Music Instructors

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Finn Douglas: Music School and Recording Studio Owner

Piano, Guitar, Voice, Songwriting, Musical Theater

 

Musician/Actor Finn Douglas started as a child prodigy in music.  Trained at Garden Street with Brian Lawlor, as well as Neal Tracy, Finn has extensive music theory knowledge and is a multi-instrumentalist. Finn is a professional singer, pianist and guitarist. He also plays the bass and drums.  Finn wrote the hit song "Forever There" which is featured and performed by himself in the spin off of After Forever on Amazon Prime - Riley's Unforgettable School Project, where Finn plays the role of Riley.  Finn was the first and only child actor to star in a one man solo musical Off Broadway - Inner Voices: The Costume. He stars on the original cast album alongside Rebecca Luker, and Farrah Alvin who were the bookend solo musicals with Finn. 

 

Finn originated the role of Charlie Conway in Netflix hit series House of Cards (Season 4 and 5).  He's been featured in film and tv, as well as Broadway workshops and projects.  He was part of the School of Rock Promo Team.  He was the star of Eric Kornfeld and John McDaniel's new musical, The Game with Alex Brightman as Finn's dad. He was the original Rufus in the new Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's musical, Knoxville where Finn starred with Hannah Elless, Paul Alexander Nolan and Carolee Carmello. He's performed many times at Broadway Sessions with Ben Cameron, and many Broadway guests.  He starred in The Actor's Fund Broadway production of Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol with Gavin Lee and Sierra Boggess.  Finn has written many songs for piano, voice and guitar and has performed all over the tri-state.  Currently you can see Finn play guitar and keys on the Worship Team at Hoboken Grace, where he was one of the youngest members of their professional band.  Finn excels at teaching young students and introducing them to the world of music.  Young students love learning from Finn and his creative and nurturing approach to help foster not only a love for music, but also a zest for performance. Finn can't wait to work with you soon!

 

 

 

 

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Laura Woody

Voice and Piano Instructor, Masters in Voice

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Laura Woody is a classical soprano originally from Greeneville, Tennessee, now based in New York City. She is passionate about helping students of all ages build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. With years of performing and teaching experience, Laura brings warmth, patience, and a deep understanding of music theory and vocal and piano technique to every lesson. From opera and choral music to pop and musical theatre, Laura’s experience across genres informs her teaching, allowing her to tailor each lesson to the student’s unique interests.

An experienced performer and educator, Laura has participated in prestigious training programs and festivals around the country and internationally, experiences that continue to inspire her teaching every day. She believes that every student has a unique musical voice and strives to create a supportive, encouraging environment where curiosity and artistry can flourish.

 

Laura holds a Master’s degree in Classical Voice from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Furman University.

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Matt Ruff

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Drums

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Matt Ruff is a professional actor and musician based in Jersey City / Hoboken. He is excited to be a part of the Garden Street teaching team! While working at theaters all over the country, Matt discovered his passion for teaching the performing arts. Sharing the joy of music and theatre to students has been a huge blessing in his life. He teaches voice, guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, ukulele, and piano. He holds a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Florida. Go gators and Rock On!! 

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Sarah Strezewski

Voice and Piano

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Soprano Sarah Strezewski is a passionate performer and dedicated educator with training in operatic vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music and Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music. While her foundation is in classical singing, Sarah’s musical background is remarkably diverse — she grew up immersed in a wide range of genres including musical theatre, pop, and rock, which continue to influence her teaching and performing today.

During her conservatory studies, Sarah not only refined her artistry as a performer but also cultivated the pedagogical skills necessary to guide students at every level. She has experience teaching voice, piano, ukulele, and music theory, and is committed to meeting each student where they are — from complete beginners to advanced musicians looking to deepen their craft.

Sarah brings enthusiasm, patience, and a love for all styles of music into every lesson. She believes in nurturing both skill and creativity, empowering her students to grow as confident musicians while enjoying the process of discovery.

She is thrilled to share her knowledge, passion, and joy for music with the Garden Street community.

 

 

 

 

 

Lindsey Scanio

Voice and Piano Instructor, Masters in Voice

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Soprano Lindsey Scanio is a recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music with her Master’s in Classical Voice. She previously graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada with her Bachelor’s of Classical Voice Performance, and additionally has 14 years of private classical piano training. She has performed many operatic roles in The United States, Canada, and Europe including Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Turnspit in Rusalka, Cupidon in Orpheus in the Underworld, Dew Fairy in Hansel und Gretel, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Scanio has had many opportunities to work internationally with conductors and directors such as Raphael Fusco, John De Los Santos, Patrick Hansen, Stephen Hargraves, Dominic Wheeler, and Jean-Sebastien Vallee.

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