Jared Storz
Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
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Jared Storz recently completed his Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Azusa Pacific University after completing both a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance and a Humanities degree last year. He was born in Seattle, Washington, and, prior to his time at Azusa, studied with Seattle Symphony cellist Walter Gray. He also participated in master-classes with both former principal Chicago Symphony cellist Stephen Balderston and renown cello soloist Joshua Roman. Jared enjoys studying at Azusa Pacific under the exceptional guidance of Dr. Marek Szpakiewicz DMA, and has had the opportunity to study solo, orchestral, and chamber works. In his Freshman and Junior years, Jared performed Bach’s 1st and 6th suites in collaborative Bach concerts with Midori Goto and her University of Southern California violin studio. In the summer of 2017, Jared had the opportunity to travel to Zhengzhou, China with a small group from Azusa Pacific University Symphony and perform with the Yellow River Symphony Orchestra at the Henan Art Center.
As a private instructor, Jared has taught numerous students of all ages throughout Los Angeles County for the past three years and enjoys sharing his passion for music and musical performance with the next generation In addition to his classical training, Jared has also had the privilege of working throughout Los Angeles as a performing and recording artist. Alongside playing for weddings and events in strings quartets and as a soloist, Jared has also performed in live shows, including J. Michael O’Neal’s "Experience Music Project." Furthermore, he has recorded in numerous projects at independent studios throughout L.A., and has taken part in professional music videos. Jared looks forward to continuing in his musical development and pursuing his professional career, seeking God’s will in every step. |
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Raphaela Lacerda
World Music Symphony Orchestra Conductor
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Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Raphaela Lacerda is an acclaimed conductor, celebrated for her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the world of orchestral music. With a career marked by outstanding achievements in both Brazil and the United States, Ms. Lacerda currently holds the position of Associate Conductor at the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra.
Her impressive repertoire includes conducting renowned orchestras such as the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra (OFMG), São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), São Paulo State Youth Orchestra (OJESP), and Santo André Symphony Orchestra (OSSA). In addition to her role with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, she serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Musicians at Play Foundation. Further showcasing her commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians, Ms. Lacerda holds the esteemed position of Orchestra Director at Azusa Conservatory of Music. Ms. Lacerda's dedication to her craft is underscored by her extensive training and education. She has had the privilege of participating in courses and masterclasses under the tutelage of renowned conductors such as Marin Alsop, Stefan Blunier, Cristian Macelaru, Giancarlo Guerrero, Robert Treviño, Neil Thomson, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Sarah Ioannides, and Daisuke Soga, among others. Marin Alsop, recognizing her talent, invited Ms. Lacerda to join the Conducting Class of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra's Academy of Music. In 2022, Ms. Lacerda collaborated closely with the three-time Grammy-nominated American composer Miguel Del Aguila, conducting his composition "Toccata." Del Aguila himself praised her performance, commending her for maintaining the rhythmic and dramatic tension of the work while offering a personal interpretation that demonstrated an unusual awareness of the overall architecture. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Ms. Lacerda graduated with a Master's degree in Instrumental Conducting from Azusa Pacific University in May 2023, studying under the guidance of Professor Christopher Russell. Her dedication and exceptional academic achievements were recognized through the prestigious 2023 Dennis Royse Graduate Achievement and Academic Excellence Award from Azusa Pacific University. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Ms. Lacerda received the esteemed 2023 Emerging Professional Award from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO). This accolade stands as a testament to her remarkable impact on the orchestral landscape. As Raphaela Lacerda's journey as a conductor continues to thrive, her passion for music and unwavering commitment to excellence illuminate her path. Endorsements from esteemed figures in the orchestral world affirm her rising prominence and the significant impact she has made, solidifying her position as a distinguished conductor in the global musical landscape. |
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Summer 2022 Conservatory Instructors
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Richard Liautaud
Music Technology and Brass Instructor 
Richard Liautaud started his musical journey at the age of 12 as a double bass player. During high school, he was introduced to tuba and marching band and fell in love with both. This love of music propelled him to pursue a Bachelors of Music in Tuba Performance and Composition. Mr. Liautaud started his tuba career at Pasadena City College under the instruction of Beth Mitchell and slowly started to refine his musicianship skills through lessons and chamber brass. At PCC, Mr. Liautaud was a participant of the Pat Sheridan master class in the spring of 2013. The following spring, he was blessed to be a participant of the Roger Bobo master class during spring 2014 and 2015. Mr. Liautaud was also rewarded Third Friday Recital and nominated for Student Recital for his tuba playing while at PCC. Mr. Liautaud transferred to Azusa Pacific University in the Spring of 2015 and is currently studying under John Van Houten.
He has attended master classes held by tuba giants such as Roger Bobo, Roland Szentpali, and Oystein Baadsvik. As a freelance musician, he also performed with the Burbank Community Theatre, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Band and the Colburn Wind Ensemble. Mr. Liautaud has also played with the Local 47 Symphony Orchestra in Hollywood, CA. A strong believer of giving back, Richard has mentored several music majors at PCC with brass techniques, breathing, musicianship, and music theory. He started volunteering at the Azusa Conservatory of Music since the Summer of 2016 teaching brass techniques and composition to local music students. Forever grateful at the opportunities given, Richard hopes to continue his music career as a tubist, composer, orchestrator, arranger, teacher, and mentor at all musical levels. |
许育燕中文简介
许育燕，三次摘取古筝专业比赛金奖。深耕古筝教学和演奏，出版多篇教学学术论文，几十次 被权威机构评为优秀指导老师。指导其学生在各大比赛中屡获殊荣，多位学生考入音乐学院。 创立21弦古筝乐团，带领其乐团和学生每年举办乐团演出季专场音乐会，其乐团荣获英国兰格 伦世界音乐节团体比赛金奖和在美国卡内基音乐厅演出。 Yuyan Xu is a 3-time national medal winner of the Guzheng, She published teaching academic papers in Musical and Music Of North, she won the Excellent Guide Teacher Award from different authoritative institutions.She guided her students to win many awards and in various competitions, and some of them were admitted to the conservatory of Music, she founded the guzheng ensemble, led her guzheng group of musicians had performance season every year, and her group won the first prize in Llangollen International Eisteddfod UK and performed in Carnegie concert hall USA etc. More instructors to be announced |
