Lisa S. Plasse - Owner and Director
47 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ 07432 (201) 445-8780
info@fromthetopmusicstudio.com

Our New Jersey Music Teachers Offer Top Quality Individual Instrumental and Vocal Instruction

Musical instruction offers livelong benefits that exceed the pleasurable outlet of self-expression and creativity inherent in creating music alone or as a part of an ensemble. It develops important self-discipline and organizational skills that transfer to other life endeavors. It builds teamwork and responsibility to others who depend on each musician who is part of the whole. Learning to read music and play an instrument or sing develops higher thinking skills and excellence in problem-solving. It builds self-esteem and self-confidence so essential in this competitive world.

The New Jersey music teachers at From the Top Music Studio are dedicated to sharing their love and knowledge of music with students of every age, from children to adults. We offer lessons year-round on a weekly basis to prepare interested students for acceptance to school and college bands and choruses, college entrance auditions, and community theater auditions. Our students participate in formal and informal student recitals throughout the year to build the confidence to perform in front of appreciative audiences. Many of our students are involved in community theater and Off-Broadway theaters in NYC.

Call or email us today to learn about our lessons, rates, instrument rentals, and more offered by From the Top Music Studio.

	Lisa S. Plasse (Director/Woodwinds/Brass/Voice) is the owner and director of From The Top Music Studio in Midland Park, NJ. In addition to Directing, she is a woodwind and vocal teacher. Ms. Plasse received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from William Paterson University, with a concentration in flute and voice. She also holds a Masters degree in Education Administration & Supervision from Montclair State University. She has over 20 years of teaching experience K ? 12, including special education. Her credits include performances with Onstage Inc., several local community bands and church organizations, numerous local pit orchestras and the Ridgewood Concert Band. Ms. Plasse served as both Vice-President and President of the Board of Trustees of the Ridgewood Concert Band and during her presidency the band was awarded The Sudler Silver Scroll Award. She has produced and directed many musicals, theater workshops and concert performances. Ms. Plasse has served as President of The Ridgewood Friends of Music and continues to serve on the board. Ms. Plasse is currently the Arts Liason for the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, President of the Midland Park Chamber of Commerce, a Community Advisor for The Daily Voice, a member of the Da Capo Trio and continues to perform in the tri-state area.
	Sarah Dodds (woodwind/brass/percussion/piano) received her bachelor of music degree in music education and flute performance from Syracuse University. In addition to her degree she is trained as a woodwind specialist. She has over 15 years of experience teaching K – 12 instrumental and general music. Her credits include performances with the Ramsey Wind Symphony, the Bergenfield Band, American Music Abroad, and several local organizations. She has toured throughout Europe and performed in many locations in the New York/New Jersey area including performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She is currently a member of The DaCapo Trio and performs in the Tri-State area.
	Elena Kosoy (Piano) received her Bachelor’s in music in Russia. She has taught music for over 30 years. Her piano skills are both fun and educational. The music materials she uses are based on the best selections of classical, broadway and pop music. She teaches her students to navigate independently through different styles of music by developing sight-reading skills and techniques. Her students participate in piano recitals, talent shows, school bands as well accompany school choirs. In addition to teaching, she works full time a s a music therapist.
	Robbie LaFalce, Jr. (Percussion) received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in percussion from William Paterson University in May 2007. He performs with Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic which completed the album Knee Deep InSanity in September 2007 and was the house drummer for the internet tv program the Hugh Thompson Show in 2008. Robbie has professional experience composing, arranging, song writing, producing and engineering.aFalce, Jr. (Percussion)
	Valentina Myshan (Piano) received her Bachelor degree from Kharkou College of Music and a Master of Arts from the Kharkou Institute of the Arts. She has been teaching for over 25 years. She also works as an accompanist for solo instruments as well as professional and amateur ballet classes.
	Caroline Parody (Piano/Voice) –a versatile pianist and vocalist, performs regularly in and around the NY/NJ Metro area. In addition to her Bachelor’s and Masters degrees majoring in piano from William Paterson University and Montclair State University in New Jersey, respectively, she studied voice/vocal pedagogy in New York City, participating in master classes and workshops with Dame Helena Doese, Maestro Peter Mark of Virginia Opera, and distinguished American Wagnerian soprano Johanna Meier. She was the recipient of several awards including Outstanding Senior Performer and Music Scholar from William Paterson University, and First Place in the New Jersey National Association Teachers of Singing competition. She has performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Lincoln Center, New York, and for several seasons was a featured solo artist in the Donnell Library Concert Series in NYC. Caroline served as accompanist for the Oratorio Society of NJ, Coro Lirico, Summit Music Festival, Pro Arte Chorale, Harmony Singers, Chanteurs of the New Jersey Choral Society, William Paterson University’s Opera Workshop, and as accompanist/assistant musical director ofthe WPUNJ Musical Theater. She has served on the faculties of Montclair State University, MSU Preparatory Center for the Arts, and the Newark Boys Chorus School. Caroline currently teaches voice and piano at From The Top Music Studio, is an adjunct professor and staff accompanist in the Music Department of William Paterson University, is accompanist for the Concord Singers of Summit, NJ, a member of the Da Capo Trio and most recently, Director of Music at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne, NJ.
	Dana Reedy (Violin, Viola, Cello) began her violin studies with Isabel Wegman of Paterson, New Jersey. During her childhood through high school, Dana played with numerous local, state and metropolitan area orchestras, including the New York City Youth Symphony where she performed in Carnegie Hall. While in high school, she attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, with scholarship, studying under Adrianna Bronne. She continued her undergraduate violin performance studies at Manhattan School of Music studying under Stanley Bednar. While at MSM, Dana was Assistant Conductor of the Ridgewood Strings Orchestra and formed her own string orchestra, The Ridgewood Summer Chamber Orchestra. Presently, Dana regularly performs throughout the NY metropolitan area with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Adelphi Chamber Orchestras as well as other chamber ensembles, including the West Side Presbyterian Chamber Oratorio Orchestra. Dana also plays with the Venus Strings Trio for weddings and other celebratory events. Dana is also now a performing jazz violinist. As a violin teacher, Dana teaches students of all ages using the Suzuki Method, a highly regarded teacher method for younger students as well as other western approaches to classical violin style.
	Tammy Schoff (Piano, Guitar)
	Tony Ventura (Guitar, Bass), BA in Music Baruch College, City College of New York?Ron Carter. THEATER CREDITS: PIRATE QUEEN (Broadway sub), RENT (Broadway sub), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Broadway sub), TONY AND TINA'S WEDDING (off-Broadway) 1990-2010, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL (off-Broadway sub), GODSPELL (off-Broadway sub), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (regional), PIPPIN (regional). OTHER SHOWS: Joseph, Cabaret, Once Upon A Mattress, Charlie Brown, Songs For A New World, Bat Boy Next To Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Zombie Prom, Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls, The Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, The Boy Friend, Urinetown, Shrek the Musical, 13, Anything Goes. FILM CREDITS: LIPSTICK JUNGLE (TV series) episode 213 Jazz Trio Bassist (live on screen), CHOOSE (feature film), THE KEY TO RESERVA/FREIXENET (commercial ) Martin Scorsese, SOPRANO'S (espisode #4 of final season) with Nancy Sinatra, ENCHANTED (Disney Movie) Kevin Lima-director, MAD MEN (TV pilot), NEW YORK STATE LOTTO (TV commercial), I THINK I DO (movie), SPIDERMAN (London Calling) (movie). MUSICAL ACTS: Lou Christie, Bobby Rydell, Shirley Austin Reeves, Mel Carter, Darlene Love, Jay and the Americans, The Drifters, The Tokens, Nelson Brothers, Frankie Ford, The Flamingos, The Chantels, The Classics, Johnny Farina, Jimmy Charles, Randy and the Rainbows, The Cadillacs, Jimmy Clanton, The Harptones, Frankie Lymon's Teenagers, The Del Vikings, Eddie Holman, Peggy March, The Tuneweavers, The Jive Five, The Shangri-las, Ron Donte, Freddy Cannon, The Crystals, Chris Montez, Danny and the Juniors, The Duprees, The Chiffons, Sonny Geraci, Gladys Horton, The Dixie Cups, The Moonglows. JAZZ: Melvin Sparks, Junior Cook, Shinobu Ito, Shoko Amano, Cary Hoffman (My Sinatra).
	Sophia Yadlovker (Piano) has a degree in both music and early childhood education from the Baku College of Music in Russia. She is bilingual in English and Russian. For most of her career, Sophia has performed in a number of concerts and shows; also receiving awards in various competitions. In addition to her music career, Sophia has been working with children for over 20 years. Sophia teaches young children, academically during the day and music/piano during the evening hours. With all her music, piano and teaching experience, From The Top Music Studio is happy to have Sophia as one of our staff members.

Lisa S. Plasse (Director/Woodwinds/Brass/Voice) is the owner and director of From The Top Music Studio in Midland Park, NJ. In addition to Directing, she is a woodwind and vocal teacher. Ms. Plasse received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from William Paterson University, with a concentration in flute and voice. She also holds a Masters degree in Education Administration & Supervision from Montclair State University. She has over 20 years of teaching experience K ? 12, including special education. Her credits include performances with Onstage Inc., several local community bands and church organizations, numerous local pit orchestras and the Ridgewood Concert Band. Ms. Plasse served as both Vice-President and President of the Board of Trustees of the Ridgewood Concert Band and during her presidency the band was awarded The Sudler Silver Scroll Award. She has produced and directed many musicals, theater workshops and concert performances. Ms. Plasse has served as President of The Ridgewood Friends of Music and continues to serve on the board. Ms. Plasse is currently the Arts Liason for the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, President of the Midland Park Chamber of Commerce, a Community Advisor for The Daily Voice, a member of the Da Capo Trio and continues to perform in the tri-state area.

Sarah Dodds (woodwind/brass/percussion/piano) received her bachelor of music degree in music education and flute performance from Syracuse University. In addition to her degree she is trained as a woodwind specialist. She has over 15 years of experience teaching K – 12 instrumental and general music. Her credits include performances with the Ramsey Wind Symphony, the Bergenfield Band, American Music Abroad, and several local organizations. She has toured throughout Europe and performed in many locations in the New York/New Jersey area including performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She is currently a member of The DaCapo Trio and performs in the Tri-State area.

Elena Kosoy (Piano) received her Bachelor’s in music in Russia. She has taught music for over 30 years. Her piano skills are both fun and educational. The music materials she uses are based on the best selections of classical, broadway and pop music. She teaches her students to navigate independently through different styles of music by developing sight-reading skills and techniques. Her students participate in piano recitals, talent shows, school bands as well accompany school choirs. In addition to teaching, she works full time a s a music therapist.

Robbie LaFalce, Jr. (Percussion) received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in percussion from William Paterson University in May 2007. He performs with Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic which completed the album Knee Deep InSanity in September 2007 and was the house drummer for the internet tv program the Hugh Thompson Show in 2008. Robbie has professional experience composing, arranging, song writing, producing and engineering.aFalce, Jr. (Percussion)

Valentina Myshan (Piano) received her Bachelor degree from Kharkou College of Music and a Master of Arts from the Kharkou Institute of the Arts. She has been teaching for over 25 years. She also works as an accompanist for solo instruments as well as professional and amateur ballet classes.

Caroline Parody (Piano/Voice) –a versatile pianist and vocalist, performs regularly in and around the NY/NJ Metro area. In addition to her Bachelor’s and Masters degrees majoring in piano from William Paterson University and Montclair State University in New Jersey, respectively, she studied voice/vocal pedagogy in New York City, participating in master classes and workshops with Dame Helena Doese, Maestro Peter Mark of Virginia Opera, and distinguished American Wagnerian soprano Johanna Meier. She was the recipient of several awards including Outstanding Senior Performer and Music Scholar from William Paterson University, and First Place in the New Jersey National Association Teachers of Singing competition. She has performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Lincoln Center, New York, and for several seasons was a featured solo artist in the Donnell Library Concert Series in NYC. Caroline served as accompanist for the Oratorio Society of NJ, Coro Lirico, Summit Music Festival, Pro Arte Chorale, Harmony Singers, Chanteurs of the New Jersey Choral Society, William Paterson University’s Opera Workshop, and as accompanist/assistant musical director ofthe WPUNJ Musical Theater. She has served on the faculties of Montclair State University, MSU Preparatory Center for the Arts, and the Newark Boys Chorus School. Caroline currently teaches voice and piano at From The Top Music Studio, is an adjunct professor and staff accompanist in the Music Department of William Paterson University, is accompanist for the Concord Singers of Summit, NJ, a member of the Da Capo Trio and most recently, Director of Music at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne, NJ.

Dana Reedy (Violin, Viola, Cello) began her violin studies with Isabel Wegman of Paterson, New Jersey. During her childhood through high school, Dana played with numerous local, state and metropolitan area orchestras, including the New York City Youth Symphony where she performed in Carnegie Hall. While in high school, she attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, with scholarship, studying under Adrianna Bronne. She continued her undergraduate violin performance studies at Manhattan School of Music studying under Stanley Bednar. While at MSM, Dana was Assistant Conductor of the Ridgewood Strings Orchestra and formed her own string orchestra, The Ridgewood Summer Chamber Orchestra. Presently, Dana regularly performs throughout the NY metropolitan area with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Adelphi Chamber Orchestras as well as other chamber ensembles, including the West Side Presbyterian Chamber Oratorio Orchestra. Dana also plays with the Venus Strings Trio for weddings and other celebratory events. Dana is also now a performing jazz violinist. As a violin teacher, Dana teaches students of all ages using the Suzuki Method, a highly regarded teacher method for younger students as well as other western approaches to classical violin style.

Tammy Schoff (Piano, Guitar)

Tony Ventura (Guitar, Bass), BA in Music Baruch College, City College of New York?Ron Carter. THEATER CREDITS: PIRATE QUEEN (Broadway sub), RENT (Broadway sub), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Broadway sub), TONY AND TINA'S WEDDING (off-Broadway) 1990-2010, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL (off-Broadway sub), GODSPELL (off-Broadway sub), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (regional), PIPPIN (regional). OTHER SHOWS: Joseph, Cabaret, Once Upon A Mattress, Charlie Brown, Songs For A New World, Bat Boy Next To Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Zombie Prom, Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls, The Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, The Boy Friend, Urinetown, Shrek the Musical, 13, Anything Goes. FILM CREDITS: LIPSTICK JUNGLE (TV series) episode 213 Jazz Trio Bassist (live on screen), CHOOSE (feature film), THE KEY TO RESERVA/FREIXENET (commercial ) Martin Scorsese, SOPRANO'S (espisode #4 of final season) with Nancy Sinatra, ENCHANTED (Disney Movie) Kevin Lima-director, MAD MEN (TV pilot), NEW YORK STATE LOTTO (TV commercial), I THINK I DO (movie), SPIDERMAN (London Calling) (movie). MUSICAL ACTS: Lou Christie, Bobby Rydell, Shirley Austin Reeves, Mel Carter, Darlene Love, Jay and the Americans, The Drifters, The Tokens, Nelson Brothers, Frankie Ford, The Flamingos, The Chantels, The Classics, Johnny Farina, Jimmy Charles, Randy and the Rainbows, The Cadillacs, Jimmy Clanton, The Harptones, Frankie Lymon's Teenagers, The Del Vikings, Eddie Holman, Peggy March, The Tuneweavers, The Jive Five, The Shangri-las, Ron Donte, Freddy Cannon, The Crystals, Chris Montez, Danny and the Juniors, The Duprees, The Chiffons, Sonny Geraci, Gladys Horton, The Dixie Cups, The Moonglows. JAZZ: Melvin Sparks, Junior Cook, Shinobu Ito, Shoko Amano, Cary Hoffman (My Sinatra).

Sophia Yadlovker (Piano) has a degree in both music and early childhood education from the Baku College of Music in Russia. She is bilingual in English and Russian. For most of her career, Sophia has performed in a number of concerts and shows; also receiving awards in various competitions. In addition to her music career, Sophia has been working with children for over 20 years. Sophia teaches young children, academically during the day and music/piano during the evening hours. With all her music, piano and teaching experience, From The Top Music Studio is happy to have Sophia as one of our staff members.