Barry S., B.M.
Piano, Composition, Jazz Band & Jazz Keyboard Workshop Instructor
Barry 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.
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. Barry joined Music Notes Academy in September of 2008.
The teaching faculty of Music Notes Academy, appearing in alphabetical order,
is comprised of artist teachers, performing musicians, college professors and
school educators who all have unique and specialized musical backgrounds.
Music Notes Academy music 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.
Our instructors travel to the student's home and teach music within our
comprehensive music curriculum, tailoring instructional approaches and content
to match each student's age, ability and musical goals. All instructors may not
appear on our website, call us for complete listing.
Christopher 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 and a Master Certificate in Music Business and
Technology from Berklee College of Music where he 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 Music at Hillsborough High School in Hillsborough, NJ, as an assistant percussion instructor
under Brian Wheeler and received accolades in many regional competitions and championships.
Christopher 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 metropolitan area and is an
advanced user of Apple's Logic Studio and Propellerhead's Reason. On the business side of music, Chris's
professional 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 additional credits include records by
artist's Fat Joe, Ice-T, Cassidy and Jamie Drastik. Christopher's performance expertise includes genres such as
Rock, Jazz and Pop and can usually be found writing and recording music for a multitude of artists, including his
songwriting partnership company, It Factor Music. Whether he is playing guitar, bass, keyboards or producing
and arranging, Christopher brings a multitude of experience and excitement to his profession. Christopher
began teaching with Music Notes Academy in February of 2008.
Christopher M., B.A.
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Rock Bands, Music Production & Music Technology Instructor
Instructor background checks completed by Intelius
[Yes, we do background checks on our teachers...]
Marco, musician, composer, producer and teacher, studied music theory at Rutgers University, The State
University of New Jersey, with guitarist Harry Leahy and conga drumming and Afro-Cuban percussion with
Bobby Sanabria in New York City. Marco spent many years as a guitarist, teacher, songwriter and band
leader, continually performing in national and European venues.
Marco has produced and released numerous commercial recordings and has garnered critical praise in the
New Age music scene. His CD releases, on his own Xonic label, have sold in the tens of thousands, are
reviewed and distributed nationally and have received syndicated and satellite radio airplay.
Marco continues to perform on guitar with his band The Long Gone Daddies, an all acoustic and American
Roots string band which features music from 1940's swing, country, bluegrass, R&B and hits from the
1960's. Additionally, Mr. Dolce is an experienced educator and teacher of English with a New Jersey
teaching certification. Marco joined Music Notes Academy in February of 2009.
Marco D., B.A.
Guitar Instructor
Sean R., B.A.
Woodwinds, Strings, Brass, Piano, Guitar, Composition & Music Theory Instructor
Sean graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. Sean is a
member of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and New Jersey Music Educators Association
(NJMEA). Sean has taught instrumental music in New Jersey public school districts including Paramus,
Ridgewood, Hackensack and Morristown. An experienced teacher of saxophone, clarinet, strings, piano and
music composition, Sean is also a conductor and is the music and artistic director of The Glen Rock Pops.
A composer of merit and with seven completed symphonies, Sean has additionally composed, transcribed
and arranged repertoire for bands, orchestras and various chamber ensembles and solo compositions. His
compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by the Paramus High School Orchestra,
community bands in Bergan County, New Jersey, including the Teaneck Community Band and The Glen Rock
Pops.
A distinguished member of ASCAP, Sean has written various scores for several independent films such as
Save and Once in a Full Moon. Mr. Ryan recently completed the music for the independent film One Angry Man
starring legendary comedian Jackie Mason.



Quality Music Lessons In The Student's Home Drum Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Voice Lesssons, Piano Lessons, Woodwinds, Strings
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Jeff S. is a seasoned instructor in guitar, song writing, music performance and music business. Jeff
welcomes students of all ages and experience levels and has successfully taught beginners to
major label recording artists. A knowledgeable acoustic and electric guitarist, Jeff is versed in
fingerpicking and classical guitar techniques.
Jeff created and taught song writing and music business classes at colleges, universities and music
schools throughout the country, including UCLA, Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College and
The Harrison School of Music.
As a working singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jeff is known for his memorable melodies, intelligently
crafter lyrics and heartfelt vocals. His compositions have earned him over 30 awards from various
national and international songwriting contests and he is a former staff songwriter for Bourne Music,
a New York City-based music publisher.
Some of the artists Jeff has been compared to as a guitarist and vocalist include James Taylor,
Kenny Loggins, John Mayer, Bill Withers, Him Croce, Keb' Mo' and Don Henley.
Jeff is a New Jersey native, however lived and performed in Los Angeles for many years where he
worked in the studio or shared the stage with well-known artists such as Dave Koz, Little Richard,
Norman Brown, Hiroshima and N'Dea Davenport.
Jeff's catalog of over 400 songs and compositions spans virtually every genre, but many of his
tunes are amalgams of pop, blues, jazz, R&B, country and rock. Quite a number of Jeff's songs
have appeared in film by the N.C.A.A. (National Collegiate Athletic Association) as the official
anthem of their N.C.A.A. Hall of Champions in Indianapolis. Additionally, it is also being featured in
a video montage highlighting the career of Olympic gold medal soccer champion Brandi Chastain.
Jeff S., B.A.
Guitar & Song Writing Instructor
"Teeaching and playing music always puts a
smile on my face; especially when I see that
the student is having fun, learning what they
want to learn and feeling the passion about
music that motivated me to pursue a musical
career."
Judi E., B.A., M.A.
Voice & Piano Instructor
Judi E., vocalist, choral singer and music educator was born in Manhattan and has worked
extensively on both the east and west coasts. As a music teacher, productions included St.
Martin of Tours Singers and Falcon Choir for students in grades Kindergarten through eighth
grade.
As a choral singer Judi had the privilege of singing with the renowned Pacific Chorale of Costa
Mesa, the CalState Fullerton University Singers and the CalState University Chamber Singers
under the direction of John Alexander. Judi has additionally sung with Andrea Bocelli, John
Williams, Esa Pekka Salonen and Keith Lockhart and has performed concerts in Germany,
France, Italy and the Czech Republic.
Prior to becoming a music educator, Judi directed episodes of many television programs
including: News Radio, Punky Brewster, The Facts of Life, Charles In Charge and What's Happening
Now!
Judi's educational background includes a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Harpur college,
SUNY Binghampton and an M.A. in Theatre and Speech, the Arts in Secondary Education from
Teachers College, Columbia University. Judi also has her K-12 Teaching Credential from CSU
Fullerton and holds a Level One Orff-Schulwerk Certificate. Judi joined Music Notes Academy
in September 2009.

Angela B., B.M., M.M.
Voice & Piano Instructor
Ms. Angela B.'s most recent performances include a recital in France of French Melodie, the role of Suor
Genovieffa in Puccini's Sour Angelica, various solos in Purcell's The Fairy Queen, a premier production of The
Outlaw and the King by contemporary composer Mark Zuckerman, Olympia in Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann
and as the soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah and Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass.
Angela graduated with a Masters of Music in Voice Performance from Rutgers University. A member of the
Franco American Vocal Academy, Angela performed in two French Melodie recitals and performed as Ninetta in
the Opera du Perigord's production of La Perichole.
Angela's teaching includes stints with FAVA - as part of the faculty she performs solo recitals and is the
program's voice teacher in their summer program in France. Additionally, Angela has instructed voice at various
community music schools for over seven years, including Rutgers University. Angela joined Music Notes
Academy in November of 2009 and teaches voice and piano.
Call Us! (908) 577 - 5905
_About Music Notes Academy
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Music Notes Academy is a community music school and New Jersey in-home music lesson provider. Music
lessons, available for young children, adolescents and adults, are tailored towards each student, in the
comfort and convenience of the student's home, within our comprehensive music curriculum.
Our unique curriculum includes music theory, practical musicianship skills, such as sight reading and ear
training, proper instrument techniques, classical, jazz, contemporary and popular repertoire - students will
learn songs they want learn as well. Each week, students will receive comprehensive music instruction from
our experienced and educated music instructors. Our instructors combine structure and flexibility which offers
a great balance in music education.
Students can additionally perform with our ensembles and bands, such as percussion ensembles and Rock Bands. Our ensembles and bands
perform in our annual Winter Concerts and Spring Student Recitals which commence in Madison, NJ in an auditorium on stage.
Reproduction of website content is strictly prohibited, contact Music Notes Academy for reprint permission.
Copyright © 2009 Music Notes Academy, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Website By Brandon Kurzawa for Music Notes Academy, LLC
Music Notes Academy, LLC Learn Today, Play Tomorrow® PO Box 8035 Bridgewater, NJ 08807-8035
Music Notes Academy Office: (908) 577 - 5905
Learn Today, Play Tomorrow is a registered trademark of Music Notes Academy, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Music Notes Academy Receives 5 Stars!
Judi at our Music Notes office in South Plainfield, NJ.
Erica K., B.M.
Guitar, Piano Instructor
Erica is a knowledgeable, skilled and experienced music instructor. Specializing in piano and guitar, Erica
enjoys teaching students of all ages, especially young beginners who are exploring instruments for the first
time. As a mother of three young girls, she understands the patience and creativity necessary to make
teaching enjoyable while also providing proper musical foundations that are fundamental to a student's
musical success.
Erica's previous work in the music industry for high-profile artists has given her a keen eye for young talent
and a comprehensive understanding of what it really takes to be a musician and a performer. Graduating at
the top of her class at the University of North Texas, Erica holds a Bachelor's degree in Music, specializing in
Musicology and Theory. She had a rare opportunity to study the lute, a Renaissance stringed instrument,
under Lyle Nordstrom and perform with the Collegium Musicum and UNT's early music ensemble. Erica
performs on keyboards with her church band.
Brandon Kurzawa, has been teaching music, specializing in percussion, piano and guitar, since 1999. Mr.
Kurzawa has successfully prepared students for Jazz Band auditions, NJ Regions and All-State Auditions,
MEA piano evaluations, student recitals and performances, and has instructed percussion ensembles, rock
bands and university master classes specializing in percussion. Mr. Kurzawa was additionally an adjunct
professor of music production and audio engineering from 2007 - 2009.
Brandon studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music,
specializing in music performance, from Rutgers University and a Masters of Arts in Education, specializing
in curriculum, instruction and computer education from University of Phoenix. A member of NJ Music
Educators Association (NJMEA), The National Association for Music Education (MENC) and Percussive Arts
Society (PAS), Brandon is an educational endorsee and contributor for Vic Firth, Inc., the largest
manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets. Brandon has recorded with singer Amanda Avila (2005 American
Idol contestant, Smokey Robinson), acclaimed singer-songwriter Anthony Krizan (Lenny Kravitz, The Spin
Doctors) and performs as a freelance musician throughout the New York metropolitan area. In 2009,
Brandon became a sponsored artist for Shine Drums.
Brandon Kurzawa, B.M., M.Ed.
Founder, Director
Brandon performing with our Rock Band
IV at our Spring Festival in 2010.
Brandon F., B.M.E.
Voice, Piano, Guitar Instructor
[teacher bio coming soon]