STAFF
Gerry Diamond
Founder / Instructor / Accounts Manager
gerry@familypianoacademy.com
Thanks to his parents, Gerry Diamond was introduced to piano through formal lessons at the age of 4. From that young age through high school, Gerry studied eagerly under two highly respected teachers in the Long Island, New York area in which he was raised. After high school, Gerry continued his studies at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. He graduated summa cum laude in 1989 with a degree in composition.
Throughout the early 90's, Gerry worked as a performing musician. He settled in the Raleigh area as a result of some friends attending NC State's graduate schools. He began teaching piano in 1992. He enjoyed teaching so much, that he opened his own studio in 1993 (Diamond Piano Academy-Quail Corners Commons). Gerry operated Diamond Piano Academy until 2002. During this time, he created the Diamond Piano Method, a course of study that introduces young musicians to the music theory fundamentals that create the music they are learning to play.
In 2002, Gerry merged Diamond PIano Academy with partners running businesses that specialized in visual arts instruction and summer camp development. He spent the next 4 years helping his new partners open piano studios in several locations in the Charlotte, Cary, and Winston Salem areas. Eager to return to the classroom and concentrate on curriculum development, Gerry opened Family Piano Academy on October 1, 2007.
Throughout the early 90's, Gerry worked as a performing musician. He settled in the Raleigh area as a result of some friends attending NC State's graduate schools. He began teaching piano in 1992. He enjoyed teaching so much, that he opened his own studio in 1993 (Diamond Piano Academy-Quail Corners Commons). Gerry operated Diamond Piano Academy until 2002. During this time, he created the Diamond Piano Method, a course of study that introduces young musicians to the music theory fundamentals that create the music they are learning to play.
In 2002, Gerry merged Diamond PIano Academy with partners running businesses that specialized in visual arts instruction and summer camp development. He spent the next 4 years helping his new partners open piano studios in several locations in the Charlotte, Cary, and Winston Salem areas. Eager to return to the classroom and concentrate on curriculum development, Gerry opened Family Piano Academy on October 1, 2007.
Rick Zayas
Lead Instructor
rick@familypianoacademy.com
Rick Zayas was born in New York City in 1952 and began studying music at the age of 8. Even at that early age, he knew that music would be a big part of his life. His parents had the good fortune of being friends with many influential musicians in the Latin music field during the 1950's and 1960's, a musical influence that would be useful later on in his life as a professional musician. He studied at Fordham University, at Lincoln Center, and at the Julliard School in New York City. He also studied Solfeggio and Composition with the Cuban composer Alberto Socarras, one of the pioneers who brought Latin Jazz to the United States back in the early 1930's.
Rick has had the opportunity to perform and tour with many wonderful performers including Cab Calloway, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Newhart, Hal Linden, Michael Pedicin Jr., and Buddy Greco. Most recently he served as musical director for the Philadelphia based Latin Jazz Band, Eddi Rosado's "En Passant."
Before moving to the Triangle in 2007, Rick was interim teach of Applied Musicianship at Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point, NJ. From 2007 to 2015, Rick worked in the Special Education Department at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC. This position has helped to broaden his approach to teaching students of any age and at any level of piano playing. Rick's main goal is transmitting his love of music to all of his students, especially music theory. He is a firm believer that the process of creating music is just as important as the final product. By looking at the "Big Picture," students can truly experience the fun of playing and creating music.
Rick has had the opportunity to perform and tour with many wonderful performers including Cab Calloway, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Newhart, Hal Linden, Michael Pedicin Jr., and Buddy Greco. Most recently he served as musical director for the Philadelphia based Latin Jazz Band, Eddi Rosado's "En Passant."
Before moving to the Triangle in 2007, Rick was interim teach of Applied Musicianship at Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point, NJ. From 2007 to 2015, Rick worked in the Special Education Department at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC. This position has helped to broaden his approach to teaching students of any age and at any level of piano playing. Rick's main goal is transmitting his love of music to all of his students, especially music theory. He is a firm believer that the process of creating music is just as important as the final product. By looking at the "Big Picture," students can truly experience the fun of playing and creating music.
Tamara Peters
Instructor, Piano & voice
tamara@familypianoacademy.com
Tamara was born and raised in Binghamton, NY. She had an extremely musical upbringing which she attributes to her Ukrainian heritage. She started piano lessons at the age of seven and participated in the school band, marching band, and choir. Aside from piano and voice, she has also played flute, oboe, and baritone saxophone. Her summers in high school were spent attending the New York State Summer School for the Arts in Choral Studies. It was there that she discovered her passion for choral singing and decided to pursue a career in music.
After high school, Tamara attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Voice. In her time at Westminster she was a member of the select group Williamson Voices and performed several times at Carnegie Hall, her favorite being Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. She graduated in 2009 and has since taught general music for grades K-7, chorus for 4th and 5th grade, after school music classes, and private piano lessons. After seven years in the classroom she is excited to begin the next chapter of her career as a private voice and piano instructor.
After high school, Tamara attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Voice. In her time at Westminster she was a member of the select group Williamson Voices and performed several times at Carnegie Hall, her favorite being Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. She graduated in 2009 and has since taught general music for grades K-7, chorus for 4th and 5th grade, after school music classes, and private piano lessons. After seven years in the classroom she is excited to begin the next chapter of her career as a private voice and piano instructor.
Daniel White
Office Manager
admin@familypianoacademy.com
Coming soon!
Hope Auer
After School Instructor, Thales Apex
Hope Auer has played piano for eighteen years and has had eight years of teaching experience. She has studied with a variety of teachers and continues to learn about different teaching techniques to further encourage her students to love music and to love learning. Hope has been the Secretary and the Vice-President of the Cary Apex Piano Teacher's Association and continues to serve there as the Secretary. She really enjoys catering to the different styles of music that the individual student wants to study. Hope teaches classical music as she's studied with different doctors of music, but also loves to add composing and theory to her lessons. She is an accomplished accompanist, playing the piano at church for years and having musically directed several plays and shows. Hope loves teaching chords and lead sheets to prepare students to play for bands and for their churches, as well as to incorporate songs that students hear all around them and want to play for fun. She loves working with children and loves music, and tries to pass down her love for both of these things on to every student with whom she comes into contact.
Hope's creative outlets also extend to acting and directing plays as well as producing historical fiction books including an award-winning book, "A Cry from Egypt", the first of four in "The Promised Land" series as well as an audio drama based on this book.
Hope's creative outlets also extend to acting and directing plays as well as producing historical fiction books including an award-winning book, "A Cry from Egypt", the first of four in "The Promised Land" series as well as an audio drama based on this book.
Ryan Burdett
Instructor, Piano
ryan@familypianoacademy.com
Ryan fostered his love for music at an early age under the influence of his grandfather. He would sit Ryan at his Disklavier piano to watch the movement of the keys as they performed beautiful repertoire. Once his parents acquired a piano of their own, Ryan started his education and exploration of music with piano lessons at the age of 5. Since then Ryan has had several influential mentors, including Family Piano Academy founder Gerry Diamond and Dr. Bair Shagdaron from the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. Ryan studied for four years in the music therapy program and is currently pursuing a music therapy internship, which is the final requirement for completing his degree.
In addition to studying piano and music therapy, Ryan also has a passion for songwriting and composition. Along with teaching and managing front desk responsibilities, Ryan has been tasked with being the unofficial FPA music arranger whenever students wish to learn music that is "off the page". In 2013, Ryan arranged teacher accompaniment parts for every song in the Diamond Piano Method, the same piano curriculum that he credits for helping him understand, write, and interpret Western music.
Ryan also particularly enjoys music as a communal experience. He grew up singing in church choirs under the direction of valued mentor Gene Pipas, and in college sang with the Appalachian State University Singers. He also participated in music ministry with a local church in Boone throughout four years there. During his final year he had the opportunity to lead and direct music for the community.
Currently, Ryan is excited to be a part of the wonderful community at FPA where people are constantly discovering and exploring the world of music!
In addition to studying piano and music therapy, Ryan also has a passion for songwriting and composition. Along with teaching and managing front desk responsibilities, Ryan has been tasked with being the unofficial FPA music arranger whenever students wish to learn music that is "off the page". In 2013, Ryan arranged teacher accompaniment parts for every song in the Diamond Piano Method, the same piano curriculum that he credits for helping him understand, write, and interpret Western music.
Ryan also particularly enjoys music as a communal experience. He grew up singing in church choirs under the direction of valued mentor Gene Pipas, and in college sang with the Appalachian State University Singers. He also participated in music ministry with a local church in Boone throughout four years there. During his final year he had the opportunity to lead and direct music for the community.
Currently, Ryan is excited to be a part of the wonderful community at FPA where people are constantly discovering and exploring the world of music!
Jeanne Beegle
Instructor, PIANO
jeanne@familypianoacademy.com
Jeanne Beegle has taught piano since 1990. Before relocating to Raleigh in 2012, she maintained a home studio in New Jersey, and also taught piano at Studio 46 in her home town, Hackettstown, and at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton.
She studied piano and music at County College of Morris (NJ) and at Centenary College (NJ). In 1998, she earned her MA in Humanities/Music at California State University, with music learning as a thesis topic. In addition, she has taken numerous week-long summer training workshops focusing on technical issues, and how to simplify problem solving at the piano. She is also a strong believer in the importance of music listening for steady progress.
Her main interest in teaching is classical style, but she has a broad interest in almost all styles of music, and enjoys creating simple arrangements of children's, popular and folk songs for stimulating motivation. Her favorite composer is Beethoven.
She studied piano and music at County College of Morris (NJ) and at Centenary College (NJ). In 1998, she earned her MA in Humanities/Music at California State University, with music learning as a thesis topic. In addition, she has taken numerous week-long summer training workshops focusing on technical issues, and how to simplify problem solving at the piano. She is also a strong believer in the importance of music listening for steady progress.
Her main interest in teaching is classical style, but she has a broad interest in almost all styles of music, and enjoys creating simple arrangements of children's, popular and folk songs for stimulating motivation. Her favorite composer is Beethoven.
Debi Brondyke
After-school Instructor at St. Timothy's
debi@familypianoacademy.com
Mrs. Brondyke has taught music for over 30 years. She is an experienced pianist and accompanist and has taught piano, general music, and chorus.
Raised in a Christian home, Mrs. Brondyke demonstrated passion and ability in music from a young age. While still in high school where she participated enthusiastically in music and athletics, she served as the school choir accompanist. Experiences like this helped set her future course of study in church music/piano at Bob Jones University where she met her husband, Brent. They served the Lord together in music ministry at Lebanon Baptist Church in Georgia while still in college. Debi graduated from Bob Jones with a Bachelor of Music degree, as well as a Master of Fine Arts with concentrations in Speech and Music.
The Brondykes began their ministry after college at Faith Baptist Church in Elida, OH where Debi served as the church pianist for 6 years. Both of their sons, Mikah and Evan, were born in Ohio, and Mrs. Brondyke developed a piano studio there, as well.
In 1995, the Brondykes moved to Rocky Mount, NC where Brent became the Music Minister of Falls Road Baptist Church. Debi ministered along side him there in the church and school, as church pianist, part-time organist, school accompanist, children’s chorus teacher, general music teacher, wife and mother. She had a large piano studio in Rocky Mount with as many as 40 students.
Mrs. Brondyke’s piano students have won numerous awards over the years, and her Sonshine Children’s Chorus is a top-quality group with an excellent reputation. She has also accompanied for several community groups.
Mrs. Brondyke is a devoted mother and grandmother, as her son, Mikah, and his wife had their first child in July 2013. She is an avid runner, having completed several full marathons. She’s a big sports fan, too. Her favorite team is the Bob Jones Bruins basketball team on which her son, Evan, plays.
Raised in a Christian home, Mrs. Brondyke demonstrated passion and ability in music from a young age. While still in high school where she participated enthusiastically in music and athletics, she served as the school choir accompanist. Experiences like this helped set her future course of study in church music/piano at Bob Jones University where she met her husband, Brent. They served the Lord together in music ministry at Lebanon Baptist Church in Georgia while still in college. Debi graduated from Bob Jones with a Bachelor of Music degree, as well as a Master of Fine Arts with concentrations in Speech and Music.
The Brondykes began their ministry after college at Faith Baptist Church in Elida, OH where Debi served as the church pianist for 6 years. Both of their sons, Mikah and Evan, were born in Ohio, and Mrs. Brondyke developed a piano studio there, as well.
In 1995, the Brondykes moved to Rocky Mount, NC where Brent became the Music Minister of Falls Road Baptist Church. Debi ministered along side him there in the church and school, as church pianist, part-time organist, school accompanist, children’s chorus teacher, general music teacher, wife and mother. She had a large piano studio in Rocky Mount with as many as 40 students.
Mrs. Brondyke’s piano students have won numerous awards over the years, and her Sonshine Children’s Chorus is a top-quality group with an excellent reputation. She has also accompanied for several community groups.
Mrs. Brondyke is a devoted mother and grandmother, as her son, Mikah, and his wife had their first child in July 2013. She is an avid runner, having completed several full marathons. She’s a big sports fan, too. Her favorite team is the Bob Jones Bruins basketball team on which her son, Evan, plays.
Gene Burrus
Instructor, Piano
gene@familypianoacademy.com
I grew up in Columbus, Georgia and began my first year of piano lessons in first grade. Later, I resumed lessons when I was ten and fell in the love with the instrument. I studied eight years with Ann Jones, a respected local piano teacher until I graduated from high school. I participated in church music from an early age, singing in multiple choirs and playing violin in the church orchestra.
During college I studied music at the University of Mobile and received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, with minors in both Music and Psychology. There, I studied three years in the studio of Becky Fox, head of the Piano department. I also performed in the Piano Ensemble, the String Ensemble, and the University Singers. Later, I moved to Wake Forest, began my master's degree, and served as a church pianist for three years. I finished my Master of Divinity in 2012, and now I'm pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology.
My by-far-favorite period of music history is the Romantic era. I deeply enjoy the piano music of Chopin and Debussy. Beethoven and Rachmaninoff's sonatas, concertos and symphonies are some of my other favorites. I also enjoy sacred music--both liturgical masses and contemporary Christian worship.
Music is one of the few activities students can take into their adult years. It's been a formative part of my life, and I enjoy passing on what I've learned to the next generation.
During college I studied music at the University of Mobile and received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, with minors in both Music and Psychology. There, I studied three years in the studio of Becky Fox, head of the Piano department. I also performed in the Piano Ensemble, the String Ensemble, and the University Singers. Later, I moved to Wake Forest, began my master's degree, and served as a church pianist for three years. I finished my Master of Divinity in 2012, and now I'm pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology.
My by-far-favorite period of music history is the Romantic era. I deeply enjoy the piano music of Chopin and Debussy. Beethoven and Rachmaninoff's sonatas, concertos and symphonies are some of my other favorites. I also enjoy sacred music--both liturgical masses and contemporary Christian worship.
Music is one of the few activities students can take into their adult years. It's been a formative part of my life, and I enjoy passing on what I've learned to the next generation.
Logan Cartwright
after-school Instructor at Thales Raleigh
Logan Cartwright began studying music and trumpet at the age of 8. His parents quickly saw the value of music in the young child’s life and encouraged him to begin taking lessons in order to supplement his school playing. Logan studied with several players in the area including Don Eagle of the NC Symphony. Through middle school and high school Logan played in several of the local student orchestras and brass bands.
In college, Logan quickly found a love of conducting and leading music in addition to trumpet playing. In 2013, he lead and sang tenor/countertenor in the Shades of Purple Barbershop Quartet, performing notable barbershop standards and regularly performing 16th century vocal music. Logan won the Western Carolina University’s Conducting competition in 2014 winning the chance to conduct the university’s symphonic band, a 100+ piece concert band. Later that year he became the music director at Shiloh Baptist Church Rutherfordton, NC where he fell in love with choral music and decided that was the path music was taking him.
Logan is currently the minister of music at East Sanford Baptist Church where he conducts their church choir, children’s choirs, and small ensemble. He has also begun studying at Campbell University for a Masters of Divinity with a concentration in Church Music with intention of graduation in spring of 2018.
In college, Logan quickly found a love of conducting and leading music in addition to trumpet playing. In 2013, he lead and sang tenor/countertenor in the Shades of Purple Barbershop Quartet, performing notable barbershop standards and regularly performing 16th century vocal music. Logan won the Western Carolina University’s Conducting competition in 2014 winning the chance to conduct the university’s symphonic band, a 100+ piece concert band. Later that year he became the music director at Shiloh Baptist Church Rutherfordton, NC where he fell in love with choral music and decided that was the path music was taking him.
Logan is currently the minister of music at East Sanford Baptist Church where he conducts their church choir, children’s choirs, and small ensemble. He has also begun studying at Campbell University for a Masters of Divinity with a concentration in Church Music with intention of graduation in spring of 2018.
Melissa Cassario
Instructor, piano
melissa@familypianoacademy.com
Melissa Cassario is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in music education. She has been with the Wake County Public School System for many years and has taught general music and chorus to hundreds of children at York and Lead Mine Elementary, and is now at Durant Road Elementary. Melissa has two children, Abby and Jake. She sings with her dad and brother in the North Carolina Master Chorale.
Melissa's passion for music developed as a child. She frequently attended concerts in which her father performed and was encouraged to begin piano lessons at the age of eight. The wonderful experiences that sprang from her participation in music, from elementary through high school, convinced Melissa to enter the music education field.
Melissa is passionate about ensuring young children have positive experiences with music. She feels that music is the most basic form of communication. When a child creates music they are able to express themselves with a whole other language. She believes that sometimes music has the words that children are unable to speak.
Melissa's passion for music developed as a child. She frequently attended concerts in which her father performed and was encouraged to begin piano lessons at the age of eight. The wonderful experiences that sprang from her participation in music, from elementary through high school, convinced Melissa to enter the music education field.
Melissa is passionate about ensuring young children have positive experiences with music. She feels that music is the most basic form of communication. When a child creates music they are able to express themselves with a whole other language. She believes that sometimes music has the words that children are unable to speak.
John Corey
Instructor, piano
john@familypianoacademy.com
John Corey, III is a native of Greenville, North Carolina and has been acquainted with piano for over 23 years. He first expressed interest in piano after attending group piano lessons with his mom as a little boy.
John began his formal training in 1990 with Mr. Johnny Wooten and remained under his tutelage until 1992. In 1994, John studied eight months with Sylvia Barfield where he discovered he had a gift for playing by ear. From 1994-2000, his love for music grew as he studied gospel drums and organ, and directed a youth choir. In 2000, John returned to formal classical piano study with Dr. Charles Bath at East Carolina University.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University in 2006, with dual degrees in music education and mathematics education. In addition to studying classical piano under Dr. Bath, John also studied with Henry Doskey and Paul Tardiff. He was an established choral director at East Millbrook Magnet School in Wake County from 2006-2011. Under his direction, the East Millbrook Middle School Chorus won five superior awards. He is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music Education and is an M.M. Graduate student at UNC-G. He currently is the director of choirs and orchestra at South Central High School in Winterville, NC and the Minister of Music at the Anointed Ones Church International in Ayden, NC. John loves working with young musicians and has a passion for helping students achieve
more than they realized they could. His favorite composers are Chopin and Beethoven.
John began his formal training in 1990 with Mr. Johnny Wooten and remained under his tutelage until 1992. In 1994, John studied eight months with Sylvia Barfield where he discovered he had a gift for playing by ear. From 1994-2000, his love for music grew as he studied gospel drums and organ, and directed a youth choir. In 2000, John returned to formal classical piano study with Dr. Charles Bath at East Carolina University.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University in 2006, with dual degrees in music education and mathematics education. In addition to studying classical piano under Dr. Bath, John also studied with Henry Doskey and Paul Tardiff. He was an established choral director at East Millbrook Magnet School in Wake County from 2006-2011. Under his direction, the East Millbrook Middle School Chorus won five superior awards. He is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music Education and is an M.M. Graduate student at UNC-G. He currently is the director of choirs and orchestra at South Central High School in Winterville, NC and the Minister of Music at the Anointed Ones Church International in Ayden, NC. John loves working with young musicians and has a passion for helping students achieve
more than they realized they could. His favorite composers are Chopin and Beethoven.
Kelly Craig
After-school Instructor at Durant Rd and Thales Wake Forest
kelly@familypianoacademy.com
Kelly began taking piano lessons at the age of 12 and was so happy to
finally do something she had longed to do for years - play the piano!
She started a little later than most, but quickly closed the gap
through her excitement and eagerness to "catch up."
She continued private lessons through college and also gained
experience through the years by serving as pianist at several
churches, along with teaching privately and playing for weddings and
funerals. Currently, she serves as accompanist for a local middle
school chorus and teaches here at the studio and in our after-school
program at one of the Thales Academy campuses.
Kelly is married to Rob, who serves as Outreach Pastor at North Wake
Church in Wake Forest, where they have been for the past 25 years.
They have four children, ranging in age from 12 to 26.
"I love to tell my students that playing the piano for others is like
telling a wonderful story; you make the music come alive for others by
conveying feeling and emotion through your own personal touch and
emphasis at the piano."
finally do something she had longed to do for years - play the piano!
She started a little later than most, but quickly closed the gap
through her excitement and eagerness to "catch up."
She continued private lessons through college and also gained
experience through the years by serving as pianist at several
churches, along with teaching privately and playing for weddings and
funerals. Currently, she serves as accompanist for a local middle
school chorus and teaches here at the studio and in our after-school
program at one of the Thales Academy campuses.
Kelly is married to Rob, who serves as Outreach Pastor at North Wake
Church in Wake Forest, where they have been for the past 25 years.
They have four children, ranging in age from 12 to 26.
"I love to tell my students that playing the piano for others is like
telling a wonderful story; you make the music come alive for others by
conveying feeling and emotion through your own personal touch and
emphasis at the piano."
Maggie Crawford
Instructor, piano
maggie@familypianoacademy.com
Maggie Crawford was raised in Ohio, where she discovered her love for the piano. In high school she decided that she wanted to be able to teach and pass that love on to others. Her teacher at the time, Connie Anderson, encouraged her along the way and continued to help as her academic advisor in University. While attending Cedarville University, she was taught by Dr. Charles Clevenger. In 2005 she graduated with a degree in Keyboard Pedagogy and taught in Ohio for several years after graduation. She loves to accompany, and has accompanied for a wide variety of instruments and functions. She has also played for church for several years prior to moving to Raleigh.
In 2009, Maggie discovered Family Piano Academy and moved to Raleigh. She hopes to continue passing on her passion and love for playing piano for many years. |
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Keith Lewis
Instructor, piano / guitar / bass
keith@familypianoacademy.com
Keith began studying piano at 8 years old, when his grandparents shipped his parents an old piano that had been sitting unused in their basement for many years. From there, he picked up the trumpet at 12, which took him to Japan on tour with his high school band in 2005, into the studio with his school jazz band, and finally the music program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. While at Case, Keith threw himself into recording, enrolling in the joint program between Case and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Alongside his recording studies, Keith studied classical and jazz theory, electronic music composition and sound design, and added electric and upright bass to his arsenal.
Towards the end of his time at Case, Keith formed a friendship with music director Paul Ferguson, who invited him to record and produce two albums for his own group, the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra, and one for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. In the fall of 2010, Keith was invited to join the Tesla Orchestra on a two week European Tour as their music director and audio engineer, and has continued arranging and composing music for the ensemble ever since. After returning from the tour, Keith threw himself into gigging with various ensembles ranging from pit orchestras, to classic rock bands, to zydeco/cumbia/forro/pan-americana bands all over the Boston area, until he was invited to join a full time touring band based out of Raleigh. Now in Raleigh, Keith plays with a number of local music groups and is very excited to continue his teaching career at Family Piano Academy.
Towards the end of his time at Case, Keith formed a friendship with music director Paul Ferguson, who invited him to record and produce two albums for his own group, the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra, and one for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. In the fall of 2010, Keith was invited to join the Tesla Orchestra on a two week European Tour as their music director and audio engineer, and has continued arranging and composing music for the ensemble ever since. After returning from the tour, Keith threw himself into gigging with various ensembles ranging from pit orchestras, to classic rock bands, to zydeco/cumbia/forro/pan-americana bands all over the Boston area, until he was invited to join a full time touring band based out of Raleigh. Now in Raleigh, Keith plays with a number of local music groups and is very excited to continue his teaching career at Family Piano Academy.
Antonina Mazilu
Instructor, piano & violin
tonia@familypianoacademy.com
Antonina received her Master’s degree in Music from University of California, Irvine. She has over a decade experience in teaching violin and piano to students of any age. She specializes in teaching violin and piano technique, sight reading, ear training, and music theory, as well as preparing students for recitals and examinations. Antonina also enjoys performing. While at UCI, she was a violinist in “From the Top” program series with Christopher O’Riley and led the UCI orchestra as the concertmaster. She also performed numerous times at her local church and for private events. Antonina also served as a violinist in Rio Hondo Symphony for several years. Antonina’s favorite composers are Brahms, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. She is passionate about teaching students the wonder of music, and is excited to join the excellent faculty of FPA!
Valentina Palanciuc
Instructor, piano
valentina@familypianoacademy.com
Valentina has been teaching classical piano to all ages for over four decades. Many of her students have won piano competitions and continue to pursue piano careers. Valentina has taught at the Children's Music School and College of Theology in Rep. of Moldova, Europe. She also has taught at Yamaha Music Academy in Fullerton, CA and prepared students for Associated Board of Royal School of Music examinations. Valentina has acted as principal church pianist in several churches for many years. She received her degree from Moldavian State University of Arts and studied with Olga Jukova, professor at Moscow Conservatory. Valentina wrote the article "How Piano Lessons Influence Your Child's Overall Development" and she is excited to pass on her love and appreciation for music to her students.
Pam Patterson
Instructor (PIano) at Durant Rd and Glenwood Ave
pam@familypianoacademy.com
Pam received her music degree from UNCG, where she studied piano, flute and music composition. After graduation, she started teaching music, and began performing with the Charlotte-based Celtic band Maggie's Fancy. Their recordings were played on many radio stations including the BBC and the NPR radio show Thistle and Shamrock. She was the music director at St. Luke Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC, where a mass she wrote was regularly used.
In 1999, she moved to the Triangle where she had a few good college friends. She felt a connection with the people and was attracted to the atmosphere provided by the many universities in the area. Here, she taught for many years at Pearson Music and began playing regularly for Mars Hill Baptist Church. She is excited to be joining the Family Piano Academy and continuing to teach.
In 1999, she moved to the Triangle where she had a few good college friends. She felt a connection with the people and was attracted to the atmosphere provided by the many universities in the area. Here, she taught for many years at Pearson Music and began playing regularly for Mars Hill Baptist Church. She is excited to be joining the Family Piano Academy and continuing to teach.
David Prodoehl
Instructor, piano, Electric Bass, & STRING Bass
david@familypianoacademy.com
Piano or bass lessons can be fun! Really!!
I love all types of music, and I enjoy the challenge of finding out how best to help my students plug into the wonderful world of music in an entertaining and relaxed manner. Music is thrilling and I believe that learning it should be too.
I have over 15 years of teaching experience, a Master of Music degree from ECU, and I've performed with many outstanding orchestras and musicians in the Triangle area (North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh Symphony, Carolina Philharmonic, churches, rock bands, and chamber music ensembles).
I instruct at the college level, including teaching on-line for Pitt Community College, but I love working with brand new beginners too. I have also taught in local public and private schools and performed for numerous churches on piano, organ, string bass and (electric) bass guitar.
My students use a combination of method books, scales, exercises as well as supplemental songs and pieces which they are encouraged to help pick. Students enjoy learning to play songs that they choose.
Because it’s so important for being a successful bass player, I integrate practical music theory into the bass lessons. This gives my students a deep understanding for creating bass lines.
I love all types of music, and I enjoy the challenge of finding out how best to help my students plug into the wonderful world of music in an entertaining and relaxed manner. Music is thrilling and I believe that learning it should be too.
I have over 15 years of teaching experience, a Master of Music degree from ECU, and I've performed with many outstanding orchestras and musicians in the Triangle area (North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh Symphony, Carolina Philharmonic, churches, rock bands, and chamber music ensembles).
I instruct at the college level, including teaching on-line for Pitt Community College, but I love working with brand new beginners too. I have also taught in local public and private schools and performed for numerous churches on piano, organ, string bass and (electric) bass guitar.
My students use a combination of method books, scales, exercises as well as supplemental songs and pieces which they are encouraged to help pick. Students enjoy learning to play songs that they choose.
Because it’s so important for being a successful bass player, I integrate practical music theory into the bass lessons. This gives my students a deep understanding for creating bass lines.
Ross Smith
Guitar
admin@familypianoacademy.com
Ross began studying music early in childhood, and has specialized in string pedagogy.
In recent years, Ross has studied with jazz artist and renowned professor Derek Day in college. From this, Ross incorporates jazz creativity into his current writing projects and has used much of same harmonic structures to incorporate the best accompaniment for other promising musicians in the Triangle and abroad. He continues to maintain a studious approach to music while producing tasteful and professional musicianship to whomever might need.
For 3-5 years, Ross has been the pastoral intern for worship ministry at his church and leads worship regularly in Durham. Several years of teaching privately, has been Ross’s most enjoyable music project: teaching others to love music and to enjoy cognitive music pursuits. Ross teaches children and adults alike from beginner to professional.
In recent years, Ross has studied with jazz artist and renowned professor Derek Day in college. From this, Ross incorporates jazz creativity into his current writing projects and has used much of same harmonic structures to incorporate the best accompaniment for other promising musicians in the Triangle and abroad. He continues to maintain a studious approach to music while producing tasteful and professional musicianship to whomever might need.
For 3-5 years, Ross has been the pastoral intern for worship ministry at his church and leads worship regularly in Durham. Several years of teaching privately, has been Ross’s most enjoyable music project: teaching others to love music and to enjoy cognitive music pursuits. Ross teaches children and adults alike from beginner to professional.
Laura DiPuma
Piano & Flute
admin@familypianoacademy.com
Laura DiPuma is originally from Long Island, New York where she studied flute with Barbara Norpoth and Piano with Suzanne Willoughby. Growing up in the NYC metro area, she was surrounded by the Arts and had an excellent Arts education. Laura attended the Crane School of music at the State University of New York where she obtained a Bachelors in Music Education. She completed her student teaching in upstate New York at the Fort Drum Army base. A lot of her students were preparing to play in military bands themselves. Laura obtained her Masters degree in Music Education from Boston University's College of Fine and Performing Arts and wrote her thesis on gender stereotyping in elementary instrumental band recruitment and reversing the trend. She has been teaching instrumental music in the public schools for 11 years and has been teaching privately since 2000.
Some highlights of her career in Music Education include being nominated as teacher of the year, writing music curriculum for several school districts, guest conducting festivals and adjudicating region band, winning all sorts of grants including ipads, ukuleles, 90 violins and a world drumming curriculum. She has been accepted to teach on faculty at the Carnegie Hall All American Middle and High School Band programs annually in New York City. Laura performs regularly in the NYC metro area as well as the Triangle here in North Carolina.
Currently, Laura teaches elementary school music at a local elementary school where she teaches General Music classes, recorder, chorus and directs musicals. When she is not participating in musical pursuits, she can be found hiking or doing any sort of outdoor activity, exploring downtown Raleigh and spending time with her Maltese, Clara; named after the composer Clara Schumann!
Some highlights of her career in Music Education include being nominated as teacher of the year, writing music curriculum for several school districts, guest conducting festivals and adjudicating region band, winning all sorts of grants including ipads, ukuleles, 90 violins and a world drumming curriculum. She has been accepted to teach on faculty at the Carnegie Hall All American Middle and High School Band programs annually in New York City. Laura performs regularly in the NYC metro area as well as the Triangle here in North Carolina.
Currently, Laura teaches elementary school music at a local elementary school where she teaches General Music classes, recorder, chorus and directs musicals. When she is not participating in musical pursuits, she can be found hiking or doing any sort of outdoor activity, exploring downtown Raleigh and spending time with her Maltese, Clara; named after the composer Clara Schumann!
