TEACHERS
Stephanie Pfundt
Voice and piano
Stephanie is an accomplished Alaskan soprano and dedicated music educator who seamlessly blends performance excellence with pedagogical innovation. As a rising operatic artist, she has captivated audiences with performances at Skyline Opera and in prestigious competitions, including first place at the 2024 Seattle Opera Guild Competition. Beyond her performing career, Stephanie is deeply committed to music education and artistic development, especially in her home state of Alaska. Her teaching approach emphasizes creative agency, freedom, and discipline, encouraging students to explore complete musicianship through multiple instruments and modes of learning. A composer and pianist, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her teaching, integrating vocal/piano technique, performance skills, and interpretation. Stephanie's educational philosophy centers on empowering students to become innovative musicians, as demonstrated by her groundbreaking work in contemporary classical music, including her classically improvised one soprano opera WATERWOMAN, and other projects. Her private studio and performances showcase her belief in claiming and reclaiming creative potential, inspiring students to view music as a dynamic outlet that can transform their lives.
Abbie Ringdahl
Violin
Abbie Ringdahl is a performing and teaching violinist dedicated to nurturing her students’ love of music. She holds a Masters of Music in Performance from Boston University and a Bachelors in Music from Florida State University. Additionally, Abbie completed Suzuki teacher training for Units I and II. Her extensive classical training in conjunction with her Suzuki training brings a broad scope of musical/technical knowledge and warmth to her pedagogical approach. She is currently a section violinist with the Boston Chamber Symphony, and previously played in the Tallahassee Symphony and Panama City Symphony Orchestras. Her love of teaching began in high school, and she now teaches private violin and viola lessons in the Public Schools of Brookline in addition to maintaining a private studio.
Abbie was introduced to the violin at age five through the Suzuki Method and became active in her local Suzuki groups. Growing up, she strengthened her musical education through attending Ogontz White Mountain Suzuki Institute, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Richard Luby Violin Symposium, and Brancaleoni International Music Festival during her summers. Now a faculty member at Ogontz, Abbie is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
Winona Martin
Voice
Mezzo-soprano Winona Martin is quickly gaining recognition for her rich vocal timbre and versatility across operatic roles.
At The Glimmerglass Festival, Martin made her role and house debuts as both Il Destino and Linfea in Cavalli's La Calisto. She starred at Annapolis Opera as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Martin continues her prestigious residency with Washington National Opera's Cafritz Young Artist Program, where she'll reprise her acclaimed portrayal of Laurene Powell Jobs in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
A competition laureate, Martin claimed first prize in the 35th Annual Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition. She has been recognized as a multi-year Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. With degrees from the University of Colorado - Boulder and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Martin brings a comprehensive understanding of vocal pedagogy to her teaching. Her commitment to student growth and her own continued artistic development make her an invaluable asset to any music program.
Jacob Lytehaven
Piano and voice
Jacob LyteHaven holds a Bachelor of Music from Stetson University with concentrations in Piano Performance and Vocal Performance, and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Boston University. He has studied under Michael Rickman, Sean Kennard, and Sheila Kibbe, and has participated in masterclasses under renowned artists. Jacob has performed in solo concerts across the United States, Western Europe, and Central America. As a collaborative pianist and vocal coach, he has worked at Stetson University and Vero Beach Opera.
Currently in high demand in the Greater Boston area, Jacob is passionate about passing down his knowledge to students, emphasizing technical development and artistic growth through active, conversational lessons that challenge them to step out of their comfort zone.
Max Rydqvist
Voice
Max Rydqvist is a Boston-based baritone and vocal pedagogue with a profound commitment to musical education and vocal science. Holding a Master of Music from Boston University and a Bachelor of Music from SUNY Binghamton, he brings both academic excellence and artistic passion to his craft. As an ensemble member and soloist with Cantata Singers and a section leader at the Church on the Hill, Max actively bridges performance and teaching. His extensive credentials include a Certificate of Distinction in Vocal Pedagogy from Boston Conservatory and certification from the Science-informed Voice Pedagogy Institute of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Beyond vocal performance, Max continues to develop his musical skills through piano studies, embodying a holistic approach to musical education. Central to his teaching philosophy is student empowerment, creating rigorous yet supportive learning environments that inspire students to become independent musicians. Max's ultimate goal is to help students discover their artistic potential, encouraging them to become their own best teachers and to pursue their musical passions with confidence and joy.
Olivia Schurke
Voice and violin
Olivia Schurke is a multifaceted mezzo-soprano and music educator with a rich background in classical, contemporary, and early music performance. Recently completing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Boston University, she brings a comprehensive approach to musical education rooted in her extensive performance experience. Her musical journey began with violin at age three, providing her with a unique instrumental perspective that enriches her vocal pedagogy. Olivia has distinguished herself through diverse performances, including roles with the Boston University Opera Institute and innovative contemporary opera productions. Her teaching philosophy embraces musical versatility, drawing from her experiences in both traditional and contemporary classical music and adjusting methods to individual student needs. From her Symphony Hall debut to her chamber recitals featuring music spanning three centuries, Olivia demonstrates a commitment to musical breadth and depth. Her approach to teaching emphasizes artistic exploration, encouraging students to develop their skills across multiple musical genres and to approach performance with creativity, technical precision, and emotional depth.
