Meet Our Instructors

Damian is a dedicated musician and educator, earning his degree in Jazz Performance from the University of New Hampshire. With over a decade of playing experience, he has studied under David Newsam and Phil Sargent. Experienced in teaching students of all ages, Damian has conducted lessons and classes at Ear Craft Music, Exeter Adult Education’s Enrichment Program, and privately. Currently, he serves as a full-time elementary school music teacher in Rochester, NH. Damian is a versatile performer who has performed across New England, both as a solo act and with various groups. Additionally, he maintains an active schedule as a pit guitarist for various musical theater productions.

Damian is committed to offering a comprehensive musical journey, tailoring lessons to individual interests for a personalized and rewarding experience. His studio provides a positive atmosphere for nurturing growth, understanding, and self-expression. Whether a first-time explorer or an experienced player, Damian creates an inclusive space, recognizing music’s transformative power to develop learning skills and enrich lives. His teaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and personalized guidance, tailoring lessons to every student’s uniqueness. From beginners to advanced players, Damian’s flexible approach ensures an enjoyable learning experience, fostering a positive environment where mistakes are opportunities for growth. With a commitment to technical proficiency and a deep connection to music, Damian inspires a lifelong passion for playing and creating music.

Kate DeSisto is an enthusiastic music educator offering lessons in voice to students of all ages. With classical training and a rock and roll heart, she firmly believes in establishing the knowledge, good habits, and passion for musical exploration that will help her students find lifelong joy in music-making. With over a decade of teaching experience, she loves getting to know her students and helping them develop not only as musicians, but as human beings.

Kate was born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Her love for all music, particularly musical theater, has been evident since she could stand on her toy box and belt out a tune. After receiving her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University, she began her music teaching career in the North Andover and Marblehead school districts, while owning and operating her own music studio. She then moved to the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania in 2012, where she taught music at Seven Generations Charter School and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, and was President of the Concord Chamber Singers.
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Currently, you can find Kate on the road touring nationally and internationally with the Talking Heads tribute band, Start Making Sense. When not making music, Kate is most likely teaching yoga and/or paddle boarding, or hiking with her daughter, dog, and partner.

​​Scot Gelzinis is a veteran guitar instructor with over 17 years of experience.  He utilizes a hands-on, practical approach to teaching music that builds fundamentals and advanced techniques.  Scot encourages his students to establish their own musical interests and identity by illustrating how their favorite music is structured and performed.  This method has been proven to produce great results with guitarists of all ages and skill levels.  Scot specializes in current and classic genres, from Hard Rock to Country.

Laura Smith is a Colorado native who has taught in Asia for the past eleven years. She holds a degree in Music Education from Colorado Christian University where she focused on general music with an emphasis in piano.  Laura’s early piano training at a private academy focused on healthy hand techniques and being a well-rounded musician, both of these practices she has carried into her private piano instruction for the past fourteen years. Laura strives to meet the goals of each individual she teaches while also giving foundational instruction in music theory and introducing students to new genres.

Jen has performed in numerous musicals throughout NH for the last 30 years, taking a slight break to focus on raising her two girls…one of which is now performing herself on stage at the Rochester Opera House! Jen’s favorite roles have been Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

Jenry Towle (she/they) is a theatermaker based in Kittery, ME. Holding degrees in Music, Theater Performance, & Technical Theater & Design, she has taught voice and acting to students of every age in 46 of the 50 states!

​Jenry believes in a full-body, comprehensive approach to finding your strongest voice – body, voice, and imagination need to work simultaneously together to build confidence and projection.