Our Teachers
Eugene Posniewski
Our Director
Eugene Posniewski received his BM summa cum laude in Voice Performance and Opera Studies from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College. He has studied privately with Mina Kim, Joan Krueger, Hugh Murphy, and Jacque Trussel. Eugene’s performance credits include appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, and various other venues throughout Westchester County, Greenwich, CT, and Europe. Eugene is an accomplished pianist and works as an accompanist, liturgical pianist, and baritone soloist. Eugene has been teaching for over a decade and is a certified Kindermusik Educator; he also specializes in early childhood education. One of his greatest passions is teaching early childhood music classes to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. He has directed musicals at the Education First International Academies of Tarrytown and Thornwood, and he has taught at various music schools in Westchester County. Eugene is trained, as a pianist, in the classical Russian method. His students have placed and performed in competitions throughout Europe, New York City, and Westchester County, including the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition, the International Bach Competition, and many others.
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"Sophie loved her first lesson! The second we walked out of the building she asked, “Can I do that every day?”! She especially loved the rhythm sticks, and she immediately came home to our piano and started doing the lesson Eugene taught her. She's hooked!" - Studio Mom
Alejandro Becerra
Drums, Guitar, & Piano
Alejandro (Alejo) Becerra is a graduate of the Studio Production program in the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College. He has played electric, acoustic, and bass guitar for over a decade, specializing in regional Mexican music such as Jarocho, Sierreño, and Mariachi, as well as rock, reggae, funk, and other styles. He is a member of the NYC-based Chicano rock band Kala (formerly known as Cuauhtemoc), which released its EP, Buyanga, last year. He is in-demand as a session musician and recording technician, collaborating with artists such as Cherry and DCAL on singles and albums. Alejo also writes, records, and performs his own songs in English and Spanish as a solo artist.
Alejo encourages his students to immerse themselves in music, whether they listen to it, write it, study it, or perform it! He believes that by making music a joyous part of your life, the motivation to study it will follow!
Anneke Harger
Assistant Director of Voice
Piano & Voice
Soprano and pianist Anneke Harger earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory (NEC). Anneke received her Master's degree in Opera Performance from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. While at NEC, she made her Jordan Hall debut as a soloist in the contemporary work The Awakening, under the direction of Maestro Simon Carrington. She also performed the role of Second Woman in Dido and Aeneas and participated in various ensemble roles with the undergraduate opera studio. She was a soloist in Bach Cantatas 199 and 202 with her Baroque Chamber Ensemble as part of the NEC's Chamber Music Gala.
Anneke holds a certificate in Baroque performance from Barock Vokal at the Hochschule für Musik, Mainz, where she worked with early music specialists Konrad Junghanel, Dr. Claudia Eder, Emma Kirkby and Andreas Scholl. Her performance of "Ombre Piante" from Rodelinda was described as “evoking a profound and somber introspection” by the Allgemeine Zeitung Mainz. A lover of chamber music, Anneke has participated in Baroque chamber music ensembles at the New England Conservatory, Amherst Early Music Festival, Vancouver Early Music Festival, and the Sommerakademie Neuburg.
An avid chorister, Anneke has also traveled to Canada, Germany, England, The Netherlands, Austria, and South Africa, and has sung under renowned directors such as Dr. William Weinert, Simon Carrington, Erica Washburn, Dr. Joel Navarro and Dr. Pearl Shangkuan. This past summer, she participated in the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute, where she performed as Susanna in scenes from Le nozze di Figaro and as Second Lady in scenes from Die Zauberflöte.
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"Lessons with Anneke are enjoyable and progressing well. We have nothing but good things to say about Anneke! She is encouraging a love of music that will last forever." - Noel Petriello
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"Our lessons are going great! Anneke always has great energy - she keeps the kids focused, motivated, and happy." - Studio Mom
Bobby Durante
Double Bass, Guitar, & Piano
Robert Durante is a piano and guitar instructor classically trained in double bass and music composition. A native of Westchester, he received his undergraduate degree in Music and History from Binghamton University. He then received his Master's in Education from Lehman College. Bobby currently works as a middle school teacher at the Windward School in White Plains. He is trained in numerous musical styles including classical, jazz, and pop. In his free time, he enjoys composing original pieces and performing in the Saint Thomas Community Orchestra in Rye, New York.
Bobby believes that music lessons should be a fun and meaningful experience for both the student and teacher. By developing an individual plan for each student based on their interests and goals, he encourages his students to be the best musicians they can be!
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"My son is loving his lessons with Bobby and making remarkable strides in his piano skills!" ~ Studio Parent
Chris Nicolo
Drums & Piano
Chris Nicolo is a professional freelance drummer, percussionist, and private music instructor. He began playing drums at the age of 9 and piano at age 13. At age 16, he began performing professionally and has amassed a wealth of experience in many different musical styles, including rock, jazz, Latin, classical, and more.
Chris graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Concentration in Jazz and Classical Performance. While in school, he was fortunate enough to perform with the great Randy Brecker as part of a program presenting the music of Miles Davis. He studied the drums with Dave Ratajczak, Akira Tana, Tim Horner. He also studied classical percussion with Jim Neglia. Additionally, Chris has studied privately with Keith Carlock and Cliff Almond.
He has since performed locally, nationally, and globally in many different settings.
Chris has been teaching for almost twenty years. He enjoys teaching the art of making music and helping his students find their unique voice and confidence, regardless of playing experience.
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"Chris is the best!" - Johnny
Daniel Criado
Drums & Guitar
Daniel is an award-winning musician, composer, and educator who has performed internationally across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. He is endorsed by the renowned percussion brands Bosphorus Cymbals and CANOPUS Drums. He started playing drums at an early age, surrounded by all kinds of music, including Latin, rock, and jazz. Daniel followed his passion for teaching and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Symphonic Percussion with a focus in Music Pedagogy from the Universidad Industrial de Santander, graduating summa cum laude. He then earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College, obtaining the Outstanding Graduate Award in Jazz Studies.
Daniel continues to develop his career both as an educator and as a performer through his own group Daniel Criado Project. He has performed in many venues in the New York area, including Birdland Jazz Club, The Side Door, Cleopatra’s Needle, Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, White Plains JazzFest, and Mezzrow. Daniel has also been awarded by the important Asakusa Jazz Contest in the category of "Best Jazz Ensemble" in Tokyo, Japan in 2018.
Daniel strives to grow a passion for music in all of his students. He looks forward to a new challenge and success in every lesson!
Erika Lieberman
Celtic Harp
Harpist Erika Lieberman has worked as a musician and composer for over twenty years. As a teacher of beginner-level lever harp, also known as the "folk harp" or the "Celtic harp," she lays the foundation for students to move over to pedal harp (or "orchestral harp") if they so desire.
Erika plays in a variety of musical styles, but specializes in Celtic folk music, Renaissance/early music, and film and video game scores. She performs at Renaissance and folk festivals all over the East Coast, as well as theatrical productions, the circus, weddings, Victorian high teas, restaurants, corporate events, gallery openings, nursing homes, and more! In addition to her robust career as a soloist, Erika is an accomplished ensemble and folk band musician, as well as a recording artist. She has also worked as a music director for various theatre companies and festivals in New York and New Jersey.
Erika holds degrees in Film Scoring and Music Technology from New York University. She is currently working toward a CMC (Clinical Music Certification) to play bedside healing harp at hospitals and hospices. Erika likes to incorporate stories about the harp into lessons, particularly with young students. Adults often find these myths and histories fascinating, as well! She teaches a variety of musical styles on the harp, focusing on standards, traditional Celtic music, and light classical music, as well as Disney and pop!
Gavin Maguda
Bass Guitar, Drums, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, & Voice
Gavin Maguda is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer from Rochester, New York. He began studying music at 4 years old and is a graduate of SUNY Purchase, where he graduated summa cum laude from the Studio Production program. As a pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, saxophonist and vocalist, he is well-versed in a variety of different music styles and genres.
Gavin has nearly two decades of performing experience. He has played with local bands in Rochester and White Plains. Gavin also writes, produces and records original music and has released several albums, EPs, and singles as a solo artist. He releases new music every Friday the 13th!
Gavin has taught private music lessons to students of all ages and now brings his experience to Eugene’s Music and Learning Studio. He strives to help his students develop their love for music the way his own teachers did for him!
Hannah Walker
Cello, Beginner Piano, Beginner Viola, & Beginner Violin
Hannah Walker is a cellist from Hyde Park, New York. She has studied Cello Performance in the College Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College. She serves as the principal cellist of the Purchase Symphony Orchestra. Recent Purchase performances include Die Zauberflöte with Purchase Opera, Beethoven's 4th Symphony, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, and Julia Wolfe's riSE and fLY (a body concerto for percussion). In recent years, Hannah has attended programs such as The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Vermont, Baroque Opera Workshop at Queens College, and the Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival in Lucca, Italy.
Hannah began her cello journey at the age of 11 and from very early on knew it was what she wanted to pursue as a profession. Hannah has had a passion for teaching young musicians since teaching her first cello lesson at 16 years old. She loves watching her students learn and grow throughout their musical journeys!
Jake Albi
Drums, Guitar, Piano, & Songwriting
Jake Albi is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and audio engineer originally from Mount Pleasant, New York. He has been performing for over two decades across various genres and projects, including recent concert appearances at the Pleasantville Music Festival, The Paramount Theatre in Peekskill, The Viper Room in Los Angeles, and many more. He is drummer and vocalist for his professional rock band, The Bluechips, and provides guitar, piano, and lead vocals for his other band, Imposters.
Jake graduated from Mercy University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Recording Arts. He is in demand as an audio engineer and mixer, producing albums of many artists. Jake loves getting his students excited about learning the guitar, piano, and drums! As a teacher to students of all ages, his goal is for every student to tap into their creative side in every piece they learn.
Julianne Casey
Piano & Voice
New York City-based soprano Julianne Casey hails from Whitehouse, Texas. She most recently appeared in concert with the Bologna International Opera Academy in Bologna, Italy singing Italian arias and scenes from Puccini’s La bohème, Suor Angelica, and Rossini’s Zelmira. Last March, Julianne was the guest soloist in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s “Tribute to Boston Pops” performing music from West Side Story and Les Misérables. Following this highly successful and anticipated concert, she returned to her alma mater, Tyler Junior College, as a featured guest artist , where she taught a master class and presented a recital of arias and art songs.
Last summer, Julianne was a featured soloist in the Festival Internazionale di Mezza Estate alongside the Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese in Tagliacozzo, Italy performing Puccini arias and scenes from Puccini's Madama Butterfly in the role of Cio-Cio San. She also performed as Liù in scenes from Turandot with Classic Lyric Arts of New York City.
Julianne received a Master of Music in Voice at the Mannes School of Music as a Presidential Scholar, where she studied the role of La Contessa Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and performed as a soloist in the Mannes Sounds Festival. Julianne also holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Purchase College, where she performed the title role of Puccini's Suor Angelica and the role of Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites. She regularly performs in her native Texas, recently as a guest recitalist in the Texas Guitar Festival in Dallas as part of the Texas Guitar Competition Festival. When she is not singing and teaching, Julianne can be seen on HBO Max's And Just Like That, the television series Billions on Showtime, Gossip Girl, and the 2023 Netflix film Maestro.
Julianne is dedicated to educating her students in a positive and nurturing manner. She believes that a strong foundation of musical technique cultivates a confident, passionate, and exemplary musician!
Maura Lefèvre
Acting & Voice
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Maura Lefevre is a New York City-based classically trained soprano and actress. She made her Feinstein’s/54 Below debut in June 2018 under the direction of Lindsay Mendez and Ryan Scott Oliver. She has returned twice as a soloist since.
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Recent NYC credits include Cosette in Les Misérables, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof, and Laverna in the world premiere of Into the Beyond, presented at The Shakespeare Forum’s Summer Festival.
Maura graduated summa cum laude from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College with a Bachelor of Music degree in Opera/Vocal Performance. While at SUNY Purchase she performed as Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Gretel in Hansel and Gretel.
After graduating, Maura continued her vocal studies in Paris, France at The Conservatoire de Saint Nom La Bretèche.
Maura believes first and foremost in cultivating and expanding her students’ love of music. She strives to instill confidence in her students and provide a nurturing space for exploring their instrument. She is equally dedicated to helping her students be the best musicians they can be and taking the time to understand their individual needs!
Michael McAvoy
Assistant Director of Strings
Assistant Director of Early Childhood Music
Cello, Piano, & Voice
Acclaimed by Naples Daily News for his range, resonance, and interpretive skill, baritone Michael McAvoy has been singing and teaching for decades. Recently, he sang in Josh Groban’s backup quartet at Radio City Music Hall, Nassau Coliseum, Madison Square Garden, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and on PBS.
Michael's various accolades include the New York Classical Music Society’s Gold Prize, a certificate of achievement in The Progressive Musicians Online Classics Competition, Grand Finalist in the International Talents of the World Competition, second place winner of the American Prize Competition (men in art song and oratorio category), and first prize in the oratorio division of the Lyra New York International Vocal Competition.
Michael has performed nationally with opera companies and orchestras, most notably Connecticut Concert Opera, Connecticut Lyric Opera, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Opera Theater, Opera Naples, The Naples Philharmonic Chorale, The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Bronx Opera, and Light Opera of New York. Following winning the Opera Theater of Connecticut’s Amici Vocal Competition, Michael performed several roles in their opera productions, including Peter in Hansel and Gretel, Le Dancaïre in Carmen, Barone Douphol in La traviata, and Figaro in The Barber of Seville.
Michael holds a degree in Vocal Performance from The University of Connecticut. He continues to study voice with Dr. Constance Rock from the UConn faculty. He is the baritone soloist and bass section leader at Rye Presbyterian Church.
Michael loves seeing his students grow as musicians and performers! He enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and nurturing their individual strengths.
Mickey Asamenew
Euphonium, Guitar, Piano, & Trumpet
Mikyas (Mickey) Asamenew is a multi-instrumentalist who plays as many genres as he does instruments! He began his musical journey at the age of 11 with the trumpet. His teachers saw his knack for jazz and encouraged him to join his school jazz band, where he quickly rose to first chair. Mickey later picked up the euphonium in band class at age 15, giving him a diverse knowledge of both high and low brass.
Apart from jazz and concert band repertoire, Mickey is experienced with musical theater orchestras, playing in the pit for productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Peter Pan, among others.
Mickey is passionate about helping his students hone their musical skills! He enjoys keeping students engaged by creating arrangements of his students' favorite songs tailored to their playing ability. Through understanding his students' interests, he finds ways to inspire them to practice and set attainable goals.
Outside of music, Mickey's hobbies include computer programming, tennis, and running.
Natalie Kriegler
Cello, Violin, & Viola
Natalie Kriegler is a Westchester-based violinist. She is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where she majored in Violin Performance under the instruction of Raphael Bronstien and Arianna Bronne.
Her orchestral credits include Broadway shows such as Grand Hotel, Guys and Dolls, Hello, Dolly!, Damn Yankees, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables. Natalie has also performed in orchestras, such as Music Sacra, and she has served as concert mistress for the Gilbert and Sullivan Players and a run of My Fair Lady at The Westbury Music Fair. She has also been the concert mistress for concerts by Joel Grey, Bel Canto Opera, and she has performed for Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole (including the televised PBS Natalie Cole Christmas Special), Gladys Knight, Mel Torme, Dionne Warwick, Smokey Robinson, and many others.
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Natalie has also appeared as a soloist with The Vermont Symphony Orchestra, The Amphion Chamber Orchestra, The Mohawk Trails Chamber Orchestra, and with the Capriccio Ensemble. She collaborates frequently in chamber music settings, as well.
Natalie is in high demand as a session musician. Her commercial performance credits include the Nickelodeon TV show Wonder Pets, and jingles/TV spots for Coke, Diet Coke, Amtrak, and CBS Evening News. She has also appeared on albums by Billy Joel and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Natalie loves teaching her students in an encouraging, enriching setting. She combines her love of teaching and her love of giving back to the community by arranging concerts at local hospitals, senior citizen retirement homes, and assisted living centers, all featuring her students.
Sean Lippin
Drums, Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Violin, Voice, & Songwriting
Sean has been performing and teaching students of all ages in the Hudson Valley for the past eight years. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta's music department and matriculated at CUNY Lehman's MAT in Applied Music and Teaching program, Sean has a tremendous passion for performing and teaching. As a multi-instrumentalist, Sean knows firsthand that understanding each instrument helps to determine its role in an ensemble.
Sean currently performs in his original musical project, Nerd Salad, and under his own name. He has played at many renowned New York City venues, such as The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene's Grocery, Bowery Electric, The Knitting Factory, Gold Sounds, and many others.
Aside from performing, Sean has a love for inspiring and engaging students to hone their musical skills and personal growth. He loves working with elementary and middle school children who are full of energy and have an eagerness to learn. He also enjoys working with high schoolers who are mature and able to handle more complex ideas.
Sean believes that an outstanding teacher can drastically alter the course of any mind. This is the kind of teacher he aspires to be!
Susan Leiter
Early Childhood, Guitar, & Piano
Susan Leiter joins us as a retiree from the bird department of the Bronx Zoo. Her lifelong love of music was fostered from an early age by her family. Susan has played various instruments all her life, including piano, harp, tenor recorder, guitar, ukulele, and voice. When she isn’t teaching, she performs recorder in a quartet, and sings in a barbershop quartet and chorus.
Susan spent many years educating children about animals and the natural world, and now applies that experience to awakening children's love and excitement for creating music. She knows the value of early musical experiences in creating an interest that can enrich your entire life, no matter your chosen profession. Her many years’ experience with teaching behavior through positive reinforcement has enabled her to create a learning environment that is responsive to the unique learning styles of early childhood.
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Susan believes that early childhood is a time to cultivate feelings, a sense of the beautiful, and excitement about the new and unknown. She knows that children have a natural love for animals and for music, and she has discovered that children's emotional response to these subjects enables a passionate teacher to foster the courage to try out new skills and discover a love of learning!