Piano
Bettina Covo | Piano, Songwriting
Juilliard-trained composer/keyboardist/producer Bettina Covo, works with children starting at ages 8 and up to adults teaching piano, voice and composing and songwriting. She creates a safe, supportive space where students can explore, learn and express themselves through performing and composing music.
Bettina moves seamlessly between the genres of classical and popular music. Highlights from her eclectic career include co-founding two acclaimed ensembles – The Baroque Invention chamber orchestra (performer/director) and the alternative/jazz/fusion band, Chromatica (performer/composer/producer/director). As a singer/songwriter, she released a solo album, Out of the Shadows, and has composed/arranged for other artists as well as underscored for theater and film.
Paula Gallo | Voice, Piano
Paula Gallo teaches voice and piano as well as lyric writing and composition. She has been involved in music since taking piano lessons at the age of 8. Studying with Ruth Manning of Westport, CT, Paula then went on to minor in piano at Syracuse University. Paula is a certified Music Together instructor for toddlers and infants (a well recognized program out of Princeton University). She is an accomplished vocalist who sings with her popular Connecticut-based rock bands, The Paula G Reality and The 5 O’clocks. She has performed at the Samsung Experience in NYC, the Palace Theater in Danbury, with Band Together at the Gathering of the Vibes, and has performed at Fairfield Theatre Company.
Dave Childs | Piano
Dave Childs has been a working pianist and teacher for over 30 years. He has taught diverse students from beginner to advanced; with classical, jazz, and pop music. Dave has been an adjunct professor at Fairfield University for over 15 years and maintains a busy private teaching schedule. Dave’s approach to teaching is a comprehensive one that includes not only traditional techniques, theory, and literature but also ear training and music appreciation to produce a well rounded musician.
Mike Godette | Guitar, Piano, Drums
Mike Godette received Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from West Connecticut University. He has been teaching guitar, piano and drums for 10 years and applies creative approaches to help his students play the music they love. He plays guitar in his progressive rock band, Mid Atlantic Title, and performs all over the Connecticut/New York area.
Kathleen Kruze | Guitar, Piano, Voice
Kathleen Kruze is a life-long music teacher with a wealth of experience. Being an accomplished composer of original music, she has recently produced two full-length CDs which are available on iTunes. She has taught all styles of guitar technique at Kent School in Kent, CT (2007-2015) and piano and guitar at South Kent High School (2010-2015.) Among the diverse positions held, Kathleen was Director of the Children’s Choir at Saint Marguerite Church in Brookfield,CT from 1995 to 2005. She is known for her warmth, patience and a compassionate approach to teaching students of all ages. Additionally, she has taught private students for the past 20 years throughout Fairfield County. Kathleen was Director of Music Ministry at Western Connecticut State University from 2005-2007.
Jamie Finegan | Piano, Trumpet
Jamie composes, produces, and performs on piano and trumpet and has been a music educator for more than 20 years. His playing credits diverse, having recorded, toured and performed all over the world with many great jazz and blues artists including the late great Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Hall, Geri Mulligan, Phil Guy, and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Jamie is the son of Grammy nominated composer/arranger Bill Finegan. The traditions of music is a strong theme in all of Jamie’s endeavors.
Jeff Guzinski | Piano, Guitar
Jeff Guzinski is a performer, composer, and teacher from Stamford, CT. He graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 2014, with a Bachelor's degree in Jazz performance. Jeff plays and teaches piano, electric and string bass, guitar and ukulele. He performs music of many genres and has played for a variety of orchestras, musicals, wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as all around the club circuit. He has experience composing original pieces, most notably a progressive fusion project known as Mid Atlantic Title.
Martha Lind | Piano
Martha Lind has been performing and teaching for over 30 years. Martha holds a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and has performed in a variety of venues including cruise ships, concert stages, country clubs and restaurants. A native of Philadelphia, Martha has a background in classical music, jazz, rock, blues and pop, and currently performs as a soloist and ensemble player member throughout the New York/ Connecticut area.
Julie Overland | Violin, Piano
Julie Overland teaches music in the Greenwich Public Schools and has also taught in the Bethel Public Schools. She founded and directed "Kindermusik" of Western Connecticut. Julie has a BFA in Music from Ithaca College, a MA in Education from WCSU, and has her 6th year in Educational leadership at the University of Connecticut. She is also a registered music therapist. Julie has toured as a violinist with orchestras performing in Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Okinawa, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic and all across the United States. She continues to perform with the American Chamber Orchestra, Broadway Bach Ensemble, and her own string quartet.
Maddie Baker | Piano, Clarinet
Maddie Baker is currently the General Music Teacher at Redding Elementary School. She holds a bachelors degree in Music Education from Moravian University and is certified to teach preschool through twelve grade. During her time at Moravian, she participated in a wide range of ensembles, some of which including Clarinet Choir, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Woodwind Trio, Marching Band, Improv Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, and the Jazz Ensemble.
Maddie Baker believes that starting music from a young age helps adolescents grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In her last year at Moravian, she wrote a thesis on the benefits of Music Education on Middle School Adolescence and Brain Development. She uses her research and beliefs to teach a well rounded curriculum at her school and within her lessons.
John Goldschmid | Piano
John Goldschmid is a pianist, composer and teacher. He has extensive background in music theory and ear training from years of study at University of Connecticut and Berklee College of Music. His teaching method includes both reading music and playing by ear. John has played on movie soundtracks, PBS documentaries, and numerous CDs. He has also been the Minister of Music and organist at the Dingletown Community Church in Greenwich, CT for over 25 years.
Ian Thrasher | Drums
Ian Thrasher is an avid music lover who has played drums and piano for over 20 years. With 8 years of teaching experience, he has instructed students of all ages and levels of ability. He studied percussion and piano as a Jazz Performance major at Western Connecticut State University, as well as under the tutelage of Joe Corsello and Thierry Arpino. Ian has performed in metal bands and jazz combos throughout the Greater New York City area.
Jeremey Lombard | Piano
Jeremey Lombard earned his degree in Classical Piano performance from Western Connecticut State University. He is currently a piano instructor at the Family Music Center in Waterbury, KEYS Music in Bridgeport, and Easton Parks and Rec. Jeremey also serves as the Minister of Music and church pianist at Union Congregational Church Watertown, CT. He performs regularly as lead pianist for many musicals throughout Connecticut.