LEPSKAYA'S SCHOOL OF MUSIC - Key Persons

Alona Ionanova is a passionate and motivated teacher with six years of teaching experience. She focuses on using dynamic and creative ways to connect and inspire students. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Artistry from Glier Kyiv Institute of Music, and a master's degree from Drahomanov National Pedagogical University, Kyiv, Ukraine. Alona Ionanova taught in Primary Art Educational Institution teaching children 6 yr old and older. She teaches students a proper breathing technique, articulation, correct way to project sound, singing a cappella, and working with a microphone singing to a soundtrack. She can prepare students for concerts and competitions.

Ben Sullivan is a guitarist, pianist, composer, arranger, and teacher born and raised in Chicago. He specializes in classical Guitar, with an emphasis on Spanish composers and styles. Although classical is not the only genre, he can, as he plays in a rock band that plays around the Chicagoland area. Blues, funk, jazz, and rock are all styles that Ben is proficient in. Ben has received a Bachelor's in Guitar Performance from DePaul University in Chicago, under the mentorship of Professor Mark Maxwell. He then continued his education at the prestigious Northwestern University, where he completed his Master's degree in Guitar Performance under Professor Anne Waller. Ben has played for and studied with several masters of the instrument, including world-renowned guitarists Oscar Ghiglia, Manuel Barrueco, Berta Rojas, Paul Odette, and Ronn McFarlane. Ben believes that music is a lifelong journey that strengthens one's character and better prepares students for everyday life. Having taught for over half a decade, Ben understands the patience and resilience required to not only teach an instrument but to learn one as well!

Diana Kofman is a native of Odesa, Ukraine. She studied at the Stolyarsky School, the city's renowned musical institution, winning numerous competitions. Upon graduating from the Odessa State Conservatory, the Stolyarsky School hired Diana as a piano instructor and accompanist. She performed with The Violinists Ensemble throughout the former Soviet Union and numerous European countries, including Italy, Germany, England, and many others. Since coming to the USA with her family in 1997, Diana has worked at Roosevelt University, accompanying the university's vocal students and choir. She continues to perform as a soloist and member of various chamber ensembles and participates in competitions as an accompanist. Since 2009 Diana has been Campanella Choir's accompanist. Diana has been teaching piano privately to children throughout her post-graduate years. She has over 30 years of experience.

Irina Zinevich received both her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from Minsk State Conservatory (Belarus), one of the leading conservatories of the former Soviet Union. Trained in both the Suzuki and traditional violin methods, Irina's students have received high marks in competition and attend selective universities and music conservatories. Irina has been teaching violin at DePaul University School of Music at the Community Music Division since 2004. Irina also maintains a private studio in the Chicago area and performs regularly at Kusina De Manila in Des Plaines.

Iryna Laudadio graduated from Kyiv State Conservatory with a master's degree and obtained qualifications as a concert pianist, teacher, accompanist, and ensemble soloist.

Soprano Jenny Haworth, a native of Iowa, is based in Chicago, where she sings with various musical groups as a soloist and ensemble member. A promoter of early music, Jenny sings with the world-renowned Schola Antiqua, as well as the prestigious Saint Cecelia Choir of Saint John Cantius Parish, where she has performed and recorded numerous

Ms. Victoria Pilipenko was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. She began her studies at the professional school fo music at the age of six. Ms. Pilipenko received her bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Kharkiv State University. Ms. Pilipenko taught individual piano lessons and served as a choir accompanist at Kharkiv State University for 17 years. After immigrating to the United States in 2009, Ms. Pilipenko has been teaching privately. She has eight years of teaching experience and is a patient, creative and confident teacher. She is deeply committed to a high standard of excellence in quality of music education.

Yevgeniya (Jane) Lepskaya was born in 1974 in Kiev, Ukraine. She started studying piano at the age of five. From 1980-1989, she attended an elementary and middle school, as well as the children's music school in District 24. At the age of 15 she was accepted to the highly competitive and prestigious Glier School of Music, presently called R. Glier Kiev Institute of Music (R.M. Glier Kyiv State Higher Music College). To visit Glier Kiev Institute of Music click here.