Meet Our Teachers
Guitar / Bass
- Billy Bileca
Mr. Bileca studied with Joel Dibartolo of the Tonight Show Band (Doc Severinsen) at the Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, Calif. He performs frequently with many groups across New England, and has toured both nationally and internationally. Mr. Bileca has been featured on the bill with such well-known performers as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and many more. Most recently, he frequently played in a duo with American Idol finalist Katie Stevens. He likes to share his love of roots music with his students. "I encourage all of my students to open their ears and minds to all styles of music." - Grant Ossendryver
- Mr. Ossendriver is an accomplished guitarist who has mastered the stylistic techniques and con- cepts associated with a wide range of music. He plays all styles of jazz guitar, blues guitar, classic rock, progressive rock and contemporary rock. He studied jazz performance at the University of Bridgeport and jazz guitar from the legendary jazz guitarist Sal Salvador. Grant has performed extensively over the past 20+ years. He’s played shows at several historic clubs in New York City, as well as Borders Book and Music tours across Connecticut. Additionally, he has taught Mark Rothbaum, Willie Nelson’s personal manager. During the course of those two years, he transcribed Mr. Nelson’s guitar compositions and has taught the instrument arrangements of many of the legend’s compositions. In addition to teaching at Creative Music Center, Grant is also a guitar instructor at Trinity College. He has released four CD’s over the course of his career. Mr. Ossendryver coaches Creative Music’s house band, as well as our Rock Band Performance Se- ries and summer Rock Band Camps.
- Steve Sullivan
- Mr. Sullivan studied guitar with Sal Salvadore at University of Bridgeport and piano with Julie Cavadini. He plays guitar professionally and works regularly with the Southford Falls Quartet. He has done extensive recording and has been teaching for more than 20 years.
- John Judd
- Mr. Judd has been teaching guitar since 1993. He performs frequently throughout the tri-state area with his jazz trio and as a sideman. He has recorded 3 jazz albums, 2 blues play-along albums, and written a guitar instructional book entitled Guitar Competence. Mr. Judd also composes music for media across the world, which has been licensed in: tv, radio, ring tones, websites, internet ads, toy embedment, PSA's, ipod/ipad applications, and more.
Piano
- Nick DiMaria
- Mr. DiMaria has studied jazz and classical music since age 10. He has been teaching privately for nearly 10 years and has performed extensively throughout the United States. He currently leads his own jazz project and plays in a number of musical groups. Mr. DiMaria earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Western Connecticut State University after which he earned his master’s degree and teaching certificate in music education. In addition to teaching for Creative Music Center, Mr. DiMaria is a music educator in Waterbury, CT. "I love to see my students explore their own creativ- ity! Their efforts inspire me every day!”
- Val Fedorov
Mr. Fedorov began studying music in Russia at age 7. He graduated from Dnipropetrovsk Music Col- lege in Ukraine with majors in music education, performing, and orchestra conducting. He has been performing with many orchestras and as a soloist. Mr. Fedorov has been teaching mu- sic for over fifteen years. He plays piano, guitar, and accordion.- Olga Schrodl
Ms. Schrodl studied orchestral conducting, piano and voice at the Mopiler Music College of Belarus and also the Pedagological State University of Belarus. Ms. Schrodl has taught young beginners in voice and piano, as well as adults, and has extensive performance experience in many area theatrical ensembles as well as the Philharmonic Orchestra in Belarus.- Nyomi Guberman-Pfeffer*
Ms. Guberman-Pfeffer teaches traditional piano and clarinet, as well as Suzuki. She studied performance at the Yale School of Music with former dean Keith Wilson and later with Standley Drucker of the New York Philharmonic. Ms. Guberman-Pfeffer completed studies in composition and harmony under Professor Arnold Franchetti of the Hartt School of Music. She won national recognition for exceptional artistic merit from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Ms. Guber- man-Pfeffer is an active performer in a number of chamber and symphonic groups. Including the Earl Banquer Woodwind Ensemble and the Wayne Hiller Octet. “I love seeing the students grow in their ability and appreciation of music!”- Natallia O’Leary
Ms. O’Leary hails from Russia where she studied piano at Mogilev Music College of Belarus and also the Pedagological State University of Belarus. In addition to teacher privately for more than 10 years, Ms. O’Leary has worked extensively as an accompanist. “Teaching music is a way for me to express and pass on my love for music.”- Jennie Pelligrino*
- Ms. Pelligrino has been teaching privately for more than 10 years. She recently completed courses in music and early childhood education at Sacred Heart University as well as Gateway Community Col- lege. She has more than 12 years of formal study of the piano and music theory. Ms. Pelligrino has extensive experience teaching children with special needs.
- Kate Rich*
Ms. Rich is thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of piano instruction. She earned her music degree from Niagara University and completed extensive coursework at the Hartt School of Music. Ms. Rich has been involved as a musical theater director for such performances as, “The Sound of Music,” “The Music Man,” “The Wiz,” “Promises, Promises,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Fame” and more. She is also an experienced accompanist, playing for various groups and ensembles. “I feel very fortunate to share the fundamentals and joy of music with all age groups and levels.”- George Wilkinson
- Mr. Wilkinson began playing the piano at age 5. He studied with several formidable teachers and eventually presented recitals at the Julliard School. He has been teaching since 1992, and joined Creative Music Center in 2003.
- Vic Johnson
- Mr. Johnson graduated from Hoffstra University with a BS in Music Education. He went on to receive a masters degree in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook. Mr. Johnson is an accomplished pianist and organist. He is a teacher, as well as the organist and choral director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe.
- Erin Knapp*
Ms. Knapp holds a Masters of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. Her fluency in French awarded her a minor in French Language and Literature. Principal teachers include Dr. Scott McCoy, President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, with whom Ms. Knapp studied voice privately. Ms. Knapp has extensive experience working with children in the field of music. She specializes in a multitude of musical genres, including classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop, folk and country. She has performed in operas at the Spoleto Festival USA, including Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette and Braun- fel’s Die Vogel. In addition to operatic work, she has been a member of several professional choral ensembles and has toured the U.S. and Europe with them. “The most rewarding part of teaching mu- sic is not just watching a student grow musically but seeing his/her overall confidence improve.”
Voice
- Erin Knapp*
- Ms. Knapp holds a Masters of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. Her fluency in French awarded her a minor in French Language and Literature. Principal teachers include Dr. Scott McCoy, President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, with whom Ms. Knapp studied voice privately. Ms. Knapp has extensive experience working with children in the field of music. She specializes in a multitude of musical genres, including classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop, folk and country. She has performed in operas at the Spoleto Festival USA, including Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette and Braun- fel’s Die Vogel. In addition to operatic work, she has been a member of several professional choral ensembles and has toured the U.S. and Europe with them. “The most rewarding part of teaching mu- sic is not just watching a student grow musically but seeing his/her overall confidence improve.”
- Olga Schrodl
- Ms. Schrodl studied orchestral conducting, piano and voice at the Mopiler Music College of Belarus and also the Pedagological State University of Belarus. Ms. Schrodl has taught young beginners in voice and piano, as well as adults, and has extensive performance experience in many area theatrical ensembles as well as the Philharmonic Orchestra in Belarus.
Violin
- Seth Uricheck
- Seth Uricheck received his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from
Western Connecticut State University, where he graduated in 2010 summa cum
laude. At that time, he also had over 17 years of experience studying the
piano and organ.
Mr. Uricheck has studied under a variety of accomplished musicians, including violinists from the Hartt School of Music, the Hartford Symphony and WCSU. His instructors on all three instruments have included a number of internationally renowned performers.
In his free time, Mr. Uricheck composes music for a variety of instruments, some of which has been performed by local choirs and WCSU musicians. He has also accrued a number of awards from fiddling competitions across Connecticut and Massachusetts. He has been teaching violin, viola and piano professionally since 2004.
- Tia Ward-DeLeon
- Tia Ward received her B.A. in music, violin and viola, and her B.S. in Elementary School Education. A certified teacher, Tia has taught in both public and private schools in general music, strings, and has served as an orchestra director. Tia has played with such groups as the American Chamber Orchestra, the Cheshire Symphony, WCSU orchestra and pit band, and The Ravenswood orchestra in Chicago. Most recently, Tia completed her Masters of Science in special education, which has allowed her to combine her love of music and working with children with autism.
Clarinet
- Nyomi Guberman-Pfeffer*
- Ms. Guberman-Pfeffer teaches traditional piano and clarinet, as well as Suzuki. She studied performance at the Yale School of Music with former dean Keith Wilson and later with Standley Drucker of the New York Philharmonic. Ms. Guberman-Pfeffer completed studies in composition and harmony under Professor Arnold Franchetti of the Hartt School of Music. She won national recognition for exceptional artistic merit from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Ms. Guber- man-Pfeffer is an active performer in a number of chamber and symphonic groups. Including the Earl Banquer Woodwind Ensemble and the Wayne Hiller Octet. “I love seeing the students grow in their ability and appreciation of music!”
- Alan Sherry*
Mr. Sherry received his B.A. in Music from McGill University in Montreal with an emphasis in jazz performance. He has been teaching for more than 10 years.
Saxophone
- Alan Sherry*
- Mr. Sherry received his B.A. in Music from McGill University in Montreal with an emphasis in jazz performance. He has been teaching for more than 10 years.
- Derek Currier*
- Mr. Currier picked up the saxophone when he was 9 years old. He recently received his bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from Western Connecticut State University and was a member of the All New England Inter-Collegiate Band for several years. Derek has worked with a variety of groups which include The GrooveMerchants (3 piece jazz combo), Chronic Fatigue (jazz, rock, funk, blues, covers), The Brand New London Blues Production, pit orchestras for several shows and has performed with various opening acts for Cypress Hill, Big Fuzz, Deep Banana Blackout, The Bomb Squad, Fungus Amungus, Rusted Root, Randy Jackson (Zebra), John Scofield, Dub Is A Weapon, Project Object (Frank Zappa Tribute), George Clinton and the P-Funk, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and The Mickey Hart Band. Mr. Currier has been teaching all ages for several years. He is also Crea- tive Music Center’s woodwind repair technician.
Drums
- Jim Altieri*
- Mr. Altieri has been playing the drums since age 15 and has performed extensively around CT. Mr. Altieri is also a teacher for special children and children with learning differences in the Wilton School District.
- Tom Geisler
Mr. Geisler has been playing the drums since age 8. He began his studies with the late Paul Sher of Norwalk, CT. More recently, he has studied with Mike Marble and Tommy Igoe. He is currently studying with Fran Merante. In the drumming community, Mr. Geisler would be classified as a true “drum head” - i.e. one with a passion for all things drumming. Mr. Geisler brings a high level of commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to our staff, along with an extensive knowledge of drum products, technology and techniques that keep him and his students on the cutting edge in the drum world. He has been teaching drums for more than 10 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Connecticut.
CLICK HERE to see Tom in action!
Flute
- Mary Larson
- Ms. Larson received her Masters in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She also has studied at the San Francisco Conservatory. She has studied with Julius Baker, among others, and has per- formed with several orchestras, including the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and the Augusta Op- era. She has taught in New York and Connecticut for more than a decade.
Trumpet
- Nick DiMaria
- Mr. DiMaria has studied jazz and classical music since age 10. He has been teaching privately for nearly 10 years and has performed extensively throughout the United States. He currently leads his own jazz project and plays in a number of musical groups. Mr. DiMaria earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Western Connecticut State University after which he earned his master’s degree and teaching certificate in music education. In addition to teaching for Creative Music Center, Mr. DiMaria is a music educator in Waterbury, CT. "I love to see my students explore their own creativ- ity! Their efforts inspire me every day!”
- Kevin Sandler
- Mr. Sandler holds a B.A. in Music from Western Connecticut State University. Mr. Sandler has taught at several studios throughout western Connecticut over the past 12 years. He has a number of stu- dents performing in regional bands and orchestras. He is dedicated to introducing music to students of all ages and to creating the highest level of musicianship for young musicians throughout the area. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Sandler has performed with many groups throughout Connecticut and New York, including the Danbury Symphony, and the Danbury Brass Band. He has also performed with the Wilton Playshop and musicals at Richter Park. Mr. Sandler currently perform as well as a soloist in churches throughout the state, including in Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston and Waterbury.
Upright Bass
- Billy Bileca
- Mr. Bileca studied with Joel Dibartolo of the Tonight Show Band (Doc Severinsen) at the Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, Calif. He performs frequently with many groups across New England, and has toured both nationally and internationally. Mr. Bileca has been featured on the bill with such well-known performers as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and many more. Most recently, he frequently played in a duo with American Idol finalist Katie Stevens. He likes to share his love of roots music with his students. "I encourage all of my students to open their ears and minds to all styles of music."
Cello
- Andrea E. Mills
- Cellist Andrea E. Mills holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Hartt School and a Master of Music Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Among her teachers she includes cellists Alan Harris, David Wells and Peter Stumpf, and ensembles including the Cleveland Quartet, the Emerson Quartet, and the American Quartet. She has done extensive teacher training in the Tradtional Method as well as the Suzuki Method. Her past teaching positions have included Valparaiso University, the Hartt School of Music Community Division, the Ethel Walker School, Choate-Rosemary Hall and Western Springs School of Talent Education. As an active freelancer and chamber musician, she performs in the US as well as the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Castillon Piano Trio, Tricordes and is on the faculty of the Stamford International Music Festival and the Suzuki Music School of Westport. Her residence is in Trumbull, CT.
*Experienced teaching special needs children