Guitar Faculty

Andrew

Andrew graduated from Drexel University with a B.A. in the Music Industry. Andrew teaches both guitar and piano and includes the styles of Rock, Blues, Classical, Pop, Reggae and Jazz.  Andrew also really enjoys helping students write their own songs on both instruments.  He performs often at many of the local restaurants and clubs either solo or as a member of a five piece cover band and has been the sound engineer at Doc Watsons mixing many up and coming touring bands. Some notable gigs include 3 separate week-long stints in Liverpool, England playing at The Cavern Club and other venues.

Andrew’s biggest strengths as a teacher are his personal approach to each student.  “I try to let them decide where they want to go with their playing, be it writing songs, learning to play like a favorite guitarist or band, improvising solos, or just strumming by a campfire. Andrew has been teaching at Napoli since 2007.

Courtney

Courtney earned a B.M. in music education from Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Courtney graduated near the top of her class, earned a Berklee Achievement-Based Scholarship, and played in many student ensembles (including as an original member of Berklee’s Contemporary Wind Orchestra), film scores and a Led Zeppelin tribute band. Courtney also has a wide range of music teaching experience. In 2008, Courtney taught general music and choir at a middle school in Randolph, MA. Courtney created an innovative program where every student who took general music learned how to play the guitar, and many area newspapers wrote features on her creative teaching methods. Courtney helped the choir perform at many regional competitions successfully and directed the school’s musical..  She is a current member of the Lansdowne Symphony.

Courtney’s teaching strengths include her innovative approach to teaching and learning that she uses with each of her students.  Courtney’s versatility also comes through because she is capable of playing and teaching many different instruments. Courtney is certified to teach music in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Texas.

Joe P

Joseph Primavera is a music educator, performer, composer and producer with over 15 years of experience. Since obtaining his Bachelor’s of Music in Performance from Temple University in 2007, he has been teaching private music lessons in the greater Philadelphia area to students of all ages.  He creates customized lesson plans for each student based on the music they love. Technique, theory, composition and improvisation are all taught within the context of the student’s musical interests.

Lucas

Lucas is a teacher, performer, writer and student of music based in Philadelphia. He holds an Associates degree in piano performance and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in music theory and piano performance at the Boyer school of music at Temple University. He also has played guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and mandolin in numerous performances throughout New Jersey.

Matt

Matt attended Berklee College of Music and Temple University.  He graduated from Temple University with a Bachelors in the Arts. Matt’s favorite styles are blues, rock & jazz, but he is also well versed in folk, country and classical.  Matt is also quite the performer.  He has played with LT Pandemonium, Defeo/Matt/Kev and Enertia Blues. Matt has most recently performed with Broad St. Blues which has played such venues as The Trocadero Theatre and The World Cafe Live.

Matt’s biggest strengths as a teacher are his kind and caring ways. He lets his love of music shine through in his playing; constantly striving to get the best from his students and to show them that music brings out the best in ourselves. Matt has been teaching at Napoli since 2005.

Mickey

Mickey teaches electric and acoustic guitar as well as electric and upright bass. Mickey studied under Berkelee guitarist Mike Gallagher who instilled a love of music that Mickey now passes to all of his students. Mickey performs with many different groups in a variety of styles. He has performed many notable venues on the east coast, most recently including the Trocadero and the Kimmel Center. Mickey is well versed in music theory and focuses on ear training and modal theory and he is able to teach music theory lessons to individuals who do not play a stringed instrument. Mickey is able to play and teach a wide range of musical styles from metal, jazz, and acoustic/folk to rock, hip-hop, funk and reggae. He is able to teach all ages from 7yrs to adults and all levels from beginners to advanced musicians.

Mickey’s teaching strengths revolve around his philosophy that he likes to tailor every lesson to the student’s individual areas of improvement to help each and every student become the best musician he or she can be.

Mike

Mike attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.  He is an absolutely incredible guitar player and is well versed in the styles of Rock, Metal, Blues, Country, Jazz, Classical and Folk.  Mike has played and recorded in various bands and as a solo instrumental artist along the East Coast and has opened shows for many national acts.   Mike is also an excellent songwriter and many of his songs have been used on television (NBC, ABC, FOX, ESPN, MTV, VH1, etc.) and in film (Touchstone, Disney, etc.).

Mike’s strengths as a teacher include his very patient and friendly demeanor, his almost 20 years of teaching experience, his laid back approach and his amazing knowledge of the instrument and teaching techniques. Mike works well with children and adults.  He has been teaching at the Napoli school since 1995 and is our senior guitar instructor.

Nimrod

Nimrod is a bassist, pianist, composer and educator. He began playing at the age of 16 while in high school under the tutelage of Ricardo Jackson. He was first introduced while in church to the drums followed by the piano, later introduce to the double bass during his first semester in college. He brings his individual sound to many styles of music.
Much of his musical studies in cassical and jazz concentration include training with Ben Blazer, Ralph Bowen, Douglas Mapp, Conrad Hewig, Maria Cadieux, Scott Lee, Kevin Kjos, Mike Richmond, Victor Lewis, Vic Juris, and Stanley Cowell.
While obtaining a B.A in Music Education from Kutztown University and a Masters in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University, landed him opportunities to play with renowned artist of today. Some include Jimmy Owens, Scott Wendholt, Rachel Z and John Swana. He performed at premier jazz venues such as the Blue Note in NYC and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia