song's guitar parts.
The other can be played using a backing track or other form of accompaniment
E.g., playing melody and improvising over a jazz standard, funk song, blues progression.
Note: Demonstrating Improvisation in your performances is not required, but strongly encouraged if you have experience in that area.

Major Scales
Be prepared to play one or two octave major scales with two different fingerings in at least 2 (two) keys of your choosing. Faculty may request additional keys or fingerings if appropriate.

Chord Recognition
Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of chords and voicings. Familiarity with all open chord shapes and basic barre positions is expected. You may demonstrate knowledge of 7th chords, shell voicings, or more advanced options if appropriate.

Sight Reading
During the audition you will sight-read melodies and rhythms on the guitar. These melodies will range in difficulty, but you can expect to find them playable in the open position notes in keys like C, G, and F.

Brief Interview
We want to get to know you! We will ask questions like: Why are you interested in pursuing music at the collegiate level? What are your own short and long term goals with guitar? What ensemble and performance experience do you have?
Above all, we want to see your artistry, passion, and get an idea of your aptitude for success. Your current knowledge and demonstration of theory, sight-reading, and technique are of course essential, but the most important aspect of the audition is your performance of two pieces.

Questions?
tdavis@capital.edu

Faculty Information Coming Soon!

Harp Audition Requirements

Major and minor scales in all keys. Two contrasting solos and two orchestral excerpts preferable, including one cadenza, e.g. “Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake” or Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” Sight-reading.

Questions?
admission@capital.edu

Kim McCann
kmccann3@capital.edu

Kimberly McCann earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Wheaton, Illinois. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Horn Performance from Northwestern University, where she studied with Dale Clevenger. During her studies in the Chicago area, she played with numerous off-Broadway productions and local symphony orchestras, including Chicago’s Classical Symphony. Since moving to the Columbus area nearly 15 years ago, Ms. McCann has become a desired teacher and performer in Central Ohio. She is principal horn in the Newark Granville Symphony, Westerville Symphony Orchestra, and WindWorks chamber winds. She has been featured as a soloist with the Newark Granville Symphony, the Westerville Symphony, and the Knox County Symphony. In November 2008, Kimberly appeared with WindWorks as a soloist, premiering Beethoven’s Horn Sonata as arranged for solo horn and wind accompaniment. She has also made appearances with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra as an offstage soloist, and Mannheim Steamroller.

Horn Audition Requirements

All major and chromatic scales, one octave. Major arpeggios, legato and articulated. Two contrasting etudes from Kopprasch, Alphonse, Gallay or a comparable etude of the student’s choice. One solo movement from a concerto or sonata by Mozart, Franz Strauss, Richard Strauss, Hindemith or Heiden or a solo of comparable difficulty. Sight-reading.

Questions?
kmccann3@capital.edu

Hugo Souza
hshinlimadesouza@capital.edu

Hugo Souza has been performing with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra since the 2019-20 season. The 2021-22 season was his first year as Principal Oboe.
Hugo has performed extensively throughout Brazil, North America, and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he had the honor of performing with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, as a guest artist at Music@Menlo, and with the ensemble Pentaèdre in Montreal. He also has performed with the American Ballet Theatre and American Symphony Orchestra.

Born into a musical family in Natal, Brazil, he began playing oboe at age fourteen and immediately fell in love. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in oboe performance at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where both of his parents serve as faculty in the music department.

Hugo continued his studies in the United States, earning his Master of Music from SUNY Purchase as a student of Maestro Humbert Lucarelli. He is a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he studies with Richard Killmer.

During his time at Eastman, Hugo took a leave to accept a teaching position at his alma mater in Natal (UFRN). While on faculty at UFRN, he played an integral role in raising the oboe’s visibility and popularity throughout the country. He co-founded the Brazilian Double Reed Society, which has since held major international conferences featuring masterclasses with world renowned double reed artists. This organization continues to foster a thriving community for double reed players and has amplified classical music’s role in Brazilian culture.

Hugo is on faculty at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music. He resides in Columbus, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, exploring the surrounding culinary scene, and creating fusion recipes.

Oboe Audition Requirements

Major and minor scales in two octaves. A study from one of the following or equivalent: Barret, Melodious Studies; Ferling, 48 Famous Studies; Sellner, Progressive Studies. A solo piece from the following or the equivalent: Handel, Sonata No. 1 or Concerto No. 2 in B-flat; Emil Paladilhe, Solo De Concert; Haydn, Concerto in C. Sight-reading.

Questions?
hshinlimadesouza@capital.edu

Chad Baker
cbaker@capital.edu

Chad D. Baker currently serves as the Director of Worship & Music at Christ Lutheran Church in Bexley, Ohio. As a faculty member of the Capital University Conservatory of Music and Trinity Lutheran Seminary his assignments have included teaching organ, piano and class keyboard as well as serving as an accompanist for the vocal area and assisting with weekly Chapel services as University Organist. Baker also serves as an accompanist for the Columbus Children’s Choir where he accompanies the New World Singers.

Publications include articles in The American Music Teacher and Keyboard Companion. He was also a contributing arranger to three volumes of Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Alternate Introductions and Accompaniments for Organ published by Augsburg Fortress in 2008.

Baker is a 2004 cum laude graduate of Capital University with a bachelor of music degree in keyboard pedagogy with an emphasis in church music. During his tenure as a student at Capital Baker studied organ with Janet Linker and piano and piano pedagogy with Dr. Rebecca Johnson. Additional study has been with James Hildreth, Michael Murray, Mary Craig Powell, Joan Seaton, Phyllis Warner and Todd Wilson.

Organ Audition Requirements

A minimum of two selections (three preferred) of contrasting styles or periods. One from the following or the equivalent: Prelude in G Minor, Prelude in F Major from J.S. Bach Eight Little Preludes and Fugues. Sight-read one hymn. Applicants who have not previously studied organ should play a Bach two-part invention or a comparable piece on the piano.

Questions?
cbaker@capital.edu

Julie Licata
jlicata@capital.edu

Julie Licata, percussionist / drummer / noisemaker / collaborator / educator, is most passionate about performing chamber music, free improvisation, and integrating acoustic percussion with audio processing. She also regularly presents solo recitals and performs in orchestras, theater pits, and bands of many genres.

Julie has been performing with flautist Ana Laura González as part of Windstruck Duo since 2018. Together they aim to stretch their instruments’ idiomatic worlds and promote a diverse range of composers. The duo has recently presented at the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, the College Music Society Southern Regional Conference, and the 10th Annual Flute Festival of Junín, Argentina. They released their first album of flute and percussion music, Reciprocity, in Fall 2022. She also recently released an album, resound/unsound, with co-creators Andris Balins and Brett Masteller, that features percussive improvisations with time lag accumulation, feedback looping, and modular synthesis. In the realm of improvisatory and electronic music, Julie has performed at the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the US, the International Computer Music Conference, CHIMEFest in Chicago, IL, and numerous new music venues across the US.

As an educator, Julie strives to cultivate musicians’ creative voices and personal agency through improvisation, self-assessment, and peer feedback. She engages with musicians in a holistic way, weaving in philosophical and emotional discussions about music, and integrating physical elements such as meditation, strength training, and yoga as ways to help musicians foster deeper connections with the self.

Julie is an active participant in the Percussive Arts Society, having served as new literature reviewer for the Percussive Notes journal and as a member of the PAS University Pedagogy Committee and Diversity Alliance. Julie is also a member of the Black Swamp Percussion Educator Network and is the Secretary/Treasurer and recent Interim President of the PAS New York Chapter.

Percussion Audition Requirements

Auditioning students must show competency in at least three of the following six areas:

Snare drum - perform a rudimental or orchestral snare solo
Keyboard percussion - perform a 2-, 3-, or 4-mallet solo on any keyboard percussion instrument, or show technical competency through chordal/modal improvisation
Timpani - perform solo, etude, or excerpt
Multi-percussion - perform solo or etude
Drumset - perform basic styles (i.e. swing, Latin, rock, funk, etc.), including fills and short improvisations (trading fours or free improvisation); you may also choose to demonstrate competency by playing with play-along tracks
African, Latin, Caribbean, South American Percussion (hand percussion) - perform various rhythms/styles (e.g. tumbao, guanguanco, kuku, merengue, mambo, etc.), including fills and short improvisations (trading fours or free improvisation); you may also choose to demonstrate competency by playing with play-along tracks

*Solos or etudes on any instrument listed above should be at least OMEA Contest Level B; Contest Level A is preferred for non-conditional acceptance. See here for current OMEA lists.

Additional requirements for audition:

Sight-reading on the instruments you are auditioning
Basic rudiments/techniques
- for snare/drumset: 13 essential rudiments
- for mallets: 12 major scales and arpeggios (2 octaves up and down)
- for timpani: interval tuning
- for hand percussion: basic techniques (various tones, etc)

The auditioning student must supply all sticks and mallets, as well TWO copies of all music to be perfomred at the audition. Large instruments (drumset, timpani, mallet instruments, snare drum, etc.) will be supplied; students are encouraged to bring any small equipment they feel is necessary to enhance their performance.

Questions?
jlicata@capital.edu

Tianshu Wang, D.M.A.
twang@capital.edu

As professor of Piano and head of the keyboard area, Dr. Tianshu Wang won the prestigious Praestantia Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011, which is the University's highest honor, and in 2017, she was the recipient of the Faculty Scholarship award. She has been featured in a cover story of the Capital Magazine, “Crossing the Musical Boarders”. She also is a Steinway Artist, a privilege extended to the world’s most distinguished pianists. Other Steinway Artists include Billy Joel, Michael Feinstein and Lang Lang. Wang’s studio includes a number of outstanding pianists who are winners in competitions at all levels. An active performer, Dr. Wang has given recitals in the world’s most famous concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Concert Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her performances were seen on China’s National TV and in many cities in this country and throughout Asia. In addition to teaching at the Capital Conservatory of Music, Dr. Wang is a professor of the Euro Arts Academy based in Berlin, Germany, where she teaches in the summer and gives online masterclasses year round. From 2002 to 2016, she has been the Dean of Piano School at Shenyang Conservatory of Music in China. Prior to Capital, she served on the piano faculty of Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Dr. Wang’s solo album entitled Piano in China appeared on the cover of the Fanfare magazine, and received enthusiastic reviews. Other recordings include CD albums Born to be Mild (Albany) and Dances and Dreams (Mark). The most recent publications include Journey to North America - Trio Bella Voce by Liaoning Music Press, Liu Dunnan’s Four Folk Pieces by Shanghai Music Press, and Sonatas for Violin and Piano by R. Strauss and Schnittike on the Sheva label in Italy. Respected as a distinguished artist and teacher in her native China, she was featured in a cover story of the country’s most prestigious piano magazine, Piano Artistry. Dr. Wang holds degrees from the University of Arizona (M.M. and D.M.A. in Piano Performance) and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (B.M. in Piano Performance). Her teachers include Zhu Yafen, who also taught Lang Lang, and Nicholas Zumbro, a student of the legendary Rosina Lhévienne.

Piano Audition Requirements

All major and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios in four octaves. Repertoire from three contrasting styles or periods (Baroque, Classical - one movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven, Romantic or Contemporary). All pieces must be memorized. Sight-reading.

Questions?
twang@capital.edu

Tony Bonardi
abonardi@capital.edu

Tony Bonardi is an adjunct professor of jazz and contemporary piano at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music. He teaches jazz keyboard, class piano, theory, and music software.

As a teenager he cut his teeth performing in Northern Ohio clubs under the tutelage of St. Louis bluesman and Ike Turner alum, Sonny Robertson and studied jazz piano under Pat Pace and Hank Marr among others. Now residing in Columbus, Tony keeps a busy schedule performing with a variety of acts throughout the Midwest.

Just as adept playing salsa and dance music as he is in a jazz environment, he truly brings his diverse, energetic influence to any situation. This energy overflows into the classroom, where he delights in helping students organize the constructs of contemporary piano music and realize their potential. Professor Bonardi holds a B.A. from the Ohio State University (2001) and a M.M.E from Capital University (2016).

Jazz Piano Audition Requirements

Major and minor scales, hands together in four octaves. Ability to play a prepared melody and accompaniment for two contrasting selections in the popular/jazz idiom. Realization of popular/jazz chord progressions at sight. Any prepared classical literature. Demonstrate improvisational skills.

Questions?
abonardi@capital.edu

Dr. Michael Cox
mcox@capital.edu

Dr. Michael Cox has been full-time with the Capital University Conservatory of Music since 1990 as Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies. He has been the recipient of several grants and merit awards, was awarded tenure and full professorship in 1996, and is active in collaboration with faculty colleagues and alumni in addition to mentoring current students in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.

In addition to teaching, Michael performs with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, the Columbus, Lancaster, and Newark Symphony Orchestras, the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, and a diversity of groups including the Ellington repertory chamber ensemble Such Sweet Thunder, the Black Swamp Saxophone Quartet, the High Street Stompers Dixieland Band, the Powerhouse Trio, and the jazz/fusion/funk band known as Flippo.

Michael holds a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master’s degree from Wichita State University, and a Bachelor’s degree and Distinguished Alumnus 2000 Award from Cameron University in his home town of Lawton, Oklahoma.

Saxophone Audition Requirements

Major and chromatic scales, two octaves or full range. Minor scales optional. An OMEA Class A or comparable contest-level solo such as the Maurice Tableaux de Provence, Heiden Solo or Sonata, Creston Sonata, Sonatas by Bach or Handel, Ibert Concertino da camera, etc. Jazz saxophonists may present two contrasting selections (such as medium swing, ballad, straight-eighth, be-bop, etc.) with improvisation, in place of or in addition to the above materials.A play-along CD is recommended for jazz auditions.All wind players will be asked to sight-read as part of the audition.

Questions?
mcox@capital.edu

Tony Weikel
tweikel2@capital.edu

Tony Weikel, originally from Buffalo, NY, attended SUNY College at Fredonia where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and also obtained a Performer’s Certificate. He then attended Duquesne University where he earned his Master of Music degree in trombone performance. After graduation, he spent time freelancing in the greater Pittsburgh area. He then attended Indiana University where he began a Doctorate of Music degree in trombone. After his time at IU he spent time freelancing in the greater Bloomington/Indianapolis area. He then attended Ohio State University and finished the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in trombone.

While in Columbus, Tony has thrived as an educator. He is currently the adjunct trombone instructor at Capital University, and adjunct low brass instructor at Otterbein University and Cedarville University. He also has a large private studio comprised of students from school districts throughout the greater Columbus area. He has also given master classes and lectures at local schools and universities throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Tony is currently second trombone with the Springfield (OH) Symphony and has been playing a consistent substitute role with the Wheeling Symphony for the past five seasons. He has had the privilege of playing with many orchestras during his career, including the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Louisville Orchestra, Terre Haute Symphony, Carmel Symphony, Canton Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Ashland Symphony and Richmond (IN) Symphony. He has also had a very rewarding freelance career in four different cites, playing a vast array of gigs including opera, church services, Broadways shows, and everything in between.

Tony has also had success in a variety of chamber ensembles, and is currently a member of the Village Brass Quintet, Sequenza Trombone Quartet, and Ohio Trombone Quartet. As a member of the Ohio Trombone Quartet, he has had the opportunity to perform at the International Trombone Festival, play a full recital at the Ohio Music Education Association Conference, and consistently tour, playing recitals and educational concerts, and giving master classes.

Tony has been extremely fortunate to study with many fine trombonists, including Barry Kilpatrick, Carl Mazzio, Scott Parkinson, Pete Sullivan, Peter Ellefson, and Joe Duchi.

Trombone Audition Requirements

All major and chromatic scales. One etude from Rochut, Melodious Etudes, Book 1; or Tyrell, Blume, Kopprasch or equivalent and a contrasting solo composition equivalent to Barat, Andante and Allegro; Guilmant, Morceau Symphonique; Rimsky-Korsakov, Concerto. Jazz trombone players may present two contrasting selections (such as medium swing, ballad, straight-eighth, be-bop, etc.) with improvisation, in place of or in addition to the above materials. A play-along CD is recommended for jazz auditions. All brass players will be asked to sight-read as part of the audition.

Questions?
tweikel2@capital.edu

Lance D. Witty
lwitty@capital.edu

Dr. Lance Witty serves as Assistant Professor of Music in the Conservatory at Capital University. Dr. Witty oversees the trumpet program, directs the trumpet choir, and performs with the Capital faculty chamber and jazz ensembles. A native Ohioan, Dr. Witty has inspired and guided aspiring trumpet players at all skill levels. His students have found success in education, competitions, national and international festivals, professional audition advancements, and gained entrance to continue their studies in some of the finest schools of music in the country.

Living an active professional music career as a nationally and internationally recognized performer, educator, and guest lecturer, Dr. Witty is a Yamaha Performing Artist, and malleable to perform in multiple genres. He has performed extensively as a soloist, orchestral, chamber, and commercial musician.

Prior to his position at Capital, Dr. Witty served as trumpet faculty at Texas Lutheran University, The University of Mary Hardin Baylor, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Witty earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at The University of Texas at Austin, and received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Witty’s principal trumpet instructors include Ray Sasaki and Charles Saenz. For more information, or to hear him perform, please visit his professional website, www.lancewitty.com.

Trumpet Audition Requirements

All students will be asked to perform major and chromatic scales (preferably two octaves) and one or more compositions of their choice that demonstrates both their technical and lyrical ability.

Students wishing to major in Jazz Studies should, in addition to the above materials, present a jazz selection with backing track (such as medium swing, ballad, straight-eighth, be-bop, etc.) with improvisation.

All candidates will be given sight-reading and complete a brief personal interview at the audition.

Questions?
lwitty@capital.edu

Tuba Audition Requirements

All major and chromatic scales one octave. Two contrasting studies from one of the following or the equivalent: Blazhevich, Grigoriev, Vasiliev, Bordogni, Rochut. A solo piece from the following or the equivalent: Bach/Bell, Air and Bourree; Beversdorf, Sonata for Tuba; Capuzzi/Catilinet, Andante and Rondo; Catozzi, Beelzebub; Nelhybel, Suite. Sight-reading.

Questions?
tzilinci@capital.edu

Ken Matsuda
kmatsuda@capital.edu

Violist and native of Japan, Kenichiro Matsuda came to the United States after three and a half years with the New Japan Philharmonic under Seiji Ozawa. He attended Kunitachi Music College in Tokyo and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL., where he received his BM and MM.

Ken was a member of the Grant Park Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Buffalo Philharmonic (Acting Assistant Principal Violist) before joining the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in 1987. He has also played with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a regular substitute violist and has participated in touring and recording.

He has taught viola at Calvin College, Denison University, Ohio University, and Ohio State University. Most recently, Ken taught at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM) as an adjunct viola instructor. He is currently an adjunct instructor at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Ken was faculty at the Cshey Summer School of Music (Langhorne, PA) for eight years and has been teaching nearly every summer at the MasterWorks Festival (Spartanburg, SC) since 2003.

He is the violist of the Cygnus Quartet and plays chamber music actively in central Ohio. He toured Japan (1988) with the Columbus String Quartet as well as in Estonia (1999) with the Sonus Artis Quartet. As part of a Christian mission trip, he has been visiting Karuizawa, Japan regularly with a string ensemble since 2005. He was formerly a part of the Nissen Duo (Viola and Piano) along with his late wife, Tanya.

For over 25 years, he has been the conductor of “Hanamizuki no Kai,” the Japanese Women’s Chorus in Columbus. Ken was invited to play with The Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra (2018) under Junichi Hirokami to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Hiroshima, Japan.

His teachers include Nobuko Imai, Jerry Horner, Bernard Zaslav, and Shumel Ashkenazi of the Vermeer Quartet.

Ken is the creator of the trademarked instrument, “Masterit,” which is a practice tool that guarantees good results. He is an avid table tennis player, a fan of TV- show Chicago Med, and enjoys playing golf as well as riding his folding bike. His two adult daughters live in Chicago and New York.

Ken plays a viola made in 2018 by Tetsuo Matsuda (no relation) of Barrington, IL.

Viola Audition Requirements

1) A Three octave Scale and Arpeggios: Choose from in the key of D, E-flat, E, and F.
2) A movement from any of Bach Solo Cello suites.
3) The first movement of one of the following concertos: JCBach, Hummel Fantasie, Hoffmeister, Stamitz, Bartok, Hindemith, and Walton. Sight-reading.

Questions?
kmatsuda@capital.edu

Dr. Chad Payton
Voice Area Head
cpayton@capital.edu

Dr. Chad R. Payton serves as an Associate Professor of Voice and the Associate Dean of Student Success in the Conservatory of Music at Capital University. He is an active guest clinician, presenter, and performer throughout the United States. As a teaching-artist, Dr. Payton strives to enhance his student's confidence, independence, and help them chase their potential in and out of the voice studio. He is honored to have been awarded the 2022 Praestantia Award for Outstanding Teaching and the 2023 Cotterman Award for Outstanding Service to Students. Payton performed his Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and off-Broadway debuts in Michael Ching's Corps of Discovery, sang his Italian chamber music debut at the International ClarinetFest, and sang his Brazilian debut in Orff's Carmina Burana. During the summers, Dr. Payton teaches on the voice faculty at Seagle Festival, the nation's oldest training program in both opera and musical theatre in New York.

Voice Audition Requirements

General Voice Audition Requirements and Information:
All song selections must be memorized.
A choral excerpt and range diagnostic will be submitted prior to the audition.
An accompanist will be provided.
Pop songs and contemporary religious songs are not appropriate for entrance auditions.

Major Specific Voice Audition Requirements:

Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance: Two selections in contrasting styles, including a foreign language selection. Applicants who have an interest in opera or musical theatre may perform an appropriate selection from that repertoire.

Bachelor of Music - Music Education, Music Industry, Music Technology, Composition or Bachelor of Arts in Music: Two selections in contrasting styles, at least one of which is chosen from traditional repertoire. A foreign language selection may be used.

Questions?
cpayton@capital.edu

Doug Locke
dlocke@capital.edu

Violin Audition Requirements

One solo or movement from a large work such as a sonata or concerto. One etude from any standard technique book. Major and minor scales through four sharps and four flats. Sight-reading.

Questions?
dlocke@capital.edu

Dr. Ishbah Cox
icox4@capital.edu

Dr. Ishbah Cox is a conductor, educator, and arranger with more than twenty years of university and public school experience. He is excited to join the Capital University Conservatory of Music as Director of Wind Ensembles. Dr. Cox most recently served as the Director of Bands at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. Prior to that appointment, he was an Associate Professor of Bands at Purdue University where he conducted multiple wind bands, and he was one of the assistant directors for the marching band.

Dr. Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama, his master’s degree is in music performance from the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, and a Doctor of Arts in Wind Conducting with a secondary specialization in Euphonium Performance from Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana.

An accomplished arranger for marching and pep bands, Cox currently writes for Hal Leonard Corporation, high schools, and universities, including the Purdue University, Penn State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Wisconsin marching bands. He has also collaborated with global artists Papa Roach and the Huntertones to adapt their music for performances with marching bands.

Dr. Cox holds professional memberships in the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA), National Band Association (NBA), American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Kappa Kappa Psi, and the Collegiate Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). He holds Honorary Memberships with both the Gamma Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Beta Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma (TBS) at Purdue University. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu (Mu Chapter) where he serves on the executive board.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Monica, and son Solomon.

Lynda Hasseler, D.M.A.
lhassele@capital.edu

Lynda R. Hasseler, D.M.A., assumed the directorship of the renowned Capital University Chapel Choir in July, 1990, making her the first woman to head a choral program at a Lutheran college or university. As Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities in the Conservatory of Music, Dr. Hasseler has nurtured Capital University’s rich choral legacy. The choirs under her direction have received numerous invitations to perform for multiple music regional and national conferences and festivals, have been awarded gold medals in world choral competitions and have toured nationally and internationally. Passionate about dynamic programming, she creates narrative, theme-based concerts that “tell a story.” She is co-editor of the Capital University Choral Series published by Beckenhorst Press. Dr. Hasseler made her Carnegie Hall conducting debut in performances of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Trinity Te Deum.

As a clinician, presenter and guest conductor, she performs regionally, nationally and internationally. She, along with the Chapel Choir and Choral Union, and composer Jake Runestad, was awarded the 2017-18 American Prize, Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music. She had the honor of conducting the Chapel Choir in the premiere performance of the Brock Commission A Silence Haunts Me by Jake Runestad at the 2019 ACDA National Conference in Kansas City. She recently shared the podium with guest conductor and composer Eric Whitacre on Mees Hall stage in a 2019 Gala celebration of 100 Years of Music at Capital University. In June, 2019, she conducted the Chapel Choir in festival concerts in the Netherlands and Belgium. In March, 2020, she returned to Carnegie Hall stage to conduct the Chapel Choir in performance of A Silence Haunts Me and she conducted a 280-voice festival chorus with orchestra performing Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Laura Kitchel
lkitchel@capital.edu

Dr. Laura Kitchel is the Area Head of Music Education and Assistant Professor of Music at Capital University Conservatory of Music where she teaches courses in Music Education, conducts the University Women’s Chorus, and oversees and teaches in the Master of Music in Music Education summer program. Previously, she taught high school choir and general music in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio.

As a clinician and researcher, Dr. Kitchel has presented at many state and national conferences, including Ohio Music Education Association (2020), the National NAfME in Orlando, Florida (2019), Music Research and Teacher Education National in Atlanta, Georgia (2018) and Missouri Music Education Association (2017).
Dr. Kitchel holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky and her doctorate in Music Education from the University of Missouri.

Chad Loughrige
cloughri@capital.edu

Chad Loughrige is passionate about connecting students to professionals in the music technology industry. As head of the Music Technology program at Capital University, he strives to connect his students with experiential learning opportunities, from hands-on recording sessions to student-led workshops and presentations. Chad brings an eclectic set of personal experiences to the classroom. He has performed as a professional drummer for more than 20 years and works as a freelance audio engineer and audio consultant for regional and national artists. With degrees in Music and Instructional Media, Chad Loughrige shares his passion for music, technology and education with his students by staying heavily involved in the music industry and contributing to the pedagogical research of audio education.

Julie Licata
jlicata@capital.edu

Coming Soon
admission@capital.edu