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
Business Development Manager 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 Executive 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. 
Daniela Piano Instructor Daniela is a bilingual piano instructor currently finishing her bachelor's degree at Rutgers University. Her love of music stemmed from a young age whilst attending concertos and learning piano for over 16 years. Over the course of those years, Daniela enrolled in the annual piano auditions affiliated with the National Guild of Piano and obtained a diploma of completion. She has received academic awards including the Early Bach award and the National Piano Playing Tournament. Moreover, she has played in master class under musical artist Martha Marchena at Kean University. Daniela performed and competed in music competitions at NJPAC, one of the largest performing arts centers in the country with three appearances on national television. She has worked as a private instructor for over six years and inspired many to embark on the same journey. Daniela hopes to fuel student’s passion, maintain discipline, and most importantly resonate with the music they play. |
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Emma
Voice and Piano Instructor Emma is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Music at MontclairState University. She began her love of performing as a dancer and competed across New Jersey and NYC from ages 10-16. She studied at the Art of Dance, NJ Ballet, NYC TapFestival, Broadway Dance Center, and did the Rockette Summer intensive twice. Emma performed with the Manhattan Girls Choir, with artists such as Steven Tyler, Idina Menzel, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen. She then spent one year studying Musical Theater at Centenary University, before transferring to Montclair State. At MSU, she performed with the NJ symphony orchestra at the Prudential Center, The Great Basilica Cathedral, and Princeton University. Emma also performed Beethoven’s 9th at Carnegie Hall and in addition casted, produced, and costume designed the film, ‘The First Day’, that was chosen to premier at the Montclair Film Festival. Emma has also directed productions such as ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Tinkerbell’, ‘The 100 Dresses’, ‘The Wondrous Marvelettes’, ‘The 12 Dancing Princesses’, ‘Emma The Musical’, ‘High School Musical Jr..’, and ‘Legally Blonde Jr.’ She is tremendously grateful for her beloved voice teacher and renowned international opera singer, Karen Notare, whom she has been studying with for the past 9 years. Emma is truly excited to pass along her knowledge and passion for music and performing to her wonderful students! |
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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Josef
Guitar and Piano Instructor Josef's experience in music and performing dates back 15+ years when he got his first guitar. He was lucky enough to have a guitar teacher in his teens who attended Berklee before he attended himself, where he studied Classical and Jazz Composition. His musical background ranges from Hard Rock to the realms of Progressive Rock and Jazz Fusion. He is now seeking to pass on his knowledge of technique and theory on to a younger generation of future musicians. 
Antonio
Piano and Violin 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. 
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! |
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. 
Rachel
Voice and Piano Instructor Praised for the clarity and warmth of her “fine voice” (Ithaca Times) as well as her compelling stage presence, Rachel's performances are always memorable. Rachel graduated with her Masters in Opera Performance with the reception of the Michael Fardink Memorial Award for Outstanding Vocalist. She is trained in vocal pedagogy and technique in classes from the Rutger's Mason Gross School of the Arts as well as Ithaca College, but also has experience working with young students as a previous teacher with the YMCA Before/Afterschool program. Rachel also loves playing and teaching piano and is thrilled to join the Home Sweet Home Music family. |
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. 
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. 
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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. 
Anthony
Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and Bass Instructor Anthony is currently finishing a degree in Music Education at New Jersey City University. Anthony has many years of experience teaching and performing guitar, piano, bass and ukulele. Anthony is a music producer, and sound engineer as well. Helping students navigate the complex language of music, Anthony makes learning fun by bringing in a fresh and current perspective to his private lessons. Anthony likes to incorporate past and current popular songs to spark an interest in music for young and upcoming musicians. “To me, music education is a way to teach others how to freely express themselves through the art of music. With so many different genres and cultural styles, music can help expand our perspectives on this world and the people in it. For those exact reasons, I take my time to make sure my students fully understand the concepts given in our lessons.” 
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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. 
Jonathan Piano, Guitar, Drum and Voice Instructor Jonathan is an experienced professional musician, producer, arranger, music director, and passionate teacher. He has studied under the likes of Renée Louprette, Olivier Latry, Daniel Roth, Oscar Perez, Alan Ferber, Connie Crothers, and others, with expertise spanning a range of classical to jazz, pop, R&B, and gospel music. Jon began playing keyboard at an early age, and by 15 years of age, he got his first jobs directing choirs and playing keyboards at various churches. He picked up other instruments along the way including guitar, bass, and drums and has played all of these instruments professionally on stage and/or recordings. Fifteen years of church music playing/directing has informed a multicultural approach to music that values a strong ear for improvisation in conjunction with strong sight-reading. Taubman Technique and Alexander Technique have informed Jonathan’s approach to playing instruments as well. Jonathan has earned top prizes in competitions such as the NJMEA Composers Competition and the NJ American Guild of Organists competitions. In addition to performing solo classical concerts at venues such as the Cathedral Basilica of Newark, he has also performed across the country on major festival stages, theaters, and clubs, sharing bills with the likes of Erykah Badu, Brandy, Mya, Monica, The Internet, The Delphonics, and many more. Beyond performing, he continues to produce music that has been used by major-label artists and commercial companies alike. Jonathan still remains a student at heart and loves to share his enthusiasm for music while carefully considering an individualized approach for each student. 
Kyle
Guitar, Piano, Voice and Drum/Percussion Instructor Kyle is a graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Music and Philosophy. He studied jazz guitar with Dave Stryker and performed in jazz ensembles directed by Steve Johns and Bill Moring. Kyle was fortunate to be a member of the MSU Chorale for two semesters. A busy performer, Kyle was a long-time member of both a handbell choir and praise band and continues to freelance for churches as a handbell ringer, praise band sideman, and solo performer. Kyle also enjoys playing and teaching piano and drums/percussion. In addition to fronting his own band, The New You, he formerly played bass in the alt-punk band, U Might Be Mine, and is the co-founding guitarist/bassist of Montclair-based indie pop band Jack Flowers & The Petal Tones. As a songwriter and composer, he has written for handbell choirs, praise bands, and dozens of original songs for The New You. Kyle is a certified tutor with the National Tutoring Association. As a teacher, he participated in Camp Eagle Hill's counselor-in-training program as a music instructor. Kyle was a supplemental instructor of writing and philosophy at the Center for Academic Success and Tutoring at Montclair State University There he was the TA for numerous philosophy, college writing and speech courses, lead writing workshops, tutored one-on-one and held supplemental instruction sessions on classic philosophical questions. 
Ryan
Guitar and Piano Instructor Ryan is currently earning a degree in Jazz Performance at William Paterson University. He began his musical journey with classical piano lessons starting at age 10. Listening to classic rock inspired him to pick up the guitar when he was eleven. Through transposing the music of the piano onto the fretboard of the guitar, as well as learning songs and solos by ear, Ryan has progressed a long way in his years of playing. In high school, he enrolled in NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens program, taking part in weekly jazz based study directed by notable saxophonist Mark Gross, and joined the program’s two top ensembles - the James Moody Jazz Orchestra, and the George Wein Scholars. Along with performing andjamming alongside fellow NYC area music students, Ryan had the opportunity to perform at the JazzÀVienne festival in Vienne, France, through the JazzUp program. Ryan is excited to continue to share and spread his love for music to students of all levels and ages, and for his students to discover a personal connection to the music they make and create. 
Sebastian
Guitar Instructor Sebastian is a guitarist and composer originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina who specializes in rock and blues guitar. He started learning guitar with private instructors in the blues, pop/rock style and has also trained in jazz guitar styles. Some of his musical influences are Jimi Hendrix, Robben Ford, BB King, Joe Bonamassa, and Albert King. He has performed with bands all over Buenos Aires including a tour with the Argentinian pop/rock group “Panacea". Sebastian has also worked all over the world with incredible artists on Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines. He has composed and recorded two studio albums, the last of which was with his original blues band, ‘SEBA.’ Sebastian has performed at some of the most iconic venues in NYC including Joe's Pub with the Public Theatre, Rockwood Music Hall, 54 Below, The Bitter End, and Shrine World Music Venue. He strives to inspire and challenge his students by combining theory and popular music and tailoring his lessons to each student's individual taste in music. Sebastian is also Bi-lingual! 
Nihal
Guitar and Piano Instructor Nihal is a graduate of Rutgers University where he studied Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Music Analysis. Nihal is passionate about anything and everything music-related. He teaches and plays the guitar, piano, bass and also has an in-depth knowledge of music theory. He is particularly interested in and well versed in a vast group of genres including jazz, jazz-fusion, rock, metal and ragtime music. Nihal also has experience teaching other genres like classical, pop, funk, and blues. Some of his favorite bands/artists to name a few are Animals as Leaders, Allan Holdsworth, Dream Theater, Jacob Collier, Polyphia, Meshuggah, and Chick Corea, Nihal has taught students ranging from total beginners to seasoned musicians and has experience teaching all age ranges as well. He enjoys working with his students to realize their goals, whether those are songwriting, improvising, learning new repertoire, technique, music theory, ear training, understanding the basics of the instrument, or others. 
Harrison
Piano, Drum, Bass and Guitar Instructor Harrison studied music at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He began playing piano at the age of 10 and began playing bass, drums, guitar, and trombone in high school. Harrison has been an active performer and musician since college and has played in numerous ensembles and bands playing various instruments. He has performed at venues such as the Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall and other venues around the tristate area. Harrison also writes and records his own music. He is looking forward to sharing his passion and love for music with his students. |
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. 
Isabelle
Voice, Guitar and Piano Instructor Isabelle is multi talented instrumentalist and teacher who loves working with children and students of all ages. She has been a guitarist for over ten years and has had years of formal vocal training. Isabelle enjoys playing and teaching the piano as well. She has competed in numerous talent shows across New Jersey and is currently pursuing her Bachelors Degree from Kean University. Isabelle is always excited to share her musical knowledge with all of her students and help them develop their passion the same way she did. 
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, Bass and Ukulele Instructor Michaelangelo is currently finishing his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at New Jersey City University. He has a concentration in classical guitar while also playing jazz, rock, metal, and blues. Michaelangelo is a multi-instrumentalist that also plays and teaches piano, bass and ukulele. Michaelangelo has played in master class seminars in New York under professional artists like Eduardo Fernandez, João Luiz, and Yenne Lee. Michaelangelo has been teaching privately for over 4 years. He believes in helping and molding the future musicians of today and giving them hope and aspirations to peruse music if not only as a career but as a life long passion. 
Elena
Piano Instructor Elena holds a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Since moving to the United States in 1994, in addition to her solo piano career, Elena started to teach piano as well. Elena has extensive experience performing in Europe and in the United States. The German newspaper, Herford Zeitung, called Elena “A Pianist with Big Talent” and she was praised for her “extraordinary abilities” in the newspaper, Saarbrucker Zeitung. Elena was a substitute music teacher for the Livingston, NJ public school system in 2018, and a faculty member in the piano department at the Diller-Quaile School of Music in New York. She was twice awarded the prestigious Eubie Black Scholarship in New York. Elena’s piano album “Sleep, My Baby, Sleep” is among the winners of NAPPA (National American Parenting Publishers Association)HONOR AWARD 2004 of NAPPA. |