Staff

FRAN KESSELMAN, PIANO

Fran attended St. John's University and has been teaching piano for over 20 years. She received her training mostly in Southern California, studying with various teachers in pedagogy and piano performance, while attending master classes at CalArts and the Colburn School of Performing Arts. Fran developed a chamber music series for senior citizens in nursing homes and special needs children's centers. She has also performed in India on many occasions playing in an international orchestra. Fran loves music and enjoys sharing her passion for the piano with all students. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she will research literature to fulfill each students likes and need. She believes all children and adults should be given the opportunity to play the piano and have fun while doing so. Several of her students are happy actively participating in their school orchestras, jazz bands and churches. 

OLGA YELKINA, PIANO

Olga has been teaching in public and private schools here in New Jersey for fifteen years. She is a music teacher with over two decades of experience, working with a wide range of children from pre-school through high school. Her professional skills were developed through intense training at the St. Petersburg Institute of Culture in Russia. She furthered her training at Rowan University and at the Center of Music for Young Children in Princeton, NJ, receiving her certification in music Education-Grades K-12. Olga's areas of expertise include: choral conducting, voice instruction, and piano and keyboard instruction. Olga believes all students have innate musical potential and every child has the right to develop his/her music education so that it can empower and influence them throughout life.                               

ROB SMITH, GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE

Rob Smith is a professional guitar player, bassist, teacher, and clinician with over 20 years of experience. He has taught over 30,000 lessons and has been an instructor at Gerald Veasley's Bass Bootcamp for the last eight years. He won the WMMR Building the Band contest and was previously named Philadelphia’s best rock bassist by Origivation magazine.  He is currently performing and recording with Visible At Night featuring Dave Weiner from Steve Vai’s band and is a former member of Disciples of Groove, The Endless March, Zeroesque, and The Minor Arcana.

SARAH MULLEY, VIOLIN

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Violin Performance from Belmont University. While in Nashville, she studied with Elisabeth Small and received training in other genres including fiddle and jazz. During her senior year she had the privilege of performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Belmont University Symphony Orchestra. Since graduating in 2016, she has enjoyed playing with various orchestras including the Chelsea Symphony in New York City and the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra. She also performs with bands for weddings and church services. Sarah plays both violin and viola, and looks forward to passing along the joy of music to her students and her toddler. 

VINNIE PORRETT, DRUMS

Vinnie Porrett, a seasoned drummer, performer, and educator based in New Jersey, has been honing his craft since the age of 9. His deep appreciation for diverse musical styles has equipped him with the versatility to play and teach at an exceptional level. Vinnie’s dedication and passion for music earned him the Zildjian Scholarship, enabling him to study at the Collective School of Music in New York City. Since then, he has immersed himself in a variety of musical projects while continuing to share his expertise through teaching.