WELCOME
Serrano’s Academy is a bi-lingual music school providing one-on-one and group lessons to students of all ages. Our weekly lessons are staffed by a diverse roster of certified teachers offering instrumental and vocal music lessons in a variety of genres. We aim to teach to all who want to learn.
The student is a product of the spirit and guidance of their teachers.
We never discourage a student, our faculty is well equipped with ideas and alternative approaches to suit the needs of the individual student while also implementing a firm foundation in theory and technique.
El Maestro
Jose Luis Serrano
owner/founder
Instructor of: Puerto Rican Cuatro • Guitar
Electric Bass • Acoustic Bass • Brass • Woodwinds
Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
faculty
Joannie Serrano / Manager
Joannie is “El Maestro’s” daughter and taught piano for two years when the academy opened in 2000. She played classical piano for 12 years. These days she runs the front desk and loves her job. Seeing the student’s growth in their instrument is very gratifying and knowing we played a role in that is a privilege.
Jose Luis Serrano
Puerto Rican Cuatro / Guitar / Electric Bass
Acoustic Bass / Brass / Woodwinds / Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
Jose Luis Serrano
Puerto Rican Cuatro / Guitar / Electric Bass
Acoustic Bass / Brass / Woodwinds / Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
Jose Luis Serrano
Puerto Rican Cuatro / Guitar / Electric Bass
Acoustic Bass / Brass / Woodwinds / Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
Jose Luis Serrano
Puerto Rican Cuatro / Guitar / Electric Bass
Acoustic Bass / Brass / Woodwinds / Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
Jose Luis Serrano
Puerto Rican Cuatro / Guitar / Electric Bass
Acoustic Bass / Brass / Woodwinds / Ensembles
Jose Luis Serrano is a lifelong musician who has shared his musical experiences with students for more than 30 years as a teacher. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Serrano was first introduced to musical instruments as an 8-year-old, when his uncle placed a guitar in his hands. From that day forward a love for music continued to grow.
A master of more than a dozen instruments, Serrano has demonstrated skill in various types of music and has spent time, not only as a music teacher, but also as an orchestra director and marching band director. He has played instruments such as the guitar, French horn and Baritone horn, among many other instruments. He continues to be an active performer today.
Serrano attended Jersey City State College as a French horn major and began teaching in the Newark Public School immediately after graduation. Through the years he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has also taught on a private basis, having started his own private tutoring while only a teenager. His students have benefited from his keen knowledge of numerous teaching groups, beginning Brass and Woodwinds, Latin Jazz Band, String Ensemble and others. Serrano most recetly received an M.M. in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Also a writer of music, Serrano has served as the Spanish Choir Director for Our Lady of Good Council and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The owner of a master in Administration and Supervision. Serrano is the owner of Serrano’s Academy of Performing Arts, which has offered students more than 18 years of instrumental and vocal instruction. He is now beginning to publish instrumental method books, the first focusing on the Puerto Rican Cuatro.
Jon Di Fiore
Drumset / Hand Percussion / Mallet Percussion / Piano
Composition / Theory / Ensembles
Jon Di Fiore is a drummer/composer performing throughout New York City. Major projects include three albums of his own compositions: Two Sided Truth (2017) & Yellow Petals (2014) featuring the Jon Di Fiore Trio, and Patience (2012) for mixed ensemble featuring saxophonist Rich Perry and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli.
His music is a fresh yet insightful take on the jazz tradition, influenced by jazz, classical, and world music. Di Fiore’s unique style intertwines his range of influences with the sensitivity and expression of a truly refined collaborator. In addition to his own groups, Jon Di Fiore performs and records with some of the most sought-after musicians in NYC, including Steve LaSpina, Joel Frahm, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, Randy Brecker, Matthew Fries, Steve Davis, Scott Robinson, Paul Meyers and Jim Ridl.
He received his B.M. from New Jersey City University and his M.M. from William Paterson University. Jon has been a teacher at Serrano’s Academy since 2008.
Jenna Ravenda
Voice / Piano / Theory
Jenna Ravenda is a graduate of New Jersey City University with a degree in Music Education and a concentration in classical and musical theatre voice. She is a private voice and piano instructor in North Jersey and an active performer in NY/NJ. Some favorite credits include Urinetown (Little Sally), Spelling Bee (Olive/Logainne), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Les Misérables (Cosette), The Secret Garden (Lily), and Little Women (Jo March).
She is currently performing with NYSOM, The Music of Billy Joel (nysomband.com) and has spent countless hours in the recording studio doing original music but also in collaboration with GKM, Sony Records, and The Metropolitan Opera. Jenna has appeared in the USA World Showcase at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV where she took first place in “Best Original Song.” Additionally she has performed with the Encore Orchestra of New Jersey and at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and NJPAC where she had the pleasure of opening for Kool and The Gang.
Timofei Rosales
Strings / Piano / Theory
Timofei Rosales is of Ecuadorian and Russian decent who studied music from a young age. Timo is fluent in 3 languages: Spanish, Russian, and English. He studied Music Performance at Crane conservatory At Suny Potsdam. Teaching has always been an inside passion that has developing from a young age due to his Mother Olga Chernyshova. Mrs. Chernyshova is a violinist and piano specialist and has being mentoring Timofei in piano and violin pedagogy. Timo Started teaching at Serranos Academy in 2015 and has enjoyed working with students of all levels. He is also the Music band director at Mott Hall Middle school in NYC and has eight years of teaching and playing experience. He is always looking to learn more because music is a never ending journey.
Abel Henriques
Guitar / Theory
Abel Henriques began teaching at Serrano’s Academy Performing Arts School since September 2016. He has been playing guitar since 2007. In high school, He studied guitar at Art High School in Newark, New Jersey. While at Arts High School, Abel was introduced to classical music and started working on classical pieces. He is now majoring in music performance at New Jersey City University and he is studying under Dr. Joao Luiz. Abel has been a recipient of the New Jersey City University’s MDT Scholarship during the 2015-16, and 2016-17 school season.
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ready to step up and
become a musician?
REGISTER
ready to step up and
become a musician?
REGISTER
ready to step up and
become a musician?
