Piano Instructors
Get to Know Us
Kathleen Dunne
Piano, Voice, Flute
Katie Dunne is a classically trained vocalist, currently completing her Bachelor's in Music Education at SUNY Buffalo State College with a minor in Theater. Through the Buffalo State Music Education program, Katie has had experience teaching at all different grade levels, through choral, instrumental, and general muisc. Katie has performed in over a dozen musical productions since age 10 and more recently began music directing at the middle school level. 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.
Sasha Hall
Piano and Guitar
Sasha is a blues/funk musician who plays drums, bass, keys, and sings. He loves all types of music and loves encouraging young people to explore all types of genres.
Nicholas Emmanuel
Piano
Nicholas Emmanuel is a music historian, pianist, and visiting assistant professor of musicology in UB’s Department of Music. He spent the 2021-22 academic year conducting archival and field research in Budapest, Hungary, with support from the U.S. Fulbright Commission and the Liszt Academy of Music. Aside from scholarship and teaching, he is active as a pianist and has performed contemporary music in concert venues throughout the United States and abroad. Recent performances include concerts with UB’s Slee Sinfonietta, a program of piano works at the June in Buffalo contemporary music festival, and a recital of Hungarian music with Fulbright colleagues at the Liszt Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in historical musicology and a masters’ degree in piano performance from the University at Buffalo.