Music Instructors - First Academy of Music

Our Music Instructors

First Academy of Music of First Presbyterian Church provides high-quality musical instruction in a Christian environment for students of all ages and levels of skill. Vocal and instrumental lessons are available with the finest teachers who hold degrees and are experienced in their area of instruction. Instructors include professional educators, church musicians, symphony players, and active performers. Our desire is to nurture your musical interest and ability so that you will enjoy the benefits of music making for the rest of your life.

Thom DeLessioDirector | piano and organ instructor

Meet Our Program Director

Thom is the organist, pianist, and Associate Director of Sacred Arts for First Presbyterian Church and Director of First Academy of Music. The collaborative pianist with the Naples Philharmonic Chorale continues to maintain his New Jersey–based piano studio virtually. As a long-time piano instructor, he strives for a comfortable studio in which his students are free to be expressive, laugh, enjoy music, and grow in their technique and repertoire.

Thom earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education and Organ from Westminster Choir College and a graduate degree in Theology and Ministry from La Salle University. For over 20 years, he served as Director of Music for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in New Jersey. He directed various choirs and ensembles including a K-12 choral program there. Thom also performed as a pianist with chorus groups and conducted choir tours in Europe and the U.S. Watch some of Thom’s work by visiting his YouTube channel.

Meet Our Support Staff

Dave welcomes students to their lessons each week, answer calls and emails, and provide valuable assistance to the Director and Instructors.

Meet Our Professional Educators

Renata Rozmusviolin and piano

Renata was Strings Coach for the Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts and the Palm Coast Youth Symphony. She is also an active orchestral and freelance performer. Renata earned an MM from the Conservatory of Music in Katowice, Poland.

Beth Clarke piano | online lessons

Beth is a National Music Teachers Association member with 35 years of experience in private organ and piano instruction. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Stephens College and a BME in Piano from Indiana University. Before teaching, she played professionally throughout the Midwest and Florida.

Diego Dávila piano

Diego, originally from Peru, is an accomplished performer and accompanist. He is a church Director of Music and a Teaching Artist with United Arts Council of Collier County. He holds a music degree from Universidad Nacional de Música de Lima and a BA in piano performance from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Nanette Grantviolin, viola, cello and string bass

Nanette has built school orchestras in elementary, middle, high school, and college programs throughout the Lee and Collier County School Districts. In addition, she has taught private lessons with students ages 4 to 70. She currently teaches the String Methods and Materials class at FGCU and four-year-olds in the Music Scores! Program. Nanette holds a BS in Music Education from Ball State University and an MS from the University of Illinois.

Leah Hassell piano and guitar

Leah is a former Lee County School District instructor in piano, guitar, orchestra, and chorus. She is also a professional accompanist and church worship leader with a BA in music education from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Anthony Herrera guitar, bass, and violin | online lessons

Anthony is an elementary school teacher, and an active concert performer and wedding musician. He holds a BM from the University of New Mexico, majoring in classical and jazz studies, theory, and composition.

Juan Manuel Alfaro saxophone

Juan Manuel Alfaro received his musical training in saxophone, theory, harmony, and improvisation in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has been an active performer for 25 years and is an accomplished jazz soloist.

Kathleen Osborn-Gerdes voice

Kathleen is a music educator, church musician, choral director, and vocal coach. She holds BA in music education, voice, and organ from the University of Northern Iowa, and a MA in voice and choral performance from the University of Iowa. Kathleen earned a doctorate from Penn State University.

Cathy Pflieger strings and piano

Cathy is an active orchestra and chamber music performer. In addition, she has taught orchestra and chorus in the Collier County Public School System. Cathy holds a BM in education from SUNY.

Sheila Phillipspiano and jazz piano

Sheila has 30 years of experience teaching traditional piano and jazz improvisation; she was a professional pianist/vocalist in the Chicago area. Sheila holds a BME from Elmhurst College and can sometimes be seen at First Church as an accompanist on piano or organ.

Barbara Wischmeier piano and organ

Barbara is a church musician and formerly served as the Associate Director of Sacred Arts at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, FL. She is the former Chair of the Fine Arts Department at St. James School in St. James, MD. Barbara earned a BA in piano from Judson University and a MM in organ from Northern Illinois University.

Don Goller bagpipes

Don has over 25 years of experience teaching bagpipe. He is a Grade 1 gold medalist in the Eastern U.S. Pipe Band Association and performs as the Pipe Major with the Harp and Thistle Pipe Band of SW Florida.