Academy Faculty

Dr. Tina Park

Co-Artistic Director

Born into a musician family, pianist Tina Juan Park, (formerly Juan Li) began piano studies at age 5. By seven, she won the First Young Artist Competition in Hubei, China, leading  to 13 years of study at the Shanghai Conservatory. In 1998, she immigrated to the U.S. on a full scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, earning a master’s degree in piano performance. She later completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of Minnesota under Professor Alexander Braginsky. Read more.

Dr. Horacio Nuguid

Co-Artistic Director

With an extensive repertoire, pianist Horacio Nuguid has captivated audiences with his “beautiful tone” and “elegance.” In addition to several well known piano concertos, Nuguid has performed lesser known works also, such as Edward MacDowell's Concerto in A Minor, Clara Schumann’s Konzertsatz in F Minor, Mario Pilati’s Suite, and Ferdinand Ries’ Grand Variations on Rule Britannia with orchestras in the Philippines, Mexico, and United States. Read more.

Ann DuHamel

Pianist Ann DuHamel’s performances have been praised as poetic and “… a delight for the ears and the soul” (Encuentro Universitario Internacional de Saxofón, Mexico City). She has performed in 22 countries and 37 of the United States, including concerts at Sala Verdi in Milan, Italy; Weill Recital Hall in New York; and multiple appearances at Trinity College in Oxford, England. Read more.

Dr. Anton Melnichenko

Russian-born pianist Anton Melnichenko has been performing on several continents since his first solo recital at the age of twelve. His performances have always garnered him both public and critical acclaim. In addition to top prizes Melnichenko has received various special audience awards in numerous international competitions. Read more.

Dr. Ji Young Lee

Ji Young Lee D.M.A. began piano studies at the age of four. Born in Korea, she graduated from Seoul Arts High School and received the Bachelor’s degree from Ewha Womans University. She went on to study in the U.S., earning her Master’s degree at Eastman School of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Read more.

Shitong Sigler

As a versatile pianist whose styles range from Baroque to Contemporary, Dr. Shitong Sigler has dedicated her international performing career as a solo pianist and chamber musician across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Sigler began studying piano with her father at age three and started her tutelage under Professor Jinlan Jiang from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music at six years old, under whom she launched her multifaceted musical path after winning several prominent piano competitions. Read more.

Dr Jake Fitzpatrick

Jake Fitzpatrick has a PhD in Music Theory from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has served as music theory faculty at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, as the President of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, and as an adjudicator for numerous music events across the twin cities. His article in the forthcoming book, Bodies and Sound in in Motion, focuses on the analysis of music and dance.

Ian Hobson

Guest Artist

Pianist and conductor Ian Hobson—called “powerful and persuasive” by The New York Times— is recognized internationally for his command of an extraordinarily comprehensive repertoire, his consummate performances of the Romantic masters, his deft and idiomatic readings of neglected piano music old and new, and his assured conducting from both the piano and the podium. Maestro Hobson serves as Guest Conductor of the esteemed Sinfonia Varsovia.

In addition to being a celebrated performer, Mr. Hobson is a dedicated scholar and educator who has pioneered renewed interest in the music of such lesser-known masters as Ignaz Moscheles, Johann Hummel, and Richard Stöhr. He has also been an effective advocate of works written expressly for him by a number of today’s noted composers, including Robert Chumbley, John Gardner, Benjamin Lees, David Liptak, Alan Ridout, and Yehudi Wyner. Read more.