RPA Kids

meet the teachers

Amanda Eckerman

Amanda Eckerman earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education under the direction of Dr. Eric Hammer and Dr. Ruth Brittin of the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific in 2012. Mrs. Eckerman, a National Board Certified Teacher, is the full-time general music teacher at John C. Bohach Elementary School and teaches private lessons for flute, ukulele, and piano. In addition to her work as a music mentor teacher and technology chairperson for the WCSD music department, Mrs. Eckerman is a graduate of Northern Nevada’s Teachers Leading Change Cohort and is a WCSD trainer for Social and Emotional Learning. Outside of school, Mrs. Eckerman volunteers with the Reno Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota and the Nevada Humane Society. Mrs. Eckerman teaches note reading classes at Mathews Elementary for RPA Kids and enjoys spending that time deepening her students’ understanding of music and building a musical community at her school.

DIANA WALSH

Diana Walsh is a dedicated and experienced music educator, proudly joining RPAK as one of our newest teaching artists. With a passion for fostering musical talent in young minds, Diana's journey in music education has been nothing short of inspiring.

By day, Diana serves as an elementary general music teacher at Glenn Duncan Elementary School, where she nurtures a love for music in her students. In the afternoons, she continues to kindle the musical flame by delving into the world of notes and rhythms for beginner and intermediate classes at Mathews, ensuring that her students are not only engaged but also inspired to explore the magical realm of music.

Diana's commitment to her craft is exemplified by her educational journey. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, equipping her with a solid foundation in music pedagogy. Her dedication to making a difference led her to spend the last five years teaching in Title 1, where she honed her skills in providing quality music education to diverse and underserved communities.

Recently, Diana returned to her home state of California for an enriching academic pursuit. She completed her Master's in Music Education, with a Kodaly Emphasis at Holy Names University in Oakland, further deepening her understanding of the art and science of teaching music.

Diana takes great pride in fostering strong connections with her students, ensuring that they not only learn but also feel inspired and encouraged to explore the captivating world of music under her guidance. She looks forward to sharing this with her RPAK students.

Hyeyoung Choi

Hyeyoung Choi was born and raised in Korea.  She started playing cello at age 8 and won a 3rd place at Korean National Youth Competition 3 years later.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Chong-Shin University in Seoul, Korea.  After receiving Bachelor’s, she had played in a few professional orchestras in Seoul as a substitute cellist before she came to the states to study.  She completed a M.M and professional studies in cello performance with Jeffery Solow who is a professor in Temple University, PA.  Hyeyoung had been principal cellist with Temple Symphony, Opera and Chamber Orchestra as well as Germantown Academy Orchestra where she had played for 5 years.  Hyeyoung moved to Reno in 2009 due to husband’s ministry.  She joined RPA Kids program in 2012. She teaches both violin and cello in the program.  She is married with two children and they both enjoy playing in RPA Kids.

Jeffrey Lindhorst

Jeffrey Lindhorst received his B.S. in Education in 1986 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis under the instruction of Dr. James R. Richards. He studied violin for four years with Mr. Silvian Itcovici who was the Assistant Concertmaster of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lindhorst received a Master of Music Education/Performance in 1993, from the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville where he studied violin with Dr. Kent Perry and workshops with John Kendall. Lindhorst currently enjoys performing Violin with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Lindhorst is currently enjoying his 38th year of teaching Orchestra in the Public Schools. Mr. Lindhorst is the Orchestra Teacher and Director of Orchestras for Edward C. Reed High School. He currently has 120 students in the Reed Orchestra Program and 80 students in the Ukulele Program. Mr. Lindhorst received the St. Louis Suburban Orchestra Teacher-Hall of Fame Award in 2015.

Maya Dimitroff

Born and raised in Reno, Maya Dimitroff studied under the guidance of Dr. Dmitri Atapine and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Nevada. After moving to the Houston area, she built a thriving cello studio and found a love for teaching. Her students have earned top chairs in all levels of Region Orchestras as well as received full scholarships to universities and colleges in the area. Maya also frequently performed with the Brazosport Symphony and served as Principal Cellist for Baytown Symphony, while also providing clinics and workshops to multiple schools in the Humble and Klein school districts. She is excited to be back in her hometown and aspires to make a positive, educational impact in the community that first sparked her interest in music. In addition to playing cello and teaching, Maya loves to cook and explore hiking trails and parks with her beagle, Maisel.