Our Team
Dedicated-Educated-Passionate
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Adam Kestler
Founder and Owner Adam Kestler is the founder and owner of Home Sweet Home Music Lessons, LLC. Home Sweet Home Music Lessons prides itself on providing comfortable, convenient, and quality music education for it's students. Adam is a Berklee College of Music graduate and a certified music teacher in the state of New Jersey. He worked for the Summit, NJ school system from 2008-2019. Adam has conducted and organized thousands of private and group music classes for thousands of students over the past decade, and is now happy to offer this convenient service to everyone. With Home Sweet Home Music, every student is matched with the best fit instructor based on the student's musical needs. Home Sweet Home Music stresses that it is all about having FUN while learning the art of music. As a touring and studio guitarist, Adam has worked with The Marshall Tucker Band, Matt Mangano of the Zac Brown Band/John Mayer, Jon Herrington of Steely Dan, and John Platania of Van Morrison. As a member of the music industry, Adam helped launch artists such as Pink, Avril Lavigne, and Michelle Branch. Adam is currently the leader of the Adam Kestler Band, his project of original blues and rock music. |
Anjali Nerurkar
Executive Assistant Anjali is a New York and New Jersey certified public school teacher and has passionately guided students from Kindergarten to 5th grade. As a community leader, Anjali serves on the Board of the Livingston, NJ Sanskriti Language School, and has been active in curriculum design for students learning Hindi. As a previous business owner, she brings a wealth of experience in assisting Home Sweet Home Music Lessons to continue providing quality musical instruction to the community. |
Kimberlee
Voice, Piano, and Violin Instructor Kimberlee is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned a degree in Music Education. Kim has been involved with music since elementary school, where she started with the violin, voice, and piano. She has been involved in honors choirs such as the Bergen County Choir and Regions Choir and has done professional collaborations throughout her undergraduate career with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Her love for music grew as she did, as well as her need to help and teach others. Kimberlee originally wanted to go into music education but while working in a summer program for children with special needs, she realized another way that music can be empowering and discovered music therapy. Being at that program for the past four summers teaching music and art, she has grown a passion for working with children with special needs. Kimberlee loves to work with children of all ages and learning styles and believes that every student has the power to achieve any goal they set their minds to, and loves to be a part of that process. |
Jeff
Piano, Bass, Guitar, Drum, Cello, and Ukulele Instructor Jeff holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Bass Performance from the John J. Cali School at Montclair State University and, in addition to being classically trained, is thoroughly steeped in virtually all musical traditions native to the U.S., including jazz, musical theater, hip hop, funk, soul, bluegrass, folk, and blues. He began playing electric bass in original rock bands in middle school, started playing and studying jazz and classical music and playing for musicals in high school, and continued playing in bands and performing in musicals while learning the guitar and piano and receiving more in-depth classical and jazz training throughout college. After college he began teaching lessons on guitar, piano, and bass regularly, continued performing consistently in groups of diverse genres from folk to fusion, and began playing services at his local church, studying old-school polyphonic music on the guitar, piano, and organ, while also becoming increasingly interested in composition and orchestration. A new musical, Wendy's Shadow, for which he contributed orchestrations and played bass, was awarded the 2016 NJ-ACT Perry Award for Best Original Musical. An ever-present nomad in the New Jersey musical world, Jeff's relentless quest to acquire and share an ever-broadening and deepening knowledge and understanding of music continues to this day. |
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Crystal
Voice and Piano Instructor Crystal holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Theatre Performance from Kean University. She began singing very young, and began studying voice privately in 2008 from multiple teachers and in a multitude of styles including classical, jazz, pop, rock, soul, country, and every genre and decade of musical theatre. During her time at Kean, Crystal was able to study acting through song with Broadway performer Thom Warren (The Lion King), and be part of an audition workshop with Broadway performer Laura Osnes (Bonnie and Clyde, Cinderella). Since 2010 Crystal has and continues to perform in musicals all over the NY/NJ area, along with cabaret style shows in the NYC area. Favorite roles include Margaret White in Carrie: The Musical, Meg March in Little Women, Logainne in Spelling Bee, Urleen in Footloose, Annabel in Lucky Stiff, and Christina in the NJ Premiere of American Idiot which won a NJ Perry Award for Best Musical. Crystal also enjoys playing, teaching, and composing on piano. |
James
Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Saxophone Instructor James is a graduate of Rowan University holding a Bachelors of Music Education with a Jazz Concentration. During his years at Rowan, James was a double major studying classical and jazz piano in conjunction with his music pedagogy courses. He has had experience in performing with small group combos and performing in big bands, such as Rowan Universities Jazz Band directed by Denis DiBlasio. These performance opportunities helped James to listen, create, and understand the complex harmonies that music has to offer. In addition to the piano, throughout his years as a music educator James explored and studied the guitar, bass guitar, and saxophone. James’ philosophy as a music educator is to always encourage and guide his students to be successful and passionate about music. |
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Destiny
Piano and Voice Instructor Destiny is a vocalist, pianist, singer-songwriter, composer, arranger and activist. She first started vocal and piano lessons at eight years old and then attended Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music, where she recently graduated with a Bachelors of Music: Jazz Studies--Voice. Destiny has worked under various style combos, ensembles, choirs, and music groups ranging from jazz big bands, pop and wedding groups, to private projects all over the country. Through these musical opportunities and showcase of talent, she has met and had the opportunity to work with world renowned musicians such as Don Braden, Roseanne Vitro, Bobby McFerrin, Kurt Elling, Janis Siegel, Dave Stryker, and Darmon Meader of the “New York Voices”. Destiny was awarded a student Downbeat Award as well as multiple scholarships. She plans to continue to use her gift to bring light into the world. |
Oscar
Guitar, Bass, Piano, and Voice Instructor Oscar is an eclectic electric and acoustic guitarist and composer with years of experience touring, recording, and performing on stages of all sizes. After acquiring his BFA in Jazz Performance from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2012, Oscar went on to work with several established touring bands, such as jump-blues band The Gas House Gorillas and Ruby My Dear. He has performed in several musical productions put on by The Montclair Operetta Club, The Cherry Blossom Players, and NJIT, such as In the Heights, Jesus Christ Superstar, and RENT. As an instructor, Oscar helps his students achieve long-term goals through focused, short-term goals while maintaining a comfortable, exciting learning environment. His experiences gained through performing and composing for various musical groups helped form Oscar into a well-rounded music instructor, proficient in jazz, blues, folk, and rock as well as sight-reading and music theory. |
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William
Woodwind, Piano, and Guitar Instructor William is currently earning a degree in Music Education at Montclair State University. William is an instructor of woodwinds, piano, and guitar. He is well versed in teaching and performing various genres such as jazz, classical, rock, and pop. Through his own weekly private lessons as a kid, Will’s private instructor helped him realize his true love for music. This combined with his current studies solidified his goal to teach and play music professionally. William believes having one great teacher can make all the difference in the world for students interested in playing music. He has learned this first hand and hopes through his love of music, he can inspire his students the same way William’s teachers inspired him. |
Kyle
Piano, Saxophone, Guitar, Clarinet, and Flute Instructor Kyle is a graduate of Kean University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education graduating Summa Cum Laude. He began playing the saxophone/multiple woodwinds and guitar at the age of 12, and later learned to play piano. As a freelance musician and multi-instrumentalist Kyle performs in many different musical settings such as pit orchestras, jazz clubs, and pop/rock venues including the Morristown Performing Arts Center, and The Wellmont Theater. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in Jazz Performance degree at New Jersey City University (Jazz Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet). Kyle has studied with some of the world’s greatest saxophonists, Andy Fusco (Alto saxophonist in the Buddy Rich Big band), Walt Weiskopf (Saxophonist of Steely Dan), and Bob Malach (Saxophonist for Stevie Wonder/ Barbra Streisand). His intensive undergraduate and current graduate studies have formed him into a professional and versatile performer/teacher playing many different styles ranging from Jazz, Classical, to Pop music. Kyle has taught music in public and private schools for several years and his passion and dedication for music is directly reflected in each of his lessons. Kyle is determined to inspire all of his students and hopes that they can gain a love and appreciation for music forever. |
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Melissa
Voice and Piano Instructor Dr. Melissa has been teaching voice and piano since 2010, and has performed with companies including Opera San Jose, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, and the dell’Arte Ensemble. In 2014, Melissa sang the National Anthem for President Barack Obama at University of California, Irvine’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Most recently, she made her Carnegie Hall debut singing with members of the L.A. Philharmonic. In 2018, Melissa earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University. While completing her Post-Graduate Artist Diploma in Voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Melissa interned at the Education Department of San Francisco Opera and taught Kindergarten and First grade music with the San Francisco Conservatory in the Schools mentorship program. 
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Alexander
Guitar, Piano, Drum, and Ukulele Instructor Alexander earned a degree in Music Performance at Montclair State University with a concentration in classical guitar. Alex has been teaching privately for many years and is currently the music teacher at Sara’s Preschool in Ridgewood, NJ where he teaches music to students age 2-5. He is a member of several musical groups that have appeared in venues such as the Stone Pony, the Williamsburg Music Hall, and the Saint in Asbury Park. Alex plays a wide variety of genres, including rock, blues, funk, tango, samba, bossa, and bluegrass. He also plays a large range of instruments such as guitar, drums, piano, french horn, churrango, ukulele, bouzouki, and the didgeridoo. Alex's goal is for every student to walk away from each lesson feeling confident and satisfied, but most importantly he wants his students to experience the joy of playing music. 
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Allan
Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drum Instructor Allan is currently finishing his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at New Jersey City University. Though his concentration is in Classical Guitar, he is a part of the NJCU Big Band Orchestra and Jazz Combos. Allan is a multi-instrumentalist that plays and teaches bass, piano and drums. He is also very active in musical theatre. Allan has played in venues like The New York Regional Symposium, Trumpets Jazz Club, The Villagers Theatre, and The Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Allan has been teaching privately for 6 years and believes in helping people find their voice through music. He wants to inspire his students to dive into the infinite world of music and feel the same love for it as he does. 
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Brian
Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele Instructor Brian earned a degree in Music Education at Montclair State University with a concentration in classical guitar. Brian is well versed in many musical genres including rock, classical, pop, and reggae. He has appeared at venues such as the Stanhope House and The Stone Pony. Brian has been teaching privately for seven years and has worked with students of all ages. Brian plays and teaches several instruments including guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, and harmonica. He believes that the music teaching process should be fun, and students should always be encouraged to take risks and experiment with their instruments. 
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Kara
Guitar and Piano Instructor Kara is a graduate of Suffolk County Community College where she earned an associate’s degree in Music. She is currently pursing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. At a young age, Kara began to learn how to play cello, and was soon well versed in guitar, piano, and ukulele. Kara has served as a coach and director for several student musical groups. As a performer, Kara has performed at many well-known venues such as the Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell, 89 North Music Venue, and Revolution Bar and Music Hall. She is passionate about helping others and teaching through music. Kara is determined to share her love for music and hopes to inspire her students everyday. |
Ben
Guitar, Drum, and Piano Instructor Ben is a guitarist, composer, and music educator based out of the tristate area. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Ben studied under the tutelage of guitarists Dave Stryker and the late Vic Juris. He started playing guitar at 10 years old, and soon developed a deep love for playing music of any kind, his interests ranging between rock, jazz, metal, country, fusion, pop, acoustic, and blues. Ben keeps himself busy playing in pit orchestras for musicals, numerous original and cover bands, and doing session work for various artists. His resume includes performances at such esteemed venues as Count Basie Theater, The Triad Theatre, The Stone Pony, and Rockwood Music Hall. His goal as an educator is to help students find their own voices within music. |
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Gordon
Drum and Piano Instructor Gordon is a graduate of Montclair State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies. Gordon first formed his passion for music while growing up in Ocean City, New Jersey. Born to a family of musicians, Gordon’s interest in drumming was influenced by his grandfather Dick Bocelli, the drummer for 1950’s rock and roll pioneer Bill Haley and his Comets. His musical skills were nurtured by his aunt and band teacher Betsy Young, whose dedication greatly impacted Gordon’s affinity toward music. Having been involved in band and choir throughout middle and high school, Gordon began his career as the drummer for the South Jersey cover band, the Brandon Ireland Band. Gordon is currently working as a private drum and piano teacher, as well as performing and recording with various artists in the New Jersey and New York area. 
Melissa
Voice, Piano, and Guitar Instructor Melissa is a graduate of Montclair State University's John J. Cali School of Music and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy. From her early childhood to today, Melissa has lived a life surrounded by music. Her experiences in the classical, modern, and music therapy world have given Melissa the opportunity to work alongside some of the tri-state area's premier talent. Some of her most revered performances include venues such as Carnegie Hall, NJ Performing Arts Center, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, and Mayo Performing Arts Center. During her high school years, Melissa was ranked as the number one Alto in the highly competitive Sussex County region. Throughout her experience as a music therapist, she has worked with various populations including children with developmental disabilities, adults in psychiatric in-patient care, and older adults with dementia and other illnesses. This experience has also developed her ability to be a multi-talented musician with time spent on piano, ukulele and guitar. Melissa is truly about real, personal experiences, and is excited to share her knowledge and love of music with her students. 
Spencer Guitar, Piano, Drum and Voice Instructor Spencer is an educator, music producer, audio engineer and composer with 10+ years experience as a drummer, vocalist, pianist, and guitarist in various professional touring bands and recording projects. He earned his degree in business administration at Montclair State and has extensive knowledge of how to make music a rewarding career as well as a lifelong passion. Spencer believes that by demonstrating the joy that music brings, students will be inspired to set and maintain their musical goals. |
Ryan
Guitar and Piano Instructor Ryan is a graduate of William Paterson University where he earned a degree in Jazz Studies. Ryan attended the New York Jazz Symposium on a full scholarship where he studied under Carl Allen, Helen Sung, Patrick Cornelius and Rodney Jones. He also had the opportunity to go to Berklee College of Music on a partial scholarship for their Five Week Summer program. Ryan is a former student of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Jazz for Teens program where he studied under the tutelage of such jazz luminaries as Mark Gross, Don Braden, Wayne Escoffery, and James Burton III. Through this program he has also been able to perform with jazz giants like Christian McBride and Paquito D’Rivera. Other than jazz, Ryan also has a background in blues and rock music. Ryan also enjoys teaching and playing piano, and sharing his knowledge and love for music with his students. 
Carla
Flute, Piano, Violin and Guitar Instructor Carla began her musical studies approaching them from the violin, flute, piano and guitar participating in several early childhood music programs that inspired her for the rest of her life. She attended the “Escuela de Música Popular de Avellaneda (Buenos Aires) the first Latin American school oriented to the academic study of Popular Music. Carla got involved teaching music in underrepresented communities and cultural centers in Buenos Aires. In 2010, Carla relocated to the US were she has developed a career leading and accompanying varied ensembles of world music. She has performed in the US, Europe and Argentina in collaboration with many artists with whom her goal was to build bridges of communication between cultures. In her artistic career as a composer, Carla has integrated several musical groups of varied genres and has taught numerous music workshops of world music as well as teaching and coaching music bands in elementary schools. She is currently based in the NJ/NY area and is dedicating part of her musical life to teaching music with the strong belief that everyone is music gifted and deserves the opportunity to embrace music as a tool to understand life through the joy of arts. 
Tyler
Brass, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Ukulele Instructor Tyler is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. He specializes in multiple instruments such as trumpet, French Horn, trombone, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and piano. Tyler currently plays in a variety of ensembles at Montclair State University including Wind Symphony, MSU Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Trumpet Ensemble, Chorale, Musical Pit, and his Brass Quintet. Tyler enjoys playing many genres such as classical, jazz, theatre, and rock. He frequently gigs around the NJ/NY area playing bass guitar with his Indie Rock band, Jag One. His goal is to motivate and inspire students to be the best musicians they can be. Tyler strives to share his knowledge and the beauty of music with all of his students. |
Julie
Piano and Brass Instructor Julie is a professional musician and music educator based in the NJ/NYC area. A native of NJ, Julie grew up in Livingston and studied music at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University where she was trained to be a professional trombonist and music educator. Julie began her musical studies at age 7 with piano, began trombone studies at age 9, and is a talented multi-instrumentalist with the strong ability to teach and play piano, trombone, trumpet, euphonium, french horn, tuba, and guitar. A passionate educator, Julie has spent the past 5 years teaching privately and has also worked as a music teacher in various public school districts. For the past 3 years, Julie has been the contracted trombonist at the College Light Opera Company in Cape Cod, where the company puts on a different musical production every week for 10 weeks each summer. While contracted in the orchestra, Julie had the pleasure of working with professional conductors who work on Broadway. Julie has performed with the Imani Winds, Paquito D'Rivera and Sheila E. She also had the esteemed pleasure of performing for Barack Obama. Julie has sat in various Broadway pits and will be attending NYU to begin a Master of Music degree. Julie very much looks forward to sharing her musical knowledge with her students! 
Emma
Piano, Flute, and Voice Instructor Emma is a graduate of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University holding a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. At the age of 5, Emma began to explore piano, learning first by ear on her own, then reading music and developing technique in lessons. This led to her becoming one of the student accompanists for her middle and high school choirs. Over the years she has accumulated experience performing in large choirs and chamber ensembles, singing in languages such as Spanish, French, Latin, German, Mandarin, Hebrew, and Zulu. Emma has also performed as a backup singer and a lead singer in various worship/praise bands. Emma has been studying flute for twelve years, performing in masterclasses and attending workshops, including the Every Child Can training course that led to her certification in teaching Suzuki Flute Book 1. During college, she performed in wind, chamber, and jazz ensembles. Along with performing, Emma has taught in a variety of settings such as private lessons, group lessons, virtual lessons, marching band, churches, and public school ensembles. Emma loves teaching students of all ages and backgrounds and is excited to continue spreading the joy and fulfillment that music making can bring. 
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Jared Trumpet and Piano Instructor Jared is a musician, composer, and educator in the New York/New Jersey area. He earned a bachelor’s degree. in Jazz Studies from Morehead State University and a masters degree from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Jared has years of experience teaching both privately as well as clinics through schools. He is well versed in many musical styles including jazz, classical, rock, funk, blues, salsa, and merengue. Jared has played at various festivals including the Cincinnati Blues Festival, Jersey City Jazz Festival, and the Newark Puerto Rican day Parade. He has also backed up artists such as Domingo Quinones, Lorna Luft and JD Allen. Jared is passionate about helping students of all ages and styles to be able to progress on their musical journey. 
Jackson
Bass, Piano, Guitar, and Drum Instructor Jackson is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Music Degree with a concentration in Jazz Bass Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Jackson’s musical journey began on the guitar followed by studying and playing both the electric and acoustic bass. As a high school student, Jackson won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award as well as several other awards and competitions. Throughout college, Jackson kept busy by playing in various professional pit orchestras, composing, recording and performing with six bands, and music directing for two churches. He has performed in venues such as The Union County Performing Arts Center, Villagers Theater, The Stone Pony, The Saint, Rockwood Music Hall and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jackson’s musical tastes vary throughout almost every genre, though he is particularly equipped to play Jazz, Funk, R&B, Rock, Soul, Gospel and Blues. He is humbled and excited to have the chance to work with budding musicians who share the same passion he does for music. 
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Adam
Brass, Piano, Guitar and Woodwind Instructor Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Caldwell University. Always musical, Adam began with the Cello at the age of 8. Throughout the years, he studied a variety of instruments and now specializes in Trombone, Euphonium, Trumpet, Tuba, Bass, Piano, Guitar and select woodwinds. As first chair trombone at Caldwell, he also enjoyed performing with many ensembles ranging from the stylings of Jazz to Classical. His many live performances include both on stage and online. Although he looks forward to being in open venues again soon, online recitals have been a particular pleasure recently. Adam has also developed an online presence dedicated specifically to honing his recording and arranging skills. He approaches the growth of these new skills with great enthusiasm and gentle appreciation. Adam believes in the patient and happy pursuit of learning. With the love of music and joy of playing at the center of his lessons, Adam looks forward to helping his students become the very best musicians they can be. |
Wes
Guitar, Piano, Drum and Ukulele Instructor Wes is a graduate of William Paterson University where he earned a degree in Jazz Studies. He studied under the direction of acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap. Playing guitar since age 9, he has had a diverse early career from playing classic rock at the Stone Pony to jazz at Dizzy’s Club and Rose Hall, with many places and situations in-between. Wes’ musical career started to take shape when he began to study with guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Mike Lee via Jazz House Kids. During his time there, his ensembles would go on to compete at the Charles Mingus Competition and the Essentially Ellington Competition, receiving Outstanding Soloist and Section awards from both. Some notable figures Wes has performed alongside include Christian McBride, Wynton Marsalis, Sheila E., Andra Day, David Sanborn, Kenny Barron, Chris Potter, Steve Turre, Vincent Gardner, and Marcus Printup. Wes has also performed internationally, having toured in Lima, Peru and in London, England. 
Matthew
Drum, Piano and Guitar Instructor Matthew is a musician pursuing a Bachelors of Music Degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in drums from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He has over 12 years of experience playing drums, piano and guitar which he also enjoys teaching. Matt is an alum of the NJPAC Jazz for Teens program. He currently studies at Rutgers with Victor Lewis and Robby Ameen. Matt has had the opportunity of playing venues such as House of Independents, Asbury Lanes, The Saint, Underground Arts, NJPAC, and Carnegie Hall. Matthew has experience playing music across myriad genres, such as jazz, rock, pop, latin, funk, and fusion. He is particularly inspired by Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms, and loves to fuse genres of music together. He has also played with a multitude of bands as both a sideman and a leader. Matthew is passionate about inspiring the next generation of young musicians. |