Jefferey – Piano & Voice

Jeffrey Pantelas: MusicTeacher.Instruments: Piano,Accordion and Electronic keyboards , Vocal training and Chorus.Band leader ,Adonis Orchestra 1981-1992. Music teacher NYC.Bd.of  Education 1985-2016, Project Arts Coordinator P.S.132 Manhattan (9 years).Teacher of piano,accordion and vocal training/chorus Music and Art Academy 2016-present.Education:Accordion and piano 7 years training, Bachelor’s Degree, Baruch college in Management of musical enterprise. Masters in Education, N.J.C.U. 1990.

Darejan – Piano

Darejan or DADA, is the pride and diamond in the crown of the Academy Dada has a B.A. in Music Education, and a Master’s Degree in Piano from Teacher’s College, Tbilisi, Georgia. She has over 40 years of teaching experience in Europe and America and has been teaching at the Music and Art Academy 18 years. Dada has prepared many of her students for performances in concerts and music festivals where they have impressed audiences.
She also prepares students for the practical & theory ABRSM exam – this is the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music / London UK/ I ®

Dada has students of all ages, especially enjoys teaching children.
“They are like my grandkids, I love teaching them and helping them learn to play” she says.
She loves her students and teaches with love & passion!

Oksana – Violin & Piano

Oksana has a degree in violin and piano from Odessa Music college. Started teaching career in Odessa Ukraine and has over 17 years of experience in Ukraine and America. She prepares her students for Music auditions in both instruments. Oksana enjoys teaching children of all ages. She is passionate about musical education and how it brings students from all levels, backgrounds, and walks of life together to make music.

Iryna – Piano

I’m Iryna, and my journey in the realm of music has been both inspiring and transformative.
Holding a prestigious degree in piano instruction from Kharkiv Music College, Ukraine, I’ve dedicated my life to the harmonious art of piano playing and teaching.
My love affair with music began early, nurtured by the rich cultural tapestry of Kharkiv. From 1997 to 2003, I proudly served as the deputy director of Kharkov Music School #6, where I had the privilege of shaping young musical minds and fostering their passion for the keys. This experience not only deepened my understanding of pedagogy but also allowed me to witness the extraordinary potential that resides within each aspiring musician.
In recognition of my contributions to the musical community, I was honored to receive an award from the Mayor of Kharkiv. This acknowledgment further fueled my dedication to the art of piano instruction and reinforced my belief in the power of music to unite and uplift.
With a profound respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to innovation, l’ve always strived to create an environment where students can flourish and explore their musical identities. Through my years of teaching and playing, I’ve come to believe that music is a language that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, I continue to explore the nuances of piano performance, constantly seeking ways to refine my own artistry. My journey is one of continuous learning, as I believe that every note has something new to teach us.

Andrey – Piano

Andrey is a pianist, a music teacher, a performer and a piano technician.

He graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Glinka State Conservatory in Russia. He worked at the the Conservatory of Shenyang, China in the music college of the Guangdong Open University.

Andrey has performed in many concerts as a soloist and part of an ensemble as well as with his students. Many of his students have gone on to participate in competitions, concerts, festival and also continue their studies at famous universities in America, Germany, China, Russian and many other countries.

Alla – Piano

A piano teacher driven by my dual passions for music and education. My journey in music education began with the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Piano and Music Theory from the prestigious Beltsy, Moldova Music Institute.

My connection with the piano was established at the tender age of 5, and I’ve dedicated my life to realizing my dream of sharing the joy of piano with anyone eager to learn.

As an experienced music educator, my mission goes beyond teaching notes; it’s about instilling a lifelong appreciation for music in students of all ages. I take pride in not only helping them grasp the fundamentals but also in preparing them for recitals, performances, and participation in music festivals.

My teaching philosophy is founded on boundless enthusiasm, unshakable confidence, a sprinkle of humor, and an unwavering commitment to making the intricate world of music accessible to all.

I hold a deep affection for my students and am beaming with pride as I witness their remarkable musical achievements.”

Lana – Piano (online only)

Lana Ricci, founder of the Music and Art Academy, is a dedicated piano teacher with over 30 years of experience. Educated in Europe, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Piano and Music Theory from Nikolayev State Music College and a Master’s Degree from Uzhorod State University.

Her students have gone on to win top awards in competitions — a true testament to her passion, dedication, and teaching excellence. Lana is known for her patient and encouraging style, helping students of all ages develop strong technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Whether guiding beginners through their first notes or preparing advanced pianists for the stage, she is committed to unlocking every student’s full potential

Kerrianne -Voice

Kerrianne Spellman is a professional actress and singer with over 20 years in the entertainment business. She was in three companies of Les Mizerables, including Broadway, where she played Fantine over 100 times. She also starred in the Obie winning “The Cover of Life” Off-Broadway, directed by Oscar Nominee Pete Masterson. She has appeared in principal roles on “Law and Order”, “Sex and the City”, “As The World Turns” and “Another World.” She continues to work in commercials and voice-overs and can be seen in spots for “Publix” and “Boars Head.”

Kerrianne has been teaching and directing the Saturday Musical Drama classes at The Music and Art Academy since 2006. Each semester students line up to be in these fun classes and each end-of-semester show is greeted with rave reviews. Kerrianne enjoys teaching both musical drama and private vocal lessons

Zoe – Voice

Zoe Pantelas has been performing on stages in Monmouth and Ocean counties since the age of eight. Along with her stage experience, she has teaching experience through the Youth Opera Workshop at the Montessori Academy of Shrewsbury, where she discovered her love for guiding young singers.

She has competed in vocal competitions, performed at weddings and community events, and even appeared on the stage of Radio City Music Hall. Zoe believes “Music is a language every heart can understand” and is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and find joy in singing.

Bill – Guitar & Drums

Bill has been teaching for more than 25 years and has been performing in bands since the mid-90’s. Starting on guitar at 10, he later took up bass, ukulele and drums as well. He has been a free lance graphic artist since ’99 and also runs his own studio for “small projects” where he is the recording engineer/producer.

Michael – Guitar & Bass

Michael – is a highly skilled guitarist and bass player with decades of professional performance experience. He has performed with world-renowned artists including Regina Belle, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, and The Manhattans, as well as with numerous local bands and singers.

Since 1985, Michael has been dedicated to teaching guitar and bass to students of all ages and skill levels. His lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, combining technical instruction with real-world musical insight. Michael’s approach helps students grow as confident, well-rounded musicians.

Valentyna – Art (Visual and Fine art) 

Valentyna O. graduated from Art College in Ukraine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in painting and commercial design. After graduating, she has worked in the public and private education field from ages Kindergarten through Adult. She has also worked in commercial design, creating the window display & store art. She predominantly works in mixed media art ,watercolor , acrylic, and more.

She loves to share all of these techniques with her students to enhance their artistic confidence along with their abilities.

She loves to share all of these techniques with her students to enhance their artistic confidence along with their abilities.

Art is the mainstay of her life. Developing art is like doing meditation for her, which brings inner peace and happiness inside of person.

Art is a strong window for her to express feelings, sensations, inner music, devotion, spiritual expressions, theories, humanist ideas, revolutionary ideas, impossible and unlimited imagination, which she have found fortunately!

All her artwork was sold is dedicated to supporting individuals who have been affected or injured by war within her native country.

Katrina – Art / Fashion Design

Katrina is a NJ based artist who specializes in mixed media art, collage, fashion design and graphics. She is a graduate of a Kyiv Institute of Foreign Languages and a NYC Shillington School of Graphic Design and has been an award-winning designer with over 15 years of experience. 

Katrina is passionate about sustainable and unique fashion, design history and the creative thinking process. She is the owner of a small fashion brand that carries the variety of accessories utilizing fiber art, fabric appliqué, embroidery and eye-catching color combinations. Katrina enjoys crafts, gardening and beach vacations with her family.

Nick – Art

Nick  is an accomplished artist and passionate teacher with expertise in landscapes, portraits, and a variety of artistic mediums. His supportive approach helps students of all levels connect observation with imagination while building strong skills in composition, light, and form.  Inspiring students to see the world through the eyes of an artist! 

Nick’s artwork has been exhibited across Europe and is part of private collections in the U.S. and Japan, bringing real-world artistic experience and inspiration to every class he teaches.

Anna – Musical Drama

Anna Carroll is a director and teaching artist who loves helping young performers discover the magic of theater. Originally from Memphis, she spent nearly seven years with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, where she directed classics like Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also directed productions in New York City and around the country, and has taught theater to students of all ages through Waterwell, Manhattan Youth, and NYC public schools. With her background in both performance and directing, AC brings creativity, energy, and professional experience to every class—guiding students to build confidence, collaboration, and a true love for the stage.