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Middletown Studio
Located at 484 Main Street in historic downtown, our Middletown studio offers lessons in piano, voice, flute, saxophone, guitar, ukulele, violin, recorder, choir and music theory. In addition, we offer opportunities for group instrument lessons. We are equipped with Yamaha and Casio digital pianos.
Philip DeFazio
Owner, Piano
Owner of Brookside Music and piano instructor, Philip brings a balance of technique, music theory, creativity and constructive guidance to every lesson. He is currently co-founder of a 1930s jazz band, Mama Train. He studied Piano Performance at The Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut, furthering his skills in voicing, harmony, and composition. He has been teaching piano for nearly 20 years and encourages students to find their own self discipline, improve on their technical skills and to find their creative power.
Jasmen Hunter
Voice, Piano
Jasmen Hunter attended the Hartt School of Music in Hartford CT and has extensive training in vocal technique, music theory, and acting through song. She has also received terrific opportunities and training working in Hollywood with the Pitch Man of Hollywood and writer of Brooklyn the Musical Mark Schoenfeld, producers like Bradley Bredeweg (The Fosters, Good Trouble), and performed for people like Dave Pensado (Grammy award winning music mixer) and Scott Prisand (Producer of Rock of Ages). Her heart, however, lies in teaching. Without her many vocal coaches, she would not have landed where she is now. She thanks them all and can not wait to teach the next generation of superstars. Rock on!
Yixing Wang
Voice, Piano, Choir
Yixing Wang is a pianist and vocal teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Minnan Normal University. After graduating, she became a high school music teacher for a year and then came to the United States and received a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Hartford. Yixing brings joy, humor and patient guidance to all her students.
Autumn Asbridge
Flute, Saxophone, Music Theory
Autumn is a flutist and saxophonist who attended Western Connecticut State University for jazz studies. In her time there, she studied privately with Grammy nominated and highly respected jazz saxophonist Jimmy Greene. She had the opportunity there to play with various guest artists, including the legendary Curtis Fuller. Autumn excels in the areas of jazz improvisation, composition, and music theory, and is wholly devoted to the lifetime spiritual pursuit of improving her musical expression. Her favorite instrument is the flute, on which she has studied with the prominent flutist Elena Pinderhughes. Autumn has developed a rich, warm sound, and an extensive musical vocabulary through her years of formal study and practical performance experiences. She looks forward to lifting spirits with her music for years to come.
Daniel Onorato
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Daniel Onorato has been playing guitar for 20 years and has been writing and performing music for 15. Throughout those years, Daniel has been trained privately in Jazz guitar, expanding his musical foundation in improvisation and theory. He has also started and lead several musical projects, most recently performing with the group Pin Cushion. As a teacher, Daniel believes in catering his lessons to a student’s individual needs and goals. Ultimately, he strives to awaken and nurture a true passion for music that will reward them with a sense of growth and genuine expression. Daniel thinks that each students musical journey is a personal one and that his role is to help guide them in the right direction.
Sandro Ladu
Violin, Viola
Sandro attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he studied with Byron Tauchi and Weiwei Le. During this time he was a participant of the Brevard music festival and recipient of the Liberace string quartet scholarship and the Arts Bridge scholarship. Sandro completed graduate studies at California State University Sacramento where he studied with Ian Swensen. During this time he was a multiple time winner of the Aj and Susanna Watson chamber music competition and the Saturday Club Scholarship. He recently placed 2nd place in the Fresno Musical Club Bell T. Richie award and recently played in Fresno’s Young Artist Spotlight live radio concert. Sandro currently teaches in elementary schools through the Sacramento Youth Symphony's El Sistema inspired string program Overture. Sandro is pursuing a doctorate of arts in violin performance at the Hartt school at the University of Hartford. He enjoys playing in chamber orchestra and quartet as either violinist or violist.
Kitty Guo
Piano, Voice, Saxophone, Choir
Kitty is a pianist with 14 years of experience, a saxophonist for several ensembles, a dedicated member of several choirs, and an accordion enthusiast! Kitty currently attends Worcester Polytechnic Institute where she is pursing a biomedical engineering major, as well as a music minor. She is involved in the Concert Band, the Marching and Pep Band, the Alden Voices and Festival Choir, and an A cappella group on campus. Kitty is passionate about the of expression that can be translated through music and focuses on delivery through harmonies and dynamics. Kitty hopes to guide students through their new curiosities with music.