Mingyue Fu, born into a musical family, began piano lessons at the age of four. In 2010, Fu won the bronze medal at the 5th Gulangyu Piano Festival. The following year, Fu secured an award at the “Pearl River • Kaiserburg” National Youth Piano Competition and, in 2012, stood out among competitors at the “Golden Sunflower” National Children’s Piano Competition in Nanchang, earning a top ranking. That same year, Fu participated in the 9th Shanghai International Piano Master Class, studying with Demitri Bashkirov, Anton Kuerti, and Oxana Yablonskaya.

In 2013, Fu was the top entrant to the high school section of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Middle School, becoming the first piano student from Nanchang to do so, and studied under professors Zhou Kang and Tang Beihua. In 2014, Fu attended the Shanghai Himalaya International Piano Master Class with Boris Berman, David Lively, and Andre Michael Schub. In 2016, Fu enrolled at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Professor Sun Yun.

Fu attended the Almafi Coast Music Festival in Italy in 2017, studying with Boris Berman and Yoshikazu Nagai. Between 2017 and 2018, Fu participated in the Jian see Piano Corps, performing in large concert halls in Yichang, Nanjing, and Shanghai, and in 2018, held a solo piano recital at Nanchang Normal University, receiving high praise from professionals. In 2019, Fu attended the 15th Shanghai International Piano Master Class, studying with Da Ming Zhu and Anatoil Zatin, and won second place in the professional B category at the Magnolia International Piano Competition.

In 2020, Fu was admitted to the Master of Music in Piano Performance program at the Manhattan School of Music in the United States, studying with Professors Philip Kawin and Jeffrey Cohen, and received a substantial scholarship. Fu continued at the Manhattan School of Music for a Professional Studies Diploma in performance, participating in numerous masterclasses and holding both solo and ensemble concerts. In 2023, Fu was admitted with excellent results to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance program at the University of Hartford, and will continue studies under Professor Jose Ramos Santana.

Regina Krawiec is a soprano born and raised in Springfield, MA. She obtained her BA from Vassar College where she majored in music, studying voice with countertenor Drew Minter. Alongside performing, Regina is deeply interested in vocal pedagogy and firmly believes in approaching vocal technique instruction in an ethical, “no harm done first” manner. Although her primary genre is opera, Regina is also able to perform and teach other vocal styles, including: r&b, pop, musical theatre, gospel, jazz, and so on. She believes in teaching her students a strong foundational technique, which can then be applied to achieve whatever sound they may wish to create. Some of Regina’s best childhood and adolescent memories include taking piano and voice lessons at CMSS, and she is excited to be returning as a voice faculty member. Lastly, Regina is also an actor, and recently performed the role of “Deacon Francis” in The Hanover Theatre Repertory Company’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Learn with me if…

If you are ready to build a vocal confidence, strong technique, and artistry rooted in joy and authentic self-expression.

Regina’s Student Testimonials

“She gives good clear instructions to help me learn.” – Stella Bouchard

Learn with me if…

If you want to express yourself through the power of music! Music isn’t about perfection – it’s about authenticity and connection. It is a way to reflect identity, convey emotion, and interact with the world regardless of level, background, or status.

Sarah’s Student Testimonials

“Sarah is so encouraging and positive, my son feels drawn to music and trying new things in the space she creates. She spots individuals’ interests and builds on those — and she adapts to group dynamics exceptionally well. She is amazing.” – Rex Pittman

“Sarah does a fantastic job of inspiring a lifelong love and appreciation of music. She really connects with Luka by finding his specific definition of fun and finds adjacent things to expand his palate.” – Luka Nowak

Learn with me if…

If you want to build a healthy, sustainable vocal technique that lets you sing your favorite songs.

Julia’s Student Testimonials

“Julia es una profesora excelente y enseña canciones bilingues es muy linda. Nos encantan las clases se nota la planeacion y la transicion de las actividades de la clase es muy divertida . Julia has a great energy es muy alegre.”

“Always on time and keeps the class moving at a steady pace, We love the classes, they are so much fun with a variety of songs, instruments and props”

“Leora loves how Ms. Julia ” goes into the closet” and brings out all kinds of cool musical learning instruments. I love how she engages everyone and creates such a positive, uplifting and comfortable atmosphere perfect for fostering learning and making the kids feel safe to learn and participate!”

Michael Stewart has performed to great acclaim throughout the United States, Europe, and South America as solo pianist and collaborative pianist alike. In addition to his duties as a music teacher at Enfield High School in Connecticut, Mr. Stewart is currently collaborative pianist and vocal coach at Juilliard’s Pre-College Vocal Arts Camp in Orlando each summer, music faculty at the Sarasota Music Conservatory in Florida, and most recently music faculty at the Community Music School of Springfield in Massachusetts.

Mr. Stewart’s multifaceted career has spanned everything from performing solo piano recitals, making concerto appearances with dozens of orchestras, and maintaining a bustling private piano teaching studio online and in-person to performing chamber music, directing musical theater and opera productions, choral conducting, vocal coaching, songwriting, and utilizing music technology, recording equipment, and digital audio workstations to enhance the artistry of his students and colleagues.

Michael received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Utah and two Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano respectively at Mannes Conservatory in New York City. Whenever Mr. Stewart is not busy with his musical activities, you may find him hiking, reading, baking, traveling, or playing with his pack of Siberian huskies.

Care O’Leary is a teaching artist in CMSS’ Sonido Musica program. Care is a Hampden county musician who’s been playing violin for over 20 years, After studying music and graduating from Holyoke Community College, they picked up viola and cello as well. While they were classically trained and have played in numerous orchestras and chamber music ensembles over the years, they’ve also branched out into more contemporary music- from folk to avant garde rock to free improvisation. They play in multiple outfits in western MA, and they love to perform, tour and record with their bandmates.

Learn with me if…

If you are curious about violin and all of the different kinds of music you can make with it! I love to explore all genres and collaborate with my students. If you have a song that you love, or an idea of what sort of music you want to try, I can help you with that while we learn our foundational violin techniques and style. We can even write a song!

Care’s Student Testimonials

“Care does an amazing job of picking musical pieces that are right for my skill level but also provide the right amount of challenge.”; “Care helps prioritize what you need to work on to help you grow and learn.”- Ethan Burt

Laurie Ellington is a vocalist, conductor, and music educator with over 15 years’ experience leading choruses of all ages. Her 20+ year singing career encompasses work with bands big and small, pop and jazz a cappella groups, musical theatre, and classical choirs in the US, Europe, and Asia. As a conductor, she believes that ensemble singing is one of life’s great pleasures; she believes group singing should be about joy, connection, and creating compelling performances, no matter the repertoire. Laurie holds a B.A. from Harvard and a Master’s in Music Education from Boston Conservatory.

Learn with me if…

If you want to learn how to sing with greater ease and comfort. We can apply your newfound healthy technique to nearly any genre of music you like; I especially love working in jazz, pop, and musical theater.

Laurie’s Student Testimonials

“Laurie radiates enthusiasm and encouragement, always believing in you even when you doubt yourself. Her faith inspires you to give your very best, gently drawing you out of your shell and helping you shine in ways you didn’t know you could.” – Blythe Babjes

“She is able to teach vocal and musical skills at all different levels. She conveys confidence in her singers and encourages us to stretch.” – Laura Derr

Gregory Diehl studied violin at the Eastman and Manhattan Schools of Music. He completed long-term Suzuki training at the Hartt School with Teri Einfeldt and Christie Felsing, and short-term training with Ronda Cole and Linda Fiore. He also holds an M.A. in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He performs frequently with ensembles in Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts.