Meet our Teachers and Staff
Central Music has a team of highly qualified and passionate musicians leading instructors for people of all ages. Contact us directly to set up a schedule or learn more about what we have to offer!
Store Manager: Gerry Chochrek
Assistant Manager and Teacher: Harvey Paul
Store Associate: Katy Gimler
Carolyn Conrad, co-owner of Central Music II, teaches violin and voice and is a graduate of Boston University. Here, she majored in Music Ed and studied violin with Roman Totenburg. Over the years she has been a member of the New Bedford Symphony and Brockton Symphony. Playing credits include Jordon Hall, Symphony Hall, Boston Opera Company, Carnegie Hall and the White House. Carolyn taught music for 35 years in both junior and senior high.
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Brian Bigelow earned a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music. After graduating, he traveled throughout the United States and Canada with the show band the New Sounds. Brian has spent the past 26 years teaching private voice and drum lessons, and continues to perform with various bands throughout the New England area. In January 2012, he then became the Director of Development and Community Outreach Specialist for local 216, the greater Fall River Musicians Union. Brian currently is the Facilitator of Visual and Performing Arts at the South Coast Educational Collaborative.
Tom Bonamici has been teaching guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele for over 35 years. He works with students from beginners to advanced players. Tom has performed with show bands, jazz, rock and big bands all over the Northeast and Canada. He studied with Chet Krule (Berklee Alumni) and Mike Lally.
Ed Spillane earned a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from Boston University’s School for the Arts. He spent 25 years teaching instrumental and vocal music in public schools. A lifetime member of Brockton musician union Local 138 and as well as Local 9 Boston AFM, Mr. Spillane is a true experienced pro. He has been teaching brass instruments with Central Music since 1972.
Paul Peterson was a music teacher in the Bridgewater Raynham Schools for 38 years. He has a BA from Bridgewater State College plus 30 credits in music education. He also served in the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast for 30 years. Paul is a self-professed life-long music “learner and sharer.” He teaches all woodwind instruments including saxophone, clarinet, flute and as well as ukulele.
Scott Purslow has been teaching drums for over 20 years to students of all styles and levels. He has a degree in Liberal Arts and has over 50 musical theater productions in his resume, also having played a week of drums or small percussion at the Wang Center in Boston. Books for potential students include Roy Burns Elementary Drum Method and selections from the Hal Leonard Music Book series. Scott plays drums and sings in several local bands.
Mike Travers Teaches acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars and ukulele.
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Jenny Ta has experience giving private lessons for young children and adults for 8 years. She was a classical piano teacher at a parish at age 15. “I never planned to be a piano teacher but there are many people struggling to learn piano even though they have so much passion for it. I know playing piano is very hard which is why it is a big accomplishment to know how to play piano. I am here to bring confidence and passion for students to continue to learn piano.”
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Steve Burroughs Studied with Mike Lalli and other local teachers. Performing now with a guitar ensemble. Over fifty years of experience in performing with groups. Developed a successful teaching method.
