Our Teachers
Our caring, nurturing teachers cannot wait to meet you!
Our caring, nurturing teachers cannot wait to meet you!
Curious what lessons actually look like? See our Piano Lessons and Voice & Singing Lessons pages for details by age.
Cristina Faicco-Hall
Director/Voice/Piano
Cristina is an educator, singer, and actress with over 25 years of performance experience. Having taught for over a decade, Cristina works with singers and pianists to develop their technique and nurture their passion. Her students are often seen in lead or supporting roles in school and community theater, are accepted into All-County and All-State chorus, receive perfect or near-perfect NYSSMA scores, get accepted to prestigious music schools, and perform on Broadway and in National Tours. She is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA), and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and is fascinated with new research in education and singing.
Cristina appeared on Broadway in the original production of Les Misérables and has been seen on the stage of the John W. Engeman Theatre, Theatre Three, Broadhollow Theatre Company, and Plaza Theatrics. As a member of Growing Up Broadway, Cristina regularly performs at Feinstein’s/54 Below. She has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the Ithaca College School of Music.
Jennifer Geissman
Voice/Piano
Lindsay Lao
Voice/Piano
Lindsay Lao is a recent graduate from American University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has been singing for her whole life, participating in NYSSMA for many years as well as multiple choirs- including the All County and All State choirs. She also participated in her college a cappella group, Dime a Dozen, and even served as president for her latter two years in undergrad.
Lindsay has taught students of all ages at summer camps and at the School of Rock. She is familiar with many genres, but specializes in classical arias and musical theater. Through her teaching, Lindsay hopes to foster a love for music as large as the one she holds by creating a nurturing and supportive environment for every student that walks through the door. When she isn’t singing or teaching, Lindsay loves to read, hike, and research other areas of interest (such as marine life!).
Joanna Matheny
Voice/Piano
Joanna Matheny is an educator and theatre professional with over ten years of experience. She holds an MFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a BM in Vocal Performance from Crane School of Music. Joanna received her voice teacher certification through BroadwayVox Studios, where she focused on evidence-based, individualized vocal training. Her students have earned outstanding NYSSMA scores, placed in vocal competitions, and appeared in commercials and on television.
Alongside her teaching, Joanna serves as music director for Plaza Theatricals’ “Theatre in Residency” program, where she leads music rehearsals for fifth and sixth grade students. As both a performer and music director, Joanna brings firsthand experience directly into her teaching, guiding students from both a pedagogical and practical perspective. Her teaching emphasizes healthy vocal technique, stylistic versatility, and building confidence in singers of all levels. She is passionate about meeting students where they are and helping them to achieve their musical and personal goals.
Anthony Bologna
Voice/Piano
Anthony Bologna (he/him) is a New York-based voice & piano teacher, actor, and filmmaker. He is currently a Master of Music & Music Education candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University (expected 2027), specializing in Vocal Pedagogy. Anthony holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Molloy University/CAP21 Conservatory, where he graduated summa cum laude.
His performance credits include appearances at Feinstein’s/54 Below, The Green Room 42, and in films such as Mean Girls (2024) and Satanic Panic! (2026).
As the founder and CEO of his own film production company, Anthony brings a holistic, entrepreneurial, and deeply collaborative approach to the voice studio. His distinctive dual career as a vocal pedagogue and film director allows him to offer a highly specialized, 21st-century approach to training. By combining evidence-based vocal science from his studies at Columbia with practical industry experience, Anthony equips students with unique insight into the technical nuances of performing, such as stage fright/performance anxiety, auditioning/on-camera self-taping, and vocal technique for longevity.
Anthony is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of versatile performers, welcoming students at any point on their musical journey.
Melissa Essigman
Music Explorers
Melissa graduated from Skidmore College and holds a Master’s in Education from Hofstra University as well as a Master’s in Teaching Ministry from Concordia College. A lifelong educator, she has taught students ranging from preschoolers to college-aged young adults. Music has always been a central part of her life. In her earlier years, Melissa participated in NYSSMA, performed in multiple choirs and theater productions, and sang with her college a cappella group, The Skidmore Accents.
She later brought her passion for the arts into her teaching career, directing Bye Bye Birdie, serving as Dance Team Advisor, and collaborating with her students for Our Lady of Mercy’s Sports Night: a spirited performance competition for the entire school community. One of her most cherished experiences was leading songs and prayers for preschoolers at The Life Lutheran Church and Day School.
Melissa strives to foster a sense of comfort and confidence in her students, believing that a welcoming and supportive environment allows children to explore, experiment, and flourish. Outside the studio, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family.
