Community Music School

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Community Music School

NJCU Community Music School

The mission of the NJCU Community Music School is to provide students with a well-rounded music curriculum and education. NJCUCMS faculty members are strongly dedicated to meeting the demands of their students' varied musical goals and talents.

What Instruments Do You Teach? 

 We have specialists for nearly every instrument - check out our list of instruments that we teach!

  • flute, oboe, clarinet/bass clarinet, saxophone, bassoon 
  • trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba
  • voice
  • piano
  • strings 
  • guitar
  • drums 

Why Should I Take Lessons at NJCU's CMS?

  • lessons and classes at CMS are student-focused, flexible, and supportive
  • we strive to create a positive environment in which all students can pursue their musical dreams
  • participate in student recitals, hear your teacher play in faculty performances, and experience mock auditions
  • access to meet music legends who frequently pass through the campus of New Jersey City University 

Why Should I Make Music? 

  • foster self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to work with others
  • exercise the brain and inspire creativity
  • reinforce the values of commitment, discipline, and hard work
  • Enhance cognitive development
  • and most importantly, TO HAVE FUN!

How Much Do Lessons Cost?

Individual Lessons: Cost and Registration Information

Lessons are available for 30 minutes or 60 minutes and purchased as a set of six. For example, you may purchase six 30 minutes lessons or six 60 minute lessons. Lessons may be renewed at any time.

Contact Information
For more information please email Erica Seitzman at ESEITZMAN@njcu.edu

Highlighted Faculty

William Antoniou HEADSHOT

William Antoniou is a distinguished composer and instrumentalist. He is the youngest composer ever accepted to the William Antoniou New Dramatists’ Composer/Librettist Studio held annually in New York City. William has worked with many notable theatre and film directors including Lee Breuer, Giles Foreman, Kay Walker Castaldo, Eamonn Farrell and Ashley Tata. William’s music has also been performed by ensembles around the world such as The National Opera Of Greece, Anonymous Ensemble, ALEA III and many others.

In 2007 William was awarded Best Original Score For A Short Film for his music in “Discussing Space” at The Thessaloniki International Film Festival, and in 2015 William was given the L.A. Shorts award for Best Original Score for his music in “Lucy.” In 2016 William was appointed to the board of directors of the ALEA III New Music Ensemble, and in 2019 William became Trustee of the Greek Composers’ Union Trust.

McKenna Blair HEADSHOT

McKenna Blair is a flautist, conductor, and music educator.

McKenna has graduated Manga Cum Laude from New Jersey City University with a B.M. in Music Education. During her time at NJCU, she had the opportunity to study and refine her flute studies with flautist Lish Lindsey, and Dr. Carol Shansky. She also had the opportunity to develop her instrumental and vocal teaching abilities through teaching privately at a music school where she teaches woodwind, brass, piano, and vocals, as well as working with different marching bands across the state. She has also had the opportunity to be an intern conductor for the Zombie Opera showcase, that takes place in Jersey City every year. 

McKenna was also recently named a 2023 Distinguished Clinical Intern Award Nominee by the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the New Jersey Department of Education.

McKenna is an active member of the National Association of Music Education and very dedicated to making music accessible and fun for all students.

small TAMMY BROBECK

Tammy Brobeck, also known as performing Artist Tammy Michelle is a pianist and singer-songwriter. Tammy has studied piano and voice since she was nine years old.  She is currently enrolled as a Music Business Major at New Jersey City University.

Tammy has studied extensively with the distinguished vocal coach William Riley. Riley is known for coaching Artists including Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Tammy made her singing debut performing the soprano part in Mozart’s Coronation Mass at Carnegie Hall with the NJCU Concert Chorale on May 26, 2019.

She has a passion for teaching piano and welcomes students of all ages.

JAIME CHIRINOS HEADSHOT

Jaime is a Venezuelan classical guitarist currently seeking a bachelor’s degree at NJCU studying with the concert virtuoso Dr. Celil Rafik Kaya.

Jaime graduated San Jacinto College with an Associates of Arts in Music and Life Science where he studied with the renowned guitarist Jeremy Garcia.

He has experience teaching music and guitar to students of all ages.

SMALL AMANDA KAYA

Amanda Kaya has a Bachelor in Music in Performance (University of Oklahoma) and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (University of Austin, Texas). Amanda has received multiple honors and awards for her performances, and has been featured in multiple festivals and orchestras around the country. 

Amanda Kaya has vast experience teaching students ages 4 to adults.

Erik Proano HEADSHOT

Erik is currently on a journey at New Jersey City University to finish his bachelors in Music Education as well as tacking on a minor in Performance. Although Erik has a focus in classical guitar he dives into many more genres in his playing like bossa nova, sambas, rock and many more.

Erik has many years teaching guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele for all ages. Having experience teaching in the North Bergen High School giving lessons to an array of students focusing both on the techniques of playing as well as the theory of how music works; also given guest lectures at NJCU on pedagogy of bass and guitar. Erik has also played at many festivals like the Upstate New York Classical Guitar Society, the Kean University Guiterfest, and as well as the Mannes Guitar Seminar.

Erik’s mission is to share the love of music to his students so that they can find ways to express and navigate in a world that is constantly changing through the art of music.

SMALL KAILEEN SANTIAGO

Kaileen Santiago is a senior at NJCU, specializing in classical voice and is a part of the music education department. With a background in musical theater, Kaileen has been in a multitude of productions, onstage and backstage, including NJCU’s Sweeney Todd,Chess, and Pippin.Outside of school, Kaileen volunteers at her church to aid in the religious education of students in the elementary and middle school grades