Lessons

For over 10 years, Main Street Music & Sound has partnered with the area's best teaching outfit, Bentley & Romito Professional Music Lessons. Most music stores offer music lessons, Bentley & Romito specialize in them! Their teaching staff is enthusiastic and committed to supporting a student's growth through music.

Do you have a child who wants to start their first instrument?
Maybe you’ve always wanted to play but just never got around to it?
Have you been playing for a while and need help getting over roadblocks or taking your playing to the next level?

-Lessons Available for all ages and skill levels
-Private Lesson Rooms
-Comfortable Waiting Lounge with WiFi
-We strive to go beyond an individual lesson experience by offering a variety of different programs that bring students together

"One month of music lessons can lead to a lifetime of joy!"

Drew has been playing the guitar for about 37 years. He taught his first guitar lesson in 1986, while learning music at C.C.A.C. Only a few years after studying Jazz guitar at Duquesne University, Drew was able to make guitar instruction his full-time occupation. Drew has been a full-time guitar teacher since 1997. Eight years into full time private teaching, in 2005, Drew established, and still operates, Bentley & Romito Professional Music Lessons. He continues to offer private lessons, with a sustained passion to share music.

Mr. Bentley held the guitar instructor position, for introductory guitar, at the Community College of Allegheny County and was the guitar instructor at Camp Jam, Pittsburgh in 2011. Drew has studied the guitar with: Joe Negri, Ken Karsh, Mark Koch, John Maione, Bill Purse, and Jim Held. While teaching guitar at Bentley & Romito, Drew has been active in the community by sponsoring the guitar club at Penn Middle school, being a career day speaker at Franklin Regional, and running the Bentley & Romito PTARC open stage. Along with guitar instruction, Drew has been busy making a name for himself by recording and performing live music. Drew has performed with a few dozen bands over the years, in hundreds of venues, and in multiple states. He currently plays with the Drew Bentley Band, doing original rock, blues and jazz; City Heat, a variety dance/wedding band; Dreamscape, a variety dance/wedding band,  JD Strum and he performs solo shows as well, original music, instrumental popular tracks, jazz and acoustic, singer songwriter.

Drew released “Bold Horizon” in 2019, an instrumental album of original music. The album has received much love, national album reviews, and radio airplay. Another original project, JD Strum, released an original record, in 2004 entitled Just Another Story. The record was cowritten by Mr. Bentley. JD Strum opened for Dave Matthews, Sister Hazel, Brett Michaels (Poison), Kansas, Deep Purple, Carbon Leaf, and Low Millions. With the Kiger band, Drew has shared the stage with Gretchen Wilson, Big and Rich and Molly Hatchet. He has performed on many radio stations, most notably 102.5 WDVE, on the Morning Show. Drew has also released an E.P in 2011 of original music. Drew was the winner of the Guitar Center “King of the Blues” Contest three times; 2005 and 2006 and 2009, for district 802. With JD Strum, he won the Pittsburgh Songwriters Contest in 2004, along with multiple other contests for prizes and studio time.

After you sign up, listen to Drew’s music at drewbentley.com and read his story at drewbentleysongs.com, sign up for his email list, check show dates, see gear photos and much more. Be sure to take a look at “Drew Bentley Guitar”, Drew’s YouTube guitar lesson channel for additional instruction!

I love and strive to share what I’ve learned from 25 years of teaching private guitar lessons! I really enjoy teaching one on one and want to help as many people as I can along their path of learning to play guitar. I teach lessons on a multitude of different topics, techniques, and songs from many genres and styles. My goal is to help the brand-new student to purchase the right guitar, learn to play their very first song, all the way to the advanced player looking to take it up a notch. Teaching guitar is the most rewarding career possible. Many of my students have gone on to study guitar in a university setting and have carved out successful performance careers of their own.  I look forward to being your guitar instructor! 

Dave Quairiere David began his musical journey at the age of 10 when he learned to play the flute in elementary school. At the age of 13 he took up the guitar, studying with Dave Provance. David Quairiere has now been playing for over 43 years. As one career highlight, in 1994 David had the amazing opportunity to play on the second stage at the 25th Anniversary Woodstock Festival in Bethel NY, performing with the rock band Empathy. David has opened shows for national acts such as Pat Travers, Ted Nugent and Bad Company.

David has been teaching private guitar lessons for over 20 years and has had several former students that have continued their performing legacy, playing with acts like Snake Father, The Katrina Lynn Band, and Sean Ski. David is an accomplished player and teacher, welcoming both beginner and more advanced students.

Brian Weaver is a musician, native to Pittsburgh, PA, who works in the fields of instruction, composition and live performance. From the time that Brian started working as a music instructor, he’s had the opportunity to work with a variety of students, including individuals with special needs, vision impairment, elementary age, adolescents, young adults, adults, as well as retired age students.

Thanks to the opportunities of getting to meet and work with such a diverse group of students, Brian has gained a deep appreciation for all individual’s goals and seeks to be a compassionate and empathetic Instructor, while also providing opportunities for students to challenge themselves to reach new heights in their adventure with music.

Leading by example, Brian himself has been actively performing live music for over two decades in cover bands, jazz ensembles, music duo’s, and even as an independent artist performing his own original compositions by means of solo acoustic guitar, a loop pedal and other various instruments, including but not limited to guitar, electric bass, ukulele, djembe, and cajon.

In 2014, Brian released his debut album, entitled Brand New Morn, which features 12 original instrumental pieces, composed for solo acoustic guitar. He’s currently in the process of writing and recording his upcoming album, Mountain Flower. After recording and releasing his debut album, Brian graduated from Seton Hill University in 2017 with a B.M. in Music Therapy.

As a result of extensive training throughout the course of his education, along with continued learning and experience gained in the real world, Brian has become a well-rounded musician with over a decade’s worth of experience working as an instructor, capable of teaching students of all ages and experience levels. Just keep strumming!

Summary:
Areas of Instruction: Acoustic Steel-String Guitar, Acoustic Nylon-String Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Ukulele

Education: B.M. in Music Therapy, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, 2017

Expertise: Reading Chord Charts, Tablature, and Notation, as well as learning Music Theory, Ear Training, Composition, Improvisation, Songwriting, and Home Recording

Genres of Interest: Classical, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Pop, Soul, Jazz, Blues, and Classic Rock

Kelsey (Weightman) Kotun has been working as a certified music educator in western Pennsylvania for over a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Westminster College of PA, a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Edinboro University of PA and a Principal Certification from Penn West University. Mrs. Kotun spent the first six years of her career teaching secondary music in Waynesburg, PA, where she directed choirs, bands, and colorguard/visual ensembles in grades 7-12. She is currently employed as an elementary music specialist in the Greater Latrobe School District where she teaches K-6 general music, 5-6 choir, and serves as a mentor teacher/teacher leader for her department.

Kelsey has sung for numerous collegiate, community and religious events and still performs regularly around the area as a guest performer and conductor. In addition to singing with the Westmoreland Choral Society, where she directs the Children & Youth Choir, she is a paid section leader of the Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.  She is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and the Westmoreland County Music Educators Association.

Dane has been playing drums for about 23 years. He has played in many churches as far back as 1998 with styles ranging from afro-Cuban gospel to jazz and traditional hymns to contemporary music. He is currently the drummer for Alec Henderson Band, playing classic rock and original music. Dane has also played with East Coast Turnaround- the fathers of trucker rock, Shiva Skydriver-an original progressive rock band and Renegade Ridge-an outlaw country act, as well as sitting in with many others. Dane has opened for acts such as The Clarks, Great White, Land of Oz, Seven Bridges and more. Dane has recorded with the Alec Henderson Band on his album “On Holiday”, taking inspiration from a wide variety of artists such as Gavin Harrison of Pineapple Thief and King Crimson, Brann Dailor of Mastodon, Gene Krupa of the legendary Benny Goodman orchestra as well as many others.

Dane has a broad base of drumming styles, techniques and applications. He has given private lessons since 2010, teaching a myriad of ages, styles and skill levels.

My love for drums and their place in music stems from listening to big band and swing records with my grandfather John Whatule, an accomplished accordion and piano player. We spent many evenings playing traditional hymns with a swing and jazz feel. There are few experiences like grooving and vibing with another musician. To me that is what drums are all about. Solid and steady beats are pivotal to being a great drummer but the ‘feel’ is equally, and in some cases more, important. Many drummers can teach the fundamentals of percussion, my goal is to teach students how to feel the music and connect with fellow musicians.

Elliott Ratliff is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and has dedicated his life to music. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Trombone performance from Edinboro University of PA. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Education from New Jersey City University. He has been a music teacher for the last 11 years, teaching in private schools as well as teaching private music lessons in brass, strings, woodwinds, beginning and intermediate piano, music composition, and singer song writing in various music stores/studios all over Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

He is also the brass instructor for the Steel City Drum and Bugle Corp and a music teacher for Chatham University Music and Arts Summer Day Camp. He is a member and elected delegate/representative of the Pittsburgh Musicians Union Local 60-471 and a Vice President of the Eastern Conference for the American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada. As a professional trombonist, he has performed with Harold Betters, Roger Humphries, and Nelson Harrison. He has also performed with various jazz groups like the Bone Forum Big Band and the Jazz in Your Face Big Band in Johnstown, PA. He is also the band leader/booking manager of the Steel City Jazz Katts jazz ensemble. He has also performed on the Netflix TV show Archive 81. He also lives by the moto, “Music is not what I do……….It’s who I am.”

Paul has been playing Piano/Keyboard for 65 years starting at the age of 6, taking private lessons in his hometown of Youngwood, PA. Paul’s interest began with his father who also played piano. In his father’s early 20’s he did a short 6-month tour in New York City playing on CBS Radio (before TV), and cut 6 records with hopes of “making it.” In elementary school, Paul expanded his musical interests and started clarinet and organ instruction. Paul knew in high school that he wanted to be a live performing musician with the arrival of the British Invasion combo groups, and it was a great time to get together with friends, by learning, sharing, and playing music together.

In 1973, Paul resumed piano instruction with jazz legend Frank Cunimondo of Pittsburgh, learning intense theory and playing techniques. By studying with Frank, it inspired Paul to share his knowledge and experiences to begin teaching piano to others. Later in the 1970’s Paul accepted an offer to perform full-time in a touring show band playing six nights a week throughout the United States.

After touring, Paul went back to teaching piano, organ, guitar, and bass guitar at the former Latrobe Music and Sound. Currently Paul is performing with AEW, “An Evening With” (Allman Brothers Tribute Band), and “Crawdad Joe” (Classic Rock, Soul, Funk, and Blues).

“It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction communicating with a student of any age to play the piano, The Most Beautiful and Expressive Instrument!"

Morgan Stouffer is a 2012 graduate of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania where he obtained a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy. While at Seton Hill, he sang the role of Monostatos in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and has since performed extensively with the Seton Hill University Choir, the Seton Hill University Chamber Singers, and the Westmoreland Choral Society. As an accomplished pianist and organist, Morgan serves as director of music at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Madison United Methodist Church, both near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career as a church musician, he has worked extensively with various church choirs. He has conducted several choral groups and has also served as an adjunct choir member of the Westmoreland County All-Star Choir. From September 2013-September 2014, Morgan was the choral scholar at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, Ireland where he was the tenor section leader. During his time at St. Mary’s, Morgan sang in Faure’s “Requiem,” and Stainer’s “Crucifixion.” Morgan most recently completed his Master of Arts degree in Ritual Chant and Song at the University of Limerick, Ireland. While there, he sang in Lucernarium: the official ensemble of the MA in Ritual Chant & Song and Sonas: the University of Limerick Global Choir.

Richard Beatty grew up in Westmoreland County. He has been playing brass instruments for 40 years. He attended Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania for his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Euphonium Performance. Richard attended Duquesne University for Post Graduate Credits in Music Technology. He has taught in public school districts in South Carolina and Pennsylvania and is currently in the Delmont Area Concert Band as a playing member and assistant director.

Christine has been playing the piano since the age of four.  She graduated from Duquesne University’s School of Pharmacy but never abandoned her passion for music. While at Duquesne, she studied piano with Gladys Stein.  After graduation, she began her career at Abbott Laboratories in Illinois as a research pharmacist while also working part-time at a local middle school teaching piano.  There, she worked as a rehearsal accompanist for various student competitions and provided the accompaniment music for the yearly musicals at the middle school.  During her time in IL, she studied with Dr. Olga Bornovalova. Christine was also an accomplished oboist who performed in the Waukegan Symphony while living in IL.

After spending several years in IL, she returned to her hometown and taught at local music stores in the Pittsburgh area.  She continues to study piano in Pittsburgh with Inessa Beylin. She enjoys teaching and playing duets with her students. Christine teaches both children and adults, and hopes that she can instill the love of music in all her students.

Tyler Carson is a trained operatic tenor and performing artist hailing from Franklin, Pennsylvania. Graduating from Duquesne University in 2021 with a Bachelors Degree in Audio Engineering, he studied voice intensely under the direction of Genko Guechev.

During his time in Duquesne University, he also performed in America and Canada, with the prestigious, Voices of Spirit Choir, and worked with Grammy winner Jay Dudt, along with others of Duquesne’s world-class staff and instructors, while perfecting his skills as an Audio Engineer.

Before college, Tyler was deeply involved with music of all forms. During his high school years, he studied piano and music theory for 3 years, played trumpet for 8 years, played guitar for 7 years, participated in numerous high school choirs and a cappella groups, was selected for district and regional voice festivals with PMEA District III/Region II, performed with the high school band, jazz band, and steel pan drum band, marched for the Franklin Black Knight Marching Band for 4 years, had multiple lead roles in high school musicals, as well as pursuing his own passion for music outside of school.

Through the years, Tyler has been involved with numerous rock, metal, alternative, classical, and party bands throughout Western Pennsylvania. Currently, he performs live as a vocalist with the Pittsburgh based, City Heat Band, lead guitarist for the Franklin-based band Coversome, lead drum set/percussionist for Erie, Pennsylvania based, Flagship Steel Band, as well as lead singer and lead guitarist for Tyler Carson Music of Franklin, Pennsylvania.

Kirsten began piano lessons at age six with her elementary school music teacher in Navarre, FL. In junior high, her passion for music led her to pursue other instruments such as guitar, cello, clarinet and oboe. She performed in several bands as a keyboardist, singer, and guitarist throughout grade school. While in high school, Kirsten took lessons with the director of the piano program at Shepherd University, Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao. In her junior year, she was accepted into the Governor’s School for the Arts for piano performance.

After graduating from high school, she went on to study Music Education at George Mason University where she studied piano under Dr. Anna Balakerskaia along with teaching piano lessons and providing accompaniment for the university. She has taught students of all ages, beginners and advanced. After her first year of college, Kirsten transferred to West Virginia University to pursue a Music Business Degree, and was awarded a full creative arts scholarship for piano. There, she continued teaching piano lessons independently and at a local music store to adults and children. In 2022, she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Music, and has continued teaching piano in hopes of passing on her passion for music to others.

Ricky Hofscher is an experienced guitarist with 27 years of playing experience. As an accomplished player with a great feel and musical sensibilities, and as a leader of men, Ricky is a great addition to the Bentley & Romito team. He started taking guitar lessons under Drew Bentley when he was in 4th grade and studied through high school. Ricky holds a B.A. in Psychology from Penn State University, an M.A. in Psychology from Chatham University, and is currently finishing his graduate work in social psychology through Liberty University. He has guest lectured at Penn State, New Kensington campus in various psychology classes, as well as participated in various symposia and presentations at conferences across the United States and Canada. He has published work on veteran’s PTSD issues and the mental health care of men.

Ricky has worked as a graduate counselor at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, as well as a graduate neuropsychological technician at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Through his graduate work, he has written papers on the psychological benefits of learning music throughout the lifespan. He understands the importance that music can have on the neuroplasticity of the developing brain. Music can be thought of as a combination of language and mathematics; both are extremely beneficial for a healthy mind.

Ricky served in the army as a sergeant in a reconnaissance unit in the 82d Airborne Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team. His leadership training as a non-commissioned officer in the paratroopers has influenced his professional demeanor and behavior across all of his areas of interest. In his spare time, Ricky enjoys reading, writing, sketching, and working on building his electric guitar. He also enjoys watching movies with his dog, Boone.

Mary McCormack M.M.
Voice, Group Classes

Performer, Educator, Author, Mary is the director and founder of Alabaster Youth Division, Alabaster Films and Alabaster Performing Arts. She holds a Master’s Degree in Music from Duquesne University, a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Seton Hill University and has done graduate work at Indiana University School of Music, Bloomington, IN.

Mary has been a guest of CBS Nightly News, Rwanda Embassy in Washington D.C., American Embassy in Honduras, Metropolitan Opera House-NYC, Perdue University, West Virginia University and many theatres, churches and festivals across the United States.  

Author of Building a Rainbow: Bullying Prevention in Our Schools and Communities, Mary has presented motivational assemblies in Greensburg-Salem, Hempfield, Latrobe, Yough,  Norwin, Franklin-Regional, Pittsburgh and many other school districts across the eastern U.S. and in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Altoona-Johnstown, Cleveland, Miami-Dade, Denver and beyond. Mary has toured internationally, performing musical styles from Broadway to Jazz. She has taught thousands of children, teens and adults, presenting programs at drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers and state and federal prisons. She has written and produced many films, plays, musicals and books. “I love performing and teaching both children and adults!” she says. Mary holds current FBI, State and Child Abuse Clearances.  

TESTIMONIALS 

“My daughter has benefited greatly from Mary’s voice lessons and student performances. She  has increased self-esteem, vocal development and performance skills. My daughter has experienced life-changing moments by performing and sharing her singing gift at local schools and assisted living communities. In an industry focused on ‘self,’ Mary leads others to dignity, grace, self-respect and kindness to others by sharing their talent.” -Jonie Daigle, parent 

“Miss McCormack’s performance held students’ attention from kindergarten to 8th grade.  Everyone was singing and having a great time! Mary has the voice of an angel.” -Disney Voice Class Recital, Teacher, Mary Queen of the Apostles, New Kensington 

“Students and parents loved the Encanto Voice Lesson Class taught by Mary McCormack and performed for our whole school and families.” -Nikole Lieberman, Divine Mercy Academy, Monroeville 

“Mary has visited here many times. I have been in two plays which I loved very much to help me achieve my goal to be a professional newscaster. -Jennifer Ochoa Perez, 16 years old, NPH Orphanage, Honduras

“Many of our residents raved for days about the program Mary sang. Thank you for coming.” -Lyndsay Stannard, Case Manager, Welcome Home Women & Children’s Shelter 

“Thank you for coming from so far away. I love you with all my heart.” -Mitchel Blandin, 15 years old Nuestros Pequinos Hermanos Orphanage, Honduras 

“Thank you so much for the wonderful experience you provided my children! They enjoyed every moment and  can’t wait to get involved again.” -Carissa Morris, parent 

“Mary’s voice is spectacular! She holds the audience’s attention with glorious singing. The Christmas show really touched my heart.” -Jim and Ada, audience members 

“Thank you, Miss Mary! We had so much fun learning new songs with you. Thank you for teaching us! Love, Paige and Laurel” -Students Ages 5 & 7 

“I haven’t felt this good in a long, long time. Your singing was Spirit filled and really blessed me.” -Inmate, Rockview State Prison, Bellefonte, PA 

“The program you have created is amazing. I see Mica flourish emotionally and creatively. You are making such an impact in the lives of these children. There are not enough cookies in the world to express my gratitude!” -Mara, parent 

“Please accept our gratitude toward Rwanda’s effort in national healing and reconstruction.” -Theogene Rudasingwas, Ambassador, Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda, Washington, D.C. 

“When I was a student with Mary, I took voice lessons, classes and performed in productions that toured locally, across the U.S. and to Jamaica. Mary has strengthened my musical career by giving me the confidence to flourish as a professional performer.” -Zac Gorski, past student. Currently CLO, Pittsburgh, Broadway, NYC National Tours of Broadway Shows 

“Mary has been a strong influence in my life since I started taking voice lessons at the age of 7. I love being on stage! I have been in so many different shows. I recorded my own solo album with Mary’s coaching and excellent teaching. -Alyssa Todaro, past student. Currently Bio Research Engineer, Washington D.C. Wife and mother

“My first two voice performance classes with Mary McCormack were this past summer, including Cinderella. She was so nice and supportive. These classes really boosted my self-confidence. I got a lot of experience on stage and got to see what it would be like to be a professional performer, because that’s how Miss Mary treats you, like a professional. The expectations are high, but that’s okay. I want to do my best. I’m looking forward to continuing. -Desiree Berger, 15 years old, student 

“Miss Mary, thank you for the shows and classes. They’re awesome! You are coming up with good ideas. I love the shows we do. I can’t wait to do Moana." -Isabelle, 6 year old student.