Opportunities for instrumental study abound at FSPA, with studio instruction available on piano, drums, bass, guitar, woodwinds, strings, and brass for children and adults. Small ensemble coaching, theory, and ear training classes round out our extensive music program. 

Private Lessons

The FSPA Music Department offers private lessons in all instruments. A student may begin private lessons at any time during the year, given teacher availability. Music Department Student Recitals are scheduled throughout the year. Written evaluations are issued at the end of the school year. Make-up policies can be found in the Class Schedule. Ear Training and/or Theory Classes are recommended to supplement private music instruction, especially for those with serious aspirations in music. Private instrumental lessons are scheduled according to the date of registration. Registration is ongoing throughout the year.

Introduction to Theory, Composition and Improvisation

Music theory provides the tools necessary to unlock create freedom in composition and improvisation and produces quicker learners, better sight-readers and smarter, more sensitive musicians. Students explore the parameters of music composition in hands-on way through group activities and self-directed projects. In addition to learning the rudiments of scales, chords, basic progressions and simple counterpoint, students also gain experience with computer notation programs and recording software. A formal recital of student compositions will be presented. Students must have prior note-reading instruction.

Piano, Four Hands

Piano is often a lonely undertaking, but there is a great deal of repertoire written for two people to play together on one piano! This course is designed for piano students with at least one year of lessons. Students will be assigned a partner with whom to learn a piece and will have the opportunity to play in every class. Students will be coached on how to tackle the repertoire and how to develop the skills to work on music collaboratively.

FSPA “Jazz Krewe” Instrumental Ensemble

Under the direction of FSPA Music Faculty members Arnie Krakowsky and Kenny Hadley, and with special guest musicians throughout the year, “Jazz Krewe” meets on a weekly basis and explores all genres of music, including jazz, R&B, rock, blues, funk and pop. For students of all ages and any instruments, it is a great opportunity for musicians to supplement their instrumental studies.

FSPA “Groovemasters” Percussion Ensemble

Under the direction of FSPA Music Faculty member, Kenny Hadley, the FSPA Percussion Ensemble meets on a weekly basis and exposes students to the rudiments of Latin drumming techniques, ensemble and orchestral playing and solo and ensemble work. The FSPA "Groovemasters" Percussion Ensemble performs in FSPA’s annual Spring Concert. Acceptance into this ensemble is by invitation only.

Small Ensemble Coaching

A weekly coaching class designed to give instrumental students experience in playing with others, small groups are coached by experienced musical professionals in various aspects of ensemble playing including blending, staying together, part preparation, rehearsal technique and musical interpretation. Ensemble groups may perform throughout the year.

Ear Training

Ear training is a course designed for students ages 12 and older that strengthens the ability to hear sounds intelligently, through oral in-class performance and written dictation. An indispensable course for vocal and instrumental students, classes cover melodic/harmonic interval recognition, chord progression analysis, solfege, clef reading, sight singing and more. A basic ability to read music is a helpful prerequisite.

Pop Piano

Piano students learn how to read lead sheets and chord symbols to play ragtime, blues, funk, soul, R & B, rock and jazz.

Related Faculty

Jeffrey DiIorio

Instructor of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, and Songwriting

Jeffrey DiIorio holds Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Music Performance and Philosophy from Providence College and a Masters in Music Performance with a focus in jazz guitar from the University of Rhode Island. While at PC, Jeffrey performed with their Pep Band, Jazz Band, Funk Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. He has studied with Jay Azzolina, Lyle Brewer, David Riley, Phil Sargent, Julian Lage, Adam Smirnoff, and Bruce Bartlett. Professionally, he has performed with ensembles led by Alex Lee-Clark, John Allmark, and Mark Burney as well as with The Mac Odom Band, The Phunky Autokratz, and Nightshift Entertainment. Jeffrey was the recipient of the Reverend Leo S. Cannon, O.P. Award for Excellent Musicianship as well as Judges’ Choice at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival. Jeffrey joined FSPA's Music Faculty in 2019. 

Irina Fainkichen

Instructor of Violin

Irina Fainkichen studied at Rachmaninoff Music College and St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia. She also got her degree from Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem, Israel. She is a busy freelance violinist in the Greater Boston area. Irina performed with Broadway on Tour’s “Phantom of the Opera”, and “Hello Dolly” at Boston Opera House, “An American in Paris” at Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. She performed many shows with an amazing legends such as Marni Nixon, Sarah Brightman, Johnny Mathis and “The Who”. Irina is a former longstanding member of Cape Symphony and has an extensive experience playing with many symphony orchestras including New Hampshire, Plymouth, Lexington Symphonies and also Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra. Irina has been on FSPA Music Faculty since 2009 and has played in the orchestra of many Franklin Performing Arts Company productions including Annie, Sound of Music, Charlie Brown, Peter Pan, Music Man, Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, and most recently Legally Blonde, Humbug!, and Sweeney Todd. Irina is a concertmaster for the annual FPAC holiday production of the Nutcracker and a coordinator of THE BLACK BOX Classical Series,  

Kenny Hadley

Instructor of Drums, Director of Saturday Sessions and FSPA Percussion Ensemble

Kenny Hadley joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 1998 and has extensive teaching experience, including master classes and clinics throughout New England. He has played throughout the US, Europe and South America and has worked with many well-known musicians including Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, The Count Basie Orchestra, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris, as well as with the North Shore Music Theater, Franklin Performing Arts Company and Electric Youth. He serves as orchestra contractor for the Franklin Performing Arts Company and has co-produced The Sacred Music of Duke Ellington, ‘Tis the Season! and the CD recordings of Electric Youth. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie’s Band, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. The band’s recordings include Come Sunday, A Beautiful Friendship and Common Thread.

Kim Rezendes

FSPA Assistant Director, Director of Little Music School and Children's Music, Instructor of Piano and Musical Theater

Kim Rezendes graduated magna cum laude from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and from Rhode Island College with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Music. As coordinator of Children’s Music at FSPA, she also serves as Program   Director for the Little Music School and Instructor of Musical Theater. Kim serves as Associate Organist at St. Mary Church in Franklin. One of FSPA’s first students, Kim joined the FSPA faculty in 1997.  

Ida Zelman

Instructor of Piano

Ida Zelman has a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the Vilnius Music Conservatory. She is a skilled educator with extensive experience in teaching a wide range of levels and interests, including young beginners, intermediate, advanced students, and avocational adults. Ida has comprehensive coaching experience in chamber music ensemble. She successfully prepares many students for the Royal Conservatory Music Program, who pass with high marks and perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Ida joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 1993.