About
Our Story
We are Pat and Rebecca Lapinski, owners and founders of Noteworthy Academy of Music.
Music is what we know, what we do, and what brought us together! Individually, we studied music for most of our childhoods. Pat first fell in love with the drum set at an early age and then expanded to the guitar, bass, piano, percussion, and even the banjo! Rebecca studied voice, piano, percussion, acting, and anything she could get her hands on.
We met in our high school concert band in Little Falls, New Jersey. After both graduating college with degrees pertaining to music, we got married! Soon after, we started to dream of opening our own music school one day. Wonderful things fell into place and the opportunity to open within the Bethany Community Center presented itself, and thus Noteworthy was born!
Those of us who have grown up pursuing music know that it can be very overwhelming at times – trying to master every style and impress every teacher. Often, the joy and fun of music are lost in the endless pursuit of perfection.
Our goal when we opened Noteworthy was to create a school where that relationship with music was put well above the need to be “perfect”. Everyone can have a positive relationship with music; you just need to find the right fit.
We hope you can find the perfect fit here at Noteworthy, where we aspire to make learning music fun for everyone.
Building Lifelong Musicians
Meet the Team
Patrick Lapinski
Owner, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele
Patrick has been drumming his entire life, which lead him to pick up many other instruments along the way. He earned his B.A. in Music Education with a concentration in Classical Percussion from William Paterson University.
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Patrick has been teaching drums, percussion, guitar, ukulele, bass, and piano for over thirteen years while still performing in professional bands, musicals, orchestras, and the Bethany Church Worship Team.
Rebecca Lapinski
Owner, Voice, Piano
Rebecca is an accomplished vocalist, specializing in using classical technique to confidently sing in any style from Musical Theatre to Pop. She earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University.
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Rebecca has been teaching voice, piano and acting for over a decade. Her students have gone on to play in the Papermill Playhouse Conservatory, been accepted to various colleges, prepared for many leading roles, and more!
Tori Palin-DePrimo
Studio Director | Acting Coach
As Studio Director, Tori helps lead the day-to-day operations and organize events at Noteworthy while creating a welcoming and inspiring space for each and every family.
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In addition to her work at the studio, Tori is a professional singer, actor, and producer who earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University.
She has traveled the world performing with Oceania Cruises and toured nationally and internationally with the musical RENT.
Tori also continues her work in TV and film production as co-owner of a local production company.
Having taught and directed at theaters across New Jersey, Tori loves sharing her experience, creativity, and passion with the next generation of performers and artists.
Dr. Ana Galdavadze
Violin, Viola, Piano
Ana Galdavadze is a violinist and music educator from Tbilisi, Georgia. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Florida, a Master of Music degree from the University of North Dakota, and a Master’s Certificate from the Sibelius Academy.
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As a performer, Ana has served as concertmaster of both the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra and the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared in numerous international performances, recording projects, and music festivals.
A dedicated teacher, Ana has worked with violin students of all ages and skill levels. Her achievements include Third Prize in The American Prize, Third Prize in the MAP International Music Competition, First Prize in the Taktakishvili International Competition, and the Erasmus+ Exchange Program Scholarship, among other awards and honors.
Andrew Lavery
Voice, Piano
Andrew Lavery has been performing since the fourth grade and specializes in vocal singing. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of Delaware’s School of Music.
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He has performed across multiple states in choirs along the east coast, including Carnegie Hall, and in France, Germany, Israel, Malta, and with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
Andrew currently teaches K-5 Music and Choir in Bergen County.
Aziah Meadows
Voice, Piano
Aziah has been singing since she was 8 years old. She attended the University of Valley Forge with a major in Music Performance. With over 15 years of experience, she is passionate about teaching young students eager to learn!
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She is currently a travel worship leader with her husband Shaun and a worship director for the Bethany Church worship team.
Bonnie Zwigard
Voice, Piano
Bonnie Zwigard is excited to be joining forces with Noteworthy Music Academy! Bonnie graduated from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre.
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She’s worked for reputable companies such as Hershey Park and Royal Caribbean and started her own voice studio back in 2022, implementing the methods of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA). She loves to embroider, read and take trips to the beach in her spare time!
She’s worked for reputable companies such as Hershey Park and Royal Caribbean and started her own voice studio back in 2022, implementing the methods of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA). She loves to embroider, read and take trips to the beach in her spare time!
Brandon Conti
Voice, Piano
Brandon Conti has been studying music for the past 20 years and loves to teach both voice and piano to his students.
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He was discovered and instructed by Vera Tisheff, a world-renowned pianist and music instructor.
His most recent performance credits include Jinx in Forever Plaid, Berger in Hair, and Tunny in American Idiot.
Brielle John
Piano
Brielle John began studying classical piano at 8 years old. She has a degree in Music Performance from Ramapo College of NJ and an MA in Music Ministry from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. In addition to playing and teaching piano, she has experience as a general music teacher for grades K-8 and as a choir conductor at the secondary and collegiate level.
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She is an accomplished accompanist and she also plays the pipe organ!
Chris Hutter
Drums, Piano, Brass, Woodwinds
Chris first started playing piano when he was very young. He has since earned his Bachelor’s in Music Business/Management from Berklee College.
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He received his Master of Arts/Teaching from CUNY Lehman in the Bronx and a second Master’s degree in School Leadership from Montclair University in NJ.
Chris has been a band director in NY and NJ public schools for 20 years!
Chris Russo
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Beginner Piano
Christopher Russo is a multi-instrumentalist, as well as a former touring musician. With 10+ years of guitar, bass, and piano experience.
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He was vocally trained by Fredi-Walker Browne (Original Broadway cast of Rent, The Lion King on Broadway), and Cynthia Springsteen-Balme (New York Grand Opera & more).
He is now excited to share his musical experience and skills with all who simply want to embrace the joy that music can bring to anyone and everyone.
Dan Sagnella
Drums, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
Dan is a multi-instrumentalist who began playing music when he was 8 years old. Since then, he has performed live with several bands while pursuing music production.
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Dan enjoys the creative process of teaching and strives to bring the best out of his students musically, all while maintaining a fun and encouraging atmosphere to explore and appreciate music!
Eliana Garcia
Voice, Piano
Eliana has been singing for as long as she can remember! She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance at William Paterson University . In addition to classical music , she enjoys performing a variety of genres including pop, jazz , and musical theatre.
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Eliana is a member of several ensembles including the William Paterson University Chamber Choir and Advanced Women’s Treble Group. She has been blessed with many opportunities to travel and perform both nationally and internationally. She hopes to inspire young musicians by sharing her love of music while encouraging them to grow , to learn , and have fun along the way!
Gordon Kubaska
Drums, Piano
Gordon Kubaska comes from a musical family that has instilled a passion and appreciation that has only grown over time.
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Receiving a B.A. in Jazz Drumming, Gordon has established himself as stalwart educator while also being an in-demand musician on the scene.
He is excited to share his appreciation with anyone who wants to learn!
Graham Orbe – Substitute
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drum
Graham Orbe is a multifaceted musician specializing in bass, guitar, drums, and piano.
He is a graduate of William Paterson University.
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His musical journey began at age 8 with the guitar.
Graham’s talent has brought him to perform with renowned musicians, tour North America, and share the stage with the likes of the Allman Brothers and Ziggy Marley.
He excels in booking and playing music for various venues and events, creating memorable experiences. Additionally, Graham is a dedicated music teacher, focusing on working with children and fostering a love for music.
Gregg Fine
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano
Gregg Fine is a guitarist, composer, producer, and educator with over 30 years of professional experience in music performance, production, and private instruction. He holds a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from The New School in New York City and also studied at the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Miami.
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As a performer, Gregg has toured internationally with acclaimed artists including Harry Belafonte, Richard Bona, Madeleine Peyroux, and Hugh Masekela. As a composer and producer, he has enjoyed a diverse career creating music for television, film, and advertising, including campaigns for brands such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Pepsi, and Old Navy, composing the theme songs for ABC’s “The Chew” and the Game Show Network’s “Chain Reaction”, and contributing music featured in the film Zoolander.
Gregg is passionate about helping students build strong musical foundations while making lessons engaging, encouraging, and fun. He teaches guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, music theory, ear training, improvisation, and songwriting, with an emphasis on creativity, confidence, and practical musicianship.
Greg Gwyn
Strings, Piano
Greg Gwyn started playing violin when he was 5 years old and now he seeks to instill his love of music into students of all ages.
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As a performer on and off the stage, Greg has directed and music-directed numerous teen productions, as well as performed in numerous pit bands and orchestras across North Jersey.
He is currently a music teacher at the Windsor Learning Center and specializes in instrumental instruction for piano, guitar, violin and drums.
Jerry Ulichny
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums
Jerry Ulichny has been playing music for 20 years, starting with guitar. During his time studying at University of Vermont and Rutgers University he took up playing piano, bass and drums as well.
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Jerry has spent the last few years finishing his degree in Jazz Studies, giving private lessons and gigging in the New York/New Jersey area.
Though he studied jazz, he loves playing a wide range of music from rock to R&B to funk.
Joseph “JQ” Quiles
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele
Joseph Quiles, JQ for short, discovered his love for music at a young age and has been pursuing his career as a professional musician ever since. Joseph is a multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, piano, guitar, and ukulele.
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He has worked with well-renowned gospel artists and he has toured and played in bands across the country.
Joseph has a heart for inspiring kids in music and igniting their passion to take them to the next level.
Krstofer Collier
Advanced Woodwinds, Piano, Beginner Brass
Krstofer Collier is a dedicated music educator specializing in advanced woodwinds and piano. With a classical foundation from William Paterson University, he has been playing these instruments for most of his life.
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In his three years of official teaching experience, Kristofer has helped students flourish and fostered a deep appreciation for music while maintaining an active professional presence in various ensembles and orchestras.
Lester Castor
Piano
Lester has played piano at Carnegie Hall in New York City, sang in an acapella group, and participated in key roles for multiple high school Broadway productions.
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Lester has played and studied classical piano since he was 7 years old, under the tutelage of world renowned pianist and educator, Cristina Altamura.
Currently, he plays the keyboard for Bethany Church at Washington Township.
He finds joy in sharing his love of music to kids, inspiring them to deepen their understanding of the world of music, and helping them become more skillful in playing and performing.
Matthew Moretta
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass
Matt studied classical voice at William Paterson University majoring in their Sound Engineering program. As a student he started voice lessons when he was 10 years old and as a teacher he has been teaching private/group voice lessons since 2019.
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He’s also taken up other instruments like piano, guitar & bass; taking differing approaches learning each instrument either with three years of guitar lessons or teaching himself how to play piano & bass. His performance background includes spending the better part of two years as a piano-bar entertainer working for various cruise lines, as well as music directing musical theatre productions which he thoroughly enjoys.
If there’s anything Matt hopes to accomplish as a teacher it’s to make a student’s day better, to give them a reason to look forward to learning more of what the world of music has to offer.
Michael Febles
Advanced Guitar, Piano, Beginner Voice, Ukulele
Michael studied jazz guitar at Montclair State University as a music education major, and has been teaching privately for three years.
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A Bergen County native, Michael formed his own band, Echo Road and is the lead singer/guitarist.
Michael focuses on developing a strong ability to communicate using the guitar and a passion for discovering the mysteries of the fretboard.
Michael also composes his own music and has a strong affinity for music theory. He enjoys sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with guitar students of all ages and levels.
Michaela Cotoia
Piano
Michaela (Kuzia) Cotoia began studying classical piano at the age of 5. She holds a BA degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music.
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Michaela wrote and produced her debut album and has played in various music venues most notably, Carnegie Hall.
Additionally, she has been a vocalist and keyboardist with several bands and Jazz ensembles over the years.
Michaela’s two children study piano at Noteworthy and she is excited to be joining the Noteworthy community to share her passion for music with her students.
Mike Bereski
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Upright Bass
Michael has been playing music since he was 6 years old! He first started on guitar, playing classic rock standards and performing in many different bands. He is a graduate of William Paterson University’s highly acclaimed Jazz Program. He also holds a Music Education degree that qualifies him to teach grades K-12.
Mike Maietta
Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass
Mike is a multi-instrumentalist and started out by playing the drums at eight years old. He then learned the guitar so he can write his own songs. He has a music degree from SUNY Oswego focusing on audio production and is currently attending Montclair State University to attain his master’s degree and teaching certification.
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Mike strives to encourage and foster a love for music and creativity to anyone willing to learn!
Patrick Kleiber
Drums, Beginner Piano
Patrick is a dedicated drummer/percussionist who has been playing since the age of 10. He studied privately with local teachers before moving onto William Paterson University, where he received a B.M. in Sound Engineering Arts with a focus in Classical Percussion.
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He has been involved with local bands and the recording scene since then, with a newfound passion for education. Patrick aims to create a fun, engaging environment where students learn to play and appreciate music.
Steve Monk
Saxophone
Steve has been playing saxophone his entire life, studying at Brevard College and performing and teaching in various styles from jazz to classical.
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Steve has also received a B. M. in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College.
Steve is one of the worship leaders at Bethany Church where he plays the sax and guitar and sings.
Steven DeNola
Drums, Guitar, Bass, Piano
Steven brings over a decade of professional touring experience to Noteworthy. With a career that has spanned roles as a performer, MD, and program leader, he has dedicated his life to inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels.
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He’s collaborated with guest artists, organized large-scale events, and developed successful music programs that empowered students.
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for the stage, Steven is excited to share his passion, energy, and professional experience with each student here at Noteworthy.
Vinny Robles
Drums, Percussion, Beg. Piano
Vinny Robles is a percussionist and music educator with experience performing in a wide range of theatrical productions, from elementary school performances to community and professional theater. Since discovering his love for music at 13, he’s performed throughout NJ theatres and schools playing in marching bands, orchestras and more!
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He owes much of his experience to studying and graduating with a degree in Music Education at Montclair State University, and remains passionate about sharing his love of drums (and music!) with students. Having taught privately in years past, he is excited to be part of the Noteworthy community and looks forward to building a culture of creativity and above all, self-confidence with the next generation of performers.
Patty Lapinski
Weekend Office Manager
Patty Lapinski helps all of the lessons run smoothly and is in charge of scheduling our new students. Patty also operates a video and photography production company with her husband. Their pictures can be seen on our Website Gallery and in our office!
Becci Yates
Office Manager
Becci is a director, choreographer, performer, and arts educator who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Montclair State University with a degree in Theatre Studies and a minor in Musical Theatre. Her work has received recognition from the BroadwayWorld Awards, Metro Awards, and 5th Avenue Theatre Awards.
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She strives to spread the importance of helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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