Meet the MDM Coaches.

Mia Giovanna Longo is a classically trained vocalist and graduate of The College of Saint Rose, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry with a concentration in voice. With a background in performance, songwriting, and bandleading, Mia combines strong technical training with firsthand industry experience to help students grow as confident, expressive singers. During her time at Saint Rose, Mia studied under the tutelage of Adjunct Professor of Voice Elizabeth Cohen. She developed a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary vocal technique, and specializes in applying classical fundamentals to modern genres. Her expertise is especially helpful for students interested in pop, rock, indie, or recording-based careers. Mia performs under the stage name VANNA, a project she began during college as a solo acoustic act. While still a student, she wrote and performed original music throughout Albany, laying the foundation for what would later evolve into the electrified four-piece band VANNA & THE VONBONS, with Mia as frontwoman and bandleader. Known for high-energy sets and emotional songwriting, the band has performed at WCDB’s annual Battle of the Bands, venues like No Fun and Son of Egg, while regularly performing at a host of Albany DIY shows. Through these performances, VANNA has made a name for herself in the Capital Region’s DIY music scene. Mia wrote, sang, and recorded her debut album BITTER SWEET HEART, which is available on all major streaming services. Whether you’re just starting out, preparing for the studio or stage, Mia brings a personalized, encouraging approach to every lesson, helping each student find their unique voice.

Areli Mendoza-Pannone has studied vocal technique and performance for over a decade. In high school, she participated in various musical theatre productions in the tri-city area and interned as an assistant stage/music director in her senior year. She attended Russell Sage College, where she received training and experience in musical theatre with the Theatre Institute at Sage. She later transferred to SUNY Schenectady School of Music for her vocal performance degree.

During this time, she was educated in opera and classical performance as well as toured with a barbershop quartet she led. She has additionally travelled as a vocalist/keyboardist with The Fire Collective, a worship collective based in upstate New York. Since then she has also performed as both a singer-songwriter and classical soprano throughout the NYS Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and twice for a Toi Magazine conference based in California.

In 2023, Areli received her Bachelor’s degree in Opera Studies from the Purchase College Conservatory of Music. While attending Purchase, she gained experience in opera performance as well as art song style in various languages. Areli hopes to awaken a passion for singing in the hearts of her students, challenging them to discover the unique characteristics of their individual voices, as well as encouraging them to grow in technique and versatility.

Mia Rodriguez is a recent graduate from the State University At Potsdam with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre. She is an Afro-Latina singer, actress, pianist and violinist from Albany. From the age of 12 years old, Mia has participated in numerous musical performances throughout her time in high school, of which she achieved the position of first chair violinist in orchestra, was a member of many elite vocal ensembles, and was chosen for performance organizations such as MIOSM, NYSSMA Festivals and Solo Majors as a piano accompanist. During her time at University, she took multiple Music Education courses for both the piano and vocal tracks at The Crane School Of Music. Mia took voice lessons with long time German opera singer Margaret Chalker, attended private music performance workshops conducted by Sierra Boggess and Katherine Beck, and expanded her knowledge on music theory, music history, functional piano, improv and composition. With her favorite genres to play and sing being Disney and musical theatre, Mia has always dedicated the majority of her life to the performing arts, and thrives off of sharing the joy and magic it creates with others. She strives to promote confidence, creative individualism and expressional development for aspiring artists through her teachings, and is determined to contribute to the sustainability of diversity and inclusion in the industry.

John Meltz is a lifelong musician with decades of experience performing and working in the modern music industry. After beginning his musical journey with the cello at the age of 9, John knew that he wanted to pursue music and make it a career. He graduated with a B.S. in Music Industry from the College of Saint Rose while studying under Dr. David Bebe and Jonathan Brin. Currently, John regularly performs as a session player and wedding musician. Above all, John believes music lessons should be fun and engaging. He delivers a unique experience and will equip you with the tools necessary to become a successful player.

Zammy Oswald is an Afro-Rican jazz pianist and composer with a deep passion for music that began at age six under the guidance of his uncle, Mmadu Onyeuwa. He grew up in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, immersed in jazz and contemporary keyboard styles, and later pursued formal training at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico from 2021 until his graduation in 2025. Zammy has performed at notable venues including The Gallery Inn and The Cannon Club, and has collaborated with prominent jazz musicians such as Pete Rodriguez and Miguel Zenón, from whom he continues to receive mentorship. He also attended the Clazz International Music Festival in 2024 in Arcidosso, Italy, where he trained with renowned Italian jazz pianist Andrea Pelligrini, further expanding his musical perspective. Now based in Averill Park, New York, Zammy teaches piano, improvisation, and expressive musicianship. He brings creativity, technical expertise, and real-world performance experience to the classroom, helping students build strong technique, develop their own voice, and gain confidence in performing. Zammy’s lessons combine structured theory, hands-on guidance, and encouragement, fostering both skill and a lifelong love of music.

Chris Andreski is a multi-instrumentalist whose primary focuses are guitar and piano. Having studied the piano from a young age, he later applied his musical knowledge and experience to teach himself how to play the guitar, and eventually went on to study music theory, composition and practice at SUNY Oneonta, where he performed in a variety of ensembles and bands, engineered live sound for concerts at local venues, and from which he obtained his B.A. in music (and philosophy). Chris has been a performing musician in a variety of musical projects and bands in both the Central New York and Capital District music scenes for over twenty years, and his musical tastes are broad, ranging from jazz and blues, through classical and avant garde, to contemporary hip-hop, funk and rock. Recently he has taken an interest in the more technical aspects of audio engineering/music production and has been recording/producing original music in a variety of musical genres. He enjoys communicating his passion, experience and expertise in music to all the students at Modern Day Music.

Gabe Stallman is a musician to the core, having been drawn to instruments (guitar, bass, keyboards, voice) as far back as he can remember. As a formally trained graduate of the SCCC School of Music, Gabe approaches teaching like a musician, believing that the most important part of playing is identifying, developing and enhancing a love of the music. Gabe has been playing out professionally since the age of 16 having toured the northeast playing original music with his acclaimed band, Ampevene. You can hear his music on popular local radio stations like WEQX and WRPI. Gabe believes that the educational experience should be as exciting as the music itself. In lessons, Gabe works with students to identify the music they love from all genres, to understand the theory that explains why they love it, and to help them develop the auditory and technical skills to play and create the sounds that drive their passion. Gabe is excited to be teaching with the family at Modern Day Music, and seeks to give his students the best education they can get.

Vince Caccamo is a lifelong musician and multi-instrumentalist who believes that above all, playing music should be fun. After jumping around instruments earlier in life, he took to the bass guitar as his focus when eventually going to study music performance at SCCC. While there, he fell in love with music theory and took that passion with him to Berklee College of Music, where he studied film scoring while honing his musicianship. Guitar came as a natural transition as he took his studies further at home. He can currently be heard playing bass in Ampevene, and guitar in Anthill Annihilator. Vince's musical interests range from jazz, to punk rock, to hip hop, to symphonic classical music and everything in between. He believes in approaching an instrument with both an understanding of strong fundamentals and less traditional approaches to create a sound that is unique and true to oneself. He believes in the importance of personal creative expression at all skill levels and uses that as his guiding principle for his students at Modern Day Music.

Declan Fields is an Albany based musician who wants to share and expand his love and knowledge of drums. He began his drumming career at 14 years old with Kris Russell at the Drummer’s Studio in Massachusetts. Kris has worked with legendary drummers such as Ronald Bruner jr, Trevor Lawrence jr and Tony Austin. Declan graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in Music Industry, studying under some of Albany’s brightest musicians. He’s had the pleasure of recording and touring the East Coast with Prog Metal band CPS. Alongside this, he has recently joined Gabe Stallmans’ experimental fusion band Ampevene. Declan is always eager to teach and share his love for drums and music with his students at Modern Day Music!

Johnathan Pailley is a dedicated drummer with a decade of live performance experience across Rock, Gospel, and contemporary styles. He has performed extensively throughout New York with his band, including a year of live shows and tours around the North East. John brings a high-energy but supportive approach to teaching, helping students build solid fundamentals, musical confidence, and a love for rhythm from day one. Whether working with beginners or developing players, he focuses on technique, musicality, and practical skills that translate directly to real-world performance.

Allyssa Gurnee spent almost their entire life in New York City and has been surrounded by music from a young age. They pursued this passion for music in high school, where they played the flute in the school band and participated in musical theater. With a great background in customer service, office work, and internal relations, Allyssa is always willing to lend a helping hand and better their understanding of any situation. They handle every circumstance with a smile and strive to better themselves and the workspace around them. Going forward, they hope to inspire others to continue their education in music, as well as provide insight and guide students on their journey towards success.

Savannah Heintzelman combines her love for the arts with strong organizational skills to help keep MDM running smoothly. With experience in musical theatre and NYSSMA, she understands both the performance side of music and the behind-the-scenes work that helps everything come together. Whether she’s coordinating schedules, assisting families, or supporting teachers, Savannah approaches every task with care and creativity.