Our Music Teachers
Below, find a listing of our music teachers, and the instruments that they teach. Learn more about our music lessons here!
Bill Fischer (Saxophone/Flute)
Bill is a graduate of Lyman Hall High School where he played under the direction of world renowned composer, performer, teacher, and conductor, Dr. Richard A. Otto. He also studied at the Berklee College of Music under Joe Viola, the Summer Jazz Program at Choate Rosemary Hall, and also studied with the famous jazz artist Jackie McLean. Bill performed with the Choate Summer Jazz Program under Phil Wilson and has over 40 years of professional experience performing on the saxophone with numerous local and national acts. Bill has been teaching at JC Music for over 25 years. He has taught many students, a number of whom have gone on to pursue music in college or passed auditions for All State and Regional Music Festivals. Bill has been an active saxophone artist with the Augusta Curtis Concert Band since 2005.
Brian Chrzanowski (Piano/Trumpet)
Brian started taking piano lessons at age four. He has been a school accompanist in elementary, middle, high school, and college. Brian still plays for school concerts and trips, which include playing for adjudications in Virginia, Hershey (Pennsylvania), Toronto, and Epcott Center in Disney World. Brian has a degree in music from CCSU and has also studied at Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. Along with the piano, he has been taking trumpet lessons since the 5th grade. He has played lead trumpet in Symphonic and Jazz bands in both high school and college. Brian is enthusiastic and excited about instructing the serious student in the art of creating music.
Philomena Nesci (Piano)
Philomena has been playing piano since she was 6, percussion and clarinet since she was 13, and has also been trained in music theory and voice. She is self-taught in pipe-organ, Irish tin whistle, and rhythm guitar and ukulele; she also has a basic knowledge of most band and orchestra instruments.
Philomena has studied under Sara Kohane (Classical Piano), Brian Chrzanowski (Classical/Jazz Piano), Paul Kamenitsky (Auxiliary Percussion, Mallet Percussion, and Rock/Jazz Drum Set), Louis Nesci (Clarinet), JC Caillouette (Music Theory), and Stacy Perrone-Petta (Classical/Broadway Voice). She has been the principal organist and a chorister of Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel in Monroe, CT since 2016 and has been a member of the Augusta Curtis Concert Band since 2017, where she is a percussionist and a guest-conductor.
Philomena has also played in the percussion sections of the Colchester Choir and Orchestra and the WesWinds Ensemble at Wesleyan College. She is the founding member and pianist of the instrumental rock ‘n’ roll band The Ice Pac. She has played all of her instruments – especially piano – in various venues and settings, in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, pops, and rock. In the 2021 International Make Music Day Young Composers Competition Philomena received an honorable mention for her composition “Here I Am”, and in 2022 she sang at the Meriden Daffodil Festival.
Philomena is currently attending CCSU for her bachelors degree in Music Education. Philomena believes in providing a solid education in basic music theory as an indispensable part of the piano lesson. She is very excited to teach anyone of any age who has a deep passion for music!
Donny Fortin (Drums)
Donny Fortin has been playing the drums for over 30 years in clubs and studios across the United States. With a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Performance from Berklee College of Music, Donny has been taught by a Who’s Who of contemporary drummers and percussionists: Casey Scheuerrell (Jean Luc Ponty), Jamey Haddad (Dave Liebman), John Ramsey (Jazz Messengers), John Hazilla, Dave Dicenso (Hiromi, Duran Duran), Tom Melito (Jerry Bergonzi), Tom Dest, Frank Giguere (Street Temperature), Connie Coughlin (U.S. Coast Guard Band), and was also one of JC Music’s first drum students and was taught by JC Caillouette (Owner of JC Music). Don enjoys teaching his students any style of drumming, and is a passionate teacher. He looks to share his love of drumming with new and experienced drummers of all ages!
Ed Diaz (Guitar)
Ed holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from WCSU. There, he studied with some of New England’s finest professors in both the classical and jazz genres. Over his many years of study, he has had private lessons with (in chronological order): Pat Russo (rock/metal), Ron Stebbins (classical/jazz), Steve Famiglietti (jazz), Jamie Begian (jazz), and Chris Morrison (jazz/fusion).
Ed has played all over the state with his band Clearlight Industries. Thomas Pizzola of the New Haven Advocate wrote that “Diaz is an accomplished guitarist, able to whip off ripping solos and make it look effortless”. Many of Ed’s students have gone on to form bands of their own. Some have even pursued music at the collegiate level. He is an extremely versatile musician, having studied most every guitar style imaginable. Ed is comfortable playing anything from classical to jazz to metal and everything in between. He keeps current in the latest guitar developments whether it be guitar-synth or fretless guitar.
When not playing guitar, Ed can often be found in the studio producing and engineering, and as the owner of a project studio, he keeps up on all the latest music-related hardware and software. He even builds and configures computer audio systems for use as production stations. So, whether you’re a beginner looking for a proper foundation, a hobbyist looking to address specific areas of you’re playing, or an experienced player looking to take their playing to the next level, Ed likely has the knowledge and experience to help you get there.
JC Caillouette (All Instruments/Theory)
As a musician, JC has over forty years of experience in playing and performing on musical instruments. He studied for six years with the late drummer Jim Roszelle from the Hartt School of Music and the group Spiral. JC then studied for six years with world renowned and internationally recognized jazz drummer Ed Soph. Ed has performed with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Eddie Daniels and countless others along with presenting master classes throughout the world.
He went on to study percussion for four years with Constance Coghlan, principal percussionist of the U.S. Coast Guard Band. He has performed with many area bands and has performed many shows as the former drummer for the “On Stage Performers.” He is a former member of the “JC Lentini Band” of New Britain and the Rock/Blues band “TBC.”
As a conductor, JC has been with the Augusta Curtis Concert Band since 2005. JC obtained a Master of Music Education Degree from CCSU, where he received the President’s award for Academic Excellence in the field of Music. Although JC is an accomplished musician and teacher of most instruments, he is presently JC Music’s faculty member offering specialized musical studies to those students seeking instruction beyond a musical instrument.
Jeff Howey (Voice/Piano/Guitar/Ukulele/Clarinet)
Jeff has been teaching music since 1972. He graduated from The Hartt School of Music and has taught in multiple schools, and most recently retired from Hamden Hall Country Day School after 25 years of teaching. He is the Choir Director of the Bethany Lutheran Church and he has been a vocal soloist at several area churches and a performer at many restaurants and parties. Jeff has also been seen on stage with Gilbert and Sullivan of Middletown, Aspen Dream Productions, Park Road Playhouse, and Mayfly 24 Hour theatre. Jeff has studied voice with Mary Mack, Dr. Peter Harvey, and Gerald Mack. He studied piano with Herbert Chatzky, Charles Gigliotti, and Bruce David Smith. Jeff is an all-around musician, capable of teaching dual Guitar/Vocal lessons, and he really enjoys working with his students, making the process of learning and performing fun.
Paul Kamenitsky (Percussion/Piano)
Paul attended ECSU and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Music Performance, specifically mallet percussion. He has been a percussionist since age 8 and a pianist since age 14. Paul has played with the Hamden Symphony Orchestra, the WesWinds Ensemble at Wesleyan, and the Augusta Curtis Concert Band in Meriden.
Shawn Matyasovszky (Guitar/Theory/Piano)
Shawn Matyasovszky is a classical guitarist from CT. He has performed with groups at and around CCSU. These include the CCSU Guitar Ensemble, the Hartford Classical Guitar Ensemble, as a soloist with the CCSU Sinfonietta, and as a soloist with our local Augusta Curtis Cultural Band. As a solo performer, Shawn has interests in Baroque and Renaissance era music. Shawn trained as a classical guitarist with CCSU and Hartt School of Music professor Christopher Ladd. He holds a BA in Music from CCSU. As an educator, Shawn has a strong focus on musical literacy and ensemble playing. He has been active in the classroom guitar programs in both Plainville and Bristol Central high school. He has also worked with the After-School Program at the Middle School of Plainville. Shawn teaches students of all age groups and skill levels.
Sierra Manning (Voice)
Sierra Manning is currently earning a B.S. in Music Education at CCSU. As a vocalist, she performs with the CCSU University Singers, and is Soprano section leader. Sierra serves as the President of the school’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education, and as Secretary for the American Choral Directors’ Association.
Sierra has performed with the Simsbury Light Opera Company (SLOCO), and CT Lyric opera. She has also participated in countless musicals throughout her musical career. Sierra is also the director of the Musical Theater camp at the Meriden YMCA.
Sierra is excited to share her passion of music with her students!
Han Nguyen (Guitar/Piano)
Han has been giving musical instruction in Connecticut for over 10 years, and received a degree in Recording Arts and Guitar Performance from the Hartford Conservatory. He specializes in teaching piano and guitar, but can also help with voice, ear training, and music theory. He also has experience working with music students with learning disabilities and other special needs.
José Garcia (Flute)
Jose started playing Flute in 2016 and continued to play in college, studying with Jill Maurer-Davis, the Flute Professor at Central Connecticut State University. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Theory and Composition in 2024 under the direction of both Dr. Charles Menoche and Professor June Aino. Jose is currently playing with the Augusta Curtis Concert Band and teaching lessons to students of all ages here at JC Music.
Jose has participated in Marching Band Competitions and has also played in both Collegiate Jazz Big Band and Wind Ensembles. Jose has a fun, youthful, yet professional approach to teaching music, and is able to teach students of any age and skill level!
Daniel Coggeshall (Violin/Viola/Cello)
Daniel is a skilled cellist of over 8 years. He has performed in many ensembles in Glastonbury High School and the Hartt School of Music, including symphony orchestras, chamber groups and pit bands.
In 2023, Daniel received an award for outstanding achievement in pit band and was selected to perform in the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s All State Festival at the Hartford Convention Center. He now performs with the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Daniel joined JC Music in 2024 and is currently a violin and cello instructor. He loves to share his passion for classical music with others. As a result, he enjoys crafting fun lessons with students of all ages.
Ashley VanDerhoff (Clarinet)
Ashley VanDerhoff is a dedicated clarinet teacher with over 20 years of experience playing the instrument. Her passion for music began at a young age, leading her to achieve top honors as a clarinetist, including earning a coveted spot in the All-Northwest Honor Band and winning first place in the Idaho state solo competition. With a strong foundation in both performance and education, Ashley pursued a degree in music education at Boise State University, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methods.
As an instructor, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her students, helping them develop strong technical skills while fostering a love for music. She tailors her lessons to each student’s individual goals, whether they are preparing for auditions, competitions, or simply playing for enjoyment. With her background in both solo and ensemble performance, she emphasizes tone quality, technique, and musical expression, ensuring that students gain confidence and proficiency in their playing.
JC Music offers lessons year round! We are proud to offer a wide variety of music lessons for voice and most instruments. Because of our focus on students and education, we have become a leader in music education in Connecticut. JC Music also works closely with CMEA and the Yale School of Music’s “Music in Schools” Initiative. We have highly qualified music teachers and are happy to work with you to find the most compatible match.
It is our goal at JC Music to make the learning of an instrument an enjoyable and educational experience. We offer bi-annual Student Showcases to give our students live performing opportunities. We also offer Summer music camps to keep our students inspired all year! Many former JC Music students have gone on to audition at prestigious universities. Many have gained entry into elite music programs. Some have received scholarships, while others have even returned to JC Music as part time faculty members!
Teaching music was once an unconventional career choice, but it has now become quite popular. Many people from all over the world are taking up music as a career. JC Music’s private instruction and live performing opportunities has made it a popular choice for pursuing musical career ambitions.
Many of our former students have also joined the music industry as teachers, composers, and performers. JC Music has a proven track record over its 25 year history of providing an unrivaled private educational program. Our serious standards are focused on each student reaching their potential though reading music, learning theory, and developing stage presence. This has inspired many of the most talented musicians known in Connecticut today!