Welcome to the Conservatory of Music and Dance
Welcome to our studios and the exciting world of the performing arts. We provide high quality training while being able to offer a variety of classes and new programs. We constantly challenge ourselves to present the best opportunities to students of all ages to grow and develop in the areas of Dance, Music and Theatre Arts.
Our staff is professional, caring and highly trained in their field. What’s unique about our school is not only the impeccable professional training, but also the nurturing environment our staff provides with their leadership, mentoring and friendships.
We evaluate our program regularly and add new and exciting programs that will enhance the student’s education in the arts. Our goal is to build confidence, educate, motivate and develop skills that will make our students outstanding individuals in both the arts and in many other life skills.
Developing opportunities, nurturing a love for the arts, and
advancing the students technically, musically and creatively is our ambition and
lifelong commitment.
Letter from the Director
“If you can dream it, you can be it!”
For almost four decades, this simple phrase has reflected the heart of The Conservatory of Music and Dance and the passion that inspires our students to dream big, work hard, and achieve their goals.
Welcome to The Conservatory of Music and Dance family.
Since opening our doors in 1989, The Conservatory has grown from a single studio into a thriving performing arts center offering exceptional education in dance, music, and theater. Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Performing Arts Company, our nonprofit 501(c)(3), we continue to expand opportunities for students both on and off the stage.
Our greatest accomplishment has always been our students.
Over the years, thousands of students have discovered their talents, built lifelong friendships, and gained the confidence to pursue their dreams. Some have gone on to professional careers in the performing arts, while others have become teachers, doctors, business owners, engineers, parents, and leaders in their communities. Regardless of their path, the lessons learned through the arts, confidence, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance remain with them for life.
We are committed to providing exceptional training in a positive, encouraging environment where every student can grow at their own pace. Our dedicated faculty and staff work together to help each child develop not only as an artist, but as a confident, well-rounded individual.
As both an educator and the proud grandmother of six wonderful grandchildren, I understand how important it is to find a place where children feel encouraged, challenged, and valued. They are the center of my life and a constant reminder of why I am so passionate about creating a welcoming environment where every student is treated like family.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child’s journey. It is a privilege to watch our students grow in confidence, character, and artistry while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Find the program that inspires your child, encourage them to follow their dreams, and watch them flourish.
Warmly,
Catherine Cianciulli
Founder & Executive Director
The Conservatory of Music and Dance
Catherine Cianciulli -Executive Director
Catherine Cianciulli has a Bachelors of Art Degree in performance, minor in management and composition(Magna Cum Laude). She also received her State Certification in Music Education. She has a Masters from University of Pennsylvania for Non Profit Leadership(Summa Cum Laude). She has performed professionally internationally and within the United States, including back ups for Barry Mannilow and Bob Hope USO shows. She has won numerous awards for her performances. Mrs. Cianciulli was a winner in the Mario Lanza Competition. In 1985, she was crowned Miss Montgomery County (Miss America Pageant) and was also nominated "Woman of the Year" in Philadelphia. She was a judge for the Governor's school of excellence for over 15 years, attended numerous workshops in New York and Philadelphia to enhance her love for educating children in the arts. She has presented opportunities for students to perform in Nashville, Tennessee, Disney World, Florida, on cruises, at the Governor’s Mansion, at Sixers, Flyers, and Wings games, in parades, on cable television, and also to study and perform in Rome, Italy. Her most valued honors and motivators are her husband, a silent and supportive partner, and her four children. Her love for performance has encouraged her to reach out to educating and motivating students. She believes that, “There is always something new to be learned; we must seek, find, and shower our children with new and exciting curriculum in dance, music and theatre.”.
Joseph Cianciulli- (Artistic Director) Music(Voice and Piano) Dance and Theater Teacher
Joseph Cianciulli holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University in Performance. He has studied with Miguel Companeria and Hilda Morales at the Hartt Conservatory as well as William Stone, David Arnold for Voice and Dr. Barbara Mathis for Vocal Pedagogy. He also studied with Savion Glover, Mike Minery for Tap and attended NYU summer Intensive for Musical Theatre and the school for film and television in New York. He has played and accompanied throughout the United State. He is presently an artist in residence on the faculty of Temple University as well as an accompanist for Pennsylvania Ballet. He has performed roles for the Louisville Ballet Company, The Kentucky Opera Company, The Delaware Opera Company, The Philadelphia Opera Collective, the New York Lyric Opera. Joseph was also a student at the Conservatory from age 3 to age 17 in voice, dance and theatre. He has also performed a number of Musical Theatre lead roles. Joseph is continuing his performing and studying of voice and is happy to be back working with the students of the Conservatory.
Erica Lee McGeehan-(Artistic Director) Music(Voice and Piano) Dance and Theater
Erica Cianciulli McGeehan is a singer, dancer, actress, yoga instructor, and meditation coach originally from Philadelphia, PA. She began her training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, modern, voice, and theatre at the Conservatory of Music and Dance before going off to study at Point Park University where she graduated with a Musical Theatre degree and studied as a dance minor. Throughout her career in the arts, she has studied voice under many vocal coaches such as Catherine Cianciulli, Ingrid Zeldin, Valerie Girard, Sandra Greciano, Judith Blazer, and Natalie Weiss. She attended many programs for dance, music, and theatre such as Luzerne Music Camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Joffrey Summer Dance (NY), and Manhattan School of Music Precollege. During her third year at Point Park, Erica was offered a contract with the National Tour of "Pippin" and decided to finish schooling on tour, playing the role of "Fastrada." After touring the USA, Erica signed with Hudson Artists Agency in New York City and headed back on the road, playing the role of "Marjorie" in "Dirty Dancing": the Classic Story on Stage. After closing the Dirty Dancing tour, Erica took a year to settle into New York and received her RYT 200 yoga certification through CorePower Yoga, where she taught heated power vinyasa for a year. Since then, Erica has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas in "Cats" the Broadway Musical as "Bombalurina." Erica is now on the National Broadway Tour of "CATS" as "Bombalurina. Erica also teaches online yoga and meditation classes with a fusion of voice and speech exercises through her personal online brand, Reverb: Movement Vibration.
Olivia Hagan Cianciulli-Ballet Teacher(Artistic Director)
Olivia Hagen Cianciulli started ballet at the age of 3. She trained at numerous schools before her graduation from Interlochen Arts Academy including: Turning Point, Central Wisconsin School of Ballet and Academie de la Danse. Mrs. Cianciulli had the opportunity to train internationally in Krakow, Poland at the Krakow Zaradova Skola Baletova and in London, England at the Royal Academy of Dancing. Mrs. Cianciulli has attended numerous summer intensives including ABT Detroit, Mi, ABT Orange County,CA, ABT NYC,NY, Joffrey Chicago, Il and Joffrey NYC,NY. Olivia has worked with wonderful teachers along the way most notably Irina Kolplakova, Vladimir Seminov, Yumelia Garcia, Charthel Arther, Francis Corkle and so many others. Professionally, Olivia started her career with Ballet Theatre of Maryland and went on to dance with Charlottesville ballet. She currently just finished her two year contract with Louisville Ballet.
Jarred Cianciulli-Violin, Viola and Piano(Guest Artist)
Mr. Cianciulli started taking piano lesson’s from Mary Boyer at the age of 3. He has performed at many summer festivals including the Aspen Music Festival, Meadowmount School of Music, Sienna Music Festival, Trentino Music Festival in Italy and the North American Viola Institute. Jarred was enrolled in the Manhattan School of Music Pre-college program where he studied orchestral performance, chamber music, music theory and ear training. He hold a Bachelor’s Degree from Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University for Viola Performance and completing a Graduate Degree from Manhattan School of Music. Jarred has been teaching violin, piano and viola for 10 years. He teaches his students the fundamentals of music theory. He believes in the importance of scales and arpeggios and suggests his students use them daily in their warm up routines. Mr. Cianciulli teaches from the Suzuki method and Galamian scale system.
Jason Cianciulli- Dance(Guest Artist)
Jason Reese began his career as a founding member of VIM VIGOR in his last year of studies at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. In the past three years he has had the opportunity to teach at institutions such as Princeton University, NYU Tisch, Ailey/Fordham, New Dialect, the University of Quebec at Montreal, B12, SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, Program Enlaces, North Carolina School of the Arts, the Movement Invention Project, New Jersey Dance Theater Ensemble, and the Conservatory of Music and Dance and Pennsylvania Performing Arts Academy. He is a choreographic collaborator with VIM VIGOR and has helped create work for LA Dance Project, the Juilliard School, the University of Michigan, Barnard College/Columbia University, Gibney Dance Company, Springboard Danse Montreal and Manhattanville College. He presently teaches as an adjunct teacher at SUNY PURCHASE and is currently a member of PunchDrunk NYC in the cast of, 'Sleep No More.' Jason continues to teach and create with VIM VIGOR Dance Theater Company and is now a fulltime lecturer at the University of Michigan for Dance.
Mary Boyer-Piano(Artistic Director)
Mary Boyer has been a teacher with the Conservatory of Music and Dance since 1996. She graduated from Immaculata University with a Bachelor of Music, cum laude, with certification in Music Therapy. She is a member of the Delta sigma Music Honor Society and a member of the American Music Therapy Association. Mary has worked at the Academy of Community Music as a music therapist and music teacher in the crescendo program. She was a staff music therapist at Temple Continuing Care and currently works as a therapist at St. Mary Manor in Lansdale, PA. Mary enjoys providing private and group instructions in piano here at the Conservatory and looks forward to many more years of service.
Karly Meehan-Dance and Musical Theater
Karly Meehan is a dance artist and educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She obtained her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she had the privilege of studying under Louis Kavouras, Dolly Kelepecz, Christopher Huggins, and Victoria Baltimore-Dale. With an MFA in Dance from Temple University, Karly’s teaching methods are centered in finding play and discovery within classical structures, breaking boundaries of what it means to receive a well-rounded dance education. In addition to teaching for the Advanced Program, Karly is also the Director of Choreography for the Musical Theatre productions! Outside of COMAD, Karly is a Lead Teaching Artist with BalletX’s Dance eXchange program, facilitating creative movement classes to third and fourth grade students across two Philadelphia public schools. She is also a freelance performer and choreographer specializing in Contemporary forms.
Rachel Neitzke- Dance
Rachel Neitzke is a Philadelphia-based dancer, choreographer, and dance educator. She studied throughout the United States, but received much of her early professional training at Koresh Dance Company where she studied Ballet under the direction of Alexei and Natalia Charov and was a founding member of the Koresh Youth Ensemble. Ms. Neitzke holds a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts where she worked with artists such as Milton Myers, Andrea Millier, Roni Koresh, Meredith Rainey, Mark Haim and Sidra Bell to name a few. Upon graduating Ms. Neitzke’s passion for teaching and dancing alike has taken her throughout the United States and abroad. She currently serves as the Assistant to the Ballet program at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, and has taught at schools such as The School of Philadelphia Ballet, The Rock School, First State Ballet School and more. Ms. Neitzke is an adjudicator at Dancer’s Inc dance competition and is the founder and director of The Collective Dance Project. She has been awarded highly for her choreography at competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix, Universal Ballet Competition, Puerto Rico Classical Dance Competition, Artist Simply Human, and more.
Courtney Fickes- Dance
Courtney Fickes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment & Arts Management and Dance from Drexel University. She is a professional dancer and choreographer, Certified Personal Trainer, and Wellness Professional with over a decade of experience performing and teaching. Courtney has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theatre. She attended Kirov Ballet Academy and Maryland Festival Ballet and has trained alongside artists from Parsons Dance, Koresh Dance Company, and So You Think You Can Dance. As an award-winning choreographer and performer, Courtney remains active in the Philadelphia arts community, creating work that blends strong technical foundations with musicality, expressive movement, and performance artistry. In addition to her work in dance, Courtney is the founder of a wellness boutique dedicated to cultivating healthy habits and supporting personal growth. Her teaching approach integrates technical training with a holistic understanding of the body, helping dancers develop strength, awareness, and authentic artistic expression. Courtney is passionate about mentoring dancers as they build confidence, discipline, and artistry. She is proud to be part of the faculty with the Conservatory of Music and Dance and is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where students can grow both technically and creatively.
Annie Holstein- Voice, Theater, Student Coordinator
Annie Holstein is a theatrical artist, educator, and administrator originally from Chicago. She earned her B.F.A. in Theater Performance, with a minor in Musical Theater, from Hofstra University in New York. Her training spans stage and screen acting, clown, stage combat, dialects, musical theater, dance, Shakespeare, and more. Outside of performing, Annie has developed a strong passion for teaching, choreographing, and producing. Annie's dream is to be like Barbie and try her hand in everything! Alongside her work in the arts, Annie has extensive experience caring for and working with children of all ages, she is passionate about using her warmth and patience to create spaces for kids to feel trusted, supported, and encouraged in everything they do. At Hofstra, Annie planned and executed events and masterclasses for groups of 25–70 performing arts students, securing guest artists such as Ryan Scott Oliver, Daniel McCoy, and Christian Titus while managing onsite logistics to create meaningful learning experiences for the university community. She also served as scene shop supervisor, leading teams of 10–20 in building sets and preparing venues for theater and dance productions, helping transform scenic drafts into beautiful, functional performance spaces. Annie has over 20 years of experience in theater, vocal, and dance training. Her choreography and dance leadership experience includes work with high school show choir, collegiate theater, and New York City sketch shows. Some of her favorite stage credits include Elle in Legally Blonde, Benjamin in The Yellow Boat, and #13 in The Wolves. Her television credits include Saturday Night Live, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and The Big Leap. Annie brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and heart to every creative space she enters. She dedicates all of her work to her cat, Gus and her awesome late godmother, Michelle.
Yuki Ishiguro- Dance
Yuki Ishiguro, Japanese native, discovered Break dance on the street during college. Since then he has learned many forms of dance. After graduating from Ritsumeikan University in Japan with a BA in business. He started to work with Japanese ballet company for 2 years, then Yuki moved to New York as a student of DNA(Dance New Amsterdam). And studied with unique street performers such as Kenichi Ebina well known as a winner of America's Got Talent season 8. From these training and his own practice Yuki created his own dance style and signature movements, which has been praised by dance reviews. "a dancer of remarkable athleticism. It was a thrill to watch him execute his moves with skill and eclat, maintaining a smooth unbroken dramatic flow as he shifted through one style after another." - The Dance Journal ”What makes Yuki so intriguing - beyond his style of movement - is his enigmatic quality. There's no other dancer quite like him on the Gotham dance scene.” Oberon's Grove Yuki has worked and toured with several dance companies in the U.S. - Roxey ballet, Catapult entertainment, Emery LeCrone dance, etc. He has been invited by fusion flute musician Kenzie Slottow in Austin, Texas to choreograph and dance for her music videos, and toured in the U.S. Also Yuki uses LED prop called "Visual poi" as his dance prop and performed for entertainment shows such as Tommy Hilfiger party.Yuki started his own company Yu.S.Artistry in 2018. His work has been presented at Booking dance festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center, DUMBO dance festival, KoDaFe at Ailey citigroup theater, NYC10 at Dixon place, MAD festival at Nazareth college, Come together dance festival by Koresh dance at Suzanne Roberts theater, International dance festival.
April Eickhoff-Dance
April Eickhoff began dancing at the age of three at Dance One Studios where she trained in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, hiphop, and acro, as well as being a member of their three pre-professional companies. She graduated from James Madison University, receiving her B.A. in Dance, PK-12 Teaching Licensure, and a minor in entrepreneurship. Her choreography at JMU was performed in many student showcases and as well as the Forbes Center for Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. Throughout her dance career, April has performed at places such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Disney World. She has also briefly worked with renowned dancers such as Jason Samuels Smith, Karen Callaway Williams, Jacob Brent, Shannon Hummel of CORA Dance, Vincent Thomas, and more. April hopes to open up her own studio one day and teach in the public schools.
Kiley Doloway-Dance(Guest Teacher)
Kiley Dolaway was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. She studied ballet and modern dance at Philadelphia Dance Theatre then attended high school and studied dance at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the direction of Susan Jaffe. She recently graduated in May of 2018 from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College with a BFA in dance performance. During her time at Purchase, she performed repertory by Shannon Gillen, Kevin Wynn, Manuel Vignoulle, Sidra Bell, and Merce Cunningham. Additionally, she was invited to dance at Springboard Danse Montreal in the summers of 2017 and 2018 where she performed in the restaging of 'Paper Cuts in an Empty Bag' by Peter Chu and ‘Neither Here|There’ a new creation by Johannes Wieland. In 2018, Kiley also performed in Shannon Gillen's 'SUPERBLOOM' at the 92nd Street Before joining VIM VIGOR as a full time company member. Since then she has worked alongside Gillen assistant teaching classes at The Juilliard School, SUNY Purchase, NYU Tisch, and Fordham. She has supported Shannon Gillen's creations at L.A. Dance Project, b12 festival in Berlin, Princeton University, Boston Dance Theater, and Booker T. Washington School for the Arts. In 2019, she will debut in VIM’s latest creation FOREVER in NYC, before traveling with Gillen to teach and create at LINK 2019 in Salt Lake City, Perry Mansfield's Summer Program, Springboard Danse Montreal, Springboard X, and VIM VIGOR's Summer Program in NYC.
Chin-Wen Macias- Piano
Ms. Chin-Wen has been dedicated to teaching private piano lessons since 2000, sharing her lifelong passion for music that began at the age of five. She earned her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and has extensive experience working with students of all ages and skill levels. Before joining the Conservatory of Music and Dance in September 2023, Ms. Chin-Wen taught both private lessons and group classes at the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts in Westfield, NJ, as well as in private home settings. She brings warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping each student grow as a confident and expressive musician.
John Griffin Strings and Piano
John Griffin began playing viola at the age of eight, developing a strong passion for both strings and piano throughout his school years. He distinguished himself through numerous concert and festival performances, showcasing his musical talent from an early age. By the end of middle school and into his high school years, John expanded his artistry into conducting, leading string orchestra ensembles at two schools within the Norristown Area School District. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Music Education, magna cum laude, furthering his dedication to both performance and teaching. In addition to his work as an educator, John remains active as a violist, currently performing with Orchestra Concordia in Radnor, PA.
Kelly Bailey-Flute, Piano
Kelly Bailey was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of British Columbia before moving to Baltimore to pursue her Master's degree in Flute Performance at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Throughout her musical career, she has participated in numerous flute competitions, masterclasses, and performed with multiple symphony orchestras. Kelly was nominated to represent Vancouver three times in the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival Performing Arts BC, where she was placed first in the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Woodwind Divisions. She has been teaching both flute and piano since 2017. Her goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where each student can thrive and reach their full potential.