Our Teachers

Kay graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors in vocal performance and psychology and a minor in piano. She has 15 years of piano and voice teaching experience with students of all ages and levels. She began teaching private lessons when she was in high school and taught at her Bexley home until 2014 when she started Musicologie with her husband Joseph.

Kay has toured nationally with folk/pop band Bella Ruse as lead vocalist and keyboardist for 4 years, opening for artists like Sarah McLachlan, Heart, Metric, and Kimya Dawson. Her songs and performances have been heard in commercials, film and television including placements on MTV and Showtime. Performer Magazine called her voice ‘truly unique’.

Justin T. Fields is a classically trained baritone who recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, and is currently completing a dual Masters degree program for both the Master of Music in Vocal Performance as well as the Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy at Ohio State. Justin also serves as a graduate teaching and administrative associate within the Ohio State University School of Music in the vocal performance area.

A Columbus native, Justin has been featured in the Columbus Italian Festival, in concert with Harmony Project Columbus, the New Albany Symphony Orchestra, Opera Project Columbus, has given a number of public and private recitals, has performed three world premiere works, and has performed numerous times with Opera Columbus as a chorister, on the main stage, as a member of their touring Education Outreach program for two seasons, as well as their popular Opera On The Edge production of La Bohème where he performed the role of Marcello.

Justin has also been featured at Ohio State where he participated in the Opera Scenes program, was the undergraduate finalist of the vocal performance area for the annual concerto competition as a Sophomore, was featured as a guest artist in concert with the OSU Wind Symphony, and has collaborated on several voice recitals of his colleagues. Further, Justin has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and talent-based awards including the Helen Swank Voice Scholarship, Bliss Virargo Excellence in Singing Award, Lieutenant Deselm Award for the Advancements of Choral Arts, Brahms Cash Grant, and several academic-based awards.

With four years of teaching experience and five years of experience performing professionally, Justin specializes in assisting adolescent to adult aged singers find their unique voices and enjoys preparing them for collegiate studies, pre-professional productions, or to simply help guide them toward becoming better singers and performers.

Justin’s teaching methods are best suited for singers looking to prepare for a lifetime of singing, truly understanding their vocal instrument, enhancing their musical knowledge, and who look to improve their overall vocal technique and health through the study of classical and contemporary vocal techniques. Justin holds memberships in several professional singing and voice associations. He is an Associate member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the President of the Buckeye Chapter of SNATS at Ohio State, and a student member of the Pan American Vocology Association.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Hugo

Kate Merryman is a soprano originally from the Northern Virginia/DC area. She recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy and Singing Health Specialization where she served as a graduate teaching assistant and was awarded the Margaret Speaks Vocal Scholarship Award. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from George Mason University.

Her performance repertoire includes opera, musical theatre, and concert works. Her most recent roles include Elvira in #UncleJohn with Opera on the Edge (coming fall 2017), Lisette in La Rondine, Belinda in Dido & Aeneas, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd with The Ohio State University Opera and Lyric Theatre. She also sang the role of Pamina in The Magic Flute with Opera Columbus’s “Opera Goes to School.” Other performance credits include Les Misérables (Cosette), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Elle Woods), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator). She was nominated for a WATCH Award for Best Lead Actress in a musical for her role as the Narrator and also received a Broadwayworld.com nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical (Local) for her role as Elle Woods. Her concert works include soprano soloist for Fauré’s Requiem with the St. Veronica Catholic Church in Chantilly, VA and soprano soloist for Handel’s Messiah at Bluffton University.

Kate has taught private voice lessons for over six years to students of all ages and levels. She has experience teaching various genres such as classical, musical theatre, pop, and jazz. It is her passion to help students discover their own voice and explore the many possibilities their voice has to offer.

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” -Maya Angelou

Robert Mason is a pianist, teacher, and arranger from Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from OSU with a BM in Jazz Studies and a minor in Music, Media and Enterprise. He performed with The Ohio State Jazz Ensemble and did an extensive tour in China. Robert has studied privately with legends Mark Flugge, Dave Powers, and Bobby Floyd and apprenticed with local greats such as Shawn Wallace, Cedric Easton, Chris Brown, Milton Ruffin, James Gaiters, Jerry Powell, and Gregory Pearson.

Raised in Gahanna, Ohio, Robert began taking piano lessons in third grade from a couple named Adam and Betsy Grimes. He began jazz piano lessons in high school with Columbus staple, Mark Flugge, who not only helped him grow as a musician, but challenged him to become a better person.

Robert has won numerous awards for jazz performance including the Louis Armstrong Award for outstanding musicians while still in high school. He also received several scholarships at OSU including the Atkin Jazz Scholarship, Tom Battenberg Jazz Scholarship, and the George and Janice Scantland Jazz Scholarship.

Robert currently performs with a number of groups in Columbus including Mojoflo, and his personal jazz ensemble The Robert Mason Trio. He also leads worship every Sunday at Flintridge Community Baptist Church.

Mae graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelors in music education, studying string pedagogy with Dr. Robert Gillespie, co-author of Essential Elements for Strings. Mae has over 8 years of private teaching experience in piano, violin, and other string instruments. She is also very involved in the education community, teaching 4th graders recorder, accompanying the choir at the School for the Blind, coaching young string players at summer camps, and planning the kindergarten Christmas program.

In addition to teaching private lessons, Mae is a music teacher at Harambee Christian School and Calumet Christian School, where she teaches general music and middle school band. Growing up in a musical family, Mae values the importance of learning a musical instrument, and developing a lifelong appreciation for music.

Joseph co-founded Musicologie with his wife Kay after years of playing, recording and touring in their band Bella Ruse. He graduated from Hope College in 2008 and studied everything from audio engineering to philosophy. He has been playing drums and guitar since he was 8, studying piano and theory since he was 5 and teaching since college. He has composed music for Showtime, MTV, Bulgari, Anthropologie, Amazon and the Vancouver Film School, scored two films, written and produced songs on seventeen (and counting) albums for many different artists, composed the music and lyrics for a full length musical and written scores (no pun intended) of songs for other theatre productions.

In addition to running Musicologie, Joseph operates Musicologie’s scholarship project, The Musicologie Fund, and collaborates with schools around Columbus like ACPA and The Graham School to help kids learn about recording. He continues to compose and produce music for his production company BLASTY BLAST.

Liz Woolley studied classical voice and piano at Snow College, which quickly morphed into a love for jazz. She received her jazz education from both Snow College and the University of Utah. She has traveled internationally to both Italy and Singapore to perform classical and jazz works.

Following her performance education, Liz finished her degree at Utah State University in Logan, UT in music therapy. While in Logan, Liz was a vocalist, mandolinist, and songwriter in two local bluegrass bands (The Pretty Darns and Dry Lake Band) and she lent her vocals and original tunes to many bluegrass, pop, hip hop and folk recordings for various artists. Along with albums with her bluegrass bands, Liz has released two solo jazz albums, “A Little Bit Romantic” (Dec 2011) and “Do Love” (Nov 2014).

Liz works as a music therapist for children with autism at Helping Hands Center for Special Needs in Columbus, OH. She has taught both piano and voice for many years and is excited to be teaching lessons at Musicologie.

Austin has a Music Technology degree from Capital University and has studied with Mark Flugge, Stan Smith, Bob Breithaupt, Eric Paton and Paul Wertico. He was the touring drummer for Phillip Fox band for three years and currently plays with numerous Columbus bands with styles ranging from alt-rock (Castile) and reggae to spacey rock (Urban Tropic, Sussman Can't Sleep) and pop (Kid Runner.) When Austin isn't thinking or talking about percussion (rare) he enjoys working with computers, pizza and film. He is also the co-founder of Tiny House Music Collective, a local musicians organization working to bring musicians together through discussion, inclusion and action.

Joe graduated in 2008 from the Capital University Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance. During his college career Joe studied music performance, and pedagogy with Dr. Gail Lehto Zugger, Dr. Michael Cox, and Dr. Lisa Jelle. Though his studies focused primarily on the clarinet, they also included saxophone, woodwind methods, music theory, composition, and voice.

In 2012 he had the opportunity to serve as a producer on the album Insteption for the Dick and Jane Project, a Columbus based non-profit which empowers students through songwriting. Joe worked directly with young people to transform their lyrics into professionally recorded songs.

He has over 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages and ability levels, and is excited to teach through Musicologie!

Devin Copfer is a music teacher, performer, and arts entrepreneur based in Columbus, OH. Beginning her fifth year teaching in Columbus, she is excited to be at Musicologie and growing her violin and viola studios. Devin has studied with Dr. Kia-Hui Tan, Leonid Polonsky, Mark Rudoff at The Ohio State University and Liesl Langmack at the Sato Center for Suzuki Studies in Cleveland.

In addition to being a solo performer, Devin has extensive experience performing chamber music. She was a founding member of the Scarlatto Quartet which has recorded with artists such as the Dan White Sextet and Collective Reaction. Devin was the recipient of the Brahms award, a scholarship she won through her performance of the Brahm’s Horn Trio. As a member of the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra, she was the recipient of the Damrosch Scholarship and also held a principal position for three seasons. She is now a section member of the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra and McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra. Devin has recorded three albums and continues work as a violinist, pianist, and vocalist with Oliver Oak, an indie- folk band and brainchild of Kyle Tucker, and is performing in their upcoming national fall tour. She has also performed with artists such as The Speedbumps (Cleveland) and The Cordial Sins (Columbus).

During her years at OSU, Devin studied music as well as how non- profit arts organizations relate to art and music entrepreneurship and how non-profit and commercial arts collide. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management from The Ohio State University. Devin is also an avid sailor and when she is not practicing, performing, or teaching, you can find her on any of the Columbus inland lakes or on Lake Erie near her hometown of Cleveland, OH. Devin teaches violin lessons and viola lessons at Musicologie.

Kyle has been teaching for seven years and studied guitar performance at the Tri-C Cleveland Jazz Studies program and The Ohio State University with notable performers and educators like Stan Smith (Capital University), Vera Stanojevic (Capital University for composition), Tim Cummiskey (OSU), Jacob Sacks (New York City), Dan Wilson (Tri-C/Cleveland State) and jazz saxophone legend Ernie Krivda (Tri-C, Cleveland). In addition to jazz guitar, Kyle also studied classical guitar, piano, composition, and voice.

Kyle performs with numerous Columbus bands and jazz groups, including Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, and toured nationally with his indie-folk band Oliver Oak. He does freelance mixing and audio production out of Musicologie’s studio in his free time, is one of the original Musicologie teachers and is at the Grandview studio early every morning handling day to day operations.

John Allen is a bassist, composer, and arranger. He graduated from the Ohio State University in May of 2015 with a B.M. for Jazz Bass Performance where he studied with Andy Woodson and Dr.Paul Robinson. He first picked up the electric bass when he was ten years old because his brother said he couldn’t play the guitar and became interested in jazz his freshman year in high school.

He has played all over Columbus with a number of high-profile musicians like vocalists Mary McClendon and Jeannette Williams, pianist Bobby Floyd, saxophonists Shawn Wallace, Michael Cox, Matt Adams, and Pete Mills. John has also played in the Cab Calloway Orchestra, is the bassist/arranger/composer in the Liz Woolley Band, and is a composer/bassist for the Columbus, OH band Safety Squad as well as a growing and diverse number of other musical projects. His dedication to the practice of the bass tradition along with a continuing search for his individual sound has made him one of the more sought after musicians in the Columbus, Ohio music scene. John joined Musicologie in Grandview in 2016.

Harrison Paul is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University School of Music with a background in Jazz Performance and Composition. During his time at OSU, he studied with Tim Cummiskey, and Kevin Turner on Guitar along with Dr. Paul Robinson and Andy Woodson on Bass. He learned the foundations of composition and arranging from Kris Johnson and Anthony Stanco. He has also spent time working in the music industry in New York City as a Audio Engineer for Razor & Tie producing Kidz Bop as well as the imprint reissue label Analog Spark. He has experience playing in Big Band Swing, Hard Bop, Traditional New Orleans Jazz, fusion, and Latin Jazz ensembles at the colligate level as well as Soul, Funk, Rock, Hip Hop, and Folk genres. He can be seen playing with a variety of groups in the Columbus area from his Jazz trio to local hip-hop group Booty&theKidd, and previously with Columbus band CAAMP

Harrison’s teaching style focuses on development in many facets. Whether his students are just beginning their musical journey or farther along, he focuses on four fields of development: technique, musical fluency, community, and personal growth. There is something to be learned from every aspect of music and there is an incredible amount of depth and breath to every genre. He wants students to delve into whatever music inspires them, and hopefully they learn something about themselves along the way.

Jenna Johnson is an experienced professional pianist and vocalist currently based in Columbus. She is highly trained in classical and jazz styles as well as improvisational piano. Jenna’s extensive background in public performance includes music leadership in houses of worship since the age of 12 and community involvement through various musical groups and theatre companies in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Jenna graduated summa cum laude from Western Michigan University in 2015. During university, Jenna performed in multiple music groups on and off-campus and began teaching music lessons for friends and fellow students.

Jenna is a proud member of the Clintonville Community Choir and leads weekly worship at New Albany United Methodist Church.

Megan Rainey is a pianist and singer from Ashville, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a BM in Piano Performance, and later from James Madison University with an MM in Piano Performance. During her time in school, Megan studied both piano and voice while working as a professional accompanist, vocal coach and classroom piano teacher. She also competed frequently on the university level as a solo pianist in the central Ohio and Shenandoah Valley areas, and has performed with chamber ensembles in Luxembourg and Germany.

Megan’s goal as a teacher is to help create musicians who are passionate and well-rounded. With an equal focus on ear training, theory, injury-preventive technique and improvisation, she aims to introduce her students to a variety of styles and help them find music that speaks to them personally. She has years of experience teaching musicians of all levels, from beginners (both children and adults) to seasoned professionals.

In addition to teaching, Megan can also be seen playing for the Momentum Excellence children’s dance company and accompanying the Columbus Maennerchor and Damenchor on a regular basis. She also appears frequently in Columbus venues with her family’s folk band, The Raineys, with whom she sings and plays the piano, flute and accordion. Megan also enjoys songwriting and is in the process of creating her first studio album.

Nate Smith teaches guitar, bass, beginning piano and beginning drums. He also has years of experience running rock band programs for kids and has played all over the world. He graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in jazz performance, where he studied under Dr. Paul Robinson and Andy Woodson. Nate has toured with the OSU jazz ensemble in Europe, plays with local jazz and rock musicians, and performs regularly with the Westerville Symphony Orchestra.

Nathan’s curriculum incorporates the essentials of a musical education while simultaneously catering to each of his students’ personal interests. His experience in jazz, rock and classical music allows him to communicate a broad understanding of music. His ability on multiple instruments makes him a great teacher for students who want to explore a variety of musical directions.

Christy Campos is thrilled to join the staff of Musicologie as a beginner piano, Musicologie Jr., and vocal teacher. As a mezzo-soprano, she studied voice in San Diego for ten years under Wendy Kallen and the Uselman-Klein Vocal Studio, performed lead roles in numerous musical productions, and was often a solo artist in various concert settings. She has extensive experience directing children’s choirs, large-scale youth musical productions, and spent the last few years in San Diego teaching for Sing, Move, and Play Music Academy and Hope Music School.

She has been trained and certified through two internationally known early childhood music education programs and believes that everyone is musical! Her passion for her students creates a warm and welcoming learning environment where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities and joy is abundant. Christy believes that learning the language of music should be available to every child because music enriches all of life; it is her hope that she can help her students discover their unique musical voice and encourage a lifelong love of making music.

Thomas Crouch, a native of Virginia began his studies at the piano at age 8. Upon moving to Portland at 14 he studied with international pianist Lena Vozheiko, former professor at the St. Petersburg conservatory.  Under her tutelage he placed 3rd nationally for MTNA high school division,  received honorable mention in the 2007 national Modern Music Festival And received a young artist achievement award for the state of Washington.  Thomas attended University of Puget Sound where he studied under Dr. Tanya Stambuk and graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance.  While at UPS Thomas placed first alternate in the 2010 MTNA young artist solo division.  With the Puget Sound Sax Quartet, Thomas placed at the 2011 MTNA National young artist chamber division with an original transcription of the Dvorak Piano Quintet op. 81/a by Fred Winkler.  He performed for numerous masterclasses  and was asked to perform many original works for the 2011 National Composers Symposium hosted by University of Puget Sound.   With Cellist Chrisitna Wu, Thomas took top prize in the Beatrice Hermann young artist competition and the duo was asked to perform for masterclasses held by the Tokyo String Quartet and composer Daron Hagen.  Thomas and Chrisitna, along with violinist Grace Yoen, were often asked to play as ambassadors for the School of Music at recruiting functions and local schools. As a soloist Thomas was invited to perform for Seattle’s Northwest Artist series hosted by Steinway and at the Perugia International Music Festival.  While completing his studies Thomas also maintained a private studio through the University of Puget Sound Community Music Program where he taught an array of ages and levels.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Justin began playing drums at the young age of 5 and knew early on that he wanted to be involved with music. Like many musicians, he started playing in church at the age of 9. Although church developed his early talent, he credits Jazz as his strongest influence. By the timeJustin was in high school, he was doing shows in Columbus nightclubs and special events. He has experience in leading many groups and has played around the world.

Justin’s Curriculum consists of teaching classical snare drum, musical literature and all the way to advanced jazz music. Justin really focuses on catering to each student’s needs, personality and interests. His signature smile and connection with the student brings an element of energy and honesty out of every student however young or old! He exhibits a style that is technically proficient, and highly musical which has allowed him to play with greats such as Roy Ayers, Dwight Adams, Tony Monaco,  and  many other artists and groups. Justin says  “it’s an absolute blessing to do what you love and see people benefit from what you do instantly. I am truly thankful to play music.”

Elaine graduated from The Ohio State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance. She started learning violin at the age of 3 and later added trombone at age 10. She has been a performing musician in Columbus since 2012 and has 4 years of teaching experience on trombone, baritone and violin.
In 2016 she had the opportunity to perform in the Disneyland All-American College band in Anaheim, CA. You can see her perform frequently around town with numerous bands including Mistar Anderson, Safety Squad, The Conspiracy Band, and The Rick Brunetto Big Band.

Nathan received his Bachelor of Music from the Ohio State University with a double major in piano performance and music history. There he accompanied several choirs, and co-founded the OSU New Music Collective, a group dedicated to the performance of contemporary composers. He attended the Conductor’s Retreat at Medomak in Maine where he studied orchestral conducting with world renowned pedagogue Kenneth Kiesler. He has served as associate conductor for the Ohio State University’s productions, including Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Puccini’s La Rondine, and Cy Coleman’s City of Angels.

Nathan has concertized widely, working as pianist for Opera Columbus, BalletMet, Opera Project Columbus, Columbus Children’s Theater, the Ohio State University, and other major institutions and companies in central Ohio. As a teacher, he has taught over 300 students in the Columbus area. He currently works accompanying and coaching languages for voice students at the Ohio State University and freelances for a diverse array of performances, including pop concerts, voice recitals, chamber music and opera.

Leo studied guitar in private lessons as an adolescent, undergrad (SUNY New Paltz), and graduate student (Capital University). He was an adjunct professor for many years at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY, as well as Nazareth College where he taught guitar, music theory, music appreciation, jazz ensemble, and class piano. He is excited to share the joys of learning an instrument and all the milestones along the way with each and every one of his students!

Tom graduated from Capital University with a jazz studies degree and the University of Edinburgh with a Master of Music in Musicology. He has more than 15 years experience teaching students of all ages and currently teaches guitar at the Columbus College of Art and Design and Kenyon College in addition to Musicologie.

Heralded for his charismatic interpretations of leading men, Mexican bass/baritone Carlos Monzón has been charming audiences throughout the United States. He most recently performed Zuñiga in Carmen with Opera Columbus; Simone in Gianni Schicchi and Talpa in Il Tabarro, both with Opera Project Columbus where he will return in June of 2018 to perform Alidoro in La Cenenrentola by Rossini. Monzón was praised for his performances of Escamillo in Carmen with Sarasota Opera and as Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro with Kentucky Opera. For Florida Grand Opera he portrayed Alidoro in La Cenerentola, Il Bonzo in Madama Butterfly and Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro. Mr. Monzón has sung regionally with such companies as Spokane Opera, Opera Idaho, Pensacola Opera and Coeur d’Alene Opera

Yung-Wei Sun has over 10 years of teaching experience in both voice and piano. A native of Taipei, Taiwan, Dr. Sun is an active performer of both operatic and concert repertoire both here in the United States and in Asia. Her operatic repertoire includes major roles as First Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Aldofo in Handel’s Faramondo, and Alice in Verdi’s Falstaff, La Sagesse and La Haine in Lully's Armide, Tamera in Rubinstein’s The Demon, and Santuzza in Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. She has also sung as the soprano soloist in Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, K. Lee Scott’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and Rutter’s Requiem.

She was invited to present a lecture named, “Comparison of Western Lyric Diction and Mandarin-Chinese Lyric Diction” at Peking University in Beijing. She has also expanded her expertise and is a consultant for those preparing an academic audition. She has not only done presentations at several programs but also her article “How to Prepare Graduate School Auditions in the U.S.”, was published in The Journal of Association of Vocal Artists of Republic of China.

Dr. Sun holds degrees from National Taiwan University of Arts, National Sun Yat-Sen University, and The Ohio State University. She has been awarded the Irma Copper Vocal Scholarship and the Graduate Research Small Grants during her years at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Sun is currently a faculty member at Muskingum University.

Sam Johnson has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas Austin, a Masters in cello performance from OSU and is currently a doctoral candidate at OSU. He has six years of private teaching experience and is the co-founder of CELLOHIO.

Lauren Nelson is a mezzo-soprano who recently relocated to Columbus from Chicago. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance with a focus in classical voice. At university, she sang the role of the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas and was involved in Chamber Choir and Concert Choir.

Lauren actively participated in the local music scene in Chicago where she played many solo shows as well as with local bands such as The Mason Burrow Sound and Peasantry. She has experience recording solo projects and with bands like The Kuhls. Lauren has been playing locally in Columbus since she was in high school with bands like Becca & Lauren, The Ark Band, No Cash Value, and The Quasi Kings. During her time in Columbus she has also played the roles of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray and Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver! The Musical.

Lauren enjoys teaching all ages and genres including classical, musical theatre, jazz, and pop. She has the skills and patience to mentor students looking to gain knowledge in songwriting and recording. Lauren creates a fun and positive learning environment for her students and looks forward to sharing her love of music with others.