MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Our mission is to provide a positive music experience, whether students choose to take music into their professional lives or just enjoy playing the rest of their lives. What makes Creative Music Center’s lesson program unique is that our teaching staff focuses on the individual needs of each student.

*Several of our teachers are experienced in teaching students that face learning challenges. These teachers are identified by an asterisk after their name.

All
Seth Uricheck
Cello, Piano, Violin/Viola
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 have been performed by local choirs and WCSU musicians. He has also accrued a number of awards from fiddling competitions across Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Nyomi Pfeffer*
Piano & Clarinet
Ms. 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 Stanley Drucker of the New York Philharmonic. Ms. Pfeffer studied piano with Norma Verrilli and 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. Pfeffer is an active performer in a number of chamber and symphonic groups, including the Earl Banquer Woodwind Ensemble and the Wayne Hiller Octet. Ms. Pfeffer has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching both from Sacred Heart University. Ms. Pfeffer’s long standing participation in the Young Musicians Festival, an annual judged performance, gives her students the opportunity to earn gold cup awards. “I love seeing the students grow in their ability and appreciation of music!”
Anthony Pellegrini
Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone
A resident of Port Chester, New York, Anthony Pellegrini has been involved in musical activities since the age of eight when he started playing the clarinet in elementary school. After taking up the saxophone in high school, Pellegrini quickly fell in love with jazz and went on to attend Western Connecticut State University with a focus in jazz saxophone performance while continuing his clarinet playing in addition to taking up the flute and bassoon. Studying with great musicians such as Andrew Beals, Dave Noland, Tony Lustig, Gary Smulyan, and Luis Fernando Jimenz has given Pellegrini a wide range of musical styles and influences to draw from, but more importantly the inspiration to continue his passion of studying, performing, and sharing music with all.
John Judd
Guitar/Bass, Composition, Jazz Improv
Mr. Judd is an Emmy-nominated composer that has been teaching guitar since 1993. He performs frequently throughout New England with his jazz trio and as a sideman. Mr. Judd has recorded 3 jazz albums, 4 blues play-along albums, and written an instructional book entitled “Guitar Competence.” He has worked as a music transcriber for Jazz Improv magazine and also transcribed a book of solos for renowned jazz guitarist Mark Elf. Currently, Mr. Judd writes music for media on Bravo, NBC, Travel Channel, Style Network, Discovery Channel, The Food Network, MTV and Oxygen. Recent placements include Intervention, Catfish, Suspect, Million Dollar Listing, Call Me King (2015) and Southern Charm. His instruction covers multiple genres including Multimedia Cues (orchestral, tension, pop, electronica, urban), Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop. In addition to teaching guitar and electric bass, John enjoys working with students on all levels of composition.
Kenny Owens
Drums
Hailing from Bridgeport, CT, Kenny Owens was raised on Rock n’ Roll, Funk, Folk, Classic Soul, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, & the Blues. Kenny has been teaching privately for over 20-years & caters to each individual, be they advanced or beginner. He places an emphasis on fundamentals (such as, technique, time, coordination, reading), but also allows spontaneity to steer the lesson creatively helping the student to find their own voice. Students can look forward to not only studying the tradition of drums, but also some ear training, song-form, basic understanding of melody, harmony, & rhythm. Performing live since middle school, he has been fascinated by all musical genres and places an emphasis on authenticating the “feel” of each style. While attending Western Connecticut State University, he further broadened his knowledge by studying and performing with Jazz greats including, Fred Hirsch, Romero Lubambo, Christian McBride, & John Benitez, to name a few. Since, he has performed and/or recorded with Charlie Karp, José Feliciano, Nicole Frechette, The Void Union, The Way Up, Darian Cunning, String Fingers, Guster, Dan Carlucci, Pocket Hotties, Roger Edel’s Hotbox, John Chapman, Union Rail, and many others. Currently Kenny is busy as an in-demand, tri-state-area sideman and a regular member of: Symphonic Bodega (Experimental), Hitch & The Giddyup (Bluegrass), Oh, Cassius! (Pop), Rudeyna (Experimental), Yoshi Warlord’s (Jam) and others.
Sean Conway
Guitar/Bass, Piano, Drums
Sean Conway is a born and raised Connecticut musician. Since graduating from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music in 2014 with a Bachelors in Music, Sean has taught piano, guitar, drums, songwriting, and even audio engineering to youngsters and adults alike. Having grown up through the Suzuki piano methodology, Sean focuses on ear training and sight reading simultaneously. His students find balance in creativity and a knowledge of theory in a fun environment. As a Creative Music alumni himself, he loves being a teacher where he was once a student!
Ryan Tedesco
Guitar/Bass, Ukulele, Drums
Ryan graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science in Music and Sound Recording. He is a self-taught guitarist, bassist, and drummer. Other instruments he plays include ukulele and piano. Ryan is in multiple bands ranging from classic blues to punk rock. He is also a music producer, mix engineer, and mastering engineer.
Mary Larson
Flute
Mary Larson has been teaching flute at Creative Music for over 10 years. She is dedicated to working with students of all levels to reach their musical goals on the flute through an informed, patient, fun, and encouraging method of teaching. Her students have placed in the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra, Western Regional Band and Orchestra, received college scholarships for flute, and have attended Music Schools. Mary earned her Master of Music in performance from Manhattan School of Music with Linda Chesis, and studied with Julius Baker of the New York Philharmonic and James Pellerite at Music Academy of the West. She is an active performer with chamber groups, musical theater, orchestra, and in recital. Mary is an experienced performer of flute ensemble music for all occasions, especially weddings through Marylarsonflute.com.
Francesco Perrouna
Guitar/Bass, Ukulele & Piano
Francesco Perrouna is a disciplined and dedicated guitarist based out of Fairfield Connecticut. He is a recent graduate of Hampshire College, with a degree in Jazz Studies. Francesco trained primarily on the bass guitar; he also plays acoustic guitar and ukulele, as well as piano and drums. He worked previously at the Fairfield School of Rock under the tutelage of his father.
Steve Sullivan
Guitar/Bass
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.
Val Federov
Piano, Guitar/Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Accordion, Harmonica
Val is a performing artist and music educator, passionate about teaching and playing music. He plays multiple instruments, such as piano, guitar, accordion, baritone ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, and banjo. He received his bachelor’s degree in music performance and music education from Dnipro Conservatory of Music in Ukraine. Since moving to the United States in 2001, he has taught in private schools and studios throughout Connecticut. He has been teaching music for over 25 years and has performed in many public and private events. Val’s repertoire consists of music of many different genres and styles, from classical and jazz to folk and popular.
Erin Hynes*
Piano, Voice
Mrs. Hynes 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 Mrs. Hynes studied voice privately. Mrs. Hynes 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 Braunfel’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 music is not just watching a student grow musically but seeing his/her overall confidence improve.”
George Wilkinson
Piano
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.
Jamie Finegan
Trumpet & Piano
Jamie Finegan has been a music educator for over 20 years. He is a composer and multi instrumentalist playing trumpet and piano. He is currently an adjunct professor at Fairfield University. His professional playing credits are myriad and diverse having recorded, toured and performed all over the world, with many great jazz and blues artists including: the late, great Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Jim Hall, Geri Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Phil Guy Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, as well as Lucky Peterson, Randy Brecker, Don Braden and many others. Jamie currently lives in Monroe, CT, where he’s lived for many years.
Jennie Pellegrino*
Piano
Ms. Pellegrino has been teaching privately for over 24 years. She has completed courses in music and early childhood education at Sacred Heart University as well as Gateway Community College. She has over 20 years of formal study of the piano and music theory. Ms. Pellegrino has extensive experience teaching children with special needs.
Kate Rich*
Piano
Ms. Rich is thrilled to be celebrating over 30 years of piano instruction. She earned her degree from Niagara University and completed 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.”
Vic Johnson
Piano, Voice
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.
Mark Dennis
Trumpet
Mark has been a professional trumpet player and music educator for several decades. He has held teaching positions in public and private schools and has taught students ranging in age from kindergarten to college. He has extensive experience as a performer in a variety of ensembles from ranging from small jazz groups, theater pit orchestras and larger symphonic ensembles. Mark holds degrees in Music Education from the Hartt School and University of Bridgeport and has studied trumpet with Vincent Penzarella, Frank Fighera and Daniel D’Addio. Mark is looking forward to helping students of all ages find joy in performing on the trumpet!
Jill Levine
Violin/Viola
Jill Pellett Levine received her BFA from SUNY/Purchase, and her Master of Music and Artist Diploma from the Yale University School of Music. She plays in several orchestras throughout Connecticut including the New Haven Symphony, Bridgeport Symphony and Waterbury Symphony. Jill enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels.
George Whetstone
Violin/Viola
Hailing from the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York, George is a professional violist who has been playing for over 45 years. He currently plays the Ridgefield Symphony as well as multiple other groups. George is highly adaptive to his students’ needs when teaching, helping them discover and hone their potential.

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If you know the instrument you want to learn to play and the teacher you’d like, click a link below to get started. You can choose to register in person by downloading our lessons registration form and visiting our store, or you can easily register and submit payment online.

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