We’re excited to share some wonderful news with our PMAC community: we have recently welcomed three new music teaching artists to our faculty—Will Cicola, Brian O’Shaughnessy, and Rob Sanzone. Each brings a deep passion for their speciality, a commitment to teaching, and a belief in the power of the arts to build connection and confidence at every stage of life.
Will Cicola – Saxophone and Clarinet
Will Cicola is a Seacoast-based woodwind specialist with more than twenty years of professional performing and teaching experience. Classically trained and globally inspired, Will has performed across jazz, klezmer, R&B, rock, Brazilian, Arabic, Turkish, and North + South Indian traditions—and now brings that rich musical perspective to PMAC.
His career has taken him from New York to mid-Michigan and back to New England, where he continues to perform with ensembles throughout the region, including pit orchestra work at Seacoast Repertory Theatre and performances with groups such as The Rockingham Groove, Foreside Funk, The Sultans, and the Jack Welsh Big Band.
Will holds a B.M. in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College, an M.M. in Music Performance from Miami University (OH), and a D.M.A. in Music Performance from Michigan State University. Alongside performing, he has served on faculty at music schools, festivals, and summer programs, taught masterclasses for school music programs, and even worked as a recording engineer.
As a teacher, Will takes a collaborative and highly personalized approach, tailoring lessons to each student’s learning style, interests, and goals. He is dedicated to helping students build strong fundamentals and broad musicianship—supporting learners of all ages as they grow in confidence and creativity, whether they’re exploring Bird, Brahms, Brandwein, or bandolim.
Speaking on his decision to join PMAC, Will reflects: “PMAC’s mission of active engagement with the community and dedication to opening arts education to all is a genuine inspiration and something to which I am thrilled for the opportunity to contribute!”
Will teaches private lessons for saxophone and clarinet and is accepting new students.
Brian O’Shaughnessy – Voice
Brian O’Shaughnessy is a tenor, music director, and educator with a rich background in professional a cappella, choral, and ensemble performance. He has performed in hundreds of concerts as a member and Music Director of Hyannis Sound (Link), where he also serves on the Board of Directors, contributing arrangements and leading rehearsals and tours.
Brian’s performance career spans classical, jazz, and contemporary music, and he continues to work as a singer and music director with vocal ensembles preparing for concerts, events, and educational workshops. His musical versatility is matched by his background in improvisational and sketch comedy through training at Second City and iO Chicago, experiences that strongly inform his approach to stage presence, storytelling, and audience connection.
Brian holds a B.A. in Choral Conducting, Arranging, Composition, and Vocal Pedagogy, and is known for his strong ear-training and sight-reading skills—allowing him to thrive in fast-paced musical environments with limited rehearsal time.
In his teaching, Brian emphasizes listening, technique, and physicality, creating a supportive and joyful learning space where students feel comfortable taking risks. His goal is to help singers develop independence, confidence, and a meaningful connection with their audience.
“After years of performing, I enjoy guiding students as they work through a piece of music and bring it to life in a final performance whether it’s for school, an audition, or simply just for fun,” Brian says.
Brian teaches private voice lessons and is accepting new students.
Rob Sanzone – Piano
Rob Sanzone is a New England-based musician and educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience in public and private schools, non-profits, and his home studio. A versatile performer and songwriter, Rob has been recording and releasing music since the 1990s, including film scores for The River (2013) and Sometime Other Than Now (2021). He currently performs with The Picky Bastards, Jordan Weller & The Feathers, and Rhapsody: The Music of Queen.
Rob holds a B.A. from UMass Amherst and is licensed as a Music Educator in New Hampshire. He is also nearing completion of a Master’s in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine, and teaches K–6 General Music at Rollinsford Grade School, where he directs bands and chorus.
At PMAC, Rob is teaching private piano lessons, bringing a student-centered approach that helps learners define goals, build strong fundamentals, and grow their musical confidence through both structure and exploration. “I am very grateful to be joining the PMAC community. I’m excited to work for an organization that I share the same passions and values with, and to serve our diverse community of musical learners,” Rob shares.
Rob teaches private piano lessons and is accepting new students.
At PMAC, our teaching artists are an integral part of our work. Will, Brian, and Rob each embody our mission to build community through the arts—bringing skill, curiosity, generosity, and care into every lesson. Please join us in welcoming them to the PMAC family. We can’t wait to see the music, learning, and connections that will grow from their work in our community.
