Meet the Bridges Academy of Music Team

Eva Eunseo
Piano Instructor and Accompanist

For Eva Kim what started as a spark of curiosity developed into a lifelong commitment to music. At the age of 5, she began her study of piano and always had an affinity towards music. She went on to graduate from the Pensacola Christian College in Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, then completed a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance at Lee University under the tutelage of Dr. Jonathan Jung. 
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From her experience holding private lessons and supporting her instructors as a graduate assistant, Eva knows the challenges new students with a budding interest have with learning an instrument. While having a wide breadth of music theory, composition, and piano performance knowledge, Eva also has the practical experience of encouraging a disheartened student or explaining technical concepts in an easy way that is crucial for an instructor to have. 
Through her Suzuki training from Joan Krzywicki, Eva values the Suzuki method’s emphasis on developing musical sense by ear, incorporating music into daily life, and perfecting precise technique skills. With her musical expertise, Eva enjoys opportunities that utilize her skill set whether by volunteering as an accompanist for a 5,000 member congregation or a duet partner for her peers at church. She looks forward to imparting her love for music with the upcoming generation of musicians.

Janelle Glass
​Violin and Viola Instructor, Chamber Ensemble Director

Janelle Glass is a violin teacher in the Chattanooga area. She graduated from Southern Adventist University with a degree in Music Education and graduated with Masters in Viola Performance at Columbus State University. In addition to teaching private lessons, she participates in chamber music ensembles, volunteers at summer music camps, and enjoys all things outdoors. 

She has worked on the staff of At First Sight Chamber Music Weekend on the campus of Southern Adventist University. Her experiences as a music educator were enhanced at various Suzuki summer session in Dallas and Portland Oregon. She firmly believes that music can be used to strengthen relationships between people, especially parents with children, often saying “what I love most about music is that is has tremendous power to connect people.”

Dexter Smith
Violin and Viola Instructor, Suzuki Group Instructor

Dexter Smith started playing violin at age 9 under the influence of Walla Walla University's Suzuki Institute.  After moving to Western North Carolina, he continued his Suzuki education through high school. He graduated from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. 

For Dexter, music is about connection with others, both God and people. This emphasis is something he developed from At First Sight, a summer music camp he has attended both as a student and as staff.

​Dexter's goal in music education is to help students develop a love for music. He wants his students to find joy in midst of the difficult process of learning an instrument, and then for them to share that joy with others. 

Melody Poke
Violin and Viola Instructor (Currently on Leave of Absence)

As a native of Chattanooga, Melody Poke was a member of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony Orchestras, Tennessee All-East/All-State Orchestras, Tennessee Governors’ School for the Arts, and Honor’s Orchestras. After graduating from the Center for Creative Arts as an instrumental music major, she continued her studies and received her Bachelor of Music degree in music education and violin performance and Master of Music degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 

During her time at UTC, Poke was a member of the UTC Symphony, UTC Jazz Band, TMEA All-Collegiate Symphony Orchestra, and multiple small ensembles within the music department. She also taught with the String Project.
 
Melody has received Suzuki violin training at the Atlanta Suzuki Institute, Memphis Suzuki Institute, and was a scholarship recipient for study at the Los Angeles Suzuki Institute. In addition to her Suzuki training, Melody has also completed all levels of study in the Kodály Method. Also a multi-year participant at the Tennessee Arts Academy, Melody is dedicated to lifelong learning and finding ways to provide engaging instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. Along with her teaching schedule, Melody is also a professional violinist and performs at events and venues throughout Chattanooga and surrounding areas. 

Paul Vest
Cello Instructor

Dr. Paul Vest is a musician, educator, administrator, and accomplished athlete. Paul is currently a member of the Huntsville and Tuscaloosa Symphonies, and also regularly performs with the Chattanooga Symphony. He has previously held positions in the Wheeling and Westmoreland Symphonies in Pennsylvania, as well as a faculty position at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Tangerang, Indonesia. Paul  works as a conductor with the Huntsville Youth Orchestra as well as the Chattanooga Youth Symphony, and in August 2023 will begin teaching instrumental music at Hixson Middle and Hixson High School. Paul holds an undergraduate degree from Samford University, and graduate degrees from the University of Memphis. Between 2016-2022 Paul held a director position for Heritage Preschools in Huntsville, AL, leading a large staff in daily operations. An accomplished endurance athlete, Paul has cycled in the Alps, covered ultra-marathon distances on trails, and qualified for the Boston Marathon. He is married to another professional cellist, Kaitlyn Vest, and resides in Chattanooga with their loveable rescue dog, Luna.

Aner Luo
Violin and Viola Instructor

Aner Luo is a violin instructor in Greater Chattanooga and surrounding areas. She is a native from China. In 2017, she moved to the United States to attend Lee University where she received a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in violin performance. While at Lee University, she served as the concertmaster of the Lee University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings, performing in many concerts for the community.
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Having studied through traditional instrumental teaching methods from a young age, Aner understands the importance of interest as a part of developing students’ music abilities. She values the Suzuki Method’s “Every Child Can!” philosophy, which implements an interest-based learning method. When teaching a student, Aner applies three principles:
  • Develop the student’s interest in music based on professional foundations.
  • Guide the student’s musical development in a way that accommodates their circumstances.
  • Create a safe space for the student to learn, share, and explore music as a tool for expression.

Since 2021, Aner has maintained a private violin studio in Cleveland and looks is now expanding to serving the Greater Chattanooga area by joining the Bridges Academy of Music Team. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music Performance degree and a music teaching certificate. In her free time, Aner enjoys plants and pottery.
Copyright Bridges Academy of Music 2023