Faculty @ Common Beat
Faculty members at Common Beat hold either a degree in music from a major conservatory, university, college, or have worked professionally in their trade for an equal length of time. A majority of our teachers have graduate study in specialized fields of music. Beyond this minimum of credentials, Common Beat only hires faculty with prior teaching experience, the ability to introduce new musical concepts in creative ways, and share their knowledge with students in an easily understood language.
STEPHEN SIKORSKI - PIANO, GUITAR, VOICE
For more than 10 years, Stephen, Co-Proprietor of Common Beat Studios, has been an active freelance musician throughout the Boston area. He has earned his BM in Classical Composition and continued graduate study from the New England Conservatory. Stephen has a diverse musical background ranging from classical, jazz/improvisation, to rock. Performing solo, or on stage with modern bands, Stephen is comfortable teaching various types of music. He has been tenor section leader/soloist at various churches in the greater Boston area, and is currently organist and choir director of Christ Church, Waltham.
TANYA PELLECCHIA - PIANO
Tanya, Co-Proprietor of Common Beat Studios, a graduate of Wellesley College, holds a BA in Music with a concentration in piano. Tanya has taught music in varied capacities including the elementary general music class in the city of Melrose as well as private piano study. She has been a busy accompanist in the area and is the resident music director at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saugus. An active business member, Tanya can be seen around town as a member of various organizations including the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, MACA, and the board of the East Boston Savings Bank.
JIMMY HIATT - PERCUSSION
Jimmy has studied privately with Keith Levereaux, Doug Raneri, and Doug Plavin in Northampton, MA, as well as the legendary Frank Katz at the Drummer’s Collective in New York City. Jimmy’s playing and recording experience includes work with singer songwriters, blues and funk projects, pop & rock outfits, and currently the Boston-based band Shadwell. Jimmy’s teaching experience has included younger students and adults and he holds a firm belief that any good instruction should incorporate a balance of practicality, challenging work, and most importantly, fun!
BRIAN CHURCH - PIANO, GUITAR/BASS, VOICE
Brian Church holds a BM in Music Education from The College of New Jersey, an MM in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory, and is also an accomplished bassist with the avant-noise post-punk group Tristan da Cunha with whom he has toured the midwest and released several recordings. Brian has been an elementary music educator in the Melrose Public School System teaching at the Roosevelt, Hoover and Horace Mann Schools, and has used his skills to help create almost 30 original songs with his students under his curriculum.