Meet The Teachers & Staff
-Owner, Founder, Curriculum Director, CEO-
Julie Chambers is a multifaceted musician, educator, entrepreneur, and devoted mother who has dedicated her life to fostering creativity and a love for music in her community. As the founder and owner of Chambers Music Studio, Julie has expanded her vision to encompass three thriving locations in Bexley, Columbus, and Worthington. The Main Street studio is particularly special, as it features Swonderful Times Café, a welcoming space for students and their families to connect, relax, and be inspired.
A proud graduate of Capital University, Julie holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music education. Her extensive training includes a Music Pedagogy diploma from Hungary, Kodály certification, and experience with Estill Voice Training. Julie’s teaching journey began in 2008 and includes a rich history of public school and preschool, and individualized private instruction in general music, choir, piano, and voice lessons. Her passion for teaching and her expertise have shaped countless students, helping them achieve their musical and personal goals.
Julie is also the curriculum developer for Mommy and Me Music Time and the studio’s summer camps, Tropical Adventures and World Drumming, programs that inspire creativity and exploration in young learners.
Beyond her role as an educator, Julie is a committed performer. She regularly shares her talents as a choir director, organist, accompanist, and vocalist at Grove City United Methodist Church. Her musical contributions extend beyond the classroom and stage; she is also a published author, with an article featured in Bexley Magazine, and the host of the podcast show Musical Life, where she explores the many ways music enriches our lives.
Julie balances her professional accomplishments with her role as the mother of three young children and the wife of a dedicated firefighter. Her ability to nurture, inspire, and lead—whether in her family, her studio, or her community—is a testament to her dedication and passion for music and education. Julie’s work continues to enrich the lives of her students and the broader musical community, making her a true pillar of inspiration and creativity.
Throughout her career, Aaliyah has developed a diverse skill set. As an Assistant Social Media Manager at Good Cafe, she honed her digital marketing skills, creating engaging content and managing promotional campaigns. In her role at Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, she enhanced operational efficiency and contributed to client satisfaction through effective organization and project management. Additionally, Aaliyah is passionate about mentoring, having served as a dance instructor for teen girls, where she fostered creativity and teamwork.
Recognized for her academic excellence, Aaliyah has consistently made the Dean’s and Provost’s Lists at Capital University and received a Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2024 for her contributions to a local documentary.
–Cello, Piano & Voice Instructor-
Max Kramer (he/him) is a current student at Capital University studying Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. He graduated from Kettering Fairmont High School where he participated in multiple choirs, a cappella groups, and theatre. In high school, Max was awarded the Most Valuable Singer of the 2021-22 school year as well as Outstanding Section Member 3 times in 3 different sections.
Now at Capital, Max sings in the prestigious Chapel Choir, where he serves as bass section leader apprentice and choral administrative assistant. He also sings with the chamber ensemble, Philomel, and actively participates in the Opera/Musical Theatre department. Max was awarded the Agnes Fowler Award for Outstanding Freshman Music Performance at the 2023 Capital University Conservatory Annual Scholarship Competition. Most recently, he was named a finalist in both the 2024 Capital University Conservatory Annual Scholarship Competition and the 2024 Red School of Music National Art Song Competition. Max also serves as a Chorister Section Leader at Christ Lutheran Church and as the Music and Assistant Directing Intern for the Singing Buckeyes Barbershop Chorus.
Outside of music, Max loves to spend time with his friends, family, roommates, and brother, Paul. He loves attending shows around Columbus and working out. After graduating, Max hopes to go into a career in performance and continue to teach private voice.
– Piano Instructor-
Pufan Wang is a pianist and music teacher who holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Ohio State University with Prof. Steven Glaser. Pufan has extensive performance experience in both solo and chamber music settings, having performed in concerts in China and the United States. In addition to performing, Pufan is also an experienced piano teacher, having taught students of all ages, from young children to adults. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a positive and enriching learning experience for her students, and she strives to help her students develop a love an appreciation for music in their studies.
–Piano Instructor-
Ejiela has been teaching piano lessons since 2013 to students of varying ages in the Columbus area. Her primary area is classical piano, but she has had experience with other genres and encourages her students to explore other genres as well. She graduated from Capital University in 2015 with a degree in Piano Performance. Her performance experience includes masterclasses with Dr. Nelita True and Gale Berenson as well as solo playing, accompanying, ensemble playing, and competitions in the Indianapolis and Columbus areas. Contact us now to get scheduled for piano lessons with Ejiela!
–Piano Instructor-
Ben Henault is a passionate teacher and composer based in Columbus, OH. He has studied music his whole life, beginning in elementary school at a school of creative and performing arts. Ben has found deep joy in guiding his students to success, meeting them where they are and offering creative educational experiences that help them gain a stronger understanding of musical concepts.
Throughout his lifetime, Ben has crafted a refined sound at the piano, with his compositions reaching listeners around the world. He enjoys performing in hospitals and coffee shops, cherishing the special connections his music fosters.
In addition to his teaching and composing, Ben is also the founder of an annual arts festival in his hometown of Lexington, KY. This festival reflects his commitment to community and the arts, providing a platform for local talent to shine.
Sarah Ministeri is a graduate of Capital University with a Bachelor’s in Flute Performance. At Capital, she played flute and piccolo in the Conservatory’s premier wind ensemble, the Symphonic Winds, the Capital-Bexley Orchestra, and the pit orchestra for A Little Night Music and Kiss Me, Kate. Sarah is a multi-instrumentalist who played oboe in the university Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and several woodwind quintets. She has extensive chamber music experience, having performed in the Brillante Flute Quintet, Flute Choir, and Clarinet Choir. As a student, she received the Outstanding Flutist Award and the Conrad Award, and she was inducted into the American musical honors Society of Pi Kappa Lambda. She has played flute and piano at several churches in Columbus and northeast Ohio. In addition to her various instruments, she also studied composition and music theory at Capital. Her teachers include Lisa Jelle (flute), Lisa Nahm (flute), Melissa Stevens (oboe), Dina Lentsner (composition), and Tony Zilincik (composition).
–Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Percussion, & Piano Instructor-
Saffron has been passionate about music since 2011 and brings a diverse skill set to their teaching, with expertise in guitar, bass-guitar, trumpet, and ukulele, and percussion. Known for their warm, welcoming teaching style, Saffron creates a comfortable and encouraging environment for students of all levels. In addition to their teaching, Saffron has been performing live with the band Cat Couch since 2023 and Fish President 2014, further enhancing their understanding of the music industry and performance dynamics.
Outside of music, Saffron has a wide range of interests that reflect their creative and adventurous spirit. They enjoy painting and bike riding, often exploring new places for inspiration. A lifelong fan of Pokémon, Saffron also enjoys playing the games in their spare time.
When it comes to food, Saffron is a big fan of the classic BLT sandwich and chicken wings from Buffalo Wings and Rings in Lewis Center being among their favorites. They also love spending time around town, with the local library and Littleroot Card Shop being two of their go-to spots for relaxation and inspiration. In their downtime, you can often find them antiquing and thrifting, always on the hunt for unique treasures.
Saffron’s combination of musical talent, artistic hobbies, and love of community make them a well-rounded and engaging instructor, always eager to share their passions with others.
–Piano, Voice, & Jazz Voice Instructor-
Henry Seifried is a student at Capital University studying Vocal Performance with Emphasis on Opera/Musical Theatre and minoring in Marketing. He primarily teaches voice and piano. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Henry started taking voice lessons at Forte School of Music, focusing on various genres of music, that being jazz and musical theater. Throughout high school, he would participate in numerous shows within his musical theater department, including Les Miserables, Young Frankenstein, Next to Normal, and Newsies. His astounding musicianship and leadership led to him being rewarded with the National School Choral Award in 2019.
Since his arrival at Capital University, Henry has achieved several awards, such as placing 1st in the Ohio NATS Lower-Level Musical Theatre Category in 2021, placing 3rd in the National NATS Lower-Level Musical Theatre Category in 2022, and being recognized as a finalist in the Annual Capital Conservatory Scholarship Competition in 2022 and 2023. He also sings with the well renowned choral ensemble, The Capital University Chapel Choir, where he serves as the section leader for the bass section. In addition, he is involved with the small chamber ensemble at Capital University, Philomel. He is an active participant in the Opera/Musical Theatre department, where he finished performing the role of Gordon Michael Schwinn in the musical, A New Brain.
Outside of music, Henry loves watching soccer and supporting his favorite teams (Columbus Crew and Chelsea!). He likes to collect records and enjoys trying different foods. After graduating, Henry hopes to continue his studies in Vocal Performance and aspires to create his own private vocal studio.
Gavin Newton has his Master’s of Music in Trumpet Performance from The Ohio State University and Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education from Muskingum University. He is a performer and trumpet instructor around central and south-eastern Ohio; where he can be found performing with a variety of ensembles. As a music educator, Gavin has been a trumpet instructor both privately and for schools across Ohio. Providing insights from his performing experiences, life experiences, and vast music education. Being versatile in many genres such as jazz, classical, latin, classic rock, and musical theater, Gavin uses that experience to better instruct his students in one on one lessons. He performs regularly with the Dave Schubach Big Band, the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds, Zanesville’s Memorial Concert Band, and also plays in pit orchestras for musicals. He has performed in the pit for more than 30 different musicals, two of which being world premieres; Sella for OSU’s 2021 Homecoming and Surviving the Moonlight at the Short North Stage in 2022.
Kevin Hagans began his violin studies at the age of nine and studied violin at Capital University. He embarked on his violin teaching career in 2016 and in 2018 he earned his Suzuki Unit 1 Teaching Certification from The Suzuki Association of the Americas. The Suzuki Method is a popular and successful method of teaching which incorporates ear training and natural learning styles based on the way children learn their native language. While Suzuki is an excellent teaching style, Kevin recognizes what teaching styles work for each individual student and tailors the lessons appropriately. Kevin enjoys working with both beginner and intermediate violinists, beginner cellists, and beginner ukulele students looking to grow their understanding of music and the instrument. In addition to classical studies, he also teaches improv, bluegrass, rock, jazz & music theory.
Kevin believes that music is supposed to be fun, and he emphasizes this attitude into his teaching style with both children and adults. In addition to teaching, Kevin is an active performer and improviser across Columbus.
Kevin is a well-versed multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. He has performed all of his life, and his experience ranges from rock bands to orchestras, jazz combos to musical theater, and even as a stage and screen actor. He has been featured on public and national television and toured nationally. He holds performance degrees in classical trumpet and voice, and currently serves in the 249th Army Band where he plays bass, guitar, trumpet, and sings for various ensembles. As a teacher, he has taught private lessons for over 15 years. He comes from a family of artists and educators, and has a passion for teaching anyone who wants to learn. At Chambers, he’ll be offering guitar, voice, electric and upright bass, trumpet, beginner piano, ukulele and banjo. His students will not only learn their chosen instrument, but also the fundamentals of theory, developing their ear, performance concepts, and specific things the student wants to learn. He strongly believes in an individualized approach to education, and will meet every student where they are at and work to teach them in the way that they learn best.
Alyse Hancock-Phillips has been singing for her whole life and is a 2023 graduate from Capital University as a double major in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance. She has performed with the Capital University Chapel Choir, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, Blossom Festival Chorus, and several musicals. She has a compassionate and gregarious personality that allows her to help students express themselves through the music they are performing.
–Piano & Percussion Instructor-
Cole has been a teacher since 2005. He has taught a variety of instruments and subjects, from beginner piano lessons to undergraduate courses in music literature. He draws inspiration from the many wonderful teachers he has studied under, and hopes to provide his students with the same patience and kindness that he received. His takes a multi-modal approach to teaching, which lessons are designed to meet the student’s individual needs in service of their goals, rather than to push them through a predetermined system of assessment. He admires luminary music educators such as Fred Rogers, Barry Harris, and Leonard Bernstein for their dedication to demystifying music for wide audiences.
Shiloh has been in love with music since her first violin lesson at age 8. She is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she double-majored in music education and violin performance. She is certified to teach K-12 music in the state of Ohio and was an elementary music educator before coming to Chambers. Shiloh is passionate about many different genres of music, and has performed as a violinist in everything from orchestras to worship teams to folk bands. She is also an accomplished fiddler and has won multiple awards in Ohio fiddle competitions. Shiloh’s goal is for every student to feel confident in their own unique musicianship. She is an energetic, caring teacher who lets each student’s interests and goals guide their instruction. In addition to music, Shiloh loves baking, crafting, and exploring new places with her husband Zach and golden retriever Zeus.
–Percussion, Piano, & Ukulele Instructor-
Ryan is a Columbus based drummer, composer and educator, with a M.M. in Jazz Studies from The University of North Texas, as well as a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Capital University.
Throughout his 15+ year career, Ryan has played across the US and Canada, including New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington DC, Dallas, an Toronto.
Ryan is currently the touring drummer for Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian Randy Rainbow. He is also a proud endorser of InEarz audio.
–Piano Instructor-
Jane Heyer is a Columbus-based collaborative pianist and organist, playing for church choirs and
as a collaborator at Capital University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the University of Puget Sound in 2021, and studied collaborative piano for one year at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She also holds an associate certificate (ARCT) in performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, awarded in October 2017.
At Puget Sound, Jane performed extensively as a collaborator with both voice and solo instruments, as well as in chamber ensembles and the highly-regarded university wind ensemble. In San Francisco, she performed as a pianist in voice department recitals and competitions, and as a collaborator in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra concerto competition at Davies Symphony Hall.
Jane is most passionate about encouraging collaboration in music-making and the importance of connecting with others in creating art. Outside of music, she enjoys watching ice hockey, playing video games with her siblings, and long-distance running.
