About Us
The Quattro String Academy is a studio dedicated to the development of string education in the Indianapolis area. Please read about our instructors in the biographies below.
Chin Mi Kim, violin
Chin Mi Kim is an active freelance violinist and teacher. She was born in Korea and moved to Indianapolis with her family at four years of age. She graduated from Lawrence North High School and attended Butler University where she studied with Lawrence Shapiro and Hidetaro Suzuki. She spent two summers in Wisconsin studying with Vartan Manoogian. Chin Mi received her Bachelor of Music Degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Yuval Yaron and Paul Biss. After graduation she returned to Indianapolis where she has been performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Suzuki and Friends, studio recording work, and teaching privately. Chin Mi was a participant for two summers in the Spoleto Festival USA held in Charleston, SC. In 2003 Chin Mi was a recipient of the Arts Council of Indianapolis-Creative Renewal Arts.
As a well established violin teacher in the Indianapolis metro area for over 20 years, Chin Mi brings to her teaching pedagogical training through her work with Mimi Zweig at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and several teacher training courses with the Suzuki Institute of America.
Chin Mi lives with her husband and co-founder of Quattro String Academy, Robert Goodlett, and their dog, Oliver, a Yorkshire Terrier.
As a well established violin teacher in the Indianapolis metro area for over 20 years, Chin Mi brings to her teaching pedagogical training through her work with Mimi Zweig at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and several teacher training courses with the Suzuki Institute of America.
Chin Mi lives with her husband and co-founder of Quattro String Academy, Robert Goodlett, and their dog, Oliver, a Yorkshire Terrier.
Tricia Bonner, violin
Violinist Tricia Bonner is a vivacious performer in the Indianapolis area, as an apt representative of classical and new art music. An avid chamber musician, Bonner frequently performs with colleagues in recital, and in 2014 co-founded the violin/piano duo Ascending, with Indianapolis-based pianist, Caitlin Foster. A spirited soloist, Tricia was recently featured on the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra, where she served three seasons as concertmaster. Reveling in the orchestral experience, she also performs in regional orchestras across Indiana and Illinois. Under the guidance of Butler University's Artist-in-Residence, Larry Shapiro, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance through the Jordan College of the Arts’ School of Music, and continues to be an active contributor to this musical community both in performance and teaching. She shares her love of music with a diverse range of violin students through the Butler Community Arts School, while maintaining positions as violin instructor for the Christel House Academy, Quattro String Academy, and the Apogee School for the Gifted. In every performance opportunity and teaching moment, Tricia actively seeks to deliver truth, and enrich others' lives by sharing her genuine joy for music.
Jennifer Farquhar, violin
It was inevitable that violinist Jennifer Farquhar would become a musician, as there are many musicians in several generations on both sides of her family. She asked for violin lessons for her seventh birthday after hearing performances by a string quartet that played in her school near Philadelphia.
Ms. Farquhar joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1997 as a first violinist, but is currently Acting Associate Principal Second Violin. As a member of the ISO, she has also coached violinists in the Side-by-Side program and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. She has performed in many chamber music concerts in Indianapolis, and also enjoys learning solo repertoire for online streaming. Jennifer joined the Arizona MusicFest Orchestra in 2020.
Before joining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Farquhar played in the North Carolina Symphony, the Delaware Symphony, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. She performed and taught at Eastern Music Festival for two summers, having also attended as a high school student. As a college student she participated in the New York String Orchestra Seminar under Alexander Schneider and at the Castleman Quartet Program. She graduated magna cum laude from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Charles Castleman. Other teachers included Yumi Ninomiya Scott, Helen Kwalwasser, and Helen Spencer.
Outside of music, Jennifer enjoys being outdoors, sewing, solving puzzles of all kinds, and has recently started to learn video editing.
Ms. Farquhar joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1997 as a first violinist, but is currently Acting Associate Principal Second Violin. As a member of the ISO, she has also coached violinists in the Side-by-Side program and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. She has performed in many chamber music concerts in Indianapolis, and also enjoys learning solo repertoire for online streaming. Jennifer joined the Arizona MusicFest Orchestra in 2020.
Before joining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Farquhar played in the North Carolina Symphony, the Delaware Symphony, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. She performed and taught at Eastern Music Festival for two summers, having also attended as a high school student. As a college student she participated in the New York String Orchestra Seminar under Alexander Schneider and at the Castleman Quartet Program. She graduated magna cum laude from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Charles Castleman. Other teachers included Yumi Ninomiya Scott, Helen Kwalwasser, and Helen Spencer.
Outside of music, Jennifer enjoys being outdoors, sewing, solving puzzles of all kinds, and has recently started to learn video editing.
Joseph Ohkubo, violin
Born and raised down the road in Louisville, KY, Joseph Ohkubo recently joined the Indianapolis Symphony as a one-year acting first violin. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, Joseph performed regularly with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra as a substitute. He also served as Associate Concertmaster of the Terre Haute Symphony, and performed with the Evansville Philharmonic, the Owensboro Symphony, and the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Joseph earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he studied with professors Mauricio Fuks and Mimi Zweig. Outside of Orchestra, Joseph enjoys cooking and eating, especially.
Zachary Collins, viola
Zachary Collins joined the viola section of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2017. Mr. Collins grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied violin with Michael Klotz, Konstantine Kiradjieff, Linda Cerone, and his mother, Sandra Collins. After switching from the violin to viola, Mr. Collins attended the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with Robert Vernon. Prior to joining the ISO, Mr. Collins was a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Theresa Langdon, viola
Violist Theresa Langdon is a long-time member of the Indianapolis Symphony’s viola section, a founding member of the Linden String Quartet, and an active teacher in the Indianapolis area. Her students, mostly high school-aged, have gone on to be music majors or to continue playing as non-majors at the nation’s finest colleges and universities. Theresa Langdon’s teaching affiliations include her home studio, Quattro String Academy, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, New World Youth Orchestra, and coaching violists at Lawrence Central High School. She is president of Indianapolis Matinee Musicale, an organization which sponsors recitals and competitions for young musicians. Through the ISO’s Arts Every Day program, she presents educational programs at elementary schools, and has written a book to teach folk songs to children entitled Little Cloud’s Adventure. During the summer, she serves on the faculty of the MasterWorks Festival where she offers orchestral and chamber music coaching, and plays for the Chamber Music Week and faculty recitals.
Terry holds music performance degrees from Indiana University and Yale University. Her interests outside music include cooking, foreign languages, Christianity, fitness, and her family.
Terry holds music performance degrees from Indiana University and Yale University. Her interests outside music include cooking, foreign languages, Christianity, fitness, and her family.
Nicholas Donatelle, cello
Nicholas Donatelle is a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra cello section, beginning in November 2019. Beforehand, he lived in Chicago and was Section Cellist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Assistant Principal of Orchestra Iowa, 2nd Chair in the Des Moines Symphony, and Section Cello in the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra in addition to teaching and gigging around the Chicagoland area. Prior to pursuing an orchestral career, he was a cellist for Broadway tours (Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, GHOST the musical, Annie, An American in Paris, and Love Never Dies), which took him all over the United States, Canada, and East Asia. After touring, he briefly taught in the Chicagoland area for the Merit School of Music and through DePaul University’s Community Music Division.
Nicholas completed his Masters in Music at DePaul studying with Stephen Balderston and his Bachelors of Music at the University of Minnesota studying with Tanya Remenikova. He was also a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago while at DePaul. He attended the Round Top Festival Institute and participated in the 2007 New York String Orchestra Seminar. Additionally, he was appointed as one of the Principal Cellists at the Castleton Festival by Lorin Maazel during the summer of 2012.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Nicholas grew up in a musical family with his parents and sister all playing brass instruments. Nicholas chose the cello at age 4 to be different and because the cello captured his attention. Growing up with the Suzuki method and studying with his first teacher, Sandra Bohn, for 8 years, he then studied with Winona Zelenka of the Toronto Symphony. In his free time, Nicholas loves to spend time with his wife, Lerryn, and their two dogs, Daphnis and Chloe. He enjoys gardening, ice skating, and listening to all genres of music.
Nicholas completed his Masters in Music at DePaul studying with Stephen Balderston and his Bachelors of Music at the University of Minnesota studying with Tanya Remenikova. He was also a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago while at DePaul. He attended the Round Top Festival Institute and participated in the 2007 New York String Orchestra Seminar. Additionally, he was appointed as one of the Principal Cellists at the Castleton Festival by Lorin Maazel during the summer of 2012.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Nicholas grew up in a musical family with his parents and sister all playing brass instruments. Nicholas chose the cello at age 4 to be different and because the cello captured his attention. Growing up with the Suzuki method and studying with his first teacher, Sandra Bohn, for 8 years, he then studied with Winona Zelenka of the Toronto Symphony. In his free time, Nicholas loves to spend time with his wife, Lerryn, and their two dogs, Daphnis and Chloe. He enjoys gardening, ice skating, and listening to all genres of music.
Kurt Fowler, cello
Kurt Fowler has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. He performs regularly with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as a substitute cellist, has performed with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Syracuse Symphony, has served as principal cellist of the Bear Valley Music Festival, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed at numerous summer festivals including the Bellingham Festival of Music, Aspen Music Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, and the Heidelberg Castle Festival in Heidelberg, Germany. An advocate of both contemporary classical music and early music performance practice, Kurt has performed in numerous new music and early music ensembles and has been active in commissioning new works.
Committed to education, Kurt is Professor of Music at Indiana State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1998, and teaches privately in the Indianapolis and Terre Haute communities. His students have continued their education at some of the top universities and summer programs in the country. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music and his Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Kurt has enjoyed teaching at the Quattro String Academy since 2011 and lives in Indianapolis with his wife, organist Heather Hinton, and their dog Samantha.
Committed to education, Kurt is Professor of Music at Indiana State University, where he has been on the faculty since 1998, and teaches privately in the Indianapolis and Terre Haute communities. His students have continued their education at some of the top universities and summer programs in the country. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music and his Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Kurt has enjoyed teaching at the Quattro String Academy since 2011 and lives in Indianapolis with his wife, organist Heather Hinton, and their dog Samantha.
Andre Gaskins, cello
Andre J. Gaskins enjoys a diverse musical career as cellist, conductor, composer and music educator.
Mr. Gaskins has been a faculty member of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Eastern Illinois University, Earlham College and the Brevard Music Center. He has taught the cello at all of these institutions to students of all ages and levels of ability.
Maintaining an active schedule as a performing cellist, his recording of Martinu's 'Concertino' for the Summit Records label was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Awards, in the category of 'Best Performance by a small ensemble (with or without conductor)'. Solo appearances with orchestra have included performances with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond Philharmonic, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Gaskins has appeared as solo cellist from historic venues as the Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation to the cities of Indianapolis, Richmond, Cincinnati, Ann Arbor, Okinawa (Japan) and Beijing (China).
Mr. Gaskins has served as the Music Director and Conductor of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Ballet Orchestra, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony, the Earlham College Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus. He has served as Assistant or Associate conductor with the Richmond Symphony, the Columbus State University Philharmonic and the New World Youth Orchestra.
Mr. Gaskins can be heard in the soundtrack for the PBS documentary, "For Gold and Glory," and as a featured soloist for the motion picture soundtrack, "Forgive Me Father." As an orchestral cellist, Mr. Gaskins served as the principal cellist of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra from 2002 - 2009. Currently, he performs regularly as a substitute cellist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. While pursuing doctoral studies at Indiana University, he served as the teaching assistant to world-renowned cellist, Janos Starker. He also studied conducting with David Effron and composition with David Dzubay. Mr. Gaskins has composed and performed original music for the documentary, "Air Boat Rescue One," produced by Grace Lim and for the short film, "Cycle," written and directed by Mark Mazur and Trent Hilborn. Additionally, he has composed music for commercials for American Express, Valspar and Chevrolet. In February of 2012, Mr. Gaskins made his Carnegie Hall debut, performing in Weill Recital Hall. In May of 2014, Mr. Gaskins was invited to appear as guest soloist with the Central Jersey Symphony, playing the Dvorak Cello Concerto.
Mr. Gaskins has been a faculty member of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Eastern Illinois University, Earlham College and the Brevard Music Center. He has taught the cello at all of these institutions to students of all ages and levels of ability.
Maintaining an active schedule as a performing cellist, his recording of Martinu's 'Concertino' for the Summit Records label was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Awards, in the category of 'Best Performance by a small ensemble (with or without conductor)'. Solo appearances with orchestra have included performances with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond Philharmonic, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Gaskins has appeared as solo cellist from historic venues as the Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation to the cities of Indianapolis, Richmond, Cincinnati, Ann Arbor, Okinawa (Japan) and Beijing (China).
Mr. Gaskins has served as the Music Director and Conductor of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Ballet Orchestra, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Symphony, the Earlham College Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus. He has served as Assistant or Associate conductor with the Richmond Symphony, the Columbus State University Philharmonic and the New World Youth Orchestra.
Mr. Gaskins can be heard in the soundtrack for the PBS documentary, "For Gold and Glory," and as a featured soloist for the motion picture soundtrack, "Forgive Me Father." As an orchestral cellist, Mr. Gaskins served as the principal cellist of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra from 2002 - 2009. Currently, he performs regularly as a substitute cellist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. While pursuing doctoral studies at Indiana University, he served as the teaching assistant to world-renowned cellist, Janos Starker. He also studied conducting with David Effron and composition with David Dzubay. Mr. Gaskins has composed and performed original music for the documentary, "Air Boat Rescue One," produced by Grace Lim and for the short film, "Cycle," written and directed by Mark Mazur and Trent Hilborn. Additionally, he has composed music for commercials for American Express, Valspar and Chevrolet. In February of 2012, Mr. Gaskins made his Carnegie Hall debut, performing in Weill Recital Hall. In May of 2014, Mr. Gaskins was invited to appear as guest soloist with the Central Jersey Symphony, playing the Dvorak Cello Concerto.
Robert Goodlett, bass
Robert Goodlett has been a long time member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, having joined the orchestra in 1972 and appointed Assistant Principal Bass in 1976. He holds degrees from the University of Louisville and the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. His major teachers at IU were Murray Grodner during the Fall and Spring Semesters and Gary Karr during the summers. In addition to the ISO, Robert has been a member of the Louisville Orchestra (1966 - 70) and has performed at the Aspen Music Festival, the Sarasota Music Festival, Tanglewood Fellowship Orchestra, and the Grand Teton Music Festival.
In January of 2014 Robert was awarded the INDIANA AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (InASTA) “Studio Teacher of the Year Award.” The awardees were chosen amongst several incredible and inspiring string teachers throughout our state and went through a rigorous interview and selection process carried out by the awards committee members. In the same year the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra named Robert the winner of the “PATCH LEADERSHIP AWARD” given annually to a member of the orchestra in recognition for outstanding service to the orchestra and the community.
Robert has been a faculty member at DePauw University, Butler University, and the University of Indianapolis. In 2009 Robert and his wife Chin Mi Kim formed Quattro String Academy in order to develop young string players in the Greater Indianapolis Metro area. Our approach is one of attention to good posture, ergonomic use of our bodies to be able to play with ease and without tension, and to learn to express musical emotion with our instruments. In addition to private lessons there are group activities to work on specific projects such as auditions for placement in youth orchestras and summer camp programs. We also encourage frequent public performances by our students.
Many of Robert’s students have had success at their schools, in youth orchestras, music camps, and some have gone on to study music at the collegiate level.
In January of 2014 Robert was awarded the INDIANA AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (InASTA) “Studio Teacher of the Year Award.” The awardees were chosen amongst several incredible and inspiring string teachers throughout our state and went through a rigorous interview and selection process carried out by the awards committee members. In the same year the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra named Robert the winner of the “PATCH LEADERSHIP AWARD” given annually to a member of the orchestra in recognition for outstanding service to the orchestra and the community.
Robert has been a faculty member at DePauw University, Butler University, and the University of Indianapolis. In 2009 Robert and his wife Chin Mi Kim formed Quattro String Academy in order to develop young string players in the Greater Indianapolis Metro area. Our approach is one of attention to good posture, ergonomic use of our bodies to be able to play with ease and without tension, and to learn to express musical emotion with our instruments. In addition to private lessons there are group activities to work on specific projects such as auditions for placement in youth orchestras and summer camp programs. We also encourage frequent public performances by our students.
Many of Robert’s students have had success at their schools, in youth orchestras, music camps, and some have gone on to study music at the collegiate level.
Brian Smith, bass
A sought after orchestral and chamber musician, Brian Smith has performed with leading artists and orchestras in concert halls around the world. In 2008 he joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s double bass section, having previously served in a similar role the Columbus and Virginia Symphonies. Additionally, Brian can often be seen as a regular guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Grant Park Festival Orchestra, among many others. He is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where his main teacher was Harold Robinson.
Equally committed to arts education, Brian enjoys a rich teaching career working with a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced young professionals. His private lessons are centered on a student focused curriculum, balancing musical expression and technique with a broader understanding of problem solving skills coupled with a commitment to personal excellence. Brian currently serves as adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis and Wabash College, while maintaining a private studio through the Quattro String Academy in Carmel, IN. As part of the ISO’s educational outreach programs, Brian is a featured performer in “The Giant’s Violin”, a program focused on preschool aged students. He can also regularly be found leading masterclasses and sectionals throughout Central Indiana.
Equally committed to arts education, Brian enjoys a rich teaching career working with a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced young professionals. His private lessons are centered on a student focused curriculum, balancing musical expression and technique with a broader understanding of problem solving skills coupled with a commitment to personal excellence. Brian currently serves as adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis and Wabash College, while maintaining a private studio through the Quattro String Academy in Carmel, IN. As part of the ISO’s educational outreach programs, Brian is a featured performer in “The Giant’s Violin”, a program focused on preschool aged students. He can also regularly be found leading masterclasses and sectionals throughout Central Indiana.
Nick Tucker, bass
Bassist Nick Tucker is an active freelance bassist in the Midwest. He currently resides in his hometown, Indianapolis. Nick is professor of jazz bass at Ball State University and house bassist for the American Pianists Association Jazz Piano Competition. Nick performs extensively in all areas of music with numerous jazz, Latin, and rock groups in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and throughout the Midwest. He has performed with Rich Perry, Alan Pasqua, Randy Brecker, Mike Clark, Bobby Watson, and Stefon Harris. Nick has performed all over the United States, as well as in Europe and South America. Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies and Music Recording/Technology from the University of Indianapolis and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University in Bloomington. Nick is an alumnus of the Stean’s Institute Jazz Program at Ravinia where he studied with David Baker, Curtis Fuller, Rufus Reid, and Nathan Davis. He co-leads the Tucker Brothers Group with his brother Joel Tucker, and is a member of the Indianapolis Jazz Collective and critically acclaimed jazz/hip-hop fusion band Clint Breeze and the Groove.
