Your inspiration starts here with music lessons near me

Jim Berretta, owner and CEO of Berretta Drum Instruction and Berretta Music Academy, has been instructing since 1998. A graduate of University of Tampa and with honors from Musicians Institute. He has studied with David Coash (Florida Orchestra Percussionist), Joe Porcaro (Los Angeles Studio Legend), Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa), Ray Luzier (David Lee Roth/KORN), Richie Garcia (Phil Collins) and Phil Maturano (Barry Manilow) to name a few.

Jim has instructed over 650 students through his private instruction and his annual BMA Band Camp.  On the performance side, he has been the house drummer at Wiley House Concerts in Clearwater, playing sold out shows with artists such as Jeff Coffey(Chicago),Matt Ferranti(Jelly Roll, Brett Young),Mikel Paris(O.A.R), Keaton Simons(Brett Young),Brian Fechino(The Pat McGee Band),Matt Brown, TROY, Steve Everett, Brian Sutherland, Brett Wiscons, Sean Cunningham and JD Eicher...He has also had the honor of sharing the stage with rockstar Tommy Tutone, who is known for his hit Jenny Jenny/867-5309. Jim had made a name for himself for over a decade as the "go to fill-in drummer" with many of the top Tampa Bay area bands including Sweet Spot, Men From Mars, Category Three, Big Brother, Double Vision, Green Light Go, A New Divide, The Red Sunday, The Danny Brantley Band, Acoustic Thunder, Swipe Right, The Railway Kings, Mixed Signal and Slim Tippinz

 Jodi Karem has been teaching and performing professionally for over 20 years.  She teaches all styles and age groups, and has experience coaching bands, working in after school musical theater programs and church groups. She prepares students for auditions in performing arts high school, college and stage.  Ms. Karem can teach ear training, composition or help song writers in creating melodies that are truly vocal and sing quite easily.   Because Ms. Karem is an opera singer, she uses her flawless technique to help her students attain the biggest, best and most beautiful sounds they possibly can.  Ms. Karem has been a private and group instructor in New York, Indiana, Kentucky, California, Ohio, Virginia and now in Florida.  

As a professional opera singer, Ms. Karem has performed roles such as Miss Havisham (Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night), Mme. Lidoine (Dialogues des Carmélites),  Hélène (Hélène), Leonore (Fideleo), Lady Macbeth, Alice Ford, Mme. Patacha (Pierrette et Jacquot), Venus (Tannhäuser), Herminie (by Berlioz) and Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana).  She has sung with with St. Petersburg Opera, Center for Contemporary Opera, Union Ave Opera, Opera Grand Avignon (France), Long Leaf Opera, Skylight Opera, Florentine Opera, Cape Cod Opera, Skylight Opera and Armel Opera Festival in Hungary.  . 

Ms. Karem premiered the role of Lady Mabel with the Center for Contemporary Opera's production of The Secret Agent in New York City, the European debut with the Armel Festival in Hungary as well as in Avignon, France at Opera Grand Avignon. The release of The Secret Agent CD features Ms. Karem as part of the debut cast. Miss Karem has premiered numerous new operas: The Secret Agent,Kafka’s Women, Venus and Adonis, and Ada. 

Recent concert performances include guest solo artist with the Athena Music Foundation in Dubai, UAE, with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, performing scenes from Tosca and Tannhaüser, and with New York Dramatic Voices in excerpts from La Gioconda and La Fanciulla del West. Other performances include  performances at Carnegie Hall as a Soloist in Mozart's Vesperae solennes de confessore, as well as a soloist in Mozart's Requiem, soloist in the Dayton Philharmonic's Messiah, as guest artists with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, as a soloist with the Louisville Orchestra, a concert and master class at Wabash College, as a soloist with the Palm Beach Theatre Guild, Waukegan Public Library Concert Series, Northwest Community Church Concert Series, and Carmen preview concerts with Florentine Opera in Milwaukee. Ms. Karem has been a prize winner and scholarship recipient with Opera Columbus Competition, National Opera Association, Marguerite McCammon Vocal Competition, Lyra New York International Vocal Competition, Aspen Music Festival, Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute and Opera Theatre of Lucca. Young artist programs include Natchez Opera Festival, Cincinnati Opera Outreach Ensemble, Utah Opera, and Aspen Opera Theatre. Ms. Karem also performs in recital throughout the United States, and had the opportunity to perform as a solo artist for the Metropolitan Opera Guild's "Spinning Strauss" Master Class Series with Jane Marsh as well as for the Lincoln Center Patrons

Eric is a multi-instrumentalist from Spokane, Washington. He is proficient playing and teaching piano, drum set, vibraphone and trumpet.

Eric's musical journey began on trumpet and guitar in 5th grade, both of which he received private instruction. He continued these throughout high school, where he then began percussion and piano. It was both through these instruments and his inspirational teachers that Eric realized he wanted to study music seriously. He then attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Percussion Performance under Dr. Miho Takekawa.  He flourished as an orchestral percussionist, winning the Student Soloist competition as a sophomore and the PASIC Ludwig Industries Scholarship as a junior, which granted him a free ticket and flight to the convention. During this time he also began private jazz study with renowned pianist and composer Dr Cassio Vianna, where he honed in on jazz harmony and literature. 

Since moving to St Petersburg in summer 2021, Eric has found many avenues to continue his passion for music performance. He is currently the vibraphonist/keyboardist for The Barker Project, led by bassist Johnnie Barker. He is also a performer in the Clearwater Jazz Holiday association, along with having performed on vibraphone as part of the Lake Wales Jazz Connection with local jazz artists Paul Gavin, Bryan Hughes, LaRue Nickelson, and Alejandro Arenas. Lastly, Eric records and posts regularly on YouTube and Instagram, where he not only plays vibraphone but keyboards, bass, and drums, often creating his own backing tracks. (Find the links here! - https://linktr.ee/eric.zabala.music). You can occasionally even find Eric in downtown St Petersburg busking! 

Beyond performance, Eric is fortunate to have an extensive background in music education. The 2019-20 Pacific Lutheran University Percussion Studio assistant, Eric was also the acting beginning band teacher at Visitation STEM Academy and a substitute Percussion Teaching Artist for the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia the same year. Eric’s favorite genres to play and teach are jazz, RnB, and funk, though he is also experienced in classical, pop/hip-hop, rock, metal, blues, funk, and even bossa nova (among others)!  

Eric is thrilled to join the Berretta Music Academy team and share his knowledge of music with students of all ages !...

music lessons near me; piano lessons near me; drum lessons near me

Phil Magallanes is an acclaimed guitarist, educator, guitar tech, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist with over fifty years of experience. As an alum of the University of North Texas, where he earned a full scholarship, Phil has had an impressive career. He’s worked with renowned artists like Al Di Meola, Arturo Sandoval, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Debbie Gibson, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Spyro Gyra. 

But his talents don’t stop there—Phil also founded the acclaimed Show Biz Kids, a 12-piece Steely Dan Tribute band, showcasing his meticulous attention to musical detail. As a teacher, he has shared his expertise at respected institutions like Musicology, the Players School of Music, and Berretta Music Academy. Wherever he teaches, Phil’s approachable and engaging style has inspired countless students.

Phil’s teaching philosophy is all about making music accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He has a knack for breaking down complex musical concepts into simple, understandable terms, helping his students grasp and apply these ideas with confidence. His warmth and sense of humor create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel motivated and encouraged. Testimonials from his students speak volumes: “Phil didn’t just teach me how to play; he taught me how to think about music,” says a professional guitarist. Another student, who started as a complete beginner, now performs regularly with a local band: “Phil made everything seem so simple. His patience and humor made learning a joy.” Whether you’re a beginner eager to start your musical journey or an experienced musician looking to refine your skills, Phil’s personalized approach caters to all levels. 

Ready to take your musical skills to the next level? Study with Phil and experience the joy of music with a teacher who truly cares about your growth and success. Whether you’re aiming to become a professional musician or simply want to enjoy playing, Phil is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Sydney's journey as a musician began at the age of eight, when she first started playing the piano. From there she picked up both the bass guitar and her true passion, the guitar. Ever since her early years, Sydney has been an active member of various bands and ensembles. She has been part of orchestra pits, jazz bands, and various instrumental bands. Sydney has an Associates in Science Degree in Music Industry Recording Arts at St. Petersburg College. 

Throughout her musical education, she has honed her unique style, drawing inspiration from the timeless sounds of old blues and rock 'n' roll while seamlessly infusing elements of jazz and R'n'B into her music. She is a true embodiment of passion and dedication. Her love for exploring different musical genres is evident as she passes that knowledge to all of her students. 

A Chicago native, Tim has been performing music since he was 7 years old, starting out with singing in ensembles & choirs. He took piano lessons starting around age 9, but found his calling when he started learning guitar and bass at age 16. Since then, his passion for performing grew exponentially. He played guitar in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar as well as keeping busy with various bands. Since relocating to Florida, Tim has played with literally dozens of the Tampa Bay area's most popular bands, not only as a guitarist but becoming a "first call" bassist for many. In fact, there's a running joke among them that "Tim knows every song." He opened for big-name acts Johnny Winter (in 2006) and Night Ranger (in 2022).

His bass playing has been featured on original albums by local artists such as Danny Brantley ("Born on New Year's Eve," 2015, https://open.spotify.com/album/5pDqv8zDOdu0lal0vzOvRt ) and Ted Lukas ("King of Reverse," 2017, https://open.spotify.com/album/0XwyxWsaGfmrPLE0i4C78i ). 

He is currently a member of The Bearded Brothers Band, which also plays Zac Brown tribute shows under the name "Homegrown: The Zac Brown Band Experience."   

Born and raised in New York City, Eric began playing for dances, restaurants and other publicly social events at age 13. Through his teens in the tri-state area, he performed with some of the areas popular Top 40 dance bands. Most of these bands being comprised of some of todays recognized artists and producers. While attending college, ‘Ric’, as he is known by friends, became involved in New York’s Latin music scene which led to performances throughout the US and abroad. He later graduated from the City University of New York's Local 802 program with degrees in music. His diverse performance background and formal music training have enabled him to perform with acts ranging from Rock, Soul, and R&B, to Latin, Jazz, and Pop..

Over the years other associations, affliations, stints and media credits include those with Eric Darius, BK Jackson, John Purcell, David Sanborn, Jazmin Ghent, Jose Valentino, Marlon Boone, TheCadillacs, The Del Vikings, The U.S. Stones (a nationally marketed Rolling Stones Tribute Show), Stardust Memories (a nationally

marketed David Bowie Tribute Show) Millie Puente, Alex Bueno, A&CLa Banda, Fausto Rey and Jose Alberto to name a few. Since moving to Florida Ric has served the Tampa Bay community as technician, performer, teacher, saxophone consultant and lifelong music and art advocate..... music lessons near me; saxophone lessons near me

Vocalist Emma Converse has been singing at a high level since her teenage years.  Besides studying privately with Melissa Mulligan at MMVS Studios for vocals, she is also trained for vocal coaching. Emma has won an Emmy for melody writing for a WPIX 11 News promo in New York. She has been featured on Grammy Award winning new age producer Paul Avgerinos’s albums Devotion and Spiritual Warrior. Live performance wise she has sang at Lincoln Center in NYC in honor of Fred Hellerman’s memorial concert and has opened for members of Steely Dan. Her passion is singing jazz, soul and r&b and passing her knowledge to her students... singing lessons near me; music lessons near me; voice lessons near me

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ben is a multi-instrumentalist covering everything from guitar, keyboards, vocals and bass guitar to drums and even keytar ! Guitar was his first instrument of choice that he picked up at the age of 6 when he used to sneak his sister's acoustic guitar.  He specializes in teaching guitar and piano here at Berretta Music Academy.    How he found his love for teaching was years ago when he would spend a full weekend teaching his nieces and nephews each an in instrument to a song they all loved and agreed on. Needless to say, he's great with kids !  He would then set the stage and have them perform for his family parties at the end of the weekend. Ben's performing and recording credits include:

• 1984-1988: Lead vocals, guitar, keyboards Zen Archer Band

• 1988- present: studio musician and recording artist

• 1989-1995: Various bands in Chicago, Indiana, and surrounding areas.

Vocals, Guitars, keyboards, bass.

• 1995- present: Vocals, bass player, guitarist and keyboards for many bands around Tampa Bay area including the following;

AUDIOSTAR, TANTRUM, STRAYS OF THE WORLD, FIREFLY, 

FLOOD >Tool tribute band, JAGER MAFIA, THIRD STORY BASEMENT, DEAR PRUDENCE, 

ROCKET SCIENCE, DILLENGER, FULL TILT, DANNY BRANTLEY, TONY ST TONE, and worked as a fill in musician as well. 

• 2021 single on Spotify written and recorded in Wacky Zackys’ studio. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3diDaMdcY0rp4oPSwF072D?si=bb46710d477a44f4

• Past professional experience:

Traveled professionally with multiple bands opening up for the following Acts:

Maroon 5, Melissa Etheridge, Will.I.Am, John Legend, Michael Franti, Anita Baker, 38 

special, Kool Mo Dee, Travis Tritt, Brent Carlise, George Lynch, Autograph and more.