Chris Tuccillo began his teaching career 30 years ago at the behest of his clarinet teacher, Lawrence Sobol. Chris quickly observed that teaching music not only made him a better and stronger musician but also brought so much happiness to those who aspired to succeed in their own musical journeys. Chris’s musical journey saw teaching as an integral part of becoming a complete musician. As a jazz composition major at Suffolk Community College and Berklee College, Chris was exposed to some of the top teachers in the music industry. While studying clarinet, saxophone, and composition, he was exposed to many unique teaching styles, which helped him develop his own effective and unique approach. Chris’s students can be found attending or having attended prestigious music programs all around the country, from Berklee College of Music to the University of North Texas and Manhattan School of Music, to name a few. Aside from college auditions, his younger students are active participants in NJMEA, YOCJ, and CJMEA.

Deseree Spinks is a three-time Asbury Music Award-winning performer and lead singer of the band Des & the Swagmatics. Her career began as a backup vocalist in the bands DeSoL and Captain James and the P.A.I.N. before branching out into a solo career. Since then, as the leader of the Swagmatics, she has released a self-titled EP and a single co-produced by Grammy winner Ebonie Smith. She has also had the opportunity to open for Southside Johnny and the Bouncing Souls, perform for Governor Phil Murphy, and be featured in an Emmy-winning PBS profile spotlighting Asbury Park. As a solo performer, she has had the honor of singing with Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, The North Mississippi Allstars, Bernard Purdie, Taz Niederauer, Oteil Burbidge, Amy Helm and Melody Trucks.

Bob is a producer, composer, songwriter and arranger whose work has brought him in contact with famed producer David Foster and songwriters like Babyface and George Benson, to name a few. He has written and produced songs for J Record artists, Wyclef Jean, P Diddy’s “Making of the Band” and American Idol’s Anwar Robinson. Bob has composed music for radio and television commercials including Unicef, New York City Board of Elections as well as the documentary’s “Honor Bound,” and The Oliver W. Hill Story.” As an instrumentalist he has played many styles of music and has opened up for bands like Rush and Joe Walsh. Bob studied music at Syracuse University, Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory and University of Miami.

Matt has been teaching at Sweet Music Academy for over three years, with a specialization in brass instruments. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he studied Music Education at Wayne State University and went on to build his career in Michigan, Nevada, and Florida before settling in New Jersey. When he’s not teaching, practicing, or performing, Matt enjoys life on his vegan farm sanctuary in southern Howell, which he runs with his beautiful family.

David Reck received his Bachelor of Music from Five Town’s College and has taught voice, violin, and piano at several popular New York studios. His fantastic tenor voice has been heard on stages throughout the Tri-State area. He has been featured in several theatrical performances and has performed as a soloist in New York’s Alice Tully Hall. As a violinist, he has performed in several chamber orchestras, string ensembles, and pit bands. David Reck is a great motivator for students at any level and we feel very fortunate to have him on our staff.

Bob Boyd is a percussion instructor, studio musician, and active player. In addition to playing with his own groups, he is an original member of the Holiday Express, the musical organization that performs during the holiday season for those less fortunate. He has backed Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Rob Thomas, Cyndi Lauper, and many more with Holiday Express. Bob studied under the tutelage of legendary studio drummer Bernard Purdie, with whom he continues to collaborate on various projects. He is currently an adjunct professor at Monmouth University and has written for Modern Drummer magazine and Classic Drummer magazine.

Gianna Isabella is a seasoned singer, songwriter, and performer with a diverse background in pop, rock, R&B, musical theater, and more. A Top Ten Finalist on American Idol (Season 15) and Top Thirty Finalist on The X Factor USA (2014), she brings both industry insight and professional experience to her teaching. Starting voice lessons at just 15, Gianna has over a decade of experience coaching students of all ages and abilities, including those with speech impediments and on the autism spectrum. Trained at Berklee College of Music, she offers a strong foundation in music theory and vocal technique. Gianna is thrilled to join Sweet Music Academy this April as a vocal instructor and looks forward to helping students grow in confidence, skill, and creativity.

Giovanna Limaldi is a passionate classical saxophonist studying Music Education (BA) and Special Education (MAT) at Montclair State University in the Cali School of Music. While saxophone is her main instrument, she also plays clarinet, piano, and she sings. Giovanna uses the process of music education to connect with her students to bring out their musical skills and expressive and/or educational goals. Beyond her classical music training, she has played with jazz artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Doreen Ketchens. Giovanna has been a music teacher for over 3 years now teaching anywhere from early childhood music classes to private lessons into adulthood. No matter who you are or what your goal is, Giovanna would love to make music with you!

Joe has been playing guitar for 15 years and has been a part of the New Jersey local music scene since 2010. Performing in several pop, rock and metal bands, he has gained experience through his time on the road and in the studio. Joe is currently part of 3 different projects, his main band being band named, With Sails Ahead. He has opened up for larger scale bands at venues such as Asbury Parks, House of Independents, like Hail the Sun, Royal Coda, A Lot Like Birds, Emarosa, and Tilian Pearson of Dance Gavin Dance. Joe’s primary instrument is the guitar, but he also plays the bass and drums when not in any of his bands. As lead songwriter in his past and present projects, Joe is excited to share his knowledge with his students and help them towards writing their own next big hits in the music scene.

Karen Lee is a multi-instrumentalist and jazz vocalist who has been teaching music in New Jersey public schools for 34 years. Her instrumental teaching experience includes piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, recorder, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn, tuba, violin and cello. She received her Bachelor of Arts/Comprehensive Music Education K-12 from Montclair State University in 1988 and her Masters Degree in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University, Newark in 2021. While she is proficient in a wide variety of musical genres, her passion is classical and jazz music. She produced her first CD, The Sweetness of Your Love, in 2002 and has performed in a wide variety of venues throughout the course of her 30-year music career. These include performances at the Havana International Jazz Festival, the A-Trane Jazz Club in Berlin, Germany and with Buddy Miles in Atlantic City. Her love of performing and teaching has remained steadfast throughout her lifetime.

Kendrick’s love for piano began in his youth, playing with his church band—a passion that quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit. Early on, he gained professional experience as the pianist at Long Hill Chapel in Chatham, NJ, where his talent for arrangement also took shape. He published his first of many works with PedalPoint, a resource for church musicians across the country. Kendrick went on to study at Berklee College of Music, earning his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance in 2008. Whether performing live, working in the studio, or mentoring students, Kendrick brings deep musical insight and a calm, encouraging presence to everything he does. He finds real joy in helping students grow and thrive at the piano.

Kevin graduated Ocean County College in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Music. He later went to school for Business, Photography and Graphic Design. All while playing professionally in Jazz trios and original music acts in the Asbury Park area from 2005 through 2015. He supplemented his own drive to learn music through private lessons and master classes with notable teachers and clinicians such as Dom Famularo, John Favicchia, Bernard Purdie, Neil Garthly and more. He can currently be found playing with Friend Zone Band, a Jersey Shore cover band and recording from his home studio while also running his own marketing and design company. Kevin prides himself on being a jack-of-all trades Musician, Designer, Photographer, Web Developer, and Computer Tech professionally as well as an avid DIYer of home projects and woodworking. He enjoys merging technical knowledge with creative endeavors and has always had a passion for learning how things work. He takes this passion with him into the lesson room where he conforms to the student’s musical wants and needs while also ensuring they are provided the essential knowledge and skills required for their respective instrument. He has coached many students over the years to prepare for auditions and be accepted into Jazz Bands, Concert Bands and Rock Groups or simply prepare them for playing in front of an audience. Whether the student’s intention is to play at home for their own pleasure or eventually make a career out of music, Kevin is happy to provide them with a path to achieve their goals.

Jack Gutwilik has a great deal of performance and teaching experience and has worked in nearly every facet of the music business. Gutwilik received his Bachelor of Fine Art from York University in Toronto, where he studied with notables like Carmine Appice, Peter Erskin, and Joe LaBarbera. He later earned his Master’s degree from Brooklyn College, where he studied with members of the New York Philharmonic. After graduating, he began performing on Broadway in shows like A Chorus Line, Marlin, 42nd Street, The Rink, Am I in Love?, and Month of May, where he backed famed performers like Liza Minelli, Venessa Williams, Ben Vereen, Nathan Lane, Chita Rivera and many more. Jack has also regularly worked with Brooklyn Philharmonic, the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, the Queensboro Symphony, and other various pop, jazz, funk, country, R&B, and soul units. Jack Gutwilik is also an experienced instructor who has worked in the Monroe Township School District, East Windsor Regional School District, and at various studios and camps. Many of his students have gone on to attend top universities and have professional careers in music.

Robert Richards has dedicated over 15 years to mastering the guitar and nearly a decade to crafting dynamic DJ experiences. With music as a constant companion throughout his life, he is passionate about sharing his expertise and helping aspiring musicians discover their own unique musical paths.

With a strong background in musical theatre and a deep love for helping others find their voice, Natalie Maldonado brings both experience and enthusiasm to every lesson. Over the past four years, she has performed extensively in musical theatre and earned recognition as a four-time state and national award-winning soloist. As a vocal instructor and beginner piano teacher, Natalie focuses on building students’ confidence, helping them connect with their unique sound, and developing healthy vocal habits that last a lifetime. Whether through singing or piano, Natalie believes music should be joyful, expressive, and empowering for every student.

Ray has been performing live and in the studio for nearly 15 years. Since 2009, he has played guitar, bass, and backing vocals in a variety of bands, even stepping in on drums when needed. His performances have taken him across the tri-state area to venues including Starland Ballroom, The Stone Pony, the Knitting Factory, and House of Independents. Over the years, Ray has shared the stage with artists such as Jason Mraz, Simple Plan, The Spill Canvas, Drake Bell, Set It Off, Ice Nine Kills, Wage War, and many more. In addition to performing, he is also an experienced songwriter and producer with a diverse background in musical styles. Outside of music, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their three animals, playing hockey, and watching wrestling.

Nikko Rhodes is a performing musician with over five years of experience in live music and theater. They have performed in professional productions, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and regularly in bars and live venues. Nikko teaches piano, guitar, and voice, and has a strong background in songwriting and music production. Their teaching style is practical, encouraging, and rooted in real performance experience, helping students build solid skills while developing confidence and creativity.

Jay Sweet is a musician, educator, and author who founded Sweet Music Academy in 2004 to create a space where students of all ages can learn with focus, creativity, and confidence. He holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and Rutgers University and has taught at Monmouth University, Rutgers, and Middlesex College. As a performer, he’s shared the stage with jazz greats like Ted Curson and Norman Simmons, and continues to record and perform throughout the tri-state area. His latest group, Atmospheric Trio, released its debut album Following Polaris in 2025. Jay is also a published music historian, with work featured in DownBeat, Jersey Jazz Magazine, and Oxford University Press. His most recent literary works include Ray Brown: His Life and Music (2025), The Music of 1964 (2024), and A History of American Music (2021). He also hosts two music-focused podcasts exploring the stories behind the sounds. For Jay’s most up-to-date performance schedule, visit his website directly here.

Kelly brings years of administrative and personal assisting experience into a space that’s always moving, which is exactly where she feels most at home. At Sweet Music Academy, she keeps the day-to-day running smoothly: managing schedules, supporting teachers, helping families, and stepping in wherever she’s needed to keep everything on track. Creative environments are unpredictable by nature, and that’s precisely what Kelly loves about them. She thrives when things are shifting, in motion, or need a little extra attention. Organized “chaos” gives her room to adapt, step in quietly, and keep things moving without letting anyone feel overwhelmed. Her focus is on creating a space where teachers can teach, students can grow, and the focus stays on what matters most: the music. She’s not the one on stage, but she’s always been drawn to the roles that make the show happen!