OUR TEAM
Choosing the right teacher...
Lauren Canna
ASM Director
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Ms. Canna holds a BM in Voice from Rutgers University and an MM in Choral Conducting from Temple University. She has completed additional studies at Westminster Choir College and Rowan University. Owner of AfterSchool Music, Ms. Canna maintains a selective studio of students.
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She is the former conductor of the Garden State Girlchoir, (a part of the Commonwealth Youthchoir Systems and cousin to the renowned Pennsylvania Girlchoir). She was the Program Director of the Pitman Recreation Theater for many years. She has taught voice and conducted the choir at Cumberland County College for 10 years, has taught at Buena Regional High School, Cape May Technical High School, and the New Jersey School of Music.
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She is especially proud to have taught over 25 local music teachers and maintains a warm and collegial relationship with many of her former students and their families. Many of her students have become professional performing musicians, music academics, working actors, music therapists, and studio musicians.
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Ms Canna is a great choice for 6th-12th grade developing singers with some previous experience, although dedicated beginners are fine as well. Adult singers and those looking to improve their classical, musical theater, or pop/jazz singing. Ms Canna's approach is centered in solid, healthy singing technique.
Ms Canna teaches Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Woodbury.
Jessica Nelson
On maternity leave
New Voice Students please see our Pitman website and Jessica will return in May.
Ms. Nelson enjoys teaching both voice and piano. She is a professional singer of opera and art song, and has sung with various companies - Delaware Valley Opera Company, New York Opera Forum, and Bohème Opera of NJ, to name a few.
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Some of her favorite roles include Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, and Musetta in La Bohème, a role she studied and performed in part at the Manhattan School of Music Summer Voice Festival. Jessica completed her Master of Music degree in vocal performance at Temple University. She holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Delaware and Rowan University.
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Jessica teaches singers of all ages, and has a strong pedagogical background in classical technique. Her focus is on healthy, age-appropriate singing and on the building of solid musicianship. Jessica will do well with a committed singer who is dedicated to long-term study.
Jessica teaches on Tuesday in Woodbury
... is an important step in ensuring the success of your lessons. Music teachers can have a profound impact on their students - we all strive to build a relationship that lasts years. Where else does a student find dedicated one-on-one attention from an adult who isn't a parent every week for years? Our teachers are committed to helping their students overcome challenges, face their fears, develop discipline, and grow as both musicians and well-rounded people!
Justin Megaro
Guitar - Thursdays
Justin Megaro is an experienced guitar instructor as well as an active gigging musician. After twelve years of private instruction, he went back to school for music performance in guitar and began an active professional career. He gained experience in both live performances in NY/NJ as well as session recording in multiple genres from alternative/folk to metal/prog rock.
He has taught extensively at The Guitar Studio in Berkley Heights, NJ before switching to private instruction, during which time he recorded tracks for multiple projects through Outer Limits Studios. He currently plays throughout South Jersey and the Philadelphia area as part of an acoustic duo and continues to record as a session musician at Outer Limits Studios. Justin loves to teach all ages and will often play along with the students to encourage their progress.
Justin brings to the position a wealth of both teaching and real-world experience. A married father, he has a calm, patient demeanor with students and brings an enthusiasm for their individual interests.
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Justin is an experienced teacher who works well with beginners, teens, and adults. He teaches acoustic and electric guitar as well as bass and ukulele.
Justin teaches on Tuesdays in Pitman and Thursdays in Woodbury.
Mike Skalski
Guitar
Tuesdays
Mike Skalski has an extensive background in both teaching and music. Following 19 years of elementary school teaching, he returned to Rowan University to complete his degree in music therapy.
He currently works with patients that are in hospice care to provide them with music therapy, playing music from various chapters of their lives and collaborating with them to create a custom song that tells a part of their story.
He taught guitar lessons independently before joining AfterSchool Music where he can combine his experience of teaching with his passion for music.
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Mike makes guitar learning fun. With his background as an elementary teacher and his current work in music therapy, he has a knack for meeting students of all ages where they are. He uses reliable teaching methods while allowing students to follow their interests. Mike does very well with students of all ages. He is friendly and approachable for K-5th, but is great with teens (he has a few teens of his own) and relatable for adult students.
Mike teaches Tuesdays in Woodbury, Wednesday and Thursday in Pitman.
Genise Ivins
Piano
Monday in Pitman
Thursday in Woodbury​
Mrs. Ivins is a graduate from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Music with a concentration in music education. She holds teaching certificates in grades K-5, music in grades K-12, and a middle school math specialization in grades 6-8.
She started studying piano when she was 9 years old and has shared her love for music through many recitals and performances. She has taught private piano lessons for 11 years and taught in the public school system for 9 years.
Mrs. Ivins is a patient and compassionate educator and enjoys teaching children of all ages and abilities. She is an active performer in her local church at weekly services and special events. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially sharing musical moments with her 3 year old son.
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Genise is a very personable and experienced teacher whose calm demeanor is a perfect fit for nervous students. She is equally adept at working with teens and adults as she is at working with K-8.
Genise teaches on Mondays in Pitman and Thursdays in Woodbury.