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at THE DIANE BISH center for music and the arts

PURPOSE
WHY WE EXIST

The Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts will be a center for training and further education in a wide range of performing and fine arts, striving for excellence in all areas for God’s glory.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6

lessons are available in the following areas

Piano
Piano Little Mozarts (Ages 4-6)
Organ
Voice
Violin, Cello, Bass
Woodwinds, Brass
Percussion
Knitting (Group Class)
Sewing (Group Class)

2024 spring semester

16 weeks of instruction

Registration is now open for our spring semester lessons. Before registering for lessons, please review the program handbook.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

There will be a one-time non-refundable $50 fee for the initial set-up of lessons for the student. A family discount of 50% per registration will be given for each additional family member. Registration fees are waived for students who return within one year.

Program handbook

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Semester Begins: January 8
  • Registration Deadline: January 29
  • Spring Break (No Lessons): March 4-8
  • Easter Break (No Lessons): March 28, 29; April 1
  • Spring Recital: May 2
  • Semester Ends: May 10
REGISTER HERE

instructors

Matt Calderin

Matt Calderin is an American musician born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. Matt began playing the drums at age five and started playing professionally at age 13. Matt has shared the stage with The Beach Boys, Herbie Hancock, Paquito D’Rivera, Wycliffe Gordon, Scott Stapp, The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, The Drifters, Mel Carter, Dion, and William Shatner.

Matt is currently the Director of Fine Arts at Westminster Academy and works with the Latin Grammy-winning producer, George Noriega, recording various artists for Sony Latin and Columbia Records.

Calderin
Matt Calderin

Susan Dodd

Susan Dodd currently serves on the piano faculty of the Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts. She also is the organist at the New Presbyterian Church in Wilton Manors and serves as principal accompanist of the Master Chorale of South Florida, where she performs choral-orchestral masterworks with the 120-voice symphony chorus.

Ms. Dodd has performed throughout Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as for many schools and churches in the area. At Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, she accompanied multiple musical productions and toured and recorded with the King’s Choir. For many years, she accompanied Forrest J. Willingham’s The Songs of Broadway Company throughout the South Florida hotel and condominium circuit.

Ms. Dodd is a member of the Broward County Music Teachers Association, the Florida State Music Teachers Association, the Music Teachers National Association and the American Guild of Organists. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Previously, Ms. Dodd was a member of the piano faculty and staff accompanist at Broward College. In 2004, she was named Broward College's Adjunct Professor of the Year. Having served as staff organist at various churches, she is currently substituting at churches in the south Florida area and maintains a private piano studio.

Ms. Dodd earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Piano Performance with honors from Florida Atlantic University and  her Master’s degree in Accompanying from the University of Akron (Ohio).

Dodd
Susan Dodd

Michael Hankins

Born and raised in the small town of Oregon City, Oregon, Michael took to the trumpet at as soon as he could. Inspired by the performances of the great Maurice Murphy and the London Symphony Orchestra’s film scores of John Williams, Michael knew that trumpet was for him. Since studying trumpet performance with many great teachers and mentors, Micheal has been performing and teaching ever since. As a classical musician, Michael has  played with many orchestras in the Northwest including, the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera and Eugene Symphony, to name a few, as well as numerous brass groups and church engagements including being the staff trumpet players at one of the largest congregations in Portland for nearly a decade. As an avid traveler he has also performed in symphonies and opera companies throughout Europe.  Michael is also busy as a commercial and jazz musician playing in virtually every band with a trumpet position. As an educator, Michael has been a busy teacher and clinician in schools throughout the Northwest. Having recently relocated to South Florida to continue his musical career, he is very much enjoying being welcomed into the community by so many wonderful people and wonderful musicians and can’t wait to see what the future has to offer.

Hankins
Michael Hankins

Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin is an educator and performer from Teaneck, NJ. Michael developed a love for music at an early age and has been blessed to be able to share his musical knowledge and gifts through teaching for over 20 years. He also serves on the board of directors for OperaWorks, an organization that uses innovative alternative training methods to enhance music performance.  Currently, Michael serves as Director of Music at New Presbyterian Church in Wilton Manors, FL where he leads the choir in worship and serves as Artistic Director and conductor of the concert series. He believes that there is no greater joy than to simultaneously foster a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for music.

Irvin
Michael Irvin

Grace Johnson

Grace Johnson is a soprano from South Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance, graduating magna cum laude, from Palm Beach Atlantic University under the tutelage of Mrs. Marilyn Mims. During her time at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Grace performed the role of Susanna in scenes from Mozart’s le nozze di Figaro and Donna Anna in scenes from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Upon her graduation, Grace was named the 2023 Outstanding Graduate of the College of the Arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society. Grace placed 1st in the 2020 South Eastern Region NATS Competition in the Classical Voice for First Year College Women category. She also placed 1st in the NATS Gold Coast Chapter’s Classical Voice for Second Year College Women category in 2021 and 1st in the Classical Voice for Third Year College Women category in 2022. Grace composes music and her debut choral work Come to Me was premiered by the Palm Beach Atlantic University Concert Choir in 2023. Grace enjoys working as a voice teacher and singing in the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir alongside her husband, David. Grace loves to serve the Lord with her voice and share the beauty of music with all those around her.

Johnson
Grace Johnson

Caleb Koornneef

Caleb Koornneef graduated from Liberty Unversity with a B.S. in Music & Worship. In 2015-16, he received the “guitarist of the year” award from Liberty University’s School of Music. He’s played piano and guitar most of his life and studied classical guitar since he was 10 years old.  Having taught beginner/intermediate guitar for the past 14 years, Caleb’s interests in music have always overlapped with ministry. He remains most passionate about helping people discover their gifts and develop skills that glorify the Lord.  

Matt is currently the Director of Fine Arts at Westminster Academy and works with the Latin Grammy-winning producer, George Noriega, recording various artists for Sony Latin and Columbia Records.

KoornneefCaleb
Caleb Koornneef

Asya Mellor

Asya was born in St. Petersburg Russia and had a love for the Arts since she was young. From 2005 - 2010 she had an opportunity to work in the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg where she worked with some of the best talent in Russia. She also had aspirations of furthering her passions by starting the AliceM design studio from 2012 - 2019. These two experiences while raising her two children, Varia and Michael uniquely prepared her to work at Westminster Academy as the Costume Director. Asya's love for the Cultural Arts coupled with the opportunity to work with students, staff and the leadership from Westminster Academy is a dream come true. Asya is excited about working with students who have a passion for Christ and the freedom to express themselves in a school and country that allows them to be excellent in all their pursuits.  Asya is known for her love for the Arts, passion for students and her gratitude for the blessings God has given her.

Mellor
Asya Mellor

Allison DeMarco

Allison DeMarco is Founder and Artistic Director of the Sacred Music Florida Competition, which is held annually in Orlando, Florida. Formerly she was the Director of Handbell Choirs and Chapel/Carol choirs at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale. She also serves on the board of directors for the FPEA Scholarship Foundation, which, along with FPEA, presents the largest homeschool convention in the world each May in Orlando.

As a flutist, most recently, she has performed alongside her daughter, Cecily DeMarco, at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (NYC), St. Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Church Wall Street (NYC), The Church of Saint Agnes (NYC), and Hitchcock Presbyterian Church (Scarsdale, NY). She has also performed in various locations throughout the state of Florida.

As an orchestral flutist, Allison has performed with opera companies, ballet companies, wind ensembles, and orchestras throughout New Mexico, and Florida. She has performed in a concert conducted by Aaron Copeland of his music and was featured on a recording of the works of William Grant Still.

As a teacher, Mrs. DeMarco has taught at Palm Beach State College as adjunct professor of Flute, and privately as well. She has also homeschooled her two children. Her son, Anton, is currently in flight school to become a commercial pilot. Her daughter, Cecily, is a Juilliard graduate and has returned there to pursue her master's degree.

Allison believes strongly that music is a powerful influence over the hearts and minds of young people, and through her Sacred Music Florida competition, she seeks to inspire greatness for the glory of God.

IMG_1115
Allison DeMarco

Annette Myers

Annette Myers found out she could sing when she was 15.  She took private lessons and went on to receive a voice scholarship to West Georgia College where she studied with famed Metropolitan Opera Singer, Inge Manski Lundeen.  While home educating her three children, she began to work with home educated students to improve their performances in local theatre and thus the Singer’s Studio was launched.  That was 25 years ago.  Annette brings 25 years of experience and all her enthusiasm to music everyday.  She specifically loves training clients to realize their singing gifts and to be soloists that can confidently take the stage in all arenas.  She delights in teaching children to sing, dance, and love all things artistic  that our God has created.

Myers
Annette Myers

Joan Marie Peitscher

American mezzo-soprano Joan Marie Peitscher is a distinguished artist celebrated for her "compelling star performances" and "richly colored beautiful mezzo-soprano voice." From her solo debut at Carnegie Hall at only 18 years old, she has continued to leave an indelible mark on the world of opera and concert performances.

 

Throughout her career, Joan Marie Peitscher has exhibited remarkable versatility, effortlessly embracing a wide range of roles, from the masterpieces of Verdi to the brilliance of Sondheim, captivating audiences with her outstanding stage presence and authentic Golden Era voice. Her renditions as Carmen in Bizet's Carmen, Amneris in Verdi's Aida, Suzuki in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana, and the Queen of France in the world premiere of Les Trois Musqueterres have earned her critical acclaim and thunderous applause.

 

Beyond her operatic accomplishments, Joan has dazzled in concert performances of Verdi's REQUIEM alongside the Gateway Classical Music Society, Handel's MESSIAH with the Erie Philharmonic, and Beethoven's NINTH SYMPHONY, also with the Erie Philharmonic. She demonstrated her commitment to new and emotionally resonant works by participating in the world premiere of Requiem: Tribute to 9/11 at St. Mark's of the Bowery in New York City. Notably, she enchanted listeners with Respighi's IL TRAMONTO with the String Orchestra of Brooklyn. She mesmerized attendees with a Solo Recital presented by the Arts Bridge Concert series in Benton Harbor, MI, an event that featured an interview with her on PBS. Recently, Joan's profoundly moving performance in Pergolesi's Stabat Mater with the Florida Singing Sons in Fort Lauderdale and her captivating concert solos at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church further cemented her place as a revered artist in their esteemed seasonal concert series.

 

A graduate of Gordon College and an alumnus of the prestigious Palm Beach Opera Young Artist Program, Joan Marie Peitscher has solidified her position as a rising star in the opera world. Her talents have been recognized and rewarded with grants and awards from esteemed organizations, including a grant recipient of The Gerda Lissner Foundation and the Young Aspiring Artist Prize at Carnegie Hall.

 

Beyond her performance career, Joan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of vocal talent. Since 2016, she has dedicated herself to teaching private lessons, imparting the vocal traditions of her technique to aspiring singers. Her extensive knowledge and experience have enabled her to guide students of all levels, voice types, and styles, ranging from Classical to Pop. Through classic pedagogy, Joan ensures accessibility to any vocal style while prioritizing the development and maintenance of healthy singing. Her dedication to passing down the art of singing ensures a lasting legacy that will enrich the music world for generations.

Peitscher
Joan Marie Peitscher

Diana Skobina

Originally from Uzbekistan, Diana Skobina has performed internationally at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City.

Diana Skobina started playing the piano at age four, and her extraordinary musical talent quickly became evident. Diana Skobina made her orchestral debut at the age of 9 with The National Orchestra of Uzbekistan and, since then, has appeared with numerous orchestras worldwide. Also, her performances include a series of solo recitals and chamber music concerts. Skobina's performances are described as "breathtakingly powerful and masterful with an incredible penetration into the composer's concept" -Nostalgic Magazine; "Diana Skobina combines a terrifying passion and great musicality with virtuosity, inner concentration, and control" - The Culture of Uzbekistan.

Diana Skobina is an award-winning pianist, piano teacher, and collaborative artist. She has won multiple awards and accolades through national and international music competitions, including the "United States International Music Competition" in California, USA 2022 (First Prize), "American Virtuoso" in New York, USA 2022 (Second Prize), "American Music Talent" in Washington, USA 2021 (Third Prize), "The Best Piano Teacher" in Paris, France 2022 for the contribution to the piano pedagogy and preparation students to the international music competitions, "UK Music Stars" in London, United Kingdom 2018 (First Prize), also "The Best Collaborative Pianist" at the international music competition in Italy 2018, "The Best Collaborative Artist Award" at the "Istedod" international music competition in Uzbekistan 2017, and many others. 

Diana's greatest joy is teaching, performing, and collaborating with other instrumentalists. She has over 17 years of experience as a piano teacher and educator. Her teaching career started when she was invited as a staff member of one of the best music schools in Uzbekistan – The Uspensky School of Music and the School of Music and the Arts No. 7 in Tashkent. Since then, her success as a teacher has been noteworthy in that many of her students won national and international music competitions in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, France, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the USA, Turkey, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Diana Skobina graduated summa cum laude from the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. Also, she earned her second master's degree in Piano performance at Lynn Conservatory of Music. She is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, Miami Music Teachers Association, Florida State Music Teachers Association, and Golden Key Honor Society.

Also, Diana Skobina with her husband Sergei Skobin are founders of a brilliant and diverse “Skobin Duo”, a very accomplished and acclaimed piano duet.

Skobina
Diana Skobina

Stephanie Tropepe

Stephanie, a native of South Florida, started her music journey as a Suzuki student. Her favorite part of the Suzuki experience was performing for community events. Stephanie graduated with her Bachelors of Music, magna cum laude, and Masters of Music in Violin Performance from Florida State University, studying under Karen Clarke and Corinne Stillwell Bowman, respectively. Stephanie has continued further education at Indiana University String Program Pedagogy Workshop with Mimi Zweig, and pursuing certification through teacher training classes with Suzuki Association of the Americas. Stephanie has a thriving private music studio in Deerfield Beach, FL. She has two young sons studying piano and violin. Her focus as a music educator is developing and encouraging a love for music in her students.

Tropepe
Stephanie Tropepe

Sarah Weinstein

Sarah attended Princeton University, where she majored in Philosophy while earning minors in Music Performance and French Literature.  

While at Princeton, she sat first flute of the Princeton University Orchestra and toured throughout Europe in concert halls such as The Slovak Radio Concert Hall in Bratislava and the Vienna Staatsoper.  Currently, she performs in local churches and other venues and periodically plays flute and piccolo with the South Florida Symphony.   

In addition to teaching music at Weston Christian Academy, Sarah is the conductor of the Florida Youth Orchestra Flute Choir.  Having been invited to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, this young and talented orchestra had the honor of traveling and performing for this momentous event.

In addition, she teaches private lessons in several instruments and conducts local interviews for applicants to Princeton University.  

Weinstein
Sarah Weinstein

John L. Wilson

John L. Wilson is currently the Director of Music and Organist at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he spent 12 years working with the international television ministry of Dr. D. James Kennedy.  Dr. Wilson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Sacred Music Degree from the School of Sacred Music in New York City, where he studied organ with Alec Wyton and conducting with Abraham Kaplan. His undergraduate degree, also in Church Music, is from Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), where he recently received the Westminster Alumni Citation Award. He had additional graduate study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N. J., where he studied choral conducting with Robert Shaw and Wilhelm Ehmann. He also holds the Associate and Choirmaster Degrees from the American Guild of Organists. Over the years, he has conducted most of the major sacred choral works with full orchestra and has produced 7 CD recordings.

Wilson
John L. Wilson

Meet the director

Lisa wilson

Lisa Wilson is the Director of the Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts and is the Associate Organist at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Previously, Lisa served as the Director of Fine Arts at Westminster Academy and was the Director at the Rejoice Center for the Arts.

Lisa is a graduate of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. studying organ with Robert Carwithen and conducting with Joseph Flummerfelt. She has performed on the organ at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center as well as playing the organ for the international television program, the Coral Ridge Hour. Her choirs have consistently won Superior awards in National Competitions and have sung at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington as well as famous European cathedrals in Vienna, Salzburg, Rome and Venice. Lisa is married to John L. Wilson, and together have produced a CD of piano-organ duets. John and Lisa have three children and seven grandchildren.



954-771-8840, ext. 5130
Lisa@CRPC.org

5555 North Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 771-8840
info@institutefc.org

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