WELCOME TO INNOVATIVE!

Alicia Ladson, founder of Innovative Piano & Arts (IPAS), is a music educator and vocalist who has been teaching since 2016. What began as a part-time piano studio grew into a full-time career in 2019 and later expanded in 2023 to include piano, voice, and guitar. In 2025, IPAS transitioned into  offering all programs online within the music academy, making quality music education accessible to students everywhere.

Alicia began playing piano at age 7, earning awards and performing at festivals hosted by institutions such as Lander University, the College of Charleston, Presbyterian College, and Bob Jones University. Today, she combines her background as both a pianist and vocalist with her passion for teaching, specializing in beginners, chord progressions, lead sheets, theory, and ear training. She is committed to helping each student find their unique sound and confidence as a musician.

A wife and mom of five, Alicia pours her love for family, ministry, and creativity into everything she does building not just skilled musicians, but inspired individuals.

Vashti Baluch is a dedicated piano teacher with a passion for teaching students of all ages. Her goal is to provide each student with a well-rounded musical education, helping them develop solid technique, expressive playing, strong musicianship, and foundational music theory knowledge.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Shorter University. While studying under Dr. Jerico Vasquez, Vashti won first place in the William and Mary Ann Knight Performers Scholarship Competition. Her piano journey has also taken her internationally—she attended and performed at the Klavierfestival in Lindlar, Germany (founded by Professor Falko Steinbach) during the summers of 2015 and 2016.

Vashti will be offering in-person piano lessons in Greenville, SC and the Upstate area.

aria Hudymenko is a professional flutist, conductor, and music educator originally from Ukraine. She earned her Master’s degree from the Lviv National Music Academy, where she studied flute performance, music education, and conducting.

Throughout her career, Daria has received awards in numerous national and international competitions and has performed across Europe and the United States. Her professional experience includes performances with the INSO-Lviv Orchestra, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Hawaiian Band. She also studied conducting at the Los Angeles Conducting Institute at Caltech.

With more than five years of teaching experience, Daria is passionate about helping students of all ages develop their musical abilities. She is committed to creating a positive, encouraging learning environment where students feel supported, build confidence, strengthen their technical and musical skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of music.

Meet Christian Yi !! 

Based in Chicago, IL, Christian Yi is a talented musician, educator, and director with a passion for changing lives through music.

A pianist since the age of five, Christian’s journey has taken him from local stages to international platforms, performing at venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club, The Goodman Theatre, Willow Creek Community Church, and The United Center.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Music Performance (Jazz Studies & Piano) from Northern Illinois University, where he was a Ron J. Modell Jazz Studies Scholarship recipient and recognized on the High Honors List for multiple years.

Christian’s experience spans classical, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, pop, and contemporary Christian music, giving his teaching a rich and versatile foundation. His lessons blend structure with creativity helping each student develop strong technical skills while exploring the styles they love.

For all my aspiring jazz and gospel musicians… Christian is your guy!

Meet Myah !! 

Shemyah Wilson is a passionate vocal coach whose love for music has been a lifelong journey. 

She is a curator of refined vocal development.

Raised in a lineage of singers and musicians, her foundation was shaped early through years of performing arts education, orchestral training, and choral excellence. Her career has taken her across stages worldwide, collaborating with diverse artists while also working behind the scenes in music production giving her a multidimensional understanding of the voice and the industry.

With formal studies in music education and a deep-rooted passion for vocal excellence, Shemyah blends technical precision with artistic expression. Her background spans gospel, secular, and musical theater, allowing her to develop voices with both versatility and distinction.

Known for her discerning ear and intentional approach, she works with vocalist who are ready to elevate guiding them into clarity, control, and confidence.

With over 20 years of experience as a guitar instructor and live performer, Mike Szpakowski offers a dynamic, personalized approach to music education.

He has toured Canada and the U.S. with his original band 40 Sons (formerly 40 Sons and Daughters), performing at major festivals like Ozzfest and numerous large-scale events. His career spans songwriting, studio recording, and performing with several cover and event bands—including Paradise Union Band, where he’s played at prestigious venues such as Langdon Hall, Elora Mill, Ancaster Mill, and various wineries across Ontario.

Specializing in rock, acoustic, classical, and fingerstyle guitar, Mike has taught students of all ages and skill levels—helping them grow from beginners into confident, expressive musicians.

His teaching style is relaxed, motivating, and student-focused, blending structure with flexibility. Mike believes the best way to learn guitar is through music that excites you, building essential skills like technique, rhythm, and ear training through songs you love. With a patient, encouraging approach and decades of real-world experience, he helps every student find confidence and joy in playing guitar.