Our Team
Student safety is a top priority at ShamRock!
Our ShamRock staff has been well trained in abuse prevention through the Praesidium Academy to create a safe environment for everyone. Duty to Report, Abuse Risk Management and Social Media/Electronic Communication Safety are just some of the programs our team has completed the training on.
In addition, every staff member must pass a nationwide background check and is fully vaccinated. There are windows in every lesson room for all to observe, and also 24 hour security monitoring throughout our school.
Roy Van Tassel
Drums, Guitar, Bass
Roy Van Tassel is the Founder/Instructor of RVT Music. He is a dedicated, professional instructor and musician with 30 years of experience teaching comprehensive drum technique as well as being a successful live and studio drummer.
A knowledgeable, highly skilled technical drummer, he has studied under such drum masters Karl Latham and Jack Kuhn. He also has a rich musical education in a number of instruments and techniques including 2 years of classical guitar study under Carol Hamersma. Roy is a hands-on teacher with extensive experience tailoring fun and enriching lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Individual lessons center on proper technique, coordination, and music sight reading. His patient teaching style along with the comfortable learning atmosphere of RVT Music help students develop the skills they need for a rewarding life in music.
Beyond teaching, Roy has played drums for several notable original and cover bands from 1992 to present. He currently plays in WTF!?!, The Earthgrinders, and The Vinyl Attic. Past bands include Ghost Orgy, Suit of Lights and Screwhammer.
Kristina Rigamonti
Voice, Piano, Beginner Guitar, Ukulele, Group Vocal Ensemble
Kristina Rigamonti joined ShamRock's staff in early 2016 when she was hired on the spot after giving a performance at a ShamRock event. Kristina’s passion for music started at a young age. Coming from a musical background, she gave her first live performance at age 7 and began studying voice shortly after. Throughout the years she has picked up other instruments along the way.
In 2018, she graduated with honors from William Paterson University’s Music Department where she studied Popular Music and Music Management. She was the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Senior in Popular Music Award. During her time at WPU, she performed in various choirs and ensembles. She notes WPU’s “I Want My 80’s” shows as a highlight of her career, where she got to work closely with former Lady Gaga producer, Rob Fusari, and Taylor Dayne (Tell It to My Heart).
Kristina’s favorite music to perform and listen to is Rock N Roll but she has a taste for a wide range of genres. She has performed in original bands in the past, but you can currently find her fronting local cover bands in the area. Outside of teaching music, she enjoys going to concerts and playing with her dog, Shayla.
Kristina strives to bring out the very best in her students and loves watching them succeed. She is their biggest fan!
Zack Smith
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, Adult & Student Rock Bands
Zack Smith has been teaching lessons at Shamrock since January 2015. He started playing guitar at the age of 11 when he taught himself how to play Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones by ear. He is also self-taught on drums and bass. He was a student of Shamrock’s very first Summer Camp program in 2009.
Throughout high school he participated in jazz band, concert, and chamber choir. He went on to study music at William Paterson University and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Popular Music Studies and Music Management. There he was a member of the New Music Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, and Studio Ensemble. He was also lucky enough to have shared the stage with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels during 2 fundraising 80’s tribute concerts.
Zack has performed in original bands and currently plays in various local cover bands including AC fn DC. His favorite genre is Rock & Roll. Outside of teaching and playing music, he enjoys going to concerts and hiking with his dog Hannah.
Vince Genella
Guitar, Bass, Drums
Vince Genella has been working consistently in the music business for over 25 years. Recording, performing, teaching guitar, and working as a clinician at trade shows and music stores all over the country. Over the years Vince has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some fantastic Artists such as Stuart Hamm, Larry Mitchell, Lou Pallo, Rob Balducci, Johnny Highland, Ace Livingston and Greg Martin.
As for influences, Vince admits his taste has developed into something far too broad to be identified by any single guitarist or style of music. This variety has given his style of writing and playing a depth and durability that does not fall apart after the third or fourth listen. His instrumental compositions are led by searing melodic technique and passionate, fiery leads through mature song-oriented hooks and progressions.
Currently Vince is recording his first solo CD, a collection of all instrumental guitar featuring some fantastic musicians
Over the past 25+ years as a teacher, Vince has taught hundreds of “kids of all ages” how to play guitar and bass, along with music theory. He has given over 50,000 individual lessons! He was the very first instructor at ShamRock.
Whether teaching, recording, or performing, Vince gets the job done and has a blast doing so! “It’s all about fun and the love of music. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love!”
Chloe Borthwick
Saxophone, Piano, Oboe, Voice
Chloe is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. With an organically soulful sound, she effortlessly blends pop, jazz and R&B. While she has found her true love in writing and performing pop/soul music, the influences of jazz and classical musical are what make her a musician’s singer-songwriter. Her jazz experience and education have provided her with access to the best young musicians in the country. These award-winning jazz musicians make up her band, Chloe Bee & Co.
Chloe's been writing and performing since she was 13 when her original song “Hardly Breathe” won the MusiCares® Teens Make Music Contest. The song was also a semi-finalist of the 2016 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). She was selected as a vocalist in the prestigious 2017 GRAMMY Camp Jazz Session choir and played with the best young jazz musicians in the country in performances throughout GRAMMY Week, including the GRAMMY after-party and Entertainment Tonight.
Chloe plays throughout the NYC area with her band Chloe Bee & Co., performs as a self-accompanied soloist, and is a vocalist in eclectic soul band, John the Martyr. She is also singer and piano player for several entertainment companies. In addition to her vocal and piano skills, Chloe is a talented oboe player, playing with both college and community symphonies.
t.j. Marden
Piano, Trumpet, Low Brass, Bass, Guitar
T.J. Marden (B.M. William Paterson University) has joined our staff here at ShamRock in the Fall of 2018. He began his studies on piano at age of five and along the way picked up multiple other instruments including the trumpet and electric bass. He began his interest in pop/rock music at age 11 and has participated in his middle school’s ‘Battle Of The Bands' program as a drummer, pianist, and electric bassist.
Throughout the later years he began to shift more towards jazz/classical music by the advice of his band teacher and chose to pursue it through college. But outside of that he has always found pleasure jamming with his friends along to artists such as Rush, the Chili Peppers, and the Beatles.
Today he is an active performer in Northern New Jersey on Tuba, Bass Trombone, Electric Bass, and Piano as well as choir director / music minister at Immaculate Conception RC Church in Mahwah. He finds that getting an exposure of all genres of music is very important in bringing out the best in his students.
Natalie Kowalski
Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Voice
Natalie recently completed her Bachelors in Instrumental Music Education from The Hartt School. She studied clarinet as her major instrument with internationally recognized soloist and clinician Ayako Neidich-Oshima, in addition to studying saxophone and bassoon with local woodwind doublers.
While at Hartt, she found her place as a theatre musician covering clarinet, saxophone, flute, and bassoon, as well as her voice as a music educator. Her honors Thesis focused on early childhood music pedagogy that encourages hands-on learning and improvising. Since coming back to New Jersey, Natalie has taught general music, choir, and woodwind sectionals to middle schoolers in the East Orange School District and performs throughout northern and central New Jersey as a woodwind and low brass ensemble musician.
As a teacher, Natalie's goal is not only to teach her students how to make music, but to teach why it is important for every individual to take part in a creative community.
When not teaching or performing, you can find Natalie on a hike or looking through a cookbook.
Nick Arrechea
Piano
Nick is a recent graduate of William-Paterson University's jazz piano studies program, earning him a Bachelor of Music, a minor in Music Entertainment Industries, and even being awarded the Mulgrew Miller Memorial scholarship in acknowledgement of his academic and musical performances.
While at William Paterson, Nick studied under some of the greatest jazz pianists of the modern era; Bill Charlap and Harold Mabern to name a few. During his time there, he participated in a number of exciting performances and events such as Brave New Radio's "Braveathon" program, several Jazz Room performances as an opening act, and even making a studio record with his trio.
Starting at age 5, Nick has nearly 20 years experience of playing under his belt, though not all of it was jazz and classical music! Nick also loves picking up songs to play from the shows he's watched, or the video games he's played. As a strong advocate for music from all sources, he believes there's something to be learned from any song, anywhere! Whenever he's not practicing or playing piano, Nick likes to read anything from philosophy to manga, take hikes when it's sunny, and play video games!
Rea Hyseni
Violin, Voice, Piano
Rea Hyseni joined the ShamRock team in January of 2023 with enthusiasm to help students achieve their musical goals. Her passion for singing began at the early age of 4, and she has been playing violin since the age of 6. Also having been classically trained in piano, Rea’s musical experience has shaped her into a versatile artist today.
Rea was involved in her high school’s audition vocal groups, performing at local venues, and more notably, Radio City Music Hall. She was also involved in her high school’s orchestra, string ensemble, and choir. A portion of her musical experience was also gained from performing and learning in Balkan ensembles at music and arts summer camps. Rea is currently majoring in Jazz Studies with a focus in Vocal Performance at William Paterson University.
Growing up mainly listening to and playing Balkan folk music, it has broadened Rea’s understanding of what music can sound like. She shares true adoration for a wide range of genres that cannot be condensed in just one sentence. In her free time, she enjoys folding origami, writing her own songs, and spending time with her silly tuxedo cat, Caesar.
Efficiency, personal growth, self-
confidence, and a safe environment are some of Rea’s greatest values that she promotes in her teachings, and she is excited to help more students along their musical journeys!
Frankie Revis
Guitar, Bass
Frankie Revis has been playing the guitar since he first learned at Shamrock at age seven. He grew up listening to The Beatles, in fact the first song he learned to play was a song by The Beatles called “Twist and Shout”. As a student at ShamRock, he played with other students to rave reviews at The Fest for Beatles Fans when he was only 10 years old.
Frankie is also proficient on Bass, Drums and Piano. As a former student at Shamrock, he studied music theory and now specializes in Rock, Funk, Jam and Blues Genres.
Throughout the years Frankie has been gaining an exponential amount of live experience playing and performing in multiple cover bands as well as his current original band, Ordinary People. Outside of playing and teaching music he enjoys going to concerts and hanging out with his family and friends.
Lisa Bremer
Voice, Piano
American mezzo-soprano Lisa Bremer started her singing career in the church choir as a child. From there, she expanded her talents into singing in musical theatre and classic rock. She was also a member of the Pequannock Township Marching Band as Woodwind Captain by playing Flute/Piccolo. Throughout high school, she performed with the YouChoose Band, which performed themed concerts for local charities. From there, she joined the Mugshots as a frequent guest artist.
Bremer graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in Music Business. While earning that degree, she took voice lessons for the first time and fell in love with singing Opera. After a year of working full-time as a staff accountant for a music business management firm, she decided to follow her passion by earning a Master's in Vocal Performance at Montclair State University.
She has sung roles such as Madame Flora in The Medium, Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Amy in The Battle of Bull Run Always Makes Me Cry, Sandman in Hansel and Gretal, and performed scenes as Secretary in The Consul, Eustazio in Rinaldo, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, and Miss Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief. This year Bremer will be joining the Light Opera of New Jersey for their Gilbert and Sullivan showcase Savoy Faire and returning to Savannah Voice Festival in August.
When Lisa is not singing, she works for ADA Artist Management as the Managerial Assistant. During her free time, she takes dance classes and enjoys weight training at the gym.
Emily Case
Guitar, Girls Summer Camp Band
Emily Case’s passion for music began at a young age. She started playing guitar at age 7 and cello at age 8. While formally studying cello, she was teaching herself guitar. She began officially studying the instrument once in high school. Emily graduated from William Paterson University in 2018 with a degree in Popular Music Studies and has returned to WPU to get her MBA in Music & Entertainment Business.
Some highlights of her musical career include performing at Lincoln Center (NYC) in high school with her school’s chamber orchestra, performing with her band at Gramercy Theater (NYC) as part of the Dreamwalk Fashion Show, and being part of two fundraising concerts performing 80’s hits at WPU.
In addition to studying for her MBA, Emily currently plays for pop artist, Gina Royale and for R&B/Alt Soul band, Switch Mob. Outside of music, she enjoys kayaking and playing with her dog Milo.
Our Staff
Jess Stupski
Jess has been at ShamRock for 10 years starting out as a student in 5th grade. She has taken lessons for voice, trumpet, guitar, piano, and flute. She was the lead singer in our longest running Advanced Teen Band, Uncontrollable and has won multiple Shammy Awards. Now she is a lead singer in our Adult Rock Band program.
Currently she works the front desk coordinating lessons and is a hospitality student studying at FDU.
Ruth Krieger
Ruth brings decades of service experience to ShamRock as our front desk lesson coordinator. After retiring early from her Call Center management career, she soon began to look for opportunities to work part time back in a face paced and fun environment.
She now brings her love of music along with her service experience to our front desk.
When she isn’t coordinating lessons & welcoming ShamRock families, she spends time as an officer of ADOPT, a 501c3 organization raising funds for the needs of the Pequannock Township Animal Shelter. She manages and creates content for the Shelter’s social media. Ruth enjoys spending time with her Family, dog Max and reminiscing about growing up in Coney Island, Brooklyn!
Mason Harrison
Mason studied guitar and piano with both Zack Smith and Vince Genella at ShamRock for nearly 5 years. He received a Shammy Award in 2018 for Best Performance of an Original Song by the band Silver. He now works at the front desk as our lesson coordinator and is preparing to apply to college as a Music and Animation major.
Mason enjoys performing with the Pequannock High School Marching and spends his free time creating art in the digital realm.
Katie Bellman
Katie has been a student for nearly 10 years. She currently takes guitar lessons with Zack but has also studied saxophone at ShamRock. In 2019, she won the MVP Shammy Award and was the recipient of 2019 PTHS ShamRock Scholarship.
She currently attends SUNY Oneonta as a Childhood Education Major and is a teacher assistant to our Summer Camp programs, our front window artist, and event photographer.
Bella Basile
Bella has been a student at ShamRock for 6 years. She takes voice lessons with Kristina, is the lead singer in our Advanced Teen Band, Flip Thru, and is an assistant in the Group Vocal Ensemble. She has won 9 Shammy Awards.
Bella loves being on stage and enjoys writing her own original songs that she plans to record in the future!
Randy & Laura Shamber
Owners
