Michelle Cipollone, soprano, originally hails from Oregon, and just moved to Pennsylvania from the west coast in May of 2024. She is a professional musician specializing in opera and oratorio works and is passionate about teaching students of all ages and in all styles of music.

Michelle's solo work includes having performed the role of Countess in La nozze di Figaro, Erste Dame (Die Zauberflöte) Mutter (Hänsel und Gretel), and Fiordiligi with LAH-SOW Opera. Previous roles include: La Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), Ino (Semele), Kathie (The Student Prince), Maestra della Novizie (Suor Angelica), and Giunone (La Calisto).

In addition to operatic roles, Michelle has also toured internationally as a featured soloist with choral ensembles to Spain and Ireland, as wel as singing solos in choral pieces and oratorio works with various professional-level choirs. She is currently the Administrator for the Golden Gate Symphony and Orchestra based in San Francisco, and has served as their Soprano section leader and soloist for various works. Michelle also enjoys serving as cantor/section leader for local church services of all denominations.

Michelle earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University in 2012 and graduated with a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2020.

Libby Riconda is an instrumental teacher at Propel Charter Schools. She has been teaching band in the public school setting for 12 years along with privately teaching for 20. Her main instruments are flute, piano and guitar; however she is proficient in all band and string instruments. She graduated with honors from Rowan University and MTSU with her Music Education degree and Flute Performance Masters. She is currently in school pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership. When she resided in Florida she subbed flute for the Space Symphony, Tampa Symphony and Orlando Symphony along with gigging throughout the Lakeland region. In her free time she likes to spend time in nature with her dog and cook new recipes for families and friends.

Morgan Stouffer is a 2012 graduate of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania where he obtained a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy. While at Seton Hill, he sang the role of Monostatos in Mozart’s "Die Zauberflöte" and has performed extensively with the Seton Hill University Choir, the Seton Hill University Chamber Singers, and the Westmoreland Choral Society. Morgan has been teaching privately for almost ten years and loves to see his students succeed on whichever “musical path” that they pursue! As a pianist and organist, Morgan serves as director of music at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Madison United Methodist Church, in New Stanton and Madison, Pennsylvania respectively. Throughout his nearly twenty year career as a church musician, he has worked extensively with various church choirs both as a singer and as a conductor. He has also served as adjunct choir member of the Westmoreland County All-Star Choir and the Westmoreland Symphony Choir. From September 2013-September 2014, Morgan was the choral scholar at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, Ireland where he was the tenor section leader. During his time at St. Mary’s, Morgan sang in Faure’s “Requiem,” and Stainer’s “Crucifixion.” Morgan completed his Master of Arts degree in Ritual Chant and Song at the University of Limerick, Ireland in January 2015. While there, he sang in Lucernarium: the official ensemble of the MA in Ritual Chant & Song and Sonas: the University of Limerick Global Choir.

Isabella Millman, with over a decade of dedicated clarinet performance and continuous study, brings her love for music to life as an active musician in our local community. Her journey has led her through various chamber and community ensembles, where she continually explores new dimensions of clarinet performance. Isabella thrives on challenging herself, constantly pushing her limits to discover unique colors and styles of playing.

Beyond her performances, Isabella has generously shared her expertise with younger colleagues during her undergraduate and graduate studies. As an alumna of Carnegie Mellon University, where she graduated with top honors, she remains deeply engaged in the Pittsburgh music scene. Currently, Isabella serves as a chamber coach with TRYPO (Three Rivers Youth Peoples Orchestra), nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Soprano and music educator Madison Bertha is a graduate of West Virginia University. Originally hailing from the mountain state, she received her bachelors of music in Music Education in 2021. Since graduating, she has taught a wide range of ages and contents in public schools in Illinois and Maryland, in addition to teaching privately. She has been studying voice for over ten years and is trained in classical and contemporary vocal styles.

Madison’s goal as an educator is to touch the hearts of all she teaches by sharing her passion, promoting creativity and individuality, and encouraging students to be their best selves. She is excited to work with voice students at C.P. Music Instruction and help students achieve all of their goals.

Undergraduate Student in Music Education

Marley is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music Education PreK-12 at Duquesne University. Her primary instrument is clarinet, but she specializes in woodwind and brass instruments. Marley is the clarinet technician with the Yough Marching Band. Marley is a student leader of Duquesne’s chapter of NBA (National Band Association), and has assisted with Duquesne’s Summer Band Symposium. She is an active member in Duquesne’s Symphony Band and Jazz Workshop, which makes her comfortable across multiple genres.

B.S. Music Education

Dylan is a recent graduate of Duquesne University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education PreK-12. His major instrument is guitar, but he is also proficient in many other instruments including piano, drums, bass, violin, viola, and brass instruments. Dylan has extensive stage experience across multiple genres with bands like Mike Urick and the Modelaires, Bachelor Boys, Koz, and through collaborations with artists such as Greg Joseph of the Clarks. Dylan has worked with national touring acts including the Squirrel Nut Zippers, the Daddies, and the Ataris in performance and studio settings. Dylan is also the assistant band director of the Yough Marching Band, and has worked with other marching bands such as Sto-Rox. He teaches 1 on 1 lessons and group classes at C.P. Music Instruction, including a variety of jazz and rock groups.

M.A. Sacred Music

Valerie Stipcak holds a bachelor of music in sacred music degree from Seton Hill University (2009) in Greensburg, PA and a master of sacred music degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA (2013). She studied piano, organ, and voice at both universities. She currently teaches private piano lessons online and in-person. Miss Stipcak formerly has served at several churches in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas. She regularly plays for weddings, funerals, cocktail piano hours, offers substitute organist coverage for church services, and other events. Her work in music has been featured in the Tribune Review twice and she wrote an article published by TAO (“The American Organist” — the national periodical for the American Guild of Organists). She loves to cook and she resides in Blairsville with her dog Franz (Schubert) Stipcak.

M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction

Sarah has been an elementary teacher at Norwin for the past 16 years. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade and recently took a new role as the Computer Science teacher for grades K-4. She served as youth director for her church, coached high school all the way down to age 4 in soccer, and currently coaches for Girls on the Run at Sunset Valley. She is a mom of two girls aged 8 and 3 and also has a puppy and cat at home. She enjoys exercising, singing, and crafting. Sarah loves working with children of all ages to find their gifts of whatever it may be!

Sam Specht-Burns (she/her) is a passionate and committed music professional, with talent and a drive to succeed. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Sam started playing violin when she was 9. Her grandmother, Marian Thomas, paid for Sam’s violin rental throughout school so she could learn and play. Sam studied music education with a primary in violin from 2014-2018. She studied with David Sinclair and Katie Pierson. She now works as a private instructor teaching violin, viola, cello, clarinet, beginning guitar, and beginning piano. She also works as a freelance musician and loves to play for weddings, musicals, concerts, and other events. Sam has experience in teaching for the Seton Hill Community Arts Programs from 2015-2021 and she was a former owner and founder of a local music studio from 2020-2022. She has certifications in teaching the Suzuki Method books 1-4, and The Smart String Teacher Method.

Darrin is a percussionist who is a Penn Trafford Alumni where he was a part of the Warrior Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. He currently owns and operates Whirlwin Studios based in Irwin. In the past he was a member of the original band Crushing Ground wih whom he released several albums. He is curently the drummer for The Rust Project.

M.A. Music Education

Chris has been teaching for over 20 years and loves helping students develop their musical potential. He believes that lessons should be light-hearted while remaining focused on developing the student’s skills. Chris holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania with an emphasis in Voice. He has taught and performed a wide range of vocal styles including classical, choral, jazz, theater, and rock. As a choral director, Chris’ ensembles regularly received Superior ratings in competition. Currently, Chris performs most weekends with his rock band Flying Blind as a singer and guitarist and manages the C.P. Music Instruction studios.