Meet the DMYS Mentors and sectional leaders

Generous support from the Leven Foundation funds mentors and sectional leaders in all four orchestras.  Mentors guide students, playing with them each week and coaching them one-on-one and in smaller sections.  

Mahki Murray (Violin) 

Mahki Murray is a violinist residing in the metro Detroit area. Mahki holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance and music education from Oakland University, and is the recent recipient of the Matilda Distinguished Musicianship Award (2024). As a performer, Mahki is an active freelance musician and has worked with many artists throughout his musical career including Grammy-awarded artist T-Pain. Mahki plays for many orchestras around Michigan, including: Oakland Symphony, Macomb Symphony, Warren Symphony, and the Urban Arts Orchestra. He is founder and current member of the Boba String Quartet. Through his musicianship, Mahki advocates the idea that music is a universal language and that music is what brings all of us together. Mahki strives to create new experiences for students whenever he can, and loves working with the talented DMYS musicians.

Eric Scott (Violin, Viola)

Eric Scott is a recent graduate of Wayne State University with a BA in Music. He's been playing classical violin for more than 16 years and is very passionate about passing on his love for music to younger generations. Eric currently plays with the Detroit Medical Orchestra, works at Wilson Fine Violins as a private violin and viola instructor, and enjoys composing music in his free time.

jessica cates (trombone, general brass)

Jessica Cates is an active freelancing trombone player and low brass teacher. During the past two decades and spanning over 5 states, she has held principal trombone positions in several regional orchestras, has worked with the Boston Philharmonic, and performed with Josh Groban. Currently, she is a private lesson teacher on trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. Jessica often freelances with several theatres including but not limited to: Stagecrafters, Nicely Theatre, Avon Players, and Dearborn Players Guild. Jessica has bachelor’s degrees from Central Michigan University in Trombone Performance and Psychology, a Masters in trombone performance from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a DMA from Rutgers University in New Jersey (ABD).

Milan Puscas (Cello, general String)

Milan Puscas graduated from Oakland University with Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Cello Performance. She is a former middle school orchestra teacher and is currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She still enjoys having opportunities to work with orchestra students as a sectional coach or guest conductor and maintains a small private studio of cello students. 

Heather Duby (Viola)

Heather is a native of the Metro Detroit area where she has been a freelance musician and private teacher for over 25 years.  She holds a Bachelors of Music from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory in Viola Performance and a Masters of Music in Viola Performance from The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. She is passionate about finding ways to meet every student at their own level. Her goal is to help each student grow in their musical skill and knowledge, while also cultivating a deep appreciation for the musical arts. In addition to teaching, she is an active freelancer and performs frequently with many of the local Metro Detroit ensembles.

Madeline Damschroder (Bass)

Madeline Damschroder is currently the Assistant Orchestra Director at Start HS in Toledo. Madeline has conducted a myriad of ensembles, including the University of Findlay Orchestra, University of New Mexico Symphony, Minor Changes Chamber Ensemble, and the University of Toledo Summer Strings. As an advocate for contemporary music, Madeline has enjoyed working with the music of Lauren Spavelko, Andy Francis, Jennifer Higdon, Evan Williams, and Jennifer Jolley. Madeline is a dedicated educator with experience teaching private bass, 4th-grade through 12th-grade strings, and collegiate courses. Madeline holds her Bachelor’s in Instrumental Music Education (University of Toledo), and Master of Music (University of New Mexico). She has spent three years at the George Mason University Conducting Symposium, working with Dr. Soo Han, Capt. Darren Lin, and Anthony Maiello.

Analise Granados

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Analise is a graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory where she studied under acclaimed violinist and Professor Sibbi Bernhardsson. She currently studies with David Halen. Analise has appeared as concertmaster with the Oberlin Orchestra, as well as with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra in performances of Richard Strauss’ “Ein Heldenleben” in 2023. She is a recipient of Oberlin’s X-ARTS Fund, and the 1st place winner of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony’s Castro Concerto Competition. As a mentor, Analise not only places emphasis on the technical tools necessary to instrumental playing, but also strives to create a relationship with the creative process as they embark on the difficult yet magical process of small daily improvement. Analise hopes to one day be a part of a professional orchestra as well as adopt several dogs!