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Our Instructors

Emily Gervase - Owner, Violin and Viola


A dedicated performer and educator, Emily brings decades of experience to her teaching and leadership. Emily holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in violin and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from SUNY Fredonia.

Her training includes master classes with renowned artists such as Dr. Ayke Agus (accompanist of Jascha heifetz), Charles Castleman of the eastman school of music, and Glenn Dicterow of the New York Philharmonic , and private study with distinguished teachers Alan Ross, Janet Sung, and David Colwell. As a performer, Emily has appeared with the Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra, the Western New York Chamber Ensemble, and served as concertmaster of the Southern Tier Symphony Orchestra, in addition to an active freelance career throughout the region.

Beyond the stage, Emily has shared her passion for music through years of public school teaching and now as conductor of the Southtowns Youth Orchestra. After seven years in the classroom, she chose to focus her energy on raising her children while continuing to nurture young musicians through private instruction and ensemble direction.

Emily’s teaching philosophy centers on musical excellence, creativity, and confidence—helping each student find joy and purpose through the art of violin playing.

Joseph Gervase - Owner, Brass

Joseph Gervase is a passionate musician, conductor, and educator with deep roots in Western New York. A native of Hamburg, he credits his early musical inspiration to the dedicated music teachers in the Hamburg schools and to his mother, a lifelong pianist and church organist.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he studied trumpet with Susan Sexton and conducting with Dr. Edwin Arnold. That experience sparked his interest in conducting, leading him to pursue a master’s degree in instrumental conducting at Youngstown State University. There, he had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Stephen Gage as a conducting assistant.

Joseph began his teaching career as the high school band director at Olean High School, where he spent seven years honing his craft under the mentorship of John Whitney. He now directs the high school bands in Springville, NY, leading the concert band, jazz ensemble, and marching band. His ensembles in both Olean and Springville have consistently earned top ratings—including gold with distinction—from NYSSMA. As chairperson of the Springville Pageant of Bands, one of New York State’s longest-running band events, he continues to celebrate and strengthen the region’s musical tradition.

Beyond the classroom, Joseph has conducted and chaired numerous honors ensembles and has served as guest conductor for both the Olean Theatre Workshop and the Southern Tier Symphony.

Tim Gastle - Voice

Timothy Gastle is a native of Western New York and received his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of New York at Fredonia.
Tim was the Director of Vocal Music and Choral Activities at Iroquois High School in Elma, NY for 30 years before recently retiring. While there, he directed five choirs, taught Music Theory I and II, and Music in Our Lives.  He served as Department Chair for 18 years as well. His Choirs at Iroquois have earned numerous “Gold” and “Gold with Distinction” awards at NYSSMA Major Organization festivals, and traveled and performed in Toronto, New York, and Boston.  For many years they were invited to perform at the M&T Bank Holiday Concert Series, and have performed at countless other school and community events.
Mr. Gastle has a great deal of experience preparing students to audition for All County Choirs, NYMMSA Solo Festivals including All State, and auditions for music schools and colleges.  Many of his students participated in the Erie County All-County festival choirs and were selected for All State choirs.
Tim is also a Contemporary Music Director at SS Peter & Paul Church in Hamburg, and for many years was an assistant vocal director at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, where he taught voice lessons and was the Vocal Music Director for their annual spring musical. 

Tim has been honored to receive the Buffalo Philharmonic/Erie County Council of Music Coordinator’s Award for Excellence in Music Education.

Julie Robinson - Brass


Julie Robinson is a passionate educator whose life is deeply rooted in faith, family, music, and nature. With a rich background shaped by growing up in a large family, Julie brings a wealth of life experience and a deep sense of compassion into her teaching.

As an experienced music educator, she has taught a wide range of subjects, including band, orchestra, chorus, and general music, as well as providing instrumental lessons at both public and private schools. Currently, she serves as a band instructor and private lessons teacher for the West Seneca Central School District, working with fourth and fifth-grade students.

A dedicated performer, Julie enjoys playing with local community groups, often showcasing her skills on the horn, her primary instrument. She approaches teaching with a deep respect for the individual needs, abilities, and learning styles of each student, finding joy in helping them grow and succeed.

Julie is honored to guide students on their musical journey and looks forward to inspiring others with her love of music and teaching.

Dave Robbins - Guitar and Percussion


David Robbins(Percussion/Guitar) - Teaching locally for the last 10 years, as well as performing with a variety of local bands, David brings an array of knowledge that he is eager to share with his students.  From Pop/Country to Jazz, Rock and a bit of Rockabilly, and also playing in musical pits, there is a wide variety of genres that he is passionate about that can help any level of guitar player aspire to be.  


His percussion background includes studying Percussion Performance at SUNY Fredonia, as well as forming and playing with the Fife and Drum group 'WNY Drum Corps'. David is able to assist in anything from basic drum set skills, 2 and 4 mallet playing, rudimental and orchestral snare drumming, timpani, and college/high school/private band audition prep material for the student looking to continue on with their career in music.


Accompanying this, he also has an in depth knowledge of music theory to assist any student in learning the deeper roots of the music we are playing!  

Kate Chatterton - Piano

Kate Chatterton is a pianist, composer, and music educator based in Dewittville, NY. With over 14 years of experience teaching private piano lessons, Kate is passionate about inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Composition and Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, where she studied piano under Mrs. Helga Hulse, Mr. Stephen Swanson, and Father Sean Duggan. As both a performer and composer, Kate has appeared in solo recitals, ensembles, and bands since her teenage years, with original works premiered in Western New York and New York City.

In addition to her teaching and performing career, Kate is also a certified piano technician through the Piano Technician Academy. She provides professional piano tuning services throughout the Western New York region.

Kate previously taught choir and general music for four years at Franklinville Central School District before shifting her focus to private instruction and family life. She and her husband live in Dewittville with their two young children and two dogs.

David Chatterton - Cello


David Chatterton is a cellist and music educator originally from Oswego, NY. With over 20 years of experience teaching private string lessons and a lifelong dedication to performance, David brings both passion and expertise to every aspect of his musical work.

He studied cello under Jaqueline Darvill and Dr. Natasha Farny, earning both a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from SUNY Fredonia. As a performer, David has given numerous solo recitals and has played in a wide range of ensembles, including musical theater pits, weddings, and chamber groups. He performed with the Southern Tier Symphony for five seasons and has had the honor of sharing the stage with a number of acclaimed artists, most notably Yo-Yo Ma.

David currently teaches orchestra at Pioneer High School, where he has been an integral part of the music department for the past nine years, working with students from grades 5 through 12. His teaching is driven by a belief in the transformative power of music education and a commitment to fostering musical excellence in young performers.

David lives with his wife, two young children, and two dogs in Western New York.


Sam Guzzo - String Bass


Sam Guzzo is a passionate musician and dedicated educator, recently graduating from SUNY Fredonia with a double major in Music Education and Jazz Studies. A skilled string bassist, Sam has honed his craft through years of study with renowned musicians Bill Staebell and Kieran Hanlon, performing in both classical and jazz settings.

Throughout his career, Sam has played jazz gigs across Buffalo, Fredonia, and Erie, and has performed as a substitute musician with the Erie Philharmonic. His deep love for music extends beyond performance – Sam has also embraced the role of a teacher, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm as an instructor at the Fredonia Summer String Camp for the past two years.

Currently, Sam is excited to continue his journey in education through student teaching at Grand Island, where he is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Sam’s passion for music and teaching shines through in everything he does.

Becky Potter - Woodwinds

Becky Potter is a distinguished woodwind instructor with over 47 years of teaching experience. A graduate of the SUNY at Buffalo Music School, she provides comprehensive instruction on flute, piccolo, alto saxophone, and clarinet, offering in-depth guidance on ECMEA and NYSSMA solo repertoire. Her students consistently earn superior ratings at festivals and have been selected for ECMEA and NYSSMA ensembles, as well as numerous local youth orchestras.

In addition to her extensive festival preparation, Becky offers individualized college audition coaching and advanced study for students pursuing music at the collegiate level. Her teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, expressive performance, and a deep understanding of musical artistry.

Becky’s dedication, expertise, and passion for music education have made her an inspiring mentor and a respected figure in the Western New York music community.

Jacqueline Dubill - Violin


Jacqueline Dubill is a violinist and educator with 22 years of public-school teaching experience and 40 years of private instruction. She teaches violin and viola with a warm, encouraging approach shaped in part by her training in Japan with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from The University of Akron, where she studied under Buffalo native Andrew Jennings and Alan Bodman. She has performed for many years with area orchestras including WNY Chamber Orchestra, and on and off since high school-with the Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra.

A mother of four, she enjoys life with her husband Larry and their two dogs. Jackie welcomes students of all ages and levels, helping each one build solid technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.