Laurie Festa - BIO

Laurie started singing at age two at home and spent many hours as a child singing then learning to play the piano. By age seven she could play songs on the piano by ear, so her mother bought a piano and had her take lessons. By age ten she was also learning to play guitar. In her teens she began her performance career singing and playing for seniors and also as a church cantor/soloist. She currently acts as a substitute organist. Laurie has also played piano for private parties and dinners. She studied voice with Peter Thomsen and later studied at Westfield State (College) University with Lois Sayers Smith. She earned a BA in Music from Westfield State (College) University with concentrations in Theory/Composition and Education. She studied piano with Galina Gerchenson, Abigail Thomsen, and Bernard Herfurth. She also took vocal instruction from Johnny Contardo, former lead vocalist of Sha Na Na. For many years she taught piano privately and General Vocal Classroom Music in public and parochial schools. In addition to teaching piano, for the past eighteen years she has been a professional performer- giving concerts in a variety of venues.

I encourage students to strive for excellence while teaching
musical concepts with clarity for understanding

My Approach to Teaching

Laurie teaches with positivity, patience, and productivity to understand the learning style of each individual student. She encourages students to strive for excellence while teaching musical concepts with clarity for understanding. Laurie empowers her students by exploring a variety of musical styles, helping them to develop sight-reading and theory skills, and emphasizes the importance of listening carefully and playing musically.