Training: Neurodivergence & Autism
Julia Urbank
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!”
Explore all faculty and instruments
Mae Cooke
Mae Cooke is a New England based Pedal harpist. They have a wide variety of experience with different genres such as atonal, classical, and jazz. A jack of all trades, Cooke enjoys performing, large ensemble, chamber and solo, as well as recording and teaching harp.
Cooke has done lots of large ensemble orchestral work, especially in the Connecticut and Massachusetts area. They have worked with Hartford Symphony on shows like their Sugar Plum Fantasy Cirque holiday performance and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One live film score performance. They have also performed with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra, the Foot in the Door Hartt Ensemble, and several local orchestras.
Mae Cooke also has extensive experience performing in chamber ensembles. They have collaborated with trombonists, flutists, piccoloists, vibraphonists, french horn players, and more. Cooke’s main professional duo is The Sunrise Duet, a collaboration with Flutist Allison Potanovic. The duo has been playing together since their studies at The Hartt School of Music, Dance and Theater. They challenge conventions by performing new music and original arrangements. They recently premiered the avant- garde work “Night Sayings”, commissioned by Talia Berenbaum in 2025.
In addition to performing, Mae Cooke enjoys teaching harp to students of all ages and abilities. At the collegiate level, Mae is the Adjunct Harp Professor at Westfield State University. They are building a program geared for students looking to study harp for music therapy. At Community Music School of Springfield, Cooke teaches harp to students from toddlers to adults. They are also teaching artist with the Prelude Preschool and continue to develop an accessible and fun harp curriculum for preschoolers.
They hold a Masters of Music in Harp Performance at The Hartt School and their Bachelors of Music in Harp Performance and Bachelors of the Arts with Studio Art from Eastman School of Music and University of Rochester. They studied with Kathleen Bride and Susan Knapp Thomas.
Learn with me if…
If you want to explore music with a fun, approachable instrument! Whatever your goals are, whether you want to play jazz, in an orchestra, or just want to create some music, I will work with you to accomplish your goals and while having a good time along the way.
Explore all faculty and instruments
Andres Lopez Pozo
Andres Lopez Pozo, originally from Cuba, is a multi-instrument player who specializes in guitar. Andres graduated from the Esteban Salas Music Conservatory in Santiago de Cuba, where he studied the instruction and performance of guitar, Cuban tres guitar, and ensemble. He has over twenty years of experience teaching guitar, Cuban tres guitar, and Latin music to students of all ages. Songwriting, arranging, and composing are also within his repertoire. In addition to teaching music, he has performed professionally with a traditional Cuban music band, a classical guitar ensemble, in popular Cuban music festivals, and on tour in international festivals.
Learn with me if…
If you are looking for an excellent opportunity to learn different styles of guitar and music theory through beautiful songs, melodies, harmonies, and more. I work with beginners to professionals. Give it a try. Explore your artistic side and achieve your potential.
Andres’ Student Testimonials
Explore all faculty and instruments
Michael Stewart
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.
Explore all faculty and instruments
Alton Skinner
Alton Skinner is a Teaching Artist in CMSS’ Sonido Musica program. He is a professional saxophonist, musician, and Springfield native who discovered his passion for music at the Springfield High School of Science and Technology. After receiving an education in Music at Holyoke Community College, Alton has gone on to share the stage with musicians such as Robert ‘Sput’ Searight, Doobie Powell, The Delfonics, and Michelle Brooks-Thompson.
Specializing in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rnb/Soul, Funk, and Fusion genres, Alton’s passion for the art of music has led to many performances and collaborations all over the East Coast. His influences include Stevie Wonder, Michael Brecker, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, and Dexter Gordon.
Learn with me if…
Private lessons with me are tailored to your interests in a way that also addresses the fundamentals. If you want to learn versatility, discipline, and the best ways to bring the right mindset to playing and practicing saxophone while also having fun with music, then I’d be happy to help you learn!
Alton’s Student Testimonials
Explore all faculty and instruments“We’ve been very happy with these lessons. This is my daughter’s first time playing saxophone. She was hesitant to take Zoom lessons, but she loves working with Alton. He kind and encouraging, but also teaching her new skills.” – Esme Gray
“Alton uses his knowledge of music and technology to make the lesson fun and understandable even for someone at my age.” – Jim Aldrich (Adult Student)
Laurie Ellington
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
Explore all faculty and instruments
