Our Teachers

John Mignardi is a dedicated music teacher specializing in voice and piano, known for his warm and engaging teaching style. With two years of experience, he focuses on early learners and children in New Canaan. His musical journey started at St. Thomas Choir School, where he developed his classical singing skills from ages 8 to 18. Notably, he has performed with Danny Elfman at Lincoln Center and alongside Sting at the Rockefeller Tree Lighting. John's deep passion for music and his approachable nature make him a cherished instructor for young musicians.

Ted Gottsegen’s obsession with music began early, listening to Casey Kasem’s Top 40 Countdown and moved into obsessive trips to the record store. That obsession merged with the guitar and into international performing, giving workshops and master classes. An experienced performer having spent 15 years playing in concerts/festivals in 30 States, 3 Canadian Provinces and 8 countries including the Middle East. He has shared the stage with a list of jazz artists including Dorado, Samson & Tchavolo Schmitt, Wawau Adler, Lollo Meier, Andreas Öberg, Robin Nolan and Austin Texas’ Hot Club of Cowtown. He also has a Masters in Jazz Performance with the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College.

Alex was drawn to music and singing even at a young age and began taking guitar lessons at 7 years old. Her journey with music would continue and at 16, she began to learn other instruments to expand her music knowledge. A multi-talented teacher, performer, and music producer, Alex has versatility across 8 instruments and has been a private music teacher for over 3 years with more than 10 years of performance and volunteering experience.

From nationally renowned orchestras to touring rock bands, Adam Finkelstein has turned years of experience in the music industry into a unique and personalized approach to music education, empowering musicians from all walks of life to access the music within themselves.

Alexa Cervantes is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. There, she earned her degree in Music studying flute. She has experience as the Head Woodwind and Brass Instructor in music schools. Additionally, Alexa is also a Flute Instructor at Project Music, an El Sistema-inspired music non-profit organization. In her private flute studio, she teaches students of all ages, ranging from all levels. Along with teaching, Alexa is an experienced performer. Her performance career has taken her to prestigious venues and places, such as Carnegie Hall, Ireland, and many more! She is an active volunteer flutist with the Young Artists Philharmonic in Greenwich.

Denali teaches piano music from Beethoven to Bluey! She has been playing piano since she was four, and wrote her first piano piece at age seven. She now has over 30 copyrighted original pieces. She is friendly, approachable, and can rearrange any song to fit your piano ability and has experience leading Music Composition programs in music schools. Denali graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in Theory and Composition, with a Concentration in Piano Performance. Denali studied Screen Scoring in London at the Royal College of Music and also studied Screen Scoring at New York University. She was awarded 2nd prize in the Riverwalk International Organ Composition Competition in 2021. Denali would love to meet you!

Susan is a highly trained cellist and music educator, holding a bachelor's degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory, an Artist Diploma from the University of Hartford, and a Master’s from Queens College, CUNY. She specializes in the Suzuki Method, having completed intensive training at the NY School for Strings and the Suzuki Institute of Chicago. Susan has taught and conducted for youth symphonies in Waterbury, Norwalk, and Panama, and has taught in Beijing and Texas. She has held principal and section roles in Connecticut orchestras and performs with the Musical Theatre of CT and at Steinway Hall.

Mark Salvatore Tondi is a versatile pianist, composer, and producer bridging classical, jazz, and electronic music. He has performed extensively in the U.S. and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and guest with various orchestras. He studied classical piano with Natalie Ryshna Maynard, Paul Ostrovsky, and Stephanie Brown, and jazz with Donald Vega and Anthony Guzzi. Mark earned a B.A. in Musical Arts, summa cum laude, from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. He is also the founder of The Art of Dexterity LLC, author of The Technology of Rhythmic Dexterity music method, and has produced over 300+ professional arrangements for renowned artists.