Sharps & Flats

Nick Blechar has a passion for teaching informed by years of performing around the world. Holding a Masters of Music in Composition & Theory from New York University and a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies from Western Connecticut State University, Nick uses his knowledge to teach a wide variety of techniques and styles. He is experienced not only in Classical and Jazz repertoires, but also the worlds of Rock, Pop, Klezmer, Hip Hop, Funk, Country, and Folk. Nick loves to ignite a passion for music in his students, promoting learning as a life-long adventure.

Amy Hannequin has been teaching woodwinds with Sharps and Flats since 2010. She graduated from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education, with a concentration in flute studies. During her time in Pittsburgh, she worked for the Flute Academy of Pittsburgh, performing in the flute choirs, instructing the youth flute ensemble, and taught private lessons. With Duquesne University, Amy performed with the Duquesne University Flute Choirs where she guest conducted, the Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Workshop and Chamber Ensembles on flute, saxophone, and trumpet, the Pappert Women’s Chorale, and performances with the City Music Center Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Flute Club, and the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, where she served as resident flutist.

Amy currently performs with the Danbury Community and Symphony Orchestras, Connecticut Master Chorale, and chamber ensembles in the Western Connecticut area including the Hat City Flute Choir. She also organizes and performs for weddings and other services.

Amy has been teaching public in Connecticut since graduating, and she serves as the chorus director and teaches digital music and instrumental classes for Bethel Middle School, in Bethel, CT. She has also held the position of Woodwind Director for the Bethel High School Marching Bands, including receiving first place for the US Bands National Championships for Class II. She also currently works for the Connecticut Music Educators Association having served as the State Judge Chair, member of the Student Affairs Commission, and Chair for the Elementary Honors Choir. In addition to teaching lessons and flute choir at Sharps and Flats, Amy also prepares students for festivals including preparing for CMEA Regions and All-State and NYSSMA Adjudication and Festivals.

Ridgefield's Premier Music Conservatory

(203) 438-3300

32 Danbury Road

Ridgefield, Ct

Meet our WOODWINDS teachers