MEMBERS

NICOLE LENNARTZ

Co-Owner & Violinist

Nicole Lennartz is an alumna of the Pittsburgh Music Academy, beginning studies at age 3 with Jennifer Madge. Receiving her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Duquesne University in Marketing Communications and Music Performance, Nicole is an advocate for classical music and music education here in Pittsburgh. She studied with Rachel Stegeman in college, expanding her technical abilities on the violin, and was Principle Second Violin of the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra in fall 2017 under Maestro Daniel Meyer. She performs with regional orchestras like the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, and the Johnston Symphony Orchestra. She’s performed with Grammy Award Winning Artists like Josh Groban and Michael Buble in 2018 & 2019 at PPG Paints Arena, and performs with her string quartet, Radiant Strings which she started with friend and colleague, Julia Poetain.  Nicole teaches private and group lessons at the Pittsburgh Music Academy, specializing in the Suzuki method.

JULIA POETAIN

Co-Owner & Violinist

Julia Poetain began studying the violin at the age of 4 with Jason Posnock of the Asheville Symphony.  Her other teachers include Charles and Rachel Stegeman, Hong Guang Jia, Richard DiAdamo, and Fred Lifsitz.  Julia graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance from Duquesne University where she played as the principal second violin of the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra in 2018.  Julia performs regularly with the Butler Symphony, Westmoreland Symphony, and the Johnston Symphony with appearances with Grammy Award Winning Artists like Michael Buble.  Julia is a private violin teacher at the Pittsburgh Music Academy and Johnstonbaugh's Music Center.

THERESE WEST

Viola & Violin

Therese West began to study violin at a young age.  She received her Bachelors in violin performance from Baldwin Wallace University, with a specialization in viola performance.  Therese then moved to Philadelphia to study with professors at the Curtis Institute of Music.  She is currently the principal second violinist of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and pursuing a masters degree in violin performance at Carnegie Mellon University under Cyrus Forough.

AHMER'E BLACKMAN

Cello

Ahmer'e Blackman began music studies as a bassist at a young age. He traveled to Russia in 2013 with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States. During his time in high school, he began studies in cello with Younga Reitz. He pursued a Bachelor's of Cello Performance at Duquesne University, studying with Adam Liu of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He is a member of the Guardians of Sound and teaches at their Hip Hop Orchestra camp, bringing music innovation to Pittsburgh's urban students.

LUKE CAMPAYNO

Arranger

Luke Campayno is a composer, producer, and content creator living and working in the Washington DC Metro area. Campayno's music career began at a young age when he joined the Children's Festival Chorus. He then became inspired to pursue his studies in the field of composition. Luke attended Duquesne University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Technology with a focus in Electronic Composition. He is also an avid producer and performer. He is involved in recording, and mixing and has a passion for radio and podcast production. His performing life is diverse with experience as a clarinetist, guitarist, vocalist, pianist, and conductor. He also works live events as an audio and video technician.