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 is currently the principal 2nd violinist of the Macomb Symphony and plays in many other symphonies in Michigan, including the Oakland Symphony, Warren Symphony, and the Urban Arts Orchestra. In addition, Mahki plays in many chamber ensembles within Michigan that explore music outside of Western tradition, including Afrocentric music and atonal music, among other genres. Through his musicianship, he advocates the idea that music is a universal language and a powerful force that 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.

Casey Rakowski (brass)

Casey Rakowski is the Director of Band and Choir at Huron Academy in Clinton Township.  He currently performs on tuba with the Orchard Lake Philharmonic, Warren Concert Band and Peace Jubilee Brass Band.  He also performs on tuba and bass with the Die Dorfmusikanten German Ensemble and works as a freelance musician in various pit orchestras for musical productions.  Previously, Rakowski has performed with the North of Canada Brass Quintet, Motor City Brass Band, and Redford Civic Symphony Orchestra.  In addition, Rakowski is the Director of the Celebration Bells Handbell Ensemble at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe.  Mr. Rakowski has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Michigan State University and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University.

Vivian Orr (Violin)

Vivian Orr has been playing the violin for more than a decade and considers music as both a passion and a source of joy. Vivian is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Oakland University. She performs with the university's Chamber Orchestra and the Rosewood Quintet while also teaching private violin, piano, and voice lessons at Red Piano Music Studio. She previously taught private violin lessons for three years through Oakland Homeschool Music (OHMI), where she was also an active member of the Symphony Orchestra and Advanced Choir. Orr's future goals are to become a string orchestra teacher and to open her own private violin studio, aiming to make lessons available to all who want to learn.

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.

Milan Puscas (Cello)

Milan Puscas is a passionate music educator with over a decade of teaching experience based in Troy, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Music in cello performance and music education from Oakland University. Milan is a former orchestra teacher and currently maintains a small private studio. She also co-directs Athens High School's annual orchestra camp and coaches sectionals for several schools in the area. Whenever possible, Milan enjoys performing in community and pit orchestras.