Meet The Team
Alex Kerckhoff
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Alex →
Where did you grow up?
San Francisco Bay Area
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BM from USC’s Thornton School of Music in Studio/Jazz Guitar
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started teaching myself around 12 or 13 when my father pulled his old guitar out of the closet because my older brother was in a school production of “Grease”. I started taking lessons about a year later, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Tom Morello, and Jeff Beck.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
I released my first album in 2012 and got to tour with it in Japan. It was less than a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. We arrived in Sendai—a town that had been completely leveled and was still recovering. My friend and I spent the afternoon teaching free guitar clinics to locals, most of whom were total beginners. That evening, we performed a free concert of our original music. The kindness and gratitude we received from the community, despite their situation, was deeply humbling and unforgettable.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love cooking, watching movies, and sending animal memes to my wife.
If you could give one piece of advice to students what would it be?
One of my teachers once told me: “The most important thing in music is whatever just happened.” So, don’t judge anything too harshly. Don’t worry too much about what you practiced or rehearsed. Just keep your ears open and roll with it!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
I build my own guitar effects pedals with a friend of mine.
Where did you grow up?
San Francisco Bay Area
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BM from USC’s Thornton School of Music in Studio/Jazz Guitar
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started teaching myself around 12 or 13 when my father pulled his old guitar out of the closet because my older brother was in a school production of “Grease”. I started taking lessons about a year later, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Tom Morello, and Jeff Beck.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
I released my first album in 2012 and got to tour with it in Japan. It was less than a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. We arrived in Sendai—a town that had been completely leveled and was still recovering. My friend and I spent the afternoon teaching free guitar clinics to locals, most of whom were total beginners. That evening, we performed a free concert of our original music. The kindness and gratitude we received from the community, despite their situation, was deeply humbling and unforgettable.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love cooking, watching movies, and sending animal memes to my wife.
If you could give one piece of advice to students what would it be?
One of my teachers once told me: “The most important thing in music is whatever just happened.” So, don’t judge anything too harshly. Don’t worry too much about what you practiced or rehearsed. Just keep your ears open and roll with it!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
I build my own guitar effects pedals with a friend of mine.
Benny Woodard
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Benny
Benny grew up in South Hadley, MA and has a BFA in Jazz performance from New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He started playing music at 6 years old. “My dad is a singer and blues harmonica player, my grandfather was a guitar player, my uncle is a drummer, and my brother is violinist. We would play music together at my grandfather’s house and I would sit on my uncle’s lap while he played drums.”
Aside from music, Benny has a passion for Environmental Activism, Collaging, Climbing Trees, Hiking, Biking, and Eating. Anything else that he’d like to share with the BMF community? “I capsized in a canoe last week and lost my Crocs.”
Most importantly, Benny would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Give yourself permission to make mistakes.”
Benny grew up in South Hadley, MA and has a BFA in Jazz performance from New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He started playing music at 6 years old. “My dad is a singer and blues harmonica player, my grandfather was a guitar player, my uncle is a drummer, and my brother is violinist. We would play music together at my grandfather’s house and I would sit on my uncle’s lap while he played drums.”
Aside from music, Benny has a passion for Environmental Activism, Collaging, Climbing Trees, Hiking, Biking, and Eating. Anything else that he’d like to share with the BMF community? “I capsized in a canoe last week and lost my Crocs.”
Most importantly, Benny would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Give yourself permission to make mistakes.”
Ben Healy
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Ben →
Ben grew up in St. Paul, MN and has a M.F.A in Jazz Piano Performance from The New School for Jazz. Music has always been a part of Ben’s life: “Both my parents play piano and I started taking lessons at age 3. Over the years I had a number of teachers who helped to instill the joy of making music. One of them, who I met around age 12 to begin studying jazz, was Nate Shaw. Much of what I do today can be traced back to my parents discovering Nate’s business card on the bulletin board of a coffee shop across the street from my junior high in St. Paul, Minnesota. I took private lessons with Nate and participated in a few summer jazz camps organized by a local band he played in called the Motion Poets. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a degree in music, which eventually led me to The New School for Jazz and later to work for Nate as he founded Brooklyn Music Factory.”
Ben gets to share that inspiration with his students during Club Keyboard classes. “We love being able to see students every day and really build a relationship with them and camaraderie in the group. Since we play a lot of games and act out the storyline together the classes are so much fun it doesn’t feel like “practice,” but they really do learn a lot in a short period.”
Ben would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Never stop learning, exploring, studying, striving and creating. Always have a teacher, coach or mentor. Whatever your interests are, wherever they take you, seek out others who inspire you and develop relationships with them.”
Ben grew up in St. Paul, MN and has a M.F.A in Jazz Piano Performance from The New School for Jazz. Music has always been a part of Ben’s life: “Both my parents play piano and I started taking lessons at age 3. Over the years I had a number of teachers who helped to instill the joy of making music. One of them, who I met around age 12 to begin studying jazz, was Nate Shaw. Much of what I do today can be traced back to my parents discovering Nate’s business card on the bulletin board of a coffee shop across the street from my junior high in St. Paul, Minnesota. I took private lessons with Nate and participated in a few summer jazz camps organized by a local band he played in called the Motion Poets. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a degree in music, which eventually led me to The New School for Jazz and later to work for Nate as he founded Brooklyn Music Factory.”
Ben gets to share that inspiration with his students during Club Keyboard classes. “We love being able to see students every day and really build a relationship with them and camaraderie in the group. Since we play a lot of games and act out the storyline together the classes are so much fun it doesn’t feel like “practice,” but they really do learn a lot in a short period.”
Ben would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Never stop learning, exploring, studying, striving and creating. Always have a teacher, coach or mentor. Whatever your interests are, wherever they take you, seek out others who inspire you and develop relationships with them.”
David Morales Lopez
Pronouns: He/Him
____________________________
Piano, Voice, Exploration Bands & Camp
David Morales Lopez
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with David →
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Nicaragua, then moved to Long Island at age thirteen.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I hold my BFA in Jazz Piano Performance from The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing piano at age eight. My dad is a singer and recording artist in my country, so he believed I had the talent for music at a young age. My inspirations come mostly from tropical music, like salsa and merengue, but I was also introduced early on to Michael Jackson, Toto, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luis Miguel, Michel Camilo, Cory Henry, and many more.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
The coolest gig I’ve done has to be playing for an elderly couple’s birthday party at an aviation museum, and ending the night playing ballads with candles next to an astronaut!
I’ve also had the privilege of performing at arts centers and festivals, traveling along the East Coast—from Massachusetts all the way down to Myrtle Beach and Florida.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love to cook, paint, and take pictures. I also enjoy learning new languages and reading as many books as possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Always try your best! Even if you’re not sure or feel 100% confident or ready, dive in all the way and just try!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
Before deciding to pursue music, I almost went to art school to become an illustrator! I have a passion for fine arts, but I would never trade music for anything in the world.
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Nicaragua, then moved to Long Island at age thirteen.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I hold my BFA in Jazz Piano Performance from The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing piano at age eight. My dad is a singer and recording artist in my country, so he believed I had the talent for music at a young age. My inspirations come mostly from tropical music, like salsa and merengue, but I was also introduced early on to Michael Jackson, Toto, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luis Miguel, Michel Camilo, Cory Henry, and many more.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
The coolest gig I’ve done has to be playing for an elderly couple’s birthday party at an aviation museum, and ending the night playing ballads with candles next to an astronaut!
I’ve also had the privilege of performing at arts centers and festivals, traveling along the East Coast—from Massachusetts all the way down to Myrtle Beach and Florida.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love to cook, paint, and take pictures. I also enjoy learning new languages and reading as many books as possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Always try your best! Even if you’re not sure or feel 100% confident or ready, dive in all the way and just try!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
Before deciding to pursue music, I almost went to art school to become an illustrator! I have a passion for fine arts, but I would never trade music for anything in the world.
Dan May
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Dan →
Where did you grow up?
Dan grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago and has a degree in Percussion Performance from McNally Smith College of Music. Dan started playing drums in 5th grade after seeing his friend Raj bring home a snare drum. “I went over to his house and saw it on a stand in the middle of their kitchen – it was like a monument, and I had never seen something cooler. To this day, the snare drum is my favorite part of the drumset."
Who are your inspirations?
“I love the jazz fusion and funk drummers of the '70s and '80s... these days, I draw a lot of inspiration from the electronic music that was being produced out of bedrooms in Detroit and Chicago in the 1990s."
What are your passions aside from music?
When he’s not playing the drums, Dan is rock climbing, playing video games, board games, and learning new things.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?
“Investigate your curiosity. When you find something that is worth learning deeply, it will give back to you in abundance!”
Where did you grow up?
Dan grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago and has a degree in Percussion Performance from McNally Smith College of Music. Dan started playing drums in 5th grade after seeing his friend Raj bring home a snare drum. “I went over to his house and saw it on a stand in the middle of their kitchen – it was like a monument, and I had never seen something cooler. To this day, the snare drum is my favorite part of the drumset."
Who are your inspirations?
“I love the jazz fusion and funk drummers of the '70s and '80s... these days, I draw a lot of inspiration from the electronic music that was being produced out of bedrooms in Detroit and Chicago in the 1990s."
What are your passions aside from music?
When he’s not playing the drums, Dan is rock climbing, playing video games, board games, and learning new things.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?
“Investigate your curiosity. When you find something that is worth learning deeply, it will give back to you in abundance!”
Davis Rowan
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Davis →
Davis grew up in Annapolis, Maryland and has a degree in Drum Set Performance from Berklee College of Music. Believe it or not, Davis began his musical journey on piano at a young age. “My parents made me. When I was 9, I found a drum set in my neighbor's attic while we were looking for Legos. That’s when the real magic started to happen.”
Davis’s coolest gig? “I’ve toured around the world with actor turned musician, David Duchovny (yes, the dude from the X-Files.) Last spring we played a show in Moscow and I played a drum groove while 3,000 Russians sang some famous Russian song. It was very strange and very cool.”
When he’s not playing the drums, you might find Davis taking care of his physical and mental health with activities such as rock climbing and running. Anything else he’d like to share with the BMF community? “I found a dead bird inside of my very first bass drum.”
Most importantly, Davis would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Never stop exploring.”
Find Out More Here: https://soundcloud.com/sunrides
Davis grew up in Annapolis, Maryland and has a degree in Drum Set Performance from Berklee College of Music. Believe it or not, Davis began his musical journey on piano at a young age. “My parents made me. When I was 9, I found a drum set in my neighbor's attic while we were looking for Legos. That’s when the real magic started to happen.”
Davis’s coolest gig? “I’ve toured around the world with actor turned musician, David Duchovny (yes, the dude from the X-Files.) Last spring we played a show in Moscow and I played a drum groove while 3,000 Russians sang some famous Russian song. It was very strange and very cool.”
When he’s not playing the drums, you might find Davis taking care of his physical and mental health with activities such as rock climbing and running. Anything else he’d like to share with the BMF community? “I found a dead bird inside of my very first bass drum.”
Most importantly, Davis would like to offer one piece of advice to his students: “Never stop exploring.”
Find Out More Here: https://soundcloud.com/sunrides
Francesca Lionetta
Pronouns: She/Her
____________________________
Camp, Date Nights, Guest Teacher & Administration
Francesca Lionetta
Pronouns: She/Her
Where did you grow up?
Andover, MA
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
Yes! I have my Bachelor of Music in Voice from Eastman School of Music, where I also completed a certificate in Arts Administration from their Institute for Music Leadership. I got my Master’s in Voice at Bard Conservatory’s Graduate Vocal Arts Program.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I have been singing forever, but started taking it more “seriously” in elementary school when my music teacher told my mom I should join our local children’s choir. I LOVED singing in choir and from there pursued all sorts of musical opportunities that have led me to where I am today 🙂
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
My coolest musical experiences were probably in choir growing up. We toured Austria and Italy when I was in middle school, which was super cool!! We got to sing in amazing venues like the Vatican.
I also sang in a choir as part of Tanglewood’s Film Night in high school when I was studying at Tanglewood, and we were conducted by John Williams. I’m not sure I’ll ever top that in terms of “coolness” in my adult life!!
What are your passions aside from music?
I love going for walks and playing with my plants (though I’m definitely an amateur plant parent). If I have a full day off, I usually spend it reading, shopping, or at the beach!! 🙂
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Try to remember that we are all following our own journeys through life! It can be so easy to compare ourselves to other musicians, and when we do that, we can lose sight of the beautiful and unique things that make us special. Leaning into our uniqueness helps us become our most authentic selves as artists—and I think that’s really awesome!!!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
My go-to fun fact is that I am a twin!!
Andover, MA
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
Yes! I have my Bachelor of Music in Voice from Eastman School of Music, where I also completed a certificate in Arts Administration from their Institute for Music Leadership. I got my Master’s in Voice at Bard Conservatory’s Graduate Vocal Arts Program.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I have been singing forever, but started taking it more “seriously” in elementary school when my music teacher told my mom I should join our local children’s choir. I LOVED singing in choir and from there pursued all sorts of musical opportunities that have led me to where I am today 🙂
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
My coolest musical experiences were probably in choir growing up. We toured Austria and Italy when I was in middle school, which was super cool!! We got to sing in amazing venues like the Vatican.
I also sang in a choir as part of Tanglewood’s Film Night in high school when I was studying at Tanglewood, and we were conducted by John Williams. I’m not sure I’ll ever top that in terms of “coolness” in my adult life!!
What are your passions aside from music?
I love going for walks and playing with my plants (though I’m definitely an amateur plant parent). If I have a full day off, I usually spend it reading, shopping, or at the beach!! 🙂
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Try to remember that we are all following our own journeys through life! It can be so easy to compare ourselves to other musicians, and when we do that, we can lose sight of the beautiful and unique things that make us special. Leaning into our uniqueness helps us become our most authentic selves as artists—and I think that’s really awesome!!!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
My go-to fun fact is that I am a twin!!
Grace Schmidhauser
Pronouns: She/Her
What do you teach at BMF?
Guitar, Piano, & Voice
Where did you grow up?
Austin, Texas
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Recorded Music from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University and a Master of Arts in Sound Arts & Industries from Northwestern University.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve been singing since I was 3, memorizing all the songs from The Wizard of Oz. I started playing instruments at age 7, beginning with classical guitar before quickly moving on to covers, writing my own songs, and performing shows around Austin with the help of an inspiring guitar teacher. My family is full of athletes who knew little about art or music, so much of my taste came from music teachers who shared their passions. Music instantly clicked for me and became my life’s focus, with my parents supporting me as long as I gave it my all. Even after 20+ years of writing and performing, my relationship with music continues to grow and evolve with me. My biggest inspirations then and now are singer-songwriters like Elliott Smith, Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie & The Microphones), Jason Molina, Arthur Russell, and Judee Sill—artists who balance heartfelt songwriting with experimental production and arrangements.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
A couple of years ago my old professor JD, who’s in the band Le Tigre, emailed me saying their opener had dropped last minute and asked if I could fill in—immediately. I opened the email as it came in, drove an hour to Boston, and arrived 10 minutes before going on stage. It was a huge crowd, an unforgettable experience, and an honor to share the stage with a band I’ve loved since my teens. As a lifelong Riot Grrrl fan, I was completely starstruck performing on the same stage as Kathleen Hanna. A magical, serendipitous reminder to always check your email!
What are your passions aside from music?
Spending time with my cat and friends, watching films, reading poetry and mysticism, bidding on Ebay, decorating my apartment, and searching for the perfect milkshake.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Always try to make music that you would want to listen to!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I’ve worked with many experimental music organizations and love inventing and performing on unusual instruments. Ask me about the creations my bandmate and I have built!
Guitar, Piano, & Voice
Where did you grow up?
Austin, Texas
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Recorded Music from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University and a Master of Arts in Sound Arts & Industries from Northwestern University.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve been singing since I was 3, memorizing all the songs from The Wizard of Oz. I started playing instruments at age 7, beginning with classical guitar before quickly moving on to covers, writing my own songs, and performing shows around Austin with the help of an inspiring guitar teacher. My family is full of athletes who knew little about art or music, so much of my taste came from music teachers who shared their passions. Music instantly clicked for me and became my life’s focus, with my parents supporting me as long as I gave it my all. Even after 20+ years of writing and performing, my relationship with music continues to grow and evolve with me. My biggest inspirations then and now are singer-songwriters like Elliott Smith, Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie & The Microphones), Jason Molina, Arthur Russell, and Judee Sill—artists who balance heartfelt songwriting with experimental production and arrangements.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
A couple of years ago my old professor JD, who’s in the band Le Tigre, emailed me saying their opener had dropped last minute and asked if I could fill in—immediately. I opened the email as it came in, drove an hour to Boston, and arrived 10 minutes before going on stage. It was a huge crowd, an unforgettable experience, and an honor to share the stage with a band I’ve loved since my teens. As a lifelong Riot Grrrl fan, I was completely starstruck performing on the same stage as Kathleen Hanna. A magical, serendipitous reminder to always check your email!
What are your passions aside from music?
Spending time with my cat and friends, watching films, reading poetry and mysticism, bidding on Ebay, decorating my apartment, and searching for the perfect milkshake.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Always try to make music that you would want to listen to!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I’ve worked with many experimental music organizations and love inventing and performing on unusual instruments. Ask me about the creations my bandmate and I have built!
Jason Vance
Pronouns: He/They
What do you teach at BMF?
I am the Director of Exploration Bands.
Where did you grow up?
Bluefield, VA — right on the border of West Virginia, down in the mountains of southern West Virginia, where my family has lived since before West Virginia was even a state.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BA from the University of Virginia, major in English with a minor in Theater.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I grew up visiting my Ma-maw and Pa-paw on the weekends, where my Pa-paw played banjo, my uncle played guitar, my aunt played spoons, and my Ma-maw and Dad would flatfoot — a traditional Appalachian percussive dance. Music was always around me. I took guitar and piano lessons as a kid, tried again in high school, but it wasn’t until I made the decision to move back to my family’s mountaintop in West Virginia that things really clicked. I started with the spoons so I could join jams, tried the fiddle, and eventually landed on banjo. When I moved to NYC, my Craigslist roommate happened to be a jazz musician, who showed me how much dedicated time was needed to grow as a player. From then on, I carried my banjo everywhere I went — which is how I first met Nate from BMF. Later, theater groups I worked with began writing characters for me who also played music, which accelerated my journey even further. I’m inspired by musicians who push the boundaries of their genres, especially within the Americana tradition — including John Hartford, Jesse Welles, and Rhiannon Giddens.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
The first time I truly got carried away jamming with people, I was just playing spoons at a New Year’s party with an old-time band. I was swept up in the power of the music, playing as fast as I could to keep up, when I suddenly noticed little spots of blood on my shirt. The friction of my fingers against my corduroys had made them bleed — but I was so lost in the music I hadn’t even realized!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Like one of BMF’s core tenets: check your ego at the door. I would add — enjoy the simple. We often get so motivated that we’re disappointed we’re not better or improving fast enough, but the real power is in acknowledging where you are. If something feels too hard, don’t get discouraged. Find joy in simplifying until it becomes an achievable challenge.
Fun fact!
I live upstate in Kingston, NY, because seven years ago I landed my favorite job: performing as a life-size dancing polar bear at an annual holiday festival!
I am the Director of Exploration Bands.
Where did you grow up?
Bluefield, VA — right on the border of West Virginia, down in the mountains of southern West Virginia, where my family has lived since before West Virginia was even a state.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BA from the University of Virginia, major in English with a minor in Theater.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I grew up visiting my Ma-maw and Pa-paw on the weekends, where my Pa-paw played banjo, my uncle played guitar, my aunt played spoons, and my Ma-maw and Dad would flatfoot — a traditional Appalachian percussive dance. Music was always around me. I took guitar and piano lessons as a kid, tried again in high school, but it wasn’t until I made the decision to move back to my family’s mountaintop in West Virginia that things really clicked. I started with the spoons so I could join jams, tried the fiddle, and eventually landed on banjo. When I moved to NYC, my Craigslist roommate happened to be a jazz musician, who showed me how much dedicated time was needed to grow as a player. From then on, I carried my banjo everywhere I went — which is how I first met Nate from BMF. Later, theater groups I worked with began writing characters for me who also played music, which accelerated my journey even further. I’m inspired by musicians who push the boundaries of their genres, especially within the Americana tradition — including John Hartford, Jesse Welles, and Rhiannon Giddens.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
The first time I truly got carried away jamming with people, I was just playing spoons at a New Year’s party with an old-time band. I was swept up in the power of the music, playing as fast as I could to keep up, when I suddenly noticed little spots of blood on my shirt. The friction of my fingers against my corduroys had made them bleed — but I was so lost in the music I hadn’t even realized!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Like one of BMF’s core tenets: check your ego at the door. I would add — enjoy the simple. We often get so motivated that we’re disappointed we’re not better or improving fast enough, but the real power is in acknowledging where you are. If something feels too hard, don’t get discouraged. Find joy in simplifying until it becomes an achievable challenge.
Fun fact!
I live upstate in Kingston, NY, because seven years ago I landed my favorite job: performing as a life-size dancing polar bear at an annual holiday festival!
Jerry Murphy
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Jerry →
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (Bedford-Stuyvesant). Cheers to the greatest city in the world!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I studied for my High School Diploma at Brooklyn High School of the Arts in Theater, Band, and Musical Theater. I studied for my BFA in Musical Theater at Columbia College Chicago.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I began my journey in music in the 3rd grade! I played a recorder for a month and then was handed a trombone—and a passion was ignited.
My inspiration knows no bounds. I’m inspired by all that I’m grateful for, by legends we all know and love, and by the opportunity to create whenever I can.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my coolest performances to date was in high school, when the chorus I performed with got the chance to appear live on TV for the NYC tree lighting at NBC Studios during the holidays. I even had a pretty cool sax solo!
What are your passions aside from music?
Outside of my music work, my other true passion is the theater. I adore language and how beautiful it can be. For me, watching a play or musical is like “watching a book” in its manipulation of language—and I love being a part of the story. (Amongst many other things within that regard!)
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
For every mistake you think you make, you are always another step closer to getting it right.
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
When I was younger, I sort of used to play the piano backwards due to my left-hand preference and lack of fine motor skills at the time.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (Bedford-Stuyvesant). Cheers to the greatest city in the world!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I studied for my High School Diploma at Brooklyn High School of the Arts in Theater, Band, and Musical Theater. I studied for my BFA in Musical Theater at Columbia College Chicago.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I began my journey in music in the 3rd grade! I played a recorder for a month and then was handed a trombone—and a passion was ignited.
My inspiration knows no bounds. I’m inspired by all that I’m grateful for, by legends we all know and love, and by the opportunity to create whenever I can.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my coolest performances to date was in high school, when the chorus I performed with got the chance to appear live on TV for the NYC tree lighting at NBC Studios during the holidays. I even had a pretty cool sax solo!
What are your passions aside from music?
Outside of my music work, my other true passion is the theater. I adore language and how beautiful it can be. For me, watching a play or musical is like “watching a book” in its manipulation of language—and I love being a part of the story. (Amongst many other things within that regard!)
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
For every mistake you think you make, you are always another step closer to getting it right.
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community.
When I was younger, I sort of used to play the piano backwards due to my left-hand preference and lack of fine motor skills at the time.
Jessica Tolliver
Pronouns: She/Her
Favorite part of your job:
I try to make sure the whole BMF community has what they need to create awesome music together every day.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
Nate and I were in a heavy metal cover band together in college. I played the drums!
Fun fact:
A movie—Trail of the Lonesome Pine, starring a young Henry Fonda—was made about a (real!) family feud in Kentucky involving my Tolliver ancestors. Henry Fonda played a Tolliver!
Bands/groups/projects:
Annual family holiday video!
I try to make sure the whole BMF community has what they need to create awesome music together every day.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
Nate and I were in a heavy metal cover band together in college. I played the drums!
Fun fact:
A movie—Trail of the Lonesome Pine, starring a young Henry Fonda—was made about a (real!) family feud in Kentucky involving my Tolliver ancestors. Henry Fonda played a Tolliver!
Bands/groups/projects:
Annual family holiday video!
John Russell
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with John →
Where did you grow up?
John grew up in the California Bay Area and received a BA in Narrative Studies from the University of Southern California – where he wrote his thesis on the narrative properties of music.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
"I got my first beat machine when I was 15 and spent years trying to produce like Kanye and Pharrell and Timbaland. In college I bought a guitar and discovered I loved writing songs as much as programming colossal 00’s R&B drums and began a quest to meld those things together."
What are your passions aside from music?
John has a passion for reading and playing soccer… "I am always either juggling a deflated soccer ball in my house or reading one of the 5 books I’m halfway through if I’m not making music."
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
"Far and away the most powerful experience I have had in music is exploring the voice as an instrument. Potent social, emotional & spiritual lessons are unavoidable in the pursuit of singing with freedom…"
Where did you grow up?
John grew up in the California Bay Area and received a BA in Narrative Studies from the University of Southern California – where he wrote his thesis on the narrative properties of music.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
"I got my first beat machine when I was 15 and spent years trying to produce like Kanye and Pharrell and Timbaland. In college I bought a guitar and discovered I loved writing songs as much as programming colossal 00’s R&B drums and began a quest to meld those things together."
What are your passions aside from music?
John has a passion for reading and playing soccer… "I am always either juggling a deflated soccer ball in my house or reading one of the 5 books I’m halfway through if I’m not making music."
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
"Far and away the most powerful experience I have had in music is exploring the voice as an instrument. Potent social, emotional & spiritual lessons are unavoidable in the pursuit of singing with freedom…"
Josh Kinney
Pronouns: They/Them
Enroll with Josh →
Josh grew up in Binghamton, N.Y., and holds a BM in Jazz Studies from Purchase College and an MA in Music Education from Hunter College.
"I grew up in a musical family and started playing guitar when I was 8 years old, saxophone when I was 10 years old, and bass, drums, piano, flute and clarinet later on in my journey. Some of my inspirations include Maurice White, Patrice Rushen, Michael McDonald, and Donald Fagen."
One of Josh's coolest gigs/musical experiences... "My first time playing in Atlanta was to a crowd of around 600 people who had never seen our show before. The set was going alright at first. Halfway through, we did a mashup that included “Candy” by Cameo–a song folks often do the electric slide to at weddings and parties. Immediately, every single person in the room stepped into line and danced in perfect step. The rest of the show from there was a total hit."
Aside from music, Josh loves reading, running, and cooking.
If Josh could give one piece of advice to their students, it would be: Find YOUR sound. From there, life is a never-ending source of inspiration.
Josh grew up in Binghamton, N.Y., and holds a BM in Jazz Studies from Purchase College and an MA in Music Education from Hunter College.
"I grew up in a musical family and started playing guitar when I was 8 years old, saxophone when I was 10 years old, and bass, drums, piano, flute and clarinet later on in my journey. Some of my inspirations include Maurice White, Patrice Rushen, Michael McDonald, and Donald Fagen."
One of Josh's coolest gigs/musical experiences... "My first time playing in Atlanta was to a crowd of around 600 people who had never seen our show before. The set was going alright at first. Halfway through, we did a mashup that included “Candy” by Cameo–a song folks often do the electric slide to at weddings and parties. Immediately, every single person in the room stepped into line and danced in perfect step. The rest of the show from there was a total hit."
Aside from music, Josh loves reading, running, and cooking.
If Josh could give one piece of advice to their students, it would be: Find YOUR sound. From there, life is a never-ending source of inspiration.
Mal Best
Pronouns: He/Him
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College, and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Eastern Washington University.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Once you start something you enjoy, don't stop. Keep getting better. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep having fun. Keep sharing that passion with others. Be yourself and love everything you create!
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
I started around age 8 singing for fun, and it wasn't until I got to high school that I started learning and studying more about being a vocalist because of my desire to be a professional vocalist. My inspiration was the many great music teachers I had in high school. Specifically, my Gospel Choir and Mixed Choir teachers who helped me become a more competent musician.
Fun fact:
I did a 3-day camp wilderness trip in the Adirondack Mountains when I was 15. It was one of the best experiences I had, and I'd love to do something like that again.
What are your passions aside from music?
I enjoy health, fitness, and mental health. You can always find me cooking something in my house, training at the gym, or meditating when I'm not practicing or teaching. I'm also very passionate about early childhood education and fostering children to become creative thinkers and be free to use their imagination.
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College, and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Eastern Washington University.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Once you start something you enjoy, don't stop. Keep getting better. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep having fun. Keep sharing that passion with others. Be yourself and love everything you create!
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
I started around age 8 singing for fun, and it wasn't until I got to high school that I started learning and studying more about being a vocalist because of my desire to be a professional vocalist. My inspiration was the many great music teachers I had in high school. Specifically, my Gospel Choir and Mixed Choir teachers who helped me become a more competent musician.
Fun fact:
I did a 3-day camp wilderness trip in the Adirondack Mountains when I was 15. It was one of the best experiences I had, and I'd love to do something like that again.
What are your passions aside from music?
I enjoy health, fitness, and mental health. You can always find me cooking something in my house, training at the gym, or meditating when I'm not practicing or teaching. I'm also very passionate about early childhood education and fostering children to become creative thinkers and be free to use their imagination.
Mary Leigh Montgomery
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
____________________________
Community & Enrollment Coordinator
Mary Leigh Montgomery
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What do you teach at BMF?
I am the Community & Enrollment Coordinator at BMF.
Where did you grow up?
Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, Brooklyn
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
A B.F.A. in Theatre Education & Performance from Emerson College
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started on violin when I was 5, though I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it (but still kept going for 8 years!). Things changed when I began voice lessons in fourth grade and completely fell in love with singing and musical theatre. That passion carried me through middle and high school, including LaGuardia High School where I studied classical voice. Along the way, I picked up piano (thanks to BMF!) and eventually learned some guitar. My musical inspirations range from legendary theatre composers and performers like Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Jessie Mueller to iconic songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. And of course — I’m a huge Swiftie!
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Right after college, I joined a traveling theatre troupe that performed a brand-new children’s musical every week. Each show featured original music and scripts, and we had just 5 days to learn songs, lines, and choreography before performing. Over the summer we put on six different productions! I loved the thrill of fast-paced learning, adapting to script changes, and contributing creative ideas to bring those stories to life.
What are your passions aside from music?
Theatre, teaching theatre & music, crafts, yoga, and animals
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Don’t worry about sounding perfect or doing something “perfectly” — perfect doesn’t exist. The beauty of music lies in learning, growing, and collaborating with others.
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
My siblings and I all took lessons at BMF when I was in high school!
I am the Community & Enrollment Coordinator at BMF.
Where did you grow up?
Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, Brooklyn
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
A B.F.A. in Theatre Education & Performance from Emerson College
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started on violin when I was 5, though I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it (but still kept going for 8 years!). Things changed when I began voice lessons in fourth grade and completely fell in love with singing and musical theatre. That passion carried me through middle and high school, including LaGuardia High School where I studied classical voice. Along the way, I picked up piano (thanks to BMF!) and eventually learned some guitar. My musical inspirations range from legendary theatre composers and performers like Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Jessie Mueller to iconic songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. And of course — I’m a huge Swiftie!
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Right after college, I joined a traveling theatre troupe that performed a brand-new children’s musical every week. Each show featured original music and scripts, and we had just 5 days to learn songs, lines, and choreography before performing. Over the summer we put on six different productions! I loved the thrill of fast-paced learning, adapting to script changes, and contributing creative ideas to bring those stories to life.
What are your passions aside from music?
Theatre, teaching theatre & music, crafts, yoga, and animals
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Don’t worry about sounding perfect or doing something “perfectly” — perfect doesn’t exist. The beauty of music lies in learning, growing, and collaborating with others.
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
My siblings and I all took lessons at BMF when I was in high school!
Michelle Zilles
Pronouns: She/Her
Favorite part of your job:
I cherish being a child's first music teacher. In MiniKeys, I love creating a playful, successful experience that will lay a foundation for their lifelong love of music.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
Everyone was singing in the house growing up. My mom sang in MGM musicals and Broadway and my dad sang Opera. I was a shy kid and as a teenager loved The Smiths as much as Stephen Sondheim. Music gave me confidence and a sense of belonging.
Fast forward years later, I was performing with a theatre company in hospitals and shelters. It hit me how deeply music can reach any population with any ability. I studied my Master's in Music Therapy at NYU and worked in early intervention and with dementia patients. I love leading group singing and building community through song.
Fun fact:
I sang on The Grand Ole Opry stage but surprisingly not country music.
Bands/groups/projects:
Raising my daughters is a big project right now. Slowly working on a collection of lullabyes. These have been passed down and a few are original.
I cherish being a child's first music teacher. In MiniKeys, I love creating a playful, successful experience that will lay a foundation for their lifelong love of music.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music?
Everyone was singing in the house growing up. My mom sang in MGM musicals and Broadway and my dad sang Opera. I was a shy kid and as a teenager loved The Smiths as much as Stephen Sondheim. Music gave me confidence and a sense of belonging.
Fast forward years later, I was performing with a theatre company in hospitals and shelters. It hit me how deeply music can reach any population with any ability. I studied my Master's in Music Therapy at NYU and worked in early intervention and with dementia patients. I love leading group singing and building community through song.
Fun fact:
I sang on The Grand Ole Opry stage but surprisingly not country music.
Bands/groups/projects:
Raising my daughters is a big project right now. Slowly working on a collection of lullabyes. These have been passed down and a few are original.
Nate Shaw
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Nate →
Favorite part of your job: Absolutely it's building a sense of self in my students.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music? I was playing piano in a blues band in Hong Kong (of all places). I was 21 yrs old & living abroad studying Chinese for 3 hours a day. Digging the food and the massive culture shock. It was a Sunday night gig that I did every week. I was just a wide-eyed kid who saw everything as possible. And then one song (a minor blues in E... I remember it perfectly) I played a chord on the piano and all of a sudden felt something shoot through my body that I'm not sure I had ever felt before. It was bliss. It was joy. It was totally real and physical and emotional. That one moment was when I realized that I needed to keep doing music for the rest of my life. My life has continued to be finding ways to feel that daily through music.
Fun fact: I have been to Bali twice to play with a friend who lives there. I'm always willing to travel for adventure.
Bands/groups/projects: Gowanus Reggae And Ska Society & J Granelli's trio: Mr Lucky
Find Out More Here: GowanusReggae.com
Favorite part of your job: Absolutely it's building a sense of self in my students.
When and why did you discover you wanted to be a musician, or work closely with music? I was playing piano in a blues band in Hong Kong (of all places). I was 21 yrs old & living abroad studying Chinese for 3 hours a day. Digging the food and the massive culture shock. It was a Sunday night gig that I did every week. I was just a wide-eyed kid who saw everything as possible. And then one song (a minor blues in E... I remember it perfectly) I played a chord on the piano and all of a sudden felt something shoot through my body that I'm not sure I had ever felt before. It was bliss. It was joy. It was totally real and physical and emotional. That one moment was when I realized that I needed to keep doing music for the rest of my life. My life has continued to be finding ways to feel that daily through music.
Fun fact: I have been to Bali twice to play with a friend who lives there. I'm always willing to travel for adventure.
Bands/groups/projects: Gowanus Reggae And Ska Society & J Granelli's trio: Mr Lucky
Find Out More Here: GowanusReggae.com
Natalie Young
Pronouns: She/Her
____________________________
Voice, Piano, Guitar & Curriculum Designer
Natalie Young
Pronouns: She/Her
Enroll with Natalie →
What do you teach at BMF?
I teach voice and beginner piano! I’m also a curriculum designer for BMF.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hershey, PA. Before the chocolate factories moved when I was 10, the entire town smelled like chocolate!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I hold my Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Performance from New York University. I minored in Applied/Educational Theatre and Mathematics.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
My parents are both theatre performers, so I started singing before I could form full sentences! I was inspired by the powerful vocals of musical theatre legends like Audra McDonald, Judy Kuhn, Stephanie J. Block, and Sutton Foster. I performed in my first musical at the age of 6, and began taking formal voice lessons at age 11. I first learned to read music through musical theatre and choir, which led me to study piano and guitar.
As my relationship with music has grown over the years, I’m now inspired by musicians who break the boundaries of genre, like Anais Mitchell, Moses Sumney, and The Staves.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
During my senior year of high school, I booked a gig as a primary soloist in a concert showcasing the music of Stephen Schwartz. I got to sing “Morning Glow” from Pippin as a duet with Stephen Schwartz himself — that was pretty cool!
What are your passions aside from music?
As a disabled musician and educator, I’m extremely passionate about access and equity in artistic environments. On a slightly less serious note, I’m passionate about animals (mainly my rescue pup, Mocca!), plants (I have 85 house plants!), and experimental theatre.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Enjoy the human moments of music-making! Your journey with music will bring about so many feelings — joy, frustration, surprise, defeat, curiosity, determination — and they are all important! Embrace the challenges and feel the beat. 🙂
Fun fact!
My dream in life is to create a residency space for new work development in music and theatre. I’m passionate about making space for new voices to thrive!
What do you teach at BMF?
I teach voice and beginner piano! I’m also a curriculum designer for BMF.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hershey, PA. Before the chocolate factories moved when I was 10, the entire town smelled like chocolate!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
I hold my Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Performance from New York University. I minored in Applied/Educational Theatre and Mathematics.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
My parents are both theatre performers, so I started singing before I could form full sentences! I was inspired by the powerful vocals of musical theatre legends like Audra McDonald, Judy Kuhn, Stephanie J. Block, and Sutton Foster. I performed in my first musical at the age of 6, and began taking formal voice lessons at age 11. I first learned to read music through musical theatre and choir, which led me to study piano and guitar.
As my relationship with music has grown over the years, I’m now inspired by musicians who break the boundaries of genre, like Anais Mitchell, Moses Sumney, and The Staves.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
During my senior year of high school, I booked a gig as a primary soloist in a concert showcasing the music of Stephen Schwartz. I got to sing “Morning Glow” from Pippin as a duet with Stephen Schwartz himself — that was pretty cool!
What are your passions aside from music?
As a disabled musician and educator, I’m extremely passionate about access and equity in artistic environments. On a slightly less serious note, I’m passionate about animals (mainly my rescue pup, Mocca!), plants (I have 85 house plants!), and experimental theatre.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Enjoy the human moments of music-making! Your journey with music will bring about so many feelings — joy, frustration, surprise, defeat, curiosity, determination — and they are all important! Embrace the challenges and feel the beat. 🙂
Fun fact!
My dream in life is to create a residency space for new work development in music and theatre. I’m passionate about making space for new voices to thrive!
Paul Madigan
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Paul →
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I began my drumming career when I was seven years old, driving my parents crazy by banging on pots and pans. This eventually prompted the purchase of my first drum set at the age of twelve. As a young child, I was moved by the rhythms of John Bonham, Neil Peart, Keith Moon and many other rock legends that I listened to on my stepfather’s records. In high school, inspired by the school’s music director, I joined the Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band. I broadened my horizons by listening to inspirational drummers like Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Steve Gadd, and Dave Weckyl.
After high school, I performed in bands around Southern California, North Carolina and the southeast, and New York City. I also performed and taught on the island of St. John, USVI. Over the course of my performing career, I toured in bands that played clubs and shared festival stages with many great performers, such as Train, Bob Weir, G-Love and Special Sauce, and Melissa Etheridge. While in North Carolina, I taught beginner drumming at the Raleigh Music Academy. I also instructed young drummers at the St. John School of the Arts during my time in the Caribbean.
Now that I’ve settled back in Carroll Gardens with my wife and daughter, a P.S. 58 graduate and Red Hook Harbor School student, I am excited to share my passion with aspiring Brooklyn drummers.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Opening for Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and his band Rat Dog. The crowd was amazing, and the stage physically shook from their applause. Following the performances that night, my band and I had the opportunity to meet and pose for a picture with Bob and the band.
What are your passions aside from music?
I really enjoy traveling with my family as we are trying to get our daughter to all fifty states by the age of eighteen. I enjoy watching sports, playing games, and also playing golf.
If you could give one piece of advice to students what would it be?
I always tell students that “practice makes progress” because I don’t believe in perfection. Perfection implies there is a stopping point for growth, but we are always learning and developing new skills–that’s the most exciting part of the musical experience!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I’ve always loved humor and stand-up comedy. My hope is to one day take a comedy workshop and perform a stand-up routine at an open mic here in NYC!
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I began my drumming career when I was seven years old, driving my parents crazy by banging on pots and pans. This eventually prompted the purchase of my first drum set at the age of twelve. As a young child, I was moved by the rhythms of John Bonham, Neil Peart, Keith Moon and many other rock legends that I listened to on my stepfather’s records. In high school, inspired by the school’s music director, I joined the Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band. I broadened my horizons by listening to inspirational drummers like Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Steve Gadd, and Dave Weckyl.
After high school, I performed in bands around Southern California, North Carolina and the southeast, and New York City. I also performed and taught on the island of St. John, USVI. Over the course of my performing career, I toured in bands that played clubs and shared festival stages with many great performers, such as Train, Bob Weir, G-Love and Special Sauce, and Melissa Etheridge. While in North Carolina, I taught beginner drumming at the Raleigh Music Academy. I also instructed young drummers at the St. John School of the Arts during my time in the Caribbean.
Now that I’ve settled back in Carroll Gardens with my wife and daughter, a P.S. 58 graduate and Red Hook Harbor School student, I am excited to share my passion with aspiring Brooklyn drummers.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Opening for Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and his band Rat Dog. The crowd was amazing, and the stage physically shook from their applause. Following the performances that night, my band and I had the opportunity to meet and pose for a picture with Bob and the band.
What are your passions aside from music?
I really enjoy traveling with my family as we are trying to get our daughter to all fifty states by the age of eighteen. I enjoy watching sports, playing games, and also playing golf.
If you could give one piece of advice to students what would it be?
I always tell students that “practice makes progress” because I don’t believe in perfection. Perfection implies there is a stopping point for growth, but we are always learning and developing new skills–that’s the most exciting part of the musical experience!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I’ve always loved humor and stand-up comedy. My hope is to one day take a comedy workshop and perform a stand-up routine at an open mic here in NYC!
Peira Moinester
Pronouns: She/Her
Peira is Co-founder and Camp Director of Brooklyn Music Factory.
She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Peira started playing music at a very young age, and loved to play the piano in her family living room. She began voice lessons at 9 years old, and started writing her own songs in middle school. “Once I discovered the power of writing your own music, I never looked back!”
Peira’s most treasured musical experiences have been when she’s had the opportunity to see artists she loves in small, intimate venues. “There’s nothing like being in a small room, watching a performance of an artist you admire, and feeling like the music is right on top of you. I love that.”
Aside from music, Peira is passionate about the environment and making our planet a better and cleaner place. “I love that saying, There is no Planet B. Feels like there’s no better way to sum it all up.”
Peira lives with her awesome husband who she met playing in a band 25 years ago. They now have two amazing kids and love playing music together as a family.
One piece of advice Peira loves to share with her students:
“Create without limits. Creativity is hindered by rules. Allow yourself to be free and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.”
She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Peira started playing music at a very young age, and loved to play the piano in her family living room. She began voice lessons at 9 years old, and started writing her own songs in middle school. “Once I discovered the power of writing your own music, I never looked back!”
Peira’s most treasured musical experiences have been when she’s had the opportunity to see artists she loves in small, intimate venues. “There’s nothing like being in a small room, watching a performance of an artist you admire, and feeling like the music is right on top of you. I love that.”
Aside from music, Peira is passionate about the environment and making our planet a better and cleaner place. “I love that saying, There is no Planet B. Feels like there’s no better way to sum it all up.”
Peira lives with her awesome husband who she met playing in a band 25 years ago. They now have two amazing kids and love playing music together as a family.
One piece of advice Peira loves to share with her students:
“Create without limits. Creativity is hindered by rules. Allow yourself to be free and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.”
Ryan Linke
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Rayn →
Where did you grow up?
San Diego, California
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
University of Michigan – Music and Business
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing music in 6th grade band. My first instrument was the trumpet but I picked up every instrument I could get my hands on. One sound was never satisfying to me and I was always in search of the next thing to play.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my favorite gigs was playing a late-night set at Dizzy’s Jazz Club in Manhattan. It was one of my first trips to NYC, and it got me immediately hooked. Playing in such close quarters with amazing musicians and the NYC skyline towering behind me—I made the decision to move that same year!
What are your passions aside from music?
I love cycling, hiking, collecting records, working on my sound system, thrifting, and exploring new parts of the city.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Learn to love the process and you will never fail.
Fun fact!
My first Brooklyn apartment was in a house shaped like a Japanese temple.
Where did you grow up?
San Diego, California
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
University of Michigan – Music and Business
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing music in 6th grade band. My first instrument was the trumpet but I picked up every instrument I could get my hands on. One sound was never satisfying to me and I was always in search of the next thing to play.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my favorite gigs was playing a late-night set at Dizzy’s Jazz Club in Manhattan. It was one of my first trips to NYC, and it got me immediately hooked. Playing in such close quarters with amazing musicians and the NYC skyline towering behind me—I made the decision to move that same year!
What are your passions aside from music?
I love cycling, hiking, collecting records, working on my sound system, thrifting, and exploring new parts of the city.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Learn to love the process and you will never fail.
Fun fact!
My first Brooklyn apartment was in a house shaped like a Japanese temple.
Violet Taber
Pronouns: She/They
Enroll with Violet →
Where did you grow up?
I’m from snowy Syracuse, New York—go Cuse!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BFA in Musical Theatre with a Communications Minor from LIU Post
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve been obsessed with music my whole life; my mom still has copies of songs I would ‘write’ and dictate to her at age 3. When I was 9, I started playing viola and singing in choruses both in and after school, and by middle school, I was studying jazz guitar and piano, as well as voice. By the time I was in college, I was music directing full-length shows, leading to post-grad positions in music directing at Brooklyn College and Circle in the Square Theatre School. Though much of my background is in theatre, most of my musical inspiration comes from songwriting and songwriters. Some favorites are Joni Mitchell, Samia, Hannah Cohen, Dijon, Alanis Morissette, and Dora Jar.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
In Fall of 2024, I self-produced a mostly sold-out tour for my artist project ‘Violet Stanza,’ playing shows in cities across the country. Performing my own original music and engaging with local queer and trans music communities was such a memorable experience that I won’t soon forget!
What are your passions aside from music?
Aside from music, I’m a huge basketball fanatic—as both a player in my local rec league and a New York Liberty fan. When it’s not music or sports, my time is often spent cooking or hanging out with my cat Rosie!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Never compromise on being yourself! There will always be a space for your talents and who you are in the music world—you just have to find it!
Fun fact!
I come from a big family of cyclists, and in high school I was ranked the 4th best mountain biker in New York State! Biking is still one of my passions 🙂
Where did you grow up?
I’m from snowy Syracuse, New York—go Cuse!
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BFA in Musical Theatre with a Communications Minor from LIU Post
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve been obsessed with music my whole life; my mom still has copies of songs I would ‘write’ and dictate to her at age 3. When I was 9, I started playing viola and singing in choruses both in and after school, and by middle school, I was studying jazz guitar and piano, as well as voice. By the time I was in college, I was music directing full-length shows, leading to post-grad positions in music directing at Brooklyn College and Circle in the Square Theatre School. Though much of my background is in theatre, most of my musical inspiration comes from songwriting and songwriters. Some favorites are Joni Mitchell, Samia, Hannah Cohen, Dijon, Alanis Morissette, and Dora Jar.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
In Fall of 2024, I self-produced a mostly sold-out tour for my artist project ‘Violet Stanza,’ playing shows in cities across the country. Performing my own original music and engaging with local queer and trans music communities was such a memorable experience that I won’t soon forget!
What are your passions aside from music?
Aside from music, I’m a huge basketball fanatic—as both a player in my local rec league and a New York Liberty fan. When it’s not music or sports, my time is often spent cooking or hanging out with my cat Rosie!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Never compromise on being yourself! There will always be a space for your talents and who you are in the music world—you just have to find it!
Fun fact!
I come from a big family of cyclists, and in high school I was ranked the 4th best mountain biker in New York State! Biking is still one of my passions 🙂
Zarek Deosaran
Pronouns: He/Him
Enroll with Zarek →
Where did you grow up?
The Cayman Islands.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BM in Music Theory and Composition with a concentration in Music Production and Songwriting from New York University.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing music at a very young age, and it all began at church. After every service, I’d rush over to the piano and beg the music director to let me play. There was just something magical about the instrument — and honestly, piano is objectively the coolest instrument! My first formal lessons were in choir at age six, followed by guitar lessons at seven. From there, my love for music just kept growing.
As for inspirations, it all started with the people around me. My primary school music teacher sparked my love for music, and my Grade 2 teacher would sing songs with us in class, which made learning feel magical. Later on, I was influenced by other community members who shared their passion for music.
In my teenage years, I discovered Twenty One Pilots and the pianist Animenz, both of whom showed me that you can really play whatever you love, have fun with it, and even turn that passion into a career. Their creativity and freedom in music were a huge part of what made me believe in music as a path I could pursue.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my coolest musical experiences was hosting and performing at the CAYPAN “Steel Pan Through the Ages” panel. It was an incredible honor to celebrate Earl La Pierre — a musician and mentor who has taught me so much. What made it truly special was the chance to engage with my culture on a deeper level, beyond just performing. Witnessing the profound impact of a lifetime dedicated to music was not only inspiring, but deeply validating.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love staying active and exercising. I also enjoy making arts and crafts projects, as well as drawing. I am a Mario Kart fiend, and I have an encyclopedic knowledge of Naruto. Believe it!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
No idea is too silly.
Fun fact!
I can answer any questions you have about coral reefs.
Where did you grow up?
The Cayman Islands.
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
BM in Music Theory and Composition with a concentration in Music Production and Songwriting from New York University.
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I started playing music at a very young age, and it all began at church. After every service, I’d rush over to the piano and beg the music director to let me play. There was just something magical about the instrument — and honestly, piano is objectively the coolest instrument! My first formal lessons were in choir at age six, followed by guitar lessons at seven. From there, my love for music just kept growing.
As for inspirations, it all started with the people around me. My primary school music teacher sparked my love for music, and my Grade 2 teacher would sing songs with us in class, which made learning feel magical. Later on, I was influenced by other community members who shared their passion for music.
In my teenage years, I discovered Twenty One Pilots and the pianist Animenz, both of whom showed me that you can really play whatever you love, have fun with it, and even turn that passion into a career. Their creativity and freedom in music were a huge part of what made me believe in music as a path I could pursue.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
One of my coolest musical experiences was hosting and performing at the CAYPAN “Steel Pan Through the Ages” panel. It was an incredible honor to celebrate Earl La Pierre — a musician and mentor who has taught me so much. What made it truly special was the chance to engage with my culture on a deeper level, beyond just performing. Witnessing the profound impact of a lifetime dedicated to music was not only inspiring, but deeply validating.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love staying active and exercising. I also enjoy making arts and crafts projects, as well as drawing. I am a Mario Kart fiend, and I have an encyclopedic knowledge of Naruto. Believe it!
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
No idea is too silly.
Fun fact!
I can answer any questions you have about coral reefs.
Zoë Helm
Pronouns: She/Her
What do you teach at BMF?
Voice and Piano
Where did you grow up?
North Carolina
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
Dance Theatre Certificate from American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Contemporary Voice Teacher Certification from John Henny Contemporary Voice Teachers Academy
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve always sung, and I took up piano as an adult! I wanted to compose music to go with the songs that I write. Singing and songwriting are how I reach out and connect to the people around me and how I look into myself to feel a sense of calm. I’m inspired by artists like Carole King, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Vulfpeck, Sammy Rae, and Lake Street Dive.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Anytime I see people dancing and singing along to my songs is a magical experience! I also had the pleasure of joining Carissa Johnson & The Cure-alls for a performance at the In Between Days Festival in Quincy, MA. It was a very cool experience to share a lineup with some artists I really admire.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love riding my bike and learning French.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Slowly is the fastest way to improve!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I spent a few years studying American Sign Language and you will probably see me using some signs in the studio!
Voice and Piano
Where did you grow up?
North Carolina
Do you hold any degrees? From where/in what?
Dance Theatre Certificate from American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Contemporary Voice Teacher Certification from John Henny Contemporary Voice Teachers Academy
When did you start playing music? Why? Who are your inspirations?
I’ve always sung, and I took up piano as an adult! I wanted to compose music to go with the songs that I write. Singing and songwriting are how I reach out and connect to the people around me and how I look into myself to feel a sense of calm. I’m inspired by artists like Carole King, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Vulfpeck, Sammy Rae, and Lake Street Dive.
What was one of your coolest gigs/musical experiences?
Anytime I see people dancing and singing along to my songs is a magical experience! I also had the pleasure of joining Carissa Johnson & The Cure-alls for a performance at the In Between Days Festival in Quincy, MA. It was a very cool experience to share a lineup with some artists I really admire.
What are your passions aside from music?
I love riding my bike and learning French.
If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?
Slowly is the fastest way to improve!
Fun fact! Share anything else about yourself that you'd like to share with the BMF community:
I spent a few years studying American Sign Language and you will probably see me using some signs in the studio!
