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. 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. 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. He has released 5 original records globally and completed numerous national tours. 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 rock and acoustic music. 
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. 
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. |
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. Karen Franklin Administrative Assistant Karen is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to the future with Home Sweet Home Music. In the past, she has worked as a consultant for AT&T in the international department giving classes in third world cultures and computer technology. From there, Karen moved on to launch her own calligraphy and jewelry business. On her off time, she loves painting and drawing, anything outdoors and listening to music. Spending time with her family is always on top of her list. 
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. 
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. |
Julia
Violin, Guitar, Piano and Voice Instructor Julia is a classically trained musician from NJ and a graduate of Colorado State University. She began studying music at Carnegie Hall when she was just 3 1/2 years old. Julia comes from a family of musicians and specializes in violin, guitar, piano and voice. She played violin in the New Jersey Youth Symphony as well as other chamber music groups. Julia is an active performer and artist performing at venues such as The Bowery Electric and The Nest. She enjoys composing original music and sharing her love of music with all of her students. |
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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. 
Antonio
Piano Instructor Antonio studied music at the Manhattan School of Music and is the organist and choir director at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. His music career includes accompanying choirs and ensembles at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. Antonio has received multiple awards for his superb accompaniment abilities and outstanding musicianship. Antonio was invited to perform at Lincoln Center as 3rd prize winner of the New York Artists International Competition. Antonio has worked with leading singers from Broadway shows including Hamilton and Spongebob. In addition to freelance performances, Antonio has accompanied Montclair State University vocal department theatre lessons regularly and is a private music instructor. Through hard-work and perseverance, Antonio believes every student can communicate a shared, universal joy for music and listeners alike. Antonio promotes foundational skills during his lessons and encourages musical independence by strengthening sight reading and emphasizing melody phrasing. |
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. 
Clynt
Brass, Piano, and Guitar Instructor Clynt grew up in music. The son of a country-swing singer/guitarist and a classical flautist, his influences are widely eclectic. He has toured with jazz, swing, and R&B bands. Clynt earned a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. At 24, Yerkes was nominated for a Grammy award with his brethren from the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band. He continues to record, tour, and freelance in New York City and now resides in New Jersey. He has worked with, toured and recorded with the likes of Charles Bradley, Quantic, Lukas Graham, the MK Groove Orchestra, and Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf. He writes and performs original music as a solo artist as well. |
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 earned 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 is proudly endorsed by Godin Guitars. His 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. 
Laura
Voice and Piano Instructor Laura has been singing and playing piano since she was a young girl. She is a certified public school music teacher and currently teaches elementary general music, in addition to her many private voice and piano students. Inspired by her father who is a music teacher and song writer, Laura went off to Ithaca College where she received a BM in Jazz Studies. She is currently pursuing a MS in music education from Queens College. Laura specializes in genres spanning from classical to jazz to modern pop music. She sees great value in training her students to be versatile musicians like herself. Creativity is a major focus in Laura’s pedagogy and she encourages students to use music as a vehicle for their creative expression. She has been teaching private music lessons since high school. In addition, she has performed in states from coast to coast and frequently performs in NYC. Much like her students, Laura is always an active learner and continues to develop her educational philosophy and musical skill to provide the very best for her students. 
Julia Woodwind, Piano, Voice and Ukulele Instructor Julia earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from New Jersey City University, where she concentrated in Flute Performance. She is an active teacher and performer in New Jersey. Julia enjoys cultivating a love for music in her students and helping them develop healthy and practical musical habits to help guide them in their individual creative goals. She is a preschool music teacher and teaches ukulele, voice, piano and woodwinds to students of all ages. In the past, Julia worked with marching bands, and taught choir as well as elementary general music. She is currently a flutist with the Eastern Wind Symphony and is a vocalist on a variety of projects. 
Parker
Woodwind and Piano Instructor Parker earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and will soon be graduating with his Master's Degree from Montclair State University. Parker plans to continue his studies at MSU to pursue a Performer's Certificate. His time in NJ has made him a newly sought after freelance musician and music educator in the Tri State Area, bolstered by recent performances as principal oboe with the MSU Orchestra and Wind Symphony. Parker started piano when he was 5 years old, and has taught piano for many years. He is also an oboist of the reed quintet group Serrulata Reeds and was a finalist for the Semper Pro Musica competition at Baylor University. Parker has performed for national conferences such as CBDNA and NBA. His goals as a performer are to engage his audience through compelling musicianship while holding a professional standard of excellence. As a music educator, Parker strives to inspire his students to discover their own personal connection and love for music through practice technique and repertoire selection. In his free time, he likes to watch movies and spend time with friends. 
Colin
Woodwind and Piano Instructor Colin is a Music Performance major at the John J. Cali School of Music. at Montclair State University. He is a clarinetist and woodwind doubler, an active member of the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and chamber music program. Colin enjoys playing and teaching piano as well. In addition to his studies, Colin is a sought after doubler and also holds the Third Clarinet/Bass Clarinet seat in the New York Youth Symphony. Outside of performing, Colin is an Eagle Scout and is dedicated to the service and education of his community through music. He knows the incredible value that an education in music can bring and wants to use that value to inspire students to find love in what they do, regardless of if it is music-related or not. |
David
Piano, Brass, Drum/Percussion and Ukulele Instructor David is a bilingual music educator finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from New Jersey City University. Coming from a family of musicians and educators, he started his career with the trumpet and fell in love with styles such as jazz, folk, classical, and Latin. David also came to become influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Arturo Sandoval, Take 6, The Singers Unlimited, Juan Luis Guerra, and many more! He also has vast experience accompanying and teaching piano for many different styles from salsa to baroque to jazz to rock. He has experience with and a strong understanding of marching band percussion as well as experience in professional pit sections for musicals. David has also come to be familiar with many styles of Latin Percussion with instruments such as congas, bongos, timbales, guira to name a few. With a love for music that goes beyond just performing, David loves to talk and explain musical theory and ear training. David believes in music to be both a really great skill that can have applications in the real world, and a fun and rewarding activity that knows no limits. 
Wyatt Piano, Guitar, Bass and Voice Instructor Wyatt is a musician, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and educator with a passion for sharing the joys of a musical life. With many years of teaching experience in private lessons, public school, ensembles, and classroom settings for all ages, Wyatt is equipped to adapt to the needs and interests of all of his students. Wyatt holds a B.M. in Piano Performance from William Paterson University with a license to teach NJ public school grades k-12 in all areas of music. Wyatt also has an A.A. in Electric/Upright Bass Performance. Wyatt’s performance credits cover a wide range of styles and instruments, having publicly performed on guitar, bass guitar, double bass, keyboards, drums, and voice. Some of Wyatt’s favorite styles to explore include jazz, rock, pop, r&b, soul, gospel, hip-hop, punk, metal, reggae/ska, folk, country, and classical. Wyatt can be seen performing in a number of ensembles and bands, local orchestras, musical theatre pits, event bands, and church bands all over North Jersey. When he isn’t performing, practicing, or teaching, Wyatt works as a studio musician, arranger, and music director for a number of songwriters and producers. 
Jared
Drum and Piano Instructor Jared is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in both Jazz Studies and Music Education. He believes in an approach to teaching that is grounded both in formal pedagogical techniques and the capability to perform on the instrument at the highest level. Jared has performed in a wide variety of musical settings around the country and internationally, playing for everything from singer-songwriters to big bands to pit orchestras and recording sessions, helping him to build a reputation as a dependable and versatile musician. Jared believes that aside from being worthwhile in its own right, music education offers students of all experience-levels unique insights and skills that are relevant to their lives outside of the arts, and that music is an integral part of a well-rounded education. In his teaching Jared offers individualized lesson plans for his students, centered around the tenets of technique, theory, listening, and repertoire. 
Sam
Guitar, Piano, Voice and Drum Instructor Sam earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University in Sound and Culture. He has been performing and writing music since he was 11 years old. Sam has attended music-intensive music programs including Interlochen’s songwriting program and Berklee College of Music’s summer program. While studying at Tufts University, Sam helped run a club called Public Harmony, which would bring students to play music for people at nursing homes and hospitals. While at Tufts, Sam discovered a love for music theory, music production and arranging. He was a member of the Tufts Jazz Orchestra, and arranged a piece that the band performed. Sam also has done multiple arrangements and has lead performances for string groups and choirs. Sam has written music for orchestras, jazz bands, folk groups, choirs, rock bands, and other eclectic groups that feature combinations of many genres. 
Noelle
Voice and Piano Instructor Noelle is a graduate of Montclair State University and the John J. Cali School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Teaching, with Music and Special Education certifications. Noelle has been passionate about music, particularly vocal music, since she was extremely young and was inspired by her high school choral director to become a music educator. She is currently employed by the Ridgefield Public Elementary Schools as a general music and choir teacher. Besides teaching, Noelle is an enthusiastic vocalist and has been trained in both classical and contemporary music. Some of her most memorable performances as a soloist and a choral singer include the NJ Performing Arts Center, Carnegie Hall, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. Noelle enjoys working with students of all ages and believes that music has the ability to positively impact lives in many aspects. She is excited to help her students express themselves through music. Michaelangelo
Guitar, Piano and Ukulele Instructor Bio coming soon... |