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The PYO Music Institute (PYOMI) is proud to announce the ten exceptional finalists for the 2025 Ovation Award, which honors outstanding music educators in the Greater Philadelphia region who are making a lasting impact on their students and communities. Nominated by students, colleagues, and community members, these individuals exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership in music education, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of music.
PYOMI’s Ovation Awards are proudly sponsored by J.W. Pepper and WRTI 90.1 FM, acknowledging their shared commitment to honoring exceptional music educators.
This year’s finalists include performers, public school educators, collegiate faculty, and nonprofit leaders, all of whom share a passion for inspiring young musicians. Notably, this year’s list includes two proud PYOMI alumna, further highlighting the far-reaching influence of the Institute’s programs.
2025 Ovation Award Finalists
(Listed alphabetically by last name)
Jiannan Cheng: Director of Orchestral Activities at Rowan University and 2024 Music Director of Orchestra Concordia. An award-winning conductor with international credentials and previous Cover Conductor for The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Susan Descano: Retired Choral Director at Springfield High School with a 30-year legacy. A PMEA Citation of Excellence honoree and Achievers Hall of Fame inductee, she continues to contribute to music education and performance in retirement.
Michael Franz: Double bassist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, co-founder of Block X Block, and dedicated music educator with experience in schools across the U.S.
Nozomi Imamura: Trumpeter with the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra and a classroom music teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. A Curtis and Yale alum, he is deeply involved in community and youth engagement through Project 440.
Priscilla Lee: Associate Principal Cello of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis alumna. A former principal cellist with Opera Philadelphia and Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and founding member of the Naumburg-winning Trio Cavatina.
Bryan McNamara: Saxophonist and band director at Haddon Township High School. An avid performer and co-founder of Singularity saxophone quartet, he is also an active advocate for music technology and experimental performance.
Tatyana Oksyuk: Leads the orchestra program at Radnor High School and maintains a successful private piano studio. Her students regularly participate in district, regional, and national festivals. A triple graduate of West Chester University in Music Education, Piano Pedagogy, and Orchestral Conducting, she has been recognized for her artistry and commitment to excellence in student performance.
Michael Stambaugh: General music teacher and choir director at Greenfield School in Philadelphia, as well as a composer and pianist. Formerly a Settlement Music School faculty member, he holds advanced degrees in theory, composition, and education.
Erica Tursi: PYOMI alumna (PYO ’09). Accomplished violinist and educator performing with major orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra. A founding member of the Omer Quartet and advocate for music as a tool for healing and connection.
Ashley Vines: PYOMI alumna (PYAO & PYO ’12) and previous Tune Up Philly teaching artist. A violist and educator committed to empowering youth through music, Ashley is a music teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and the String Orchestra Director at Temple University’s Community Music Scholars Program.
About the Ovation Award
Established to recognize the outstanding work of music educators across the region, the Ovation Award celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to inspire students through music. The winner will be selected from this group of finalists and honored during PYOMI’s 85th Anniversary Festival Concert at the Kimmel Center on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m..
