Instructors

Our Instructors

Our Expert Teachers

Ms. Heidi (Piano, Theory)

Meet Heidi, a dedicated pianist and educator originally from Dalian, China. Heidi’s musical journey began at the age of six, leading her to pursue piano studies at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music (SYCM) Middle School. Alongside her piano performance training, Heidi’s passion for composition flourished.

Heidi received her Bachelor’s degree in Theory and Composition from SYCM, studying under the esteemed Professor Shenglin Jiang. She continued her academic journey, earning a Master’s degree in Theory and Composition at Long Island University, under the guidance of Professor Carl Strommen. Her commitment to music extended to her piano studies, where she honed her skills with Professor Stephanie Watt and excelled as a pianist in chamber music classes with Professor Sharon Moe. Her exceptional piano performance was acknowledged with the Best Piano Performance award upon graduation.

With 15 years of teaching experience both China and New York, Heidi specializes in teaching piano and music theory. Her unique approach allows students to grasp the fundamentals while enjoying their musical journey. Heidi has a remarkable track record of preparing students for ABRSM and NYSSMA exams, boasting a 100% pass rate. Her dedication to tailoring lessons to individual students’ needs and fostering open communication underscores her commitment to student success.

As a teacher, Heidi’s primary goal is to inspire her students to understand and appreciate music. She strives to instill in them a deep understanding of different music periods, musical forms, and theory. Heidi believes that when students truly comprehend a piece of music, their enjoyment and appreciation soar, motivating them to pursue their own musical ideas and approaches to the piano. Join Heidi on a musical journey that transcends learning to true understanding and love for music.

Mr. Sam (Piano, Guitar, Vocal, Ukulele)

Sam Sultan is a Jersey City-based performer and teaching artist, with a passion for helping young artists find their creative voices.

Some favorite credits as a musician and music specialist accompanying Broadway Star Laura. Bell Bundy’s workshops, playing guitar for actor and comedian Mario Cantone at the Tempe Arts Center and serving as music assistant for Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson for the Double Standards concert at Town Hall. Sam has released two alums of original music and serves as producer for singer-songwriter Emma Freeman.

Sam’s first full length musical, Saint Stephen & the Children’s Crusade, was selected to take part in the Apples & Oranges THEatre Accelerator and was featured in Allen and Gray’s digital New Voices Concert series. Sam composed music for Happily: The Musical, which has had multiple productions in NYC and around the country.

Some favorite credits as an actor include Once at the Public Theatre San Antonio, The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the White Plains Performing arts center, and Big River at Westchester Broadway Theater.

Sam is a proud member of AEA, DGA and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Mr. Jameison (Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production)

Jameison Ledonio is a professional guitarist based in New York City. He performs with top-tier artists, musicians, and singers ranging from Independent artists, labeled artists, and corporate acts nationally and internationally. His performances have been set in festivals, clubs and stadiums reflecting his diverse repertoire.

He has performed on nationally broadcasted shows such as Good Morning America with Debbie Gibson and cable networks such as BET’s Rising Icons with Melanie Fiona. Passion for live performance has brought him to festivals like the Barbados Jazz Festival and the Essence Music Festival where he played with Chrisette Michele. He is also in a Billboard YouTube video with over 2 million views where he performed “Melanie Fiona – It Kills Me (ACOUSTIC LIVE).”

Jameison’s style allows his sound to complete the music, supporting the ensemble when needed but expressing originality when called upon. His musical versatility has allowed him to perform at venues such as the Blue Note with Lakecia Benjamin, the Blues Alley with Aziza Miller, Lincoln Center, and every House of Blues in America with various artists. Jameison’s most recent notable performance was with Hip Hop artist Curren$y for the Wu-Tang Clan’s Reunion Performance at the newly built Barclays Center, drawing an audience of 17,000. Jameison is also a published photographer in Essence Magazine, an aspiring director, video editor and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

Mr. Alexander (Piano, Theory, Composition)

Kalden Alexander is an award-winning composer and pianist based in the NYC area whose works have been premiered in film festivals and by Grammy winning artists. His score for the short film “Rein” won selection at the Lift-Off Global Film Festival in 2023 and his rescore of the Polish animated horror short film, “The Gentle Spirit” was praised by notable figures including Robert Eggers and John Corigliano.

He has an exceptional prowess for virtual instrument orchestration, leading him to win 2nd place in Orchestral Tools’ Virtual String Competition 2023, be invited as a guest composer on The Cue Tube podcast, and be highlighted in V for Virtual Orchestra Youtube channel in 2024. He has written in a wide range of genres spanning from classical, jazz, metal, funk, indie, big band, and more, with concert music having been performed by such notable ensembles as The Horzowski Trio, Neave Trio, Harvard Du Bois Orchestra, and Mother Superior.

As a pianist, Kalden won 1st place at the Crescendo International Piano Competition in 2015, proceeding to give his performance at Carnegie Hall later that year. He has since performed in concert halls including Jordan Hall, Pickman Hall, Sanders Theatre, and The Musical Hall. He was appointed orchestral pianist in the Harvard University Du Bois orchestra in 2017 and won Best Performance in the Honors Competition at his undergraduate alma mater that same year.

Kalden holds degrees from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, Emerson College, and Montclair State University, receiving the Margaret Rhodes award for outstanding achievement in music theory in 2019 and winning Composer of The Year in 2022. He has been an invited guest lecturer at Granite State College and University of New Hampshire while also having taught undergraduate music theory and aural skills at Montclair State University and in public schools in New Jersey.

Ms. Esther (Piano, Vocal)

An opera singer, violinist and pianist hailing from Minnesota, Ms. Esther is a multi-talented musician who brings a passion for teaching to all of her students. She began taking piano and violin lessons at the age of six, and during those younger years performed in many competitions and masterclasses across the state. During her time as both a violinist and pianist, she attended the BRAVO! Institute for Strings and Piano in Minneapolis, MN. There, she participated in masterclasses and chamber groups, studying with some of the best musicians in the country and performing as both a pianist and violinist. As a young pianist, she studied with Alexander Braginsky and Tanya Spector. She later graduated with honors, earning a BM Violin Performance degree from the University of Minnesota, where she studied with renowned pedagogue Sally O’Reilly. As part of her degree, Ms. Esther performed on numerous recitals, was an avid chamber musician, and also performed the regional premiere of “Ladder to the Moon” by Michael Daugherty, garnering much acclaim from the composer.

After finishing her degree in violin performance, Ms. Esther decided to continue her musical studies as an opera singer. Hailed as singing in “…pure tones, with vivacious humor” for her portrayal of the First Lady in Die Zauberflöte, she has performed in many training programs across the United State and Europe, honing her skills as a singer. Known as a compelling performer both on the operatic stage as well as in concert, recent highlights include performing an art song recital as a guest artist at Carnegie Mellon University and performing in Dialogues des Carmélites while a young artist at the Savannah Music Festival. Other highlights include making her debut as Yvette in Puccini’s La Rondine at the Miami Music Festival, and performing as a featured artist at the Opera Naples Academy. Previous seasons include Sister 1 in Jake Heggie’s opera Dead Man Walking (MMF), Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel (Twin Cities Fringe Opera), Najade in Ariadne auf Naxos (Twin Cities Fringe Opera), and covering Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro (Miami Music Festival). In addition to this, she has also trained as a Young Artist at SongFest in Los Angeles, and been awarded an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Council Auditions.

As a teacher, Ms. Esther believes in providing an encouraging environment to all her students. She focuses on creating an individualized lesson for each student, helping them develop a solid technical foundation as well as an overall appreciation for music. She believes the more a student understands music and how to approach new material, the more they will enjoy the process of learning. This, in turn, helps the student stay motivated and build confidence, regardless of their level.

Mr. Georgii (Piano, Theory)

A pianist, performer, producer, and songwriter.

Originally from Tula, Russia, he started taking piano lessons at the age of 5 accompanying them with an intense course in music theory, music history, and chamber ensembles. After two years of music education, Georgii started participating in piano competitions, achieving laureate prizes which helped him to transfer to a music school under the management of Tula Dargomyzhsky Art College. There, he became a member of a piano duo which allowed him to travel and perform around the country, winning multiple competitions. At the age of 15, Georgii Zaitsev got accepted to Tula Dargomyzhsky Art College where he continued pursuing a Piano Performance degree, winning solo competitions, and accompanying soloists and choirs in different venues.

In 2018 Georgii got an offer to study Piano Performance at Southern Adventist University, Chattanooga, TN. Upon moving to the United States, he enhanced his accompanying practice by being a musician at different churches around Georgia and Tennessee; and by touring with choirs across the country. Throughout his years at SAU he was honored to study with Dr. Peter Cooper, taking a part in many different concerts, festivals, and competitions. Georgii’s biggest achievements to date are becoming a winner of the national Concerto Concert competition which allowed him to perform E. Grieg’s A minor Concerto with the symphony orchestra and having his Senior Recital sold out in person and streamed from across the world.

Georgii Zaitsev has 6 years of experience in teaching piano and music theory. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance in 2021, he moved to New York to continue his teaching practice there. In 2022 Georgii became an official Steinway Educational Partner which further advanced his teaching career. Georgii has a unique approach to every student, depending on the level of practice, the age of a student, and their goals. Georgii guides his students through the world of music, helping to find their passions and making the process of learning not only resultative but enjoyable as well.

Ms. Lee (Piano, Jazz Piano)

Siwon Lee is a distinguished jazz pianist, arranger and composer based in New York and South Korea. Having established a strong foundation, playing classical piano since the age of four, her work spans genres. Her artistic influence includes classical, jazz, funk, pop and latin music.

Her jazz journey began in South Korea, where she won first prize at the 2014 Kyung-Hee University Jazz Competition, a significant milestone that set the stage for her pursuit of jazz at an international level. Moving to New York, she immersed herself in rigorous study and performance at SUNY Purchase, earning both acclaim and accolades, including the 2024 SUNY Purchase Outstanding Graduate Award, which recognized her exceptional leadership and musicianship.

Siwon’s performance resume is as impressive as it is varied. She has appeared on the stages of iconic jazz venues such as Birdland and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and engaged audiences in cultural settings like the Neuberger Museum of Art. Her versatility shines through in performances including her role in the house band for the innagural Latin Jazz Festival at the Purchase Performing Arts Center, where she contributed to a program honoring grammy award winning pianist Eddie Palmieri. Siwon has performed and shared the stage with many jazz luminaries including Jon Faddis, David Dejesus, Ray Vega, and Melissa Aldana.

Siwon’s artistry is grounded in a strong respect for jazz tradition paired with a fearless embrace of new expressions. She is widely recognized for her sensitivity, humility, and passion for her craft, qualities that resonate deeply with both her audiences and fellow musicians. Whether performing solo, leading her ensembles, or working collaboratively within large orchestras, her playing exudes authenticity and emotional depth.

McKenna (Vocal)

McKenna Michael Bisaha is an educator and performer originally based is Orange County, California but now lives is Jersey! Past performance work of theirs include; Janis (Mean Girls) Lyle (Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Pasadena Playhouse), Frozen! at the Hyperion (Disney), Harv (Barry, HBO). McKenna has also been teaching/directing musical theater to all ages for the past 15 years as well as teaching vocal techniques! They are over the moon to be a part of the Music Steps family!

Ms. Grace (Piano)

Grace Nieh earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Connecticut and is currently pursuing her Master of Music at Mannes School of Music in New York. She has won numerous piano competitions, most recently the UConn Concerto Competition, where she performed with the UConn Symphony Orchestra. She has also participated in masterclasses with renowned ensembles, including the Takács Quartet, Escher String Quartet, and Bennewitz Quartet.

Grace has teaching experience with students of all ages and levels, from elementary school students to college-level pianists. She is passionate about sharing the joy of music and tailors each lesson to the student’s individual learning style and goals. Her lessons incorporate technique, repertoire, music theory, music history, and musicianship. She strives to balance structure with enjoyment while helping students become well-rounded musicians and develop their own artistic voice.

Mr. Jordon (Piano)

Jordon is a graduate from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), a conservatory arts program in the heart of Chicago. He completed the program with a BM in Music Education and a Minor in Piano Performance.

Post-grad, Jordon moved from Chicago, IL to Weehawken, NJ where he lives with his husband and his cat—the perfect little family! Leading up to this point, Jordon has gained much experience in teaching music in many different facets: piano, percussion, symphonic band, marching band, theatre ensembles, and more. Most notably, prior to teaching at Music Steps, Jordon worked at Grow Music Academy where he taught piano students of all ages for 4+ years.

In his free time, Jordon enjoys watching (and sometimes performing in) musicals, working out, running, seeing his friends, roller skating, biking, and a more recent development: crocheting. He is more than thrilled to be in the vibrant atmosphere of New Jersey and the Jersey City area where he can thrive as a musician and share his passions as a teacher!

Ms. G (Piano)

Gaukhar Kenessova was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 1999. At the age of five, she was accepted into the Kulyash Bayseitova Republican Kazakh Specialized Music Boarding School for Gifted Children, where she completed her studies with special distinction. She continued her professional piano education at the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory, one of the leading music institutions in Central Asia.

As an exchange student, Gaukhar studied in Poland, where she represented Kazakhstan at an international music festival. She later pursued advanced studies in the United States and earned her Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Mobile (Alabama), where she was recognized as one of the university’s top-performing graduate students.

Gaukhar is an accomplished performer and prizewinner, having received first and second place awards at national and international competitions in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the United States. Her concert experience includes numerous solo and ensemble performances across different countries.

With over 10 years of teaching experience, Gaukhar has worked as a piano instructor, successfully guiding and mentoring more than 60 students of various ages and skill levels. Many of her students have participated in concerts, examinations, and competitions. In addition to teaching, she has extensive experience as a collaborative pianist (accompanist).

Her performance background includes dozens of appearances with jazz bands, as well as work with an orchestra for theatrical productions. She has performed for stage productions such as “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Tuck Everlasting”. Gaukhar has also frequently collaborated with vocalists, performing at concerts and competitions as an accompanist and ensemble pianist.

Through her combined work as a performer, educator, and collaborative musician, Gaukhar Kenessova has established herself as a versatile and dedicated professional within the international music community.

Ms. Drew (Violin)

Drew is a violinist from Loveland, Colorado. She has played the violin for 28 years.

When she was six and living in England, she visited Ireland and fell in love with Irish tunes. Her parents told her the violin was a serious instrument, and to show her commitment, she would need to save half of the first rental fee (fifty quid). A few months later, her parents found her older brother enthusiastically pulling out one of her teeth at her request. With a contribution from the tooth fairy that evening to add to her allowance savings, she would finally have her fifty quid.