The 5 Top Classical Musicians Around Lansing

What Their Site Says: Bringing passion and innovation to her career as a singer, songwriter and teacher, Linda Abar has found expression in a uniquely individual, stylized melding of her varied musical background.

What Their Site Says: Ralph Votapek is professor emeritus of piano at the Michigan State University College of Music. He is the gold medalist of the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and winner of the prestigious Naumburg Award. Votapek has been featured 16 times as the Chicago Symphony’s guest soloist, has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, the Boston Pops, the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, National Symphonies, and other top ensembles.

What Their Site Says: Sergei Kvitko was born in Russia and began studying music at the age of six. After receiving the highest musical education there, he came to the United States to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University, where he studied with Ralph Votapek. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (GRAMMY).

What Their Site Says: Justin Hatt is a multi-genre guitarist from Lansing, Michigan. Although his roots are in Pop, and Rock music during his time in high school is where his interest in classical and jazz guitar developed.Through studying with Elden Kelly during his high school years Justin found himself adequately prepared to pursue music in college. During his time in undergraduate studies, Justin had the opportunity to work alongside the guidance of guitarist Christopher Rollins because of this Justin has an Associates Degree in Music from Lansing Community College (Lansing, MI), and a Bachelors Degree in Music from Olivet College (Olivet, MI). Justin also just recently completed his Master's degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Eastern Michigan University's School of Music (Ypsilanti, MI). There he studied under the guidance of Dr. Nelson Amos, and Professor Jonathan Edwards. 

What Their Site Says: Philip Sinder is professor of tuba and euphonium at the Michigan State University College of Music. His students are found in performance and teaching positions throughout the United States, and have won awards in numerous performance competitions. Sinder has performed with many leading ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony, Chicago Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Mariinsky Orchestra, and Houston Symphony.