Our Staff

Ryan Papagelis is a multi-instrumentalist and composer currently residing in Bethel, CT. Primarily a saxophonist, Ryan discovered his love for music as a teenager after being exposed to the rich tradition of the Hartford jazz scene. Studying under renowned saxophonists Mike Casey and Dr. Carl Knox throughout High School, Ryan proceeded to attend Western Connecticut […]

Maureen Zahara has been a public school music educator for over 20 years, and a private lesson music instructor for even longer.  She received her Bachelors from WCSU and Masters in Music Education from UCONN and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  She is an accomplished professional musician in many respects – she is a classical pianist, […]

Originally from Northport, NY, tubist Charlie Mann has performed around the world, at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria, and the National Performing Arts Center in Beijing. Charlie earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of Michigan, where he was a Penny and Roe Stamps Scholar, […]

Jill Pellett Levine received her BFA from SUNY/Purchase, and her Master of Music and Artist Diploma from the Yale University School of Music. She plays in several orchestras throughout Connecticut including the New Haven Symphony, Bridgeport Symphony and Waterbury Symphony. Jill enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels.

Mark has been a professional trumpet player and music educator for several decades. He has held teaching positions in public and private schools and has taught students ranging in age from kindergarten to college. He has extensive experience as a performer in a variety of ensembles from ranging from small jazz groups, theater pit orchestras […]

Val is a performing artist and music educator, passionate about teaching and playing music. He plays multiple instruments, such as piano, guitar, accordion, baritone ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, and banjo. He received his bachelor’s degree in music performance and music education from Dnipro Conservatory of Music in Ukraine. Since moving to the United States in 2001, […]

Ms. Rich is thrilled to be celebrating over 30 years of piano instruction. She earned her degree from Niagara University and completed coursework at the Hartt School of Music. Ms. Rich has been involved as a musical theater director for such performances as, “The Sound of Music,” “The Music Man,” “The Wiz,” “Promises, Promises,” “Alice […]

Ms. Pellegrino has been teaching privately for over 24 years. She has completed courses in music and early childhood education at Sacred Heart University as well as Gateway Community College. She has over 20 years of formal study of the piano and music theory. Ms. Pellegrino has extensive experience teaching children with special needs.

Jamie Finegan has been a music educator for over 20 years. He is a composer and multi instrumentalist playing trumpet and piano. He is currently an adjunct professor at Fairfield University. His professional playing credits are myriad and diverse having recorded, toured and performed all over the world, with many great jazz and blues artists […]

Mr. Wilkinson began playing the piano at age 5. He studied with several formidable teachers and eventually presented recitals at the Julliard School. He has been teaching since 1992, and joined Creative Music Center in 2003.

Mrs. Hynes holds a Masters of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. Her fluency in French awarded her a minor in French Language and Literature. Principal teachers include Dr. Scott McCoy, President of […]

Francesco Perrouna is a disciplined and dedicated guitarist based out of Fairfield Connecticut. He is a recent graduate of Hampshire College, with a degree in Jazz Studies. Francesco trained primarily on the bass guitar; he also plays acoustic guitar and ukulele, as well as piano and drums. He worked previously at the Fairfield School of […]