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Why Manasquan Music Academy

Manasquan Music Academy offers private and group lessons for ages 4 to adult. We provide many performance opportunities throughout the year allowing our music students to showcase what they’ve been working on. While you are here researching the best school for you, please consider the benefits of becoming a Manasquan Music Academy student and find out why we are the area’s number one choice for music lessons.

We teach Piano, Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drums, Rock Shop, Woodwinds, Brass, Jazz House & Ukulele

Meet Our Teachers

Joe Caroselli

Drums

Joe Caroselli has a degree in Communications from Seton Hall University. Joe has performed with some of the nation’s best known orchestras, groups, and soloists– including The Temptations, The Drifters, Dionne Warwick, Dick Clark, The Manhattan Transfer, Kelly Ripa, Barbara Walters, and the legendary rock icon Chuck Berry. Joe was the “Chief Drummer” for Disney on Ice, The Ice Capades, the touring company of Jersey Boys, the Broadway shows Grease, Shenandoah, and the Motown Revue at the Ritz Theater. More than anything, Joe helps to develop his students’ skill level and self confidence, and helps to make learning to play the drums “FUN” for them at MMA!

Jim Pellegrino

Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and Oboe

Jim Pellegrino was born in Plainfield, NJ and started his musical studies at the age of nine. At the age of fourteen he was a member of the NJ All-State Band on saxophone.
He is a Graduate of Kean University where he received his BA in Music Education. Studied Classical Music with such notables as John Wion (New York City Opera), Harold Bennet (Philadelphia Orchestra) and Engelbert Brenner (NY Philharmonic). Has performed with many orchestras in the New York and Metropolitan area. Studied Jazz with Jazz Greats Frank Foster (Count Basie Band), John Stubblefield (McCoy Tyner Band) and Jimmy Heath (Saxophone)

Jon Bass

Bass, Guitar, Drums, Ukulele and Rock Shops

Jon Bass primary instruments are bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, and Drums. Jon currently teaches multiple of our Rock Shop Bands, Bass Camp, Beatles Camp, Songwriting Workshop along with his regular multi-instrumental classes. Graduated from Monmouth University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Music with a concentration in Music Industry. Has been playing a variety of instruments all over New Jersey and the east coast for various artists and organizations.

“I have a deep appreciation for all genres and styles of music. I love being able to introduce people to the wonderful world of music. If you are looking to learn an instrument, come and see me! I will show you just how fun music can be, no matter your level of knowledge. If you’re already experienced and looking to learn more we can take a deeper dive into your instrument and music theory.”

Matt Balkovic

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Ukulele and Rock Shops
Matt Balkovic is a NJ based musician and has played over 1,000 live shows. He’s been with MMA for about a year and is currently the lead instructor for 3 of our ROCKSHOP bands. Most recently his student lead band “STRETCH” won our first MMA LIVE! Band Demo Contest!

Adam Malarich

Trumpet

Adam Malarich is a trumpeter in the Central New Jersey area living with his wife and two dogs. He graduated with a Bachelors of Music Performance from Rowan University and a Masters in Jazz Studies from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. You can find him playing various gigs around New Jersey whether it’s in musical pit orchestras, churches, jazz combos, parades, brass quintets, or anything else that may have a trumpet! Besides music he enjoys other arts of woodworking and cooking. He’s been happy to be teaching at Manasquan Music for over three years.

Chris Catania

Guitar, Drums and Rock Shops
Growing up in a house where music was playing at all times, Chris got his first guitar at age 12. It led him to study at Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with studies in Songwriting and Studio Production & Engineering. He has since formed his band Moonwater for whom he writes, produces and performs with throughout the greater NYC/NJ area and freelances as a recording and mix engineer, having worked in a commercial studio in Manhattan as well as an independent studio in Philadelphia. Chris plays a wide variety of genres but his favorite songs always have a little extra groove to them.

Ashlee Driscoll

Voice
Ashlee Driscoll studied vocal performance at Columbia College in Chicago. There she was in many ensembles and performed at the historic House of Blues. She graduated in 2017 and started teaching voice lessons in 2018. With 5 years of experience she hopes to help her students discover their own sound and confidence with performing!

Fran O'Brien

Guitar, Bass, Drums and Piano
A local to Manasquan NJ, Fran O’Brien previously studied at Berklee College of Music. He is known for being the lead guitarist in the Gabi Cinque Band and Duo. Fran is also an alumni of our very own MMAcademy Summer Jazz Ensemble.
emily

Emily Grove

Voice, Guitar, Piano and Ukulele

Emily Grove has had a varied and exciting musical journey, from coffeehouses to attending Berklee College of Music, to national television and radio appearances, to tours in the UK and Europe as she continues to grow her artistry. She has recently opened up for Jay Leno at the State Theatre New Brunswick NJ. She has opened up for and performed with British artist David Ford on a two month tour of the UK, Ireland, US, and Canada as well as had her own headlining tour in Germany, Bulgaria, England, and the US. She regularly gets hired to sing backup for many artists for their live shows and recording sessions. She’s worked with David Ford, Glen Burtnik, Steve Forbert, and UK artist Jack Henderson, among many others.
She’s sung backup for David Gray on the Today Show, and Social Distortion at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. She has opened up for: Brett Michaels, Dan Reed, Ari Hest, The Strawbs, Griffin House, and many others. She’s performed regularly with Glen Burtnik in his expansive productions, including his “The Summer of Love”, “British Invasion”, Beatles, and Last Waltz shows.
As a solo act, she’s won awards for “Best Female Acoustic Act” at the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Asbury Music Awards, and won three Jersey Acoustic Music Awards (best female singer [2011 and 2012]/ female songwriter [2011]). Emily continues to perform everywhere showcasing her material. Her first EP, “Way Across the Sea” was produced by Jack Daley, and her most recent full length release, “Life of A Commoner,” was produced by Seventh Wave Studio. She is currently working on brand new music for a 2024 release.
She recently created her own tribute to Joni Mitchell called “Joni Jam” where she celebrated  her legendary catalogue with an incredible eight piece band and special guests. She is currently working on plans to take this show across the country in 2024.

Steve Honshowsky

Drums, Bass

Steve Honoshowsky is a percussionist and bassist who also plays a variety of electronic instruments.  He has been performing, recording, composing, and facilitating workshops individually and with a variety of artists since 2001. He has studied with Chris Pennie and Billy Martin and currently performs and records with Billy’s Fang Percussion Ensemble, which was featured in the film/dvd, “Life On Drums”.
In 2008, he represented the United States with solo drum performances at the YMCA Europe Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, and co-founded the drummers collective Speak Softly And Carry A Big Stick with Amir Ziv, which was featured in Modern Drummer Magazine.  He has been teaching children and adults for over twenty years and is a facilitator of The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP (http://www.traponline.com/)

Zachary Voelbel

Piano

Zachary Voelbel is from North Brunswick, New Jersey, currently lives in Manasquan and has a degree in Music Theory and Composition from New York University. They studied under contemporary composers such as Marc Consoli, Justin Dello Joio and Ezequiel Viñao. Zach has a diverse background in music, from contemporary rock and electronic music to a variety of classical music styles. Zach has experience playing in bands, contemporary chamber groups and composing original music for both the stage and the dance floor. With their training in piano and composition, they offer a comprehensive study in music that will give students the tools they need to not only play music but also understand the music they learn at its fundamental level.
Music is not just a hobby, but it also provides cognitive enrichment for aspiring musicians of all ages. Along with their background in theory, Zach is passionate about the positive therapeutic affects music can have on our minds and bodies.
By taking their lessons, you will be able to learn how to play the classics, play the modern hits and how to write music of your own.

Martin Terry

Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano and Ukulele

Hey! My name is Martin Terry, and I have been playing and enjoying music my whole life. When given the opportunity to come teach at MMA, I knew it was meant to be. So here I am, ready to share my knowledge and help anyone I can to grow in their musical endeavors. Like a bee drawn to a flower, music is in my nature. Over the years, I have played in countless gigs, spent endless amounts of hours in the studio producing and recording, and have accumulated millions of plays on Spotify from my solo music “Love James”, to my band’s music “Recess Radio”, and other amazing artists I’ve collaborated with, including LaRussel, Drex Carter, Blake Foster, and American Girlfriend, to name a few. In the fall of 2022, I decided to start giving lessons privately to some of my friends who were interested in learning guitar. I found a deep love for teaching during this time, sharing knowledge with others, and seeing their growth is really something special.

Pamela Flores

Voice, Piano, Guitar and Ukulele
Pam is a passionate and experienced music educator with 10 years of teaching expertise. Her background in musical theatre brings a unique blend of performance and technique to her lessons, fostering creativity and artistry in every student. Pam has performed at renowned venues like the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, The Stone Pony, and has performed for Sofar Sounds on Oahu and Sea Hear Now in Asbury Park.

Johnna Orrico

Voice, Vocal Performance and Beginner Guitar

Johnna Orrico began singing and studying voice at the age of seven under the instruction of Jody Joseph Bonjovi, a mentorship that later evolved into a full apprenticeship. After years of training, Johnna went on to teach alongside her for over a decade, building a strong foundation in vocal technique, performance, and student development.

In addition to her teaching background, Johnna has extensive performance experience across multiple disciplines. She has appeared in numerous musical theater productions, studied voice and performance at Caldwell University, and spent her teenage and early adult years as a background vocalist for local bands. Her live performance credits include renowned venues such as The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, The Paramount Theatre, Pollak Theatre, and The Cutting Room.

As a voice instructor, Johnna works with students of all ages and experience levels, emphasizing confidence, healthy technique, and authentic expression. She believes singing should feel both disciplined and joyful, and she strives to create a supportive environment where students can grow vocally while finding their own unique sound. When she’s not teaching, you can usually find Johnna at the front desk as part of the excellent Manasquan Music Academy staff team!

Terri Conti

Piano
Terri Conti is an enthusiastic, patient and encouraging music teacher with 30+ years experience teaching piano, voice, accordion and general music. She has a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in music from Ambassador College, Pasadena, California, and a piano pedagogy certificate from Westminster Choir College, Princeton. Terri has served as Music and Choir Director for several churches including the Methodist Church in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and has music directed various musicals for high school and community theater productions over the years. Performing publicly since age ten, she has toured with various ensembles including They Might Be Gypsies, Viva Patchiva, the David Arkenstone Orchestra and the Isle of Klezbos, and as has worked as a soloist in piano bars and restaurants all over the US, Ireland and Montreal. After many years of happily wandering, Terri is thrilled to be back in her native New Jersey and part of the team at Manasquan music Academy.

Adah Christian

Voice & Ukelele
Adah Christian is a performer born and raised at the Jersey Shore. They have been in numerous theater and vocal productions since they were very young and was also a former student at MMA for over 5 years in vocal lessons and a rock band! They studied voice at Grunin Performing Arts Academy and studied musical theater for a short period at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Brian Abrecht

Guitar, Bass, Drums & Beginner Piano