Studio Heads

OAcademy Studios are a cornerstone of the learning experience. Each exclusive four-person studio pairs Fellows with a dedicated mentor in their field, creating a focused environment for artistic growth, technical refinement, and close professional guidance.

Studio Heads are drawn from the world’s leading concert stages as solo artists and ensemble leaders. Together, they give Fellows direct access to the experience, insight, and professional readiness needed to shape today’s music world.

Violin Studio Head
Nikki Chooi

Buffalo Philharmonic | Concertmaster

Violin Studio Head
Shari Mason

Mexico National Symphony Orchestra | Concertmaster

Violin Studio Head
Timothy Chooi

Joachim Competition | Winner

Viola Studio Head
Milan Milisavljević

The MET Opera | Principal Viola

Viola Studio Head
Sara Ferrández

Mutter Virtuosi

Viola Studio Head
Tal First

The MET Opera | Assistant Principal Viola

Cello Studio Head
Rebecca Gilliver

London Symphony Orchestra | Principal Cello

Cello Studio Head
Raphaela Gromes

Sony Artist

Cello Studio Head
Ilmari Hopkins

Stavanger Symphony | Co-Principal Cello

Double Bass Studio Head
Dominic Seldis

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Principal Bass

Double Bass Studio Head
Lorraine Campet

Paris Opera | Principal Bass

Double Bass Studio Head
Sasha Witteveen

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra | Principal Double Bass

Flute Studio Head
Leone Buyse

Boston Symphony | Former Acting Principal Flute

Flute Studio Head
Kelly Zimba Lukić

Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Principal Flute

Flute Studio Head
Zofia Neugebauer

Berlin Classics Artist

Oboe Studio Head
Hélène Devilleneuve

Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France | Principal Oboe

Oboe Studio Head
Alexander Krimer

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Oboe

Clarinet Studio Head
Jessica Phillips

The MET Opera | Clarinet

Clarinet Studio Head
Sérgio Pires

London Symphony Orchestra | former Principal Clarinet

Clarinet Studio Head
Arno Piters

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Solo E-flat Clarinet

Clarinet Studio Head
Michael Webster

Rochester Philharmonic | former Principal Clarinet

Bassoon Studio Head
Simon Van Holen

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Solo Contrabassoon

Trumpet Studio Head
Matilda Lloyd

Aubier International Trumpet Competition Winner

Trumpet Studio Head
Lucienne Renaudin Vary

Warner Classics Artist

Trumpet Studio Head
Pacho Flores

Deutsche Grammophon Artist

French Horn Studio Head
Michelle Baker

The MET Opera | former Horn

French Horn Studio Head
Matías Piñeira

Munich Philharmonic | Principal Horn

French Horn Studio Head
Hugo Valverde

The MET Opera | Horn

French Horn Studio Head
Kateřina Javůrková

Czech Philharmonic | Horn

Low Brass Studio Head
Martin Schippers

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | Trombone

Harp Studio Head
Elizabeth Hainen

Philadelphia Orchestra | Principal Harp

Percussion Studio Head
Beibei Wang

Royal Academy Honoree

Percussion Studio Head
Rob Knopper

The MET Opera | Percussion

Percussion Studio Head
Gabriela Jiménez

Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería | Principal Timpani

Piano Lab Lead Artist
Gabriela Montero

Latin Grammy Winner

OAcademy Music Director
Carlos Miguel Prieto

North Carolina Symphony | Music Director

Composing Studio Lead Artist
Gabriela Ortiz

4x Grammy Award Winner