Sonia Kiernan

Sonia Kiernan began studying piano at the age of 7. By the age of 10 she had made her television debut with the New Jersey Network’s Youth Talent Showcase. Continuing her musical studies through high school, Sonia went onto receive a Bachelors and Masters in Piano Performance from Florida Atlantic University under the tutelage of Dr. Irena Kofman.

During her studies at FAU, Sonia was the treasurer and president to FAU’s Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC). After graduating with her Masters, Sonia went on to accompany West Palm Beach’s Opera Restoration Project as well as serve as accompanist to the Florida Vocal Association. Upon her return to New Jersey, Sonia was invited to perform at The Company Theater group’s Benefit Concert featuring several Broadway singers and veterans. She remains an active performer and accompanist in the Tri-State area.

In 2017, Sonia, along side Mark Weisman, founded the Piano Workshop at Bergen County. She is currently a member of The National Guild of Piano Teachers and NJ-MEA (Music Educators Association) with students participating in both organizations. She has also served as judge for the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild Student Music Festival for the piano competition and evaluations. Students of Sonia Kiernan have been selected to perform at Teatro Italian Academy at Columbia University, Carnegie Hall, and have been accepted to Tri-M National Music Honor Society.

Christina Butler: Studio Manager

Christina Butler’s love for music began when she was just 9 and had learned how to play the clarinet for the school band. Soon after when she turned 12, she saved up all of her money to purchase her first keyboard for Christmas, and quickly taught herself piano, as well as ukulele and guitar.

Currently, she is studying at Bergen Community College and majoring in Business Studies with a focus in Accounting. 

Christina is happy to be helping out at Piano Workshop and excited to be apart of the musical community. 

I am a pianist, piano teacher, composer, and choir leader. I began learning to play piano at the age of eight; my achievements allowed me to receive honors certificates from professional pianists as well as a bachelor’s degree in classical piano studies when I continued my piano education into higher learning. Because of this, I am highly experienced in teaching classical piano music such as: sonatas, Bach inventions, preludes, and fugues.

As a teacher, I instruct my students by emphasizing certain aspects of teaching such as: performance, technique, posture, reading, and understanding the elements of any song. My method is to make students feel comfortable and excited about learning, giving them an amusing and enriching environment, and ultimately making the students want to return for more lessons. I believe that if students feel like class is fun, they gain
a confident personality and further enjoy learning to play. Having performed in solo concerts as well as concerts in which I was accompanied by violin and cello, I feel that performance can immensely build up a student’s musical expression. This applies to all my students no matter if they are beginners, intermediate, or advanced in their studies. 

I believe that learning and teaching are critical pursuits with which people interact. Research shows music develops any young mind, supports the brain in emotional, academic, spiritual, and physical activities. A music teacher should be motivated to aid every student to learn not only music, but creativity, intellectual skills, and more. Music is important for the development of any kids’ minds.

Juliet is a skilled piano instructor, helping students learn piano for over 10 years both in Manila, Philippines and in New York since arriving in the United States in the 1980s. 

A graduate of University Of The Philippines, Juliet has been performing since age 10. She has competed in a number of competitions and has performed on TV and live. Juliet studied at the Julliard School of Music in New York. She is a disciplined and resourceful instructor, providing a balanced mix of traditional and contemporary learning methods. Juliet adopts the latest techniques and learning methods, teaching individuals and groups in fun, relaxed environment. Juliet is proficient in helping students prepare for recitals, band auditions, solo performances and school events. She is skilled in exposing students to a variety of styles, scales and theory techniques, and encouraging a well-rounded music education.  Her speciality is teaching young kids as early as 5 years old and offering excellent and adaptable communication skills, especially with younger children with a fun and relaxed teaching style. 

From Juliet: “I always remember Victor Hugo's quote on music: ‘Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.’ So, play on!”

Enthused by the sharing of music since childhood, Charles Sims has been studying and performing for more than 10 years. He has played in various jazz bands, pit orchestras, and chamber ensembles. Charles is actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production at Ramapo College of New Jersey. 

During his time at Ramapo, he has had the opportunity to perform alongside the world-renowned Vasari Singers and travel to Europe, singing in the various churches of Athens and Rome while expanding his musical and cultural knowledge.

In connecting with students, Charles introduces and enhances a deep appreciation of music with a solid foundation they will be able to springboard off of in order to attain their personal musical goals. He looks forward to being a part of the Piano Workshop community.

Hailing from New Jersey, hard rock guitarist and award winning film/video game composer John Kiernan grips audiences globally with heart wrenching compositions, unbridled guitar virtuosity and a mastery in an array of genres. His fans describe his work at the sit-down session of guitar virtuosos Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and Andy James with composer Hans Zimmer.

John’s self-released rock instrumental album “Of Oceans” in 2013 showcased his unique blend of memorable melodies with dynamic, vigorous compositions. His work has allowed him to the stage with acts such as Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Gus G (current guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne), Foxy Shazzam!, and other notable acts. John also represented Ernie Ball and Gravity Guitar Picks at his performance at The annual NAMM Show in 2015. John is currently working on his next release, “Horizons”, which will feature internationally acclaimed cellist Tina Guo and will showcase John’s musical artistry with the incorporation of orchestral and digital instrumentation.

As a composer for video games, film and television, he started his own music composition company Sound Kettle Productions. His compositions have won multiple awards at ZedFest 2014 and ShriekFest 2013 & 2014’s “Best Original Score” categories with award winning director Anthony Mezza’s “One Last Kiss” and “Cut To Pieces”. John’s music has been featured in national commercials, such as Pennsylvania’s FOX News’ Mother’s Day 2014 announcement. John as recently completed music for the 2016 feature film “Star Crossed Lovers” and is the official composer for the animated series, “InGame”.

During his time at Florida Atlantic University, he worked closely with acclaimed composer Stuart Glazer, Grammy Award Winning producer Michael Zager, and Latin GRAMMY Nominated producer Alejandro Sanchez-Samper. John has also studied under the tutelage of Italian composer and guitarist Daniele Gottardo (virtuoso Steve Vai’s choice of favorite modern guitar player) and Guitar World/Premiere Guitar Magazine’s columnist and Chimaira guitarist Emil Werstler.

John currently teaches private lessons along with our music technology class. His lessons have been known to cover modern music industry pillars such as performance, stylistic versatility, technology and modern business practices of the music industry. From the age of ten years old, John has followed a musical direction that demands musical expression, technical virtuosity and modern and fun teaching methodologies that he imparts upon his students.

Endorsements include : Ernie Ball, Balaguer Guitars, Jim Dunlop Guitar Products,
BluGuitar Amplification, and Xvive Audio.

Maya Reyes, daughter of Ray Drummond (world renowned jazz bassist and former Juilliard Jazz Faculty), grew up singing in bands, choirs, and dancing ballet all her life. She also plays clarinet, oboe, bass, and piano.

Former Assistant Director to both the New Jerusalem Choir and Orchestra, Maya volunteers regularly with ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), an organization promoting world peace through various events and clean-ups. ASEZ has received UN recognition as well as the Green Apple Award for its “Reduce Crime Together” Campaign.

She has also made various appearances and recordings for the World Mission Society Church of God, performing for an audience over 30,000 in Korea, as well as making her Alice Tully debut with “Working Together for World Peace”.

Maya loves music & the arts and is excited to be part of the Piano Workshop Family!

Randy Fernandez began studying piano at the age of 6. Randy was awarded The Piano High School Diploma in Social Music in 2009, under the tutelage of the late Maria Fragela.

Randy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Studies from William Paterson University. During his time at WPU, Randy took classes to learn how to play Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Percussion, and even voice classes. Randy went through the WPU classical track as a pianist, under the tutelage of Frank Pavese and Soyeon Park. It was at WPU where Randy has performed at many piano, percussion, and voice ensembles. He specializes in teaching beginner, intermediate, and advanced level piano. Randy also has experience in preparing young High School piano students to be ready for an audition to enter a college music program. Randy has been teaching piano and percussion privately since 2017.

“To me, my greatest strengths as a piano teacher are patience, confidence, working on musical dynamics, musical phrasing, and technique. I empathize in making sure that my students are having fun in class with me, as well as learning on how to play piano the right way. I’m very thankful to be a part of The Piano Workshop Team!”

 I received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from California State University in Fullerton, CA.  I came back home to Jersey and got my teaching certificate which led to 30 years of teaching in the public school system.  I love working with children and seeing that excitement that comes from finding success in making music for themselves.  When they can sing a song or play a piece, and their eyes light up, I know I have done my job. 

Music has a power to move, inspire and change children in a way that nothing else can.  I am excited to continue to work with children in the Piano Workshop.  

Susan Heerema, violinist, is a 1992 graduate of The Juilliard School of Music with a BM Degree in violin performance. She studied with Dorothy Delay, Hyo Kang, Richard Simon and Charles Castleman. She is well established and a well-known soloist, Concertmaster, contractor, orchestra and chamber musician, orchestral & choir director, and music teacher.  Ms. Heerema has performed under the baton of Rostropovich, Rampal, and Menuhin in France and continues to perform at, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Merkin Hall, as well as the Weill Recital Hall, Mayo Arts Center and PNC Bank. She has toured Norway, Iceland and Scotland with the Philharmonia Virtuosi; performed at the Spoleto Festival in Italy, and Sarasota Opera Festival, and many Baroque festivals in the US. 

Recently, Ms. Heerema was awarded the concertmaster violin chair of the MidAtlantic Orchestra, conductor, Jason Tramm as well as the Light Opera of NJ. Ms. Heerema has performed operatic repertoire under the direction of Joel Revzen, Anton Coppola, Kathy Kelly, and Alfredo Silipigni. and Brian Garman.  Having held numerous leadership positions as concertmaster since the age of 11, Ms. Heerema sits as concertmaster for Spectrum Symphony of NY, the Society of Musical Arts Orchestra, Long Island Concert Orchestra, Brook Orchestra, and the Light Opera of New Jersey. 

Ms. Heerema performed the Bruch ‘Violin Concerto in G minor’ solo with the Bloomfield Symphony, Haydn’s ‘Sinfonia Concertante’, Dvorak’s “Romance in F” with the Society of Musical Arts, the Monti’s “Czardas” and Massenet’s “Meditation on Thais” with Spectrum Symphony, as well as Mendelssohn's ‘E Minor Concerto’ with SOMA.  Ms. Heerema was the guest soloist for Vivaldi's Winter from ‘Four Seasons’ with Taghkanic Orchestra and Chorus. And this past August, Ms. Heerema performed a seven-concerto concert including: 4 concertos of the Vivaldi ‘Four Seasons’, Bach’s ‘Concerto in A Minor’, Vivaldi’s Duo for Two Violins and Astor Piazzolla's, Primavera Portena with Chamber Players International producer, David Winkler, held at Planting Fields Arboretum, Long Island.

Ms. Heerema has performed and recorded with such pop artists as: Chuck Mangione, Blackstreet MTV Unplugged, Matchbox Twenty on VH1, U2 on the Conan O’Brien Show, Exhibit for the David Letterman Late Night Show, Vanessa Williams, Brian Stokes Mitchell, The Doors 21st Century, Cyndi Lauper, Leeann Womack Live Concert in NY, Mannheim Steamroller, etc.  Ms. Heerema has recorded with Mark Anthony, Bjork, Tony Bennett, Michael Thomas, Mark Antonio Solis, Aretha Franklin and for the Bryant Gumble Show. Her Broadway experience includes ‘The King and I’, ‘Ragtime’, and ‘Phantom of the Opera’, as well as concertmaster for the national tour of ‘Phantom of the Opera’.  Ms. Heerema sat Concertmaster for “Prayers for America”, the memorial services for the victims of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, held at both the Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

For the last 20 years, Ms. Heerema teaches AP Music Theory, and is Director of Music for both the Indian Hills Chamber Choir and Concert Choir and the String Orchestra of Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School in Franklin Lakes and Oakland, NJ. Because of Ms. Heerema’s expertise, she judges the solo auditions and conducts the first violin sectionals for both the North Jersey Region Orchestra and NJ All State Orchestra.  

Ms. Heerema loves performing at weddings and making bride and groom’s musical dreams come true!

As a dedicated piano teacher, I have had the privilege of guiding students of all ages through the diverse world of music. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that music education is as unique as each individual. I am committed to discovering and nurturing the optimal learning approach for every student, ensuring that their musical journey is both enriching and enjoyable.

My professional performance career spans various genres and ensembles, from classical groups to jazz combos and rock shows. This breadth of experience not only enhances my versatility as an educator but also allows me to bring a practical, real-world perspective to my teaching.

Whether you're a budding musician or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, my goal is to provide a supportive environment where you can thrive musically. Let's embark on this harmonious adventure together and unlock your full potential at the keys!

 With over 15 years of experience in both live performance and studio recording, Jeffrey is a seasoned drummer dedicated to sharing his passion for rhythm and music with students of all ages and skill levels. He has performed with various bands across multiple genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and funk, bringing a diverse and well-rounded approach to his teaching. 

 Jeffrey’s teaching philosophy is centered on helping students develop their unique musical voice while mastering the fundamentals of drumming. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player aiming to refine your technique, Jeff tailors each lesson to fit your individual needs and goals. His curriculum includes a focus on essential drumming techniques, reading music, improvisation, and performance skills, ensuring that students not only become proficient drummers but also confident musicians. 

 Jeffrey is known for his patient and encouraging teaching style, making learning both fun and rewarding. In addition to one-on-one lessons, He offers group workshops, online classes, and personalized practice plans to support your musical journey. His commitment to excellence and passion for teaching have helped countless students achieve their drumming dreams. 

Lindsay, a New Jersey native, began her music journey at age 3 with ballet, later studying violin at 7. In middle school, she expanded her interests to singing, acting, and dancing, performing with school orchestras, choirs, and local musicals. By high school, she also started playing guitar and writing music, performing at NJ/NYC venues and Off-Broadway shows. Lindsay’s passion for teaching began at The Matheny School, where she volunteered to teach music and dance.

In college, a major in Vocal Performance has led Lindsay to a career as a vocal coach. With over ten years of teaching experience, Lindsay has helped students gain admission to prestigious music schools, including Berklee College of Music, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and NYU.

Lindsay customizes her teaching approach to each student, believing in tailored curricula to match individual learning styles and ensuring consistent progress at every pace.