Meet Our Amazing Faculty

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Ruslan Apostolov - Violin/Viola

Ruslan Apostolov is an award-winning violinist known for his expressive performances and international acclaim. With advanced degrees from Lausanne and Schwob, he’s performed worldwide, recorded for Bulgarian media, and studied with renowned mentors. He now leads Koart Academy and inspires through music ministry and teaching in Georgia. Read Full Bio

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Emma Markel -

Violin

Emma is a professional violinist and teacher in Columbus, GA. She performs with regional symphonies and chamber groups, teaches at Koart Academy, and holds degrees from Columbus State University. Emma is passionate about sharing music through performance and guiding young students in their musical and personal growth.

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Ina Petkova-Apostolova - Cello

Ina Petkova-Apostolova is a passionate cellist and founding faculty member at Koart Academy of Music. Trained in Bulgaria, Austria, France, Switzerland, and the U.S., she’s performed internationally as a soloist and principal cellist. A competition winner and ensemble co-founder, she brings energy, and artistry to every lesson.

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Ken Bailey -

Piano

Ken Bailey is an accomplished church pianist in Columbus with his piano teaching serving the Columbus community for over 15 years, with students developing a grounded understanding of the piano while fostering an excitement for performing. His dedication to student success and worshipful music making allows his students to take their playing to the next level. Read Full Bio

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Anastasiia Zakharchenko -

Piano

Anastasiia Zakharchenko is a Ukrainian pianist with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Lviv National Music Academy. With over ten years of teaching experience, she excels as a collaborative pianist and church musician. Now based in Columbus, she performs with the Schwob School of Music and the 15th Avenue Trio.

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Noah Shelden -

Piano

Noah Shelden, a pianist from Tacoma, Washington, graduated from Covenant College with a focus on Piano Performance. He’s performed Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with the college orchestra and participated in masterclasses with renowned pianists. Passionate about composers from Mendelssohn to Ravel, Noah loves exploring new repertoire. Read Full Bio

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Jennifer Saavedra - Clarinet

Jennifer, a clarinetist from Ibagué, Colombia, holds degrees in music education and performance, including from Columbus State University. A prizewinner in multiple international competitions, she has performed with the Albany Symphony and chamber groups worldwide. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in music at the University of South Carolina. Read Full Bio

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Victor Hugo Guzman - Flute

Victor Hugo Guzman, a Colombian flutist and educator, holds degrees in music, culture management, and art market studies. Now pursuing a Master’s in Performance at Columbus State University, he co-founded the innovative Kiderwinds program and specializes in teaching flute and musical initiation, especially for young and underserved students.

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Andrew Markel - Trombone/Trumpet

Andrew Markel is a dynamic trombonist, composer, and music educator based in Columbus, GA. A CSU graduate, he energizes classrooms and concert halls alike—teaching 700+ students, performing with the Cavaliers Jazz Orchestra, and composing bold, internationally performed works. He also inspires young brass players through the KinderWinds program. Read Full Bio

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