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SOUTH PLAINFIELD MUSIC TEACHERS

Our music faculty in South Plainfield is comprised of some of the finest teachers the area has to offer. We take great pride in hiring dedicated instructors with degrees in music, a passion for teaching, and a wealth of experience. Learning an instrument can be a challenge but with the right guidance, it can be a fulfilling lifelong journey! Let's take it together!

Kelly, String Teacher

KELLY O

VIOLIN, VIOLA

Kelly is a dedicated violinist whose journey in music began at the age of 10. With a background in both solo and ensemble performance, she has experience as both a performer and educator. Currently enrolled at Rowan University, Kelly is studying to complete her Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and plans to continue teaching consistently. In addition to performance, Kelly is deeply committed to music education and sharing her love of music with students of all ages. She believes in the transformative power of music and strives to inspire future generations to carry on this passion and appreciation.

Hyun, Voice Teacher

HYUN N

VOICE, PIANO

Hyun is a voice and piano teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from New York City University. In addition to her formal education, she has studied with renowned vocal coaches and pianists in NYC and Seoul and performed in opera companies, concerts, and recitals. Her main roles include Susanna, “Le nozze di Figaro” and Zerlina, “Don Giovanni”.

Her additional performance credits include but are not limited to the Aspen Music Festival, White Mountain Summer Concert, Mozart Academy masterclass, and Cynthia Hoffman masterclass. Hyun is actively involved in community service as well and directs CD recordings of children’s musicals, ‘Oh! Jonah”, and Christmas musical Jubilees. She works at local community churches in New Jersey as an accompanist and soloist.

Teaching students of all ages and skill levels, she has helped them achieve their musical goals by tailoring her approach to each individual student’s needs and focusing on developing strong technique and musicianship skills while also encouraging creativity and self-expression. Many of her students not only perform in high level choirs such as regional and all state, but also place and often win in renowned vocal and piano music competitions.

Gennaro, String Teacher

GENNARO M

VIOLIN, GUITAR, CELLO, BASS, UKULELE, DOUBLE BASS, VIOLA

Gennaro began his musical journey at the age of 12, starting with a traditional Venezuelan instrument, the Cuatro. Three years later, he discovered his passion, the double bass. This led Gennaro to participate in El Sistema, studying with masters such as Felix Petit, Luis Guillermo Perez, Freddy Adrian. After several years conducting and performing in Symphony Orchestras across Venezuela, Gennaro looks forward to sharing his love of music theory, analysis, and performance with all levels of string students.

Nathaniel, String Teacher

NATHANIEL W

VIOLIN, CELLO, VIOLA

Nathaniel expressed great interest in music at an early age and began taking violin lessons at age six. He attended Arts High School in Newark and was the leader of the Arts High Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble until graduating. He attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music where he began a degree in Music Education. He was a Teaching Artist at Philips
Academy Charter School with the New Jersey Symphony’s CHAMPS El Sistema program,
teaching violin and later primarily viola to young musicians grades 4-7. During this time also focused on completing his degree in Music Education at Montclair State University pursuing a degree in Music Education studying under Mary Ann Mumm. Nathaniel’s wealth of experience studying and performing the violin and viola, as an ensemble leader, orchestral coach, and director informs his well-rounded approach to teaching. As a life-long lover of music, he aspires to be an impactful and influential music teacher and performer with the noble goal of keeping music and the arts relevant, engaging, exciting, and thriving for future generations.

Ruihan, Piano Teacher

RUIHAN Z

PIANO

Ruihan, an accomplished pianist, holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Rutgers University on a full scholarship. Notable for her competition success, she has secured top positions in events such as the Asian Youth Music Competition and Beethoven Piano Competition. Ruihan is an experienced collaborative pianist and harpsichordist, having performed in ensembles and orchestras, including with the Manhattan School of Music's Symphony Orchestra.

Beyond her impressive performance history, Ruihan is a dedicated music educator with a focus on piano instruction. She adeptly tailors lessons for students of all ages and levels, specializing in preparing them for exams, auditions, and diverse performances. Her comprehensive approach includes piano pedagogy, music theory, aural skills, and sight-reading. Ruihan is committed to implementing customized teaching strategies that optimize each student's musical growth, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment that instills a profound appreciation for music.

John, Piano Teacher

JOHN L

PIANO

John holds a diploma in piano performance from the Conservatory of Salerno, Italy and a Masters in Music from Rutgers University. John studied with V. Vitale under the “Vitale technique”, a method of playing that utilizes a technique wherein the whole arm, including the fingers is used to play. He is the winner of several European piano competitions including the fourth national piano competition in Rome, Italy. His traditional approach to piano and emphasis on the fundamentals helps him teach students a range of styles including classical, jazz, popular, and modern.

In 2001, John was admitted to the doctoral program at Rutgers and studied music composition with C. Wourinen and N. Hunt where he also earned a piano tuning certification. Currently, he teaches, performs, and records for state-wide events. John firmly believes that teachers and students should work through a piece recognizing and studying all of the choices available to enhance a performance.

Abraham, Piano Teacher

ABRAHAM A

PIANO

Abraham, a classical pianist from Parlin, New Jersey, holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mason Gross School of the Arts. He recently completed his Artist Diploma at the Glenn Gould School. Winner of the 2017 Rutgers Sinfonia Concerto Competition, Abraham made his orchestral debut performing Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto at Nicholas Hall. He has received awards including The Ihnatowycz Emerging Artist Scholarship and the Arthur G. Humphrey Memorial Prize.

An alumnus of Brevard Music Center and Orford Musique, Abraham has appeared as a soloist and was a finalist in the Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition. He was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Orford Musique Award. Abraham is also a laureate in the inaugural WPTA International Piano Competition in Finland.

Experienced as both a soloist and collaborator, Abraham has performed internationally and worked with renowned artists such as Marc-André Hamelin and Robert McDonald. He is an active accompanist, having collaborated with vocalists and vocal ensembles. Additionally, Abraham composes and has premiered his works with the Rutgers Undergraduate New Music Ensemble.

Jeff, Guitar Teacher

JEFF C

GUITAR, BASS, EARLY STARTERS

Jeff is best known as one half of the top 30 mainstream rock act, The Infinite Staircase. He has performed live with, written, recorded and/or co-produced songs with Zakk Wylde, John JD DeServio, Morgan Rose, Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, Kevin Martin, Adam Kury, Memphis Hennesy, Chris Caffery, Corey Glover, Blues Saraceno, Earl Slick, Troy Cromwell, Bob Pantella (Monster Magnet), and Augie Ciulla (Reparata and the Delrons).

Working behind the scenes as a manager, booking agent, stage manager, and merchandise manager, he's worked with Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Reba McEntire, Shirley Reeves & The Shirelles, Bill Haley's Comets, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Brooklyn Bridge, Jay and The Americans, The Drifters, Little Anthony & The Imperials, members of Candlebox, Sevendust & Black Label Society, Black Angel Down featuring Nokio of Dru Hill, The Verve Pipe, Bobby Dall of Poison, Cycle Of Pain, etc...

Jeff has been featured on Jim Breuer's Satellite Radio Show, Fuse TV, Metal Edge Magazine, Guitar World's Website, Eddie Trunk's Show, Chris Jericho's Old Show, NY1, Several Newspapers, and tons of Internet Radio Shows, FM Radio Shows, Sirius Shows and a variety of music related websites.

Robert, Guitar Teacher

ROBERT P

GUITAR, PIANO, BASS, UKULELE

Robert studied guitar with international performing artist Anna Maria Rosado and composition with American composer Annette Le Siege. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance from New Jersey City University, and has performed extensively in small venues throughout Vermont. He was a house musician for several seasons at the Yosemite Theater in Yosemite National Park, California. A true pedagogue, Robert has been performing and teaching numerous instruments including guitar, piano, strings, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, and brass & woodwinds for over 20 years. Notable performances include a guitar trio led by Dr. Rosado at the 2011 NJMEA conference in East Brunswick, and several trips to Carnegie Hall as a member of the NJCU Choir. His focus is on creating individualized lesson plans that address the students particular interests and needs.

Josh, Guitar Teacher

JOSH F

GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE

Josh began his teaching career while still a young student of the guitar. He went on to graduate cum laude with a degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where he was the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships including the Dr. Duncan A. Nelson Memorial Scholarship as well as the UMFS Scholarship for Music and Academic Performance. In addition to his rich experience as an instructor, Josh has also enjoyed an accomplished career as an audio engineer and worked on albums with such world-renowned artists as Nora Jones and The Civil Wars. A consummate performer, he is currently the musical director and lead guitarist of NYC-based gospel group, The Bliss Jockeys. Students of Josh will benefit from his expansive knowledge of a multitude of styles including jazz, blues, funk, rock, and pop and his many experiences as a working musician on and off the stage.

Mort, Guitar Teacher

MORT M

GUITAR

Students studying with Mort will benefit from his extensive (over 20 years) experience in teaching Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar and pedagogy. For his Masters in Guitar, he attended Webster University in St. Louis and studied under Jeff Noonan and John McClellan. Mort's wealth of performance experience includes a current engagement with the NYC Classical Guitar Orchestra, an elite group that performs and records commissioned works for classic guitar in an ensemble setting. He also has over 30 years’ experience in the discipline of Ki- Aikido, a martial art that teaches calmness and confidence. His teaching focuses on techniques that help students of all ages apply their skills to a wide variety of music styles, and together with his fun, socratic teaching style, helps students become lifelong learners.

Pierre, General Music Teacher

PIERRE M

EARLY STARTERS, PIANO

Pierre received his BM in Music Theory from Five Towns College in 2007. Since then, he has been teaching in the Newark and Irvington school districts as well as privately in-home. His years of experience as a piano teacher and general music teacher help him to understand and instruct each student. Using piano as a form of expression and communication, Pierre encourages diligent practice habits and uses individualized lessons to keep students engaged and focused.

Lindsay, General Music Teacher

LINDSAY C

PIANO, EARLY STARTERS

Lindsay is a graduate student at Rutgers University pursuing her M.M. in opera performance and has a B.M. from Ithaca College in vocal performance. She has performed in Cendrillon (Ithaca College); Die Fledermaus (Martina Arroyo Foundation) and has performed roles such as Micaëla (Carmen); Antonia (Belisario); and Third Lady/ Pamina (The Magic Flute). She was a finalist in the National Hal Leonard competition; third place Rising Stars Classical Voice Competition; and winner of the SMC Young Artists Scholarship. Lindsay is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching musicians how to develop their abilities and unique musical identities. She has also taught in a variety of musical styles as she believes in the expression of all genres of music. Her teaching style provides students with a supportive and enriching learning experience.

Jamie, General Music Teacher

JAMIE E

PIANO, DRUMS, VOICE, EARLY STARTERS

Jamie is a professional, classically trained pianist, vocalist, and drummer and holds a B.A. in Music Education K-12 with a concentration in voice, and a minor in piano from William Paterson University of New Jersey. In high school, Jamie was involved in a variety of award winning ensembles including concert choir, chorale, Madrigals, men's choir, all-state choir, concert band, wind ensemble, marching band, and jazz band. In 2007, the drumline, of which Jamie was co-section leader, earned the title of Grand National Champions.

After graduating WPUNJ, he worked at Pompton Lakes High School as a Marching Band Tech and sang as a hired choir section leader for Trinity & St. Philips Cathedral in Newark, NJ, and for Trinity & Episcopal Church in Cliffside Park, NJ. In the summer of 2018, he was hired by Lincoln Center for their Mostly Mozart Festival. Jamie was the Assistant Conductor for the William Paterson University's Choir Tour in 2018 where he conducted and sang through Austria and Italy in places such as the Vienna State Opera House and Melk Abbey.

Margaret, General Music Teacher

MARGARET L

PIANO, VOICE, EARLY STARTERS

Margaret is a passionate and patient teacher with years of experience providing a wide range of students vocal and piano instruction. Starting at a young age in Rutgers and Westminster children's choirs, she has experienced first hand the value of learning music early in life. Margaret is a graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in classical music. Her extensive performance experience began as a child with the Westminster Choir with which she performed at the White House and various private choral events. As a seasoned musician, she’s enjoyed roles in operas such as Carmen and Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Nettie, General Music Teacher

NETTIE R

EARLY STARTERS, PIANO

Nettie holds a Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from Kean University. Her musical career began at the age of thirteen when, at the Academia Cristiana de la Música, Nettie studied piano under the direction of Berklee graduate, Peter Oliveras.She was then trained and learned to play and teach contemporary musical styles such as: Pop, Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia on piano. At the age of sixteen, Nettie quickly began teaching faith-based piano lessons at the academy. During her time there, she participated in recording projects and live performances in New York and New Jersey. In addition to studying the piano, she took violin lessons with Juilliard graduate Adriana Ocello. During her time at Kean University, Nettie majored in classical piano, studying with such highly credentialed faculty as Dr. Stephanie Ho, Dr. Matthew Halper, Richard Hobson, and Dr. Mark Terenzi. She also gained performance experience by participating in Kean’s student recital programs performing piano and voice solos, playing violin for Kean University’s Chamber Music Ensemble, and singing in the Women’s Chorale. Nettie brings nearly a decade of teaching and performance experience to her studio and continues to pursue her passion for music in all of its forms.

Nick, Drum Teacher

NICK W

DRUMS

Nick began playing drum set with renowned jazz drummer Joe Aiello and studied numerous styles such as rock, funk, metal, jazz, and Latin. He would go on to study classical percussion with the acclaimed percussionist William Trigg at The College of New Jersey and completed a BA in music performance for percussion. While in school, Nick spent much of his time studying contemporary music, while performing in The College of New Jersey percussion ensemble, jazz band, orchestra, as well as numerous solo recitals. Nick was also a performer in the indoor marching percussion group "East Coast Percussion," and was taught under numerous world-class Drum Corps International Alumni. His strong background in rudimental drumming has led him to teach marching percussion at various high schools. Nick has also been the percussion manager for the Central Jersey Music Educators Association, as well as a performer for the Doylestown Symphonic Wind Band in Pennsylvania. Nick is passionate to share his knowledge and expertise in drumming in hopes to inspire students to find their unique passion in music.

Evan, Drum Teacher

EVAN T

DRUMS

Evan completed a BA in Jazz Performance and minor in Music Technology from Mason Gross School of The Arts at Rutgers University, studying under the legendary Victor Lewis. During his time at school, Evan worked closely with such luminaries as Robby Ameen, Mark Gross, and Kenny Davis while performing in a wide variety of musical groups including rock, Latin, and jazz bands (both small and large ensembles), as well as musical theatre pit orchestras. A regular performer at various venues around New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia, he continues his pursuit of performing eclectic styles in a range of musical formats.

Giovanna, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

GIOVANNA D

PIANO, FLUTE

Giovanna is a multi instrumentalist and singer/songwriter who has studied and performed on piano, voice, flute, and guitar for decades. She is passionate about sharing music in community and creating a sense of safety in music. Giovanna teaches all ages and helps students determine their own personal goals for musical study to keep motivation strong and develop a love for music that will stay with students for the long haul.

Jessica, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

JESSICA M

PIANO, FLUTE, CLARINET

A passionate music educator with a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of North Texas, Jessica currently serves as an Adjunct Music Instructor for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she teaches Aural Skills and Music Fundamentals. Her previous positions have included Music Director of the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra from 2021-2023, Assistant Conductor for the Winston-Salem Symphony for three seasons, and Visiting Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Evansville, Indiana. Other notable engagements have included serving as the principal conductor of the Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker for two seasons, and serving as a guest conductor for the Charlotte Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Amarillo Symphony, Spartanburg Philharmonic, Evansville Philharmonic, Rock Hill Symphony, and the Abilene Philharmonic. She has also been invited as a cover conductor for the Jacksonville, Fort Worth, Memphis, and Portland Symphony Orchestras. Jessica earned her Masters in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and her Bachelors in Music Education and Flute from Indiana University. She enjoys playing the flute, the piano, and the violin.

Gene, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

GENE F

PIANO, TRUMPET, TROMBONE

As a professional musician, Gene is known for his versatility and ability to excel in all aspects of trumpet performance. He received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Mason Gross School of the Arts where he had a unique experience studying for four years with two Broadway/Studio musicians, Tatum Greenblatt and Joe Mosello. He also studied with New York Philharmonic member Kenneth Decarlo for two years, greatly broadening his expertise in classical performance. Now as an educator, Gene has been teaching students of all ages and experiences with trumpet, piano, music theory, and jazz improvisation. His teaching style greatly stems from his philosophy; "Whether I am playing lead trumpet for a big band or principal trumpet in a wind ensemble, I have learned throughout my years of performing that versatility is the most important part of a musician's career. I believe that learning a vast range of musical genres on your instrument is how a well rounded professional musician is made."

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