A graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Since graduating I have immersed myself in the world of music and entertainment across all mediums and genres. I have worked as a touring guitarist for over 20 years having performed nationally and internationally with bands that include: Daughters, The Midnight Renewal, The SOS Swing Band, The Coastline Swing Band, The New Providence Band, and the Australian rock band Bellusira.  

 

In addition to touring I have numerous recording and live theater pit orchestra credits. As an educator I have created stylistically diverse instructional content for Guitar World magazine and the app Guitar World’s “Lick of the Day”. In addition to these published instructional applications, I am the owner of Amped Music School in Rhode Island where I not only teach guitar in a private one-on-one setting but I manage the instruction of other guitarists along with drum, bass, saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin, keyboard and vocal professionals. Rounding out my true commitment to the world of music I have created a one-of-a-kind web-based guitar instructional site that promotes my unique instruction techniques and allows me to work with a worldwide audience (www.PracticeTheGuitar.com).

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Jakob Hood Guitar

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​Ive been playing guitar for over 10 years and am dedicated and determined to help people succeed at playing guitar and making music. With 4 years experience as a teacher for guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele , I specialize in a variety of styles, including metal, blues, and classical, and tailor lessons to meet each student's unique goals. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player wanting to refine your skills, I provide a supportive and engaging learning environment. 

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Jameson “JJ” Ward

Percussionist - Pianist

 

Jameson “JJ” Ward is a multi-faceted instrumentalist, with over 10 years of experience playing percussion instruments and piano. He studies percussion at Rhode Island College as a music education major, and has worked under the instruction of Piero Guimaraes, Mike Dequattro and Charlie Kalajian. He has also studied piano at Rhode Island College under the instruction of well-known pianist Lila Kane, and has studied outside of Rhode Island College with Anne Hart, Josh Martin and Enrico Garzilli. JJ has performed in many ensembles such as the Rhode Island College Wind Ensemble, Concert Chorus, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and percussion ensemble. He has gigged all around Southeastern MA and Rhode Island, playing in many musical theater pits, and gigging with his band “Straight 8ths”, a pop and classic rock cover band, all mostly on piano. He has also played for various community orchestras, wind ensembles, and accompanied community choirs.  He has been teaching at Cranston High School East for three years as a percussion instructor / arranger for the Marching Band and the Percussion Ensemble. The percussion ensemble currently holds the title of NESBA Local AA scholastic champions. JJ’s heart and soul is in teaching, and believes that the best way to impact youth is through education, and looks forward to teaching every student!

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James Himmelmann
Piano
James Himmelmann is a Rhode Island based pianist, composer, and educator with years of experience playing and teaching a variety of music styles. As a pianist, James' performance experience includes playing at the Newport Jazz Festival, WaterFire, the Pumphouse Music Works as well as many restaurants and smaller venues across the region. As a composer, James has written and arranged works for large ensembles at the University of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, as well various High School groups. James currently is the Director of Performing Arts at the Rocky Hill Country Day School where he teaches Pre-K-5 general music as well as Middle and High School Chorus.

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Evan Coons:

Jazz and Classical Saxophone 

All Genres of Voice Harsh / Extreme VocalsRock / Metal Guitar and Bass

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Ever since I picked up the saxophone in middle school, I knew music had to be my life. After years of developing as both a jazz and classical saxophonist, being accepted into The New England Conservatory’s prep program, and double majoring in Music Education and Performance at URI, few things have stayed with me more than this: having a good teacher means everything.

More than ten years later, I am an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, performing as both a live and studio session musician for a variety of artists. Hard work always pays off, but I know I would not be who I am today without the amazing teachers I’ve had. As a teacher myself, the most important thing I’ve found is to ensure that, no matter what, music stays fun. Improvement comes much more naturally when a student is genuinely invested in what they’re doing, and it’s the teacher’s job to help them discover what truly captivates them.

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Aleda Skiffington

 

A classically trained vocalist who has experience in pop, folk and musical theater. A soon to be graduate from the RIC Music School of Education, she also teaches beginner and intermediate piano. 

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