Meet the faculty

Guitar lessons with Mr. Kornell go far beyond learning chords! His engaging, well-rounded approach helps students develop strong technique, musical expression, confidence, and creativity.

Alongside guitar playing, students explore music theory, ear training, composition, and songwriting, with opportunities to discover recording and music production.

Whether beginner or advanced, each student receives personalized instruction designed to inspire growth, spark creativity, and nurture a lifelong love of music.

Mr. Kornell’s goal is to develop confident, skilled, and creative musicians!

Mr. Eli is a passionate guitarist, performer, and educator who loves inspiring young musicians to discover the joy of playing guitar.

Originally from Floyd, Virginia, he grew up surrounded by bluegrass, folk, and country music, developing his love for guitar and mandolin at an early age. His musical talent earned him numerous awards at regional Fiddlers Conventions.

A 2023 graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Mr. Eli now performs professionally with his band, The Wildmans, while sharing his passion for music with students in New York City.

With his friendly, encouraging approach, Mr. Eli makes guitar lessons engaging, creative, and fun, helping young students build confidence, develop musical skills, and discover their own unique musical voice.

Alexander specializes in piano, improvisation, composition, and music theory. He helps young pianists build strong musical foundations while encouraging them to experiment, express themselves, and aim beyond what they thought possible. Through classical music, jazz, and familiar songs, he makes each lesson engaging and helps students grow in both skill and confidence.

Alexander serves as music director, pianist, and coach at Spotlight Artists. OperaWire has called him a “rockstar pianist.” A cum laude graduate of Saint-Petersburg Glinka Choral College, he has worked with the Mikhailovsky and Mariinsky Theaters, the Saint-Petersburg State Conservatory Chamber Choir, and Saint-Petersburg State University.

His work as a conductor and arranger includes performances of Steve Reich’s Eight Lines and Tehillim. Through his Music Journeys project, he creates programs that bring classical, jazz, and world music together.

Mr. George is an accomplished saxophone and clarinet teacher whose students have successfully gained admission to prestigious NYC performing arts schools, including LaGuardia High School and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.

With more than 20 years of experience as an educator and professional musician, George specializes in saxophone and clarinet instruction, helping students develop strong technique, musicianship, confidence, and performance skills. He works with students from beginning through advanced levels and provides focused preparation for auditions and school admissions.

George holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley and a Master’s degree in Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University, where he later taught jazz improvisation and applied saxophone.

Currently an educator with the NYC Department of Education, George brings extensive experience working with young musicians of diverse ages and backgrounds. His supportive, engaging teaching style combines a strong classical foundation with expertise in jazz, improvisation, and contemporary music.

Mr. Benjamin is a New York based drummer, percussionist, bandleader and educator. Benjamin has played on several albums across musical genres, served as a pit musician for over 50 musicals and has played at notable venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, The Dimenna Center, Jazz on Main, Arthur’s Tavern, Shanghai Jazz, New Jersey Jazz Society, Green Room 42, Don’t Tell Mamma, Bathtub Gin, and The West End Lounge. Benjamin is a contractor and bandleader for numerous wedding and event bands throughout the tri-state area as well as a member of the Arts Education Team at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. He maintains an active teaching studio, educating drummers, percussionists and pianists of all ages and levels both in person in New York, and virtually as far as India!

Mr. Max is a passionate musical theatre educator, accompanist, performer, and piano teacher who brings warmth, creativity, and professional experience to every lesson. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, he has extensive experience coaching young performers in vocal technique, musicianship, audition preparation, and performance confidence. He specializes in teaching piano to beginners and makes learning approachable and engaging while building strong foundations in note reading, rhythm, technique, and music theory. His work with Broadway faculty and young artists has strengthened his ability to connect with students of different ages and learning styles. Mr. Max loves helping kids discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music.

Ms. Mae is a dedicated and experienced piano teacher who has taught children and teens in classical and contemporary piano for over a decade. She is an active performing musician and music director with extensive ensemble experience, skilled in building strong technical foundations while fostering musicality and disciplined practice habits.

• Teaches piano to beginner and intermediate students ages 4-18.
• Focuses on proper technique, posture, hand position, and finger development.
• Teaches music theory, rhythm, sight-reading, and ear training.
• Develops individualized lesson plans based on student goals and learning pace.
• Prepares students for recitals, performances, and auditions.

Ms. Eva is dedicated to inspiring young pianists and nurturing their confidence, creativity, and love for music. She works with students from age four through advanced levels, combining strong classical foundations with an engaging and supportive approach. Eva also prepares students for ABRSM and RCM exams, recitals, and competitions. Eva is fluent in both English and Chinese (Mandarin). Trained in Beijing, she has received multiple gold medals in international competitions across Europe, the United States, Asia and she is continuing her education at the Manhattan School of Music.

Ms. Jessica is a passionate and engaging voice teacher, who loves helping young singers discover their voices, build confidence, and experience the joy of making music.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Performance from Arizona State University and specializes in musical theatre, pop, and classical singing. With several years of experience teaching voice to K–12 students, she brings an encouraging, energetic, and age-appropriate approach to every lesson.

In addition to singing, Jessica can incorporate beginner guitar and ukulele into lessons, making music especially fun and interactive for younger students who enjoy singing while accompanying themselves.

Before relocating to New York City to pursue her professional musical theatre career, Jessica taught voice and performed professionally in Arizona. She is excited to inspire the next generation of young singers at Prima Music Academy!

Caroline is a dedicated violinist and educator with over 11 years of teaching experience. A certified Suzuki teacher, she is passionate about helping young students develop strong technique, musical confidence, and a genuine love for music. Her warm and encouraging approach allows each child to progress at their own pace while building skills that will support them for years to come.

Caroline began her violin studies at New England Conservatory Preparatory School and has since received numerous awards from the Music Teachers National Association, Utah Symphony Youth Guild, and Utah Music Teachers Association. She has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras and has performed internationally in Germany and China. She is also a founding member of the Aspen Grove Trio, winner of the 2024 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition.

Caroline is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, studying with acclaimed violinist Laurie Carney.