Frank Varela - Guitar (Electric or Acoustic)

Education Background:
Berklee College of Music
Studied with jazz guitar legends Larry Coryell and Sal Salvador.
Has taught beginner to advanced guitar and music theory for over 25 years.
Professional Background:
Has performed professionally for 30 years, including performances with jazz greats Larry Coryell, Jimmy McGriff and bluegrass legends Tony Triska and Bill Keith.
Frank’s guitar playing and compositions are featured on two Mystery Feet Cd’s that also feature drummers Lenny White ( Miles Davis ) and Joel Rosenblatt ( Spyro Gyra ).

"Frank is one of those rare teachers who combines a truly remarkable musical talent with a great personality.  One is instantly at ease with him which makes the learning experience enjoyable and all the more rewarding.  He is by far the best guitar player I have ever heard - and the best teacher I have known."
-Dave Martin

"Frank demystified the complexity of playing over jazz changes by teaching me practical yet sophisticated approaches that you can readily apply. Before taking lessons with Frank I thought I had excellent timing and good tone but Frank took me to a new higher level. While I mostly focused on Jazz with Frank, my playing dramatically improved over all types of music,  and I have developed a very good command of the neck. I would recommend (and have) recommended Frank to anyone that really wants to master the guitar."
-Jim Macauley, Guitar Enthusiast

Bob Hill - Drums

Education Background:
Studied at Berklee College of Music and privately with noted player/educator and author Gary Chaffee
Professional Background:
Active performing artist and drum instructor for over 20 years

Dawn Zukowski - Trumpet

Education Background:
Studied at Hartt School of Music and privately with Hartford Symphony trumpet player and faculty member Roger Murtha
Professional Background:
Over 10 years of private teaching experience and over 20 years of performance experience

John Brighenti – Piano

Education Background:
Studied at Hartt School of Music and privately with such artists as Lennie Tristano, Jerry Bergonzi and Ray Cassarino
Professional Background:
Played professionally with The Glen Miller Orchestra, The Eddie Howard Orchestra, The Al Gentile and Chic Cichetti Orchestras, as well as with Paul Landerman's group

Jeff Taylor – Saxophone & Woodwinds

Education Background:
Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance from the UCONN
Professional Background:
Over 20 years extensive teaching experience through the Hartford Camerata Conservatory, East of the River Summer Ensembles Program, Manchester HS Saxophone Quartet and private instruction

John Crand – Violin

Education Background:
Studied cello at Hartt School of music and graduated from the UCONN
Professional Background:
Has been teaching violin, viola and cello for 15 years in the greater Hartford area. Presently, John is Assistant Concertmaster of the Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra in Hartford, CT

Jim Healy – Bass

Education Background:
Graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music
Professional Background:
Taught at Grace Webb School, Beller’s Music, Riccardo’s, and K-12 music for the Institute of Living

Richard Manning – Trumpet & All Brass

Education Background:
Studied Music Education at Central Connecticut State and studied classical and jazz trumpet privately with Larry Gareau
Professional Background:
Played in various ensembles across the state including the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the Evergreen Brass Quintet

Joshua Jones – Guitar

Education Background:
Bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance from Hartt School
Professional Background:
Taught at Ethel Walker School and privately for 5 years

James Dehls – Vocals

Education Background:
Bachelor in music education from Bucknell University and earned his Masters in Educational Administration at Sacred Heart University
Professional Background:
25 years of teaching high school choral music and drama. He was the Music Department Head, and Coordinator of Music at Groton Public Schools.

Crystal Chausse – Vocals

Education Background:
Crystal has experience with many vocal performances throughout Connecticut and is completing her studies in the music education program at Central Connecticut State College.
Professional Background:
Crystal has been teaching private lessons in various music styles to a wide variety of age groups throughout New England.

Tom Dest – Drums

Education Background:
Tom has been studying vibraphone, drums, and percussion extensively for 38 years. He also has training in Composition, Music Theory, and Jazz Improvisation, and private piano lessons.
Professional Background:
27 years of teaching private individuals as well as groups at Trinity College, Hartford Academy of the performing arts, and various public school percussion programs

Larisa Kondratyeva - Accordian

Education Background:
Studied at Molodeschno College and obtained an associates degree in teaching with the specialty of accordion
Professional Background:
Larisa has over 20 years of experience teaching different music styles to all ages.