Our Piano Studio

Olesia Pupina, PhD, is a laureate of international competitions, a leading pianist, music educator, and scholar. She is Vice President of the Bloomington-Normal Music Teachers Association and a member of both the Music Teachers National Association and the Suzuki Association of America. Olesia was a member of the European Suzuki Association and held a board position as Deputy Country Director of the Ukrainian National Suzuki Association of Suzuki Teachers, as well as a member of the Orff Schulwerk Association of Ukraine. She is the author of 16 publications, 11 of which are scientific articles in respected peer-reviewed academic journals. Since 2023, she has served as a pianist for the Illinois State University Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, actively collaborating with instrumentalists and vocalists. Until 2022, she was an Associate Professor in the Chamber Ensemble Department of the National University of Arts in Ukraine.

Dr. Pupina was acknowledged as one of the “Summer 2024 FIRE Bird and Bird FEEDER Grant Winners,” a prestigious distinction awarded by Illinois State University to recognize innovative projects in the arts.  In 2021, she was selected to participate in the national “Lady Science” exhibition, representing the field of music and art studies among 130 distinguished women scientists from leading Ukrainian academic institutions.  In 2019, Dr. Pupina was honored to be selected for the highly competitive DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service), which provided her the opportunity to further her expertise at three prestigious German music institutions: Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, and Universität der Künste in Berlin.

She holds a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from Illinois State University. She has had the honor of performing at numerous artistic showcases and international concerts, showcasing her skills as a solo pianist, accompanist, and ensemble artist across Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, and the United States. Currently, she has been serving as the Minister of Music and pianist at Eureka Christian Church in Illinois and First United Methodist Church, Normal, Illinois.

She loves three things most: the piano, sweets, and her husband Ehsan  (who is also sweet).

Ivy Burke moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2018. She now lives with her husband Kevin in Normal, Illinois. Ivy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of the Philippines and a Graduate Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University. She has spent the past several years in the field of music education, conducting vocal and piano lessons in local private schools, such as Thomas Metcalf Music Academy and ISU Community School for the Arts. Ivy joined Hip Cat Music School in 2022, teaching both voice and piano to her studio of over 50 students. Ivy also teaches music and movement at Little Jewels Learning Centers, in partnership with Hip Cat Music School, with students ranging from 6 weeks old to 4 years old. Ivy adapts easily to diverse social and teaching environments and has a willingness to learn and develop new skills. She enjoys making music with her voice and piano students and looking forward to working with students of all ages and abilities.

Hannah Manwarring developed her love of music listening to her mother teach private voice lessons in their home. She took piano lessons from the age of seven through college. In 2011 Hannah Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music with a focus on viola and a minor in voice. From 2011-14 she worked as the Orchestra Teacher for Dunlap Homeschool Co-op and was a Choir Accompanist for Roosevelt Magnet School in Peoria. From 2014-2018 Hannah worked as the Orchestra Director for Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, Illinois while also teaching a studio of twenty music students privately. In 2018 she committed to privately teaching her studio of music students in viola, violin, voice and piano. In 2022 she and her husband, Nathan Manwarring, were married and moved to St. Louis where she began teaching privately as well as being the Heartland homeschool co-op Music Teacher. After a year, she and her husband moved to Bloomington, Illinois for a job opportunity and in September 2023 Hannah began teaching at Hip Cat Music School where she now teaches a studio of almost thirty students. When she is not teaching, Hannah loves to spend time with her husband and aussiedoodle, Bear, going on hikes and exploring. She volunteers at her church, Charis Community, and loves to participate as a part of the worship band. Hannah works with students of all ages and abilities, helping them achieve their musical goals.

Ethan Machamer is a dedicated music educator and performer from the South Suburbs, with over a decade of experience in piano and trombone. He holds a degree in Music Education from Illinois State University, where he studied a range of styles including classical, jazz, and contemporary music.

Ethan performs regularly across Central Illinois and the Chicagoland area. He currently teaches at Hip Cat Music School and serves as the Band and Music Teacher at Oak Grove School in Bartonville, IL.

He looks forward to sharing his passion for music and helping students grow in their musical journey.

Iris Leahy has taught private piano and voice lessons in the Bloomington-Normal area since 2019. When not teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Iris teaches general music, band, choir, and orchestra to elementary students in Decatur Public Schools. Outside of teaching, Iris remains active in local performance groups in Decatur, playing flute in the municipal band and in Second Wind Flute Choir, as well as singing soprano in Opus 24. Iris strives to provide a learning environment that allows students to grow at their own pace and in the direction that most interests them.  

Dr. Travis W. Hoover is a professional jazz pianist, recording artist, music educator, American Roots Music historian and academic. Travis has 25 years experience performing with seasoned professionals and has recorded extensively with his own trio. Travis holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (D.M.A.) from The University of Illinois, a Master of Arts degree with a major in music (M.A.) from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music Degree from Eastern Illinois University (B.Mus). Travis also attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA from 1996-1998. Since returning to his hometown of Normal, IL in 2006, Travis has served the Bloomington-Normal community by way of teaching and sharing his passion for music with students of all ages and abilities. Travis held an Adjunct Professorship at Heartland Community College for 10 years during which time he authored a Jazz & Blues History textbook, taught Jazz, Blues & Rock History, Applied Piano (Classical & Jazz), Musical Improvisation, Jazz Theory, Music Appreciation, Class Piano, Music Theory, and directed the HCC Jazz Combo. Travis was also an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University where he taught Jazz History at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, Travis was a District Judge for ILMEA Jazz Division for several years. “After all these years playing and teaching, the most important thing that I try to convey to students is to have fun.”  

Sara Dillon is a teaching artist and musician originally from the Chicagoland area. She has been teaching private piano lessons, vocal lessons, and performing for over a decade. Sara has  directed ensembles and accompanied vocalists. She is passionate about music, and wants to instill a lifelong love of music in her students. Her students often participate in musicals, perform in piano festivals, ILMEA, and have performed in the Chicago Children's Choir. 

Sara comes from a family of musicians. She began studying music and performing at a young age. Her earliest vocal performance was in the church. Her experience with music led her to obtain leading roles in theater productions. She expanded into musical theater, worship, folk, and classical. 

Sara performs professionally at different music festivals, events, and her local farmers market. She is active as a vocalist in her church community.  

After finishing her degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University, Sara taught in primary school settings and as a private music instructor. She later began teaching at private music academies and continued an active private studio of 40 students weekly. Sara utilizes both the Suzuki method and traditional method for piano in her lessons. She tailors lessons to the specific needs of the student. She has experience working with students of all ages. 

When she's not teaching and performing, Sara enjoys painting and spending time with her husband, young son, and their small dog. 

Charlie Machamer is a piano and trumpet player from Frankfort, IL. He is currently an undergraduate student at Illinois State University triple-majoring in Music Education, Trumpet Performance, and Jazz Studies. In his time at ISU, Charlie has performed in ensembles such as Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Combo I, and the Big Red Marching Machine. Charlie regularly gigs throughout the Bloomington-Normal and Chicagoland area.

On the piano, Charlie has been classically trained from the age of 6. He is fluent in all piano genres/eras from baroque to jazz to contemporary. Charlie specializes in jazz and 20th-century American music on the keyboard. At Illinois State, Charlie was awarded the Robert Fred Kern Music Scholarship which is awarded to a music education student who’s primary instrument is piano. His piano teachers have included Evan Rea, Dr. Tuyen Tonnu, Dr. Daniel Baer, and Kevin Hart.

Charlie has also been studying trumpet since the age of 9 years old. He has played in all type of classical ensembles ranging from chamber, orchestra, and wind ensemble; however, Charlie’s specialty on the trumpet is jazz. He has been regularly gigging since the age of 17 years old. Charlie has performed as a soloist in every major ensemble at Illinois State and frequently performs as a featured flugelhorn soloist for Jazz Ensemble I. He is a recipient of the James Major and Amy Gilreath Music Scholarship which is awarded to an outstanding member of the trumpet studio at ISU. His trumpet teachers have included Ben Clark, Chuck Parrish, and Dr. Anne McNamara. As a teacher, Charlie emphasizes consistency and efficiency along with developing a foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment (aka having fun!) Outside of music, Charlie’s hobbies include weightlifting, traveling/hiking, and playing video games! 

Christopher Callahan grew up in the Bloomington Normal area and at the age of 7 started his musical journey with his first piano lesson. After graduating from Normal West High School in 2017, being enrolled of course in jazz band, concert band, marching band, and choir, Christopher pursued a bachelors degree in music composition from Illinois Wesleyan University with a concentration in piano. His goal to expand his musical knowledge and skill of the piano and composition was achieved through his work with professors Dr. Ilia Radoslavov and Dr. David Vayo in his time at the university. A year before his graduation from IWU in 2021 he started working as a private piano instructor at Hip Cat Music School where he continues to teach today in addition to the work he does at his day job at The Music Shoppe in town. Christopher believes music should be expressive, a bit challenging, and most importantly fun as there are many life skills that come with learning any instrument and committed practice to achieve specifically set goals. He is willing and happy to teach music of any style ranging from but not limited to classical, pop, and jazz! Currently Christopher is working on a few different music projects including recording solo piano works, solo produced instrumental tracks, and playing keys in a trio group. Outside of music Christopher enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and with his many outside hobbies which usually require exploring new places and appreciating nature. 

Isabella Ancira is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University where she majored in composition and studied piano with Dr. Ilia Radoslavov. She also studied at Illinois State University where she had the pleasure of teaching group piano classes. Isabella has been teaching piano for more than eight years. While at IWU she received training in working with children diagnosed with ADHD and has experience teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (ASD) In addition to teaching private lessons at Hip Cat Music School, she serves as music director and accompanist for the First Presbyterian Church of Danvers. Isabella truly loves teaching and looks forward to working with students of all ages and abilities.

Joe Garcia is a pianist, musician, and educator. He has more than 16 years’ experience as a pianist and more than 5 years’ experience as a teacher of private piano lessons. Growing up in Central Illinois, Joe studied privately under Beth Anderson for ten years. During this time, Joe was a regular accompanist for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden, Illinois. After high school, Joe studied jazz improvisation and was a member of the jazz combo at Heartland Community College. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College Chicago in filmmaking, for which he composes all of the music used in his films. Joe’s accolades include nine consecutive years of a superior rating at the Illinois Federation of Music Clubs, serving as judge for Sangamon Elementary Music Association’s piano division, and Best Original Song at the Best Shorts Competition for “Fatal Inhibition,” from the film Retrospection. Joe believes that an emphasis on the fundamentals and involving student choice in curriculum results in a positive learning environment where students can succeed.