Julie Snyder

FOUNDER and head instructor

BM (Summa Cum Laude) Voice Performance, Susquehanna University

MM Voice Performance, Temple University

DMA Voice Performance, Temple University
 

Two-time GRAMMY-award winning soprano Julie Snyder excels as an educator, performer, and scholar.  As an educator, Dr. Snyder served on the adjunct faculty of the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University for seventeen years, and taught private voice (classical and musical theater), class voice, vocal repertoire, music theory, and vocal diction.  During that time, she also served as an accompanist and advisor for several courses in the musical theater program.  Dr. Snyder has operated a private voice studio (now Snyder School of Singing) in her home for 17 years, and has also created and led camps, courses, and workshops for students of all ages at Wyoming Seminary, The Center on the Hill, Abington High School, Parkland High School, Old Pine Presbyterian Church, The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra, The Valley Players of Ligonier, and Actors and Artists of Fayette County. Additionally, Dr. Snyder is a professional-level pianist, vocal coach, and diction coach. Her students have been accepted into top undergraduate, graduate, and Young Artist programs, and have appeared professionally on Broadway, in regional theater and national tours, and with top opera houses and choral ensembles throughout the country.  

As a performer, Dr. Snyder is equally at home in choral, opera, operetta, musical theater, and recital settings, and has appeared with The New York Philharmonic, Opera Philadelphia, The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Variant 6, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County, The Philadelphia Gilbert and Sullivan Union, Opera Libera, The Delaware Valley Opera Company, Sarah Brightman in Concert, and The Centre Theater.  She currently serves as section leader, soloist, and children’s choir director at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and recently completed a five-year tenure as a core member of The Crossing. 

Dr. Snyder’s research in the field of Swedish vocal diction and Swedish art song has been utilized by singers and vocal scholars worldwide.  She is also sought as an authority on topics pertaining musical theater pedagogy and repertoire.  Dr. Snyder holds a Bachelor of Music degree in voice performance (summa cum laude) from Susquehanna University, and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in voice performance from Temple University. Originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, she now resides in Erdenheim with her two children, Wesley and Natalie.

Willa Rose Douglas

Studio voice and Class Instructor

BM Voice Performance, temple university

Soprano Willa Rose Douglas has performed in many genres such as classical/opera, choral, a capella, musical theater, jazz, and pop. She has appeared in Dido and Aeneas, Suor Angelica, and L’Elisir D’Amore with Temple University Opera Theater. Willa also sang with the all-female a cappella group Singchronize while attending Temple. She performs professionally as a member of the choir at St. Luke and the Epiphany Church in Center City. She has also starred in her own music video featuring her original song "If I Could Stay".  Willa seeks to create a fun, safe, educational environment where everyone feels welcome to relish in the wonders of music. Willa graduated in 2016 from Cheltenham High School and in May 2020 with a BM Voice Performance degree from Temple University. She has been a voice student of Dr. Snyder's since 2013. 

Nathaniel McEwen

STUDIO VOICE and class INSTRUCTOR

BA (Magna cum laude) Music, Cornell University

MM voice performance, Eastman School of Music

DMA Voice Performance, Eastman School of Music

Hailed for his “voice of exquisite facility and flexibility” (Observer Today, Dunkirk, NY), tenor Nathaniel McEwen has performed as soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Maui Chamber Orchestra, the International Baroque Soloists of the Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival, the Cornell Chamber Orchestra, and the Eastman Philharmonia.

Dr. McEwen has sung the roles of “Albert Herring” in Britten’s Albert Herring, “Peter Quint” in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, and “Don Basilio” in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro in Eastman Opera Theatre productions. He also has sung the role of “Gherardo” in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and has done abundant opera scenes work in Italy as part of the Si parla, si canta Italian language and opera program. Most recently, Dr. McEwen could be seen in Opera Philadelphia’s production of Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges as one of “The Eccentrics,” as well as singing in the chorus of the company’s early 2020 performances of Verdi’s Messa da Requiem.

Dr. McEwen completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance and Literature with a minor in Pedagogy at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of Jan Opalach and Ruth Hennessy. He also holds a Master of Music degree from Eastman, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University, where he double- majored in Biological Sciences (with a concentration in Microbiology) and Music (magna cum laude).

Megnot Toggia

STUDIO VOICE INSTRUCTOR

BM VOice Performance, Temple University

MM voice performance, Temple University

Soprano Megnot Toggia recently graduated with her M.M. in Voice Performance from Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. She has been seen in Opera Ithaca's production of Gianni Schicchi as "La Ciesca", Temple University Opera Theater's production of Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore as "Adina", and ENA Ensemble's Fringe Festival production of Ganymede 5 as "Rita". Megnot seeks to nurture her students' passion for music as well as their confidence in singing.

Steven Berlanga

Studio voice instructor

BM Opera Performance, California State University Long Beach

MM Choral Conducting, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati

DMA Choral Conducting (abd), Indiana University

Steven Berlanga is a bass-baritone, conductor, and composer from Salinas, California. As a conductor and educator, Steven has worked with Youth Orchestra Salinas, the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, the Williston Northampton School Choirs, Indiana University Choirs, University of Cincinnati Cabaret Singers, CSULB Bel Canto Chorus, Cabrillo Youth Chorus, the Fairfield County String Festival, and the Summer Music Clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a soloist onstage and in concert, Steven has performed for West Bay Opera, Cabrillo Stage, Indiana University Opera, New Voices Opera, Espressivo Ensemble, Santa Cruz Symphony, Arizona Philharmonic, and Ensemble Monterey. As a choral artist, he has performed with The Crossing, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Exigence, The Thirteen, Kinnara, Brevitas, Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the Quartz Ensemble. Steven is finishing his doctorate in Choral Conducting at Indiana University, and has also studied at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, California State University Long Beach, and Cabrillo College.

Marcus Huber

Studio Voice and Class/CAMP Instructor

BM Voice Performance, Temple University
 

At home in a variety of vocal styles, tenor Marcus Huber has performed in opera, musical theater, and cabaret productions with Fulton Theater, Temple University Opera Theater, Servant Stage Company, Timbers Dinner Theater, Sketch Club Players, Gemini Voices Co., Popovsky Performing Arts, and others. He has been a winner of OperaLancaster’s Young Artist Competition and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competitions. Marcus is the Tenor Soloist/Section Leader at Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia, and he has performed as a frequent soloist with Temple University Concert Choir and Thomas Jefferson University Choir. Recent and upcoming performances include Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance with Delaware Valley Opera and Dr. Blind in Die Fledermaus with Temple University Opera Theater. In the voice studio, Marcus aims to build students as confident singing musicians through fostering a sustainable and flexible technique. His students are frequently cast in lead and supporting roles in high school, college, and community theater productions, and have been selected to participate in PMEA All-State choirs.

Chris Caulder

Guitar instructor

Continued study at Berklee college of music

Chris Caulder has been teaching and performing in the Philadelphia metropolitan area for the past twenty years. He enjoys performing on guitar, bass, drums, and piano in small independent ensembles. Favorite genres include indie, folk, and alternative. Chris is passionate about educating growing musicians and developed a curriculum for teaching songwriting to teens. He resides in Fort Washington.

Cathy Mazza

piano instructor

BM, West Chester University

MM, University of the Arts

Cathy Mazza is a multifaceted musician and music teacher. She is both a classical pianist and a rock and pop keyboard player, as well as a singer, songwriter, composer and conductor.

Cathy’s keyboard skills have been described as “awe-inspiring” and “playing with such ease, precision and emotion.” She is the accompanist for the Gleeksman-Kohn Children’s Choir of Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, and has performed at the Kimmel Center, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Longwood Gardens, West Chester University, Settlement Music School; and also at World Cafe Live, Please Touch Museum, The Sedgwick Cultural Center, The Tin Angel, Andrea Clearfield’s Salon, and many more venues in the Philadelphia area.

Cathy enjoys choral singing and has been in Philomusica Chorale, the Musikfest Choir of Bethlehem, the Germantown Oratorio Choir; and she was an alto and accompanist for the Mary Green Singers. Cathy has been a member of a number of rock bands, including Erin Flynn and the Co-op Band, Dot Matrix; and The Kwerks, whose eponymous first CD contains two of her own songs. Cathy has also composed choral pieces and children’s songs. Her piece for piano, flute, cello and women’s voices, “Apart (2020),” which represents the emotions and struggles of the COVID pandemic, was featured on WHYY.

At West Chester University, Cathy received a scholarship and studied with Benjamin Whitten. She also holds a Master of Music from the University of the Arts. Cathy is a native of Easton, PA, and now resides in Wyndmoor, PA.

Andrew McMaster

PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Pianist/vocalist/composer Andrew McMaster has extensive experience in the pop/jazz genre. As a long time member of The Flamin’ Caucasians, Andrew performed with Warren Zevon, David Bromberg, Julian Lennon, Tom Jones, and Jon Anderson and Bill Bruford from the band, Yes. He has also played keys with local artists such as the Hooters and Tommy Conwell. Andrew has composed for and performed as a member of the contemporary Christian band, For The Spirit. His compositions span various genres and instrumental ensembles as well as choral works.  Well-versed in the land of electronics, video, and midi, Andrew also composes music for and produces multimedia presentations, and writes for film.

Andrea Rose Cardoni

Acting Class Instructor

BS SECONDARY EDUCATION (ENGLISH Concentration), DREXEL University
 

Andrea Rose Cardoni is a performer and teaching artist located in Philadelphia. She is so excited to join the team at Snyder School of Singing. With a degree in Secondary Education and vast experience in theater education and performance, she brings creative learning solutions into classrooms with the perspective that art and performance can truly free us - leaving room for creativity and exploration. She works closely with many theatres in the Philadelphia area, with classes currently running at the Walnut Street Theatre and Allens Lane Art Center. For more information, visit www.andrearosecardoni.com.

Mary Kate Foley

Studio voice instructor

BFA Musical TheatRe (Magna Cum Laude), Temple University, 2018

Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, New York Vocal Coaching

Mary Kate is a professional singer, actor and dancer originally from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She received her degree in Musical Theatre from Temple University, where she studied with Dr. Julie Snyder, and her certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York Vocal Coaching. Since graduation, she has gone on to perform regionally in shows such as Sister Act (Mary Robert) Footloose (Ariel), Mamma Mia (Lisa), and more. In addition to performing, Mary Kate also directs and choreographs theatre productions for kids and teaches preschool music classes.

Beth Dzwil

Violin/Viola Instructor

BM Viola Performance, Philadelphia College of the performing arts

Suzuki certified - books 1-4

Beth Dzwil, violist, is a seasoned chamber musician, performing for over thirty years with the Fairmount String Quartet and for fifteen years with the Elysian Camerata. She has been featured as a soloist with the Pottstown Symphony, where she served as principal violist for over twenty years, and with the Buxmont Chamber Players, the St. John’s Festival Orchestra, and the Fairmount Chamber Ensemble. In addition to her classical work, she has performed internationally and recorded six critically acclaimed jazz albums with the Tyrone Brown String Sextet. She teaches violin and viola at the Community College of Philadelphia and at the Haverford School, conducts the Philadelphia Sinfonia Strings youth orchestra, and coordinates the Adult Chamber Music Program at Settlement Music School. With the Fairmount String Quartet, she is a Spring Garden Records Artist. Her most recent album with the FSQ titled “Unleashed” of music by women composers was released in February 2023.

Zach Raphael

CELLO INSTRUCTOR

BA Anthropology, Ithaca College

Zach Raphael is a cellist, singer, pianist, trumpeter, and arts administrator.  Zach currently works as an El Sistema Teaching Artist with the Allentown Symphony Association, and has interned with the Commonwealth Youth Choirs and Cayuga Chamber Orchestra.  While a student at Ithaca College, Zach served as the director of the Ithaca College Strings, the assistant director of the Ithaca College Accidentals A Cappella Ensemble, and as a cellist with the Ithaca College Sinfonietta.  While in high school, he was an officer and section leader in the Keystone State Boy Choir for many years.  Zach looks forward to putting both his musical and administrative skills to good use at SSS.

Chris Abrams

Guitar Instructor

Chris’s interest in guitar started when he was three years old, when his grandparents bought him a guitar.  When he turned twelve, he started taking lessons from guitar teacher Gene Hahn.  He played in bands with friends, church gigs and school band.  He absolutely loved to practice and sharpen his craft every day.  As an adult, Chris still continues to learn and grow with his instrument daily.  He runs a private recording studio and has engineered artists such as PnB Rock and Omelly (Dream Chasers).  Getting to play guitar, record artists and teach music is his lifelong passion that he gets to enjoy every day.

Emily Tolnay

Voice Instructor

BA Musical Theater, Temple University

Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, New York Vocal Coaching

Emily is a professional musical theater performer in the Philadelphia area. She believes singing is an individualistic, whole-body experience, and aims to help her students find confidence and emotional connections to songs in a wide range of genres. Emily studied voice, music theory, and acting from a very young age, and has an appreciation for the rich and subtle process of growth in the ares of vocal technique and style necessary to finding your own sound. Her experience with improv and sketch comedy allows her to help students find comedic moments in their pieces — a key to standing out in audition rooms! Emily is completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, where she has expanded her understanding of trauma, breath, and the body — which she has found to have major effects on the voice.

Wanting Chen

Piano Instructor

BM Piano Performance, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China

MM Jazz Piano, Royal Welsh COllege of Music and Drama, UK

Wanting Chen is a passionate and experienced piano teacher who specializes in both classical and jazz styles. She is also bi-lingual. Wanting is skilled at teaching piano to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. She tailors her teaching methods to suit each student’s needs and goals, and incorporates music theory and composition into lessons. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, whether you want to play for fun or for auditions, whether you prefer classical or other genres of music, she can help you achieve your goals while enjoying playing the piano.