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.
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Jennifer May
Piano, Bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Recorder
Jennifer May currently teaches private lessons on Piano, Bass, Guitar, Ukulele & Recorder. Jenny May has been a professional bassist since 1982. She is the founder and leader of an all female 15 piece big band. Jennifer May has been with our community for 5 years.
Rick Nicosia
Piano
Rick is a classically trained pianist who shares his love for music through teaching piano to various ages and skill levels. During his years of playing the piano, Rick has played in a wide variety of settings spanning multiple genres. He has experience in pit orchestra, jazz combos and big bands, and classical repertoire.
Rick was a Buffalo Rising Star nominee, a finalist in the Oishei Children’s Hospital Brahms Competition, a Louis Armstrong Jazz Award recipient, and continuously placed highest in the county for jazz piano in the NYSSMA festivals. Rick hopes to bridge the gap of classical music and the modern era through his teachings, and get students excited about the music that has stood the test of time.
Erin Keppner
Flute, Piccolo, Piano, Ukulele
Erin Keppner earned her Masters of Music at DePaul University in Chicago, where she studied with the principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Erin completed her Bachelors of Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City. As a native of Western New York and a graduate of Iroquois Central Schools, Erin has performed with ensembles such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Erie Chamber Orchestra, Erie County Wind Ensemble, and Cheektowaga and Orchard Park Symphonies.
Passionate about music education, Erin has over ten years of experience teaching flute/piccolo, piano, music theory and general music. Her students have earned positions in ECMEA and NYSSMA honor ensembles, as well as college music programs. She has taught for organizations such as The People’s Music School (Chicago, IL,) Rhythm NY (Queens, NY,) The Art of Piano Playing (Long Island, NY,) The Aaron Copland School of Music (Queens, NY) and Iroquois Summer Lesson program (Elma, NY.) Erin specializes in teaching flute, piccolo, piano and ukulele.
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. Sasha loves all types of music and loves encouraging young people to explore all types of genres.