Meet the instructors

Piano instructors

Jim Tucker (Piano): Beginning his teaching career while still in high school, Jim posesses more than 50 years of experience as a music educator. Jim began his musical training at an early age, studying with many respectful private teachers. Although he specializes in classical music he is also well versed in popular styles as well. Jim brings to Musicians Corner a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with his students and focuses on each student individually to create a comfortable learning environment.

Yvonne Gersdorf (Piano and vocals): Coming from a musical family, Yvonne was introduced to music at a very young age. Encouraged by her mother, a professional piano teacher, she studied piano under her guidance for several years. She later expanded my studies to include vocal instruction with Maestro Silvio Isana, a former conductor with the Chicago Symphony. After graduating from high school, she attended Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA where she studied music composition, writing for television and film, and musical theater. After graduating from college, she secured a teaching position at Goodman Music Co. located in Fort Worth Texas. Upon returning to Santa Maria, CA, she continued teaching at Owens Music Co. She currently serves as a piano and vocal instructor at Musicians Corner and Music Learning Center in Johnston, RI. As a result of her musical background and education, she brings a host new ideas to share with her students that will make learning a fun and productive experience.

Drum and percussion instructors

Nick Schepisi: My interest in music began at a young age. Facinated by the role that the drums played with the big bands of the 1940’s as well as the latest rock bands playing on the airwaves, it was no doubt that drums were my passion. I began studying with the best teachers in the local area including John Ragosta and then furthered my knowledge by studying with such notables as Berklee alumnus Lee Bernardo, and Carl Belmont where I was exposed to various styles of music, reading big band arrangements, music theory, and studio techniques. In later years, along with keeping a busy professional playing schedule, I began a private teaching career and taught at several music lesson establishments in the tristate area. I am experienced in many styles of music including rock, blues, jazz, country and Latin idioms. When meeting a student for the first time, I always try to find the area of music that interests him/her which serves as a focus of the lessons and we are able to make the learning process both exciting and enjoyable.