Meet the string Staff

Eric graduated from Rutgers University: Mason Gross School of Arts with a degree in Viola Performance. He studied under Lark Quartet Violist, Kathryn Lockwood and Philadelphia Orchestra principal Violist C.J Chang. Has been studying music since the age of 5, starting with Violin and then Piano at the age of 7, and switching to Viola prior to college. Eric has extensive experience with NJ Regional and All-State auditions, and has attended the International Chamber Music Course Festival in China and Italy. Eric has several years of experience teaching music using an adaptive and holistic approach. He has also had success teaching students with physical and mental disabilities using violin and piano as a source of physical therapy. He also has experience preparing students for advanced orchestra auditions and chamber group auditions in public schools. Having been engrossed in music for over two decades, he is always eager to share his experiences.

Jackson is a current student studying cello performance and music technology at the Mason Gross School of Music at Rutgers University. Jackson is a NJ native and grew up heavily involved in music in high school, participating in both his school's choir and orchestra programs. 

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Jackson has a number of years of working with students of all ages and enjoys having the opportunity to help his students connect with music in a way that is relatable to them. He feels that music lessons should be a safe place for supportive exploration and imaginative curiosity. His students love Jackson's attention to detail in their lessons and that he works with them to achieve their personal musical goals. 

Kara Bohorquez is a graduate of Montclair State University, John J. Cali School of Music with a BA in classical Bass performance. She has performed at Carnegie Hall 6 times with prestigious artists such as Sarah McLachlan and James Galway. In addition to her classical studies, Kara has also been trained in other styles of music, particularly jazz, and has taken up a variety of instruments. 

Kara is equipped to teach upright Bass, electric Bass, Piano, Guitar, Vocals and theory. Kara has toured the country with NJ Break Contest winners, “Wyland,” and even headlined events such as the Skate and Surf Music Festival. With her experience in performing, 

Kara specializes not only in teaching instruments but also helping her students build up the confidence to either play for an audience or to just discover their passion for music.

Liz Knickerbocker-Gavidia is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter residing in Newark, NJ. She began her musical journey at the age of 7, starting with the violin and studying at the Flint Institute of Music (FIM) in Flint, MI. Liz continued her studies throughout high school, college, and beyond. At 14, she began assistant teaching in FIM’s group string classes for violin, viola, and cello. Shortly after, she started teaching private violin lessons to students of all ages, a role she has embraced on and off for nearly 16 years.

Over the years, Liz expanded her musical repertoire by adding piano, guitar, ukulele, trumpet, and classical voice. She has had the privilege of performing and recording with orchestras, quartets, bands, and as a solo artist across the United States. In addition to her performance experience, Liz continues to teach both individual and group classes for all ages and abilities on her various instruments, as well as songwriting and applied music theory.

Most recently, Liz has been working towards her BA in Music Therapy at California State University, Northridge. She was accepted into the Music Therapy internship at The Louis Armstrong Department of Music Therapy at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC and is set to graduate in June 2025.
Liz brings a deep passion for music and music therapy into her teaching. Her style revolves around catering to each student's unique needs and goals, and she loves to explore new genres while continuously seeking to expand her own musical aspirations.