Piano Instructors
Get to Know Us
Kathleen Dunne
Piano, Voice, Flute
Katie Dunne is a classically trained vocalist, with a Bachelor's in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo State College with a minor in Theater. She currently works in the Buffalo Public Schools as a K-6 vocal/general music teacher and is the Music Director/Co-Director/Producer of the St. Christopher's Bound for Broadway program. She has also music directed at Buffalo State University (Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, First Thursday Cabaret), Cardinal O'Hara High School Summer Camps (Seussical Kids, Willy Wonka Kids), and at Shea's Sing Your Story camp as well as their 2024 awards ceremony opening/closing performances. Katie was selected as an adjudicator of the Shea's High School Musical Theater awards for the 2023-2024 season. She previously worked in the entertainment department at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, where she performed in a variety of different, acting, song, and dance shows, the most notable being the iconic Western Shootouts. She has been teaching at Matt's since 2019, with students ranging from ages 4-60! She primarily teaches piano, voice, and flute, and is well versed in many genres.
Jacob Nicholson
Piano
Jacob Nicholson is a boar certified music therapist. He began his education at Onandaga Community College, and finished at SUNY Fredonia receiving his Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. Jacob performs throughout the Upstate New York area with multiple music groups, and is currently a professional singer with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. These talents, combined with his drive to assist individuals in achieving their life goals, make him a well-rounde and passionate clinician and teacher.
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Anna weinert
Piano/Cello
Anna has been heavily involved with music from a young age, and started as a Matt's Music student herself. She has experience performing with many different groups. She has also performed with an honors performance series at Carnegie Hall. Anna is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo State University, and her goal is to share her knowledge and passion for music with all her students.
Dave Henry
Piano
With over 30 years of piano teaching experience, Dave has had the pleasure of working with students of all ages and skill levels – from young beginners to adults pursuing their musical goals. Whether a student is just starting out or striving to master a more complex piece, Dave is committed to providing personalized lessons that are both enjoyable and effective.
Believing that every student learns differently, Dave tailors lessons to fit each individual’s unique style and needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here; whether it’s a visual learner, a hands-on player, or someone who thrives through repetition, Dave ensures that the path to musical growth is as engaging as it is rewarding.
Throughout the years, Dave has developed a deep knowledge of both classical and contemporary piano techniques, and a broad repertoire to suit any taste. More importantly, Dave strives to make each lesson not just educational, but also enjoyable, helping students build confidence and a genuine love for the music they play.
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Barb Powrie
Piano
Barb taught General Music in the BPS for 32 years and is currently teaching Basic Keyboard Lessons at Villa Maria College. She is also teaching one to one piano lessons at Bello Voice Studio in Orchard Park. Barb has played in various bands throughout her teaching career and post retirement, including opening for John Hall at Kleinhans Music Hall A Benefit for the West Valley Clean-up, Music Director for Really Rosie with the Amherst Players Music Director for You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, at School 52, and for the Solo Faculty Recital at Villa Maria College.
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Philosophy of Teaching: Teaching and learning are essentially intertwined. Teaching for me is a springboard for further learning. Life is replete with wondrous intricacies that inspire learning. Seeking similarities to see the connectedness in all situations is foundational to furthering successful learning.
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"As a parent, teaching, and grandparent, my philosophy is to continue this journey with renewed enthusiasm and belief that every generation will generate a renewal of spirit and commitment of previous generations." - Barb
Bethany Kasprzak
Voice, Piano, Drums, Strings​​
Bethany started on piano when she was 5 years old and has spent many years studying instruments, music theory, and songwriting. She has sung out professionally and has been with Matt's Music for over 20 years as a teacher, co-manager, and repair technician. She teaches voice, piano, drums, guitar, and ukulele, and is always striving to learn more and grow.
Aria Fryburger
Piano
Aria Fryburger is a classical pianist currently pursuing her Master's degree in Piano Performance at the University at Buffalo. She works as an accompaniment at West Seneca East Middle School, accompanies the UB Chorus, teaches group keyboard classes at UB, and is involved weekly at her church as both a pianist and vocalist.
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In addition to her performance work, Aria has developed a strong passion for music theory. She enjoys helping students understand the fundamentals behind the music they play, encouraging both technical growth and creative exploration. Aria believes in giving students the freedom to choose much of their repertoire, aiming to grow a deep, lasting love for the piano in each individual she teaches.
Lena Mecklenburg
Voice/Piano/Ukulele/Guitar
Lena is a vocalist originally from Connecticut. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia. A teacher for over 10 years, she has aided hundreds of students in reaching their musical goals while also finding joy in the community music brings them. While teaching in public schools she has developed courses specifically for students with disabilities alongside various voice and theatre classes.
She specializes in Classical and Musical Theatre voice styles, but aims to help students reach their goals across various genres. She also teaches Piano, Ukulele, and Guitar.
Emily Barnes
Piano & Flute
Emily Barnes is a 2020 graduate of Hartwick College with her bachelor's degree in Music. For the past five years, she has worked in preschools out in the Albany, NY area, working primarily with children ages 6 weeks-5 years old. She is a vocalist (coloratura soprano), and she plays piano and flute. She also dabbles in very basic guitar and ukulele. She loves all types of music, but her favorites to sing and perform are Pop, 2000s Country, Musical Theater, and Classical music. She loves attending karaoke nights and open mic nights! She recently moved to the WNY area with her fiance, two dogs, and cat. She is very excited to combine both her love of teaching children and music together.
Victoria Mordaunt
Voice & Piano
Victoria Mordaunt graduated from Villa Maria College with a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance. She has been teaching private Voice and Piano lessons for over 10 years now. She currently teaches at Nardin Academy and privately from her home. She was a music teacher in Maine at Harmony Elementary school teaching choir, band, and general music for K-8th grade. Since moving back to Buffalo, she has chosen to perform and teach full time.
Victoria is a musician who provides lead vocals and background vocals for various artists/bands throughout the Buffalo region. However, she primarily focuses on her duo group called Eric & Tori where they do covers of multiple genres such as pop, blues, jazz, R&B, and more.
Victoria traveled to Italy for 3 weeks and performed for IYAP (International Young Artist Project), where she sang in several shows throughout Italy. She sang Italian solos, sang in a chamber choir, as well as sang and acted in the musicals Gianni Schicchi and Grease. Victoria has sang the National Anthem for events such as Gymnastics Unlimited, Remembrance Weekend, and The Ride for Roswell. She is also a song writer with over 30 originals. Teaching and performing is where her heart belongs. ​​
Falcon O'donnell
Piano
Falcon O'Donnell teaches piano at Matt's and is also trained in voice, brass (French Horn and Trombone), and clarinet. A unique quality is that she is bilingual, fluent in Spanish as well as English. She teaches in Spanish when necessary. Additionally, Falcon has participated in musical theater, chamber singers, choirs, band and jazz ensembles. She is also the first female to earn the Eagle Scout rank in the Buffalo/Niagara region.