Woodwind Lessons

Liliana Lazzari is an accomplished musician and educator with over 30 years of experience in performance and teaching. Specializing in flute performance, she holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, along with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music.

Through her private flute studio, Liliana has guided students aged 4 to 80, and also teaches saxophone, clarinet, and beginning violin and cello classes. With over 23 years teaching band and orchestra, she has directed ensembles and taught music theory, history, and fundamentals.

Liliana is an experienced adjudicator and clinician, sharing expertise in conducting, arranging, and solo and ensemble coaching. Fluent in English and Spanish, with intermediate Dutch and French, she also holds TEFL/TSOL certifications and has taught beginning English and Spanish.

Teaching music is Liliana’s true calling, inspiring students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of music. Visit her website at www.flutediva.com for more about her teaching and performances.

Rachel Shields is an experienced band director and multi-instrumentalist specializing in percussion and woodwinds. She currently teaches 4th–12th grade band in Tampa, Florida, where she brings creativity, passion, and global perspective to her music education practice.

Before moving to Florida, Rachel spent six years teaching in East Africa, where she built a comprehensive band and music program from the ground up at a private school—an experience that shaped her student-centered and culturally responsive approach.

Rachel earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Alma College, where she performed with the percussion ensemble, marching band, Scottish Pipe and Drums, and vibraphone in the steel drum band. She earned her Master’s Degree in Music Education at Eastern Washington University.

In addition to her classroom work, Rachel is the lead tenor drummer for the St. Andrew’s Pipe and Drums of Tampa Bay. She also leads a worship team and regularly performs on drums, piano, and guitar.

Rachel believes in helping each student discover their unique musical voice and strives to make learning engaging, fun, and meaningful.

Karina Verdette is a dynamic music educator, conductor, and performing artist. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Flute Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in December 2024.

During her studies, Karina presented multiple recitals—including two flute recitals, a joint voice recital, and a large chamber recital—and performed with ensembles like Concert Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. She is active in the Wisconsin music scene as a substitute musician for various orchestras, a member of the Fox Valley Flute Choir, and as a performer at weddings and events. Karina currently studies flute at the Wausau Conservatory with Dr. Jacob Roseman.

Karina has taught private lessons in flute, voice, and piano at several studios, and now runs her own private studio, Verdette Music, specializing in flute and voice. She also serves as a Solo and Ensemble judge each spring and currently teaches middle and high school choir and general music in Stevens Point, WI.

She holds certifications with NAfME, NFA, WMEA, and ACDA, reflecting her commitment to excellence in music education.

Wendy Stewart is a dedicated music educator and oboist based in Southwestern Missouri, where she taught band for four years and now teaches elementary music. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Graduate Certificate in Music Education for Students with Special Needs from the University of Arkansas, where she studied under Dr. Theresa Delaplain. She is actively pursuing her Master of Music in Music Education at Arkansas Tech University while continuing to teach full time.

Ms. Stewart’s musical journey began at the age of five with piano, followed by flute and ultimately finding her voice through the oboe, which she has played for over 15 years. Her experience spans marching bass drum, color guard, and mellophone, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She has also performed with the Missouri State University Community Band in Springfield in recent years. 

As a private lesson instructor, Ms. Stewart teaches a small studio of local students, one of whom was selected for a Young Artist Concerto Competition with their regional orchestra in 2024. She brings passion, creativity, and inclusivity to every musical space she leads, inspiring students through both traditional and adaptive music education practices.

Lynn Curry is a passionate bassoon educator with over 32 years of experience teaching middle school band and private bassoon lessons. She holds a degree in K-12 Instrumental Music Education with an emphasis in bassoon performance, and studied under Randy Zelinski. Lynn specializes in working with beginners through early high school students, focusing on individual learning styles and musical goals.

As a WSMA Master Adjudicator for over 20 years, Lynn has helped countless young musicians grow in confidence and skill. Her background includes extensive experience performing in high school musicals, orchestras, and community ensembles.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a positive, supportive environment, where students feel empowered to take creative risks. Whether preparing for auditions or simply learning for enjoyment, Lynn brings expertise, encouragement, and joy to every lesson.

Mary Burczyk is an experienced clarinetist and dedicated music educator with 38 years of teaching in Wisconsin public schools, most recently in the Kettle Moraine School District. She holds degrees from UW-Madison (B.M. Music Education), UW-Milwaukee (M.M. Music Education), and Lesley University (M.Ed. Computers in Education), and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Currently, Mary is the adjunct clarinet teacher at Concordia University and teaches in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Prelude Winds program. She chairs the WSMA Middle Level Honors Project and regularly adjudicates for WSMA. Her roles in the WSMA State Honors Music Project include clarinet coach, band coordinator, and project chair.

Mary brings decades of leadership, performance experience, and enthusiasm to students of all levels, creating a strong foundation and lifelong love of music.

Kimberly Scully is an accomplished band director, conductor, and clinician with over a decade of experience in building exceptional music programs and developing student musicians across Maryland. She currently serves as the Director of Bands at Kent Island High School in Stevensville, MD, where she leads the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, competitive Marching Band, and the Musical Pit Orchestra.

Her ensembles consistently earn Superior and Excellent ratings at the District and Maryland State Band Festivals, and she has led performances at the New York Invitational Music Festival at Carnegie Hall, the Sound Design Workshop at Universal Studios, and All-County Middle School Honor Bands. Kimberly is passionate about student growth and community engagement, regularly organizing honor band participation, community concerts, and educational field trips for her students.

She holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Messiah University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from York College of Pennsylvania, and she is certified in K–12 Music Education and AP Music Theory.

In addition to her teaching work, Kimberly has served as a music and visual instructor for the United States Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and brass staff for the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps and Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. She is also an active performer, playing clarinet with the Mid-Shore and Anne Arundel Community Bands.

Kimberly was named a Teacher of the Year Finalist for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in 2022 and Outstanding Music Educator by the Maryland Music Educators Association in 2025. She has served as Vice President of the Eastern Shore Band Directors Association and is a frequent professional development presenter on topics such as ensemble branding and AP Music Theory integration.

Whether on the podium, in the rehearsal room, or in the community, Kimberly Scully brings creativity, leadership, and excellence to every aspect of her work.

Kate is a passionate woodwind specialist and dedicated music educator with experience teaching middle and high school band in Wisconsin and Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performancefrom the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

Kate’s students have participated in top honors ensembles such as WSMA Honors Band and Minnesota Honors Band, and have been active in marching band, jazz band, theatre pit ensembles, show choir, and other school music opportunities. Her students regularly advance to state-level solo and ensemble festivals and attend renowned music camps such as Shell Lake Arts Center, Interlochen Arts Camp, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

She is a strong advocate for whole-learner teaching and ensuring accessible music education for all students. Kate brings experience working with gifted and talented learners, students with ADHD/ASD, and in both urban and rural school environments.

While she is well-versed in band and orchestra instruction for all levels, she specializes in advanced clarinet and saxophone students who are looking to deepen their musicianship.

Kate welcomes all inquiries and is eager to help students grow through personalized, supportive instruction.

Julianna Pierdomenico is a multi-faceted musician: clarinetist, composer, and educator. She holds an M.M. in Clarinet Performance and a P.B.C. in Musicology from UNC Greensboro, an M.Ed. in Music Education from Kutztown University, and a dual B.S. in Music Composition and B.A. in Film Studies from Hofstra University.

As a performer and scholar, Julianna has presented research on Ethel Smyth and performed at ClarinetFest, the American Single Reed Summit, and more. She is a founding member of the Chaos Incarné Trio and serves on the board of Keep Music Alive, a nonprofit advocating for music education access.

Julianna currently teaches middle school band in North Carolina and maintains a private clarinet studio. Her students have earned placements in All-County, All-District, and All-State ensembles. Her teaching blends academic depth with creativity and compassion.

Katrina Veno is a clarinetist and educator based in New Hampshire. She earned her B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and an M.M. in Clarinet Performance from The Ohio State University, where she was awarded the Presidential Fellowship and served as a teaching assistant.

Katrina teaches at Portsmouth Christian Academy, leading concert bands, jazz ensembles, and musical theater productions. With 15+ years of experience in her private studio, she works with students of all levels on all band instruments, with a focus on advanced clarinet and saxophone instruction. Her students have won festival awards and music scholarships.

In 2022, Katrina was honored as Outstanding Young Band Director of the Year by the New Hampshire Band Directors Association. She is also a member of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and a proud mom of three.

Megan Williams is an experienced music educator and Executive Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta. She holds both a B.M. and M.M. in Music Education from the University of Georgia, where she also served as Drum Major and Assistant Band Captain of the Redcoat Marching Band.

Over 18 years, Megan has built thriving instrumental programs in metro Atlanta. Her ensembles have toured internationally and performed in high-profile events like the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Megan runs a large clarinet studio of 30–40 students who consistently earn All-State and honor band placements.

She also teaches for Outschool and offers private lessons across multiple schools. Megan is deeply involved in music leadership as a board member for HEART Music and a coordinator with GMEA. She lives in Lilburn, GA with her husband and two daughters.

Lauren Carr is a passionate music educator currently in their third year of teaching, serving as the middle school band and choir director in Madison, Virginia. With experience across multiple grade levels, they have also taught elementary general music and assisted with high school marching band programs.

A graduate of James Madison University, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2022. Their students regularly perform in seasonal concerts, including at the Music in the Parks Festival at Busch Gardens, and many are selected each year to participate in audition-based All-District Band and Choir ensembles.

Dedicated to musical excellence and student growth, Lauren works to foster a supportive and inspiring classroom environment where young musicians thrive.

Owen Evans is an exciting saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. He holds an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Portland State University, where he studied improvisation and composition with jazz greats George Colligan, Darrell Grant, and Tim Willcox. He earned his B.M. in Music Education from Central Washington University.

Originally from Seattle, Owen performed and recorded with Battlestar Kalakala, the Jazz Police, the Braxmatics, and Tinkham Road. After moving to Portland in 2022, he began focusing on original compositions and band leadership. His debut album One-Way Passage: Live at Blue Butler Studios is set for release next year and features his original works alongside top jazz musicians.

Owen has led clinics and workshops across the Pacific Northwest and maintains a private studio for saxophone, clarinet, and flute. His students have performed in local contests and toured Europe with the Washington Ambassadors of Music.

Tai Mikulecky is a dedicated saxophonist and music educator from Bloomington, Indiana. She holds a B.M. in Music Education from Indiana University and an M.M. in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

She previously taught at Las Cruces High School in New Mexico, where her concert band was named the 2020 New Mexico Honor Band. Under her leadership, students regularly earned All-State and Honor Band recognition. As a performer, Tai has played with jazz and concert ensembles and was a featured saxophone soloist with the Mesilla Valley Concert Band.

Currently, Tai teaches band and orchestra in the Alexandria, VA public schools and provides both in-person and online private lessons. She creates an inclusive and inspiring environment where students thrive musically and personally.