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The Real School of Music would not be the unique music experience it is without our best-in-class faculty. This diverse group of highly trained musicians and music educators draws on unparalleled talent, knowledge and passion to inspire the confidence our students need to play and create the music they want.
The teachers and staff
are beyond compare!
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Guitar

Erik Ringstad
David Hinckley
Justin Piper
Lydia Warren
Chad Maggs
Chris McKenney
Kristin Bythewood
Greg Duncan
Ryan Taylor
Patino Vasquez
Joe Peck
Jeff McAuliffe

Erik Ringstad

Erik's musical education kicked off at age four with classical piano training that transitioned to guitar at age 15. Erik moved on to Berklee College of Music, where he won the Performance Division Award and graduated with honors with a dual major in Jazz Composition and Guitar Performance and a minor in Music Synthesis.

Although active with many bands, Erik's original music group, Acousticity, is his most notable. This acoustic guitar duo released two albums -- Sky City and Music for 20 Fingers in the 1990s. Acousticity was named one of Musician Magazine's Best Unsigned Bands, and was a finalist in the Pizza Hut New Music Search and the Acoustic Underground Competition. They were even invited to perform at Symphony Hall's 100th Birthday celebration.

Erik has been writing and recording original music for 25 years, with approximately 800-1000 titles to his name. In 2006, Erik completed a new recording entitled Reflections, a solo project consisting of original ballads and jazz. He has also been performing with fellow Real School instructor Vykki Vox for 12 years.

Bass

Jeff McAuliffe
Lou Ulrich
Justin Piper
David Hinckley
Erik Ringstad
Chad Maggs

Jeff McAuliffe

Some of Jeff's earliest memories are of peering into jazz clubs in his hometown, New Orleans. This early fascination with music led him to start playing bass at age 15.

After school, Jeff played professionally in Nashville before returning home to learn under jazz great Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans.

Jeff later applied for a scholarship from Berklee College of Music and won the Best Entering Student Talent scholarship. He was placed in Berklee's higher-level ensembles. For his senior recital, he organized a Jaco Pastorius Tribute concert, leading and arranging a ten-piece ensemble with a six-piece horn section.

As a full-time musician, Jeff has played The Berklee Performance Center, The Paradise, Ryles Jazz Club and other top Boston clubs; as well as New York hot spots like The Knitting Factory and Mercury Lounge. He is well versed and equally comfortable in a multitude of styles including Rock, blues, funk, and jazz/fusion.

As a dedicated teacher, Jeff brings a relaxed, patient approach, while always pushing students to achieve their full potential.

Drum

Gavin McCarthy
Jeremy Pilny
Chris Anzalone
Joe Peck
Jeff McAuliffe

Gavin McCarthy

After spending his early years studying classical piano, Gavin made the switch to drums.

Building on a Bachelor's Degree from Berklee College of Music, Gavin founded the band Karate, which went on to record seven full-length albums and a number of EPs and singles. Throughout its 12 year run, Karate played well over 600 shows across US, Europe, and Japan,

Gavin has also toured the world as drummer for The Swirlies, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Beat Circus, Cul de Sac and Glorytellers.

In addition to touring as a first-call drummer, Gavin works as a professional drum instructor and served as Director of Powerchord Academy – a premier overnight music camp, where he trained staff, coordinated students, managed seminars and coordinated live shows, video shoots and recording sessions.

Gavin's expertise in planning and managing music camps provides Real School with the in-house experience needed to make Real Jams Academy the unique, exciting music experience it is.

Piano/Keyboard

Bill Doss
Justin Piper
Jeremy Pilny
Kimberly Piper
Kristin Bythewood
Leanne Greenman
Jeff McAuliffe
Bruce Bears

Bill Doss

Bill's music career began in high school, where he was named to the New Hampshire All-State Jazz Band all four years, earning the first-seat sax player spot both his junior and senior years. Bill finished his senior year in style by playing a sold out crowd at Carnegie Hall as the first tenor sax player in the All-Eastern Jazz Band, made up of the best of the best from all the eastern states.

High school success for Bill brought a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. By his third year he was asked to hit the road with The Jon Frederik Band, which landed a record deal through DKE Records and a production contract with Sheppard Music. Their full-length album, Life in Progress, was featured in Yu-gi-oh: The Movie.

After years of touring, Bill turned his focus to teaching. He currently maintains a full roster of students while still managing to perform full-time around New England and New York.

Voice

Vykki Vox
Leanne Greenman
Kristin Bythewood
Tim Bongiovanni
Karen Carr
Nichole Polizzi
Lydia Warren

Vykki Vox

This powerful, dynamic singer/songwriter has a refreshing style all her own. And Vykki Vox brings that radiant personality and flare for fun to Real School.

A veteran instructor and student of the late Dante Pavone, Vykki fronts her own band and has shared the stage with such international acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Indigo Girls, Les Paul, Max Creek, Jonny Lang and Susan Tedeschi.

Vykki's CDs have generated airplay and rave reviews across the globe. She also serves as Director of the Boston Chapter of CSN (Chick Singer Night), an international showcase series benefiting music/arts programs in local schools. She also founded, co-produced and hosted the Ladies Sing TV series, showcasing New England artists for many years.

Saxophone

Bill Doss

Bill Doss

Bill's music career began in high school, where he was named to the New Hampshire All-State Jazz Band all four years, earning the first-seat sax player spot both his junior and senior years. Bill finished his senior year in style by playing a sold out crowd at Carnegie Hall as the first tenor sax player in the All-Eastern Jazz Band, made up of the best of the best from all the eastern states.

High school success for Bill brought a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. By his third year he was asked to hit the road with The Jon Frederik Band, which landed a record deal through DKE Records and a production contract with Sheppard Music. Their full-length album, Life in Progress, was featured in Yu-gi-oh: The Movie.

After years of touring, Bill turned his focus to teaching. He currently maintains a full roster of students while still managing to perform full-time around New England and New York.

Banjo

Tim Rowell

Tim Rowell

Tim has been playing banjo for more than 30 years. Having been heavily influenced as a young lad by Pete Seeger and a whole bunch of wonderful musicians from the Hudson River Valley, Tim eventually discovered a deep affection for southern Appalachian string band music. During college Tim was taken under the wing of a fine banjo player from the Ozarks by the name of Steve Mote. In addition to playing, Tim developed a love of teaching. Winner of several awards from the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest, Tim also has a bachelor's degree in music composition, and has studied music theory at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Tim is the director of the Traditional Music Project @ The Real School of Music. You can catch Tim playing around town with his old-time string band, Jubilee Mule. In addition to banjo, Tim teaches beginning music lessons for mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer, and piano.

Fiddle

Cathy Mason

Cathy Mason

Cathy received her Masters Degree from the Child Study Department at Tufts University, where she also minored in music. She has worked for years as a teacher, tutor and clinician and in recent years, has melded her teaching skills with her musical interests and has been teaching fiddle students and conducting workshops, including Culture for Kids at Passim and The New England Folk Festival. Cathy performs at dances and other events all over the East coast and South with her bands, The Rhythm Method String Band, Grand Bois Cajun Band and The Dead Sea Squirrels, as well as with other musicians. She has won at the Lowell Fiddle and Banjo contest, and been on the staff at several dance/music camps. For the past 13 years, she has been studying and playing southern fiddle styles, including Appalachian and the Cajun and Creole music of Southwest Louisiana. She has studied Cajun and Appalachian fiddle with a number of traditional and revival master musicians from both areas.

Flute

Bill Doss

Bill Doss

Bill's music career began in high school, where he was named to the New Hampshire All-State Jazz Band all four years, earning the first-seat sax player spot both his junior and senior years. Bill finished his senior year in style by playing a sold out crowd at Carnegie Hall as the first tenor sax player in the All-Eastern Jazz Band, made up of the best of the best from all the eastern states.

High school success for Bill brought a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. By his third year he was asked to hit the road with The Jon Frederik Band, which landed a record deal through DKE Records and a production contract with Sheppard Music. Their full-length album, Life in Progress, was featured in Yu-gi-oh: The Movie.

After years of touring, Bill turned his focus to teaching. He currently maintains a full roster of students while still managing to perform full-time around New England and New York.

Mandolin

Tim Rowell

Tim Rowell

Tim has been playing banjo for more than 30 years. Having been heavily influenced as a young lad by Pete Seeger and a whole bunch of wonderful musicians from the Hudson River Valley, Tim eventually discovered a deep affection for southern Appalachian string band music. During college Tim was taken under the wing of a fine banjo player from the Ozarks by the name of Steve Mote. In addition to playing, Tim developed a love of teaching. Winner of several awards from the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest, Tim also has a bachelor's degree in music composition, and has studied music theory at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Tim is the director of the Traditional Music Project @ The Real School of Music. You can catch Tim playing around town with his old-time string band, Jubilee Mule. In addition to banjo, Tim teaches beginning music lessons for mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer, and piano.

Dulcimer

Tim Rowell

Tim Rowell

Tim has been playing banjo for more than 30 years. Having been heavily influenced as a young lad by Pete Seeger and a whole bunch of wonderful musicians from the Hudson River Valley, Tim eventually discovered a deep affection for southern Appalachian string band music. During college Tim was taken under the wing of a fine banjo player from the Ozarks by the name of Steve Mote. In addition to playing, Tim developed a love of teaching. Winner of several awards from the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest, Tim also has a bachelor's degree in music composition, and has studied music theory at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Tim is the director of the Traditional Music Project @ The Real School of Music. You can catch Tim playing around town with his old-time string band, Jubilee Mule. In addition to banjo, Tim teaches beginning music lessons for mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer, and piano.

Ukulele

Tim Rowell

Tim Rowell

Tim has been playing banjo for more than 30 years. Having been heavily influenced as a young lad by Pete Seeger and a whole bunch of wonderful musicians from the Hudson River Valley, Tim eventually discovered a deep affection for southern Appalachian string band music. During college Tim was taken under the wing of a fine banjo player from the Ozarks by the name of Steve Mote. In addition to playing, Tim developed a love of teaching. Winner of several awards from the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest, Tim also has a bachelor's degree in music composition, and has studied music theory at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Tim is the director of the Traditional Music Project @ The Real School of Music. You can catch Tim playing around town with his old-time string band, Jubilee Mule. In addition to banjo, Tim teaches beginning music lessons for mandolin, ukulele, dulcimer, and piano.

Studio Recording

Tim Bongiovanni
Chad Maggs

Tim Bongiovanni

Tim graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2007 with degrees in Contemporary Writing and Production and Music Synthesis. While at Berklee, he studied jazz and contemporary voice.

From 2005 to 2006, Tim was the music director for the Hyannis Sound, an all male a cappella group that sings 80 to 100 shows during their three month summer season.

Tim continues his classical and contemporary vocal studies while working as a recording engineer in Arlington, MA.

Synthesis

Chad Maggs

Chad Maggs

Chad began spending hours practicing Metallica and Soundgarden songs on his guitar at the age of 13. He formed his first band at 15, and began touring just two years later. For the next several years, Chad fine-tuned his songwriting skills and musicianship while touring nationally with his band.

After life on the road wore his band down, Chad decided to further his music education at Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Chad studied many different styles of guitar, completing his entire undergraduate program in just two and a half years. He continues to play professionally when he's not busy inspiring the next generation of musicians at Real School.

Songwriting

Lydia Warren

Lydia Warren

Lydia Warren burst on the blues scene in 2001, when she debuted her self-titled debut album as a senior in high school. Since then, Lydia has toured internationally, with stops in New York, Chicago, Montreal and Beirut.

Lydia received a Boston Music Award nomination and has released four albums throughout her career. She and her band have shared the stage with legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Little Feat, Rick Derringer and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

The NBC Today Show said Lydia is "changing the face of the blues."

RealBands

Gavin McCarthy
David Hinckley
Bill Doss
Erik Ringstad
Jeremy Pilny
Jeff McAuliffe
Lydia Warren
Chris McKenney
Joe Peck
Ryan Taylor
David Thibodeau

Gavin McCarthy

After spending his early years studying classical piano, Gavin made the switch to drums.

Building on a Bachelor's Degree from Berklee College of Music, Gavin founded the band Karate, which went on to record seven full-length albums and a number of EPs and singles. Throughout its 12 year run, Karate played well over 600 shows across US, Europe, and Japan,

Gavin has also toured the world as drummer for The Swirlies, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Beat Circus, Cul de Sac and Glorytellers.

In addition to touring as a first-call drummer, Gavin works as a professional drum instructor and served as Director of Powerchord Academy – a premier overnight music camp, where he trained staff, coordinated students, managed seminars and coordinated live shows, video shoots and recording sessions.

Gavin's expertise in planning and managing music camps provides Real School with the in-house experience needed to make Real Jams Academy the unique, exciting music experience it is.

RealKids

Suzanne McNeil

Suzanne McNeil

Suzanne was born in Massachusetts, but grew up off the coast of Canada on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where making music is as natural as breathing.

Suzanne's compassion led her to a career in social work, but her love of singing pulled her away from her island home to a life on the road, where she honed her talents with hundreds of performances across North America.

Since settling back in Boston in 2001, Suzanne has devoted herself to music education at preschools, early childhood programs, parent-child centers, as well as working as a music therapist with the elderly. Suzanne became a registered Music Together® teacher and eventually directed her own successful Music Together business in Milton, MA.

"When I started teaching music classes to the under-five group, I fell in love with it," says Suzanne. "It is magical to see parents/caregivers and children share special moments learning music."

As Director of RealKids Family Music, Suzanne builds on years of experience to create a fun-filled music program for children five and under that helps with speech development, socialization, coordination and establishing an early love for music that can last a lifetime.

Real Jams Academy

Gavin McCarthy
Bill Doss

Gavin McCarthy

After spending his early years studying classical piano, Gavin made the switch to drums.

Building on a Bachelor's Degree from Berklee College of Music, Gavin founded the band Karate, which went on to record seven full-length albums and a number of EPs and singles. Throughout its 12 year run, Karate played well over 600 shows across US, Europe, and Japan,

Gavin has also toured the world as drummer for The Swirlies, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Beat Circus, Cul de Sac and Glorytellers.

In addition to touring as a first-call drummer, Gavin works as a professional drum instructor and served as Director of Powerchord Academy – a premier overnight music camp, where he trained staff, coordinated students, managed seminars and coordinated live shows, video shoots and recording sessions.

Gavin's expertise in planning and managing music camps provides Real School with the in-house experience needed to make Real Jams Academy the unique, exciting music experience it is.

Administration

Seitu

Seitu

From the first time he picked up a guitar, music has been the guiding force in Seitu's life. After studying music in college, playing in bands in California and serving a brief stint in the armed forces, Seitu landed a job at Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Records before transitioning to a career in musical instrument retail.

After holding numerous sales and management positions in musical instrument retail over the past 28 years, Seitu brings his vast experience to Real School.

His customers have included George Benson, Joe Pass, Robert Plant, Pat Metheny, Aerosmith, The Cars, Ginger Baker, Ritchie Blackmore and Eric Clapton, among others.

Seitu remains active in performance, and continuing his studies of Hawaiian steel guitar.