Woodwind Lessons
Maria Turner
Clarinet & Saxophone
Maria Turner is a saxophonist born and raised in New Hampshire. After developing a love for music at a very young age, she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Music. While at Berklee, Maria studied privately with world class saxophonists and devoted much of her time to performing with multiple big bands and jazz ensembles. She believes that a strong passion for music coupled with a solid foundation of music theory and ear training are the most vital tools for a musician. Whether it is a hobby or a career, music provides a fun and challenging outlet that you can continue to enjoy for the rest of your life. Maria is looking forward to learning and having some fun playing music with you!
Maria is currently offering both online and in-person lessons with strict COVID-19 protocol.
Nancy Tozzo
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Nancy Tozzo (known as “Ms. Toz” by her students) is a retired music teacher from RSD#17, Haddam-Killingworth, where she taught for 35 years. During her senior year in high school, she earned a spot in the CMEA All-State Music Festival Band on trumpet. At Western CT State University she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in music education. Ms. Tozearned her master’s degree from Wesleyan University’s GLSP program. As a member of Bugles Across America, Nancy currently volunteers to perform “Taps” at military funerals throughout the state when no military bugler is available. During her 35 years of teaching in RSD #17, she encouraged and prepared hundreds of students to audition for the regional music festivals in our state and hosted these festivals four times at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. Many of her students have gone on to teach music and/or perform professionally. Nancy makes learning the music fundamentals enjoyable in order for students to succeed and she works to find the best motivation for each individual performer. Her motto is, “If you can say it, you can play it!”Nancy is currently offering both online and in-person lessons with strict COVID-19 protocol.
Kendra Emery
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Kendra Emery is an enthusiastic performer and educator currently residing in Cromwell, CT. She earned her Bachelor's degree in saxophone performance with a minor in French from the University of Arizona. Her MM and GPD in saxophone performance were earned at the University of Hartford Hartt School of Music. She has been teaching private lessons for over 10 years. Kendra has students audition into regional bands every year at the middle and high school level. Her students often audition into, or are selected, for top ensembles at their schools as well. Although she teaches a strong emphasis on music fundamentals she also believes in music being fun and tries to find what sparks each individual student. Kendra believes that not everyone has to be a professional musician, people can simply play for fun! She loves having students of all ages, both children and adults are welcome!Due to COVID-19, Kendra is currently offering online lessons only.