Barry Spatz
Piano, Composition
Piano, Composition
Barry Spatz has been playing piano since the age of five. While in high
school he was a member of the Jazz Band where he performed for the
great trombonist Slide Hampton. He attended the Governor's School for
the Performing Arts with a concentration in Jazz Piano. He was also a
member of the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra from 2005 - 2006 where he
performed at numerous Jazz venues including Zanibar Blue in
Philadelphia. Additionally in 2006, Barry was part of the Piano Dedication
Concert at Burlington Township Performing Arts Center where he
performed as part of a multi-keyboard ensemble and soloist under the
direction of Stanley Cowell.
school he was a member of the Jazz Band where he performed for the
great trombonist Slide Hampton. He attended the Governor's School for
the Performing Arts with a concentration in Jazz Piano. He was also a
member of the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra from 2005 - 2006 where he
performed at numerous Jazz venues including Zanibar Blue in
Philadelphia. Additionally in 2006, Barry was part of the Piano Dedication
Concert at Burlington Township Performing Arts Center where he
performed as part of a multi-keyboard ensemble and soloist under the
direction of Stanley Cowell.
Barry has accompanied many pit orchestras for various musicals and is currently working on
composing a full-length musical. Recently, he served as the musical director for a production
of Seussical. While studying at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Barry
was the pianist for the award-winning Scarlet Knights Jazz Trombones and the Rutgers
University Ensemble which performed at the Blue Note in New York City. Barry enjoys
teaching music because he wants to pass on the knowledge of this universal art form that
many others have bestowed upon him.
composing a full-length musical. Recently, he served as the musical director for a production
of Seussical. While studying at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Barry
was the pianist for the award-winning Scarlet Knights Jazz Trombones and the Rutgers
University Ensemble which performed at the Blue Note in New York City. Barry enjoys
teaching music because he wants to pass on the knowledge of this universal art form that
many others have bestowed upon him.
| photo coming soon... |
"Now approaching his senior year at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, Barry
Spatz has been an outstanding jazz piano major studying with me since his freshman year.
Barry has grown tremendously as a musician, always learning and developing on his own, and
exceeding my expectations for assignments and lessons. His studies with me have ranged from
Bach to Bartok, and from solo jazz piano transcriptions to traditional and recent approaches in
improvised music. I believe he truly understands the importance of the traditions of jazz, and
how those traditions can shape his personal direction for tomorrow. His musicianship –
harmonic usage, improvisation, rhythmic sense, sight-reading and virtuosity are well beyond
that of the majority of his jazz peers. I most highly recommend him as a piano instructor with
Music Notes Academy."
Stanley Cowell
Chair of Jazz Program
Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Spatz has been an outstanding jazz piano major studying with me since his freshman year.
Barry has grown tremendously as a musician, always learning and developing on his own, and
exceeding my expectations for assignments and lessons. His studies with me have ranged from
Bach to Bartok, and from solo jazz piano transcriptions to traditional and recent approaches in
improvised music. I believe he truly understands the importance of the traditions of jazz, and
how those traditions can shape his personal direction for tomorrow. His musicianship –
harmonic usage, improvisation, rhythmic sense, sight-reading and virtuosity are well beyond
that of the majority of his jazz peers. I most highly recommend him as a piano instructor with
Music Notes Academy."
Stanley Cowell
Chair of Jazz Program
Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
The teaching faculty of Music Notes Academy is comprised of artist
teachers, performing musicians, college professors and school
educators who all have unique and specialized musical
backgrounds. Music Notes Academy instructors are university and
conservatory educated musicians who are committed to
delivering educational excellence to all students via a
comprehensive and sequential curriculum centered and focused
towards each student’s learning styles, musical goals, interests
and aspirations. All instructors travel to the student's home to
teach music; all instructors may not appear on our website, call
for complete listing.
teachers, performing musicians, college professors and school
educators who all have unique and specialized musical
backgrounds. Music Notes Academy instructors are university and
conservatory educated musicians who are committed to
delivering educational excellence to all students via a
comprehensive and sequential curriculum centered and focused
towards each student’s learning styles, musical goals, interests
and aspirations. All instructors travel to the student's home to
teach music; all instructors may not appear on our website, call
for complete listing.
Ryan McBride, B.M.
Percussion, Piano, Percussion Ensemble
Percussion, Piano, Percussion Ensemble
Chris Matty is no stranger to the music industry with 23 years
experience performing, teaching, producing, mixing and
working in the music business. Chris studied music at Berklee
College of Music in Boston, MA and obtained a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Seton Hall University. He also holds a Master
Certificate in Music Business and Technology from Berklee
College of Music and graduated with high honors. Throughout
his music career, Chris Matty had the opportunity to study
under music teachers and mentors such as Jim Leahey (son of
jazz great, Harry Leahey), Jazz guitarist John Harrity and
Berklee professor Robin Stone.
Chris began teaching at Hillsborough High School in
Hillsborough, NJ as an assistant percussion instructor under
Brian Wheeler and received accolades in many regional
competitions and championships. More recently, Chris worked
as an audio engineer for keyboardist and record producer
David Rosenthal (Billy Joel) and session drummer Jonathon
Mover (Joe Satriani) in recording studios throughout the NYC
metropolitan area. Chris currently owns his own 48-track
Digidesign Pro Tools production studio, The Lair, and is an
advanced user of Apple's Logic and Propellerhead's Reason.
experience performing, teaching, producing, mixing and
working in the music business. Chris studied music at Berklee
College of Music in Boston, MA and obtained a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Seton Hall University. He also holds a Master
Certificate in Music Business and Technology from Berklee
College of Music and graduated with high honors. Throughout
his music career, Chris Matty had the opportunity to study
under music teachers and mentors such as Jim Leahey (son of
jazz great, Harry Leahey), Jazz guitarist John Harrity and
Berklee professor Robin Stone.
Chris began teaching at Hillsborough High School in
Hillsborough, NJ as an assistant percussion instructor under
Brian Wheeler and received accolades in many regional
competitions and championships. More recently, Chris worked
as an audio engineer for keyboardist and record producer
David Rosenthal (Billy Joel) and session drummer Jonathon
Mover (Joe Satriani) in recording studios throughout the NYC
metropolitan area. Chris currently owns his own 48-track
Digidesign Pro Tools production studio, The Lair, and is an
advanced user of Apple's Logic and Propellerhead's Reason.
Featured Recording Credits
- Mixing on "Believe" by Jamie Drastik from Making The Band 2, featuring Money Harm of Product
G&B (Maria Maria by Carlos Santana) - Signed to a worldwide distribution deal for self-titled album and It Factor Music: Volume #1, with
both albums available through Apple iTunes, Napster, Amazon and Rhapsody - Signed to Performing Rights Organization BMI
- Song created by It Factor Music placed in Canadian television show "Chris and John to the
Rescue" - Currently co-writing, producing and mixing upcoming debut record for Kerri Edelman, niece of
award winning film composer Randy Elemen (Gettysburg, The Last of the Mohicans, Billy
Madison) - Assistant Engineer for Broadway's Moving Out, Matt Kramer of Saigon Kick and progressive rock
band, Happy The Man - Producing and mixing singles for Chance Encounter and It Factor Music
Christopher Matty, B.A.
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Music Production, Music Technology
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Music Production, Music Technology
Sean Spada, B.A.
Piano
Piano
On the business side of music, Chris's experience ranges from A&M Records and IdolMakerz
Entertainment to C&D Artist Management, working in the areas of A&R, publicity, radio
promotions and management - work includes records by artist's Fat Joe, Ice-T, Cassidy and
Jamie Drastik. Chris Matty’s performance expertise includes genres such as Rock, Jazz and
Pop. He can usually be found writing and recording music for a multitude of artists, including
his songwriting partnership company, If Factor Music. Whether he is playing guitar, bass,
keyboards or producing and arranging, Chris Matty's brings a multitude of experience and
excitement to his profession.
Entertainment to C&D Artist Management, working in the areas of A&R, publicity, radio
promotions and management - work includes records by artist's Fat Joe, Ice-T, Cassidy and
Jamie Drastik. Chris Matty’s performance expertise includes genres such as Rock, Jazz and
Pop. He can usually be found writing and recording music for a multitude of artists, including
his songwriting partnership company, If Factor Music. Whether he is playing guitar, bass,
keyboards or producing and arranging, Chris Matty's brings a multitude of experience and
excitement to his profession.
Sean Spada has been teaching piano, music theory
and improvisation for over five years. He graduated
from Boston University in 2004 with a BA in Music &
English and additionally studied composition at the
Juilliard School as well as taking private lessons in
classical and jazz piano. Sean has performed and
recorded with a wide variety of artists, including
Sarianna & the Swell (best band in Danbury according
to the Fairfield Weekly), the Stairs
and improvisation for over five years. He graduated
from Boston University in 2004 with a BA in Music &
English and additionally studied composition at the
Juilliard School as well as taking private lessons in
classical and jazz piano. Sean has performed and
recorded with a wide variety of artists, including
Sarianna & the Swell (best band in Danbury according
to the Fairfield Weekly), the Stairs
(2005 “Best of Boston” according to the Phoenix), the
Takeover UK (debut LP coming out in soon on Rykodisc) and
Soltero. Sean also writes & records his own songs. Sean has
been teaching music with Music Notes Academy since
September 2007.
Takeover UK (debut LP coming out in soon on Rykodisc) and
Soltero. Sean also writes & records his own songs. Sean has
been teaching music with Music Notes Academy since
September 2007.
Music Notes Academy Office: (908) 393.1418 Director's Mobile: (908) 938.0366
| Est. 2000 |
| Music Teachers |
| Instructor background checks completed by Intelius |
| Music Notes Academy, LLC PO Box 8035 Bridgewater, NJ 08807-8035 Music Notes Academy Office: 908.393.1418 Director's Mobile: 908.938.0366 Website By Brandon Kurzawa for Music Notes Academy, LLC Contact Webmaster Reproduction of website content is strictly prohibited, contact Music Notes Academy for reprint permission. Copyright © 2009 Music Notes Academy, LLC. All Rights Reserved. |
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Drummer Ryan McBride grew up in New England and began
drum set a few years later. In addition to performing in
various bands, wind ensembles and pit orchestras, Ryan
Orchestra for the 2002 - 2003 season.
Mr. McBride began studying drums with Chuck Brown in the
San Francisco Bay area after reading about how he
mentored such drumming luminaries as David Garibaldi
(Tower of Power), Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa), Mike Clark
(Herbie Hancock) and Michael Shrieve (Santana). During this
time he also received lessons from Count Basie Big Band
veteran Harold Jones.
drum set a few years later. In addition to performing in
various bands, wind ensembles and pit orchestras, Ryan
Orchestra for the 2002 - 2003 season.
Mr. McBride began studying drums with Chuck Brown in the
San Francisco Bay area after reading about how he
mentored such drumming luminaries as David Garibaldi
(Tower of Power), Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa), Mike Clark
(Herbie Hancock) and Michael Shrieve (Santana). During this
time he also received lessons from Count Basie Big Band
veteran Harold Jones.
Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a Ryan
went on to graduate magna cum laude from
Bachelor of Music in Performance. While at Berklee,
his professors included Mark Walker, John Ramsay
and Jon Hazilla. He also worked with Joe Lovano,
Makoto Takenaka.
Ryan's specialties as an instructor include Jazz,
Latin and funk/fusion styles applying his personal
curricular approach towards the Alan Dawson
method for developing hand and foot coordination.
Ryan enjoys teaching students of all ages, levels
and abilities, and is comfortable teaching a wide
range of musical genres. He firmly believes in the
power of positive encouragement and creating a
friendly atmosphere for learning.
went on to graduate magna cum laude from
Bachelor of Music in Performance. While at Berklee,
his professors included Mark Walker, John Ramsay
and Jon Hazilla. He also worked with Joe Lovano,
Makoto Takenaka.
Ryan's specialties as an instructor include Jazz,
Latin and funk/fusion styles applying his personal
curricular approach towards the Alan Dawson
method for developing hand and foot coordination.
Ryan enjoys teaching students of all ages, levels
and abilities, and is comfortable teaching a wide
range of musical genres. He firmly believes in the
power of positive encouragement and creating a
friendly atmosphere for learning.
Morristown
Westfield
South Plainfield
Woodbridge
Union
New Brunswick
Wayne
Parsippany
Chatham
Millburn
Livingston
Florham Park
Basking Ridge
Far Hills
Bernardsville
Middlesex
Springfield
Berkely Heights
Westfield
South Plainfield
Woodbridge
Union
New Brunswick
Wayne
Parsippany
Chatham
Millburn
Livingston
Florham Park
Basking Ridge
Far Hills
Bernardsville
Middlesex
Springfield
Berkely Heights
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Piano: Carolyn Thomas earned her Bachelor of Music in Education
from The College of New Jersey, specializing in piano and voice.
Prior to college, she spent 10 years studying piano and 5 years
as a paid church musician. She has since performed on both
piano and organ as a soloist, accompanist and conductor at
various denominations of churches in Northern and Central New
Jersey.
from The College of New Jersey, specializing in piano and voice.
Prior to college, she spent 10 years studying piano and 5 years
as a paid church musician. She has since performed on both
piano and organ as a soloist, accompanist and conductor at
various denominations of churches in Northern and Central New
Jersey.
She has also performed in pit orchestras and has accompanied performances in both
community and college venues, including the Arbeiters Maenner und Damen Chor of
Trenton, NJ and assorted juries and choral performances at The College of New Jersey.
While student-teaching at a Hamilton High School, Carolyn taught several periods of Piano
appropriate. She also taught and accompanied all three choirs there. Ms. Thomas is
classically trained, but is also very flexible, and is comfortable teaching virtually any genre
that a student enjoys.
community and college venues, including the Arbeiters Maenner und Damen Chor of
Trenton, NJ and assorted juries and choral performances at The College of New Jersey.
While student-teaching at a Hamilton High School, Carolyn taught several periods of Piano
appropriate. She also taught and accompanied all three choirs there. Ms. Thomas is
classically trained, but is also very flexible, and is comfortable teaching virtually any genre
that a student enjoys.
Voice: Carolyn Thomas earned her Bachelor of Music in Education from The College of New
Jersey, specializing in piano and voice, receiving her vocal training from Dr. Suzanne
Hickman. As a multi-denominational church musician, Carolyn has worked as a choral
director, conductor, section leader and soloist at various locations in Northern and Central
New Jersey. She performed as an ensemble member in TCNJ's Musical Theater production of
Kiss Me Kate (2004) and as a supporting role in TCNJ's Lyric Theater production of Purcell's
opera, Dido and Aeneas (2007).
Her student-teaching experience at a Hamilton High School consisted primarily of teaching
several choirs (and some individual vocal instruction), where she focused on vocal
production and ear-training, leading to a very well-received concert. Carolyn primarily
teaches in the Bel Canto (formal classical) style, which provides a strong, healthy
foundation for vocalizing in any genre. Carolyn is currently employed full-time at a public
middle school, teaching general music and extra-curricular choir.
Jersey, specializing in piano and voice, receiving her vocal training from Dr. Suzanne
Hickman. As a multi-denominational church musician, Carolyn has worked as a choral
director, conductor, section leader and soloist at various locations in Northern and Central
New Jersey. She performed as an ensemble member in TCNJ's Musical Theater production of
Kiss Me Kate (2004) and as a supporting role in TCNJ's Lyric Theater production of Purcell's
opera, Dido and Aeneas (2007).
Her student-teaching experience at a Hamilton High School consisted primarily of teaching
several choirs (and some individual vocal instruction), where she focused on vocal
production and ear-training, leading to a very well-received concert. Carolyn primarily
teaches in the Bel Canto (formal classical) style, which provides a strong, healthy
foundation for vocalizing in any genre. Carolyn is currently employed full-time at a public
middle school, teaching general music and extra-curricular choir.
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Marielle Kamouh, B.A.
Piano
Piano
Marielle Kamouh earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Pennsylvania. While studying with Debra Ronning, Marielle
performed with numerous groups such as Jazz Bands,
community choirs and piano ensembles. In addition to her
ensemble performances, she instructed piano lessons and
early childhood music classes. Marielle also was a member
Melica, a female a cappella group and performed in Night
on Broadway, a Broadway review, where she performed as
a pianist and vocalist.Marielle Kamouh earned her Bachelor
of Arts degree in
Pennsylvania. While studying with Debra Ronning, Marielle
performed with numerous groups such as Jazz Bands,
community choirs and piano ensembles. In addition to her
ensemble performances, she instructed piano lessons and
early childhood music classes. Marielle also was a member
Melica, a female a cappella group and performed in Night
on Broadway, a Broadway review, where she performed as
a pianist and vocalist.Marielle Kamouh earned her Bachelor
of Arts degree in
Marielle's minor in Theatre
allowed her to experience
unique types of performance
opportunities both on and off
stage. She worked and
performed as the accompanist
to Elizabethtown College's Fine
and Performing Art's production
of Hair (2007), directed a
production of Tender Offer
(2007) and acted in Crab Cakes
(2008). Marielle currently
teaches piano and performs
with her local church choir.
allowed her to experience
unique types of performance
opportunities both on and off
stage. She worked and
performed as the accompanist
to Elizabethtown College's Fine
and Performing Art's production
of Hair (2007), directed a
production of Tender Offer
(2007) and acted in Crab Cakes
(2008). Marielle currently
teaches piano and performs
with her local church choir.
Jonathan Klizas, B.A.
Guitar, Music Technology, Bass Guitar, Mandolin
Guitar, Music Technology, Bass Guitar, Mandolin
Jonathan Klizas is a guitarist with over thirty
years of performing and teaching experience. A
classical guitarist, Jonathan is well versed in rock
and roll, blues, contemporary, popular and Jazz.
He has performed in many different programs
with at variety of instrumentalists and vocalists.
Besides guitar, Mr. Klizas plays many plucked
instruments including Mandolin, Chinese pipa,
Turkish saz, banjo and bass. His musical
interests include the study of music and
instruments of various cultures. Along with his
which he currently teaches in high school.
years of performing and teaching experience. A
classical guitarist, Jonathan is well versed in rock
and roll, blues, contemporary, popular and Jazz.
He has performed in many different programs
with at variety of instrumentalists and vocalists.
Besides guitar, Mr. Klizas plays many plucked
instruments including Mandolin, Chinese pipa,
Turkish saz, banjo and bass. His musical
interests include the study of music and
instruments of various cultures. Along with his
which he currently teaches in high school.
He believes in a teaching philosophy of establishing a positive rapport with his students
and creating an enjoyable experience in order for the student to be successful. Mr. Klizas
earned a B.A. in Music Education from Montclair State University where he graduated
summa cum laude. He was also recipient of the School of the Art's Academic Excellence
award. He has a standard certificate for teaching music from the state of New Jersey.
and creating an enjoyable experience in order for the student to be successful. Mr. Klizas
earned a B.A. in Music Education from Montclair State University where he graduated
summa cum laude. He was also recipient of the School of the Art's Academic Excellence
award. He has a standard certificate for teaching music from the state of New Jersey.
Mike Wilkens, B.M., M.M.
Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Piano
Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Piano
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Mike Wilkens began his music education studying saxophone
privately with Chicago saxophonist Greg Fishman. He
continued at Northern Illinois University as a music
performance major in 1993. He studied both classical and
jazz saxophone, clarinet and piano. He transferred to
Berklee College of Music to study saxophone with Bill Pierce
and George Garzone. Mike graduated from Berklee in 1998
with a degree in jazz performance.
Mike Wilkens performed under the direction of Quincy Jones
in Q's 50 Years in Music celebration at the 1996 Montraux
Jazz Festival. He has also performed with Patti Austin, Phil
Collins, Chaka Khan, Toots Thielemans, Gerald Albright,
David Sanborn, Paquito D'Rivera, Lou Marini, Bob Mintzer and
Tito Puente.
privately with Chicago saxophonist Greg Fishman. He
continued at Northern Illinois University as a music
performance major in 1993. He studied both classical and
jazz saxophone, clarinet and piano. He transferred to
Berklee College of Music to study saxophone with Bill Pierce
and George Garzone. Mike graduated from Berklee in 1998
with a degree in jazz performance.
Mike Wilkens performed under the direction of Quincy Jones
in Q's 50 Years in Music celebration at the 1996 Montraux
Jazz Festival. He has also performed with Patti Austin, Phil
Collins, Chaka Khan, Toots Thielemans, Gerald Albright,
David Sanborn, Paquito D'Rivera, Lou Marini, Bob Mintzer and
Tito Puente.
From 1998 to 2001, Mike Wilkens was a faculty member of
Istanbul Bilgi University's music department. While in
Turkey he led his own trios and played regularly with
Butch Morris's Istanbul Ensemble, Ricky Ford's Istanbul
Jazz Collective, the Selen Gulun Quartet and the Donovan
Mixon Quintet.
Istanbul Bilgi University's music department. While in
Turkey he led his own trios and played regularly with
Butch Morris's Istanbul Ensemble, Ricky Ford's Istanbul
Jazz Collective, the Selen Gulun Quartet and the Donovan
Mixon Quintet.
Mike has recorded on Selen Gulun's album Just About Jazz
Live (2004 DMC Jazz), Oguz Buyukberber's Velvele (2001
(2001 Kalan Muzik).
Now residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mike Wilkens is
studying jazz arranging and composition with Jim McNeely
at William Paterson University. He will receive his Master's
degree in 2009. Mike keeps busy teaching music and
playing with many musicians in the New York City area.
Live (2004 DMC Jazz), Oguz Buyukberber's Velvele (2001
(2001 Kalan Muzik).
Now residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mike Wilkens is
studying jazz arranging and composition with Jim McNeely
at William Paterson University. He will receive his Master's
degree in 2009. Mike keeps busy teaching music and
playing with many musicians in the New York City area.
Teresa Clark, B.A., M.M.
Voice, Piano
Voice, Piano
Teresa grew up in Hershey,
Pennsylvania where she performed
musicals and Pennsylavania's District,
Regional and State Choruses.
Classically trained, Teresa graduated
with a B.A. in Music, specializing in voice
and piano. Performing leading roles in
opera, Teresa received First Place
Honors in a college-wide
Commencement Competition for
female voice.
Pennsylvania where she performed
musicals and Pennsylavania's District,
Regional and State Choruses.
Classically trained, Teresa graduated
with a B.A. in Music, specializing in voice
and piano. Performing leading roles in
opera, Teresa received First Place
Honors in a college-wide
Commencement Competition for
female voice.
Carolyn Thomas, B.M.
Piano, Voice
Piano, Voice
Teresa earned her master's degree in Music from Crown College in Powell, TN, and upon
graduation remained as an adjunct professor of music for seven years. Ms. Clark has
been teaching voice and piano for eight years to students ranging from seven years old
to seventy and has taught voice classes, general music classes, choirs and has been
heavily involved in her church's music ministry. Teresa is currently the church pianist at
New Durham Baptist Church in North Bergan, NJ.
graduation remained as an adjunct professor of music for seven years. Ms. Clark has
been teaching voice and piano for eight years to students ranging from seven years old
to seventy and has taught voice classes, general music classes, choirs and has been
heavily involved in her church's music ministry. Teresa is currently the church pianist at
New Durham Baptist Church in North Bergan, NJ.
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