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Meet Our Team
Staff
Owner/ School Director
David DiPietro
Owner/ Director
Stephanie DiPietro
Owner/ Studio Director
Doug Lane
Guitar
David DiPietro
Dave is one of New Jersey's legacy guitarists with decades of experience as a touring recording artist as well as a local musician.
Recording artist with seven national released Albums including TT Quick, Prophet, Nuclear Assault. Currently playing with Kenny Dubman and the Whole 9 Yards.
Dave has taught and influenced many of NJ's pro guitarists including Zakk Wylde of Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne fame.
Dave teaches a very tactile method of guitar playing with an emphasis on technique and applied music theory.
Use the YouTube link below to see one of Dave's recent performances at the Stone Pony's 50th anniversary show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzqAPsJKMmM
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Matt O'Ree
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Matt O’Ree brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his students.
A former guitarist for Bon Jovi, Matt is also the winner of Guitar Center’s prestigious King of the Blues Competition and an inductee into the NY/NJ Blues Hall of Fame.
Matt's teaching legacy is proven as many of his students have gone on to attend top music colleges, form bands, and build successful full-time music careers.
Whether guiding beginners or mentoring advanced players, Matt inspires musicians to reach their full potential on and off the stage.
Ron Nash
Ron is an experienced creative performer and teacher of a variety of musical styles who is well versed in Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Classical guitar.
Ron is comfortable on stage and composes and records in a private home studio where he is a M.I.D.I. Specialist and has experience with S.M.P.T.E/VIDEO.
Ron is author of "A METHOD for the SERIOUS BEGINNER GUITARIST" and "The SHAPES OF THINGS" book series.
Ron has played with many of the great musicians from the New Jersey/New York area.
ABILITIES
* Instruction tailored to individual student's needs.
* Turn self-taught guitar players into thinking musicians.
* Teach advanced improvisational concepts to accomplished players.
* Instill a genuine love for different styles of music.
* Encourage and promote students of like abilities to practice and jam together.
* Teach Harmony and Theory as it applies to each student's musical interests.
* Keep students up-to-date on current musical trends and equipment.
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Ramona Simone
Joe Parisi
Music together, beginner guitar, and audio engineering
Joe’s journey in audio began at age 8 with a guitar and a goal: by 13, he knew he was destined for the control room. A Berklee College of Music alumnus, Joe graduated with a dual major in Music Production & Engineering and Music Business before launching a career in game audio. Over two decades, he rose from sound designer to Audio Director for studios like N-Fusion Interactive and iNK Stories, collaborating with industry titans including Square Enix, Rockstar, The Jim Henson Company, and Bethesda.
Today, Joe operates at the intersection of art and technology. With 20 years of professional experience and the perspective of a father of three, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of engineers and artists, sharing the expertise gained from some of the most iconic franchises in entertainment.
Aka: Simone
Simone is a native of Hazlet with a strong value of community.
Simone has a bachelor's degree in Music Industry Tech from Rowan University College of the Arts, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Simone strives to keep music fun and teaches students of all ages (beginner to intermediate levels).
Simone always promotes creativity and passion to help students achieve positive outcomes.
Piano
Soo Jackowski
Soo has been singing and playing piano from an early age and is a dedicated and experienced music educator specializing in early childhood development and comprehensive music enrichment. With a decade of experience teaching Pre-K and a background in private piano instruction, she possesses a deep understanding of nurturing both foundational and instrumental skills in young learners. During her time as a teacher, she developed and implemented a music enrichment program that introduces young students to various instruments, music theory fundamentals, and world music, fostering an appreciation for the arts. She is also a certified Music Together Teacher and enjoys creating engaging, developmentally appropriate curricula. A lifelong musician, she has utilized her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University to foster an educational environment where students thrive both creatively and emotionally. Outside the classroom, Soo serves as a worship leader, vocalist, and keyboardist at North Shore Fellowship, bringing years of musical performance and leadership experience from various churches across New Jersey. She is driven by a deep joy in watching children develop their skills and their lifelong enjoyment of music.
Dhruv Banerji
Dhruv is an accomplished Pianist and Trumpeter and is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.
Dhruvs honors and achievements include Berklee Al Natale Scholarship Award. Berklee Brass Department Divisional Award & the 4th highest score at the New Jersey All State Wind Ensemble.
Dhruv teaches piano and Brass for beginner - Advanced students with emphasis on Higher education and performance prep
Glenn Kahn
Glenn is a gifted pianist with decades of teaching and performance experience.
Glenn teaches beginners - intermediate level students with an emphasis on special needs and early childhood development
Drums & Percussion
Brian Kollins
Drum and percussion department leader. With decades of experience as a teacher, live performance and recording sessions, drummer. Brian is a top tier instructor teaching beginner - advanced students
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Jimmy Mizell
Jimmy Mizell is one of Monmouth County NJ's premiere drummers. Studied with Jo Cusatis at the Modern Drum Workshop NJ, and Terry Silverlight at the Drummers Collective NYC
Jimmy is a seasoned pro who has worked with Ben E. King, Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz. Jimmy has shared the stage with the E Street band. Jimmy performs with all the Asbury park greats as well as his own projects.
Jimmy is also the drum section leader of Tim McCloon's Holiday Express. Jimmy offers advanced instruction to beginner through advanced drummers in contemporary drumming of most styles including Jazz
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Tommy Bell
Tommy Bell is a dynamic drummer whose playing bridges the raw energy of rock & roll with the soulful intricacy of jazz. Known for his powerful groove and refined sense of rhythm, Tommy brings both drive and finesse to every stage he steps on.
Starting at the young age of 5 Tommy picked up his first drumsticks. At the age of 8 he went on to take lessons at Guitar Center for approximately 3 years.
Since then, Tommy has gone on to play stages as great as the Stone Pony as well as Starland Ballroom. Always chasing the perfect balance of feel and expression, Tommy continues to push his craft forward - proving that great drumming is as much about heart as it is about technique. He now strives to share his love of drumming with his students - young and old, experienced and newcomers, all are welcome in the world of music!
Recording Engineer
Eric Rachel
Producer with 30 years of professional experience