Home » Blog » New Visiting Artists in Piano and Acting Join Shenandoah Conservatory’s Renowned Full-Time Faculty

New Visiting Artists in Piano and Acting Join Shenandoah Conservatory’s Renowned Full-Time Faculty

Shenandoah Conservatory is excited to welcome two new visiting artists to its roster of faculty artists and educators.

“I’m delighted to announce the hiring of these exceptional artists,” said Shenandoah Conservatory Dean and Professor of Music Michael Stepniak, Ed.D. “Both are wonderfully positioned to enrich student learning in these interim roles and we look forward to them joining our faculty and community this fall!”

Marika Bournaki

Visiting Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy and Performance

Pianist Marika Bournaki has been dubbed “The Celine Dion of Classical” by the Huffington Post. As the subject of the feature-length award-winning documentary “I Am Not A Rockstar,” Bournaki has toured internationally as concert pianist and ambassador for the arts. She has empowered youth through her projects “Moi, J’en Parle” and “Let’s Play,” in addition to her work as a member of Piano Six – New Generation, bringing music to underserved populations in Canada. She is an artist-in-residence at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance in Canada and is a member of the Mile-End Trio, Frisson Ensemble, and collaborative piano faculty at the Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina. She is represented by Parker Artists, NYC. Visit www.parkerartists.com/Marika-Bournaki.html and www.marikabournaki.com to learn more.

View CV >

 

Cedric Hill

Visiting Associate Professor of Acting

Cedric Hill has won multiple honors and distinctions as a writer, director, and producer of both film and theatre including being on the shortlist of the 2016 Academy Awards for short films. In 2005, he founded To and Fro Productions, a film company dedicated to telling gripping stories with depth and sophistication. As executive producer of To and Fro Productions he wears many hats, from developing scripts, creating budgets and casting to writing, engineering production strategy, and directing. Projects of note include “Noisy” (producer, director and writer), “Outwordly Fabulous” (producer and director), “Without Grace” (line producer) and “Dongmei” (producer and director). Visit www.cedrichill.us and www.imdb.com/name/nm2691995/ to learn more.

View CV >

Categories: , , , , , ,

Recent News

Combined photos of two graduates hugging their father/stepfather on stage.

Wilkins Family’s Shenandoah Legacy Continues At 2026 Commencement

James R. Wilkins, IV ’26, Addison Rathel ’26 earn degrees from a university built on their family’s support

An aerial shot of the graduates spelling out 2026 on the football field.

Shenandoah University Celebrates Over 1,400 Graduates At 2026 Commencement

Ceremony recognized the achievements of August and December 2025 graduates and over 800 candidates for May degree conferrals

Shenandoah students pose in graduation regalia and Buzzy mascot feet.

The Faces Behind Buzzy: Two Students Graduate After Years Playing Shenandoah’s Hornet Mascot

Nathan Lee ’26 and Randall Watson ’26 led double lives bringing Buzzy to life

Monthly Archives