Academy Faculty
Dr. Tina Park
Founder and Director
Born into a musician family, pianist Tina Juan Park, (formerly Juan Li) began piano studies at age 5. By seven, she won the First Young Artist Competition in Hubei, China, leading to 13 years of study at the Shanghai Conservatory. In 1998, she immigrated to the U.S. on a full scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, earning a master’s degree in piano performance. She later completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of Minnesota under Professor Alexander Braginsky. Read more.
Dr. Horacio Nuguid
Co-Artistic Director
With an extensive repertoire, pianist Horacio Nuguid has captivated audiences with his “beautiful tone” and “elegance.” In addition to several well known piano concertos, Nuguid has performed lesser known works also, such as Edward MacDowell's Concerto in A Minor, Clara Schumann’s Konzertsatz in F Minor, Mario Pilati’s Suite, and Ferdinand Ries’ Grand Variations on Rule Britannia with orchestras in the Philippines, Mexico, and United States. Read more.
Dr. Anton Melnichenko
Russian-born pianist Anton Melnichenko has been performing on several continents since his first solo recital at the age of twelve. His performances have always garnered him both public and critical acclaim. In addition to top prizes Melnichenko has received various special audience awards in numerous international competitions. Read more.
Dr. Ji Young Lee
Ji Young Lee D.M.A. began piano studies at the age of four. Born in Korea, she graduated from Seoul Arts High School and received the Bachelor’s degree from Ewha Womans University. She went on to study in the U.S., earning her Master’s degree at Eastman School of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Read more.
Dr. Shitong Sigler
As a versatile pianist whose styles range from Baroque to Contemporary, Dr. Shitong Sigler has dedicated her international performing career as a solo pianist and chamber musician across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Sigler began studying piano with her father at age three and started her tutelage under Professor Jinlan Jiang from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music at six years old, under whom she launched her multifaceted musical path after winning several prominent piano competitions. Read more.
Dr. Kyra Xuerong Zhao
Dr. Kyra Xuerong Zhao is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist recognized for her exceptional artistry, captivating stage presence, and remarkable technical mastery. As one of the distinguished pianists of her generation, she has established an active and versatile international performing career. Her performances have received widespread critical acclaim from leading music publications. Fanfare Magazine praised her playing for its “flawless execution, an emotional sensitivity that finds just the right balance in each piece between bravura and poetry.” The San Juan Daily Star described her as “a mighty force with magic hands,” while New York Concert Review hailed her as “a born performer.” Read more.
Dr. Peter Mack
Dr. Peter Mack is an internationally acclaimed Irish-born pianist, Steinway Artist, and distinguished educator celebrated for his expressive performances, engaging personality, and exceptional teaching. A winner of the New Orleans, Young Keyboard Artists, and Pacific International Piano Competitions, he has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia, with a repertoire that includes 26 piano concertos. Read more
Dr. Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller is active as a composer, arranger, performer, and teacher. She has received many grants and commissions, most recently commissions to compose a piece for Zeitgeist to premier in January, 2027 and a piano trio for the Shin-Kim Trio that will be premiered in March, 2027. She received a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant in 2020 titled “Musicians in Motion at Mia,” a set of pieces inspired by works at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. She has been teaching composition, theory and piano at MacPhail Center for Music since 1997 after receiving her Ph.D. in music composition from Michigan State University. Her students have received numerous awards in composition contests both state-wide and nationally. Read more