%20small.jpg)
Princeton Music Lessons Team
Meet our teachers
At Princeton Music Lessons, we're proud to have a team of experienced and passionate music instructors who are dedicated to helping our students achieve their musical goals. From guitar lessons to piano lessons, voice/singing lessons, drum lessons, ukulele lessons, and more, our team has the expertise and knowledge to guide students of all ages and skill levels. With a commitment to personalized instruction and a focus on fun and engaging learning, our instructors create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can thrive. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our team is here to help you achieve your musical dreams. Get to know our talented instructors today and discover why Princeton Music Lessons is the premier music school in Princeton, NJ.
​
Please note that we are now serving Plainsboro, NJ, West Windsor, NJ, Skillman, NJ, Hillsborough, NJ, Bordentown, NJ, Yardley, PA, and more!
THE TEAM
Jonah Tolchin
Guitar Teacher / Owner
Jonah is a proud Princeton native with a story of musical success that continues to unfold. At 20 he signed to the prestigious label, Yep Roc Records. His music has been streamed over 30 million times in 78+ countries. He has spent the last 10 years developing multiple crafts including songwriting, guitar, and music production. Jonah has toured the world playing his songs and collaborated with legends such as Jackson Browne and Rickie Lee Jones. He has made a name for himself in the Los Angeles music scene where he works with A-list session musicians producing records for developing artists. The musicians he works with play with artists such as Fiona Apple, Ben Harper, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Beck, etc. Jonah has worked with Grammy winning engineers and musicians, and also is a voting member of the Recording Academy. He is known not only for his career as a songwriter, producer, and recording artist, but also as a guitar player. Jonah has been written about in NPR, Guitar Player Magazine Japan, Rolling Stone Germany, American Songwriter, Uncut, MOJO, No Depression, Pop Matters, etc.
Jonah loves teaching one on one guitar lessons to complete beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. His students will learn the skills of improvisation, foundational music theory, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, fingerpicking, songwriting skills, basic audio recording, and more. Most importantly, over time they will learn how playing music can be a tool for self-discovery and empowerment in all aspects of life.
​​
As of 2024, Jonah now lives in Yardley, PA with his wife and daughter where he owns and operates a recording studio.
Josh Pikulin
Guitar / Piano / Voice / Bass
Josh is a highly experienced and versatile musician who has taught for over twenty years. A skilled guitarist, bassist, pianist and vocalist, he has performed all over the US and Europe working as a bandleader, musical director, songwriter, producer and recording engineer.
Josh began playing and teaching professionally as a teenager in Somerset County, NJ, performing in rock, blues and jazz bands and learning advanced music theory and composition at a young age. After winning outstanding soloist awards and performing in Disney World and Europe in high school, Josh attended the Steinhardt School of Music at New York University where his understanding of performance, teaching and sound engineering profoundly deepened. Residing in Brooklyn after graduating, Josh built his career in one of the world’s most competitive musical environments, playing in original and cover bands, wedding and high-end entertainment agencies, large orchestras, gospel choirs, jazz fusion ensembles and more. Through his musical adventures, he had the honor of performing with Paul McCartney, Questlove, Jason Mraz and Wu-Tang Clan, to name a few.
Having taught steadily throughout his career, Josh has instructed over 100 students throughout New Jersey and New York City, including major label recording artists, film and television actors and high-powered corporate executives. His students have ranged from preschoolers to the elderly, coming from all walks of life in one of the world’s most diverse areas. For Josh, this experience has only reinforced the universality of music as an innate gift and ability we all possess.
Josh’s teaching meets students where they’re at and gives them the tools to excel far beyond. Whether it’s helping a young child internalize rhythm and pitch for the first time or training more experienced individuals to improvise on the guitar, students are taught the music that inspires them while gaining an appropriate foundation in fundamentals, theory and ear training. Josh knows how to challenge students in fun and accessible ways and make practicing enjoyable and productive. With a little guidance, anyone can get results and expand their abilities—it’s just a matter of listening to the music within.
Stephanie Fritz
Piano / Organ / Trumpet / French Horn
Stephanie Fritz is a versatile musician in Princeton, New Jersey, with expertise in orchestral French horn, solo piano, choral singing and accompaniment, organ, and jazz trumpet. She has built an active career in New York City and beyond, recently holding the horn chair in Broadway’s How To Dance In Ohio and performing in productions such as Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby, and Back to the Future. Her playing can be heard on the HTDIO Original Broadway Cast album and in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Stephanie’s orchestral credits include performances with the Princeton, Albany, Harrisburg, Waterbury, Allentown, and New Haven Symphony Orchestras, Symphony in C, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Orchestra New England. She has collaborated with artists including Billy Ray Cyrus, Jeremy Jordan, Sarah Hyland, Aaron Tveit, and Judy Collins.
She earned her Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, studying with Richard Deane and Jerry Peel, and her Master of Music from the Yale School of Music under William Purvis. Her festival experience includes the Norfolk, Aspen, Colorado College, and Marrowstone Music Festivals. As a self-taught brass player from grades 6-12, Stephanie developed the discipline and resilience to advance to a professional level, an experience that deeply informs her teaching approach.
​
Stephanie offers private lessons in piano for beginners and intermediate players of all ages, as well as brass lessons on French horn and trumpet for all levels. She has prepared students for PMEA and NJMEA auditions who have gone on to perform at the All-State level. Using the Socratic method, she encourages curiosity and problem-solving, promoting a mindset of growth — no “I can’t,” only “I can’t do this yet!”
​
She meets students where they’re at and believes first and foremost in helping her students use music to build confidence and trust in themselves as human beings. She creates individualized lesson plans that can include music theory, aural skills, listening recommendations, foundations of technique, and overcoming performance anxiety.
For more about Stephanie’s performances and projects, visit www.stephaniefritz.com.
Mark Blair
Guitar / Piano / Ukulele
Mark Blair is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music teacher hailing from Ellicott City, Maryland. He began exploring his passion for music around age 15 when he first picked up the guitar on a whim. Since then, he has branched out to other instruments, including piano, bass, and ukulele. He initially began his guitar journey by learning various styles of rock and eventually branched out to classical guitar. He is currently working on improving his jazz chops on guitar and piano as well. He has an immense appreciation for all of the above styles of music, with a particular affection for 90s alternative rock.
​
Mark holds a B.A. in music theory and composition from Goucher College, located in Baltimore, MD. In recognition of his academic achievements, he received the Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg and Robert Hall Lewis awards in music in 2015 and 2016, respectively. After graduating from Goucher in 2016, he moved to Brooklyn, NY and joined the faculty of Brooklyn Music School. Throughout his tenure there he worked as a private lesson instructor, ensemble director, choir accompanist, and group class instructor. Over the past couple decades, he has performed solo and in various bands on guitar, piano, and bass around Baltimore and NYC. In 2023, he relocated to Trenton, NJ, and continues to teach and perform in NJ and NYC. He enjoys spending his down time honing his skills on each instrument, writing music, playing retro video games, and having fun with friends.
​
As a teacher, Mark strongly believes in tailoring his teaching style to match the needs of each individual student. With an approach that emphasizes critical thinking, he strives to cultivate a fun and challenging learning environment for each and every new student that comes his way. He is very grateful and excited to be part of the PML team!
​
Mark offers lessons in both Yardley, PA and Princeton, NJ*
Brandon Broderick
Guitar / Ukulele / Beginner Piano
Brandon Broderick is a Music Performance and Music B.A graduate from Rutgers University. He has been teaching students of all ages for over 10 years and teaches several instruments including Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Vocals, Piano and Music Theory. Brandon is also ABRSM certified for the ABRSM Music Theory Exams. He teaches all styles and genres (rock, pop, jazz, acoustic, folk) and is open to teaching all students of any difficulty level or any age. On top of that, Brandon is a full-time musician and performer and has performed solo and with many bands over the last 15 years
Santo Rizzolo
Drums / Guitar
Santo Rizzolo born in Jackson, New Jersey is an American drummer and musician. His love for music and the drums began around the age of twelve when his father purchased him his first snare drum at a local garage sale. Santo has been playing drums professionally for over 15 years sharing the stage and recording with many artists such as The Village People, Steve Forbert, Dana Fuchs, David Bryan, Matt Oree, Nicole Atkins, Brielle Von Hugel (Finalist on TheAmerican Idol), Remember Jones, Dead On Live, JT Bowen, Arlan Feiles, Jackson Pines, Matt Wade Band, Play Date, Tara Dente, Brother Andrew, and Mike Montrey Band to name a few. Santo is currently plays and tours nationally with Atlantic Records artist Joe P.
Santo has been teaching for over a decade and has a deep-rooted love for sharing knowledge of his craft and watching students grow into great musicians. His passion for the fundamentals of the instrument, from rudimental studies to drumset performance is infectious and makes
learning new concepts very enjoyable. Adept in a wide range of diverse musical styles such as Rock, Funk, World music, Hip Hop/ R&B, Jazz, and Country, Santo can take a student in any direction they’d like and form lesson plans and practice routines that best suit their individual
needs.
When not teaching or touring, Santo enjoys writing and creating songs in his basement studio in Princeton, New Jersey.
Sydney Pérez
Voice /Guitar / Piano / Ukulele
Sydney Pérez is thrilled to teach with Princeton Music Lessons. She recently earned her
Master’s in Vocal Performance at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in May of
2024, and she has served as a Teaching Artist with the Boston City Singers and at the
esteemed Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. Sydney earned a Bachelor of Music in
Choral Music Education from the University of Texas Butler School of Music, studying with
Dr. Cynthia Morrow. She has taught private voice lessons for six years, and she studied
piano, guitar, and ukulele throughout her undergraduate career to further support her
students. Sydney has also worked as an Elementary Music Teacher, where she taught
music theory and instrument fundamentals to over 500 students.
An avid performer, her highlighted operatic roles include the title role in Princess Ida,
Gertrud in Hansel und Gretel, El Duende in Maria de Buenos Aires, Belinda in Dido and
Æneas, and Aline in The Sorcerer, with covers of Amore in Orfeo ed Euridice, Vitellia in La
Clemenza di Tito, Diana in Orpheus in the Underworld, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, and
Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Sydney has premiered four roles in brand new compositions,
including Alma Menckenberg in The Audition Fever with the Butler Opera Center,
COMPUTER in XOR at the Cohen New Works Festival, and the title role in Lori: A
Micro-Opera for our Stolen Sisters, a new opera of which she is the librettist. Her greatest
happiness comes from expanding accessibility and diversity in music education and
performance.
​
​
​
Eamon Dingle
Guitar / Piano / Violin / Viola / Mandolin / Banjo / Ukulele
Eamon was born and raised in Metuchen, New Jersey. He picked up his first instrument at eight
years old with classical violin. This quickly transitioned to performing in churches and state
orchestras and learning fiddle style. From there he wanted to play and study any instrument and
genre he came into contact with. He has now taught and performed on both acoustic and electric
guitar, piano, violin, viola, organ, electric bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and lap steel guitar. He
has gained experience playing all genres on each instrument --ranging from classical and jazz to
funk, rock, country, gospel, blues and various forms of traditional music from other countries.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Bloomfield College in Creative Arts and Technology,
specializing in composition, instrumental performance/recording and sound effects for film and
animation. He earned his Master’s Degree from NJCU in Multi-Style Strings Performance,
specializing in guitar and violin.
​
Eamon has been a music teacher for over 15 years and has experience instructing beginner
through advanced students ages ranging from four years old to adult in guitar, electric bass,
violin, viola, piano, ukulele, mandolin and banjo. His past roster includes students who go on to
audition and be accepted to college programs of their choice, join community orchestras and
form their own bands, as well as understand how to improvise, sightread and be able to perform
for theatre gigs. He also has experience teaching students of all ages with developmental and
physical disabilities and always makes sure every student feels included, accepted and able to
learn.
​
He loves providing an individualized approach for each student and emphasizing the presentation
of musical concepts in an easy to understand manner. His goal is to always enable learners to be
well-versed in any genre they choose and help them find their unique voice in interpreting pieces
or composing their own. He always focuses on making sure each student is able to understand,
perform and enjoy all aspects of practicing and playing.
When he’s not teaching, Eamon performs as a solo musician, accompanist, band member and
orchestral member on all the instruments he plays. He continues to compose for indie films and
podcasts, transcribe and arrange music, as well as perform for weddings, special events, and
record studio work for indie bands.
Greg Federico
Drums / Piano / Theory
Greg Federico received his B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova University. Having over 30 years of performance experience in varied musical styles with an emphasis in jazz, Greg has studied drums and percussion instruments with such notables as Peter Jarvis, John Riley, Richie Morales, Dick Weller, Joe Mekler, and Tony DeNicola. His musical studies have also included classical piano instruction by Joe Riccardi and jazz piano instruction by John Coates, Sr. Additionally, Greg is a respected music transcriptionist and engraver, and he has worked behind the scenes with jazz guitarist, composer, and 20-time Grammy award winner Pat Metheny, assisting the legendary musician in editing and scoring two songbooks published by Hal Leonard Publishing: "Orchestrion - The Complete Score" (released in March 2011) and a revision of "The Pat Metheny Songbook" (currently in production at this time). Greg has independently released five CD recordings consisting primarily of original music and has been awarded many accolades as a composer from various songwriting competitions over the past 19 years. As a performer, he has had the good fortune to play with several accomplished jazz artists including Pete Levin, Mike Richmond, Jack Grassel, Tony Cimorosi, Eric Olsen, Dave Edwards, B.D. Lenz, Ron Velosky, and Steve Girardi. Though "home" for Greg is considered the New Jersey corridor between Philadelphia and New York City, he has also toured the Midwest on several occasions to promote his CD recordings. Greg has been teaching professionally for over 32 years.
Kevin Clifford
Drum Teacher / Co-Founder
Since age 10, the drums have been Kevin’s life passion. Exposed to jazz and classical music at a young age, he quickly became obsessed with melodies, harmonies, and rhythm. His mother Luci Clifford, a classically trained pianist and teacher, was a model of musical expertise and passion. As he began to take the drums more seriously, she emphasized the importance of practice, but more importantly, the expression of joy and individuality when playing an instrument. It is this joy that Kevin wishes to share with his students.
As a student of Julliard percussionist Peter Saleh, he studied a variety of drum set styles as well as a rigorous classical percussion repertoire on marimba, timpani, xylophone, and snare drum. His studies with Mr. Saleh culminated in a senior year concert when he performed a Mozart marimba concerto accompanied by a full orchestra at Rutgers University. During high school he won outstanding soloist awards in jazz band and was nominated as a Carnegie Hall Young Musician. He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans where he studied with first-call drummer Wayne Maureau and performed in the top Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band with a performance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. In New Orleans Kevin also wrote, sang, and played with folk, modern/traditional jazz, funk, hip hop/electronic, and singer/songwriter acts at various clubs and festivals before moving back to his hometown of Princeton.
Kevin’s private students are exposed to all styles of drumming from rock and roll, hip-hop/r&b, electronic, Latin, African, and jazz, but not before they learn the essentials and rudiments of technique, dedicated practice, reading, dynamics, and time. Lessons are enhanced with opportunities to play-along with students’ favorite songs, playing hand drums, and other fun activities. Kevin accepts students of any age or experience. His students never cease to amaze him, and he learns more about the beauty of music and life in every single lesson...but only if they practice!!
In addition to teaching music for the past ten years, Kevin is a professional musician, singer/songwriter, and co-founder (with Jonah Tolchin) of the band Dharmasoul. Their first recording Lightning Kid has over 550,000 streams on Spotify, and the song “Love Again” is featured on the official Blues Roots playlist. They play in Philadelphia and New York and tour nationally. To learn more, go to dharmasoulband.com and follow them on Facebook/Instagram.
Ashton Freeman
Guitar / Voice / Ukulele
Ashton Freeman (they/them) is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, New York. Ashton started taking piano lessons at age 7, and joined the original School of Rock in Manhattan at age 8, where they played keyboard and took vocal lessons and had the opportunity to perform at famous venues in NYC such as The Knitting Factory, The Bowery Ballroom, and Crash Mansion.
Ashton continued studying music throughout high school and college, teaching themselves how to play guitar, ukulele, and bass. They were also classically trained as a vocal major at LaGuardia High School, and then as a vocal major at Goucher College, where they received their BA in Music, and multiple awards and stipends, including the Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg award and the Rosenberg Scholarship for Music. During their time at Goucher, Ashton was the musical director for Red Hot Blue, the gender-neutral acapella group, where they were responsible for composing and arranging original scores.
During COVID, Ashton began giving private lessons over Zoom, where they discovered they loved teaching music, and they continued giving lessons after graduating in 2022. Currently, Ashton is working on their debut album, and is performing locally around New Hope, PA, and Lambertville, NJ.
Ashton has a passionate and enthusiastic teaching style, focused on positive reinforcement and reward-based learning for younger students. Ashton believes that the most important part of music instruction is remembering to HAVE FUN! Whether the student is in the beginning stages of their instrument, or they have specific skills they would like to work on, Ashton will create a unique lesson plan tailored to their needs.
For vocal techniques- breath control, learning how to sing from your diaphragm, learning the difference between “head voice” and “chest voice”, expanding range, and sight-singing/sight-reading are all key concepts Ashton will teach for those looking to sing.
Ashton is absolutely thrilled to be joining the YML/PML team, and cannot wait to begin sharing their passion for music with you.