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.

Next Previous Barry Hartglass Teacher For over 30 years, Barry Hartglass has been active working as a producer, engineer, composer, arranger and musician. He teaches private lessons in bass, guitar, piano, and saxophone, and likes to work in all styles, including pop, rock, jazz, funk, fusion, world, classical and more. For the last 12 years, Barry has also been working as an adjunct professor teaching courses in electronic music, audio production and sound design, and also private instruction in composition and songwriting. Barry has taught classes at SUNY Westchester Community College (Valhalla, NY), CUNY Hostos Community College (Bronx, NY), Five Towns College (Dix Hills, NY), Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) and Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, NY). Barry has a Master of Arts in Music Composition from Hunter College and a Bachelor of Music in Music Engineering Technology from University of Miami. He also studied Composition and Contemporary Music at The Juilliard School and Music for Film at New York University.

Next Previous Zach Fields Teacher Born and raised in Connecticut, Zach Fields is a guitarist and singer/songwriter with over 15 years of live performance experience. He has performed extensively both as a solo artist and as a front man of multiple bands. His real-world performance background gives students insight not just into how to play the instrument, but how to bring music to life. Zach's teaching philosophy centers on helping students define clear goals and building a structured plan to achieve them. Whether a student wants to learn their favorite songs, jam with friends, improvise, write originals, or perform, lessons are thoughtfully tailored to their needs. By combining creativity with clear milestones, Zach helps students enjoy the instrument right away while also building the skills necessary for long-term growth.

Next Previous Amy Rood Miller Founder, Teacher Founder Amy Rood Miller has been teaching music privately for the past 18 years and combines both the soft skills of a Music Therapist with the technical aptitude of a classically-trained performer. In addition to coordinating the day-to-day operations of Creative Music Lessons, she passionately fosters a joy for music by teaching voice, piano, guitar, and flute to students of all ages and skill levels. Amy earned her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Shenandoah Conservatory and has worked in a variety of settings including preschools, children with autism, hospice care, and children with cancer and blood disorders. She also achieved a Master’s in Vocal Performance during her time at Shenandoah, and has sung at numerous renowned venues throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Notre Dame Cathedral. In addition to her duties at Creative Music Lessons, she also continues to sing professionally at a variety of engagements in the Tri-State area. While able to teach numerous instruments, she is especially passionate about the voice, and endeavors to pass on all the techniques and insight obtained through her many years on the stage!

Next Previous Robin Rockwell Teacher Robin Rockwell is a musician, arts administrator, and educator from Newtown, CT. She studied at Western Connecticut State University under Dr. Andrew Grenci and Dr. Gina Cuffari on clarinet and bassoon respectively. She performs regularly in the Guilford Town Band and the Monroe Community Orchestra and can be found in the pit orchestra of many local musical theatre productions such as Hartt School of Music and Music Theatre of Connecticut. Robin has been teaching for over 10 years in both group and individual settings, privately and through local studios in Ridgefield and Danbury. She is passionate about accommodating each individual student’s learning styles and curating a lesson plan to challenge them accordingly. Robin believes that music lessons should be student centered and makes sure to incorporate the student’s personal interests into lesson content. Robin strongly believes in community and life-long learning and encourages all her students to pursue musical opportunities outside of lessons. Before transitioning to arts administration, Robin studied music education for over 2 years. She carries the lessons she learned into her teaching style to this day. When she’s not teaching or playing, Robin works at a classical radio station, a professional orchestra, and an instrument repair shop.

Next Previous Todd Rice Piano Technician, Teacher Todd Rice is a master craftsman piano technician with over 30 years of experience serving New York's most prestigious institutions through his company, A Natural Piano. Trained in the European tradition under Kalman Detrich, former Head of the New York Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild, Todd brings exceptional artisan care and precision to concert-level tuning, regulation, and restoration services. His current institutional clients include St. Thomas Church and Choir School, Trinity School, Cathedral School, and St. Luke's School—institutions that demand the highest standards of musical excellence. Notable past clients span an impressive range, from St. Patrick's Cathedral and Gracie Mansion to three Broadway theaters, as well as renowned performers like Neil Sedaka, Johnny Winter, Melissa Etheridge, and many others. In recognition of his exceptional expertise, Todd was selected as one of only four technicians chosen to work on an antique piano once owned by Mozart, a testament to his rare combination of technical skill and historical instrument knowledge. In addition to Todd ‘s amazing and extensive background as a Master Piano Tuner and Technician, he is also a composer, arranger, organist, and virtuoso pianist that brings over 30 years of teaching experience to his students. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a Master's degree in Industrial Psychology from Fordham University, Todd uniquely understands both the creative and psychological aspects of musical learning. His approach to music education is informed by his extensive performance career, which spans classical, sacred, jazz, and contemporary styles, offering students exposure to the full spectrum of musical expression. His multilingual abilities (Spanish and Japanese) allow him to serve diverse student populations. Todd has shared the stage with renowned artists like Meatloaf and Broadway’s Gregg Burge, and has been the house pianist for 3½ years at NYC's prestigious Garvin's Jazz Club, Rainbow Room, and many other clubs. His Broadway credits include Guys and Dolls and The Apple Tree, with off-Broadway work in Golf: The Musical and Saddamm: The Musical. He music directed the anniversary revival tour of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Beacon Theater and in Japan. Additionally, his band, Rice & Gravy, toured extensively throughout the tri-state area and internationally across the U.S and Canada. Todd has written, arranged, and produced music for over 25 films, ballets, modern dances, and vocal/instrumental scores. Further accolades include a grant from the Geraldine Dodge Foundation for his piano concerto, the Wholley Award for Orchestral Composition, and recognition at the Chicago Video Festival. Todd is also the author of "Secret Strategies for Composing and Improvising," and has led various workshops which specialize in developing creativity alongside technical skills, helping students unlock their authentic musical voice. Having composed, music directed and performed international projects, Todd brings real-world professional experience into his teaching. Whether working with beginners discovering their musical voice or advanced students preparing for professional careers, Todd's comprehensive approach nurtures both technical excellence and artistic expression. Yet, his greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing his students develop their own unique musical voices. His teaching philosophy combines practical, insightful, and results-driven methods with the understanding that music is not just about technical proficiency, but about authentic creative expression and the joy of musical discovery.

Next Previous Caitlin Franze Teacher A lifelong musician and arts enthusiast, Caitlin Franze has found that her passion lies in teaching and sharing music with others. With backgrounds in performance, music therapy, and theater, she strives to meet students at any level and guide them to achieve self-confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm within music. Caitlin has coached piano and voice students in diverse styles ranging from classical and jazz to musical theater and pop since 2015. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary Music with a concentration in Music Therapy. Since then, she has taught students from all over the Westchester, Putnam, and Hudson Valley areas. Caitlin believes strongly in the benefits of music education for EVERYONE and embodies the philosophy that the lessons students learn while studying an instrument extend well beyond the studio and into everyday life... for both the neurodivergent AND the neurotypical! Whether studying piano or voice, Caitlin encourages students to become self-sufficient musicians, for example strengthening vocalists' ability to accompany themselves or nurturing pianists' inspiration to pick up a new chord chart independently. Above all, fostering a love for music, implementing healthy practice habits, and promoting students to share their talents within their communities are the essential elements with which Caitlin helps her students find long-term success and dedication to music lessons!

Next Previous George Nazos Teacher George (Giorgos/Georgios) Nazos is an award-winning musician and composer who hails originally from Athens, Greece. Now living in NYC, George has performed in various well-known jazz venues throughout Manhattan, such as the Blue Note, the Appel Room at Lincoln Center, the Mezzrow Jazz Club, the Jazz Forum, The 55 Bar, and many others. He has a very successful international career with performances in many music festivals and clubs world-wide. Some of the illustrious stages he has graced include: the Zinco Jazz Club in Mexico City; the Technopolis International Jazz Festival in Greece; RiverFest in the Bronx, the Shablul Jazz Club and Beit Haamudim in Israel; the Limassol Jazz Festival in Cyprus and many more. George’s discography as a leader and sideman have been featured in radio stations around the world and have received extensive reviews from the press. He is a graduate of Codarts Conservatory in the Netherlands with a bachelors degree on Jazz Guitar Performance. He is a dedicated instructor with 25 years of international experience and has helped students of all levels and ages to achieve their goals. George teaches all levels of guitar (classical, electric jazz, fretless) as well as electric bass, oud, ukulele, and beginner piano. George strives to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable, curious, and inspired to make music. He is aware that every student learns differently, so he makes sure to always adapt lessons to accommodate their pace, interests, and personality. First and foremost, George’s goal is to help students build solid musical skills while also discovering the joy and freedom that comes from truly connecting with their instrument. Students taking George on as an instructor can expect patience, encouragement, and lessons that are engaging and practical. His lessons focus on rhythm, sound, and expression, and while doing so, he always makes sure to keep the fun and wonder of music at the heart of the process. George hopes that all of his students not only become better players but also develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for music.

Next Previous Cat Lines Teacher Cat Lines is a violinist, singer/songwriter and music educator based out of Newtown, Connecticut. Originally from Texas, Cat began playing violin at age 8. Soon after, she began attending the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp and fell in love with alternative styles, singing and performing. In 2016, Cat moved to New York to attend music school and began performing with bands in her spare time. Currently, Cat is the music director, lead female singer/songwriter and fiddle player for North County Band, a country/americana project based in Connecticut. Co-fronted with band leader Scott Smith, the North County Band aims to touch hearts through vibrant storytelling, and to cultivate a sense of community by connecting with other artists and supporting arts-based charitable organizations. Outside of her life on the stage, Cat loves to teach aspiring violinists, work with local artists in the recording studio, and attend bluegrass jams and open mics. Given her classical training, yet diverse experience performing in a wide variety of genres, Cat brings a fun and eclectic perspective to her lessons. Students can take their learning with her in any number of directions and most of all, enjoy the journey!

Next Previous Orgena Rose Teacher Orgena Rose is an award winning, international vocalist, composer, arranger, director, producer, actress, playwright, and best-selling author who has appeared on Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, Royal Opera House, Oprah, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Beacon, St George’s Bristol, Today, Conan, TedX, PBS, and the BBC. She has sung with artists such as Patti Labelle, Lea Michele and Audra McDonald and opened the stage ahead of legendary artists such as Elton John. In addition to her extensive career in the spotlight, Orgena is a renowned vocal coach and talented piano teacher. She has been a vocal director for Disney and numerous choirs around the world. For over 20 years, Orgena has empowered thousands of voices through her workshops taught at colleges, universities, and international organizations including "Yes, You Can Sing", "Sing for Wellbeing", "Sing Your Soul Song", and "Powerhouse Voice". Her students translate what they've learned with her to their respective performing endeavors including local choirs, musical theatre productions, and even The Voice, American Idol, and Broadway! Orgena has inspired hundreds of thousands of people through her performances, keynote concerts with her powerful and transformational energy. Not to mention hosting and producing TV shows and acting in movies where her original music is featured. Orgena has found particular joy in creating anthems for movements, nonprofits, and socially conscious organizations. She has even participated in the “Sing For Happiness Project”, which is the largest study in the UK on the effects of singing on one’s well-being. Although she has had an amazing career as a professional singer, she was actually once told she couldn’t sing by her choir teacher when she was a child. With a fierce determination, Orgena set out to prove her former teacher wrong and did so 4 years later by emerging as the soloist for the Eastern region of the United States. Along her musical journey, Orgena has crafted a powerful vocal method that has helped her and her students find transformative results, not only in their performing, but also in life. Along her musical journey, Orgena has crafted a powerful teaching method that has helped her students find transformative results, not only in their performing, but also in life. As a teacher, Orgena strives to create a positive, encouraging and fun environment for all those who study with her. She loves helping every student to discover that they CAN sing and in giving them the tools to perform in their particular style of music with confidence and freedom. Through her methods, her students learn important musical approaches like the “90/10 Rule”, “P.B.S.” and how to “S.A.V.E.” their voice, the song and the performance. But most importantly, her students learn how to truly love and find their own voice!

Next Previous Evy Ortiz Teacher Evy Ortiz is a native New Yorker and teaches voice, acting, and beginner piano. She trained as a lyric coloratura soprano and then progressed to train in Musical Theater styles. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from Pace University and a Master’s Degree in Music (Vocal Performance and Pedagogy) from New York University. She has built a professional crossover career in Musical Theater, Symphonic Concert Soloist work, and Television. She toured throughout the USA as Maria in the National Broadway Tour of West Side Story and debuted that production in Canada and Japan. She also played the role in many regional productions across the country. Other stage roles include: Luisa in The Fantasticks (the Off-Broadway production directed by the show writer Tom Jones), among many other roles. In addition to her performance career, she has been teaching voice, acting, and piano for ten years and she is passionate about sharing these crafts with students of all ages and levels. She teaches a sustainable vocal technique with a focus on strengthening each student’s unique abilities while helping them reach their personal vocal goals. She is comfortable teaching all styles from classical to pop and continues her teacher training in order to keep updated on the latest science of voice. In addition to teaching vocal technique, she also advises on repertoire for auditions and for building an audition book. She preps students for any upcoming performances, auditions, and competitions. For actors, she teaches a varied acting technique that is tailored to theater and on-camera acting. Whatever the lesson is geared towards, her goal is to create a fun environment where the student feels free to grow and excited to learn!