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Meet the People Behind the Music

Our team of industry professionals is here to guide you every step of the way.

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About Us

Columbus Musicians, LLC is owned by Malik Khalfani, who has owned the company since 2024. The Columbus Musicians team consists of Dr. Malik Khalfani, Jordan Popovsky, Cooper Wood, and Izaiah Steenrod, all of whom met during their time in school at OSU and share their love for the Buckeyes. We are a small but efficient team, with everyone having a specialized role built around what they do best.

 

Columbus Musicians has worked with notable clients such as Netflix, and has been granted awards such as The Knot “Best of Weddings” award year after year. We often perform at notable central Ohio venues such as Jorgenson Farms, Retreat 21, Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, The Ohio State House, and more.

The Team

Malik
Cooper
Jordan
Izaiah
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Malik Khalfani

Company Owner

Toledo native Malik Khalfani is an award-winning music director currently active throughout the Midwest. His work has been seen at Short North Stage, The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, Indiana University, The Ohio State University, Kent State University, Playhouse Square, Cornwell's Dinner Theatre, Akron Civic Theatre, Near West Theatre, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Cutting Edge Theatre Company, the Toledo School for the Arts, and others. Malik also served as the Resident Music Director for Stagecrafters Youth Theatre from 2017-2019. He has been honored with awards at the Ohio Community Theatre Association’s OCTAFest, where he was recognized for Excellence in Vocal Direction and designated Outstanding in Vocal Ensemble for his work on Hairspray. Although Malik works extensively as a music director of musical theatre and symphonic works, he has also served as the Music Director of Brecksville United Methodist Church since 2018-2021, and served as the Music Director of Coshocton Presbyterian Church from 2021-2023. He has worked as a musical theatre instructor at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and Garfield Heights Youth Theatre, and as the Assistant Orchestra Director of Maumee City Schools. Malik has composed and orchestrated music for many occasions, such as the internet TV series "My Jump", the musical Babes in Toyland, and productions Bach in Black and A Christmas to Remember. He has also arranged and orchestrated music for several Christmas Eve and Easter services, crafting scores to the needs of each individual service and church. Malik earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Cleveland State University and his Masters in Orchestral Conducting at The Ohio State University under the mentorship of the renown Miriam Burns. He will graduate with his Doctorate in Musical Arts in Orchestra Conducting from The Ohio State University this coming spring 2025. Malik’s previous conducting mentor included Dr. Victor Liva.

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Jordan Popovsky

Marketing Director

Jordan Popovsky (24) is an entrepreneur, marketing professional, and performer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. As the Marketing Manager for Columbus Musicians, she leads the company’s marketing strategy, social media, advertising, and brand development, helping shape the refined image that defines Columbus Musicians. Drawing from her background as both a professional musician and businesswoman, Jordan brings an insider’s perspective to showcasing the company. Jordan earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University in 2025. During COVID she started her first business called Beadznwirez, a handmade jewelry and decor business that grew a strong customer base in Cleveland and Columbus. Jordan continued to work in hospitality and run her business throughout her undergrad, participating in various neighborhood vendor markets and partnerships with OSU clubs and organizations. Additionally, during her undergrad she spent time performing in a variety of vocal and full band ensembles. Although classically trained, her performance career spans a wide range of styles, including jazz, musical theatre, and commercial music. Today, Jordan is the founder and owner of her second business She Entertains Productions, LLC and she works throughout Ohio as a solo vocalist, bandleader, educator, and featured artist. Jordan maintains performance residencies at venues including Mastro’s Steakhouse (national), Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (national), and The James Cancer Hospital, and is an active presence in Central Ohio’s music community. Jordan has developed extensive experience in digital marketing, content creation, and social media strategy. She oversees Columbus Musicians’ website, advertising campaigns, social media platforms, creative content, and business partnerships. She is thrilled to take on the role of Marketing Manager for Columbus Musicians, so she can combine her love for music with her entrepreneurial spirit.

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Cooper Wood

Resident Composer & Librarian

“… his art is assertive in its attempt to construct an answer to all the negativity that surrounds us. This composer intends to survive and thrive despite all odds.” - The Delaware Gazette The music of Cooper Wood (b. 1999) has been performed across the country and internationally by ensembles including the IU New Music Ensemble, Eugene Difficult Music Ensemble, Central Ohio Symphony, IU Symphony Orchestra, OSU Symphony Orchestra, Snowbelt Symphony, Lakeland Civic Orchestra, University of Illinois Wind Orchestra, IU Symphonic Band, OSU Symphonic Band, IU Saxophone Ensemble and more. Born and raised in the small town of Madison, Ohio, Cooper began his composition studies in high school before attending The Ohio State University for his undergraduate and masters degrees. Following this, he earned a doctorate in composition at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with P.Q. Phan and David Dzubay. His work has earned recognition from several international competitions and festivals, including the Maurice Gardner Competition, EDME New Music Festival, Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival, Twisted Spruce Symposium, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference. Recently, he was a finalist for the RED NOTE New Music Festival and the Austin Symphonic Band Young Composers’ Contest. Instagram: @cooper_wood_music

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Izaiah Steenrod

Master of Sax

Some moments deserve more than a playlist—they deserve a performance. As one of Central Ohio’s premier wedding saxophonists, Izaiah Steenrod transforms celebrations into unforgettable experiences through live music that is both sophisticated and exhilarating. From elegant cocktail hours to high-energy receptions, his performances blend seamlessly with your wedding’s atmosphere, creating moments that feel effortless, personal, and unforgettable. Professionally trained as a jazz musician at The Ohio State University and the winner of the 2025 Central Ohio Saxophone Competition, Izaiah brings the artistry of a seasoned performer to every event. Whether performing timeless classics, contemporary favorites, or improvising alongside a live DJ, he delivers a polished, interactive experience that keeps guests engaged from the first note to the final song. Known for his professionalism, musical versatility, and ability to read the room, Izaiah has become a trusted choice for couples, DJs, wedding planners, and venues throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Every performance is thoughtfully tailored to complement the flow of the celebration, enhancing the moments that matter most. For couples seeking entertainment that feels elevated, engaging, and genuinely memorable, Izaiah delivers a wedding experience your guests will be talking about long after the celebration ends.

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