About Us

Patrick is one of the owners of Noteworthy Academy of Music. He has a B. A. in Music Education with a concentration in Classical Percussion from William Paterson University. Patrick has been teaching drums, percussion, guitar, ukulele, bass, and piano for over thirteen years while still performing in professional bands, musicals, orchestras, and the Bethany Church Worship Team.

Rebecca is one of the owners of Noteworthy Academy of Music. She has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University and has been teaching voice, piano, and acting for over a decade. Her students have gone on to play in the Papermill Playhouse Conservatory, been on the Bethany Worship Team, earned leading roles, and they all learn to use their skills to the fullest!

Agustin has been studying music for 11 years and specializes in piano and violin. He is currently attending William Paterson University for his B.M. in Music Education with a concentration in classical piano and a minor in classical violin. He also plays in various ensembles including the WPU Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and small chamber ensembles. 

Andrew Lavery has been performing since the fourth grade and specializes in vocal singing. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of Delaware’s School of Music and currently teaches K-5 Music and Choir in Bergen County. He has performed across multiple states in choirs along the east coast, including Carnegie Hall, and in France, Germany, Israel, Malta, and with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. 

Aziah has been singing since she was 8 years old. She attended the University of Valley Forge with a major in Music Performance. With over 15 years of experience, she is passionate about teaching young students eager to learn! She is currently a travel worship leader with her husband Shaun and a worship director for the Bethany Church worship team.

Bonnie Zwigard is excited to be joining forces with Noteworthy Music Academy! Bonnie graduated from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre and has performed in countless productions and theatre programs over the last 15 years, gaining an extensive knowledge in singing, acting and dancing. She's worked for reputable companies such as HersheyPark and Royal Caribbean and started her own voice studio back in 2022, implementing the methods of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA). She loves to embroider, read and take trips to the beach in her spare time!

Brandon Conti has been studying music for the past 20 years and loves to teach both voice and piano to his students. He was discovered and instructed by Vera Tisheff, a world-renowned pianist and music instructor. His most recent performance credits include Jinx in Forever Plaid, Berger in Hair, and Tunny in American Idiot.

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CJ is a singer, actor, and multi-instrumentalist. He is currently working toward his BFA in Musical Theatre at Montclair State University. His love for music began when he was in band and choir in high school, and deepened his passion when he began performing onstage. In his free time, he loves jamming out with his friends to fun pop hits or his favorite musicals. He hopes to inspire the same love of music for his students.

Chris first started playing piano when he was very young. He has since earned his Bachelor’s in Music Business/Management from Berklee College. He received his Master of Arts/Teaching from CUNY Lehman in the Bronx and a second Master's degree in School Leadership from Montclair University in NJ. Chris has been a band director in NY and NJ public schools for 20 years!

Christopher Russo is a multi-instrumentalist, as well as a former touring musician. With 10+ years of guitar, bass, and piano experience, as well as vocally trained by Fredi-Walker Browne (Original Broadway cast of Rent, The Lion King on Broadway), and Cynthia Springsteen-Balme (New York Grand Opera & more). He is now excited to share his musical experience and skills with all who simply want to embrace the joy that music can bring to anyone and everyone.

Dan is a multi-instrumentalist who began playing music when he was 8 years old. Since then, he has performed live with several bands while pursuing music production. Dan enjoys the creative process of teaching and strives to bring the best out of his students musically, all while maintaining a fun and encouraging atmosphere to explore and appreciate music!

Emmanuel (Manny) is a dedicated music education student at the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. Manny’s rich and dynamic musical background brought him to prestigious stages across the world, including Dizzy’s Club, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and across the U.S. and Europe. He has a passion for music in all types of genres, such as jazz, classical, opera and musical theater. Manny believes in the importance of hard work and self-discipline while emphasizing the joy and personal growth that comes with making music. 

Ezra is an accomplished pianist and violinist and studied at the Setnor School of Music under the instruction of world-renowned faculty, Laura Bossert and Terry King. He has performed across multiple states in the US, at venues such as Carnegie Hall, and is highly experienced in orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire. Ezra is ecstatic to join the Noteworthy Academy staff and can't wait to share the joy of music with his students!

Giuliana Carr started learning the piano at 3 years old and never looked back! She has worked as a music director for concerts & productions, taught children’s piano classes & workshops, and written/performed her own original music featured in live concerts & sketch comedy shows. Giuliana is also a professional actor and can be seen in multiple films currently circling film festivals around the country.

Gordon Kubaska comes from a musical family that has instilled a passion and appreciation that has only grown over time. Receiving a B.A. in Jazz Drumming, Gordon has established himself as stalwart educator while also being an in-demand musician on the scene. He is excited to share his appreciation with anyone who wants to learn!

Graham Orbe is a multifaceted musician specializing in bass, guitar, drums, and piano. His musical journey began at age 8 with the guitar. He is a graduate of William Paterson University. Graham's talent has brought him to perform with renowned musicians, tour North America, and share the stage with the likes of the Allman Brothers and Ziggy Marley. He excels in booking and playing music for various venues and events, creating memorable experiences. Additionally, Graham is a dedicated music teacher, focusing on working with children and fostering a love for music.

Jacob Eccher has been studying music for 10 years. He specializes in woodwind instruments as well as piano, but his favorite instrument to play is the saxophone. He's also played in multiple pit orchestras for musicals including Chicago, Barnum, and Mamma Mia. 

Jacob has studied and played music nearly his whole life, focusing mainly on guitar and most recently expanding to the piano. He is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor's in Music and a concentration in performance. He has performed various styles of music such as jazz, blues, and rock, and is excited to share this knowledge with his students. 

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Jerry Ulichny has been playing music for 20 years, starting with guitar. During his time studying at University of Vermont and Rutgers University he took up playing piano, bass and drums as well. Jerry has spent the last few years finishing his degree in Jazz Studies, giving private lessons and gigging in the New York/New Jersey area. Though he studied jazz, he loves playing a wide range of music from rock to R&B to funk. 

Jesse has been teaching music since high school and it is one of his life's callings. With 20 years of experience studying and performing, his goal is to make students as passionate about music as he is. He has taught students guitar and bass for over a decade and has recently expanded to teaching ukulele and piano as well.

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Joseph Quiles, JQ for short, discovered his love for music at a young age and has been pursuing his career as a professional musician ever since. Joseph is a multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, piano, guitar, and ukulele. He has worked with well-renowned gospel artists and he has toured and played in bands across the country. Joseph has a heart for inspiring kids in music and igniting their passion to take them to the next level.

Krstofer Collier is a dedicated music educator specializing in advanced woodwinds and piano. With a classical foundation from William Paterson University, he has been playing these instruments for most of his life. In his three years of official teaching experience, Krstofer has helped students flourish and fostered a deep appreciation for music while maintaining an active professional presence in various ensembles and orchestras.

Lester has played and studied classical piano since he was 7 years old, under the tutelage of world renowned pianist and educator, Cristina Altamura. He has played piano at Carnegie Hall in New York City, sang in an acapella group, and participated in key roles for multiple high school Broadway productions. Currently, he plays the keyboard for Bethany Church at Washington Township. He finds joy in sharing his love of music to kids, inspiring them to deepen their understanding of the world of music, and helping them become more skillful in playing and performing.

Michael studied jazz guitar at Montclair State University as a music education major, and has been teaching privately for three years. A Bergen County native, Michael formed his own band, Echo Road and is the lead singer/guitarist. Michael focuses on developing a strong ability to communicate using the guitar and a passion for discovering the mysteries of the fretboard. Michael also composes his own music and has a strong affinity for music theory. He enjoys sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with guitar students of all ages and levels.

Michaela (Kuzia) Cotoia began studying classical piano at the age of 5. She holds a BA degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music. Michaela wrote and produced her debut album and has played in various music venues most notably, Carnegie Hall. Additionally, she has been a vocalist and keyboardist with several bands and Jazz ensembles over the years. Michaela’s two children study piano at Noteworthy and she is excited to be joining the Noteworthy community to share her passion for music with her students.

Michael has been playing music since he was 6 years old! He first started on guitar, playing classic rock standards and performing in many different bands. He is a graduate of William Paterson University's highly acclaimed Jazz Program, as well as a Music Education degree that qualifies him to teach grades K-12.

Nick Gaskins discovered his love for music at a very young age and began playing drums when he was two years old. He started his career as a drummer in high school and played with local rock bands. He has served as a musician for the Bethany Church worship team! Nick is currently the musical director at Progressive Faith Ministries as a session drummer and producer.

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Nick holds his degree from William Paterson University studying in the prestigious Jazz program, focusing on guitar and performance. He has been performing professionally for over 10 years in various musical styles from jazz to rock and classical. When Nick is not performing, he is pouring his passion for music into his students here at Noteworthy!

Noah grew up in a musical household in Rockland County, New York. He attended William Paterson in New Jersey, earning a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance on guitar and Music Education. Today, he performs regularly with several bands, including his own, singing and playing guitar. Noah has been privately teaching for over 5 years now!

Steve has been playing saxophone his entire life, studying at Brevard College and performing and teaching in various styles from jazz to classical. Steve has also received a B. M. in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College. Steve is one of the worship leaders at Bethany Church where he plays the sax and guitar and sings.

Will is a multi-instrumentalist with a strong background in musical theater and vocal performance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production from the University of Valley Forge. He currently serves as an associate pastor and worship director at Bethany Church. His passion is seeing musicians of all ages grow in their craft and use it to make a lasting impact in their personal lives and communities.

Kristina holds a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Stage Management from Montclair State University. Her love of the arts has allowed her to expand her passions into visual art, photography, and graphic design. Kristina has stage-managed new work initiatives in the New York theater community, called professional dance shows, and has been a part of band, and choir since a young age. She is a proud Central Jersey native who is excited to bring her love of music and the arts to Noteworthy!

Tori received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. She is a professional theatre artist and director. Her most recent performance credits include the 25th Anniversary International/National Tour of RENT, Shows That Shaped Me, her debut solo concert at 54 Below in NYC, and Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's Broadway-bound musical, and

New York Times Critic's Pick, Harmony.

Patty Lapinski helps all of the lessons run smoothly and is in charge of scheduling our new students. Patty also operates a video and photography production company with her husband. Their pictures can be seen on our Website Gallery and in our office!