Carolyn Fisher (Voice, Piano & Flute Teaching Artist)

An accomplished musician, Ms. Fisher currently attends the Boston Conservatory seeking a Bachelor's Degree in vocal performance. She has been a member of the Summit Studios family since 1999, having received the Harry Deffenbaugh Scholarship in 2003. Carolyn enjoys performing in many capacities. She has held leading roles in various community theatre productions including the Connecticut Cabaret Theater, Little Theatre of Manchester, and Theatre Newington OnStage. In addition, Ms. Fisher has sung with the Boston Pops on more than one occasion. She also accompanies musicals as a member of pit orchestras. Her experiences include over a decade of dance training, as well as extensive training in flute, guitar, music theory and acting.

Elisa Haveles (Voice & Piano Teaching Artist)

Elisa Haveles completed her Master of Music in Music Education – Pedagogy emphasis and Kodály Level III Certification at The Hartt School, University of Hartford. As a graduate student, Ms. Haveles was the 2009 recipient of the Jenö ¡dám Scholarship awarded by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) and the 2007 recipient of the Barbara Potter Educational Fund Scholarship awarded by the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA).ÝShe earned her Bachelor of Music Education – vocal concentration from the University of Southern Maine where she studied voice with Ellen Chickering, as well as conducting with Dr. Robert Russell and Dr. Peter Martin. At USM, she performed as a singer and student conductor of the USM Chamber Singers, which performed two European tours in the British Isles and Austria, Italy, and France.

Ms. Haveles was the recipient of the Summit Studios Harry E. Deffenbaugh Scholarship in 2001. She currently teaches general music and chorus in the Manchester Public Schools.

Lianne Coble (Voice Teaching Artist)

Lianne holds a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from Florida State Univeristy, and a Bachelor's of Music from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. An active concert soloist, Ms. Coble recently made her Carnegie Hall debut, soloing in Haydn's Kleine Orgelmesse and Rutter's Mass for the Children with MidAmerica Productions and the New England Symphonic Ensemble. Lianne has also performed with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, the Orchard Park Symphony, the Chautauqua Orchestra Ensemble, the Tallahassee Bach Parlay, and has sung at the Bach and Beyond Festival in Fredonia, NY. Her operatic credits include Opera Colorado. Syracuse Opera, the Ash Lawn Opera Festival, and Berkshire Opera Company. Lianne was a national finalist in the Jensen Foundation Competition, the American Bach Society Vocal Competition, and Shreveport Opera's Singer of the Year Competition, and a Regional Winner of the Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions.

Upcoming engagements in 2009 include performing the role of Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance in Ithaca, NY, soloing in the Faure Requiem with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and collaborating with the elite baroque ensemble Musica Sacra at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. In addition, Lianne is also an accomplished flutist, pianist, and organist, and has been a cantor and organist in numerous churches in the Hartford area.

Sacha Peiser (Voice & Piano Teaching Artist)

Sacha Peiser, a native of New Orleans, recently moved to Connecticut to continue her Ph.D. studies in music theory/musicology from University of Connecticut. She holds a Master of Music from Louisiana State University in music theory, and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Loyola University New Orleans. Ms. Peiser has starred and sung in many productions with the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, and has both sung and stage managed for the New Orleans Opera Association's Lucia di Lammermoor, Madama Butterfly, and Il Trittico, among others. With Loyola Opera, she participated in Roméo et Juliette and The Gondoliers in addition to several scenes programs, and was the soprano soloist for both Mozart's Requiem and Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass.

In addition to her voice, piano, and music theory studies, Ms. Peiser has also taught voice and piano at Center Stage Performing Arts Academy in Louisiana and stage managed the Natchez Festival of Music for the past two years.

Alyse Pilch (Voice Teaching Artist)

Born and raised in Enfield, CT, Alyse began studying piano at the age of nine and voice at the age of thirteen. Her love of music and Broadway brought her to attend The American Music & Dramatics Academy in New York City. Her educational training includes Main Event Show Choir, Regional Chorus (CMEA), Drama, Hartt Community Division, Madrigal Choir and Private Voice Training. Her roles include Cathy in "The Last Five Years" with the Good Company Theatre; Ariel in "Foot Loose" with Enfield Lamplighters and multiple performances with Voices, Inc. Alyse is a member of the Old St. Andrewís Church Choir, sings the National Anthem for local athletic events, Springfield Armor Semi Pro Basketball, The Enfield Town Council Induction Ceremonies, Veteran Award Ceremonies and the Enfield July 4th Town Celebration. Her favorite past time is Unified Bowling with Special Olympics. Alyse is delighted to be part of the Summit Studios family.

Anna Hayrapetyan (Voice & Piano Teaching Artist)

Anna is a soprano who graduated with her Master of Music Degree from the University of Connecticut. With UConn's Opera Theater, Anna has performed in: La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein (Olga), Little Red's Most Unusual Day (Little Red), The Beautiful Bridegroom (Pernille), The Fairy Queen (First Fairy), The Pirates of Penzance (Edith), Bastien und Bastienne (Bastienne), staged concert of Fables by Madame Isabelle Aboulker. Anna received her bachelor's degree from Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Australia. During her undergraduate studies Anna performed in scenes from the following operas: Rigoletto (Gilda), Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Rosina), Eugene Onegin (Tatiana), the title role in Anush by Tigranyan. Anna also performed in multiple solo and joined concerts around Armenia, Australia and the UK. She is the winner of the MacArthur Music Competition in Sydney, where she was awarded 1st and 2nd places for sacred music and operatic aria sections, respectively. Anna has been teaching voice, piano and music theory for over 5 years. Her students' achievements include winning different prizes in multiple competitions as well as successfully passing entry auditions to Sydney Conservatorium of Music and other music institutions.

Rachel Smith (Voice & Piano Teaching Artist)

Rachel holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Music degree from San José State University, both in vocal performance. Originally from Stockton, California, Ms. Smith is now a resident of Hartford. An active concert soloist and operatic performer, Ms. Smith was most recently featured as the soprano soloist/Widow in Mendelssohn's Elijah and the soprano soloist in Vivaldi's Gloria with the East Central Choral Association. Rachel has also performed with the Southeast Missouri Chamber Ensemble, Greeley Chorale, UNC Symphony Orchestra and most notably the St. Louis Symphony as a member of the internationally acclaimed St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Operatic credits include: Echo in Ariadne auf Naxos, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, Giannetta in L'elisir díAmore, the Lady Ella in Patience, Fanny in La cambiale di Matrimonio and both Susanna and Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro. Ms. Smith has been a featured young artist with Winter Opera St. Louis, the Druid City Opera Young Artists Program, Songfest Young Artists Program and Opera Classica Europa in Bad Schwalbach, Germany. She has also performed with Union Avenue Opera, Opera Fort Collins, Loveland Opera Theatre and the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. Ms. Smith has received scholarships and accolades from the Beverly Sellars Young Singers Memorial Foundation, Joe Tennessen Family PVA Scholarship, Angie Southard Chamber Music Competition and the Kristina Townsend Memorial Vocal Competition, among others.

Rachel has held teaching positions as an Adjunct Voice Instructor at East Central College in Union, Missouri and at St. John's School of the Arts in Ellisville, Missouri and managed a private vocal studio for the past three years. She is thrilled to be part of the team at Summit Studios.

Allison Kostek (Voice, Piano & Clarinet Teaching Artist)

Allison is a Manchester native, who recently moved back to Connecticut from New York. Allison joins the Summit Family with her Bachelors of Music (Vocal Performance) and Master of Science in Music Education, both from Long Island University (LIU-Post). Ms. Kostek has been a cantor for Saint Bartholomew Church since 1997 and currently substitute teaches for the Town of Manchester. Allison has an extensive array of repertoire reaching from the Renaissance era all the way to the American Contemporary and Jazz era. During her singing career, Allison has traveled all over the United States, Canada and British Isles, with her college choral groups. Ms. Kostek also sang with the Hartford Symphony choral for one season. Allison has dedicated the last 8 summers to an all women's singing group called Belle Voci located in Long Island, NY. Belle Voci raises awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society, a cause that is very close to her heart. She is thrilled to share her talents and expertise with the students of Summit Studios.

June Burns (Voice & Piano Teaching Artist)

June is a professional musician, classically trained in voice, and an experienced educator. She has performed in musical theater and professional performances in operas. She helped to design an "Arts School", a School Of Choice, in Florida. She was nominated as, "Teacher Of The Year", during her tenure there. Most of her teaching career has been in Connecticut where she was born and raised. She has taught in the classroom setting and as a private instructor for voice and piano. She is an accomplished choral conductor and director of musical theater productions. June has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's in Education. She resides in East Hampton, CT with her husband and stepdaughter.

Jared Gardner (Guitar & Bass Teaching Artist)

Jared Gardner began studying piano at the age of 7 and later took up guitar and bass. A versatile musician, Mr. Gardner has played with punk rock bands as well as jazz ensembles and is a former member of Sacramento-based folk group Ain't Betty. Mr. Gardner went on to study jazz and classical bass and holds a BM in bass performance from CSU Sacramento and a GPD from the Hartt School, where he was on scholarship as a member of the Performance 20/20 chamber music program and a student of Robert Black.

As a freelance musician in northern CA, he has frequently performed with Modesto Symphony and Stockton Symphony, and he was a founding member and principal bassist for the Academy at All Hallows. Mr. Gardner has also performed with the Monadnock Music Festival, the Sacramento Philharmonic chamber music series, and The Hartt School faculty chamber music series.

Jeff Kenniston (Guitar & Saxophone Teaching Artist)

Jeff Kenniston is a multi-instrumental performer and instructor. In 2009 he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University, where he studied classical saxophone with Dr. Carl Knox, as well as instrumental conducting and education with Dr. Dan D'addio. While at CCSU, Jeff performed regularly with several ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, University Chamber Players, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band, as well as solo recitals. As a student-teacher Jeff conducted and directed K-12 wind bands in the West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Old Saybrook school districts.

Since college, Jeff has been building his studio of private students on guitar, saxophone, piano, and music theory. Specializing in classical and popular styles of performance, his students continually perform with their own bands, as solo artists, or in recitals. Jeff's students range from young children having their first musical experiences, to high school studentís preparing for college auditions, to adults maintaining a life-long interest in their instrument. Jeff also has training and experience instructing students with special needs. Since 2011 Jeff has been the director of "Rock Band Jam" at Summit Studios in Manchester, CT where students of all ages join together to perform songs of their choosing or write their own. Rock Band Jam exists as a weekly meeting during the school year and as an intensive 2 week program over the summer.

Jeff is currently an active performing guitarist, keyboardist, saxophonist, and songwriter with Addison Station and the Kenny Mehler Band, totaling around 250 appearances a year. Jeff has shared the stage with many well-known artists such as Ryan Cabrera, N.E.R.D, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, We the Kings, Smashmouth, Weezer, Jeffrey Gaines, Streetlight Manifesto, Sean Kingston, Big D. and the Kidís Table, Boys Like Girls, Lifehouse, O.A.R., Matt Nathanson, Tyler Hilton, Max Creek, Nine Days, and Live. In 2009 Jeff was voted "Best Keyboardist" by the Hartford Advocate's "Grand Band Slam" reader's poll. Jeff is a published songwriter (BMI) and has had his songs licensed for use by CT-Channel 8, Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, the Golf Channel, Soul Surfers TV (Hawaii), Elitch Gardens Theme Park (Colorado), the Grateful Nation organization, Style Network, TV Guide Network, Miramax Films, CBS crime drama "UNFORGETTABLE", NASCAR Hall of Fame, Crossiron Mills (Alberta), and the Sportsman's Channel. His compositions continue to be aired on internet radio and by terrestrial radio stations in over 20 countries worldwide.

Nick Dispagna (Bass & Guitar Teaching Artist)

Nick joins the Summit Studios as a New Jersey native who has spent his last ten years deeply entrenched in the Boston music scene. He has shared the stage with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Adam Lambert, The Script, Ke$ha, Third Eye Blind, Candlebox and Ed Kowalczyk. Nick has recorded and written for Rob Thomas, Rick Springfield and Julian Lennon and was previously signed to Toucan Cove Records and distributed by Universal Music Group. You can hear his music at www.nicholasdispagna.com.

Han-Wei Lu (Cello & Piano Teaching Artist)

Taiwanese-born cellist Han-Wei Lu has concertized in recitals and music festivals in North, South America, Austria and Taiwan. Ms. Lu has collaborated with such renowned musicians as Katy Lansdale, Marcy Rosen and Bright Sheng. A founding member of the Sylvanus Ensemble and the 016 New Music Ensemble, she recently completed a concert tour in Taiwan and several performances in Connecticut. Ms. Lu has also participated in master classes with Emerson String Quartet, Timothy Eddy, Slovatcri Serghvsky and the Miami String Quartet. Ms. Lu received her Master's Degree and Artist Diploma at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, where she was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to be a member of the chamber music program, Performance 20/20.

Jeff Kenniston (Guitar & Saxophone Teaching Artist)

Jeff Kenniston is a multi-instrumental performer and instructor. In 2009 he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University, where he studied classical saxophone with Dr. Carl Knox, as well as instrumental conducting and education with Dr. Dan D'addio. While at CCSU, Jeff performed regularly with several ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, University Chamber Players, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band, as well as solo recitals. As a student-teacher Jeff conducted and directed K-12 wind bands in the West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Old Saybrook school districts.

Jeff is currently an active performing guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter with his band Addison Station, and has done freelance performing and recording sessions with several other artists. Jeff has shared the stage with many well known artists such as Ryan Cabrera, N.E.R.D, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, We the Kings, Smashmouth, Weezer, Jeffrey Gaines, Streetlight Manifesto, Soul Asylum, Big D. and the Kid's Table, Boys Like Girls, Lifehouse, Sean Kingston, O.A.R. and Matt Nathanson. In 2009 Jeff was voted "Best Keyboardist" in the Hartford Advocate's Grand Band Slam. Jeff has had songs licensed by Mohegan Sun and the Golf Channel, as well as had airplay on Internet radio and by radio stations in over 20 countries.

Melanie Chirignan (Flute & Piano Teaching Artist)

Melanie Chirignan, a native of Hauppauge, NY, is a flautist known for her musicality and versatility of repertoire. She earned her Bachelor's in Music Performance and Music Education graduating cum laude from SUNY Fredonia, and her Master's Degree in Flute Performance at the Hartt School. She has studied with Dr. Susan Royal and Janet Arms. She has performed in master classes for Robert Dick, Jeffrey Khaner, Gary Shocker, and Tadeu Coelho.

Melanie's eclectic tastes has led her to collaborate with many different performers and ensembles including: the Hartt Independent Chamber Orchestra, the Space Coast Flute Orchestra, the Long Island flute ensemble, jazz bass legend, Nat Reeves, traditional Irish harpist Hailey Hewitt, guitarists Yovianna Garcia and Scott Hill. Her free improvisation trio, Mélange, with bassist Sean Rubin and cellist Carly Fleming, has begun a collaboration with DJ Connect Beats and his break dancers. She has performed recitals at the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library, the New Britain Public Library, and the Canton Public Library, the Windsor Historical Society, and the Wadsworth Museum of Art. Her orchestral credits include performances in the Chelsea Symphony, the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, the Torrington Symphony Orchestra as well as in the musicals Fiddler on the Roof, Anything Goes, Oklahoma, West Side Story, and Beauty and the Beast. Melanie has also worked closely with many composers and has recently premiered new works by Nolan Stolz, Masatora Goya, and made the world premiere recording of the Delian Suite, from a body of international composers in the Delian Society.

A certified music teacher, she has taught general music, chorus, and orchestra, and has taught every level from elementary school to conservatory level students. She has taught at Laurel Hill summer camp and SUNY Fredonia, and is currently teaching at Music and Arts, Martocchio Music, Summit Studios, as well as maintaining a private studio. She lives in New Britain, Connecticut.

Ross Novgrad (Woodwind Teaching Artist)

Ross Novgrad earned his Bachelors in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. After graduation, he worked in NYC for the next ten years, as a freelance artist. He's performed at the Blue Note, Seventh Avenue South, the Jazz Center of NY and Carnegie Hall. He's also shared the stage with Randy Brecker, Lou Soloff, Jim Pugh, Lou Marini, Scott Robinson, Jerry Dodgion, Gerry Niewood, Anthony Jackson, Jeff "Tain" Watts, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

In the Latin Music Field, Ross toured nationally with Lucho Munoz and played with Mario Bauza, Paquito D'Rivera and Daniel Ponce. Additionally, Ross has worked with Hank Lane Orchestras and recorded two CD's with the Tom Pierson Orchestra.

Returning to CT in 1992, Ross formed the Ross Novgrad Trio which performs throughout New England and has performed with the New England Jazz Ensemble, The New England Jazz Septet and Avalon Express with guitar great Ron Murray.

More recently, The Ross Novgrad Latin Jazz Quintet has performed at "First Night Hartford 2010" as well as the 2010 "Enfield 4th of July Celebration" and at the "Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz 2010."

Also, Ross is a private instructor at the Community Music School of Springfield where he has taught for the past fourteen years. Ross is certified as a Conn-Selmer Artist and Clinician and is available for High School and College Workshops.

Chrissy Nadeau (Tuba Teaching Artist)

Christina Nadeau is a junior undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, where she is majoring in music education. Chrissy originally began on the flute, but in her freshman year of high school she switched to the tuba, which she has now been studying for 9 years. She has studied under Ken Garrison and Gary Sienkiewicz and taken a master class with world-renown Oystein Baadsvik. She currently performs with the UConn Symphonic band and the UConn Marching Band and Pep Band.

Ricky Alfonso (Trumpet Teaching Artist)

Trumpeter Ricky Alfonso has been a mainstay on the East Coast jazz scene since the early 1970s. Born into a musical family, Ricky is a product of the modern jazz movement with a trumpet style reminiscent of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard.

Ricky has worked with many jazz luminaries including Bill Barron, Thomas Chapin, Mario Pavone, Fred Simmons, Steve Davis, Tom McClung, Michael Musillami, Bill Lowe, Ed Blackwell, Joe Fonda, Nat Reeves, Thomas Chapin, Andy Jaffee, David Liebman, Linc Chaimberland, Dr. Lynn Christie, Jimmy Strasburg, John Stowell, John Clark, Jim Horn, Neil Stubenhaus, Allen White, Jim Keltner.Ý Ricky also recorded and toured with R/B great Joe Cocker leading the horn section in Cocker's return to prominence following the historic Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969.

A composer, arranger and educator, he has long since developed his own very personal style on the trumpet. Check out a few tunes on this site from the CD "Hold Back Tomorrow" influenced by the music of Bill Barron, for some swing and blues with style and integrity.

Ricky is also a full time teacher specializing in early childhood music education in the public school system as well as private one on one instruction at Summit Studios.

Rick Liegl (African Djembe Teaching Artist)

Rick Liegl comes to Summit Studios in hopes of sharing his passion for the drums of West Africa with students. Liegl is a founding member and lead soloist of the Soli Soma Djembe Orchestra. The Hartford based ensemble has electrified audiences throughout New England with their exciting performances of traditional Guinean rhythms. The group has performed for the Wadsworth Athenaeum and Trinity College along with various education and civic organizations. In November of 2005 the group produced and released its first C.D., titled "Foundations." In 1999 Liegl created the "HANDS ON RHYTHM CIRCLES" Drum Program, a participatory team building program, by combiningÝrecreation facilitation principles and percussion instruments from many cultures. Rick has presented successful interactive music programs in numerous schools, recreation centers, churches and senior communities throughout the state of Connecticut. Liegl has worked with Paul Assegai, founder and artistic director of the Soli Soma Djembe Orchestra. Michael Markus of NYC, Founder of Magbana Drum and Dance and Abdulaye Sylla of Guinea, West Africa, a principal dancer/performer for the Africa's most accomplished drum and dance company, "The Ballet Africans."

Joe Axiak (Vibraphone Teaching Artist)

Joseph Axiak has taught at the Community School of the Arts in Storrs, CT in addition to his studies at the University of CT.ÝHe has studied with Bob Hill,ÝPeter Coutsouridis, Haruka Fujii, Bill Reynolds, Earl MacDonald and Gregg August. A graduate of Manchester High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science, Joseph Axiak moved to UConn and has played as a member of the UConn Jazz Combo, Latin Jazz Combo, The Jazz Ensemble, UConn Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Lab Band, The Rose Quintet, Jazz at the U and other musical performances.

Greg Hoyt (Percussion Teaching Artist)

Greg Hoyt holds a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Greg has taught at:ÝRedding Elementary School, West Rocks Middle School,ÝNewtown High School,ÝBrookfield High School and the Bethel Music Center.ÝHe has performed throughout Connecticut with various groups including the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra, the Concert Choir of Northeastern Connecticut, the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra and the South Windsor CT Community Band. He has been a member of the Percussive Art Society since 2007 and is the recipient of the James Furman Scholarship and Louis Armstrong Jazz Awards.

Rob Doran (Percussion Teaching Artist)

Rob holds both a BA in Music and a BS in Music Education from The University of Connecticut and its Neag School of Education, respectively. Since the age of 8, he has explored the near-limitless opportunities of percussion. Throughout grade school, Rob was a member of his schools' wind ensembles, orchestras, jazz bands, and marching bands (as a section leader of both the drum line and front ensemble at various times). He also established strong ties to the Manchester High School drama department, performing both onstage as a lead actor and in the pit as the primary percussionist for musicals. As of 2011, he is the only repeat recipient of MHS's Percussion Ensemble MVP Award, having received the honor in a remarkable four consecutive years. Over time, Rob has studied percussion with Bob Hill, Will Laramie, Jody Hagenow, and Bill Reynolds among others.

After winning the prestigious John P. Sousa Award for Musical Excellence as a senior, Rob continued his studies as a Music Education major at UConn. He was a student of both Pete Coutsouridis and Haruka Fujii. Rob was featured in the university's wind ensemble and percussion ensemble every year of his enrollment. He was fortunate enough to be spotlighted in a lengthy repertoire ranging from G.H. Green's xylophone rags to Henry Cowell's renowned Ostinato Pianissimo to recreations of John Bonham's drum solos.

Rob also continues to have a strong interest in the community outside of "classical" music. For several years, Rob has performed several local bands, playing drum set, guitar, keyboards, bass, and vocals on songs often written by himself. He has played hand drums for over a decade, performing as a featured player alongside noted instructors like Bob Bloom. In 2008, Rob took a musical study abroad to Cork, Ireland. There he learned how to play bodhran (Irish frame drum) in traditional Irish bands and also performed as a xylophonist in the talented free-improvisation group The Lyrebirds (Stet Lab).

When not teaching, Rob is a multi-instrumentalist in the local group Seven Eyes, as well as a pit percussionist for youth and adult theatre companies across the state.

Chris Bonito (Percussion Teaching Artist)

Chris Bonito started playing drums and music at an early age, and his excitement and love of drumming continue to this day. Originally from New Hampshire, Chris holds a BA in Music Performance from the University of New Hampshire, and describes himself as a "classically trained rock drummer with a background in jazz." He is influenced by many drummers and musicians and is well-versed in many styles of drumming. Chris offers his students a solid foundation of knowledge and performance; Topics of study include reading, technique, groove studies, fills and soloing, musicality and composition. His 19 year success as a drum set teaching artist is shown by some of his students going on to record with their own bands, auditioning for and making their school jazz band, and excelling in state band competitions. He is also a member of the Vic Firth Education Team. In addition to teaching, Chris works as a graphic designer. He lives in Wethersfield with his wife Anne and their son Tommy.

Jay Wood (Drum Teaching Artist)

Jay Wood studied in the Jazz Studies/Percussion program at the University of North Texas, has 20 years of professional performance experience and is proficient in all styles of drumming including rock, funk, R&B, jazz, Latin and reggae. He has been instructing students of all ages and levels on drums since 2003.