The Peterson Studio




Lily Moskwa is from Narragansett, RI and is a recent graduate from SUNY New Paltz with a B.S. in Music with concentrations in Classical Voice Performance and Recording Electronic Music.  At New Paltz, she studied voice with Professor Kent Smith, Director of Vocal Studies, as well as piano with Dr. Alex Peh, Director of Piano Studies. She also played piano in SUNY New Paltz’s Symphonic Band. Prior to that, Lily worked as a church pianist, was invited to perform in NAfME’s National Mixed Honor Choir in 2018, and participated in Rhode Island Music Education Association’s All-State Ensembles for six years. She is excited to begin teaching at the Peterson Studio and looks forward to getting to know the students and growing as musicians together!





Ben Cherry is from New Paltz, NY and is completing his B.S. in Music with concentrations in Classical Piano Performance and Composition.  For many years he studied piano with Valentina Shatalova and at New Paltz he studies with Dr. Alex Peh and Dr. Phyllis Chen.  He currently performs with the SUNY Chamber Music Ensemble as well as accompanying instrumentalists.  Ben is an avid hiker, climber and distance swimmer.  He is a climbing instructor and mentor for various outdoor and after school programs for children ages 5-14.  He spends his free time exploring the various nature preserves scattered throughout the Northeast.  Ben is very excited to be part of The Peterson Studio "team" and looks forward to working with the students.  






Brianna Beal is from Highland, NY and a graduate of the Peterson Studio, after an impressive 11 years of study with Maria Peterson!  Although she holds a B.S. in Public Health, music is, and always has been, her true passion.  During her time in school she played percussion and bass keyboard in the jazz band.  Prior to that she was inducted into the Tri-M Music National Honor Society and received a Music Boosters Scholarship for her hard work, determination and love for music.  Over the years she has participated in both NYSSMA and the National Piano Guild, receiving high honors in both.  She loves working with children and has spent her past summers teaching them all the arts have to offer. She has just completed her first year teaching at the Peterson Studio and looks forward to continuing to guide her students on their musical journey.  







Victor Izzo III began playing piano at the age of 3, studying with a family friend. He studied with Marian Bamgaurtner, Karen Pone,and Carol Losee.  He also participated in the Vladmir Feltsman Piano Institute at SUNY New Paltz during its inaugural year.  He received his Bachelors Of Music Education from the Ithaca College School Of Music and Masters Of Music Pedagogy from The Hartt School Of Music.  He has taught music at New Paltz High School, Minisink Valley High School, and is currently teaching General Music, chorus, and musical direction at Clinton Elementary School for the Poughkeepsie City School District.  He has previously served as Choirmaster at Our Lady Of Fatima Church in Plattekill, NY, and St. Augustine Catholic Church IN Highland, NY.  He is very excited to bring his passion for teaching music to The Peterson Studio.  






Terri Moraca attended Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She majored in Music Education with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy. She recently retired from teaching band and orchestra in Montgomery County Public Schools  in Maryland. Terri recently moved back to New York to be near  family. Her experience includes teaching private and group piano, chorus and general music classes in both private and public schools. Her hobbies include singing with the SUNY New Paltz Community Chorale and gardening. She enjoys playing piano, clarinet and conducting.  She looks forward to working with the students and faculty at the Peterson Studio.
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ANNUAL PIANO RECITAL

The Recital will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Chapel at the Mount Academy in Esopus.  Learning to perform is an integral part of learning an instrument.  All students are encouraged to participate, however, it is not mandatory.  The recital is free and open to the public.


SUMMER PIANO SESSION

The Peterson Studio offers a seven week session throughout the summer.  A minimum of two lessons per summer is required for continuity in practice and to hold open your spot for Fall.   Schedules are posted in the Spring.  Group class is 1 hour and Private Class is 1/2  hour. 


HUDSON-CATSKILL MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION PIANO AUDITIONS FESTIVAL

This annual festival will occurs November 8-10 at SUNY New Paltz.  Students can enter either in the Competitive or Evaluative categories.  Students prepare three pieces of music along with scales.   Winners in the Competitive Category are eligible for monetary prizes and participation in the Honors Recital that takes place the same weekend.  For more information, contact the studio.  


MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP CLASS 

This one hour class explores all aspects of music, including rhythm, note reading, ear training, keyboard harmony, sight singing, history, composition and ensemble playing in a relaxed, game-based group setting.  Perfect for the home-schooled student who has flexibility in their schedule and a desire to enhance special-area content. 



WUNDERKEYS PRESCHOOL PIANO PROGRAM

The Peterson Studio proudly offers the WunderKeys Piano for Preschool program. WunderKeys was developed to provide one-on-one piano lessons to children ages 3-4, and combines beginning piano skills with a foundation in math; creating connections that facilitate mathematical understanding in the future and a love of the arts!  Please call the studio to sign up!  


TESTIMONIALS:


LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PETERSON STUDIO!


"Maria has an amazing reputation and is highly skilled in instructional piano.  She is one in a million."...Alison G.


"I wasn't sure my children would be interested in lessons, however, it turns out that they love going!  I'm so happy we found The Peterson Studio!"...Assunta N.


"I wondered if my daughter would stick with piano lessons and like it or if she would be deterred from music, however, at The Peterson Studio, everyone is encouraging and loving.  My daughter has grown so much from her two years of lessons.".....Robin S.


"We chose The Peterson Studio first because of proximity to our home, but once we started talking to friends, it came highly recommended by everyone."....Danielle B.


"As a 6 year old , our son needs to work with a teacher who is interested in teaching young students.  The Peterson Studio welcomes students of all ages and has a robust youth program.  The trial lesson was a great, no-pressure way for me to get a feel for how he would do at the Studio.".....Jackie G.


"I wondered if my kids would have a hard time learning and give up, but they love working with Miss Maria and she makes it fun and easy yet pushes them to learn.".....Dan M.