Congratulations to Helayna Baer, the recipient of our cello donation scholarship! Helayna is a high school junior who has been playing cello for almost 8 years. She is a very disciplined and dedicated musician who has already accomplished a great deal at her young age. She has earned the role of principal cellist with PYCO and was the winner of their concerto competition last year.

Helayna is also very dedicated to volunteer work through performing music. In her own words, “sharing my love for music with others is my favorite way to give back to the community.” She regularly performs for nursing homes, her church, and the local library. She has also participated in the Pittsburgh Symphony’s “Musicians of Steel” fundraiser and a Tree of Life Dedication Concert.

Prior to receiving this cello donation, Heleyna was borrowing a cello from the Pittsburgh Cello Studio. That cello she had been playing was also a scholarship instrument, which was available for her to use through her high school career. As she is entering into her senior year and now has her own instrument, the one she had been playing will be passed along to another young cellist in the studio to aid them in their studies. The legacy will continue!

Upon graduation, Helayna aspires to major in chemistry or physics and astronomy and minor in cello performance. She knows that she wants to continue to experience as many new opportunities as she can as a cellist. And regarding the cello she received from Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers and the Farina Foundation, she writes, “I assure you that the instrument would be well used, well loved, and that, either through my music or something greater, I would like to pass on the kindness the world has shown me thus far, and to inspire other young musicians to embrace all of their passions no matter how different they are.”

Join us in welcoming our newest piano teacher at Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers!

Sun is a pianist and harpsichordist who is now in the Pittsburgh area. She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s in piano performance, and from the Royal Academy of Music in London with a Master’s in harpsichord performance.

She has performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Utah Symphony and Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, and was a featured artist on “Live from WFMT.” However, she enjoys chamber music the most and has traveled all over the world on a cruise ship as part of a piano quintet!

Educating people has been a major part of Sun’s musical journey. She has over a decade of experience, but what sets her apart is her approach to music as a holistic endeavour. She believes that music education can and should be fun, inclusive, challenging, and life-changing, and equips her students with tools that they can apply not only to piano practice but also to many aspects of their lives.

For more information, visit sunchangmusic.com.

Sun is offering both virtual lessons and in-person lessons at Allison Park. If you are interested in taking lessons with her, please fill out a lesson referral form here.