Meet Our Teachers
Our instructors teach a range of instruments and styles. Their varied approaches cover musical genres from Classical, Jazz, and Blues, to Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, and World Music. Our teachers are independent contractors and set their own rates and schedules.
Saxophone/Clarinet
Steve Bonacci: Saxophone, Clarinet, Composition
Steve Bonacci is a saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and improviser based in the Hudson Valley. He holds a degree in music from Bard College, where he studied under Joan Tower, Sarah Hennies, and George Tsontakis.
Steve is offering instruction in saxophone, clarinet, and additionally composition/music theory. He has experience in jazz, indie/pop, classical, R&B, blues, improvised music, electronic music, and more. He has performed with members of the International Contemporary Ensemble, premiered classical works by composers such as Robert Carl, sat in with Marcus Roberts and the Modern Jazz Generation, and is the bandleader of chamber music group BARQ, which specializes in improvised music and music by living composers.
Aside from honing practical music theory and fundamentals, Steve’s aim in teaching is to nurture a student's innate creativity by building a curriculum that suits their unique musical interests. He especially loves working with those who are beginning their musical journey, and makes sure that his lessons are not only informative but fun!
Songwriting/Creativity Coaching
Adam Fichtelberg, also known as Adam Fitch, is a guitarist, bassist, and singer-songwriter based in Rhinebeck, New York. With over 15 years experience, Adam has performed throughout the country as a solo artist, offering his own unique blend of folk, soul, and jazz. He has performed and recorded with a variety of rock, metal, and hip hop artists and is currently finishing his second solo studio album, For When We Forget.
Adam studied Psychology and Music at Lycoming College and is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher (Shamash Alidina Mindfulness Program). Rather than offering conventional guitar or vocal lessons, Adam decided to pave his own path by combining his experience in social work, meditation, and music. Adam helps his students work through the mental and emotional blocks that keep them from reaching their creative potential.
Songwriters often struggle with a variety of internal and external pressures. These pressures disrupt their creative energy, causing them to negatively compare themselves to other musicians and strive to be “perfect”. Adam believes that this mindset often goes unchecked, ultimately stripping the joy and curiosity out of the songwriting process. For some musicians, these pressures keep them from attempting to write music at all.
Adam encourages his students to view songwriting as a tool for self-exploration. He uses writing prompts, guided meditations, song analyzing techniques, and much more to help his students out of their self-defeating patterns. He also helps songwriters refine their lyrics, enhance their instrumentation, and tap into their true voice.
Adam’s holistic approach helps students find meaning and joy in the songwriting process. To learn more about Adam Fichtelberg and hear his music, visit linktr.ee/adamfitchmusic.
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Guitar - Bass
Karl Allweier: Guitar, Bass
Karl Allweier (Director) is a Hudson Valley, New York based guitarist / bassist who has been performing and recording in the area for over 20 years. He has composed music that has appeared on the A&E Channel's Biography series, The Travel Channel Road Trip series, The History Channel's Da Vinci Code and Big Texas documentaries, and others.
He has played and recorded with an array of musicians and bands, including George Kooymans (Golden Earring), "Bumblefoot" Ron Thal (Guns N Roses), John Platania (Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Don McLean), Augie Meyers (Texas Tornadoes, Sir Douglas Quintet), Larry Coryell and son Murali Coryell (touring for opening act B.B. King, Cyndi Lauper and David Sanborn), Knack Drummer Bruce Gary, The Coasters, Richie Scarlet, Dr. Know and Daryl Jenifer of Bad Brains, as well as drummers Anton Fig and Adam Nussbaum.
Karl is also currently a member of Frank Carillo and The Bandolero's.
Karl offers instruction on upright and electric bass and Acoustic and Electric guitar. He has a great ear for figuring out any song you’d like to play and is also well studied in Music Theory and Sight Reading. Karl is an excellent slide guitarist and can teach anything in the genres of Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Jazz, and Funk. Lessons are catered to the individual student and their musical taste and skill level. Beginners and hobbyists are welcome.
See Karl perform solo, as well as with his band, " The Real Men" throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond! Visit his website at www.karlallweier.com.
Karl is available Monday through Thursday for lessons.
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Guitar - Ukulele
Erin Hobson: Guitar, Ukulele
Erin Hobson (Director) is a partner in an independent record label and publishing company and an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist, who has been teaching private and group lessons for 20 years. Erin studied with amazing guitarists, like local legend Steve Gravino, before attending SUNY New Paltz for Jazz Performance with Tom Dempsey and Mark Dziuba. She later moved to Los Angeles, CA where she studied wth Jazz greats Ron Eschete and Ted Green and eventually landed her first teaching job at Instrumental Music in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Erin plays and teaches a variety of styles on Acoustic and Electric Guitar, as well as Ukulele. She offers instruction in Sight Reading, Basic and Advanced Music Theory, Chord Construction, Chord Melody, Lead Guitar, Scales and Modes, Improvisation, Acoustic Finger Style and anything in the genres of Folk, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Metal, and Rock. Lessons are catered to the individual student and their musical taste and skill level. Beginners and hobbyists are welcome.
Erin is a warm, approachable person, who truly cares about her students and helping them learn. She is especially patient with young children and beginners.
For samples of Erin’s playing and teaching style, visit www.redhookguitar.com or her YouTube channel. Catch Erin performing locally with The Compact by visiting www.the-compact.com.
Erin is available Monday through Friday for lessons.
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