WHO IS
JSMS?
MEET OUR
FACULTY
Jesse Stiglich Music School prides themselves on having highly qualified educators and professional musicians. Each teacher has been educated at the collegiate level in their craft and have honed their sound and skill to provide the best music education in the South Shore.
JESSE
STIGLICH
Owner, Drum/Percussion Instructor, Rock Band + Ensemble Coach
Jesse Stiglich is an active music educator and performer in the greater Boston area. He carries a Bachelor’s Degree in both Music Performance and Music Business from UMass Lowell. While at UML, he studied both orchestral percussion and drum set privately with Jeff Fischer, Fred Buda, Mark Wheeler, and Jim Lattini. Jesse also was a member of the University Wind Ensemble directed by David Martins, Jazz/Rock Big Band Directed by Dan Lutz, and Percussion Ensemble directed by Jeff Fischer.
Jesse can be found performing throughout New England in various settings such as pit orchestras, wedding bands, and jazz/rock bands. Notable performances include playing percussion for L’Histoire du soldat by Igor Stravinsky at Duxbury Music Festival, playing drum set for the Polymnia Choral Society’s Pops Concerts, and being an active pit orchestra performer at theaters such as The Company Theater, Priscilla Beach Theater, Norwood Theater, and more. He also can be heard on various recordings, most notably the progressive rock/pop band, Professor Caffeine and the Insecurities, featuring Jesse playing on the group’s first three records.
As an educator, Jesse has taught throughout New England at several different locations including South Shore Conservatory, Indian Hill Music School, Zach Field Drum & Music, and others. From 2015-2020 at South Shore Conservatory (SSC), Jesse taught in the Jazz/Rock/Pop department, as well as the Percussion department, where he served as chair from 2018-2020. At SSC, Jesse served as a private/group lesson instructor, student rock band coach, K and Pre-K specialist, and Open Mic Coordinator, as well as being involved in organizing a number of student events. In addition, he was a faculty member of SSC’s Summer Music Festival and coached the percussion section for the Festival Wind Ensemble. Jesse currently teaches private lessons at Thayer Academy, in addition to being both owner and an educator at Jesse Stiglich Music School in Hanover, MA.
SYDNEY
ALFANO
Trumpet Instructor
Sydney Alfano is a musician and educator living in the South Shore. She is a recent graduate of Ithaca College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. As a trumpet player, Sydney has performed throughout the South Shore and Ithaca areas with wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, musical pits, chamber music, and solo opportunities. She is also trained in the basics of all brass, woodwind, keyboard, and percussion instruments.
Sydney is certified to teach music in Massachusetts and has worked with middle and high school students in public schools, private lessons, and summer programs. Sydney is an advocate for healthy practice habits both physically and mentally. Her passion for music and personal growth leads her as an educator and person, and she is thrilled to join the JSMS team!
JOSEPH
BOULOS
Percussion Instructor
Joseph Boulos is an accomplished educator, ethnomusicologist, and percussionist, specializing in the study and performance of music from West Africa, the Arab World, and the Americas. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance with a concentration in Drumset and World Music from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, as well as two Master’s degrees – an M.M. in Jazz Pedagogy and an M.A. in Musicology – both obtained from West Virginia University.
During his undergraduate and graduate studies, he embarked on a research trip to Ghana, West Africa, where he delved into the rich traditions of the Ga, Ewe, and Dagara ethnic groups, immersing himself in the study of their traditional drum and dance techniques.
While at West Virginia University, Joseph served as the World Music Graduate Assistant and adjunct faculty to the World Music Department.
Joseph remains deeply engaged in the vibrant New England music scene, contributing his talents to a variety of jazz groups, Arab ensembles, and West African drum and dance ensembles. Beyond his performances, Joseph is also an accomplished composer and writer, boasting two full-length albums, “Standard Times” and “Damnation of a Flower,” available on all major music streaming platforms. Additionally, he has authored a book chapter titled “Jazz and West African Aesthetics: Applying Traditional Ghanaian Drum Ensemble Concepts to Jazz Drum Kit”, slated for publication in 2025.
ANDREW
CORNISH
Guitar Instructor, Music Production & Recording Instructor + Rock Band Coach
Andrew is a dedicated teacher with years of experience teaching in and around Boston. Specializing in blues, rock, funk, and jazz, Andrew brings a dynamic and versatile approach to his lessons, providing students with a solid foundation and the necessary skills to excel on their instrument. In addition to his individual instruction, Andrew has made significant contributions to other schools’ ensemble programs where he created and led percussion, rock, jazz, and musical theater ensembles, inspiring students to collaborate and embrace their creativity. Andrew’s educational background includes studies in music theory and education at Berklee College of Music and the University of Massachusetts. His experiences as a versatile musician extend beyond the classroom, having played with numerous groups around the country and across diverse musical genres. With his dedication to nurturing a love for music, Andrew empowers students of all ages to develop their skills and ignite their passion for playing.
ED
GONCALVES
Guitar Instructor
Ed Goncalves is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. He has taught guitar for over 15 years and loves to teach students of all ages and all styles. Ed also specializes in guitar techniques in the styles of world-renowned guitarists including Steve Morse, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Shawn Lane, Guthrie Govan and more He has spent the last few years working on original songs with hopes of recording an EP.
JEFF
KING
Piano
Jeff is a Boston based Musician and Educator. Since graduating Wheaton College MA in 2008 with a BA in Music, he’s been performing and educating in a variety of settings. In addition to private and small group instruction, he’s been a Middle School Music and Media classroom teacher, instrumental and vocal ensemble director, recording studio manager and engineer, athletic coach, and a collaborative community member.
Jeff is a passionate advocate for his students’ education, and their social and emotional well-being. He is a curious learner, and shares his own commitment to growth and joy for education and creativity with students to inspire a collaborative and trust-centered relationship. He loves film, animals, and being outside as much as possible.
SADIE
HOFFORD
Voice and Violin Instructor
Sadie Hofford is a third-year student at Ithaca College studying music education. She has been singing for her whole life, playing violin for 12 years, and is trained in the basics of percussion, flute, saxophone, and clarinet. In her student teaching, Sadie has taught general music to students in Pre-K-5th grade in both public school and afterschool programs. She is currently taking private voice lessons, and has experience singing and performing jazz, classical, musical theater, and pop repertoire. She currently sings in the Ithaca College Treble Chorale and the Jazz Vocal Ensemble where she has experience leading sectionals and rehearsals. She has previous experience in mixed, treble, and jazz choirs, as well as musical theater ensembles. Sadie is a compassionate educator, conductor, and musician who loves working with students of all ages, both individually and in classroom and small group settings. Outside of her coursework, Sadie serves as the music director for Ithaca College’s Second Stage, where she has music directed the musicals “Falsettos” and “Daddy Long Legs”. In her free time, Sadie enjoys reading, going to the gym, crocheting, and hiking.
PATRICK
LYNCH
Piano and Clarinet Instructor + Rock Band Coach
Patrick Lynch is a pianist, composer, and music researcher from Easton, MA. Pat performs locally with pop, rock, jazz, and soul groups and has accompanied local choirs and churches including the Oliver Ames High School Choir, the Bridgewater Student Theater Association and the Baystate Show Choir Festival. On top of over a decade of jazz and classical piano lessons, Patrick also has studied clarinet, voice/opera, and composition privately. Pat is a senior at Bridgewater State University studying music education and plans to graduate in 2024. In his lessons, Pat incorporates his wide range of experiences to design a well-rounded musical experience that encourages students to explore their interests while exposing them to the vast musical world. Pat encourages his students to be creative through improvisation and composition, and values hands-on, interactive learning. In his free time, Pat loves to support his favorite soccer team, the New England Revolution.
DAN
MALONEY
Drum/Percussion Instructor + Rock Band Coach
Dan Maloney has loved playing the drums since he was a ten-year old fan of Led Zepellin, Kiss, Aerosmith, and various Hip Hop artists. Throughout grade school and high school in Milton, he participated in concert bands, jazz ensembles, and orchestra pits. Dan attended Bridgewater State University where as a music major he played drum set and percussion in several campus ensembles including Wind Ensemble, Big Band, Jazz Combo, and the West African Drumming Ensemble known as Khakatay. While at BSU, he studied under the direction of Dr. Donald Running, Dr. Salil Sachdev, and Gregory Conroy. He also enjoyed being a student of Kenny Hadley and Dick DiCenso at DiCenso’s Drum Shop. Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from BSU in 2014. He began his teaching career in 2015 at Carver School of Music and Bella Music Center in Norton where he teaches during the week. From beginners to advanced students, Dan brings his enthusiasm for music to every lesson and helps each student learn the drums through individualized lesson plans. Dan welcomes any opportunity to help with school material as well as learning something new that just sounds cool. He wants his students to love to play drums as much as he does!
NICOLETTE
MINGELS
Voice, Piano
Nicolette Mingels is an experienced music educator and performer based in southern New England.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island, where she concentrated in voice, Nicolette has taught music in both public and independent schools since 2016.
Beyond her work in the classroom, Nicolette is a founding member of VOICES21C, an artists’ collective devoted to exercising the choral art in pursuit of human rights and justice. With VOICES21C, Nicolette has participated in numerous projects that seek to promote global understanding through music, with a focus on amplifying voices from marginalized communities. She has collaborated with musicians at workshops and festivals across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. She is pictured here at the 2023 Sama International Choral Festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she engaged with the World Muslim Choral Ensemble in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of the musical traditions of the Muslim world.
Nicolette’s approach to music education is rooted in her belief that music is a powerful tool for personal growth and expression. Her passion for social justice informs her teaching, as she strives to create a learning environment that is supportive, creative, and reflective. In 2024 she not only joined the faculty at JSMS, but also at Thayer Academy, where she looks forward to bringing new life to the Middle School music program.
DAVID
RUGGIANO
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
David Ruggiano is a South Shore based musician and educator with over 25 years teaching experience to students in public and private school settings for guitar, ukulele and bass. With a background in education including a Master’s degree from Bridgewater State University, he understands the unique developmental needs of students of all ages as they learn and improve on their instrument. Adept at playing Rock, Jazz, Folk and Country, David looks forward to sharing his knowledge with students at Jesse Stiglich Music School.
MEGHAN
RYAN
Audition Coach + Voice Instructor
Meghan Ryan is an experienced voice and theatre educator and performer from the South Shore area. Meghan attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Education. Since graduating, Meghan has focused on music and theatre education through her positions at Rising Stars, Spotlight Academy, and Academy of the Company Theatre. Last year, Meghan accepted a voice teacher position at Thayer Academy after two years of being Fine Arts Director at St. Francis Xavier School. When Meghan is not teaching, she is a vocalist for St Francis Xavier and St Albert the Great Parish and she performs in local theatre productions (Priscilla Beach Theatre, Company Theatre, Curtain Call Theatre). For the past three years, Meghan has taught private voice lessons at The Company Theatre, Thayer Academy, and St. Francis Xavier School for students ages 6-18. Meghan’s teaching philosophy is to instruct vocal technique and music theory based on each individual student’s vocal experience and style. Lessons include song analysis, customized warm ups, an introduction to sight reading, and a focus on vocal health.
RACHEL
WEBB
Voice + Beginner Piano Instructor
Rachel S. Webb is a transplant from Apex, North Carolina who traveled to Boston to further her education and stayed for the wonderful music community in New England. She is a voice and piano teacher who encourages students of all ages to sing and play with confidence while fostering independent musicianship through healthy technique and music literacy skills. She provides a fun and engaging learning environment, meeting all students where they are and helping them to work towards their unique musical goals. Rachel received her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from East Carolina University and her Masters in Voice Pedagogy from the New England Conservatory of Music. A passionate and dedicated teacher, soloist, and chorister, Rachel also sings professionally at many local churches in the Boston area.
Fun Facts! Rachel most enjoys spending her free time singing with the Cantata Singers, adventuring with her dog Rori, and practicing yoga.