Amanda Tedesco AKA Amanda Holley / Queen Isis has just signed to SmackWater Records/WaterMusic (EMI PUBLISHING), a major indie label that is partnered with Stargate (currently the biggest production team in the world with hits for Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Train, and just about every other A-List recording artist).

After 7 consecutive years of taking leading roles in more than 8 musicals in NYC, starring in two feature films released to Blockbuster and Suncoast, earning her Actor's Equity Union status, and studying privately with numerous  Juilliard instructors, Tony and Emmy Award winning actors, as well as studying in classes at various acclaimed conservatories (such as AMDA), she took a two year sabbatical from the stage. 

Now, the next phase of her musical journey begins. "The art of recording original music is liberating but sometimes cumbersome - you really have to know yourself and be fearless. You have to trust your own individual sound and know how to surrender yourself to the song completely. Your performance will last forever and the power of a great record is boundless," says Amanda. SmackWater will be releasing two of her singles to radio stations throughout Europe, the UK, and USA before releasing the MC project, a compilation CD in which she is a featured singer, songwriter, violinist, and pianist.

The young vocalist continues to teach full time at her home studio, locations in NYC, and the Montclair Music Studio, catering to talented children and adults alike, along with Grammy Award winning singers, major label V.P.'s, and developing artists. As a final note, Amanda expresses that "Teaching is so rewarding. Watching people grow beyond their own expectations and knowing you have a hand in it is one of the best feelings in the world. I will be a teacher for the rest of my life."

We would like to introduce you one of fine our violin instructors Tory Anne Daines. As well as teaching at our Studio, Tory is an Artist Relations Representative and Spotlight Coordinator at The Independent Music Awards, and the violinist, keyboardist, and vocalist in the rock band Those Mockingbirds. Ms. Daines has a BA from Montclair State University in Violin Performance, where she trained with violinist Weigang Li (Shanghai Quartet).

Tory has been playing violin since the age of 3, and since then she has experimented with guitar, drums, piano, voice, cello, and upright bass. She has performed with numerous ensembles and artists in a wide variety of genres, such as The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (Classical), The Montclair State Symphony Orchestra (Classical), The Matches (Rock), Hot Rod Circuit (Rock), and Joanne Shenandoah (Native American), and performed at such venues as Carnegie Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Interlochen Arts Academy, and WARPED Tour. She has worked with such producers as Tom Beaujour (Founder of Revolver Magazine, Nuthouse Studios) and Tim O’Heir (My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects, Headgear Studio). Tory was also a Radio DJ on WRIU and WMSC, and the resident DJ at The Loop Lounge (NJ) for several years. She is co-founder of the indie label L.E. Records.

We are very proud to have Ms. Daines with us. We hope that you can make it to one of her shows with Those Mockingbirds www.thosemockingbirds.com

Studio Guitar Instructor Jason Loughlin, he can point to many outstanding activities and accomplishments. Mid-2011 saw Jason producing Austin McCutchen’s Debut CD which will soon be available at our studio. Jay will be working with former Lenny Kravitz engineer/producer Henry Hirsch on Austin’s full length recording.

Mr. Loughlin is currently involved with Premier Guitar Magazine writing a monthly column on country and rockabilly guitar as well as doing gear reviews.

All his great stuff is available at www.premierguitar.com.

Jason also just finished teaching his annual “Twang 101” seminar in Austin, Texas for the National Guitar Workshop where he has been a faculty member for six years.

His own first solo album is reaching completion. He is also completing work on two method books.

Catch him live in Brooklyn this month and/or visit his terrific website at www.jasonloughlin.com

MMS guitar instructor Martin Moretto has been selected to play with Grammy Award Winning Latin Pianist/Composer, Fernando Otero and his sextet during his next concert tour.. Mr. Otero’s CD entitled “Vital” was the winner of the 2010 Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album last November.

Mr. Moretto has become one of NYC’s most active and sought-after Argentinian guitarists. In addition to his concerts with Fernando Otero, Martin appears regularly with both his own band and those of many others.

Visit Martin’s website at www.martinmoretto.com for further info on all of his upcoming performances. We congratulate him on his most recent accomplishments.