Meet Our Teachers
Cristina Sparacino - Drums, Voice & Rock Bands
Cristina Sparacino is an accomplished music teacher of 28 years.
Early Years: Growing up, Cristina was very involved in music. She participated in All County Band, All State Band, Solo & Ensemble, and Festival of Winds. She auditioned her way into a full-time Summer music conservatory, was her high school band president, student conductor & was the recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award during high school. She took private lessons locally from John Keon (percussion/drums), Betty Ferrigno (piano), Don Valenti (voice), K.D. Kneeburg (trumpet), and was mentored in and out of the studio by Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez of the E Street Band (drums).
Education: Cristina received her Child Development Associate Certification and studied Early Childhood Education at PHCC (now PHSC), and started as a Preschool & Kindergarten teacher. She received a percussion scholarship to USF, studied the SLYS voice technique, & studied nursing, anatomy & animal behavior through Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician Program & the Rocky Mountain School of Canine Massage & Acupressure.
Teaching: Some of her previous teaching jobs include K-8 general music & drama teacher at Athenian Academy of Pasco for 3 years, dance & drama at Dance Extreme Academy, directing programs at Millennium Academy, teaching drumline, drama programs & camps at various locations.
Singer/Songwriter/Musician: Cristina played in MTV's Enough is Enough campaign against domestic violence, made it to the semi finals of both Ed McMahon's Next Big Star, & Tampa Bay Idol, toured as a musician, and her original band had the honor of playing for the crew of Flight 93 at the command center during 9/11 in Somerset County.
2024: Recently, Cristina recorded a single in Nashville with RIAA platinum producer & songwriter, Rocco Guarino. She also operates SongShapers.com, where she is a topline songwriter for other artists, and edits music for competitive ice skaters around the world.
Kevin Brodess - Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukelele, Vocals, Piano
Kevin Brodess is a very talented musician who is originally from Columbus , OH! He has played in many original bands including:
Poor Boy, Rock House, XFACTOR, The Elect, Nobody But Jesus, and has played at the Grand ol Opry!
Kevin has been teaching at Music Matters for 14 years and has contributed his talents, not only in teaching his private students, but also in the Music Matter summer camps with teens and kids from ages 5 to 16, as well as song composition and recording camps.
Kevin has 4 boys and 2 girls in his family and feels really blessed to be teaching at Music Matters in New Port Richey, Florida! We can say the same - we are indeed blessed to have him as a teacher!
Telly Courialis, Ph.D., M.P.A - Guitar
Dr. T is a professional instructor and has been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. His goal is to help students discover their hidden musical talent and inspire them to become accomplished guitarists. Through a blend of practical application and theory, Dr. T strives to nurture each student’s musical journey and provide a deeper appreciation for the art form.
Dr. T brings a wealth of expertise to teaching, holding a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University. His extensive experience and background in childhood and adult learning equips him with a deep understanding of diverse educational needs and practices. This unique blend of qualifications allows him to expertly assess and address each student's individual learning needs and abilities.
Students benefit from customized lesson plans meticulously designed to align with their personal styles and aspirations. Dr. T’s guiding principle is simple: "Must Have Fun." This philosophy infuses every lesson with energy and enthusiasm, ensuring that learning is both engaging and enjoyable.
Additionally, Dr. T integrates practical application and learning with music theory, fostering an environment where students are inspired to explore their creativity and expand their musical boundaries. By blending foundational knowledge with hands-on experience, he transforms the process of learning into a thrilling and fulfilling journey, where education and passion go hand in hand.
Dr. T has been actively engaged in a multifaceted musical career that includes a rich history of performance and education. His experience as a lead guitarist for a Christian rock band has allowed him to hone his craft in dynamic and expressive settings. Additionally, he has composed original music for both guitar and piano, culminating in the creation of a captivating music CD titled World of Music.
Dave Thomas - Woodwind/Brass
Dave Thomas received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and his Master of Music degree from Nova Southeastern University. He played trombone in the Philadelphia area for about 35 years and taught middle school band in Central New Jersey for 25 years before retiring to Florida. Since moving to the Tampa area, Dave has played with various musical groups and continues to teach in Pasco County. We are proud to have him here at Music Matters - and proud of the amazing accomplishments his students have achieved!
Meet Our Teachers
David D. - Guitar
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Bio Coming Soon
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Lillian is a pianist and music teacher with over 20 years of experience! She began piano studies at the age of seven, and with her discipline, perseverance and love for piano, she excelled and performed in several competitions. This influenced her desire to become a professional pianist.
Lillian completed her bachelor’s degree in music and a bachelor’s in psychology at the Superior Institute of Arts of Havana. She also attended graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi, obtaining a degree of Master of Music in Piano Performance. She has worked as a teacher and collaborative pianist at the Superior Institute of Arts in Havana, Music Conservatory at Polytechnic University of Managua, and the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
She has developed her career as a teacher, solo pianist and accompanist, performing in more than 150+ recitals in styles ranging from classic music to contemporary and Latin American music. While teaching, Lillian helps promote the student’s personal interests in a patient, needs-based approach, making learning music motivating and fun. She welcomes students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
Mitch Mitchell - Drums
Lillian Aguilera - Piano and Voice
Mitch Mitchell - Drums
Born in Oceanside, Long Island, NY, John "Mitch" Mitchell discovered his passion for drumming at the age of 6, inspired by his father and starting out on a humble Daffy Duck drum set, he pursued music throughout his school years. He participated in the Lindenhurst Symphonic & Marching bands and various local ensembles.
At age 22, John joined the Lindenaires Drum & Bugle Corps where he honed his rudimental drumming skills until the age of eighteen. Following high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy & played in the Navy band during boot camp. Afterward, he performed with classic rock bands, marching bands, and concert groups across Long Island while working at Grumman Aircraft for 20 years, building the iconic F-14 Tomcat.
In 2002, John reconnected with the music scene teaching drums and leading the drumline at Millennium Academy. Over the past 7 years, John has dedicated himself to inspiring the next generation of musicians.
In addition, John has made it his mission to restore old drum kits & donate them to children eager to learn music. This ensures young musicians have the tools they need to explore their talent. His generosity has impacted students of all ages, fostering a love for music & the arts in his community!
What a wonderful, and generous act of kindness, John, and thank you for your service!
Jim Donaldson - Guitar
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Mitch Mitchell - Drums
Jim Donaldson has been a part of the Florida music scene for over 20 years. Originally from Michigan, he studied jazz at the University of South Florida, where he was influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Page, and Joe Pass. He moved to New York City in the 90’s and was a part of the jazz scene there before returning to the Tampa Bay area. Jim plays for different groups in the Tampa music scene. He’s been touring with Colleen Orender for two years all over the state of Florida, and teaches guitar when he’s not on the road, in New Port Richey where he currently resides.
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Bio Coming Soon
Alsie M. - Piano and Voice
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Shirley H. - Piano and Voice
Bio Coming Soon
Joseph C. -
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Bio Coming Soon
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Bio Coming Soon
Sean Muniz - Drums
Linda Ginn - Piano & Voice
Sean Muniz - Drums
Bio Coming Soon
Kevin A. - Drums
Sandra C. - Strings
Sean Muniz - Drums
Bio Coming Soon
Sandra C. - Strings
Sandra C. - Strings
Sandra C. - Strings
Sandra teaches violin and beginner cello.
Robbie B. - Guitar
Sandra C. - Strings
Sandra C. - Strings
Bio Coming Soon
Monica DuQuette - Woodwind/Brass
Monica DuQuette - Woodwind/Brass
Monica DuQuette - Woodwind/Brass
Monica DuQuette is our Woodwind specialist with over 40 years experience both as a public and private music teacher in NY and FL. She has played in many musicals and was a clarinetist in the J. R. Farley ASW Band and is currently a member of the Richey Community Orchestra, performing mostly on bass clarinet and tenor saxophone. After teaching K-5 music in Trinity and Odessa for over 20 years, she opened Pasco County’s first preschool, the Locke Early Learning Academy, introducing the basics of music making to our youngest musicians.
Ms. DuQuette has two adult children who are also music teachers in the Tampa Bay Area, a percussionist and a woodwind specialist. She recently got married to our Brass Specialist, Mr. Thomas, where they not only enjoy playing and teaching music, but travel as much as they can.
Raymond N. - Drums
Monica DuQuette - Woodwind/Brass
Monica DuQuette - Woodwind/Brass
Bio Coming Soon