Our Instructors

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 Alexis is a passionate and versatile vocal instructor who began her musical journey at age 6 with voice lessons and later learned guitar and piano to accompany herself. She has 7+ years of academic music education and 9 years of professional performance experience. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she brings both formal training and real-world expertise to her students. She also studied and actively works in recording and music technology, bringing an added dimension to her teaching. Alexis has studied and performs across a wide variety of genres—including musical theater, rock, jazz/soul, and contemporary styles—and is especially skilled in modern, mainstream music. She combines a deep knowledge of healthy singing techniques, vocal skill development, and stage presence with a fun, personalized approach. Her goal is to help each student discover their own artistic voice, build confidence, and enjoy every step of their musical journey! 

 Kory has been a musician for over 15 years, specializing in guitar, bass, disc jockeying, vocals, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music Studies with a minor in Radio, TV, and Film at Rider University. While taking lessons with Kory, a student can expect to be bolstered through self-expression and creativity, while simultaneously learning new music, and becoming familiar with all types of music genres. While Kory always covers the important basics, he has a “person-first” approach to teaching. He believes taking the student’s music preferences into consideration is a must. 

Kevin has a Masters in Music, all variations of guitar and piano. Lessons are focused towards playing, music theory, finding your musical voice, and encouraging instrumental exploration. 

Steven Spinosa is a Woodwind Instructor at The Music Academy of Toms River, N.J. He is retired Music Educator, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education with a
concentration in Woodwinds and Voice from New Jersey City University and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Educational Leadership and Supervision from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. He has also been the recipient of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Award in 2007. He teaches beginners through intermediate levels. His mission is to help all students learn to play an instrument of their choosing, as well as to help them find their passion for music whether it be for personal or professional reasons.
 

“There is Music in Every Child. A Teacher’s job is to find it and Nurture it”. - Frances Clark

 Kevin graduated from Ocean County College in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Music and has also studied Business, Photography, and Graphic Design. From 2005–2015, he performed professionally in jazz trios and original acts around Asbury Park, while studying privately with renowned musicians such as Dom Famularo, John Favicchia, and Bernard Purdie. Today, he performs with Friend Zone Band, records from his home studio, and runs his own marketing and design company. Kevin brings his diverse skills as a musician, designer, and educator into the lesson room, tailoring his teaching to each student’s goals while providing the foundation needed to succeed in music. 

 Claire is a dedicated and caring music educator who brings over 25 years experience and heart to her teaching.  She works with students of all ages, interests and learning abilities, adapting her lessons to meet each learner where they are. With a structured yet encouraging approach, Claire helps students grow in both skill and confidence.  She values clear communication with families to keep them informed and involved, always working to bring out the best in each student.  A mother of two, Claire has performed in solo settings, with local theatre, the Pinelands Symphonic Band, a local cover band and currently directs her church’s handbell choir. 

 Bethany graduated from the University of the Arts in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music degree; majoring in Jazz Vocal Performance and minoring in Musical Theater. Aside from teaching at the Music Academy, she works as a Special Education Paraprofessional in Lacey Township. On the weekends you can find her performing live all over the Jersey Shore! Instagram: @b.taylor.music 

 Alaina teaches piano, vocals, violin, viola, cello, and beginner guitar. In addition to teaching, she created and owns a music theory game company because fun should always be a part of learning!

 Anthony is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator who has been teaching since 2010. He offers lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, songwriting, and music production, helping students of all ages build both technical skills and creative confidence. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Anthony also performs live and has experience recording and mixing artists across a range of styles. He brings a balanced approach to teaching by blending structure, creativity, and real-world musical insight. He is passionate about nurturing each student’s individuality through music. 

George Vanderbilt is a professional jazz guitarist from Southern New Jersey. He holds both his bachelor’s and master's degree in music from Rowan University. George has been performing and teaching music for over 18 years. Currently, he teaches at the Music Academy in Toms River and the Rowan Community Music School. As a performer, he can be found playing throughout the tri-state area. Most recently he recorded his first EP titled “Go Again” in the late spring featuring Philidephia’s John Swana (EVI), Chris Simonini (Organ), and Gavin McCauley (Drums) set to be released sometime in fall 2024.

George has studied with some of the best guitarists in the music business such as Brian Betz, Tom Giacabetti, Chris Buono, Joe Federico, Peter Mazza, Vic Juris and Jonathan Kreisberg.

Some of George’s students have been accepted into music schools around the country such as Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Berklee College of Music.

 Katie is a full time music educator and multi-instrumentalist. She graduated from University of the Arts with a degree in music composition, as well as music education. She teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, and also has a background in woodwind instruments and other band instruments. Her goals for her students are based on the students' individual needs and desires, as well as an overarching goal to create patient, confident, lifelong music appreciators. 

 Marc has worked in all forms of education: online/in person - groups/privately - ensembles/bands - classes/one on one.   I have worked with a wide range of instruments: drums - percussion - piano - guitar - ukulele - bass - strings and vocals.  My trademark is that I have developed my own in depth and compressive curriculum to teach with. Some of these curriculums have been turned into music method books for a number of instruments and for specific playing styles.  I have prepared for years and years to work through a proven system with each student.  All this original material suits the needs of several different types of learners, players and people.  These experiences and resources have helped me bring out the best in my tens of thousands of students throughout the years. 

 Hailing from Clifton, NJ, Rebekah holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University. As a classically trained singer, Rebekah is capable of teaching all styles of music, including opera, theatre, pop, and jazz. When not teaching or performing, Rebekah can be found camping, hiking, or reading a good book!