Music Instructors

"My son has been studying piano with Brian since kindergarten. He's now in high school and is an accomplished musician, with a solid understanding of theory, reading and writing music. He loves to play, compose, and improvise. My other son — a reluctant piano student — has been encouraged with tremendous patience and understanding by several Garden Street teachers. He now reads and plays fluently, in spite of himself. The staff at Garden Street is exemplary, and takes an individual approach to each child, to find what works. As a former professional dancer, I must add that the ballet and tap teachers for adults are amazing!" -A Delighted Parent

Finn Douglas

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!

Lu Wang

Piano, Violin, Voice

A music educator and researcher who is passionate about advocating for instrumental learning across the lifespan. Has studied with performers and teachers from top music conservatoires such as the Eastman School of Music and also attended pedagogy workshops offered by the Juilliard School and the Jacob School of Music. Wang is enthusiastic about instilling interest in music from any age and teaching violin and piano students proper techniques and effective ways of practicing.

Catey Esler (Virtual Online Lessons)

Voice, Piano, Songwriting Instructor

Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter, Catey Esler, was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs. At the age of 5, she began studying classical piano, singing in choirs and eventually found a love for jazz and writing music. After graduating high school, Catey moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music with scholarship. There she earned her Bachelor of Music in performance with a minor in theory and composition studing primarily under Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices. Since graduating in 2016, Catey formed a band with fellow Berklee grad, Jan Esbra, called Jade Collective and released their debut album, Clarity, which was successfully crowd-funded through Indiegogo. With Jade Collective, Catey toured supporting singer-songwriter/guitarist, Becca Stevens, as part of the “Beyond the Lyrics Tour.” Aside from Jade Collective, Catey has independently released her own EP titled Onward and has performed with Becca Stevens, Peter Eldridge, and Women of the World. In August of 2018, Catey moved to Brooklyn, where she is based now, to continue to pursue her music career.

As a voice and piano teacher, Catey strives to create an environment where students can be confident in their personal authenticity while making sure lessons are productive, fun and engaging. Catey emphasizes healthy technique and understanding basic music theory so that students can easily dive into any genre. Her strong classical foundation on piano and voice combined with her performance experience in contemporary styles such as jazz and folk will help students become well-rounded musicians.

Frankie Keane

Voice, Piano, Songwriting Instructor

With influences in Gospel, R&B, rock and classical, Frankie Keane’s imaginative and distinctive interpretation of music and song are what make her a singularly unique gift. Frankie started off both her singing and acting roots in Chicago. She is a multiple threat as singer/songwriter; composer; lyricist; instrumentalist and accomplished stage/film actress.

Since moving to New York in 2003, she has performed at legendary venues asThe Bitter End among many others. Frankie made her debut Off-Broadway in director David Tobin’s acclaimed review, Pure Gospel America and toured with the musical If This Hat Could Talk directed by Tony Award winner George Faison. In Chicago, Frankie was chosen The Cotton Club’s “Best Young Vocalist” and has been featured solo artist at numerous venues.

As a soloist, Frankie has shared the stage with artists such as, Danny Boy (Death Row Records), Chanté Savage (MCA), Isaac Hayes (honoring R. Kelly), Mighty Blue Kings, Youth Edition and David Josias (imi Records), Ashford and Simpson and more. She was opening act at Gospel Fest ’99 and a regular featured guest on The Bernie Mac HBO Showcase. Her band opened for the legendary Koko Taylor and Dennis Miller at The House of Blues. She has also performed the National Anthem at several NFL and NBA games.

In front of the camera and on the boards, Frankie has made her mark.
Most recently, her musical, “Hereafter Musical” has received a wonderful welcome in the New York theatre community. Co-written with well -known CBS and Howard Stern Producer, Vinnie Favale, it continues to grow and is currently in production in Argentina with a South American tour to follow in 2020. “Hereafter Musical” the film is currently in production starring Danny Aiello & Frankie Keane, Sondra James and more scheduled for release next year.

Matt Ruff

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

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!!

Kelly Belarmino

Piano, Voice, Violin, Musical Theatre

Kelly Belarmino is a New Jersey native and musician, vocalist, and actor in the Hoboken/NYC area. A recent graduate of Elon University, Kelly obtained her BFA in Music Theatre while also achieving a minor in Spanish. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and is a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. She has trained in vocal pedagogy technique, contemporary vocal styles, music theory, piano, and violin. In her performing career, she has worked with regional companies such as The Lexington Theatre Company and Forestburgh Playhouse. Her favorite credits include Liesl in The Sound of Music at The Lex and being in the ensemble of Something Rotten at Forestburgh. Kelly is proudly represented by A3 Artists Agency in their theatrical and voice over departments. Kelly has conducted award-winning research entitled Always Room in the Circle: A Re-Imagining of Space for BIPOC Actors. After a series of interviews with Broadway veterans and newcomers, Kelly used the transcriptions of these interviews as inspiration to write and direct a new work of theatre. Using devised theatre and verbatim theatre techniques, she was able to create an immersive piece of performance art that explored inclusivity in the field. Because of this, Kelly strives to achieve truly safe spaces for learning and creative environments. She believes that a safe space enables artists to grow to their fullest potential.

Sara Al-Bazali

Piano, Voice, Musical Theatre

A recent grad of Penn State’s Musical Theatre program, Sara has a passion for the arts, and arts education for as long as she can remember. Before college, she attended a seven year highly competitive vocal music program in her hometown of Denver Colorado at Denver School of the Arts. Sara has been studying voice and piano since the age of 6! Throughout high school and college, she volunteered at a variety of arts education programs including El Sistema Colorado, where she taught music at an after school program for elementary schoolers.

Penn State's Musical Theater Program is one of the most prestigious in the country. The music requirements from theory to performance is one of the most vigorous in the country.

Sara has years of experience working with children, and absolutely loves bringing music to young minds. She is so excited to be doing what she loves here in Hoboken!