As the founder and director of Oxford Music Academy, Jon Sanford is committed to providing the best music education experience to students of all ages and abilities in the greater Oxford area. After coming to Oxford to pursue a Master of Music degree from Miami University, Jon realized there was an immense need for music teachers in the community. Under his leadership, Oxford Music Academy has become a center of talented and dedicated music educators, each bringing their unique background, experience, and resources to provide students with the best education possible.

Jon’s passion for music education extends far beyond the walls of the academy as he often shares his expertise at local and international conferences and organizations. He has been active as an adjudicator and co-chair for the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs’ Junior Music Festival. For over a decade, he has been teaching and accompanying at Miami University in additional to serving as the Music Director at Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church.

Jon enjoys collaborating with other musicians and has appeared in over 500 concerts, including performances with renowned artists such as Ciarán Sheehan and Alessandro Brustenghi. He regularly tours with choral ensembles and has performed in prestigious venues across 18 states and 10 countries, including the Cathedral of Brasilia, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Carnegie Hall.

Jon uses his wealth of experience to offer the best opportunities to the students at Oxford Music Academy. He continues to hone his own skills as a musician, educator, and leader to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to become accomplished musicians and lifelong lovers of music.

Adda Shur, Voice

For the past 25 years, Adda has taught and empowered children, teens and adults to sing with beauty, skill and ease.  She teaches classical and non-classical voice and helps singers and speakers recover from vocal strain or injury.  She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Opera and Opera Stage Direction from the Indiana University, School of Music, Bloomington, Indiana. At IU, she was a voice student of the famed Rumanian/Italian soprano and Bel Canto specialist, Virginia Zeani.

As a featured vocal soloist, Adda has performed in America, Europe and the Middle East in repertoire spanning opera, musical theater, sacred music and world music. For over ten years she performed internationally in a variety of mezzo-soprano roles with major opera companies such as Zurich Oper, Switzerland, New Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv, Long Beach Opera, CA, Cincinnati Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin/San Antonio Festival, Strasbourg Music Festival, France, and more. 

Her powerfully effective holistic system of voice training: VOGA™ VoiceYoga for peak performance, combines elements of vocal therapy and mind/body disciplines with the traditional Bel Canto methods. You can read more about this in her book, Sopranos Are Not Pianos – How Vocal Magic Happens For Women Singers (available on Amazon). 

In 2017, Adda relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio from Los Angeles, CA, where she taught voice for 15 years from her private voice studio, gave workshops for choirs and teachers, and performed as Vocal Soloist with various organizations. Previous to that, Adda was an adjunct voice professor at the New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL; Barry University, FL: and on the voice faculty of the Levinksy College of Education, Tel Aviv.

Lyric coloratura Anna Hylton hails from Kent, Ohio. She is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Miami University of Ohio, where she is a recipient of a Graduate Assistantship in Music and a student of Dr. Alison Acord. Anna received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Kent State University, along with two minors in Japanese and World Music. During her time at Kent, she was a student of Dr. Lara Troyer and a successful performer. As a member of the Kent State Opera Theater, Anna made her debut in a leading role as Ernestine in Offenbach’s Monsieur Choufleuri. She had previously sung the role of Second Woman in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and in the ensembles of Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land and Marriage Inside-Out. Anna won First Place in the Fourth Year Treble category of the Ohio NATS competition and was a Studio Artist with the Nightingale Opera Theater in Hudson, Ohio, where she performed Susanna in a scene from Le nozze di Figaro. Also proficient in choral literature, Anna has sung in the KSU Chorale, Tactus, the Cleveland Chamber Choir, the Miami Chamber Singers, Temple Israel Choir, and as a Section Leader Intern at the Oxford Presbyterian Church, her current position. Anna has been at Oxford Music Academy for about 3 months and loves working with all of her students. She loves to incorporate movement and stretching, promoting good breathwork and ease of tone production in singing, and working with a large variety of musical repertoire. Although teaching is a newfound passion, Anna loves to see the progress that her students make when under her tutelage.

Memphis native Annette Misener is happy to join the faculty and staff at Oxford Music Academy. Annette Anne (she/they) teaches and performs violin viola and cello and sometimes piano in the Cincinnati Ohio region the New York City area and beyond. She enjoys championing new works especially by composer and partner Dr. Phillip Roberts as well as works by lesser-known composers. Similarly Anne also enjoys recording and collaborating: she has recorded with artists such as Nick Black for Ballet Memphis and has premiered shows such as Chameleon off-Broadway. Anne and Phil are joined by Michael G. Ronstadt to form Trio Apéritif a live Trio Chamber Concert last September 2022 in Oxford Ohio as part of the Red Door Concert Series at Holy Trinity Episcopal; they will be performing again together this upcoming September and hopefully beyond. Additionally Anne enthusiastically performs frequently with the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra violin section!

Bill Longcamp has recently moved to Oxford.  He is a life-long trumpet player beginning in grade school.  He was a student of Eugene Blee, principal trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as a high school freshman.  He then studied with Herbert Tiemeyer, a former CSO trumpeter throughout the remainder of high school.  During high school, Bill attended summer music clinics at Indiana University where he was first chair trumpet in the concert band then in the symphony orchestra the following two years.  During those summers he had the opportunity to take trumpet classes with Bill Adams and private lessons with Louis Davidson at IU.  Bill played with the Cincinnati YMCA band as co-principal trumpet at the Montreal Canadian Exposition in 1967.  

In 1967 Bill auditioned for admission to the Curtis Institute of Music and was accepted.  There he studied trumpet with Samuel Krauss, the former principal trumpet or the Philadelphia Orchestra. While at Curtis, Bill played in the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and Brass classes taught by Mason Jones, the famous French Horn player in the Philadelphia Orchestra.  He played in the Stenton Hills Symphony, and both the Philadelphia Lyric and Grand Opera companies in performances of Aida and Turandot. 

Bill did not pursue a full-time musical career but continued following his passion for music playing in the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra trumpet section for fifteen years and was principal trumpet for seven years.  He also played in various brass quintets.  Bill took several lessons with Richard Burkhardt at Ohio State during this period to improve specific aspects of his playing. 

Bill has taught many trumpet students over the years ranging in age from eight to seventeen.  He believes that playing trumpet should be fun.  He doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach but adapts his method to fit the needs of each individual student.  Bill believes that learning to play trumpet is best accomplished with several short practice segments daily to allow the lips and facial muscles to adapt to the rigors of playing

Colleen Gorski is in her senior year studying music education at Miami University. At Miami, Colleen is a member of Miami’s chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association and the honorary music service fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. Colleen has played trumpet in the Miami University Wind Ensemble since arriving at Miami, where she leads as a Wind Ensemble Manager and Co-Principal of the trumpet section. Some of her additional teaching experience includes serving as a brass technician for Hamilton High School’s marching band, a visual and music instructor for Fairfield High School’s marching band, and an assistant director for Hamilton High School’s indoor winter winds program. As an educator, Colleen upholds a student-centered teaching style that builds on each student’s existing musical skills and knowledge. She believes in fostering musical growth and independence, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking musical risks and being their authentic selves. In her free time, Colleen enjoys going for hikes, listening to classic rock, and spending time with her friends!

David Sams has been a fixture in a long career of teaching Guitar at area Music Stores and Fine Arts Centers. He likes teaching many styles of Guitar from Classical to Rock, Blues and Jazz. He also enjoys showing students how to play guitar while singing. His own formal Music Education includes Miami University and The Army/Navy School of Music . He has also attended many clinics, workshops, and pursued private instruction with well known clinicians and performing artists. 

Staff Sergeant David Sams served as an Army Bandsman for Active Duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard retiring after 21 years and performing in Europe and the U.S. Always on the lookout for new musical adventures, Dave has founded and directed different touring ensembles, touring the U.S with everything from Top 40 to Country, Gypsy Ensembles and Historical Drama .

Even though Dave loves performing, some of his greatest  joy has been witnessing that "Ah - ha!" moment when a student suddenly "gets it" and begins to grow musically. He adds "keep on rockin' in the free world ." 

Diana Kwak is an undergraduate student of Choral/General Music Education at Miami University.  Originally from Illinois, Diana is in her fourteenth year of piano study and her ninth year of private voice study.  Her greatest joy is collaborative music-making, and she has enjoyed performing with groups such as Spirito! Singers, the Miami University Chamber Singers, Miami University Opera Theater, and three Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honor Choruses. Diana also student-conducts in a variety of contexts and seeks to work with adolescent choirs after she finishes school.  At Oxford Music Academy, Diana teaches and learns from students of all ages and experience levels in voice and piano.

Diana’s philosophy of teaching centers around creating an affirming environment where her students feel comfortable trying new things.  Access to meaningful music-making is very important to her, and she endeavors to build nurturing relationships with her students as they develop both competence and confidence.  Her instruction focuses on the “why,”  building music literacy and fundamental techniques from which to explore artistic expression.  Ultimately, Diana aims to meet students as they are and to catalyze their curiosity into a lifelong excitement about music learning.

In a professional career that has spanned 40 years and five countries, Cincinnati-born jazz guitarist Greg Chako has led an entrepreneurial life as a musician, promoter, and events organizer. He has released 17 CDs as a leader, multiple videos, and been the subject of a documentary movie called, “An American Cat in the Lion City.” He’s appeared on television, and headlined jazz festivals with his Latin-Jazz-World fusion groups. His 70+ original compositions take listeners on a cross-cultural jazz journey encompassing a unique mix of syncopated rhythms, soulful melodies, hard-swinging jazz, and the exotic sounds of Indian Tabla, Australian Didgeridoo, and the Brazilian 'Surdo' drum.

Vince Lewis for Just Jazz Guitar, said Greg’s music, “transcends geographic boundaries and cultures and communicates the happiness and friendship that all music should provide.” Of Greg’s solo-guitar album called, “My World on Six Strings,” the world-famous guitarist Gene Bertoncini said, “The complete package, a total orchestra – I love his arrangements!”

 His formal education includes a 3-year Doctor of Music (DMA) program at The Eastman School of Music; a Masters in Music (MM), and a Bachelors of Arts (BA) with a multi-disciplinary focus in music performance and business. He began teaching private guitar lessons 38 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has consistently taught various styles and techniques to many music professionals and amateurs alike. His approach is learner-centered, because he puts a priority on the student’s needs and wants, striving to facilitate their development of all the skills necessary for them to express themselves satisfactorily with music.

Holly is a Junior Music Education student at Miami University. She has been playing violin now for 15 years. She grew up in Cincinnati and was part of the CSYO. She is currently the president of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra. Some of her hobbies include volleyball, swimming, and trying new foods. She enjoys instructing violin students at any level.

Holly Beasley is an undergraduate student in her junior year of instrumental music education at Miami University. Holly's musical career first began when she started learning to play piano at nine years old from a piano teacher close to her hometown, which is Covington, Ohio. She continued taking lessons all the way through her senior year of high school, and still continues to play now as a college student. Holly's primary instrument as a college student is the saxophone, which she began playing in 5th grade as part of the beginning band. She continued to play the saxophone through junior high and high school, when she started taking lessons. During her college career, she has enjoyed being a part of the Miami University Wind Ensemble, the Miami University Marching Band, and the Miami University Saxophone Quartet. Holly is also a member of the Miami University Ohio Collegiate

Music Education Association chapter, where she enjoys making connections with other music educators and participating in professional development events specifically catered to help music education students become the best educators they can be. At Oxford Music Academy, Holly teaches a variety of instruments including saxophone, piano, and guitar. Holly believes that a music teacher is most successful when they are willing to meet their students' knowledge and abilities at a level that the student is able to feel successful, but gives a bit of a challenge to the student to help promote continued growth in their musicianship.

She also believes that a music lesson should not just be a lesson in musicianship, but also a lesson in personal growth. Learning to play an instrument from the basics and building a strong foundation in musicality can be a challenging experience, but the challenge can be so rewarding as it provides students with many transferable life skills such as self-discipline, self-accountability, and a strong will to see something through and not give up. Ultimately, Holly wants her students to leave a lesson feeling accomplished and excited to continue learning and become a better musician. Most importantly, she wants to encourage her students to love music a little bit more each day!

Jacob McFarland is a composer and pianist with a master's degree in composition from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor's degree in composition from University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.  As a composer, his music is filled with infectious grooves and lush textures.  He writes for a variety of mediums including concert band, orchestra, and electronic music.

Jacob's compositions frequently use custom electronics that allow the musician to interact directly with the music and change it as they play.  In 2023 he was the recipient of the Klingler Electro-Acoustic Residency receiving a commission of a new work for the New York-based ensemble Hypercube.  As a performer, Jacob was classically trained but enjoys playing and improvising in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, funk, and blues.  He believes that all music has value and enjoys helping his students discover the music they value.

Jacob is a Tenor pursuing a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Music Performance, as well as pianist studying privately at Miami University. He has had the honor of receiving the Emerging Artist Award scholarship from the University due to his talents and experience. Jacob is in his 5th year of studying advanced piano, and his 9th year of private voice study. He was the pupil of Dr. Jason Vest, a well-known Tenor that has toured with the choral groups, Conspirare, as well as the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati. He is currently studying under Professor Benjamin Smolder at Miami.

Jacob’s talent and experience highlights includes: attending Kentucky’s GSA program for Vocal Music as a Sophomore in high school, which is a highly competitive and very immersive summer program for excelling students in various concentrations. He also received the award of “Best Male Vocalist'' from the Cincinnati Cappies program that was voted on by over 15 schools in the area, which provided him with free admission to the advanced Lachey’s Art Camp run by the famous acting and singing power couple, Drew and Lea Lachey.

On top of Jacob’s many years of participating in advanced and award-winning choirs and being a part of many auditioned All-State ensembles, Jacob has also been in over 20+ theatrical and musical productions. One of his favorite roles was as the Captain in Northern Kentucky University’s Operetta, H.M.S Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan. His teaching experience includes being the music director for Randall K. Cooper High School’s Drama Club for the last 4 years, as well as providing his own private voice lessons in his home, and personally accompanying his students in their recitals. Jacob is welcoming to any students with a variety of experiences and levels of knowledge in music.

Janny Chin Yi Yun is an accomplished classical pianist and guzheng soloist from Seremban Malaysia. As a holder of graduate International Grant-in-Aid Scholarship she is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Miami University under the tutelage of Dr. Siok Lian Tan. She also earned first-class honors in Bachelor of Music from University Putra Malaysia.

Janny is passionate about music teaching and performing art with over eight years of experience in piano and guzheng teaching as well as collaborating with singers instrumentalists choirs and ensembles. Her most recent achievement is receiving a gold medal in the open category of the 9th HKYPAF Piano Competition. She has been invited to be an adjudicator for several music events including the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs’ Junior Music Festival vocal and choral competitions.

Aside from piano performance she also possesses additional skills in singing dancing and conducting choirs and Chinese orchestras. Her diverse musical experiences help to pave her professional career in both western and Chinese music.

Justin is a Music Education Major at Miami University with a focus in instrumental music. He is intended to graduate in 2027 with a Bachelors in Music Education, He is a member of the Miami University Collegiate Chapter of OCMEA (Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association), Where he serves as the community and Communications Director, He is also a member of OMEA (Ohio Music Educators Association) and participates in Music for All events.

He is also a member of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Miami University. Justin also works at Kings Island as an Area Supervisor of Admissions and Guest Services. He is from Lebanon Ohio where he played saxophone in Marching Band, Lebanon High School Wind Ensemble, and The Lebanon High School Jazz Band. He also was a part of Lebanon High School's Cantare Choir, and the head of Lebanon Singers Show Choir Combo. He also participated in the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Prep Saxophone Ensemble and Wind Ensemble.

While at Miami Justin is the current Director of the Miami Intergreek Jazz Ensemble, Member of the Miami University Jazz Ensemble, Tenor Saxophone Section Leader of the Miami University Marching Band, Member of Miami University Men's Glee Club, Member of the Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Quartet, and most recently Member of the Stage Left Pit Orchestra.

Kang Ning Yong is a second-year graduate student at Miami University, Ohio, pursuing a M. Mus. in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Siok Lian Tan. She holds a B. Mus in Piano Performance at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia under the guidance of Dr. Fung Chiat Loo, Geneviene Jen-Pei Wong, Chee Yean Wong, and Carolyn Lo. In 2015, she received the Licentiate Trinity College London (LTCL) Recital Diploma from Trinity Guildhall with distinction and also earned both Grade 8 Practical and Theory Exams from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in 2004.

As a pianist and teaching assistant at Miami University, she teaches Functional Piano Class to college music majors and also private lessons with students who vary in age from four to college-aged adults. In addition, she enjoys performing collaboratively with Chamber Singers from Miami University, as well as vocalists and instrumentalists from different areas. Being an active musician throughout the past few years has given her a comprehensive approach in her lessons.

Kang Ning is also a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) since 2016.

Nathanael Smith, Viola, Piano, Violin

Nathanael Smith is a current student at Miami University in Oxford studying Music Education and Mathematics. Starting in a middle school orchestra program in 6th grade, Nate enrolled quickly into private lessons for both violin and classical piano, performing yearly at OMEA Solo and Ensemble events as well as playing for worship bands and other recitals. Currently studying under violinist Dr. Thurmer,

Nate is a student of Alexander Technique, learning to teach the most efficient body movements for the best sound production and least risk of injury possible. Nathanael currently plays violin and piano for multiple worship bands, violin in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, piano for solo accompaniment, and records piano improvisation. Nate has taught lessons since high school, and can teach classical violin, classical piano, and worship piano.

Baritone Roy Domoe was born and raised in Northern California before he began his career as a classically trained vocalist. He is trained in the bel canto style of vocal production, teaching this method to his students. Though his primary instrument is voice, his first instrument was the guitar which he began playing at age 13 and continues to this day. 

​Mr. Domoe has sung operatic roles from Mozart, Handel, Rossini, Donizetti, and even works by Wagner and 20th-century composers. While he is classified as a lyric baritone, works that Mr. Domoe has performed include roles for bass-baritone and dramatic baritone because of the natural darker timbre of his voice. Companies that he has sung for include Light Opera Theater of Sacramento, Sacramento Opera, and Pocket Opera in San Francisco. Despite performance being his primary passion, he has found a great interest in academic research in music. He has given a short presentation on the works of Mozart & Salieri and has helped with finishing a major publication regarding French canonic repertoire. 

​Roy is currently studying under Professor Benjamin Smolder here at Miami University towards his Master of Music in Vocal Performance.

Timothy Knight is a graduate from Miami University where he received a Masters Degree in Music Performance in 2021 and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Performance in 2019. During his time at Miami, he has performed in numerous ensembles, including marching band, wind ensemble, symphony band, symphony orchestra, jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, taiko group, and steel band. He performed, Tiger Dance by Jeffrey Dennis Smith, as a marimba soloist for the percussion ensemble in Fall 2018. He had traveled with the marching band to perform in two Bengals games at Paul Brown Stadium and at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Bands Of America Grand National Championship in 2017. In the steel band, he had performed with many guest artists including Rusty Burge, Liam Teague, Tracey Thornton, Hal Melia, Lalo Davila, Tom Miller, Victor Provost, Gary Gibson, and Ben Wahlund. 

As an educator, he previously taught in the front ensemble in North Laurel High School and Ross High School marching bands and currently teaches front ensemble in Fairfield High School and Hamilton High School marching bands. He also is the current instructor for the Miami University Taiko Group. 

His goal as a music teacher is to share his love and passion in music and to inspire others to love and appreciate music.

Sam Eiffert, Drums, Percussion

Sam Eifert is an undergraduate student in music composition at Miami University. He has been studying percussion for ten years now. Sam loves performing, writing, and teaching music. He has been associated with the Miami University Steel Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Sam has also performed in multiple DCI and WGI groups, including Cincinnati Tradition and ConneXus. He has taught the Hamilton High School Marching Band as a battery section tech. Upon graduating, Sam plans to attend graduate school for Music Composition and Percussion. In lessons, Sam focuses on creating a very fun and fast paced learning environment, and progressing students abilities and musical knowledge!

Vi Vien Wong, Piano

Vi Vien Wong was born and raised in Malaysia. She received her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Miami University under the tutelage of Dr. Siok Lian Tan, and Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from University Putra Malaysia (UPM). She also holds a Licentiate Trinity College of London (LTCL) Diploma in Piano. As a graduate assistant at Miami, she taught college music majors in Functional Piano classes and accompanied singers and instrumentalists for their lessons and recitals. She also played piano and celesta in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra. She is a Certified Suzuki Piano Teacher and a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

Vi Vien is committed to providing quality and comprehensive music education to her students. Besides learning to play the piano, her students also learn music theory and aural and musicianship skills. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and has experience teaching in both private and group settings. When she was in Malaysia, she taught individual piano lessons, conducted music summer camps, and served as a facilitator for the “Opera for Kids” workshops sponsored by the Kuala Lumpur City Opera (KLCO). Her philosophy of teaching is to help her students to express themselves musically, to nurture them to be a better human being, and ultimately to promote the joy of studying music and playing the piano. She wants her students to have a fun and rewarding music experience through their lessons.

Besides her passion for teaching, Vi Vien also loves to perform. She has performed in numerous solo and chamber music recitals and appeared as a concerto soloist with the UPM Symphony Orchestra during her senior year in college. In 2017, she won the Gold Award in the Hong Kong Youth Performing Art Festival and was named a finalist in the First Aswara International Competition.

Yun Chyi Chia grew up in Malaysia and holds a master’s degree in piano performance from Miami University in the United States under the tutelage of Dr. Siok Lian Tan. She had completed her bachelor’s degree in music performance at University Putra Malaysia. She also obtained her Licentiate Trinity College of London (LTCL) piano diploma in 2016. Yun Chyi is passionate about both performing and teaching. As a performer she performed in many solo and chamber recitals.

She has actively collaborated with instrumentalists and vocalists for seven years where she always enjoys exploring a variety of music with other musicians and making music together. She had played as a collaborative pianist with Miami University Symphony Orchestra as well as chamber groups with different instrumentalists. She is currently served as a church pianist and accompanist at Oxford United Methodist Church.

As a music educator Yun Chyi had six years of experience committing herself to a private music school and enjoyed exploring its pedagogy while working with students. She is also a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and participated in the MTNA National Conference in Nevada. She has been invited as an adjudicator for the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs’ Junior Music Festival. As a teaching assistant she provides piano teaching to undergraduate students at Miami University. Her goal is to be a thoughtful teacher and performer who can contribute meaningful experience to others.