Kevin Miescke has a Doctor of Music degree in Horn Performance from Indiana University and is a certified instructor in Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Pedagogy. In addition to MBWP, Kevin’s training in mindfulness and meditation has included workshop retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Ananda Meditation Retreat, and online training in Mindful Self-Compassion with Kristen Neff. As an instructor, Kevin offers mindfulness training to musicians of all ages and abilities, helping them foster a calmer mental state while practicing and performing. Kevin also runs a podcast called the Mindful Musical Life Podcast, where he interviews guests about the connection of contemplative practices, mental training and music. Kevin has presented mindfulness for musicians at the University of New Mexico, Oklahoma State University, the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Idaho and numerous music and arts organizations.

Dr. Beth Gibbs, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Nevada, Reno, brings to this project extensive experience as a conductor, educator and clinician, having previously served as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Florida Southern College and as a high school educator in Atlanta. She has conducted and performed internationally in venues such as St. Peter’s Basilica and at festivals throughout Europe and Cuba. A Fulbright Scholar, she conducted research and taught in Spain and remains active through leadership roles with the American Choral Directors Association and ongoing national and international presentations. Dr. Gibbs is a certified nutrition expert and will be presenting on how a musician’s choices surrounding food impact their success, both short-term and long-term.

Zach Teran is a bassist, composer, producer and instructor based in the Reno-Tahoe area. He earned his master's degree in jazz and improvisational music from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2025, where he studied with renowned artists, including Peter Epstein, Ben Wendel and Esperanza Spalding. He later spent time in Boulder, CO performing in the local jazz scene and working closely with pianist Art Lande.

Teran currently serves as director of the Lab II big band and as a part-time lecturer at the University of Nevada, Reno. An active touring bassist since 2006, he has performed and recorded with artists such as Trevor Hall, Y La Bamba, M83 and Satsang, traveling extensively across the United States and internationally.

Zach will be presenting on universal improvisation for fun and expression, and will be one of our featured performers for the Friday night concert.

Manal Toppozada is the founder and Executive Director of Note-Able Music Therapy Services. She earned her master’s degree in music therapy from the University of the Pacific and completed her internship at Oregon State Hospital.

With over 25 years of experience across hospital, mental health, education and community settings, she is recognized internationally for her work in community-based music therapy, with a focus on mental health and addiction.

Manal has presented across the U.S. and Europe, contributed to Nevada’s Senate Bill 190 to license music therapists, and serves on the American Music Therapy Association’s Internship Approval Committee. She is also a professional violinist and adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Gary Mayne is a licensed therapist and professional trombone player who brings together music, psychology and real-world experience in this engaging presentation on building and confirming strengths. Drawing from his work with musicians, students, clients, and performers, Gary helps students discover what they naturally do well and how to use those strengths to build confidence, manage stress and perform at their best. Through relatable examples from music and everyday life, his presentations encourage musicians to focus less on “fixing weaknesses” and more on growing what already works—on stage, in school and beyond.

Cicilia Yudha is a versatile pianist, chamber musician and educator who has performed and presented across the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia. A frequent soloist with the Duke University Symphony Orchestra, she has released recordings on Navona Records, including works by Robert Casadesus, Henri Dutilleux and Emilie Mayer.

An active collaborator and presenter, Yudha has appeared at major conferences, TEDx Talks, and with the Cleveland Orchestra’s concert lecture series. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and a four-time Steinway Top Teacher Award recipient.

Yudha holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, and UNC Greensboro, and previously taught at Youngstown State University. She is an assistant professor of piano at the University of Nevada, Reno.