47 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ 07432 (201) 445-8780
495 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446 (201) 236-2230
info@fromthetopmusicstudio.com

Our New Jersey Music Teachers Offer Top Quality Individual Instrumental and Vocal Instruction

Musical instruction offers livelong benefits that exceed the pleasurable outlet of self-expression and creativity inherent in creating music alone or as a part of an ensemble. It develops important self-discipline and organizational skills that transfer to other life endeavors. It builds teamwork and responsibility to others who depend on each musician who is part of the whole. Learning to read music and play an instrument or sing develops higher thinking skills and excellence in problem-solving. It builds self-esteem and self-confidence so essential in this competitive world.

The New Jersey music teachers at From the Top Music Studio are dedicated to sharing their love and knowledge of music with students of every age, from children to adults. We offer lessons year-round on a weekly basis to prepare interested students for acceptance to school and college bands and choruses, college entrance auditions, and community theater auditions. Our students participate in formal and informal student recitals throughout the year to build the confidence to perform in front of appreciative audiences. Many of our students are involved in community theater and Off-Broadway theaters in NYC.

Call or email us today to learn about our lessons, rates, instrument rentals, and more offered by From the Top Music Studio.

	Lisa S. Plasse (Director/Woodwinds/Brass/Voice) is the owner and director of From the Top Music Studio. In addition to running the studio, she is a woodwind, brass and vocal teacher. Ms. Plasse received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from William Paterson University , with a concentration in flute and voice. She also holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University . She has taught for over 15 years privately as well as in the public school grades K-12, including special education. Ms. Plasse has performed professionally with the Wayne Chamber Orchestra, Onstage Inc., several local community and church organizations and currently performs with the Ridgewood Concert Band. Ms. Plasse served as both Vice President and President of the Board of Trustees of the Ridgewood Concert Band, and during her presidency the band was awarded The Sudler Silver Scroll Award. Ms. Plasse is an active member of MENC and MTNA. She has created the FTT Performance Series and most recently produced and directed Humperdick's opera Hansel and Gretel.
	Sarah Dodds (woodwind/brass/percussion/piano) received her bachelor of music degree in music education and flute performance from Syracuse University . In addition to her degree she is trained as a woodwind specialist. She has five years experience teaching kindergarten through eighth grade in instrumental and general music. Her credits include performances with the Ramsey Wind Symphony, the Bergenfield Band, American Music Abroad, and several local organizations. She has toured throughout Europe and performed in many locations in the New York/New Jersey area including performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
	Marni R. Gold (Voice) received her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Florida, holds a Masters Degree in Education and is NJ certified to teach vocal music. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, A professional music fraternity for women, and the professional organization MENC. She has had varied performance experience including touring with Music Theater Bavaria in Die Zauberflute as the 2 nd lady, and In Orlando as the Bat in L'Enfant et les Sortileges. She has also performed many professional solo recitals in New Jersey and Orlando. Choral performances include Beethoven's 9 th Symphony in Canterbury and London, Handel's Elijah in Orlando, and various works at Carnegie Hall. Marni has had the pleasure to work with wonderful teachers and directors including Elizabeth Wrancher, Jeanette laVoix, and Dr. David Brunner.
	Yelena Kosaya (Piano) received her Bachelor of Music from Moscow College of Music. She has taught music for over 20 years. In addition to teaching she works as a Music Therapist and piano accompanist.
	Robbie LaFalce, Jr. (Percussion) received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in percussion from William Paterson University in May 2007. He performs with Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic which completed the album Knee Deep InSanity in September 2007 and was the house drummer for the internet tv program the Hugh Thompson Show in 2008. Robbie has professional experience composing, arranging, song writing, producing and engineering.aFalce, Jr. (Percussion)
	Katherine Mallimo (Piano) is a graduate of Montclair State University holding a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. Her studies include one year with Bruce Brubaker and four years with David Witten. While a student at Montclair , Mrs. Mallimo was involved in many performances as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist to instrumentalists and vocalists. Aside from giving two solo recitals, Katherine has accompanied full recitals for vocalists and instrumentalists. Mrs. Mallimo was and is also still active as a studio accompanist for voice lessons at Montclair . In addition to having accompanied an after school children's musical theatre group for three years, Katherine has been an accompanist for the La Bella Voce Opera Ensemble for the last six years. Finally, Katherine is also a piano teacher with a studio of her own consisting of approximately thirty students.
	Valentina Myshan (Piano) received her Bachelor degree from Kharkou College of Music and a Master of Arts from the Kharkou Institute of the Arts. She has been teaching for over 25 years. She also works as an accompanist for solo instruments as well as professional and amateur ballet classes.
	Jim O'Donnell (Guitar/Bass Guitar) has been performing and teaching for over 25 years. He has performed with various bands worldwide and is an accomplished band leader as well.
	Caroline Parody – a versatile pianist and vocalist, performs regularly in and around the NY/NJ Metro area. In addition to her Bachelor’s and Masters degrees majoring in piano from William Paterson University and Montclair State University in New Jersey, respectively, she studied voice/vocal pedagogy in New York City, participating in master classes and workshops with Dame Helena Doese, Maestro Peter Mark, and distinguished American Wagnerian soprano Johanna Meier. She was the recipient of several awards including Outstanding Senior Performer and Music Scholar from William Paterson University, and First Place in the New Jersey National Association Teachers of Singing competition at Westminster Choir College. She has performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Lincoln Center, New York. A featured solo artist in the Donnell Library Concert Series in NYC, Caroline gave several recitals of rarely performed vocal works of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as singing in several opera concerts. .,Her opera repertoire includes leading roles in Aida, Alceste, Ariadne auf Naxos, Der Freischütz, Elektra, Fidelio, Hansel und Gretel (Witch), Idomeneo (Elettra), La Gioconda, Lohengrin, Siegfried (Brünnhilde), Turandot, Un Ballo in Maschera, and Die Walküre. Caroline served as accompanist for the Oratorio Society of NJ, Coro Lirico, Pro Arte Chorale, Harmony Singers, Concord Singers, and was accompanist/vocal coach for William Paterson University’s Opera Workshop, as well as accompanist/assistant musical director of the Musical Theater. She has served on the faculty of Montclair State University, MSU Preparatory Center for the Arts, and the Newark Boys Chorus School. Caroline currently serves as organist/choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Saddle River, works as a freelance accompanist and singer.
	Dana Reedy (Violin, Viola, Cello) began her violin studies with Isabel Wegman of Paterson, New Jersey. During her childhood through high school, Dana played with numerous local, state and metropolitan area orchestras, including the New York City Youth Symphony where she performed in Carnegie Hall. While in high school, she attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, with scholarship, studying under Adrianna Bronne. She continued her undergraduate violin performance studies at Manhattan School of Music studying under Stanley Bednar. In addition to her violin studies while at MSM, Dana was Assistant Conductor of the Ridgewood String Orchestra. Presently Dana regularly performs throughout the NY metropolitan area with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Adelphi Chamber Orchestras and other chamber ensembles, including the West Side Presbyterian Chamber Oratorio Orchestra. Dana also plays with the Venus Strings Trio who plays for weddings and other celebratory events. As a violin teacher, Dana teaches students of all ages using the Suzuki Method, a highly regarded teacher method for younger students as well as other western approaches to classical violin style.
	Tammy Schoff (Piano, Guitar)
	Joseph A. Sidoti (guitar) has taught music in studios for twenty-six years and in public schools for fifteen years. He holds certificates from the State of New Jersey as a Teacher of Music and as an Elementary School Teacher. Mr. Sidoti is a magna cum laude university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music plus nineteen graduate credits in Education. Among his honors are The Outstanding Music Scholar Award ( First Place in the College of Music ) from William Paterson University and The Key of Knowledge Award from The International Honor and Professional Association in Education. He has served as band director, choir director, and music teacher in the public schools system. Mr. Sidoti began playing music over forty-six years ago and has performed in various genres including classical, popular, rock, folk and church music. He is honoured to be associated with From The Top Music Studio and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue teaching its students.
	Sophia Yadlovker (Piano) received a degree from Baku College of Music and a degree in Early Childhood Education from Bergen Community College . She performs professionally and has been teaching privately for over 25 years.

Lisa S. Plasse (Director/Woodwinds/Brass/Voice) is the owner and director of From the Top Music Studio. In addition to running the studio, she is a woodwind, brass and vocal teacher. Ms. Plasse received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from William Paterson University , with a concentration in flute and voice. She also holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University . She has taught for over 15 years privately as well as in the public school grades K-12, including special education. Ms. Plasse has performed professionally with the Wayne Chamber Orchestra, Onstage Inc., several local community and church organizations and currently performs with the Ridgewood Concert Band. Ms. Plasse served as both Vice President and President of the Board of Trustees of the Ridgewood Concert Band, and during her presidency the band was awarded The Sudler Silver Scroll Award. Ms. Plasse is an active member of MENC and MTNA. She has created the FTT Performance Series and most recently produced and directed Humperdick's opera Hansel and Gretel.

Sarah Dodds (woodwind/brass/percussion/piano) received her bachelor of music degree in music education and flute performance from Syracuse University . In addition to her degree she is trained as a woodwind specialist. She has five years experience teaching kindergarten through eighth grade in instrumental and general music. Her credits include performances with the Ramsey Wind Symphony, the Bergenfield Band, American Music Abroad, and several local organizations. She has toured throughout Europe and performed in many locations in the New York/New Jersey area including performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Marni R. Gold (Voice) received her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Florida, holds a Masters Degree in Education and is NJ certified to teach vocal music. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, A professional music fraternity for women, and the professional organization MENC. She has had varied performance experience including touring with Music Theater Bavaria in Die Zauberflute as the 2 nd lady, and In Orlando as the Bat in L'Enfant et les Sortileges. She has also performed many professional solo recitals in New Jersey and Orlando. Choral performances include Beethoven's 9 th Symphony in Canterbury and London, Handel's Elijah in Orlando, and various works at Carnegie Hall. Marni has had the pleasure to work with wonderful teachers and directors including Elizabeth Wrancher, Jeanette laVoix, and Dr. David Brunner.

Yelena Kosaya (Piano) received her Bachelor of Music from Moscow College of Music. She has taught music for over 20 years. In addition to teaching she works as a Music Therapist and piano accompanist.

Robbie LaFalce, Jr. (Percussion) received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in percussion from William Paterson University in May 2007. He performs with Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic which completed the album Knee Deep InSanity in September 2007 and was the house drummer for the internet tv program the Hugh Thompson Show in 2008. Robbie has professional experience composing, arranging, song writing, producing and engineering.aFalce, Jr. (Percussion)

Katherine Mallimo (Piano) is a graduate of Montclair State University holding a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. Her studies include one year with Bruce Brubaker and four years with David Witten. While a student at Montclair , Mrs. Mallimo was involved in many performances as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist to instrumentalists and vocalists. Aside from giving two solo recitals, Katherine has accompanied full recitals for vocalists and instrumentalists. Mrs. Mallimo was and is also still active as a studio accompanist for voice lessons at Montclair . In addition to having accompanied an after school children's musical theatre group for three years, Katherine has been an accompanist for the La Bella Voce Opera Ensemble for the last six years. Finally, Katherine is also a piano teacher with a studio of her own consisting of approximately thirty students.

Valentina Myshan (Piano) received her Bachelor degree from Kharkou College of Music and a Master of Arts from the Kharkou Institute of the Arts. She has been teaching for over 25 years. She also works as an accompanist for solo instruments as well as professional and amateur ballet classes.

Jim O'Donnell (Guitar/Bass Guitar) has been performing and teaching for over 25 years. He has performed with various bands worldwide and is an accomplished band leader as well.

Caroline Parody – a versatile pianist and vocalist, performs regularly in and around the NY/NJ Metro area. In addition to her Bachelor’s and Masters degrees majoring in piano from William Paterson University and Montclair State University in New Jersey, respectively, she studied voice/vocal pedagogy in New York City, participating in master classes and workshops with Dame Helena Doese, Maestro Peter Mark, and distinguished American Wagnerian soprano Johanna Meier. She was the recipient of several awards including Outstanding Senior Performer and Music Scholar from William Paterson University, and First Place in the New Jersey National Association Teachers of Singing competition at Westminster Choir College. She has performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Lincoln Center, New York. A featured solo artist in the Donnell Library Concert Series in NYC, Caroline gave several recitals of rarely performed vocal works of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as singing in several opera concerts. .,Her opera repertoire includes leading roles in Aida, Alceste, Ariadne auf Naxos, Der Freischütz, Elektra, Fidelio, Hansel und Gretel (Witch), Idomeneo (Elettra), La Gioconda, Lohengrin, Siegfried (Brünnhilde), Turandot, Un Ballo in Maschera, and Die Walküre. Caroline served as accompanist for the Oratorio Society of NJ, Coro Lirico, Pro Arte Chorale, Harmony Singers, Concord Singers, and was accompanist/vocal coach for William Paterson University’s Opera Workshop, as well as accompanist/assistant musical director of the Musical Theater. She has served on the faculty of Montclair State University, MSU Preparatory Center for the Arts, and the Newark Boys Chorus School. Caroline currently serves as organist/choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Saddle River, works as a freelance accompanist and singer.

Dana Reedy (Violin, Viola, Cello) began her violin studies with Isabel Wegman of Paterson, New Jersey. During her childhood through high school, Dana played with numerous local, state and metropolitan area orchestras, including the New York City Youth Symphony where she performed in Carnegie Hall. While in high school, she attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, with scholarship, studying under Adrianna Bronne. She continued her undergraduate violin performance studies at Manhattan School of Music studying under Stanley Bednar. In addition to her violin studies while at MSM, Dana was Assistant Conductor of the Ridgewood String Orchestra. Presently Dana regularly performs throughout the NY metropolitan area with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Adelphi Chamber Orchestras and other chamber ensembles, including the West Side Presbyterian Chamber Oratorio Orchestra. Dana also plays with the Venus Strings Trio who plays for weddings and other celebratory events.
As a violin teacher, Dana teaches students of all ages using the Suzuki Method, a highly regarded teacher method for younger students as well as other western approaches to classical violin style.

Tammy Schoff (Piano, Guitar)

Joseph A. Sidoti (guitar) has taught music in studios for twenty-six years and in public schools for fifteen years. He holds certificates from the State of New Jersey as a Teacher of Music and as an Elementary School Teacher. Mr. Sidoti is a magna cum laude university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music plus nineteen graduate credits in Education. Among his honors are The Outstanding Music Scholar Award ( First Place in the College of Music ) from William Paterson University and The Key of Knowledge Award from The International Honor and Professional Association in Education. He has served as band director, choir director, and music teacher in the public schools system. Mr. Sidoti began playing music over forty-six years ago and has performed in various genres including classical, popular, rock, folk and church music. He is honoured to be associated with From The Top Music Studio and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue teaching its students.

Sophia Yadlovker (Piano) received a degree from Baku College of Music and a degree in Early Childhood Education from Bergen Community College . She performs professionally and has been teaching privately for over 25 years.