Midcoast School Of Music

Winter Ensembles & Classes - Sign Up Today! -

Winter Ensembles & Classes - Sign Up Today!

We are excited to welcome guitarist and educator Bryan Maher to our teaching staff at the Midcoast School Of Music. Bryan is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and has a deep understanding of Blues, Jazz, Funk, Metal and Classical Music. He has 18 years experience as a performer and educator and is ready to help you achieve your goals. Here he is teaching his dog to shred!

Fall Lesson Sign-Ups Have Begun! -

Fall Lesson Sign-Ups Have Begun!

Last Call For Midcoast Summer Ensemble Program! -

Last Call For Midcoast Summer Ensemble Program!

Summer Music Lessons and Ensemble Sign Ups Have Begun! -

Summer Music Lessons and Ensemble Sign Ups Have Begun!

WELCOME TO THE MIDCOAST SCHOOL OF MUSIC- Erin Duguay.


Erin Duguay is a vocalist from Brunswick, Maine. She started singing at the age of 11 where she attended The Midcoast School of Music. It was here where she developed not only her voice and style, but also learned how to rehearse and perform with a live band.

Erin attended McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, Minnesota for 2 ½ years. In 2018, she transferred to Columbia College Chicago, graduating in 2020 with a degree in vocal performance with a minor in music business. While in Chicago, Erin performed with several bands at a variety of functions including weddings, casinos, clubs and private events.

Through the years, Erin has taught vocal lessons at Midcoast School of Music, Saint Paul School of Music and School of Rock Chicago. Erin is extremely excited to be back home at Midcoast School of Music!

Last Call For Midcoast Winter Ensembles! - https://mailchi.mp/c1381174c4dd/last-call-for-midcoast-winter-ensembles

Last Call For Midcoast Winter Ensembles! For the first time we’re offering the opportunity to form your own ensemble. You show up with your instrument, a few like-minded musicians, and a list of songs and we will provide all of our usual support: pro musicians to assist and advise you, charts, and your first gig.

Winter Ensemble Program - Sign Up Today! - https://mailchi.mp/950c88ab4884/winter-ensemble-program-sign-up-today

Winter Ensemble Program - Sign Up Today! For the first time we’re offering the opportunity to form your own ensemble. You show up with your instrument, a few like-minded musicians, and a list of songs and we will provide all of our usual support: pro musicians to assist and advise you, charts, and your first gig.

UPDATE: Effective January 5th, 2022 per the City of Portland. Face coverings will be required in the music school at all times.

Happy Holidays from the Midcoast School of Music! Gift Certificates are always available in any denomination! Why not give the gift of music this year! Contact us at [email protected] or 207.229.2738 today! — at Midcoast School Of Music.

Wilkes Media | Midcoast School of Music 2018 Holiday Video

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃🍽

WELCOME TO THE MIDCOAST SCHOOL OF MUSIC- Colin Winsor!!

Colin Winsor is at home on both upright and electric bass, and has been an in demand bassist throughout New England for more than 15 years. Combining his extensive experience with degrees in jazz performance from the University of Southern Maine and Cal. State Northridge, Colin brings a teaching style that is both practical and academic. He can be heard on numerous recordings of various styles, and performs regularly with The Pete Kilpatrick Band, Connor Garvey, and Gina & The Red Eye Flight Crew.

PLEASE WELCOME TO THE MIDCOAST MUSIC STAFF - Andy Chipman!

Andy Chipman is a 26 year veteran public school music educator, and currently teaches Instrumental Music at Bath Middle School. He previously taught Instrumental and Classroom Music in the Portland Public Schools for 12 years. Andy was a pianist and choir director for area churches for over 20 years and has played keyboard and bass in area bands. He occasionally plays blues and jazz with the local band The Delta Knights.
Andy is offering lessons in piano, clarinet, and saxophone.

Mr. Conforte reporting for duty - First Day of Midcoast School of Music St. Brigid School - Portland, Maine!

Breaking News - Midcoast School of Music and St. Brigid School Announce Collaborative Teaching Partnership

The Midcoast School of Music is proud to announce a new and innovative approach to Music Education in partnership with St. Brigid School for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Instead of just one educator administering the music program, St. Brigid students will have access and interactions with the entire Midcoast School of Music Faculty…this means a qualified and dedicated professional in every area of music working directly with the students to deliver a high quality music education at a fraction of the cost.

We look forward to a robust partnership with the students, faculty and parents of St. Brigid School and will work diligently to develop and administer a thriving and exciting music curriculum.

The Midcoast School Of Music offers music instruction at our campus in Portland at 533 Forest Avenue. Our teachers are dedicated Music Educators as well as professional musicians who maintain active careers in the performing arts. They’re energetic, reliable, and enthusiastic individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and savvy necessary to succeed in a challenging field. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience with our students, and will work with them in a supportive, encouraging manner to develop and reach their full potential.

St. Brigid School - Portland, Maine
Midcoast School Of Music

Matthew Fogg

Matt Fogg’s musical journey began as a trumpet player at the age of ten. His interest in the piano, however, didn’t develop until high school, when he began listening to greats such as Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett. These legendary jazz musicians, among others, helped Matt discover a new passion to pursue…jazz piano. Matt attended the University of New Hampshire, earning a degree in Music Education. He performed in various university ensembles, and had the opportunity to play with legendary jazz musicians such as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Bud Shank, and Jimmy Heath.

During his UNH years, Matthew began a musical collaboration with vocalist and fellow student Nicole Hajj. The two compiled an extensive repertoire of Matt’s original arrangements of classic jazz pieces, and began performing at respected clubs and upscale restaurants throughout New England. Following graduation, Matt embarked upon a career as a music educator, working as the choral director at Morse High School in Bath, Maine. He nevertheless maintained an active performing schedule, and his musical partnership with Nicole reached a pinnacle with the recording of a live CD in the fall of 2004.
The release of Live at the Azure Café in early 2005 resulted in two television appearances on the WCSH news magazine show, “207″, as well as a live-in-the studio concert for Rich Tozier’s “Friday Night Jazz” program on Maine Public Radio. The disc garnered glowing reviews, and received airplay in numerous states and half a dozen countries. Matt received an additional musical “highlight” in 2005 when he was asked to join an impressive roster of artists performing for jazz legend Clark Terry’s 85th birthday celebrations at UNH.

Shortly after the release of the Azure CD, Matt began to develop a keen interest in the sounds (not to mention recording possibilities) of vintage keyboards He began composing in earnest, and was soon hard at work on a second CD, a collaborative venture with vocalist Cheri Gaudet Grimmett and guitarist Scott Morgan. The CD, released in May of 2006, was called This Is What You Want and effortlessly embraced a wide range of musical styles. Matt’s determination to record original material resulted in a CD filled with songs that conveyed humor, charm, honesty, and a sense of searching; personal, as well as spiritual. As with the Azure disc, This Is What You Want was greeted with consistently positive reviews, and received a surprising amount of airplay for an independent release. Not only were Matt’s keyboard and arranging skills frequently singled out for special praise, but the disc as a whole was commended for the “big label” sound of its production—not bad for a shoestring budget! Once again, Rich Tozier invited Matt, Scott, Cheri, and the band onto “Friday Night Jazz”. This ensemble also played two enthusiastically received and energetic sets at the Festival of Cultural Exchange in Portland. In late 2006, Matt was asked to join an up-and-coming band then making its mark on the local Portland concert scene, Jaye Drew and A Moving Train. The band worked diligently into 2007, with noted New York producer Mark Zuppe, recording their debut CD—with an expected release in the fall of 2008.

In the spring of 2007, Matt was invited to participate in a special series of concerts celebrating the inauguration of Bowdoin College’s new state-of –the-art, acoustically perfect Studzinski Recital Hall. Matt headlined a concert with a first year jazz piano student of his, Hassan Muhammed (an incredibly talented musician in his own right). The two were supported by a sterling group of noteworthy jazz musicians, and a CD was recorded for possible future release.

2007 also witnessed a breakthrough of sorts in the “print media”. Early in the year, the well-respected (not to mention nationally distributed!) Keyboard Magazine ran a piece on Matt, which, true to that publication’s format, emphasized his musical influences as well as equipment preferences. Additionally, Matt was featured in “Port City Life” as one of four native Maine “twenty-somethings” whose lives are having a noticeable impact on the world around them. The most impressive news was yet to come, however! The prestigious Yamaha Corporation, internationally known for an outstanding line of musical instruments and products, named Matt as their first endorsee in a new “Artists in Education” program!

In 2008, Matt organized the first Bridge Music Festival. The festival was designed to foster a connection between students and professional musicians in the greater Portland area, bring the schools and greater community closer together, and raise additional funds for the music programs in the Portland middle schools. The result was an unqualified success! The festival received widespread television and newspaper coverage, and was attended by a sizable, and enthusiastic, crowd.
After teaching in the public school arena for several years, Matt decided to transform his unique skills and experiences into an exciting, and challenging, new venture. In August of 2008, he (and two partners) launched the Midcoast School of Music. Interest has been tremendous in its first few years with over 300 students at two campuses – in Bath and Portland. The school offers individual lessons with skilled instructors as well as unique and challenging ensembles which perform at venues in Southern Maine.

Although he’s deeply immersed in his own school, Matt will continue as a jazz piano instructor at the University of Maine at Augusta and jazz piano instructor/lab coach at Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

In 2012 Matt married the love of his life and lifelong musical partner Stephanie Fogg. They are blessed with 3 beautiful children (Paxton, Palix & Brixton) and split their time between their home in Bath, Maine and Hobby Farm in Palmyra, Maine.

Chris Marro

Chris is the co-founder and co-owner of Midcoast School of Music. He is currently the Director of Percussion at the Cape Elizabeth School Department. Additionally he maintains a sizable roster of private students. He plays in and manages a much in-demand nine piece band (Retrospecticus) as well as working with other artists and bands as a sought-after drummer and sideman. Chris holds a B.A. from the University of Southern Maine and has been a music educator for over fifteen years. Chris has worked with thousands of students, becoming one of the most in-demand private drumset instructors in Maine. Chris’ teaching philosophy centers on connecting with students in a way that makes music fun and enjoyable. At the same time strong emphasis is placed on the importance of fundamentals for all students whether they aspire to play professionally or for personal enjoyment and recreation. Students become proficient in music literacy, rudimental drumming, musical form, improvisation as well as multi stylistic approaches including rock, jazz, latin, funk, hip hop, R&B, popular music and more.

Stephanie Fogg

Stephanie is an experienced and versatile vocalist who has performed extensively throughout New England from festival stages to more intimate venues. She maintains an active performance schedule with her own acclaimed group ‘Stephanie Fogg (formerly Stephanie Fisher) Blues Band’, her highly sought after function band Retrospecticus or with talented pianist (and husband) Matt Fogg as well as numerous other projects. An instructor at Midcoast School of Music since 2008, She offers vocal instruction in Contemporary Music, Blues, R+B, Rock, Jazz, Gospel and many other styles. Stephanie attended the University of Maine at Augusta majoring in Music with a concentration in Education. Stephanie is currently the adjunct instructor of Pop and Jazz Voice at Bowdoin College.

Jean Drouin Quinn

Jean Quinn has been a music educator for over 36 years. She recently retired from Instrumental Music Director at Memorial Middle School in South Portland, Maine where she conducted the 6th Grade Concert Band, 7th & 8th Grade Concert Band, Learning Jazz Band and Performance Jazz Band.
She has been a member of the Colby Symphony Orchestra, R.B. Hall Band, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra and the Casco Bay Wind Symphony. She has played in pit orchestras for several theaters in the southern Maine area.

Jean has also been a guest conductor for middle school festivals and has adjudicated Maine All-State auditions. She also teaches woodwind methods at the University of Southern Maine.
As a music educator, she strives to show her students that learning an instrument is hard work, but so much fun and rewarding! One of the things she likes best about being a teacher is the connections she makes with her students.
Her biggest life accomplishment has been her family. She spends her spare time with her husband and enjoys visiting her sons and watching them perform.

Owen Conforte

Guitarist and vocalist Owen Conforte has been a staple in the Greater Portland music community for the past 7 years as both a band leader (OC and the Offbeats) and a sideman (Fogcutters Big Band, Dean Ford and the Beautiful Ones). Graduating with a Bachelors in Music Performance from the University of Southern Maine in 2012, he brings his knowledge and skills as a jazz and classical guitarist to the stage and the music school.

Chas Lester

Chas Lester has been a fixture in the Maine music scene for close to two decades as an educator and gigging musician. He attended University Of Maine At Augusta with a concentration in jazz and contemporary vocal performance. While there he also honed his skills as a drummer, percussionist, and vocal percussionist of which he last he has done a TED talk on. Chas can be heard all over New England playing with many diverse musical groups from the twenty piece big band The Fogcutters to the acoustic rock/pop band The Dapper Gents. Chas has also had the good fortune of sharing a stage with some amazing musicians from John Popper of Blues Traveler to Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors to Cyril Neville and rapper Spose.

WELCOME TO THE MIDCOAST SCHOOL OF MUSIC -Jean Quinn

We are so excited to be adding Jean Quinn to our Woodwind staff here at the Midcoast School of Music!!!

Jean has been a music educator for over 36 years. She recently retired from Instrumental Music Director at Memorial Middle School in South Portland, Maine where she conducted the 6th Grade Concert Band, 7th & 8th Grade Concert Band, Learning Jazz Band and Performance Jazz Band.

She has been a member of the Colby Symphony Orchestra, R.B. Hall Band, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra and the Casco Bay Wind Symphony. She has played in pit orchestras for several theaters in the southern Maine area.

Jean has also been a guest conductor for middle school festivals and has adjudicated Maine All-State auditions. She also teaches woodwind methods at the University of Southern Maine.

As a music educator, she strives to show her students that learning an instrument is hard work, but so much fun and rewarding! One of the things she likes best about being a teacher is the connections she makes with her students.

Her biggest life accomplishment has been her family. She spends her spare time with her husband and enjoys visiting her sons and watching them perform.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY- John Suntken.


John Suntken is a drummer and educator currently based in Portland, Maine. For the past six years he lived and worked in New York City, becoming one of the most in demand young drummers in the metropolitan area. Suntken is a musical chameleon who enjoys playing with artists from many musical traditions from R&B, funk, and rock to singer-songwriter, Afrobeat and jazz.

Suntken has performed with award winning artists, including Huntertones, Bob Lanzetti, Ben Stivers, Snarky Puppy, Joseph Gallant, two time billboard #1 country artist and songwriter CJ Solar, Grammy winner Dan Wilson, Felix Pastorius, and many others. He’s never had a favorite gig; it’s a joy for him to play with other musicians who love to make music.

Suntken also shares his love of music with students of all ages. He is a warm and encouraging teacher for all levels and styles of players. For five years, he has nurtured students at Mark Murphy’s Music in South Orange, New Jersey. He also maintains a private lesson studio where he teaches virtual lessons to students around the world.

Suntken grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, where he began playing drums at the age of four. After attending an Earth Wind and Fire concert with his parents at the age of nine, he knew he wanted to be a musician. His playing styles have been influenced by everyone from James Taylor and Bill Withers to the Roots and Q Tip. His musical philosophy is simple: make people dance!

Last Call For Fall Ensembles! - https://mailchi.mp/70db87f170c9/last-call-for-fall-ensembles

Last Call For Fall Ensembles! For the first time we’re offering the opportunity to form your own ensemble. You show up with your instrument, a few like-minded musicians, and a list of songs and we will provide all of our usual support: pro musicians to assist and advise you, charts, and your first gig.

MSOM Fall Ensembles - Sign Up Today! - https://mailchi.mp/ada167ddc09b/msom-fall-ensembles-sign-up-today

MSOM Fall Ensembles - Sign Up Today! For the first time we’re offering the opportunity to form your own ensemble. You show up with your instrument, a few like-minded musicians, and a list of songs and we will provide all of our usual support: pro musicians to assist and advise you, charts, and your first gig.

WELCOME - Dave Miller to the Midcoast School of Music Woodwind staff!

Dave has been a private Woodwind instructor for over 40 years! He is a member of the Casco Bay Wind Symphony and has performed with various swing bands in Maine and New Hampshire including; The New Legacy Swing Band, Northeast Swing, The Bud Kraus Big Band, and Opus One Big Band.

Dave was Director of USM Band Day Camp from 2007-2010 and taught music in the Maine public schools for over 40 years in RSU 35 (Marshwood) and RSU 6 (Bonny Eagle).

Dave holds a Bachelor Of Music Education- University Of Lowell, Massachusetts and a Master Of Music Education- University Of Southern Maine.

Fall Lessons - Sign Up Today! - https://mailchi.mp/f8c329f39a1a/fall-lessons-sign-up-today

Fall Lessons - Sign Up Today!

Last Call For Midcoast Summer Ensemble Program! - https://mailchi.mp/b82d852aa371/last-call-for-midcoast-summer-ensemble-program

Last Call For Midcoast Summer Ensemble Program! In this ensemble we will explore music from great artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Otis Redding, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Mavis Staples, Koko Taylor, Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, Keb Mo...

MSOM Summer Ensembles - Sign Up Today! - https://mailchi.mp/d2c158fac905/msom-summer-ensembles-sign-up-today

MSOM Summer Ensembles - Sign Up Today! In this ensemble we will explore music from great artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Otis Redding, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Mavis Staples, Koko Taylor, Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, Keb Mo...

Midcoast School of Music in conjunction with the Desert of Maine and Brickyard Hollow are proud to present Otis Redding III Live on Sunday July 25th. Get your tickets here! What better way to celebrate after an entire year without live music and art!?!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/otis-redding-iii-concert-tickets-153493026775

Otis Redding III Concert Otis Redding III at the historic barn at the Desert of Maine in Freeport, July 25 from 7 pm - 9pm.

Otis Redding III - Live In Concert - Presented By Midcoast School Of Music - https://mailchi.mp/cdf8cc0d0721/otis-redding-iii-live-in-concert-presented-by-midcoast-school-of-music

Otis Redding III - Live In Concert - Presented By Midcoast School Of Music

Otis Redding III - Live In Concert - Sunday July 25th, 2021 - 7pm-9pm - Desert Of Maine in Freeport - Sponsored By the Midcoast School Of Music, Brickyard Hollow and the Desert Of Maine!

Ticket Link Below Please Join Us!

Otis Redding III Concert Otis Redding III at the historic barn at the Desert of Maine in Freeport, July 25 from 7 pm - 9pm.

Last Call For Spring Ensembles - Beginning April 1st - https://mailchi.mp/f10a4f996267/last-call-for-spring-ensembles-beginning-april-1st

Last Call For Spring Ensembles - Beginning April 1st

Hey Midcoast Musical Family!

Here is a fun musical challenge. Maddy and I submitted our videos today. Join us!

Here is the link and the story behind it.

https://www.ryco.org/bwayworldrecord

My name is Kira Stevens and I am 16 years old. I have a really exciting opportunity and I was wondering if you, or any other creative you know might be interested! I am on the production team for a new Guinness World Record breaking attempt for broadway! I am also the youngest broadway producer by 10 years! My team and I are looking for submissions from all walks of life to help break the world record for largest online video album of people singing the same song! Named stars including Perez Hilton, James Charles, Tony winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal), Tony nominees John Tartaglia (Avenue Q) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen) plus Jay Armstrong Johnson (The Phantom of the Opera), and Jessica Vosk (Wicked). and many more have joined this project as performers!! I am the producer of a new challenge for Broadway! I hope you guys can help me! My team and I are looking for 5000 short videos of people singing/talking. the ensemble part of From Now On from the Greatest Showman! If you guys will submit, that would be much appreciated! This is non paid due to fact that we are in a pandemic and my team and I want to spread joy! In your video please state IN THE BEGINNING OF THE VIDEO that Kira Stevens challenged you to help break the world record! I have attached links for examples and how to submit! Thank you, Kira on Instagram ❤ http://www.ryco.org/bwayworldrecord (How to submit) https://10glo.com/watch/vudfkk98zro4kv7k/ (Example) Please state that Kira Stevens sent you. MAKE SURE THEY SAY “Kira Stevens challenged me to help break the world record” at the beginning of the video! The deadline is ‪February 28th‬ but we want people to get it in sooner!! The director (Ry Armstrong) also requests that that talent challenge at least 4 people!!

RYCO Theatricals | #BWAYWORLDRECORD We need to collect 5,000 clips of FROM NOW ON from The Greatest Showman to break the record and save the Broadway industry, which has been shut down since March 12, 2020.

Last Call For Midcoast Winter Ensembles! - https://mailchi.mp/800ad558c37b/last-call-for-midcoast-winter-ensembles

Last Call For Midcoast Winter Ensembles!