Mariana Mathewson

Mariana Mathewson is a senior at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania and will be finished with her bachelor’s degree in Music Education in the Spring of 2018. Her concentrations include Cello and Composition, with a minor in French. Her primary teachers include Robin Hasenpflug of Butler, Pa.; Lisa Brown of Cleveland, Ohio, and Dr. Albert Glinsky of Erie, Pa. She started formally studying composition in the fall of 2015 with Dr. Glinsky, but has had two choral works premiered: “Troubled Waters,” (2013) at Chautauqua Lake Central School in Mayville, New York and “The Peaceful Kingdom,” (2015) at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown, which received a review in the The Post-Journal. Her song cycle, “Songs of Chautauqua” was in May 2016 by soprano Shelby Mayberry. She has also studied cello with Daniel Cassin of Baton Rouge, La.; Marian Byard of Sherman; and has participated in masterclasses with Dennis Parker, Adrian Daurov, Nicholas Canellakis, and FlyetMusik. She has studied cello for ten years, piano for twelve, and composition for three. She has taught private lessons for six years, and is currently an instructor of piano and cello lessons. She has also been a freelance cellist for six years, and has played many gigs at venues throughout Chautauqua and Erie, Pa., counties. Her passion is bringing music into the lives of people, and promoting the love of making music.

“As an instructor of music, as well as a future music educator, I believe in an organic approach to music,” she said. “My students are encouraged to explore their own creativity while maintaining a structured discipline. I think it is essential to fostering growth and musicianship to explore improvisation, spontaneity, and exuberance. I like to approach lessons on an individual basis, and adapt the techniques to fit the needs of each unique learner. Everyone learns differently, and I truly believe that as an educator and instructor, my job is to help each one of my students learn to the best of their ability, reach their natural potential in a relaxed environment, and learn to love making music.”

Nigel Eastman

Nigel Eastman

Nigel Eastman is a filmmaker born and raised in the Western New York area. He has produced many short experimental and narrative works. His works explore the relation of shot language and editing, discovering and developing the language of filmmaking throughout that relationship. He is experienced in all steps and processes of filmmaking, through screenwriting, cinematography, directing, and color correction. In addition he has worked professionally at Digitell, Inc. as an editor and camera operator, directing multiple music videos for WOLF. He continues to be an active cinematographer.

For more information about Infinity, or to register for lessons or group classes with Mariana or Nigel, please visit www.infinityperformingarts.org.