Learning Allegro

Music School

David Deratizian

Bass, Cello, and Brass

David Deratzian graduated from SUNY Potsdam and began music studies on guitar at age six. He later studied piano, organ, bass, and other stringed instruments, including cello. David has studied with jazz and classical bassists Paul Kleinfelter and Lauren Pierce and works primarily in musical theatre as a stage and musical director. He performs in pit orchestras playing bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, tuba, and keyboard and was Principal Bass for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra until 2023. David encourages students of all ages to enjoy music while developing technique, understanding theory, and preparing for advanced study when desired.

Joseph O'Brien

​Clarinet, Cello, Piano, Alto & Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Trumpet, Guitar, and Voice Pedogogy​

Joseph O’Brien is a multi-instrumentalist with 25 years of experience on clarinet. He studied with Naomi Drucker at Hofstra University and privately with Sanford Kravette, and studied piano with Dr. Ori Steinberg and Marty Mellinger. Joseph is finishing his bachelor’s degree in music education at Immaculata University alongside a performance certificate in clarinet. He is a member of the Immaculata Symphony, concertmaster of the West Chester Band, and has performed with the Ringgold Band in Reading. Joseph teaches with a focus on technique, musicality, and performance skills, adapting to students’ individual needs.

Sam Faust

​Piano Teacher

​Sam Faust earned a Master’s in Performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. They have taught keyboard instruments, including piano and organ, and coached vocalists for over 15 years. Sam’s students have won awards at local and state-level music festivals. They are passionate about helping students find inspiration and role models for a lifetime of music love and learning. Sam emphasizes developing both technical ability and musical expression while encouraging curiosity and confidence.

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Krista Antenucci

Trumpet, Recorder, and Piano Teacher

​​Krista Antenucci is a brass player, pianist, and composer based in Media, PA. She studied music at Eastern University and West Chester University and holds a master’s degree in music composition. Krista performs in various Philadelphia-area groups, ranging from experimental music to classical and jazz. She teaches students about music from different cultures, places, and times and encourages creative approaches to playing. In her free time, Krista explores historical performance and plays renaissance wind instruments.

Chuck Ramsey

Piano and Guitar

​​Chuck Ramsey is a singer-songwriter based in the Philadelphia area who has released three full-length albums, a five-song EP, and seven singles since 2005. His songs have been featured on film, television, and radio in the US and UK. As a co-writer, he has collaborated with Wayne Wilkins, Paulie Z, and Czech singer David Deyl, and his song “Here We Are” was featured in the 2018 film The Last Movie Star. While living in New York City from 2011–2020, Chuck averaged over 300 shows per year and continued performing in Nashville and Philadelphia after moving. He has also worked as a pianist and guitarist with NYU professor Richard Armstrong, assisting top actors in musical role preparations, and taught a course on songs and musicianship at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Stephen Tolnay

​Drums and Piano Teacher

Stephen Tolnay has been performing professionally in the Philadelphia area for 20 years. He graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Music, concentrating in jazz drum set. Stephen has been featured on recordings, toured with various groups throughout the U.S., and performs styles including pop, jazz, rock, and musical theatre. He teaches individual and group lessons to students of all ages and abilities. Stephen emphasizes both technique and musical expression while sharing his love of performance.

Katie Calderon

Flute, Voice, and Piano Teacher

​​Katie Calderon received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Wells School of Music at West Chester University in 2017. She has over ten years of experience teaching private flute, piano, and vocal lessons, and has served as a high school choral and musical director for four years. Katie has performed as an instrumentalist and vocalist in community choirs, musical theater, and church ensembles. She is passionate about teaching and sharing her love of music. Katie tailors her instruction to each student’s unique needs and goals, helping them reach their full potential as musicians.

Anna​ Tsemekhman

Violin Teacher

​​Anna Tsemekhman is a violinist and pianist from Bucks County, PA. She has played the violin for 12 years and is currently a junior earning her undergraduate music education degree at West Chester University under the direction of Professor Carlos Rubio. On campus, she has been involved in numerous ensembles such as the Sapphire String Quartet, Wells School of Music Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, she participated in the Wells School of Music sophomore music competition as well as attended QuartetFest at Wilfred Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. Anna is thrilled to be teaching at Learning Allegro and help students find their passion for music!

Wendy Provencher

​Owner, Violin, Viola, and Piano Teacher

​​Wendy Provencher has been teaching and performing professionally on violin and viola for the past 25 years. She currently owns Learning Allegro Music School, leading a team of music educators who guide students on all instruments, and also owns Allegro Event Music, providing all types of music for weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Wendy performs with local theater companies, the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra, and string quartets throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Although classically trained, she loves performing Classical, Pops, Broadway, Holiday, and many other genres. Wendy enjoys sharing her joy of music with both her students and audiences alike.

Meet Our Expert Music Teachers in Chester County

Tom Beiderman

​Drums, Guitar, Piano, and Ukulele Teacher

​​Tom Beideman studied music at Immaculata University under renowned teachers and explored classical, jazz, rock, folk, and blues. He has performed extensively in the Philadelphia area. Tom teaches beginner to advanced guitar, piano, and drums, as well as music theory, performance skills, and interpersonal skills to students of all ages. He also leads Learning Allegro’s rock band program. Tom emphasizes technique, creativity, and ensemble skills to help students grow as well-rounded musicians.

Olivia Flickinger

​Violin, Viola, and Piano Teacher

​​Olivia Flickinger has been playing violin since age four and regularly teaches and performs on both violin and viola. She is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance at West Chester University. Olivia serves as concertmaster for the WCU Symphony, Chamber, and Opera Orchestras, and is the founding first violinist of the Rosedale String Quartet, while also performing professionally throughout Lancaster, Greater Philadelphia, and nationally. She primarily uses classical instruction, combining the Suzuki method, Mark O’Conner and Barbara Barber books, and other supplemental materials. Olivia also enjoys teaching pop, Broadway, holiday, fiddle, jazz, and other genres while emphasizing strong technique and cultivating a love for string playing.

Julia Petters

​Voice and Piano Teacher

Julia Petters has 30 years of experience teaching woodwinds, voice, and piano at studios and schools throughout the Tri-state area. She has taught all ages and levels, with students achieving honors in choirs, bands, and musicals, and securing lead roles in performances. Julia has performed professionally in choirs, musicals, orchestras, big bands, jazz combos, and recording projects, including the Grammy-nominated children’s musical It’s Not Mean to Be Green. She studied music education and flute performance at West Chester University and continues professional growth through jazz studies, masterclasses, and workshops. Julia helps students reach their full potential while balancing performance opportunities with technical development.

Molly Mendenhall

Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele Teacher

​​Molly Mendenhall graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Music Therapy. She studied piano and harp, and also played violin, clarinet, and accordion, participating in marching band and choir throughout school and college. Music has been a major part of her life from an early age. Molly loves sharing her passion for music with students of all ages. Her studies in music therapy inform her teaching, helping students develop technical skills while enjoying music’s cognitive and emotional benefits.

The right teacher can make all the difference. At Learning Allegro, we believe music lessons should be engaging and tailored to each individual student. Our teachers take the time to get to know their students, helping them build confidence while developing strong musical skills.

With a variety of backgrounds and specialties, we're able to match students with a teacher who truly fits their goals and learning style. Whether you’re just starting out or continuing your musical journey, our team is here to support you every step of the way.