Our Instructors
Leanne Regalla, Guitar
Leanne is the owner of Amazing Cool Music and has been teaching beginning and intermediate students for nearly 7 years. Leanne studies or has studied guitar technique and pedagogy with several national and international teachers and mentors, including Donna Zitzelberger, Scott Kritzer, Tom Jackson, Dave Brooks, and Tom Hess. She combines the best instruction methods available with the latest and most effective practices in teaching to help her students reach their goals quickly and easily.
Strong Children's Programs:
Leanne's patient and fun approach keeps students' interest. Kids learn solid rhythm skills and smooth chord changing as well as music notation and theory. She uses traditional songs and cool rock tunes - adding simple classical guitar pieces and acoustic fingerstyle in the second and third years. Every 12-week class session ends with a performance for parents, and as kids gain skill, they move into church and community performances. Rock star wanna-bes, never fear. We've got electric covered, too!
Real Help for Adult Hobbyists:
If you've always wanted to play guitar - or want play better - then you should! There is no age limit for the satisfaction and reward of doing something you love. Leanne's teaching style is not rigidly fixed to a method but instead is flexible to accomodate your particular challenges and musical interests. Your roadblocks can be overcome - easily! If you've tried other teachers or learning from books or videos or online and think there's still something you're missing, then come for just 1 lesson. You will see for yourself what I'm talking about.
The Singer/Songwriter:
Is your goal to perform? Do you want to truly engage your audience and be the best you can be? You need more than just practice on your instrument. We offer the first coaching of this kind in the area. Leanne brings you the best practices from the top teachers and artist developers in the country. Can be taken in conjunction with guitar lessons or as separate instruction for other instrumentalists.
For more on Leanne's background, click "Le's Story" here.
Chris Semonik, Guitar
Chris has been performing and recording a variety of music for the past 15 years. His original music has received airplay on Pittsburgh radio stations such as 93.7 K-Rock, 105.9 The X, and 93.1 WYEP in addition to several Internet radio stations throughout the world. Chris has played all of the top Pittsburgh music clubs and has toured regionally in the New York City, Philadelphia, and Cleveland markets as a member of the rock band Yigga Digga. He has shared the stage with acts as diverse as The Wailers to Quiet Riot.
David Sykut, Piano, Voice
David has performed in and served the musical community for over ten years as a singer, pianist, musical coach, instructor, musical director, sound designer, conductor, and audio engineer. He was a featured soloist in major choral works with Duquesne University Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and Westminster College Concert Choir. In addition, David performed recitals at Duquesne and Westminster College, was a Soloist/Cantor at St. Bernard's Church, and back up singer for Sarah Brightman's "La Luna" Tour in 2001. He previously held teaching posts at Winchester Thurston and Our Lady of Sacred Heart, and tutored at Point Park College. He holds a Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Performance and Sound Recording Technology from the Duquesne University, Mary Pappert School of Music.
David Sykut provides voice and piano instruction covering a broad array of styles from pop to opera. He believes in building a strong foundation of sight reading and musical theory, developing healthy habits that enable students to successfully pursue a lifetime of making music. David encourages students to select a musical genre that interests them, improving the odds that the student will continue studying for years to come. David tailors his beginner and intermediate piano lessons to the needs and goals of the student, whether as a preparation for future piano studies or to compliment singing or theatrical performances. David's beginners through advanced voice lessons include studies in sight reading, breathing technique, vocal therapy, and audition and recital preparation. As a voice coach, David specializes in musical interpretation.
Bruce Goettler, Drums
Mr. Goettler, from Butler, PA, is a strong drummer with over 35 years of playing experience both locally and "on the road." After several years of piano lessons early in his musical career, Bruce found a snare drum and a pair of sticks and began a life long love affair with everything percussion. His early experience included 3 years in the Butler High School marching band, drummer in the pit band for the school musical, and also the school Jazz Band. Over the years he has performed with various bands from Mississippi to Saskatchewan and from Nebraska to New York. Bruce has been influenced over the years by great drummers like Buddy Rich, Jeff Porcaro, John Bonham from Led Zepplin, Don Brewer, Ian Paice from Deep Purple, Kenny Aronoff, Phil Ehart from Kansas, and many more. For the past 10 years he has taught countless lessons to young drum students in the Butler area. We are very pleased to have him on staff.
Chris Cleary, Guitar
Chris has more than 12 years' experience teaching guitar at several shops in the Pittsburgh area. He teaches private lessons, all levels of acoustic and electric. He belongs to and performs regularly with his church worship band. Chris has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Technology from Duquesne University.