Teacher Profiles

JAY MAGGI

Advanced Instructor; Pop, Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz

Musical Achievements: Jay began with us in 1988 and has over 30 years of experience as a performer and teacher. Starting violin at age 5, and by high school having learned to play and perform on guitar, viola, cello, contrabass, and voice. He studied classical guitar at Hartt School of Music as a teen, continuing his music education in classical guitar, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and rock at Tulane University as well as in Salamanca, Spain, and Acapulco. Jay has performed with various and as a soloist. In 2000, Jay's 10-piece band was awarded "Best Blues Band” in the Valley Advocate's Grand Band Slam. Began teaching professionally in 1990. 

Approach to Teaching: "My strengths as a teacher come from my 30+ years of experience as a musician, performer, and teacher. I use patience, humor, and diverse musical knowledge to help create a great experience for each student. My approach to teaching is flexible and custom tailored based on the goals of each student, their musical ability, and their desires. Building a solid musical foundation is emphasized for the beginning student. And for the more advanced students, things like improving technique, musical knowledge, building a repertoire, practice and performance skills, and above all, having fun. Music can be fun for everyone! You're never too old or too young. Let's see what we can learn today and make it happen!” 

The Impact of Music: "My proudest accomplishments come from my students. I've helped many students achieve their dream of playing guitar well. My students have accomplished great things like: serenading a loved one, learning to perform for audiences, playing in a band, winning scholarships, gaining college acceptance, competition awards and championships, recording contracts, and even nomination for a Grammy.”

BRUCE YELLE

Pop, Rock, Classical, Country, Gospel

Musical Achievements: Bruce has been teaching here since 1996. Was awarded honors at recitals and the highest marks in music college. Was selected from over 200 applicants to play in a master class with classical legend Oscar Glelia. Bruce has had 2 original songs released nationally on compilation classical CDs. He's a former vice president of the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. He's had the opportunity to meet and play with some of the most influential guitarists of the last several decades. He's toured the east coast in various rock bands in the late 70's and early 80's. and with multicultural gospel choir in the 90's. 

Approach to Teaching: "If you want music to be a fun and valuable part of your life, then let's try to open that door together. I feel that if you are my student, I'm deeply committed to your success. I've also enjoyed working with several parent-child duets." 

The Impact of Music: "Music is my passion and my calling. It is a source of joy and even spirituality. It has become the part of me that I am most proud of."

MIKE LAMAGNA

Rock, Funk, Pop, Jazz

Musical Achievements: Mike began playing drums and learned to read and write music at a very young age. He was very involved with the marching side of percussion and Drumset and enjoys playing and teaching a wide range of music, from jazz to hard rock. He received the 2004 Best Instrumentalist and Overall Musician, at Enrico Fermi High, in Enfield, CT. He took the championship at Falcetti Music's A.T.A.M New England competition for 2 percussion solos he wrote. Mike graduated from Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA, where he won the yearly contest for the "last man standing” (where the professor gives an advanced pattern, and the player who can play it the longest and fastest wins). Also in Hollywood, he toured with Street Beat, a very well known percussion group in L.A, as well as playing known venues such as The Viper Room, the Rainbow Room, The Cat club and many other famous Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard venues. 

Approach to Teaching: "Learn from a 'rock-star' from L.A!! My students should expect a fun, hard working environment that will grant them the knowledge, tools and inspiration to achieve their musical goals. My lessons involve a dynamic of a fun, easy environment, while still maintaining a regiment of tools that will be crucial in the development of the student. I've learned from so many great teachers that inspiration is of the utmost importance! I want the student to be excited and to progress for themselves, as opposed to just trying to make me happy. Every lesson should end in the student excited to go home and better themselves." 

The Impact of Music: "Being a musician has enhanced my life because it has taught me to put the same passion in life as I do in my music. I think of all my daily tasks as if they were a piece of music I am striving to prefect and do the best that I can."

CHUCK QUENNEVILLE

PHIL CROUCH

Rock, Metal, Funk, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Classical

Musical Achievements: Phil began playing guitar at age 12. He earned an Associates Degree from Holyoke Community College in Music, and a Bachelor's Degree from Westfield State College in 1992 in Jazz studies, followed by a year of Graduate work at the University of Noth Texas; and a Music Teaching Certification in 2005 from Westfield State College in Music K-12. Phil was Music Director at Cathedral High School from 2006-2008, and has taught all levels of guitar lessons for over 10 years. Phil has also performed in pit bands for Broadway shows, and in rock, blues, and jazz bands thoughout New England; currently playing guitar in the Carol Hahn Band.

Approach to Teaching: "My approach to teaching is to focus on the basics - sight reading, technique, and basic theory that will be helpful for all students to know. For more intermediate and advanced students, I still focus on the core basics, but I will teach these students music that they are interested in learning - metal/rock, pop, blues, funk and jazz. I also encourage students to explore their own creativity on the guitar by writing their own compositions, and also creativity through improvising on the guitar, specifically with regard to Jazz improvisation."

The Impact of Music: "Music is very important in my life. It's what I do and has been my livelihood over the last 30 years. Playing the guitar is my passion, and my main outlet for creativity, and it is meant to be for me to be a guitarist/teacher.  Music helps people in many ways, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge in music/guitar with students at Falcetti Music, helping students learn to play the guitar, and experiencing the joy of playing music on the guitar; alone and together with other like minded musicians."

CHRIS PIQUETTE

Blues, Pop, Rock 

Music Expertise: Chris has enjoyed teaching Guitar since 2001. He performs in several bands, notably The Chris Piquette Band, Crazy On You: A Tribute To Heart, Blue Illusion, Trip Delight Fantastic, Black Dog: A Salute To Led Zeppelin, as well as weekly acoustic gigs. Chris has had the opportunity to share the stage with several great blues/jazz artists such as: Les Paul (on 2 occasions at the legendary Irridium Jazz Club in NYC), Anthony Gomes, Chris Duarte, and Lucky Peterson. He is currently focusing on a new project which will be primarily original blues-rock music. 

Approach to Teaching: "My approach to teaching is very simple. I first get the student to be musically literate, then branch off in a custom-tailored direction which is unique to each student. In the end, it's all about finding out what excites the student, and motivating them to want to practice". 

The Impact of Music: "I don't even know where to begin with explaining the impact music has had on my life . . . … I'll put it this way, I'm not too sure what I would be doing with my life if it wasn't for music. Music has always been a great outlet for me, and has allowed me to meet many incredible individuals who have influenced my life in meaningful ways." 

JAY MAGGI

Advanced Guitar; Pop, Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Metal 

Musical Achievements: Jay began with us in 1988 and has over 30 years of experience as a performer and teacher. Starting violin at age 5, and by high school having learned to play and perform on guitar, viola, cello, contrabass, and voice. He studied classical guitar at Hartt School of Music as a teen, continuing his music education in classical guitar, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and rock at Tulane University as well as in Salamanca, Spain, and Acapulco. Jay has performed with various and as a soloist. In 2000, Jay's 10-piece band was awarded "Best Blues Band” in the Valley Advocate's Grand Band Slam. Began teaching professionally in 1990. 

Approach to Teaching: "My strengths as a teacher come from my 30+ years of experience as a musician, performer, and teacher. I use patience, humor, and diverse musical knowledge to help create a great experience for each student. My approach to teaching is flexible and custom tailored based on the goals of each student, their musical ability, and their desires. Building a solid musical foundation is emphasized for the beginning student. And for the more advanced students, things like improving technique, musical knowledge, building a repertoire, practice and performance skills, and above all, having fun. Music can be fun for everyone! You're never too old or too young. Let's see what we can learn today and make it happen!” 

The Impact of Music: "My proudest accomplishments come from my students. I've helped many students achieve their dream of playing guitar well. My students have accomplished great things like: serenading a loved one, learning to perform for audiences, playing in a band, winning scholarships, gaining college acceptance, competition awards and championships, recording contracts, and even nomination for a Grammy.” 

JEANNE OYLER

Pop, Rock, Classical 

Highlights of Accomplishments: Jeanne began taking lessons at Falcetti Music in 1997, and began teaching here in 2000. She has since completed a degree in music at HCC and studied classical guitar with Phil Defermary.  Jeanne has been playing guitar in her church for many years and is strong in classical and finger styles.

Personal Meaning of Music: “Music has enhanced my life in so many ways.  It helps me relax.  It’s given me opportunities to make new friends.  Sharing a love of music with others and teaching have definitely given my life more meaning.”

Approach to Teaching: “I always listen to the needs and wants of each student.  My job is to help him or her achieve their personal goals.  I don’t try to force my own style on a student.  I let them play and learn what they are most interested in.”

GLENN PETTIT

Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz

Musical Achievements: Glenn has been teaching since 1977. He started writing songs at a young age. Developed an interest in fingerpicking and Delta Blues. Wrote music for an off Broadway theatrical production of A Question of Balance, produced by The Field in NYC, 1997. Contributed to the soundtrack of a documentary entitled The Murals of Belfast in 2002. Created a jingle for Star Market. Have known, shared stages with, toured, and recorded with some great singers, songwriters and guitarists in places like Boston, New York City, and Toronto. 

Approach to Teaching: "I teach a range of different styles and levels. My strength is in fingerstyle guitar – traditional, modern, and abstract. I take a patient, traditional approach to the cultivation of rhythm - whether for beginners, rock stylists or fingerstylists. I draw from influences such as piano, horn, and even slam poets. My advice is to do it and keep at it!" 

The Impact of Music: "Music has brought me into contact with people who I've long admired and some of their mentors. It has cultivated within me a deep respect for history in general and a passion for travel. Music has expanded my world in a big way!" 

RICH SHEPHERD

Pop, Rock, Country, Blues

Musical Achievements: Began playing violin in 4th grade and switched to guitar in 6th grade.  Has since enjoyed the life of a musician; playing in bands (most notably, The Downbeats and Motown Review), and music teacher for the last 20 years.  Rich has also worked in major recording studios as a session musician and an audio engineer.

Approach to Teaching: “I have a wide range of musical interests.  And I’m very versatile and down-to-earth in my approach.  I can provide a foundation for new students and also help more experienced ones to enhance their techniques to make the most of their playing.”

The Impact of Music: “Music is everything to me.  The guitar has been my creative voice throughout my life and has inspired a rewarding career and fun lifestyle.  It’s great to have the opportunity to help other musicians to develop their abilities and to grow!  Remember, there is always light at the end of the practice tunnel.”

BRUCE YELLE

Pop, Rock, Classical, Country, Gospel

Musical Achievements: Bruce has been teaching here since 1996. Was awarded honors at recitals and the highest marks in music college. Was selected from over 200 applicants to play in a master class with classical legend Oscar Glelia. Bruce has had 2 original songs released nationally on compilation classical CDs. He's a former vice president of the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. He's had the opportunity to meet and play with some of the most influential guitarists of the last several decades. He's toured the east coast in various rock bands in the late 70's and early 80's. and with multicultural gospel choir in the 90's. 

Approach to Teaching: "If you want music to be a fun and valuable part of your life, then let's try to open that door together. I feel that if you are my student, I'm deeply committed to your success. I've also enjoyed working with several parent-child duets." 

The Impact of Music: "Music is my passion and my calling. It is a source of joy and even spirituality. It has become the part of me that I am most proud of."