Jeremy Zmuda is the founder and director of Musication and has nearly 30 years of experience helping children discover the joy of making music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Education, Jeremy founded Musication about 20 years ago with a vision for a music school where every child feels understood, encouraged, and excited to learn.
Jeremy believes that music education should never be one-size-fits-all. Musication was built to meet children where they are, connect learning to the music they genuinely love, and give each student the freedom to develop in their own way. Whether a child wants to play a favorite song, join a band, write original music, prepare for a performance, or simply explore an instrument, Jeremy believes their musical education should reflect their interests, personality, abilities, and learning style.
That vision continues to shape Musication as a community of caring teachers who understand that the right student-teacher relationship can make all the difference. Under Jeremy’s leadership, Musication has grown while remaining personal, giving students the individual attention and encouragement they need to build confidence, express themselves, and develop a lasting relationship with music.
Throughout his career, Jeremy has served as a special music consultant for Sesame Street and as an early childhood music director at schools across New York City. He also founded and led a nonprofit organization that provided free music classes to children throughout the city.
An award-winning children’s music composer, Jeremy has received the John Lennon Songwriting Award, the Kids Music Award, and the Parents’ Choice Award. Yet his greatest inspiration continues to come from the students themselves—watching them find their voices, take creative risks, and experience the pride of making music their own.
Today, Jeremy’s original vision remains at the heart of Musication: to create joyful, meaningful music experiences in which every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.
German/American singer, composer, writer, lyricist, pianist, and educator Kristiana Roemer is now based in Brooklyn and pursuing her Master’s of Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music (Queens College) focusing on Vocal Jazz and Jazz Composition. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Kristiana began piano instruction at the age of six and performing as church and choral soloist at the age of 9. After receiving a scholarship from Concordia College (MN), she spent one year of study in the U.S. where she deepened her study of classical, choral, and vocal ensemble music as well as voice and piano. Kristiana began giving private lessons in piano and voice in 2011 while pursuing her Bachelor of Science at Frankfurt University, Germany. She then moved to Paris, France, where she completed her B.Sc. while simultaneously enrolling in Vocal Jazz at the Paris Conservatory and began working with Lepic Music teaching piano and voice as well as leading vocal groups and singing circles. With her students, Kristiana loves to explore both music theory as well as personal creativity and incorporates her vast experience in performing, composing, and teaching into each lesson. Most importantly, Kristiana insists on making music fun for young children.
Kristiana teaches Voice and Piano.
Shawn Farrar is a Brooklyn-based singer and music teacher who hails from the Midwest. She obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Simpson College in Indianola, IA. While there she majored in Vocal Performance and Music Education and minored in piano, studying piano performance and pedagogy with Dr. Michael Patterson. She began teaching private lessons in piano and voice while she was an undergraduate, and teaching music lessons has been an important part of her life ever since. Shawn worked as a professional opera and choral singer in Chicago for several years, and while there taught a number of private students voice and piano. She went on to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she obtained a Master of Music in Voice Performance and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Voice.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Shawn taught private voice to undergraduate students at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee while maintaining a private studio in Knoxville. In 2006, Shawn came to New York City, and has been working as a professional musician and music educator with various organizations throughout the city. Locally, Shawn was the founding music teacher at Lefferts Gardens Charter School, where she taught K-5 music, conducted 4th and 5th grade choruses, and directed and conducted a production of The Music Man, Jr. with her elementary school students.
Along with teaching in the Musication program, Shawn is a first year Teaching Artist with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, and works both with the Students Compose Opera and the Urban Voices programs. Shawn teaches children ages 3 and up and bring both a firm grasp on technique as well as a fun a creative energy to her lessons.
Shawn teaches Voice and Piano.
Samuel Lerner is a jazz pianist and composer from Paris. He graduated from the prestigious Conservatoire a Rayonnement Regional in Cergy, France, where he studied Jazz and was awarded the Gold Medal in piano. In 2012, he moved to New York and began a busy recording, touring, and collaborating career, working with such legendary jazz musicians as drummer Leroy Williams, bassist Tal Ronen and Jimmy Cobb, among countless others, and traveling to perform at exciting venues such as the Paris Jazz Festival and the Ivry Jazz Festival. Samuel has brought his relentless zeal and energy for music to teaching as well as to his own professional musical pursuits. He is an enthusiastic music teacher of all ages and levels, and has more than 15 years of teaching experience, instructing students one-on-one as a freelance music teacher, as well as in group settings. He served as the music teacher at St. Genevieve School and Atelier Des Enfants, a primary school in France, as well as the Piano and Ensemble teacher for middle and high school students at Conservatoire a Rayonnement Intercommuncal Michael Slobo. He is passionate about improvisation and collaboration, and hopes to instill this love in his students, who range in age from preschool kids to advanced undergraduates.
Sam teaches Piano and Guitar.
Nataliya Zaytseva is a Brooklyn based Ukrainian born pianist, arranger and educator. Her inventive approach to piano is spontaneous, soulful and intelligent. She draws inspiration from a variety musical influences (TS Monk, C Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Chopin, JS Bach, Red Hot Chile Peppers) as well as the wider surrounding world (art, city sounds/ rhythm, babies, nature, city nature, etc). As a piano teacher, Nataliya knows what might work for one student, might not work the same way for another. Being able to relate and understand the needs of each individual student is essential to her teaching style. Oh, and of course having lots of fun with music!
Nataliya’s musical journey began in her native city of Odessa singing in children’s a cappella group followed by piano lessons shortly after. Upon moving to the US in 1996, she graduated from Hollywood High Performing Arts School focusing on piano and voice. A graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in music, Nataliya is influenced by jazz, world, and Afro-Cuban music. She focused her thesis on the compositions and music of Thelonious Sphere Monk. In New York, Nataliya enjoys teaching piano, as well as arranging, composing and performing in the La Madrugada Quintet and the Nataliya Z Jazz Band.
Nataliya teaches Piano and Voice.
Nick Pennington is musician, guitarist, composer and educator based in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Nick’s passion for music began at an early age. After trying several instruments, his parents’ rock and pop records from the 60’s and 70’s led him to a fascination with the guitar. The freedom found in Jazz and improvised music led Nick to hone his skills by enrolling at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide.
While completing his undergraduate studies, Nick was the recipient of several prestigious academic and performance awards including the Tommy Norman Jazz Guitar Award, Director’s Award and award for the Most Outstanding Graduate. Nick moved to the United States in 2017, after being admitted to the Master’s in Jazz Arts program at Manhattan School of Music with a scholarship.
Always maintaining a connection with music pedagogy, Nick has held multiple positions as an educator, both in 1:1 lessons and group teaching environments. Nick’s experience and upbringing instilled in him the belief that an education that involves the arts and particularly music provides valuable tools to understand the world and fosters strong values of community that are universally applicable. Taking this belief into his teaching practices, Nick aims to educate by connecting students to their most fundamental association with music, and expanding from there.
Nick teaches, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and, Ukulele.
Hailing from the UK and Italy, Vittorio Mura is a musician and educator based in Brooklyn, NY.
A graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (BMus) and the City College of New York (MMus), Vittorio has performed extensively at various clubs and venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Vortex Jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Cheltenham, Manchester, Glasgow and Trondheim jazz festivals.
With over 8 years experience in education, he has taught all ages and abilities in a variety of settings, ranging from private lessons to ensembles. Vittorio has always enjoyed balancing his career as a performer with that of an educator. He thrives on finding what motivates and inspires each student on an individual basis; whilst helping cultivate uniqueness, build self confidence and overall happiness through music. All of this is done in a positive and encouraging manner.
Vittorio teaches Piano and a variety of Woodwind Instruments.
Rosina Bullen is a vocalist, songwriter and music educator from the United Kingdom, specializing in jazz and improvisation. She received a Master of Music in Jazz Voice from the Manhattan School of Music in 2020 and is an award-winning vocalist. Rosina completed her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Vocal performance in 2018 from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she was awarded the Anjool Malde Jazz Prize, the Thea Petscheck Iervolino Music Award and was also nominated in the UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards in 2020.
She has over 8 years of experience working with students of all ages in both one-to-one settings and group classes. She has taught vocal masterclasses across Europe and was a music tutor at the Blackheath Conservatoire in London. Rosina has an encouraging and positive teaching style which enables her students to develop their musical skills in an engaging and fun setting whilst maintaining and prioritizing each student’s unique learning experience.
Rosina teaches Piano, Voice, Ukulele, and Guitar.
Silvan Joray grew up in Switzerland in a musical family. His mother was an amazing music educator in Switzerland. Silvan began his formal training on the classical guitar, which he studied for eight years before discovering his passion for jazz and switching to the electric guitar. He has been teaching and sharing his passion for music with kids and adults for more than 10 years. After completing his Bachelor’s in Jazz Guitar Performance and Master’s in Guitar Pedagogy at Jazzcampus in Basel, he moved to New York City, the world’s capital of jazz. Silvan composes his own music and has released two albums under his own name–“cluster“ and “Updraft.“ He has won special prizes at international competitions in Poland (2019) and South Africa (2022). He has performed at prestigious jazz festivals including the Krakow Summer Jazz Festival and Offbeat Jazzfestival Basel, and he has toured in Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Israel.
Silvan appreciates that everyone has a different way of learning, so he tailors his lessons to every student’s specific needs and applies a student-centered approach whenever possible. For Silvan, the most important thing is that lessons are fun and that a positive environment of trust is established. This ensures sustained motivation and progress, and enriches his students’ lives in a substantial way.
Silvan teaches Guitar, Ukulele and Piano.
Since 2013, Jakob Ebers, has had a passion for passing on musical knowledge to the next generation. From teaching simple beginner rhythms to 3yr old piano students to making sure his seasoned bass students attain the highest proficiency on their instruments, Jakob is “all in” when it comes to teaching music. His bass students have scored the highest marks possible and participated in New York State all-county and area-all-state orchestras.
After receiving his Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, Jakob moved back to the New York City area where he built a private teaching studio during the day and performed at night. His music has been performed at Shapeshifter Lab, Kitano Jazz Club, and the Rochester Jazz Festival. Jakob continued his studies privately under Grammy-nominated artist Scott Colley and Grammy winner Miguel Zenón for bass and jazz composition respectively.
Jakob teaches Piano, Bass, and beginner Guitar.
John Lind grew up surrounded by music — the son of a choir director and a music teacher, he began piano lessons at age 5 and soon added guitar and double bass. He went on to study Classical Guitar Performance at Southwestern University, where he also performed in orchestra and jazz band, and discovered his love for jazz. Since then, John has become a versatile performer, playing in Texas, Spain, and now New York City.
As a teacher, John brings both skill and warmth to every lesson. He’s taught students of all ages and abilities, making lessons fun and engaging while ensuring strong fundamentals are always in place. Whether on guitar, bass, or piano, John helps his students build technique and confidence while exploring the music they love.
John teaches Piano, Guitar, and Bass
Jeremy Sivitz is a New York–based vocalist, pianist, and educator originally from Anchorage, Alaska. He holds a Master of Music in Voice from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Westminster Choir College.
Jeremy is a dedicated performing artist and teacher who specializes in helping students build skills with clarity and confidence. With a deep understanding of how people learn, he is known for guiding students from where they are to where they want to be—whether that’s mastering a challenging vocal passage, learning an instrument, or building overall musical confidence.
His teaching draws on a wide range of experience across music, theater, movement, and even STEM education. Jeremy has worked as a teaching artist with organizations including Alaska Theater of Youth, Solstice Vocal Arts, Emily Goulazian Voice Studio, and Princeton Opera Company. He has taught everything from vocal technique and performance to movement, acting, and creative expression, and is especially skilled at making complex ideas accessible and engaging for students of all ages.
A central part of Jeremy’s approach is the connection between mind and body in the learning process. He creates thoughtful, personalized lesson plans that help students stay motivated, tap into their creativity, and develop a strong sense of ownership over their progress. His lessons are both structured and inspiring—encouraging students to work hard while genuinely enjoying the process of learning music.
Jeremy teaches voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Avinoam Ettun is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, arranger, and educator with a passion for teaching students of all ages. He has many years of experience working with young children, including preschool-aged students, and is known for his patient, creative, and playful approach. Avinoam strives to make lessons both inspiring and accessible, helping students develop a strong musical foundation while nurturing their curiosity and confidence.
In addition to his teaching, Avinoam’s music blends jazz, classical, and contemporary influences. His compositions and arrangements range from film scores and big band charts to orchestral works, and his performances have taken him throughout the United States, Europe, and Israel. He has collaborated with artists including The Jazz Gallery Big Band, Sienna Sears, Tali Golergant, the Newman-Oltman Guitar Duo, and Hans-Peter Salentin.
Avinoam earned a Master of Music from The New School and a Bachelor of Music from Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. He is also an alumnus of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, where he further developed his skills in composition and orchestration.
Avinoam teaches Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Ukulele.
Toni Mora is a Brooklyn-based composer, pianist, and educator originally from Mallorca, Spain. He has extensive experience teaching piano, composition, and music theory to students of all ages. Toni holds a Master of Music in Performance and Composition from The New School in New York City and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance from ESMUC in Barcelona.
Beloved by his students, Toni is known for his warm personality, patient guidance, and ability to make each lesson inspiring, engaging, and fun. He has taught at several respected music institutions, including Escola de Música de Gràcia in Barcelona, Sagrado Corazón Primary School, Colegio Estudio, Enclave Rítmico, and Escuela de Música Rock Camp in Madrid. Since 2019, he has also been a member of the pedagogical team at the Campus de Música Creativa Ajazzdemar in Portocolom, Mallorca, where he teaches jazz piano, improvisation, and ensemble playing to young musicians each summer.
Alongside his teaching career, Toni is an active performer, appearing at venues throughout New York, Spain, and France. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles, including the Voodoo Children Big Band, Magalí Datzira, and María Sedano, performing music that spans jazz, flamenco, and experimental theater.
Toni teaches Piano and Guitar.
Mitch Selib is a versatile music teacher and performer based in Brooklyn. He works with students of all ages and skill levels, creating fun, engaging lessons that are tailored to each student’s interests, goals, and learning style. Whether a child is just starting out or a teen is ready to dive deeper into their instrument, Mitch helps students build confidence while developing a strong musical foundation.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, Mitch has studied with world class musicians and brings that expertise into every lesson. Parents appreciate his patient, encouraging teaching style and his ability to make music both approachable and exciting.
Alongside teaching, Mitch is an active performer and composer who has collaborated with Grammy winning artists and performed at venues across the country. He enjoys bringing that real world experience into his lessons, inspiring students to grow as both musicians and creative individuals.
Mitch teaches Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Ukulele.
Matthew Stavrakas is a Brooklyn-based bassist, pianist, and music educator who loves helping students discover the joy of making music. A graduate of New England Conservatory of Music, Matthew has performed professionally in a wide range of styles, including jazz, classical, folk, pop, and rock. He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Billy Hart, Kenny Werner, and Gilad Hekselman.
Alongside his performing career, Matthew has years of experience teaching private lessons and ensembles. He especially enjoys working with children, creating fun and engaging lessons that build strong musical fundamentals while encouraging creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Matt teaches Bass, Piano, and Beginner Guitar.
Phillip Dornbusch is a Brooklyn-based saxophonist, composer, and educator originally from Germany. He moved to New York City to pursue a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at The City College of New York and has since built a vibrant career as a performing and teaching musician.
Phillip earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Jazz Institute Berlin and has received numerous honors, including the German Jazz Prize 2025 with the Aurora Oktett. He was also nominated for the German Jazz Prize 2024 with his own band in the Album of the Year category.
With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Phillip has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. He believes music lessons should inspire joy, creativity, and confidence. By tailoring each lesson to the individual student’s goals and learning style, he creates a supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive.
Phillip teaches Saxophone, Piano, Clarinet, Guitar, and Ukulele.
Janet Kim began studying piano at the age of five with teachers affiliated with the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard. A graduate of Yale University, she continued her musical studies throughout her childhood and college years, performing in chamber music groups, jazz ensembles, and with the Yale Symphony Orchestra. Janet began teaching piano while still in high school, maintaining a studio of students ranging from young beginners to intermediate players.
As a teacher, Janet believes in building a strong musical foundation while nurturing each student’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence. She enjoys helping students develop solid technique and musicianship while discovering the joy and personal expression that music can bring.
Beyond music, Janet has worked as a consultant, educator, and social change strategist, teaching storytelling with The Moth and leading advocacy and culture-change initiatives nationwide. She is delighted to be back in the teaching studio, inspired daily by the playfulness, imagination, and growth of her students and by music’s unique ability to connect us with ourselves and one another.
Janet teaches piano lessons for students of all ages and experience levels, from young beginners taking their first lessons to more advanced students looking to deepen their skills and musical understanding.
Janet teaches Piano.
Will Ruff is a New York City–based violinist, violist, composer, and educator with nearly a decade of teaching experience. He works with students of all ages and skill levels, helping each student build a strong musical foundation while fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music. His lessons blend classical technique with ear training, improvisation, and songs that inspire each student, creating an engaging and well-rounded learning experience.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Will earned a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from the University of Georgia and a Master of Music in Performance and Composition from The New School. His diverse musical background spans classical, bluegrass, jazz, rock, and folk traditions, allowing him to tailor lessons to each student’s unique interests and goals.
As an active performer, Will has shared the stage with artists including Rick Ross, Faye Webster, and Swamp Dogg, while also leading his own original music projects. Whether teaching a young beginner their first notes or helping an advanced student grow as a musician, Will is passionate about making lessons both enjoyable and meaningful.
Will teaches Violin, Viola, Mandolin, Piano, and Guitar.
Nana Kruger is a jazz vocalist, composer, pianist, and educator from Amsterdam, now based in Brooklyn. She has been teaching private lessons since 2019, working with students of all ages—from young beginners to adults—in voice, piano, songwriting, ear training, and music theory. Nana believes every student learns differently and tailors each lesson to the individual, balancing strong musical fundamentals with creativity, curiosity, and play. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy technique, and discover their own unique musical voice.
A graduate of The New School, where she earned a Master’s degree in Performer-Composer with Summa Cum Laude honors and received the Dean’s Award, Nana is an active performer, composer, and recording artist. She has performed throughout Europe and the United States at venues including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Paradiso, Bimhuis, and The Stone, and has collaborated with internationally recognized artists including Zuco103 and Ruben Hein.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Nana has been immersed in music from an early age. She has experience teaching neurodivergent learners and is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to grow. Whether a student is taking their very first lesson or preparing for auditions and performances, Nana strives to make music a joyful, meaningful, and lifelong part of their lives.
Nana teaches Piano and Voice.
Isaiah Hammer is a teacher, multi-instrumentalist, performer, and composer originally from Berkeley, California. Primarily a jazz pianist, Isaiah also plays and teaches guitar and trumpet. He studied at Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Musical Studies, and also studied at Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana, Cuba.
With more than 11 years of teaching experience, Isaiah has worked with students of all ages, from 4 to 85, in both private lesson settings and public schools. He has extensive experience teaching students with a wide range of learning styles and abilities, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive.
A lover of many musical styles and an avid salsa dancer, Isaiah believes students learn best when they’re having fun. Playfulness, creativity, and flexibility are at the heart of his teaching approach. He meets each student where they are, incorporating games, improvisation, movement, and plenty of humor into every lesson. His goal is not only to help students build strong musical fundamentals, but also to foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of music.
Isaiah teaches piano, guitar, and trumpet.
Sarahfina Osei is a vocalist, pianist, and educator who is passionate about helping students discover the joy of making music. She began her musical journey at the age of twelve and has since developed a diverse background as a performer and teacher, working across jazz, pop, R&B, soul, and original music. Sarahfina carefully tailors each lesson to her students’ individual interests, abilities, and goals, creating a supportive environment where they can build confidence while developing strong musical fundamentals.
Sarahfina earned her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and has performed internationally throughout her career. She is the recipient of both the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award and the Friedl Wald Scholarship, recognizing her artistry and musical achievement. Her broad musical background allows her to help students explore many different styles while developing technique, creativity, and self-expression.
Whether working with a young beginner or a more experienced musician, Sarahfina strives to make every lesson engaging, inspiring, and fun. She loves helping students discover their unique musical voice while building a lifelong appreciation for music.
Sarahfina teaches Voice and Piano.