Click each name on the left to know about our faculty and staff!
John Bruno (Drums, Guitar & Ukelele) is an accomplished drummer and guitar player with a passion for education and the contemporary music scene. John began teaching at Cyprus School of Music in September of 2016, and works with private students as well as assisting with our pop/rock bands for kids. John is in multiple bands performing live and is working on an album. He has performed in popular venues such as the Fillmore Theater and the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. His career spans more than 10 years of success. He has a strong knowledge of teaching methods and strong technical skills that he is able to pass on to his students. He is a creative, patient teacher who clearly loves working with and developing the abilities of young musicians. John also serves as CSMA's manager, and is in charge of music, instruments, equipment, sound, keeping everything in order and running smoothly.
Ann Bur (violin & viola) is a graduate of Lawrence University's Conservatory of Music, and has been teaching for over 30 years. Two years were spent teaching in the Maywood, IL orchestra program. In the remaining years, Ann has used the Suzuki method in various community education music programs throughout the Twin Cities. Ann acts as principal violist of the Kenwood Symphony, The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company and Film Score Fest orchestras. Sight Reading and performing chamber music is one of her favorite hbbies. Ann really enjoys sharing her performance insights with her students. She takes each student's temperament and needs into account, and encourages her students to analyze their own practice and performance skills.
Richard Burt (clarinet, saxophone, flute & piano) has had a wide variety of opportunities in over 50 years of musical performance, teaching, conducting, and adjudicating.
After earning a degree in music education he taught grades 5-12 for over 33 years, and also created and directed the Moose Lake Area Community Band.
Richard and his wife moved back to the Twin Cities to be closer to most of their family in 2010- now residing in Richfield where his wife, Judi, grew up. After becoming a member
of the Richfield Symphonic Band, he was asked a year later to conduct the group when the position became open,- a position he has now held for 13 years.
He also has played in a number of concert bands, the Minneapolis Brass Ensemble, Twin Cities Brass Band, the Twins Cities Trumpet Ensemble, the Richfield Backyard Brass, the Born Again Brass, and the Tubadors 4. He also continues to give private music lessons.
Richard enjoys getting involved with music of all kinds, likes following the Minnesota Twins, loves to play his euphonium, and is an avid reader and cruciverbalist (crossword puzzle solver.) He and Judi especially cherish the times they can spend with
their four grand-daughters.
Anna Cheyne (percussion, drums, guitar, ukelele, piano & voice) has been playing the piano for over 10 years. She studied music therapy and Spanish at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, and is currently completing a music therapy
internship in Saint Paul. She loves playing and teaching various genres of music, from classical to jazz to other popular styles. She has worked as an accompanist with a choir and has also accompanied instrumentalists.
When it comes to teaching, she believes in a student-centered approach. Each person learns differently, so she tailors lessons to fit each student's goals and musical interests. Anna loves teaching and is very excited to foster a love of music within her students.
Saint Paul-based pianist Amos Lucidi (piano) is a dedicated musician renowned for his belief in music's transformative potential. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Minnesota, under the guidance of Professor Alexander Braginsky, Amos is deeply committed to his creative practice and its impact on individuals and communities.
With over 26 years of experience, Amos has completed two master's degrees in piano performance—one in England and another in Italy. His diverse educational experiences have enriched his understanding of music and shaped his artistic vision.
As an active performer, Amos's repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary, with a particular focus on works by Mexican composers such as Manuel M. Ponce, José Rolón and José
Pablo Moncayo. He sees music as a catalyst for positive change and strives to promote Mexican musical heritage through his performances. Additionally, Amos serves as a faculty member at the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music and the Anthem Academy of Music, where he imparts his knowledge and passion to his students.
He believes in the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering a deeper appreciation for music within the community. Amos' dedication to developing his creative practice is evident in his ongoing pursuit of musical excellence and his commitment to sharing the transformative power of music with
others.
Jake Meixner (trumpet) is a versatile trumpet player currently pursuing his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Minnesota.
Jake has studied with distinguished trumpet teachers Erika Izaguirre, Peter Knudsvig, and Marissa Benedict, shaping his artistry and approach to teaching the trumpet. Well-versed in a wide range of trumpet styles, he maintains a freelance career, performing in both classical and contemporary settings.
Whether on stage or collaborating with ensembles, Jake brings a high level of musicality, professionalism, and adaptability to every performance.
Andrea Wallick (violin, cello & piano) graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in cello performance in May 2025, and is currently residing in Minnesota to work on several chamber projects before applying to masters programs. She teaches piano, violin, and cello lessons, and also has a background in music theory that is incorporated into her lessons. In her free time she hangs out with her 5 cats.
Nina Westbrook (violin, viola & cello) has a BA degree in Music Education from Mansfield University of Mansfield, PA. She has done advanced work at Eastman School of Music, the University of Iowa and the University of South Dakota. Nina is a freelance cellist in the Twin Cities.
Nina received Suzuki Violin Training at the Stevens Point, WI Suzuki Institute, Suzuki Violin Training with Mark Bjork at MacPhail and with Bette Johnson in Minneapolis. She received Suzuki Cello training from Tanya Carey in Chicago, IL. Nina teaches Suzuki Cello books one through nine, and Violin books one through four through advanced levels.
Searching for outlets that fulfill his interest in different aspects of music making, Koki Sato has enjoyed an active career in both classical performance and arts administration. Koki joined Cyprus School of Music and the Arts (CSMA) in 2025 as Program Development Manager, and he coordinates and promotes CSMA’s music lesson program.
Koki is the founder of the University of Minnesota New Music Ensemble, whose ensemble initiatives were featured by Minnesota Public Radio. Prior to CSMA, he worked as Development Director at Midsummer’s Music, where he led the music organization’s fundraising strategy development and campaign activities to support its mission and impact in northeastern Wisconsin. His previous positions include Senior Graduate Peer Advisor at the University of Minnesota School of Music, Development Fellow at the National Repertory Orchestra, and Student Life Coordinator at the Saint Paul Chamber Music Institute. Committed to volunteer leadership, Koki also serves on the Board of Directors at Thursday Musical, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the enrichment of local music communities.
Born in Tokyo, he received the Woodruff Award for his undergraduate studies at Columbus State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota.
Michelle Wallick (Founder & Executive Director) founded Cyprus School of Music and the Arts to provide exceptional offerings and instruction in the arts to the general community and a place that offers excellence in instruction to train up-and-coming, talented musicians and artists. She envisions a place where students of all ages can learn fundamentals and enhance their learning, but also where highly talented individuals can receive proper instruction in the arts at their individual ability level and pace. Michelle is certified through the University of Minnesota in Talent Development and Gifted Education and has spent her career guiding gifted and talented students to reach their full potential, with excellent results. She is the Founder, CEO, and Director of Cyprus Classical Academy, an ability-based, not-for-profit school for gifted and talented elementary students, and Owner/Director of Cyprus School of Music and the Arts.
