Our Faculty

Nia Brown, M.M. Instructor of Piano

Nia Brown is a versatile pianist, composer, and educator recognized for her expressive performances, technical brilliance, and passion for both classical, jazz, and contemporary repertoire. Through her musical storytelling, she captivates audiences with her unique interpretation and virtuosic technique that balances lyricism, sensitivity, and emotional depth. 

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nia began her musical journey at the early age of 4. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Performance from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and later received her Master’s degree from New York University. Throughout her studies and professional development, she has worked with distinguished musicians and pedagogues including Dr. David Brunell, Katherine Benson, Eric Scott Reed, and Alan Broadbent, studying both classical and jazz traditions. During her time in NYU’s master’s program, she also had the opportunity to study with acclaimed jazz artists Dezron Douglas, Lenny White, and Manuel Valera.

Nia’s performance career has taken her to notable venues and stages including Five Spot Jazz Club, Brooklyn Music Kitchen, Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s, and the Williamsburg Music Center. She has also collaborated with prominent industry and media organizations namely New York’s Power 105 and the internationally based company Accelerando Records. Her repertoire ranges from the great masters such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff, to songs of jazz legends Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, and Bill Evans, showcasing her versatility and commitment to bridging the gap between both worlds.

Beyond the concert stage, Nia is passionate about mentorship and music education. Through teaching and community engagement, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of pianists and musicians. As she continues to evolve professionally, Nia Brown remains committed to making a meaningful artistic statement through her music.

Zachary Gossett, M.M. Instructor of Piano, Composition

Zachary Gossett is an New York City-based improvising musician who cultivates a diverse palate. As a versatile and in-demand accompanist and ensemble musician, Zachary has performed originals, jazz standards, salsa, classical repertoire, and contemporary music in a variety of settings, even playing with pop acts such as The Platters. In 2019, Zachary was invited to be the Musician Apprentice for the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC, and worked as a collaborator during the 2022-2023 North Carolina Dance Festival season. As a composer, Zachary has arranged for strings, large jazz ensemble, in addition to their own small group collective. In 2020, Zachary was awarded the Durham Arts Council Artist Support Grant, which was used to fund their first recording project: Can't Forget Where You Come From. In addition to piano, Zachary plays synthesizers, Hammond B3 organ, and performs other keyboard duties, in addition to playing the guitar. 

In high school, Zachary was able to spend four years studying under the acclaimed pianist Eric Larsen while attending the North Carolina School of the Arts, afterwards earning a Bachelors of Music from UNC Chapel Hill studying under Dr. Clara Yang and Dr. Stephen Anderson. They earned a Masters in Music from North Carolina Central University in 2018. While at NCCU, they also enjoyed the privilege of lessons and clinics by resident artists Joey Calderazzo and Branford Marsalis.

As an experienced piano instructor since 2014, Zachary has welcomed students of all ages and skill levels – while also providing composition lessons upon request. While their teaching emphasizes musicality, ear training, and rhythm, a central tenet of Zachary’s approach focuses on playing the piano with ease and fluidity, building a sustainable lifelong relationship with the instrument. One of Zachary’s greatest joys as a teacher is witnessing students’ musical progress while simultaneously developing confidence, problem solving skills, and an inspiring relationship with music.

Dr. Marcel Rominger, DMA Instructor of Piano, Theory, Director

The BBC hails Marcel Rominger's playing as "equally polished, considered and characterful" and New York Concert Review described it being with “poise and elegance” when he made his Carnegie Hall debut January, 2009.

Mr. Rominger won the 2001-2002 Crane Concerto Competition and 2002-2003 North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Concerto / Aria Competition and is the recipient of the Rose L. Greenblatt Award in Piano. He was also named the 2003 MTNA Arkansas State Winner of the Young Artist Category. In 2005, Mr. Rominger was awarded an Honorable Mention at the William Garrison Competition in Baltimore Maryland.  He was selected as the recipient for the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island 2007 Excellence in the Performing Arts Award and was awarded a grant in 2009 to perform a recital on Staten Island.  Mr. Rominger is a supporter of new music and has participated in the New York City Electroacoustical Music Festival.  In addition to being a soloist, Mr. Rominger has appeared with the Potsdam Symphony Orchestra and the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. His music has been featured on the radio station WDAV in Charlotte, NC and BBC’s World Update on World Service Radio.  He continues to give performances throughout the U.S., Europe and South America.

Mr. Rominger obtained a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Piano Performance from the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York in Potsdam. His teachers included Olga Gross and Paul Wyse. He received his Masters of Music from the University of Arkansas studying under acclaimed concert pianist Jura Margulis where he held an assistantship in accompanying. He has studied with Hugo Goldenzweig at Mannes College of Music in New York and he has also been coached by Seymour Bernstein and Leslie Howard.

In addition to performing, Mr. Rominger actively gives masterclasses throughout the world.  He served as the Director of Performing Arts at the Staten Island Conservatory of Music and has also taught classes at Baruch College and the College of Staten Island.  Active as a performer, teacher and scholar, Mr. Rominger is the recipient of the CUNY Chancellor's Fellowship Award.  In 2019, he graduated with a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from The City University of New York, Graduate Center.