Hong Chou (violin): 29 years at CMC

Hong has a Bachelor of Music degree from Lewis & Clark College and Master of Music from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She taught at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory Preparatory Department and the Houston Music Institute. Hong has had solo recital performances in the U.S., Australia, and China, and was a member of the Albany Symphony & Corpus Christi Symphony. Her Portland roots include being a member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic.

“Hong Chou made me become more and more interested in the violin and learned a lot of skills and knowledge. I am very grateful to her for her patient teaching.” – CMC Student

Tracey Edson (chorus): 29 years at CMC

Tracey earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia Christian College in music education and a Master of Arts in choral conducting and vocal technique from the University of Portland. He taught K-12 for several years out of college and became an adjunct college instructor and accompanist for the University of Portland. His career includes maintaining a church choir at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (1996-present) and directing light opera and high school and regional musical theatre. Tracey is also the music instructor at the Alliance Charter Academy.

“I felt lucky to have experienced Tracey Edson's musical knowledge and abilities. The choices of music, learning styles and patience with all levels of singers created a wonderful, uplifting atmosphere.” – CMC Student

Andrew Ehrlich (violin, chamber music coaching, orchestra conductor): 31 years at CMC

Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Illinois State University. He was concertmaster of the Columbia Symphony (now NOVA orchestra), as well as concertmaster of the Portland Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonia Concertante here in Portland.  For many summers Andrew played in the Sunriver Music Festival, the Siletz Bay Music Festival and he still is a member of the Oregon Coast Music Festival Orchestra in Coos Bay. He was also a member of the chamber group fEAR no MUSIC for its first ten years. In addition to performing classical music Andrew has been an active klezmer musician. He is presently playing with "Yankl Falk and the Carpathian Pacific Express". 

“Andrew is a wonderful and passionate teacher. His instruction really contributes to the positive culture that I attend this class for.” – CMC Student

Zita Jefferson (piano instruction, chorus pianist): 29 years at CMC

Zita earned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Portland State University, including piano pedagogy training. She is a church pianist, currently at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Gresham, and is the accompanist for CMC’s Community Chorus (the Francis Street Singers).

“Zita is knowledgeable and knows how to relay piano lessons very well. Her ability to connect with each student and command the class is superb! Her teaching games are so engaging. We really love her style of teaching. She is the BEST!” – CMC Parent

Gayle Stuwe Neuman (recorder, renaissance winds): 45 years at CMC

Gayle — a performer on violin, recorder, sackbutt, modern trombone, and many other instruments — is also a vocalist and internationally acclaimed recording artist. She has performed for audiences in the U.S., Japan, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Canada, Norway, Germany, and for members of the royal family in Jordan. She co-founded and co-directs the Oregon Renaissance Band, now in its 33rd season. Gayle has played under the baton of Monica Huggett and Ton Koopman. She has given workshops and presentations at many institutions including Oberlin Conservatory, Rice University, Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Getty Center. She has built, with her husband Phil, over 450 early wind and stringed instruments including krummhorns, cornamusen, douçaines, racketts, and vielles.  

“I love Gayle Neuman!  She is a delight to have as an instructor.  She is so versed in Renaissance music.” – CMC Student

Philip Neuman (recorder, renaissance winds): 45 years at CMC

Phil Neuman is a performer on recorder, sackbutt, various other early wind and stringed instruments, and modern bass trombone and tuba. He is also an internationally acclaimed recording artist, and has played for audiences on three continents, including performances at ancient theater sites in Greece. Phil has performed with the American Bach Soloists, Philharmonic Baroque Orchestra, Chicago Chorale, and the Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra. With his wife Gayle, he has built over 450 early wind and stringed instruments including krummhorns, cornamusen, douçaines, sordunes, and racketts.  

“Phil Neuman is one of the most well prepared and knowledgeable instructors I've had the privilege of studying with over the years.  We are very lucky to have him.  His dedication to the music and students in his classes is legendary.” – CMC Student

CYNTHIA SCOTT (violin & viola): 30 years

Cynthia has a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Lewis & Clark College and a Master of Music in string pedagogy with Suzuki emphasis from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She was the co-director of the Oregon Suzuki Institute and String Specialist in the Lake Oswego Public Schools. Cynthia plays in the Orchestra Nova Northwest (formerly the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra) and the Oregon Coast Music Festival orchestra as well as freelancing with groups like the Newport Symphony Orchestra.  

“Cynthia is patient and creative.  She makes learning a new piece fun for my child. Hooray for Cynthia!” – CMC Parent