Our Music Teachers
The professional musicians we work with are all experienced educators who know their craft and their pedagogy. Teachers may be available for In-home, in-studio, online, or a combination of the 3! Not sure which option is best? Find out more!
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Teaches In-Home, In-Studio and Online Lessons
I teach guitar, bass, piano, drums, voice, banjo, ukulele, trumpet, and mandolin. I moved to Philadelphia to study music at University of the Arts where I graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Performance (Guitar) as well as a Masters of Arts in Teaching. While at Uarts I was lucky to be able to study all of the specific fields of music which initially drew me to the school; performance, writing, recording, and teaching. I am truly happy to say that all 4 of those are still present in my day-to-day life. I write and perform music with my band, The Phonies as well as solo music and various collaborations with other Philadelphia songwriters. I've been lucky to perform music in a wide variety of styles. I have been teaching private lessons (originally only guitar and piano) for 7 years. My goal in teaching music is to help each student reach their musical goal, no matter what they may be. If you aren't quite sure, that's ok too! I'll help to figure it out. No matter what goals my student may have I always try to approach the material in a way that empowers the student to learn more information on their own…. Read More About Sean!
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
I teach voice, piano, songwriting, and early childhood education classes. I graduated from the University of the Arts with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, with honors and the highest academic award. While at UArts, I specialized in performance, music education, music theory, and vocal health. I studied singing jazz, classical, pop, musical theatre, and various other styles, which I incorporate into my teaching. I teach my students to have a strong technical foundation which is important to learn in order to be able to sing every style with ease. I love teaching because it is an incredible feeling to share my passion of music with students, and to help them to find their own sound and style. I also write my own music, and am working towards releasing an album in 2018. From an early age, I always loved being on the stage, and can now be found performing at venues all over the Philadelphia area, performing my own original music or covers… Read More About Sienna!
Nell Fossa
In-Studio & Online Lessons
My name is Nell! I have dedicated my life to studying performance and spend most of my time singing and playing piano. I received my BFA in Acting and Minor in Musical Theatre from Montclair State and most recently completed my MLA in Medieval and Renaissance Performance at the University of Pennsylvania. Performing is my first love, but teaching is a close second. I'm passionate about developing a safe environment in which students feel open to create. I believe students should always work "where they are," learning to grow with challenges they encounter in and out of the classroom. First and foremost, my goal to ensure that a student has (vocally-safe) fun, using that.....Read More About Nell!
Peter Rushing
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
I’m a jazz pianist and graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. At Rutgers, I played in and recorded with the top jazz bands and got the opportunity to play with my professor Orrin Evans at the Birdland Jazz Club, a historic jazz venue in New York City. I regularly play at various venues in the tri-state area, including Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philly. As a teacher I aim to foster in my students the same well-rounded musicianship that my time at Rutgers has helped me develop. It is important to engage the students in a variety of activities — rhythm training, sight-reading, and performances — not only to keep them focused but also to further that goal of musicianship. Well versed in music theory and aural skills, I have been playing piano since.… Read More About Peter!
In-Studio & Online Lessons
My name is John Caserta, I teach drums, guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, music production & songwriting. I have been playing music for over 20 years and recently graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia for Music Performance, with a minor in Music Business Entrepreneurship & Technology. I have taught privately for 10 years and believe that the best way to teach a student is to find their interests and build upon them. I believe that every musician/person has their own sound/voice and that finding that voice can be a very exciting and fruitful adventure. I teach...Read More About John!
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
I teach Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Ukulele. I have been teaching a huge range of students for around 8 years or so. I tried various instruments as a teen and loved playing with other musicians. I decided to attend Cumberland County College for General Music (Guitar). I performed with a cover band as well as an original band called Sunset Rise. I have been lucky enough to record with my band for free at Rowan University while I was studying Classical Guitar Performance under Joseph Mayes. In addition to that experience at Rowan, I also taught at various music stores and privately part-time. I currently am the guitarist in a...Read More About Richard!
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
I teach guitar, bass piano, ukulele, banjo, & more. In it's simplest form, the guitar can be described as nothing more than a box attached to a few strings. Yet somehow, this instrument has the capability to move audiences to tears. To me, that's true magic. Music is a wonderful form of self expression, and I aim to help my students find their unique voice on the...Read More About Rob!
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
Hi! I’m James and I’m a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. I teach guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, and music production/songwriting I play a variety of genres and went to school in Philadelphia to study Jazz, getting my masters degree in 2023. I play a bunch of gigs, usually supporting other vocalists and instrumentalists. Occasionally, I’ll perform my own music. I write, perform, and record jazz, blues, R&B, and pop music and feel comfortable teaching many styles of music. My teaching style is...Read More About James!
Teaches In-Studio and Online Lessons
Hi everyone! I teach voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele. Currently, I am reaching towards a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance and a Masters in Music Education at the University of the Arts. There I am studying the teachings of classical, jazz, musical theatre, RnB, soul, folk, pop music, etc. but I love all types of music! I aim to teach the practice of proper instrument technique, knowledge of music theory, as well as building creativity, comfort and confidence within my students. Music is a.… Read More About Shan!
Teaches In-Studio, In-Home, & Online Lessons
I teach piano, voice, trombone, & more. I am a composer, performer and music educator from West Chester, PA! I teach piano, voice, songwriting, composing, music production/recording & trombone! I bring my extensive knowledge of music theory and composition to each lesson, so that my students can take the elements they learn from our lessons and apply to any song or piece they choose to learn. I understand that each student is different, so I tailor each lesson to the individual's needs....Read More About Meg!
Jack O'Leary
Teaches In-Studio
Jack O’Leary (he/him) is a classically trained baritone and voice teacher who is ecstatic to be teaching at CSM. Jack grew up in Havertown, PA where he performed lead roles in musicals at Haverford High School and Upper Darby Summer Stage in addition to singing in 9 PMEA Choral Festivals advancing to the All-State festivals every year. After high school, Jack studied at the Eastman School of Music where he recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance studying with soprano Kiera Duffy. Outside of Eastman, he studied and performed as a young artist at SongFest in San Francisco and at the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory. Jack performed principal roles in many genres including contemporary atonal operas, classical romantic operas, golden age musicals, and modern musicals. These experiences not only sharpened Jack’s artistry but also deepened his understanding of vocal expression and....Read More About Jack!