Our Team

Esther Zeng earned her Masters Degree from UConn in opera and vocal performance and her undergraduate degree from one of China's most prestigious conservatories, gaining a solid foundation in both music theory and practical performance. Her undergraduate experience also provided her with opportunities to teach, deepening her understanding of educational methodologies while refining her communication skills and patience. She further honed her skills during the master of music program at the University of Connecticut, where she earned a scholarship and performed in numerous operas and songfest. Additionally, Esther was accepted and invited by Music institutions such as the Miami Music Festival and the Berlin Opera Academy. She travels almost every week to New York for vocal lessons with a Vocal professor from the Curtis Institute of Music and coaching sessions with coaches from the Metropolitan Opera. This ongoing professional development ensures that she remains at the cutting edge of vocal performance and pedagogy. In her teaching practice, Esther recognizes that each student possesses unique learning styles and needs and is committed to engaging and inspiring my students by adapting my teaching methods to meet their individual requirements. This personalized approach is vital for nurturing their love for music and enhancing their musical abilities.

Jasmen Hunter attended the Hartt School of Music in Hartford CT and has extensive training in vocal technique, music theory, and acting through song. She has also received terrific opportunities and training working in Hollywood with the Pitch Man of Hollywood and writer of Brooklyn the Musical Mark Schoenfeld, producers like Bradley Bredeweg (The Fosters, Good Trouble), and performed for people like Dave Pensado (Grammy award winning music mixer) and Scott Prisand (Producer of Rock of Ages).  Her heart, however, lies in teaching. Without her many vocal coaches, she would not have landed where she is now. She thanks them all and can not wait to teach the next generation of superstars. Rock on!

Yixing Wang is a pianist and vocal teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Minnan Normal University. After graduating, she became a high school music teacher for a year and then came to the United States and received a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Hartford. Yixing brings joy, humor and patient guidance to all her students.

Charlotte Riley, concert pianist, educator, accompanist, chamber music coach, and an ensemble pianist. She started learning piano when she was 3 years old and studied at The Hartt School of Music majoring in piano performance. During college, she attended varieties of masterclasses with pianists from all over the world such as Lang Lang, Federico Coli, Jonathan Bass and others. A

Charlotte has over 20 years of piano experience and actively performs as a soloist and an ensemble player. She held her first recital at the age of 7 and was invited to CCTV 15 (China Central Television of Music channel) as a soloist at the age of 10. Charlotte is not only an award-winning pianist but also a piano teacher who teaches with a loving heart. She is always passionate about unlocking students’ talents and potentials. Her students have won numerous awards internationally and performed around the world. Charlotte now is a member of the Steinway & Sons Teacher & Educational partnership program.

Autumn is a flutist and saxophonist who attended Western Connecticut State University for jazz studies. In her time there, she studied privately with Grammy nominated and highly respected jazz saxophonist Jimmy Greene. She had the opportunity there to play with various guest artists, including the legendary Curtis Fuller. Autumn excels in the areas of jazz improvisation, composition, and music theory, and is wholly devoted to the lifetime spiritual pursuit of improving her musical expression. Her favorite instrument is the flute, on which she has studied with the prominent flutist Elena Pinderhughes. Autumn has developed a rich, warm sound, and an extensive musical vocabulary through her years of formal study and practical performance experiences. She looks forward to lifting spirits with her music for years to come.

Owner of Brookside Music and piano instructor, Philip  brings a balance of technique, music theory, creativity and constructive guidance to every lesson. He is currently co-founder of a 1930s jazz band, Mama Train. He studied Piano Performance at The Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut, furthering his skills in voicing, harmony, and composition. He has been teaching piano for nearly 20 years and encourages students to find their own self discipline, improve on their technical skills and to find their creative power.