Meet Our Teachers

FOUNDER
EVERYTHING BUT MUSIC INSTRUCTOR

Arian grew up locally, and all the while dance, gymnastics, and music were her passion. Arian began teaching dance at the age of 14 and went on to coached gymnastics. At the age of 24, Arian enlisted in the United States Navy where she served for 12 years and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (Navy Pride!). She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Arts, and a minor in Dance, and a Master’s Degree in Justice Administration. Having left the artistic community for too long, Arian decided to return to her roots and come home to the arts (she is still a private investigator though) !

LUDOSPORT, FITNESS, & YOGA
INSTRUCTOR

Jeremy has always been into sports and continued that theme as an adult. He has coached various sports for over a decade, including gymnastics, ninja warrior, yoga, and personal training. In 2019, he qualified for World's LudoSport Competition, placing Top 16. Jeremy is an avid outdoorsman, rock climber, father, and role model for many. He specializes in corrective movement and increasing athletic performance as a fitness professional. As a human, he is always trying to inspire, move forward, reaches out to new people, and change the world for the better.

PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR

Simon was born and raised in Denmark. After graduating from The Royal College of Music, Copenhagen in 2006 Simon has worked steadily as a teacher and performer in most genres.

In 2014 he moved with his wife to the US and has since maintained a schedule of combined performances and teaching.tion goes here

PIANO, VIOLIN, AND VIOLA INSTRUCTOR

Grace teaches and models how to welcome the awkward feeling of being a beginner (even after playing an instrument for years!) in order to experience the joy and confidence that come from learning something new. Along the extensive journey of learning an instrument, Grace anticipates each stage of development, stays curious about each student's strengths and desires, and helps them break through to the next level. Students of all levels and ages will experience her core values of gentleness and empathy, which she knows from experience to be more effective than fear and pressure. For Grace, the art of musical expression is not about perfect performance, but developing the skills needed to share one’s authentic self.

Voice & Communication Coach

Mark’s passion is people and his favorite tool is the voice. He has always participated in singing and by the time he was out of college he had studied under some of the best voice teachers and personally coached individuals and groups to win state and national competitions. He holds a bachelor degree in music and counseling. Mark has developed a method of wellness for the whole person - mind, emotions, and body - grounding oneself in beautiful reality. His challenge to anyone he works with is, “how can you release your tension and find full freedom?” Mark believes life is a gift meant to be enjoyed.

HORN
INSTRUCTOR

With a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Music degree from Binghamton University, Mr. Cuomo brings horn instruction to the Center. He is the Music Teacher at Notre Dame High School and has taught in the Binghamton City School District, the Elmira City School District, and at Elmira College. Currently, he is the bugler for the Chemung County Honor Guard and plays in the Corning Area Community Concert Band.

VOICE INSTRUCTOR

Dri holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master's in Corporate & Community Education from Elmira College. She has been singing and performing regularly for over 25 years in various bands and musical theater. She performed in Baghdad for our troops (2007), and starred in Elmira Little Theatre's productions of Mamma Mia (2019) and Next To Normal (2021). Along with Dri’s Classical and Contemporary training, her passion is to assist singers (whether they have just begun their journey or wish to continue their already strong vocal training) on their path.

PIANO
INSTRUCTOR

Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education as a piano major from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Elmira College. She is a retired music teacher from the Elmira City School District and has been privately teaching piano lessons for over 40 years. Her combined experience in music and education helps her in meeting the individual learning styles of her students. She has helped numerous students learn to enjoy playing the piano while developing good musical skills.

PIANO
INSTRUCTOR

Tina believes learning is a lifetime endeavor. She began her musical journey in grade school, playing trumpet, piano, and singing in the choir, and added guitar to her musical repertoire as an adult. Tina has studied with many prominent musicians locally and has been professionally teaching for over seven years. Tina stays musically active by performing with her church worship team and as a member of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Choir. Her passion is to help students experience the joy of learning to play the piano while bringing them on a complete musical journey.

YOGA/SOUND HEALING/REIKI
INSTRUCTOR/PRACTITIONER

Yoga is Danyell’s passion! A discharge planner at a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, Danyell is al well versed in Reiki, meditation, sound therapy/healing, and mindfulness meditation guide. Danyell offers a well-rounded yoga class which is accessible to everyone! Her goal as an instructor is that this beautiful and vast practice will touch the lives of her students and that they will embrace and love the true self. She is also the proud dog mom of two!

GUITAR
INSTRUCTOR

For over 29 years, Greg has been professionally teaching guitar. He has been a working musician for 30 years with personal instruction from a Berklee College of Music graduate. Greg has designed the 'Above and Between the Frets' curriculum for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. The program is inspired by numerous musical forms and consists of a series of personalized guitar lessons that offer a unique take on advancing one's guitar musical journey. Regardless of experience level, Greg can help aspiring musicians on their road to playing guitar.

LINE DANCING INSTRUCTOR

Jackie’s love of line dancing began over 35 years ago when she began taking lessons at a local establishment with friends! After a few years she began teaching Line Dancing. Jackie has been teaching for 33 years now from Northeast, PA to the Southern Tier of NY. She teaches students of all ages and levels (from elementary school to the senior center). Jackie’s true joy is the “AHA” moment she witnesses in her students. Jackie believes your soles speak to your soul!