Founder, Teacher Amy Rood Miller voice, piano, guitar, flute, music therapy Teacher Lesley Craigie voice, beginner piano, general music Teacher Justin Wert guitar, piano, ukelele, banjo, bass guitar, music theory, music composition, jazz improvisation Teacher Jin Gyeong Jeong piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, improvisation, songwriting, music exploration, music therapy Teacher Cat Lines violin, viola, piano, voice Teacher Harlan Otter piano, voice, drums, percussion, violin, clarinet, ukulele, music exploration, music composition, music theory, accompanist Teacher Hadley Lloyd drums, guitar, ukulele, piano, early childhood music, percussion, music theory Teacher Tamara Hey piano, guitar, songwriting, ukelele, music theory, ear training Teacher Paul Fredericks guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukelele, banjo, music theory, music composition, music production, percussion, ear training, jazz improvisation, music recording Teacher Jumi Lee Amnott cello, piano Teacher Jonathan Faiman piano, voice, music composition, accompanist Teacher Meghan Louise Taylor voice, beginner piano, trumpet, acting, audition coaching Teacher Zach Fields guitar, bass guitar, voice, music theory, ear training, music recording, music production Teacher Caitlin Franze voice, piano, musical theatre, music therapy, music theory Teacher Bartho Staalman drums, piano, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, rhythm and music theory, music composition, music production Teacher Orgena Rose voice, piano, acting, musical theatre, songwriting Teacher Jim Kost piano, ear training, music theory Teacher Joe Cotrona drums, percussion, music theory, sightreading, rudiment study, production, music management, group/band facilitation Teacher Anne Chamberlain voice, musical theatre, pop, acting, voiceover, television, film Teacher Tim Veeder flute, clarinet, beginner oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, french horn Teacher Lisa Romeo trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, trumpet, french horn, recorder, flute, sackbutt Teacher Rory Gordon guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele Teacher Matteo Belli piano, ear training, music composition, music theory, accompanist Teacher Robin Rockwell beginner oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone Teacher Laura Forero Torres voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, music theory, general music Teacher Barry Hartglass upright bass, guitar, bass guitar, piano, saxophone, music theory, music composition, music production & recording, electronic music, jazz improvisation Teacher Evy Ortiz voice, musical theatre, pop, acting, beginner piano Teacher George Nazos guitar, bass guitar, oud, ukelele, beginner piano Piano Technician, Teacher Todd Rice master piano tuner & technician, piano, music composition, songwriting, music theory, improvisation OUR TEACHERS "My voice teacher has helped me grow not only as a performer but also as a human being. She nurtured my passion for singing and I am so grateful!" ELIZA, STUDENT Meet Our Team Whether you want to learn Bach or Broadway, our amazing teachers are happy to help you become the musician you want to be and to share their love of music with you. We strive to match our students with a teacher who we believe may be the best fit for their particular age, ability, and interests. Our dedicated instructors will teach the fundamentals of sight reading, technique, and theory, while ensuring lessons are fun and engaging! Our aim is to help our students develop their technical skills, as well as a life-long love for music.

Next Previous Meghan Louise Taylor Teacher Meghan Louise Taylor is a classically trained professional singer, actress, voice and music director, producer, and music educator based out of Beacon, NY. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Georgia, as well as a Master of Arts degree in vocal performance form the Royal Academy of Music in London. As a performer, Meghan has graced stages across the U.K. and Europe, including prominent roles in prestigious productions like Lucia di Lammermoor, Die Fledermaus, Jekyll & Hyde, Cinderella, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Notable performance venues she has sung at include the Festival de Bauge, Fulham Opera, Novello Theatre, and the Bridge House Theatre. Meghan offers singing lessons, drama lessons, audition coaching, trumpet lessons, and beginner piano lessons to students of all ages. Over the past 10 years of her teaching, Meghan has held on firmly to the belief that it is her job to provide students with a fun and uplifting environment while supporting a healthy vocal foundation (or music theory foundation), so they can then pursue whatever path they choose. She is more than happy to work with her students across a variety of genres, including pop, rock, folk, jazz, opera, and musical theatre (most recently a student obtained a coveted BFA Musical Theatre placement at the University of Chichester in England). As a singer who felt pigeon-holed and pushed into pursuing a one-track approach early on in her career, Meghan refuses to think that there is one single path for every musician/ performer. This is reflected in her students’ tailored but consistent, fun, and wholly educational experiences! She always endeavors to meet each student where they are and to serve as a guide and mentor to each one as they find their own path.

Next Previous Paul Fredericks Teacher Paul Stanley Fredericks is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, and educator with 15+ years of experience teaching privately and in school settings. He specializes in guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele, banjo, music theory, composition, and music production—blending deep technical knowledge with creativity, humor, and real-world application to make music feel approachable for students of all ages and skill levels. Named after Paul Stanley of KISS—whose band his father worked with for decades—Paul grew up immersed in rock history, later expanding into jazz, classical, and modern digital music. He studied at the University of Bridgeport and Berklee College of Music (including advanced online coursework), and also draws from additional training in jazz theory, creativity and entrepreneurship, music wellness, and recording techniques. Paul has years of experience in making custom arrangements, backing tracks, and musical games employing both classic and modern digital tools. All of his background and training ultimately has given him the tools to create well-rounded, individualized lessons and inspire an engaged joy for music! As a performer and composer, Paul has worked across a variety of live and media settings. Some highlights include performing alongside jazz legend James Moody, opening for rock icons like Foreigner and Buckethead, as well as composing for multiple video game projects with award recognition. Whether helping a beginner learn their first chords or guiding a more advanced student through jazz improvisation, Paul creates a supportive, personalized environment! No matter if a student is looking to start from scratch, build their skills, or explore creative music-making, he makes sure each lesson is tailored to wherever they want to go.

Next Previous Jumi Lee Amnott Teacher Jumi Lee Amnott is a dedicated cellist recognized for her musical sincerity. She has received numerous honors, including the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship and the J. Victor Monke and Beulah E. Monke Scholarship. Jumi made her debut with the Daegu Strings Orchestra at the age of 15 and has since performed with the Daegu Philharmonic and the DIO Orchestra. She also currently performs as a guest cellist with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. She has served as principal cellist with the Aspen Music Festival Ensemble, the Daegu International Symphony Orchestra, and the Juilliard Lab Orchestra. From 2016 to 2025, she was an active participant at the Aspen Music Festival and School, both as a performer and as a coordinator in chamber music programs. In addition to her performing career, Jumi is an experienced music educator. She currently works at The Juilliard School, teaching with renowned cello specialists, Joel Krosnick and Darrett Adkins. She has also taught at Joyous Music School and with the Daegu Youth Philharmonic. Additionally, Jumi co-directs the nonprofit Vision Possible Project, which supports young artists and community outreach through music. She will also be joining the faculty at the prestigious Blair Academy as a cello teacher. Outside of her teaching in academia and life on the stage, Jumi further enjoys sharing the joy of music through teaching private lessons. She, first and foremost, believes that music should be fun and enjoyable for students, and feels that all of the necessary skill progression will follow along with it! Jumi holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studied under Darrett Adkins.

Next Previous Tamara Hey Teacher Tamara Hey, a New York City singer-songwriter and music teacher, has recently moved to Stamford, CT. She has 25 years of experience teaching guitar, songwriting, ukulele, piano, music theory, and ear training to students of all ages and levels. Known for her creativity, and sense of humor, Tamara created a series of 60-second, lighthearted music theory lessons for Instagram entitled, “Make it Quick” and is currently developing other instructional videos. During the pandemic, she began teaching online guitar and music theory workshops — some of which are still going after 120 weeks! Tamara has forever been dedicated to the study of music, and understands the challenges and joys of learning a new instrument. She started at age 6 with the violin and piano at age 10. Tamara then continued her piano studies at LaGuardia High School of Music and the Arts, NYC and went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music, Boston, as a vocal and songwriting major. She has performed in bands and as a solo artist, recorded several albums of original music — including one children’s record, and has toured throughout the Northeast.

Next Previous Harlan Otter Teacher Bethel, Connecticut-based music educator Harlan Otter has been teaching music since his freshman year in college, when his first-year piano instructor referred him to several beginning students. Soon thereafter, Harlan expanded to teaching voice, percussion, organ, and composition as a full-time vocation. He is deeply thankful that he’s been engaged in such a fulfilling career, fostering student joy, wonder, and exploration in the wide universe of music for 28 years (and counting!). Collaborative piano and music composition were the focus of Harlan’s formal education. He has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts in Music Composition from San Jose State University in these respective subjects. As long-time liturgical musician, curious creator of soundscapes, and music educator, Harlan has delved into the technical study of a wide variety of instruments and has extensive experience in organ performance, percussion playing, and singing. His professional engagements include keyboard and percussion playing with Cabrillo Stage, the Cabrillo Music Festival, the South Bay Composers’ Collective, and the collegiate music studios of Professors Layna Chianakas and Bruce Moyer; and singing as a bass with the Redwood Chamber Singers and Voice of Silicon Valley. Currently, Harlan serves as music director for New Milford United Methodist Church and previously held the position of Organist with Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church. When instructing a music pupil of any age, Harlan maintains a positive demeanor while encouraging the student to better themselves in an immediately obtainable manner. A prime roadblock in learning any discipline of music is the frustration about the gradual nature of improvement. Students cannot become Grammy Award-winning musicians in the course of one class, or even several months. But with enough time and devotion, Harlan believes becoming a phenomenal musical artist is possible for anybody. Thus, he aims to steer budding musical learners away from comparing themselves to others, and to instead have them tune in to their own distinctive interests and capabilities. Through this teaching technique, he’s found that pupils establish both technical skill in music and develop well-founded fondness for the subject. In Harlan’s music lessons, his number one priority is to encourage student self-expression and artistic self-realization in a safe, caring environment.

Next Previous Matteo Belli Teacher Matteo Belli is a pianist, composer, and choral conductor. As a teacher, he is driven by an unfading passion for music, and he is committed to pass that same love of music on to students of all ages. Matteo teaches piano, ear training & solfege, composition, choir, and music theory. Matteo believes that learning passes through love and curiosity. His lessons are based on a fun approach to music, where students bring in the songs they love, explore the instrument in many ways, engage with a diverse body of music, and learn how to read music sheet bit by bit. Also, students get to be creative and compose their own songs. As a pianist and organist, Matteo plays at schools, churches, and conservatories, often performing his own compositions. He taught piano & ear training in Florence, Italy, for several years, working with children and teens. Additionally, he has extensive experience as an accompanist in theaters, festivals, and schools. Matteo holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the Conservatorio di Musica Puccini (La Spezia, ITALY) as well as a Diploma in Piano Performance from the Conservatorio di Musica Boccherini (Lucca, ITALY). In addition, Matteo has a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. His music has been performed in music halls across the United States, Brazil, Europe, and Taiwan. Matteo has taught composition & music theory classes at Shenandoah University, the Peabody Conservatory, and Scuola di Musica di Fiesole (Italy). Currently, he is the choir director and piano teacher at Immaculate High School in Danbury, CT.

Next Previous Rory Gordon Teacher Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Rory Gordon began his life-long love of the guitar at the early age of six eventually obtaining a B.A in Music at Fredonia College. Rory is also a former student of nationally renowned music producer, director, and performer Rob Mathes. A respected instructor as well as performer, Rory has been teaching students to play guitar, electric bass, ukelule, and mandolin for over 30 years. His courses are tailored to student's individual level and goals with an emphasis on enjoyment. Rory has performed nationally with Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees, Gary U.S. Bonds, the Coasters, the Crystals, and Gene Chandler among others, appearing on stage, TV, and live radio. Among Rory’s many students are such celebrities as Latin pop music star, Thalia, Nashville singer-songwriter, Caroline Jones and Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon. Rory also plays for recording sessions and performs as a band guest, and a solo performer throughout southern CT and the NYC Metro and Tri-State area.

Creative Music Lessons offers a fun and interactive approach to teaching private in-home music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Discover your creative potential with professional music lessons. Fostering musical growth one note at a time GET STARTED LEARN MORE OUR MISSION Creative Music Lessons is committed to providing a fun and interactive approach in teaching music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. 20 INSTRUMENTS 14 TEACHERS 350+ STUDENTS TAUGHT Our teachers travel to your home in Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. CONVENIENCE ALL INSTRUMENTS Through our unique approach, our students find their own personal joy of music. WHY CREATIVE MUSIC LESSONS? Lesson plans are geared towards sparking the creative fire within each individual. Utilizing student-preferred music and other inspiring activities, students will gain a more well-rounded appreciation for their instrument. FOSTER CREATIVITY While keeping their curriculum challenging, students will find themselves in a safe and encouraging environment throughout their lessons. By expressing themselves positively through music, they will build confidence in themselves and their abilities and self-esteem will soar! ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENT With our adaptive and customizable approach, we meet you wherever you are in your musical development. From those who have never touched an instrument, to those with more experience looking to sharpen their skills, we’re with you note by note! ALL AGES & SKILL LEVELS Students will always have something to work toward! When it comes to audition preparation, personal recordings, and your individual performance goals, helping you succeed is one of our top priorities! GOAL ACHIEVEMENT ELIZABETH , STUDENT My lessons are entertaining and motivating. My teacher pushes me to learn a challenging piece for the recital each year. It makes me work hard so I can show what I've accomplished. The recitals are fun, and I get inspired by seeing the other students' work. My lessons have exposed me to a lot of different types of music. MADISON , STUDENT Creative Music Lessons sparked my love for classical singing during my first voice lessons when I was only 10 years old. My teacher continuously instills me with confidence and guides me to be the best version of myself. Having teachers who can teach and also inspire by example is wonderfully special! CHRISTY , PARENT Our CML teacher is wonderful! My daughter looks forward to every lesson and has so much fun at each. CML understands how children learn best and tailors the approach to keep my daughter interested and engaged while learning at the same time. Our teacher is compassionate, warm, nurturing and very knowledgeable in her field. I would highly recommend CML! "Music can change the world." "Music can change the world." "Music can change the world." "Music can change the world." • LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN • • LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN • • LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN • • LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN •

Next Previous Jim Kost Teacher When it comes to piano, Jim Kost has had quite the storied career as a performer and brings a unique and well-rounded perspective as a teacher. He started playing by ear at 10, begging his parents for lessons after about a year, and then studied piano through high school, playing in local rock bands from the age of 13 on. At 20, he arrived at Berklee College of Music, where his classmates and jam session partners included Wallace Roney, Greg Osby, Donald Harrison, Tim “Bone” Williams, Jeff Watts, Gene Jackson, Frank Lacy, Jean Toussaint, Branford Marsalis and many other future luminaries. He also Studied Privately with the great Jazz Pianist Jaki Byard. After 2 years at Berklee, he stayed in Boston performing for another year and a half, and then moved to New Jersey where he attained his Bachelor’s at Rutgers University. After graduating, he stayed on at Rutgers, working as the Principal Pianist for the Dance Department and performing locally until moving to NYC in 2000. In NYC, Jim worked as a pianist for esteemed dance companies Alvin Ailey and Mark Morris, in addition to performing as a freelance Session Musician in various genres and functions. His credits include longstanding collaborations with greats like The Steve Kimock Band, Master Drummer/Producer/Composer Rodney Holmes, and Afrobeat sensation Kaleta. With Kaleta, he appeared on the album “Country of Guns”. His first album as a producer and performer is called “Stone Church”. As a teacher, Jim’s many years playing and accompanying in such a wide range of genres has given him quite the diverse perspective. His approach to lessons is calm and engaging, and he always finds a way to keep lessons informative, interesting, AND enjoyable!

Next Previous Bartho Staalman Teacher Bartho Staalman is a passionate and experienced drummer, music producer, composer, and music educator based in Westchester, New York. He offers piano, guitar, and drumming lessons tailored toward students of all ages and levels, including those with special needs. His teaching style blends creativity, structure, and patience to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for every student. Between 2005 and 2009, Bartho studied drumming at the Rotterdam Conservatory, where he focused on rhythm studies, ensemble performance, and music pedagogy. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, performing on drums, piano, guitar, bass, and vocals. He is a proud recipient of the Community Engagement Grant from the Bronx Council on the Arts and actively leads educational drumming classes and inclusive drum circles at the James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center. Bartho has been featured on several albums, including Electronic/Afro-pop artist Rina Mushonga’s “The Wild, The Wilderness” and iET's “Kitchen Records 1&2”. He also toured with Dutch singer-songwriter Michael Prins for sold out shows at prominent venues throughout the Netherlands, including Paradiso. Bartho was also invited by drum teacher Juan van Emmerloot (performed with Steve Lukather) to participate in Tres Mambini, an electronic music trio. Bartho continues to build upon his musical expertise and fluidity by actively collaborating with others within the artistic community. His innate ability to adapt and adjust across genres is apparent in the many groups and performances he contributes to, from The Bunga Bunga Experience, a cosmopolitan electro-dance group, to Baragan, a pop folk group inspired by the street musicians’ life. In addition, Bartho’s dynamic musical nature enabled him to curate lineups for the Spoel Music Festival. He is currently creating a method for instrumentalists and music producers to study rhythm, as well as composing. He most recently debuted original compositions that blend modern, classical, and folk music at "Music for the Seeking Soul - Living, Forming, Letting Go in the Old Lutheran Church". Bartho is continuously looking for new ways to express himself as a musician, and finds particular fulfillment with sparking the joy of music within his students. Whether working one-on-one or in group settings, Bartho is committed to making music education accessible, joyful, and impactful for all learners!

Next Previous Jonathan Faiman Teacher A multiple ASCAP award winner, Jonathan Faiman was described in The New York Times as “a pianist with the kind of technique that affords remarkable clarity even in the speediest lines.” Jonathan is a New York based musician and instructor with more than 25 years of experience teaching piano, voice, and composition. He currently serves as a Music Educator for the Irvington School District and has also taught at Concordia College, the Preparatory Division of Manhattan School of Music, and Bloomingdale School of Music. With a deep love for music of all styles, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his teaching, fostering a creative and supportive environment where students of all ages can explore and grow as musicians. Believing in the power of music to inspire and connect, Jonathan strives to meet each student where they are, offering personalized guidance that empowers them to develop their skills and become independent music makers. Jonathan is a member of the Locrian Chamber Players and holds a doctorate from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied piano with Leon Fleisher and Veda Kaplinsky, and composition with Nils Vigeland. He made his orchestral conducting debut with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan has performed concertos, solo recitals, and chamber music concerts with The Ambrosia Trio and other musicians throughout North America and in Israel. In New York City, he has performed extensively in most major halls, including Avery Fisher, Florence Gould, Merkin, Miller Theatre, Symphony Space, and Weill/Carnegie Recital Hall. Jonathan’s recordings can be heard on Apple Music.