Millie Thompson

Piano 

Education:

• Bachelor of Music Degree from Manhattanville College
• Piano Pedagogy Certificate from Westminister Choir College

Millie founded the Somerville School of Music back in 1980 and has been teaching young and old for more then 40 years.  Even with this great history and experience, Millie continues to study piano with Ena Bronstein Barton at Westminster Conservatory and voice with Gary Gavula.

Millie has educated many young musicians through Kindermusic and Musikgarten programs specializing in early childhood music from birth through 4 years old.

Millie currently has piano students from 5 to 92 and enjoys teaching all levels. She sings with Immaculate Conception choir in Somerville, and Tim Keyes Consort based in Skillman. She also is a substitute pianist at Immaculate Conception Church and sings in their choir.

Les Sara

Guitar

Les Sara studied at Somerville School of Music with John Harrity for years playing in High School Jazz band, pit band, choir, and various rock banks.  He won the Somerville High School Louis Armstrong Award in 1988.  He attended Raritan Valley Community College and Rutgers, played on PH101’s indie release “Hostage Heart” CD, and worked at Gorny’s Music Shop for 8 years. Les has an Associate of Arts music degree from RVCC and attended Mason Gross School at Rutoers. He’s played guitar and bass for many working cover bands and jazz sets. Currently he plays with local and popular band “Squad 5” in central Jersey.

Jim Manella

Guitar

Education:

Associate of Arts in Music

He writes and records original music.  He has 15 years teaching experience at SSM and 23 years playing guitar overall.  Jim is married and the proud father of a beautiful little girl.