VINCENT MUSCO – OWNER – GUITAR
VINCENT MUSCO earned a degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Montclair State University. He also studied privately with classical guitarist, Jerry Willard in New York City where he continued his studies beyond college. In addition, Vincent took Master Classes with Ben Verderey. During this time, Vincent performed in the New York area and began teaching. In 1993, he, along with fellow musician and wife, Nancy Triggiani, established Westwood Music Studios.
At the helm of the music school, Vincent’s greatest joy is teaching, whether it be a very young beginner, an older adult student, or an advanced classical player. He teaches all styles, customizing each lesson to make it relatable to each individual student.
Vincent also arranges popular and jazz pieces for fingerstyle guitar. He is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City.
Aside from music, he enjoys the beach, mountain biking, weight lifting, and art. Both he and Nancy love spending time with their Akita, Romeo Alighieri.
NANCY TRIGGIANI – OWNER – PIANO
NANCY TRIGGIANI, a graduate of William Paterson University, and her husband, Vincent, founded Westwood Music Studios. Initially, it was just the two of them teaching side by side but they gradually expanded, creating the full-scale music school it is today.
Born into a musical family, Nancy began piano lessons at age six and the clarinet at age eight. Throughout the years, she also studied classical guitar and drums. Nancy always had a strong desire to teach and as a young teen she started giving piano lessons to neighborhood children. In addition to performing and teaching, Nancy composes music and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City.
Nancy’s original Christmas song, “Dominooch,” which features some of New York’s best musicians, including a surprise vocal ending by legendary jazz guitarist, Bucky Pizzarelli, was released in 2018. CBS TV NEWS NYC aired a feature story about the song, which later premiered on iHeart Radio New York.
Nancy was equally as dedicated to athletics and spent most of her teen and adult years traveling the United States and Canada as a judo competitor, earning a 2nd degree black belt and several international medals. An avid mountain biker, her other interests include, photography, art, writing, and weight lifting. She has written and published two books, Daughter of Two Worlds: The Face of My Father, and Never Give Up: A Journey from Bully to Brave. Presently, she is planning her third book about the immigrant influence on American music. Research for the book will take her to Italy, Austria and other European countries. To learn more about Nancy, please visit her website.
JASON DeGEORGE – GUITAR
JASON DE GEORGE began studying guitar at age 14 and immediately developed a passion for the instrument. Within a few years, his skill level had advanced so rapidly that he was asked by other teens to teach them to play. Jason reflects, “Trying to break down what I learned for someone else in an understandable way was a great experience to have at such a young age.”
Having found his calling, Jason attended New York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Performance in Jazz Guitar. He has studied with Vic Juris, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ron McClure, Pat Cerello and many more.
After graduating, Jason launched into a full time career as a teacher, studio musician, and performer. He has performed and recorded with a multitude of name artists, including country singer, Leanne Weiss, with whom he was the opening act for Kenny Rogers’, The Gambler’s Last Deal Tour. Jason was also featured on the Lauren Marsh song, “Dear Love,” which aired on the hit show, NCIS: New Orleans.
Jason maintains his love of teaching and strives to make everyone’s lesson as fun and inspiring as possible.
ELLIOT ROMAN – PIANO – MUSIC COMPOSITION
ELLIOT ROMAN is a graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where he was a recipient of the Jay Rubinton Scholarship, and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in composition.
His compositions often juxtapose stasis with motion, rich harmony with rhythmic vibrancy, and sincerity with wit. They have been performed in the US and Europe and have won awards in competitions including the BMI Student Composer Awards, the Charles Ives Concert Series Call for Scores, and the Chicago Ensemble “Discover America” Call for Scores, among others. Elliot has received commissions from ensembles such as the American String Quartet, the Glickman Ensemble, and Manhattan School of Music Chamber Choir. In addition, Elliot has composed for other genres such as musical theatre and film. He orchestrated Morningside, a new musical premiered in 2019 at the Manhattan School of Music and scored Ashes Artist Collective’s award-winning short film Girl of My Dreams (2021).
Elliot also has experience performing as a soloist and orchestral player. He was a member of the New York Youth Symphony on flute and orchestral piano from 2017-19, performing at Carnegie Hall, on CNN, and on tour in Spain. Elliot has premiered new works both in the New York Youth Symphony and in programs such as the Carnegie Hall “Migrations: The Making of America” Festival.
BOB RODRIGUEZ – JAZZ PIANO
BOB RODRIGUEZ studied at the Modern Music School of Cleveland, Baldwin Wallace University, and Akron University, and then relocated to New York City where he has performed at New York’s Blue Note, Birdland, Iridium, Jazz at Kitano, and more, including solo concerts at Gracie Mansion. As a composer, Bob has received grants from jazz groups and foundations such as the Doris Duke Foundation and Chamber Music America.
In addition to his work as a performer, Rodriguez is a very much in demand clinician/instructor in the world of jazz and classical education. Bob’s catalog of work includes seven CDs as a leader.
Russ Musto of DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE best describes Bob – “Critically acclaimed pianist Bob Rodriguez is one of the most distinctively imaginative musicians in contemporary jazz today. Possessing a refined virtuoso technique, extraordinary harmonic sensibility and an incomparable approach to his instrument that melds aspects of European classical and Latin music with modern jazz, Rodriguez’s performances and recordings of his own compositions and interpretations of standard material have distinguished him as a truly original pianist with his own tale to tell.”
Along with his achievements as a performer and composer, Bob has a relaxed personality and is able to work well with students of all levels and ages.
AGUSTÍN TECALERO – PIANO, VIOLIN
AGUSTÍN TECALERO was born with a passion for music. He began studying music at a young age in the public school band program before starting piano lessons here, at Westwood Music Studios, with owner, Nancy Triggiani. Agustín quickly proved himself to be a talent beyond words – a true prodigy. Dedicated to music, Agustín went on to study classical piano and violin at William Paterson University and performs with various orchestras and ensembles. Now an experienced performer and teacher, he looks forward to sharing his passion for music with students of all ages and levels and offers lessons in English and Spanish. Agustín knows how to make music lessons fun, while carefully instructing in proper technique, note reading, and musicianship. His enthusiasm is absolutely contagious.
NICKI DENNER – PIANO
NICKI DENNER, Pianist/composer has worked with Sheila E., Savion Glover, Michele Lee, Doc Severinsen as well other jazz and Latin artists in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Ms. Denner has released three critically acclaimed CDs under her own name. She is the Musical Director for the group Cocomama whose debut CD Quiero was included in the 2016 Grammy pre-nominations for Best Tropical Latin album.
She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the United Nations, Studio 54, the Apollo Theatre, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York City Marathon, the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, the Guatemala City International Jazz Festival and as a musical ambassador for the State Department in Central America.
As a composer, she has written music for award-winning film as well as the New Jersey Tap Ensemble of which she is Musical Director.
Nicki is a devoted educator having served on the faculty of the Stanford University Summer Jazz Workshop, Campamento Internacional de Jazz in Guatemala, the JazzCabaret Festival in Ketchikan Alaska, Jazzhouse Kids, the New York City Tap Festival and the New Jersey Tap Festival. She is also a contributor to Keyboard Magazine.
ALAIN ALTSHULER – PIANO, GUITAR
ALAIN ALTSHULER, who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Montclair State University, started singing at age 3 1/2 and one year later began her piano studies. As her passion for music grew, she began studying guitar at WMS with owner, Vinnie Musco. Alain, once a member of the WMS Student Rock Bands, has gone on to perform in Carnegie Hall! Alain has a very engaging teaching style, making learning music fun for students of all ages. As an added bonus, Alain is bilingual and offers music lessons in English or Russian.
DENNIS McPARTLAND – TRUMPET, TROMBONE, FRENCH HORN, TUBA, BARITONE HORN
DENNIS McPARTLAND holds a Bachelor’s Degree in music performance and a Master’s Degree in music education from the Manhattan School of Music. He also studied conducting with George Manahan, conductor of the City Opera. While at the Manhattan School of Music, Dennis studied trumpet with Cecil Collins and John Ware, co-principal trumpeter of the New York Philharmonic. As a music educator, Dennis was a music teacher with the Nutley school system for years, as well as a private instructor. Dennis maintains his passion to perform as a freelance musician in the tristate area. Presently, he is the principal trumpet player with the North Jersey Symphony. A former Eagle Scout, Dennis is an Assistant Scoutmaster. He resides with his family in Bergen County, NJ.
ANTON DENNER – SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE
ANTON DENNER has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree from William Paterson University and a Masters from Columbia University. As a music educator, Anton was an adjunct professor of woodwinds at Seton Hall University and Montclair State University. He was a faculty member at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, The Newark Academy, Stanford University Summer Jazz workshop and the Universities of Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska..
Some of Anton’s performance highlights include having been a band member of the Bill Carrothers Trio at the Lavallette Jazz Festival in Paris, France, New York Jazz Giants at the Istanbul Jazz Festival, Minnesota Winds Classical Chamber Group and the Minnesota Orchestra Holiday Pops Series with Doc Severinsen. Anton was a featured performer at the Napa Valley Jazz Festival and a featured soloist with Rosemary Clooney. He was also an orchestra member with Ray Charles, Rita Moreno and Carol Channing.
Anton can be heard on numerous recordings such as, Roots Propaganda, Awake, El Medico de Coqui, Consilence, Ghost Ships, Shockwaves and Crash Flow, Peace, and A Band In All Hope. He is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City.
For fun and relaxation, Anton likes to go hiking in the woods, read a good book and spend time with his cat, Marty and his pianist/composer wife, Nicki Denner.
RAY JOHNSTON – SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE, OBOE
RAY JOHNSTON, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, went on to have an illustrious career as a woodwinds performer and educator. He held the position on Teacher of Instrumental Music in the East Orange, NJ public school system for many years, while simultaneously performing and teaching privately.
Ray’s performing credits include concerts with: The Temptations, The O’Jays, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Irene, Reid, Don Braden, John Blake, Ted Curson, Joe Ford, and more recently, Alicia Keys. As a member of the “Spirit of Life” ensemble, Ray performed at Sweet Basil Jazz Club in NYC and Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair, NJ. He was also a member of The 63rd Band, Army National Guard Tours with whom he toured the US and La Paz, Bolivia.
Currently, Ray performs at the Cotton Club in New York City, and tours internationally with The Count Basie Orchestra. In addition, Ray performs in many musicals in the NY area, including: The Sound of Music, Dream Girls, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Suessical The Musical. Ray is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City.
When not performing, teaching, or practicing, Ray relaxes by swimming or paddling his canoe.
MICHAEL FEBLES studied jazz guitar at Montclair State University. His musical influences, who fueled his eclectic taste in music, range from John Mayer to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Benson, Al Di Meola, and John Scofield. A Bergen County native, Michael formed his own band, Echo Road and is the lead singer and guitarist. Their debut album, Out in the Open was released in April 2022. Echo Road recently performed to a sold out audience at BergenPAC in Englewood, NJ. Michael also composes his own music and has a strong affinity for music theory. In addition to performing, Michael enjoys teaching and sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with guitar students of all ages and levels.
DAVE LARSON – DRUMS
DAVE LARSON is a graduate of the WIlliam Paterson University Jazz Program where he majored in percussion.
He immediately began his professional career performing in New York City and has played at such area jazz clubs as Trumpets, The Bottom Line, The Turning Point, Gullivers and Shanghai Jazz. Throughout his career, Dave has performed with The Vivino Brother’s Conan O’Brien Band, and jazz artists, Harold Ousley, Chico Mendoza, Rick Crane, Lenny Argese and Eddie Monteiro. Has has also shared the stage with Oliver Lake, and Warren Vache. In addition to performing, Dave has been teaching for over thirty years.
Dave’s favorite hobby is fly fishing in the Catskills, but more than anything he likes spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and his daughter, Samantha.
SETH MOUTAL – DRUMS
SETH MOUTAL began studying drums and percussion at an early age and is a graduate of The New School in New York City. He has studied with Jojo Mayer, Adam Nussbaum, John Riley, Sean Pelton, and other great masters.
As a performer, Seth has played with Tracey Bonham, Erik Lawrence, Afroskull, The Trapps, and more. He is currently touring with his duo, John Ferrara + Seth Moutal, promoting their new album release, Frail Things in Sharp Places. Seth is endorsed by Vic Firth Company and Samson Technologies.
Seth, a dedicated teacher with extensive experience, has taught students of all abilities and ages, ranging from 3 years old to senior citizens, custom tailoring lessons to each individual. He has worked with many special needs children over the years with great success. A diversified percussionist, Seth teaches all styles, including: congas, timbales, bongos, and various ethnic percussion instruments. He also uses the Moeller Method in his teaching, which improves hand control while promoting flexibility.
What is unique about Seth is his natural ability to relate his craft to any student by methodically breaking down and building technique, making it understandable and doable for all.
JASON DePope – BASS, GUITAR
JASON DE POPE has a Master of Music Degree from Montclair State University where he studied double bass with renowned pedagogue, Linda McKnight, who is also a faculty member at Manhattan School of Music.
Although classically trained, Jason’s musical interests range from classical to jazz and rock. He performs in a variety of ensembles throughout the New York metropolitan region. Jason’s musical influences are J.S. Bach, The Beatles, Neil Young, Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Milt Hinton and Major Holly.
Jason is an adjunct Professor of Music at the County College of Morris and the String Ensemble Director with the Rockaway school district, in addition to being a freelance musician in the New York area.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys cooking and spending time with his pets.
JENNIFER CECE – VOICE
JENNIFER CECE earned a Master of Music degree from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Richmond. She is additionally certified to teach contemporary commercial music through the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework and has studied privately with the founder Jeannie LoVetri. Jennifer is well versed in classical, opera, musical theater, and rock, and has been an experienced NJ State Certified music teacher in the public and private sectors for many years.
A seasoned performer, Jennifer’s career highlights include the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, solo performances at the Vivaldi Festivals with the Baroque Orchestra of NJ and musical theatre performances at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Each year Jennifer regularly sings full operas with the Palisades Opera and The New York Opera Forum in New York City.
In addition to her music qualifications, Jennifer is a registered teacher of yoga, ballet barre, and Pilates. She incorporates principles of yoga in her voice lessons to aid students to focus, manage their breath, relax, eliminate tension, and maintain posture.
Jennifer loves caring for her dogs and works with animal charities. She also spends time researching holistic nutrition and the scientific benefits of yoga for singers. To relax, Jennifer likes to read fiction and go to the beach.