“My two daughters discovered Merrily handing out fliers for Jammin' With You. From the first time they saw her and spoke with her, it was clear that she was someone who was passionate about music. In our short time together, we have all come to respect Merrily's talent and her ability to develop the talent in others. Unlike other teachers my daughter had when she was younger, who told her what to sing, Merrily encourages our daughter to sing the songs she's most interested in learning and then to make them her own, to develop her own voice and style rather than just to imitate an artist. As a result, my daughter spends most waking moments at home practicing piano and singing. We believe that like a flower needs sun, rich soil and rain, our daughter needed Merrily to enter her life and awaken her voice. Thank you so much Merrily for your commitment to nurturing our daughter's musical talent.”
What parents are saying about our instructors:
Elton Xhoja:
Piano, Clarinet
“Elton is great for kids of all different level! We couldn't be happier.”
“Elton is an excellent and experienced teacher with a comprehensive knowledge of music, a wonderful personality and an ability to inspire students. He has a lot of patience, and encourages my kids to understand the emotion and feeling behind the music, instead of just having them memorize notes. Through his obvious love of music and playing piano, he has inspired my kids to want to improve their piano skills.”
Jessica Jacobs:
Voice, Piano
“Coming into my daughter's life after her beloved previous singing teacher moved away cannot have been easy for Jessica. She was bound to be compared as the emotions of a 15yr old girl ran raw. Jessica admirably rose to the challenge and won my daughter over. THANK YOU!”
“We LOVE LOVE LOVE Jessica! She is lovely, positive, encouraging, and has a beautiful voice. My daughters (and I) admire her singing talent. When I overhear their lessons, I hear her say a lot of positive words and praises - good job, yeah, etc.”
Jon Butterworth:
Drum, Piano, Trumpet
“Jon is so positive and motivating and fabulous- we are really happy.”
Kara Kulpa:
Violin, Piano, Guitar, Music Therapy
“Kara has been wonderful. She is enthusiastic and positive. She taught reading music, understanding rhythm and dynamics all while playing songs my daughter selected. Each lesson was fresh and exciting, and she looked forward to seeing Kara each week.”
Lindsey Horbert:
Guitar, Piano, Music Therapy
“Lindsey was just great. After less than a year of lessons, Hannah is playing well without feeling pressured. Looking forward to continuing later this summer!"
"We think Lindsey is fantastic. She is enthusiastic, professional, she makes learning fun and Emma has really connected with her. Emma is getting more and more excited about her time playing the guitar, and has recommended lessons with Lindsey to friends. It has been great for Emma. I also thought the Superjam was great. The low-key format was perfect for our family and Emma just loved the performer badge with her name on it!”
“Lindsey is the perfect blend of cool and talent. My 9 year old enjoys the classics, the theory and the current song books Lindsey provides. They enjoy playing duets and rocking out but also learning scales and some basic tools. Lindsey rocks.”
“Lindsey, my son's teacher, is a wonderful person, she is always responsible, on time, caring, patient and full of energy to teach my son. We hope she continues her work with us through the coming years.”
“My two children, ages 6 and 8, started taking piano lessons last September with Lindsey from JWY. Our goal with the lessons was to introduce our children to music and hope that they would develop a basic understanding of the piano and an appreciation of music in general. JWY has delivered so much more! Both children not only have learned to read music and play the piano but they LOVE it! My son has truly found something he enjoys and I believe the learning style of the teacher, and the program in general, has helped him build his confidence and develop his talents.”
Lee Neckritz:
Flute, Piano, Saxophone
“Lee is the perfect match for our 7 year-old son. He is enthusiastic, laid-back, focused, encouraging and motivating. We have seen huge progress in his playing this year, but most importantly, Lee has inspired him to love playing and to value practicing. In my son's words, he loves his lessons with Lee because they are 'FUN!'”
Patrick Hanlin:
Drums, Piano
“We cannot say enough about Patrick - he is tremendous. He is a gifted teacher and instills a love of music, is so positive and enthusiastic and motivates our son so much. Our son looks forward to his lesson each week."
"Patrick is fabulous and patient. Our daughter is a sometimes reluctant practicer and player, but he has found a way to tap into her musical interests and keep her motivated and engaged. We could not be happier."
"Patrick has been such a wonderful drum teacher for our son. It is obvious he has a deep love for music but also for being around kids. My son is only 4 years old and he looks forward to Patrick walking in the door every Monday afternoon. We have loved JWY and have recommended it to everyone we know. Thanks so much.”
“Patrick is fun and makes the kids really enjoy the lessons and instruments. We look forward to seeing him in September. Have a great tour this summer!!”
“My son loves piano lessons because of his instructor, Patrick. He makes learning fun and enjoyable and he really understands how to encourage Jack in a way that makes sense to a seven year old. We love Patrick!”
Ray Sullivan:
Guitar, Drum, Piano
“Ray is great - our 5 year old daughter looks forward to piano lessons every week.”
Ryan Schwartzel:
Bass, Guitar, Piano
“Ryan has been awesome and has made learning the piano fun!”
Will Lombardelli:
Piano, Trombone, Beatbox
“Will is very patient with our son. He also gives us feed back each week and what our son needs to work on."
"Will is an awesome teacher! Nathaniel really has developed a love of music. He clearly enjoys his lessons. We could not be more pleased."
Beth Pacione:
Voice, Piano, Guitar
“Beth is a great teacher and my kids love her! She makes learning the piano fun and my kids respect her as a music teacher. We have recommended her to many people.”
“Beth is a great teacher! We highly recommend her!"
My son really looked forward to his music lessons with Beth. He frequently sang songs he learned with her. I have really enjoyed having Beth work with my son!”